#star are you tempting fate with this poll

[starredforlife]

if it depends, hit yes and explain why.

[undermine-the-instinct]

Title: Across the Ballroom

Part of the Prince!Al Haitham reader poll I did. Witch reader won and is canon, and Noble reader came in last at 7.5%.

Noble | Head advisor | Civilian | Royalty |Librarian | Witch (canon)

Not proofread, I just wanna get this out there.

Wc: 2k Warnings: Talks of arranged marriage(??)

☆ ° ◇ °☆ ° ◇ ° ☆ ° ◇ ° ☆

"Well met. Prince Al Haitham of the Sumerian Kingdom." The prince bowed and you return his greetings, subtly trying to check him out.

You suppose the rumors are true, he really is quite handsome. You've never quite seen such intense eyes, or such an impressive build from a prince who was not a warrior (and thus a meathead). 

He does not seem to be cursed either. There are no marks or outward tellings of a curse or spell, and you wonder if it's just his insanely good looks at play here.

If he is cursed, it's hidden especially well.

You're curious, and he seems intelligent, so you hope to speak to him more as this night goes by. 

Unfortunately, that's not the case.

The other nobles and royals are swarming him, like bees to honey. All high class elite, you cam never hope to breach or approach. Once he finishes talking with one lady another shows up batting her eyelashes, or another prince puts a hand to his shoulder, elbow.

You have enough people in your day to day life touching you and demanding your attention, your time, your skills, so you're not sure how he does it, how he does not shake off their holds or keeps such a stoic face.

He just seems…unbothered. Like they were all blades of grass he couldn't be bothered to sweep away. Like a puppet, he goes through the motions, says the right lines, makes the right gestures and gives the right amount of attention. It's…scary, how he can do that. Shut down everything else off but the necessary, or maybe this really is how he is. Doesn't seem like much of a person, to you. 

But beyond being scary, it's boring. It seems the rumors really have painted him as a dreamboat, when he's really not anything interesting. What a disappointment.

His eyes suddenly cut towards you, like he heard your thoughts. You, out of anyone in the room. And, oh, not so composed then. There is an anger there, in his eyes, and a challenge, and you do not rise to meet it. It does not entice you. You return to your champagne glass, stick to your little corner of the ballroom.

You're going to mind your business, and enjoy your time here. Your father pulled some strings to get you to such a high class ball, so above your station. You're wearing your most expensive outfit and jewelry yet, and the food looks amazing.

You'd have better luck talking to the people here. Making acquaintanceships, and networking, than trying to woo the prince. You're ordinary (no you're not, but you're trying to be), so you doubt you'll catch his eye.

You forget you're a witch (no you're not, you just know some things). You really shouldn't tempt fate.

Because Gods and Stars above, the Crown Prince is walking towards you.

"Your Grace." The room goes silent, and you turn fully to see the crown prince behind you, holding out his arm. Goodness, he's not going to ask…in front of all these people?

"A new song is about to start. May I have this dance?" You'd rather magick a hole in your hand that lets out hornets, but alas. Who are you to deny the crown prince? You take his hand.

He's not wearing gloves. His calluses aren't fully formed, like he doesn't use them for work often, but he has little indents on his index and thumb. They are so imperceptible that you wouldn't have noticed them if you didn't have the same thing, from years of holding a wand, or a quill.

Both of you are silent and stone faced as you take your positions on the dance floor. You suppose you don't make a very pleasant looking pair. There is a sizable clear space around you two that the other dancers leave, and you do not pretend to not notice the stares you are getting. 

"Tell me," he begins, as the music starts, "what brought you here?"

"Me, Your Highness?" You move with him, smooth, graceful. 

"It is the beginning of the social season, Your Highness. It's more strange if I am not here." 

"Forgive me, you don't seem like you very much want to be here." 

"I could say the same for you, Your Highness." You are awarded with a slight, dry chuckle as you move along the dance floor.

"Oh, so you noticed?"

"...I do not mean to be rude, Your Highness." Cats and dragons know that your mother and your father would kill you if you were to get on the bad side of the prince. 

"You are not. To be honest, I grow weary over droll conversation about the same things, over and over. But my Father made me swear to be on my best behavior. So what can I do?"

A chuckle escapes your lips.

"Even at our age, we are still held to the whims of our parents."

"But of course. I adhere to it though."

"Blink twice if you're being held hostage, Your Highness." He looks at you, and you think your joke was not very well received, until he very obviously blinks twice. You chuckle.

Okay, this is going good. Much better than you thought you would have, when his eyes cut across the room.

Almost like he was searching for something, a lifejacket to hold onto.

"Pardon me, Your Highness, for this question but…why did you approach me for a dance?"

"Hm? Because I wished to. Nothing more or less." And put all this pressure on you? With the wide space you've been given, the stares, you've never put this much thought into making sure your steps are absolutely perfect. You can't make a fool of yourself here, you will not.

"I've never met you before. We have no history."

"No…?" You draw out the word.

"And yet you don't seem infatuated with me."

A million thoughts flood through your head, and a thousand emotions, but you decide to wait until he clarifies. 

Even if a hot bolt of incredulity (rage) shot through you.

"Haven't you noticed there's mainly women at this ball? They are all hoping to win me over so I could make one of them my wife. Not much different for the other nobles either. 

I've never seen you at none of these events, and I recognize plenty of the people here. You must be here for the same thing as they. Though I don't see you making much of an effort."

You want to scoff, and it's getting incredibly hard to keep being polite."Would you believe me if I said I was not attracted to you, or wished to court you? At all?"

"I'd be highly skeptical, and hopeful. What a relief that would be. Even so, that wouldn't explain why you look so upset to be here."

Was your face that telling? No, you're pretty sure he just has a crazy intuition. 

Alright, how can you say this without being too rude, or look like you're scheming…

"Well, I very much don't appreciate my Father sending me here to try and seduce you, Your Highness." There goes any tact. 

"Oh? Is that what you were sent for?" He sounds like he is just humoring you, and you try not to wince. You hope you aren't digging your own grave. He looks down at you, assessing, and he doesn't look impressed. Your anger flares.

"You don't seem to be doing a very good job. By choice, I presume?"

"Of course. You don't seem very enthused either, with all these suitors being thrown at you. Why add on when I don't even want to?"

He twirls you, away from him. You pivot on your heel and twirl back into his arms.

"No, I don't appreciate it. And I'm feeling desperate, so let's cut the small talk and make a temporary deal."

A what? The sudden topic change sounds so sudden, and gives you whiplash, but…you're bored.

 "Pardon me, Your Highness?"

"You are pardoned. Quickly now, the dance is almost over."

True, the tempo was reaching its crescendo, and then it's end, you nod at the prince.

"Let me hear, before I agree." After the words leave your mouth he pulls you so much closer, and you don't think you misheard the room gasp when he leans closer to whisper in your ear.

"I pretend to entertain you, and be enamored, and you follow suit. That way I won't have to deal with these lovelorn fools and you…"

"And I…?" You try not to sound breathless.

"Have something to report back to your Father." A huff of breath escapes your lips before you catch it, and you shake your head with a smile.

"I thought you were good at negotiations, Your Highness. I don't need to report back to my Father on anything. And I don't think I'd want the attention I'd get, plenty of folks here are already sure to gossip on this, alone." With your hand still in his, you gesture between the two of you. The prince's expression doesn't change.

"I understand your Father is in a bit of a bind, and you are of eligible age and stature, and, forgive me, breeding, for marriage. It's why you were sent to such a high class ball, in the hopes of meeting and wooing me." You purse your lips, not wanting to affirm his thoughts. 

"I'm a capable person. Even if in the worst, absolute case scenario, my family falls into ruin, somehow, I could make a name selling spells and such. I'm talented enough to bring us back to high society"

"Oh, a witch? You seem very confident in your abilities."

"Of course, I'm very capable and I am self taught."

"Tell me witch, am I cursed? Spellcasted, hexed? Or could you curse me to never find love?" Is he joking? His face is set like stone but his voice carries some mirth when you frown at him.

"I couldn't detect anything then or now. And I could curse you, but then my family would really fall into notoriety and we don't need that." He chuckles, so he was joking. 

Good.

"Even just this you could report back, and I'm sure it would do much to delay your Father's attempts to marry you off. I need an appropriate excuse, not exactly a proper one, to escape these suitors. So what say you?" 

The dance is nearly finished now, and you can already see said suitors waiting at the outskirts, waiting for their turn, or to question you. You frown at the prince, having come to a realization.

"Even if I refuse, you have made it so I'll gain some notoriety just from your actions here alone. You've pressured me."

Al Haitham looks at you. And strangely enough, he smiles. Those eyes of his are really…something. The music stops and you both still, but he still doesn't let you go as you look about, as whispers start to rise.

"To make negotiations, preferably in my favor, I need to create a situation where the other party is more inclined to meet my demands." He releases you save one hand, and lowers himself down to kiss it. The room definitely explodes into gasps, and your eyes blow open.

"I'm sure you'll be able to find me if you take up my offer."

You hiss, annoyed. "I'll put a spell on you, prince."

"I don't care. As long as it gets these people away from me," he mutters under his breath, that pleasant smile slipping ever so slightly.

He bows and slowly turns away, as if longing to stay with you.

"Till our next dance, Your Grace. I do hope you bless me with more of your time." And he walks away. You only have a moment to glare and curse him in your mind before a group of ladies descend upon you, hungry for all the gossip.

That swine. 

Tagging @escapeis !!!

[silentmagi]

Rising Star

Sorry for the double posting, had to correct the poll and a few errors. Where are they going to find next?

4. River

Main Page

They heard and smelt it long before the trees parted enough for them to be able to see it, but there it was: a river swollen with the recent rains. While it was wide and looked lazy, neither of them wanted to risk fording it. Letting the horse, Edmund, drink from the river the pair looked back and forth along its length and decided that they’d go with the flow. While there was quite a bit of beach surrounding the flooded river, they chose to stay closer to the woods because the cart would likely bog down in the sandy beach.

Being able to see more of the sky above them, and the light that it brought certainly made it easier to see the near endless gray above them.

Well it couldn’t all be sunshine and roses could it? Star would not be here if it was able to be that lucky. No, she’d be in her room studying for the next exam.

Looking at the fallen logs that edges the forest, she pondered the possibility that they could craft a raft, however that idea was dashed as she realized that she didn’t have any idea what she would be doing for that, and likely they would all end up at the bottom of the river.

Driving forward, they would hopefully find a village, city, settlement, heck right now she’d settle for a watermill. Just some sort of sign of civilization that they could use to gain their bearings and figure out where they were.

��The babbling of the river is soothing, isn’t it?” Luna asked, breaking Star’s bitter thoughts, drawing her attention back to the world they were in, and not the one she dreamed of.

Her first thought was worrying about something up river bursting and sending them a new round of doom, however, she hoped that keeping that thought to herself would prevent tempting fate that seemed to be having fun toying with her. Instead, she listened to the river’s sound and smiled as she felt there was a beat and rhythm to it. “Yeah, I’ve never thought of it like that before.”

She supposed she hadn’t thought of it like that before, since she’d never taken the time to do so. All her life she was rushing to study, buried in a book, or just locked in her own world that she shut out the natural one.

She could hear the soft murmuring of the water bubbling past, the occasional splashing of a fish coming after a bug on the surface, and a humming bard composing a song from what would normally be listed as simple noises.

“Windsong’s favor finds you rather strongly, doesn’t it Luna?” Star couldn’t help but tease, knowing the common faith that bards followed.

If Luna was impressed by that bit of trivia, she didn’t show it, beyond a little smile on her lips. “She grants inspiration in all things, but in this I truly believe, there is a song that she sings beyond us. We are but her notes.”

“Well, if she doesn’t mind me being a silent rest for a bit, I’ll give a coin to her next shrine,” the mage offered with a laugh. “Does she sing a song of our future?”

Luna paused and studied her for a moment at that, before looking back towards the path ahead of them. “You know Darling, she just might… she just might. But look, civilization!”

[rwby-roman-red]

The Preamble (FAQ)

Welcome to RWBY: Roman Red, a choose-the-adventure story starring a halloween-themed ne’er-do-well, a mute ice cream lady and lesbian Pinocchio! Jests aside, thanks for coming to check this out. I’m Mechanist Gamma, long-time RWBY fan and the writer of Roman Red. This story follows Roman Torchwick, Neopolitan and Penny Polendina in an alternate take on the events of RWBY, all stemming from a single change - two who would meet as enemies instead meeting first as friends. From the perspectives of Roman, Neo and Penny, you get to vote on where the story goes! What decisions will these three make, and how will it change their destinies in the ever expanding story of Remnant? Only time will tell.

Before we begin, some quick Q&A! This will be updated and added to over time as needed. Questions below the break.

If you'd rather jump straight into reading, here's the prologue!

Q: Finally, a RWBY story all about the best character! I can’t wait to see Roman become the actual hero of the adventure and- A: Stop right there. This is not a misinformed fix fic. I adore RWBY and where it went after V3, but I also consider Roman to be one of my favorite characters from the series. This is treated as not an alternative or replacement, but a side dish simply exploring an alternative to how things could have gone. The events of Roman Red will not be interfering with the core plotline of RWBY unless it makes sense to do so within the development of the narrative.

Q: If this isn’t a fix fic, what’s your aim with the story? A: On some levels, this is an experiment to see what happens by looking at Vale and the rest of Remnant from the eyes of the underworld. Roman Red can be treated as an unofficial followup to RWBY: Roman Holiday, the prime inspiration for this fic.

Q: Why is Penny involved? A: I’m sure you know that every RWBY character has an inspiration behind them, but did you know that Roman is based on Candlewick/Lampwick from Pinocchio? In the original tale, Candlewick is Pinocchio’s best friend who tempts him into sin in the Land of Toys and is ultimately exposed to a cruel fate as a result, Pinocchio eventually finding his old friend and helping him in his last days. The idea behind Penny’s involvement is to capitalize on that unspoken connection - have Candlewick lead Pinocchio into darkness, and just maybe have Pinocchio lead Candlewick into light.

Q: Roman and Neo are villains, but they’re being treated as the protagonists. Are you going to sanitize their characters? A: I have no intention of doing so. Roman and Neo are both bad people who do very bad things and may soon manipulate a teenage robot girl. That’s not to say they can’t improve, but I won’t be shying away from the nasty parts of these characters.

Q: What does it mean for this to be a "choose-the-adventure" story? A: The story of Roman Red will be written in portions. Every chapter will have several breaks midway through in order to end a chapter with a Tumblr poll which will determine where the narrative goes from here. This is inspired by the formula used for Quests, but dropping the gaming aspect in order to focus purely on the narrative.

Q: How will the story be presented? A: Roman Red will be posted in chunks here on Tumblr, but upon the completion of each chapter, it'll be posted to my Ao3 account. Tumblr users get to see the story as it develops and participate in the poll - Ao3 users get the story in full chunks!

I hope you all enjoy the story!

[geeky-politics-46]

The Asgardian Candidate

Loki/The West Wing FanFiction Crossover

Chapter 6 - “A Stranger To The Rescue”

The White House was still in a state of shell shock.

They had suffered two massive blows to their re-election campaign back to back at the hands of Mr. Loki Laufeyson.

The pounding they got in the 2nd debate was one thing. They had one more debate left. They could recover from that, even if it was bad.

What had essentially crippled the campaign nearly beyond salvage was something that had been completely unthinkable, until now. A sitting vice president announcing he was leaving the ticket he was currently on, for the administration he was currently serving in, to run as his challenger’s VP.

The tickets were now Laufeyson/Hoynes & Bartlet/?

After the announcement the president’s poll numbers plummeted, & campaign donors had started to bail. Everyone understood why. They had to find a candidate to run as Bartlet’s vice president. It couldn’t be just a replacement for Hoynes, they had to be better than Hoynes.

If they were going to make any sort of rebound in the polls they had to find the human personification of America itself. A patriot. Someone who could have been born on the 4th of July & made from apple pie.

It was Leo who had stepped forward with the only suggestion. He said he knew a guy who might fit that bill. That he knew him from when he served in the military, well he didn’t know him exactly, but he knew of him. After a few calls, & maybe even a bit of pleading on Leo’s part, the man had agreed to meet the president & discuss joining the ticket.

He too was a novice in politics, like Loki, but if he was half as good as he seemed on paper it wouldn’t matter.

Jed was studying the man’s records & FBI file when Leo opened the door to announce that their potential VP had arrived.

Leo’s assistant led him in & then stood behind the man utterly transfixed. “Thank you Margaret.” Leo said holding the door open for her to exit, but to no avail. “Thank you Margaret… Margaret! Thank you.” Having finally gotten her attention, Margaret quickly turned & left somewhat embarrassed at her own behavior.

Both Jed & Leo could understand why she had been so hypnotized. The man standing before them appeared perfect.

He was tall & broad shouldered, with well defined muscles. A firm yet subtlety squared off jaw, vivid blue eyes, & dirty blonde hair perfectly combed into place. He looked like Disney prince did a stint as a G.I. Joe, & then come to life.

He snapped to attention & saluted as the president rose from his seat. “It’s an honor Mr. President, sir.”

“At ease solider.” Jed responded chuckling, slightly startled by his salute. “Err… actually it’s captain isn’t it?”

The man relaxed & dropped his salute as he responded, “Yes sir, Captain Steve Rogers. If I may speak freely sir, having already been told why I’m meeting with you today. As an officer of the U.S. military I have sworn, as you have, to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign & domestic. Frankly sir, after watching him & hearing his views on how he plans to run this country if elected, I do believe Loki to be a threat to the US & the constitution if he were to be elected as president. I don’t like bullies, no matter where they’re from. Therefore it is with honor & duty that I accept the offer to serve as your running mate.”

Jed & Leo both exhaled deeply for the first time in several days, feeling the muscles in their necks immediately relax.

Jed smiled eyeing the man curiously. Could he feel it too? He had assumed most people younger than Leo & himself couldn’t feel the air of the great dictator that Loki gave off. How could they? They had never seen it in person before, or heard the tails of war while watching the flashes of pained memory in their parent’s eyes. Sure there were movies & museums, but real first hand memories of the last World War & those who could share them were all but completely gone now. This man seemed almost out of his time. As if he escaped from an era long gone, but remained untouched himself by the hands time. A memento of what America could be at it’s best.

Captain Rogers did have a couple caveats of his own to offer in negotiation with President Bartlet. He wanted to serve with honor, & he wanted to make sure he was able to execute the office in the best way he could if they won. “I do have a couple requests to make of you sir, if I am to serve as your vice president. The first is that I want us to be completely honest with each other, & if we disagree we hash it out in private together. The second is that I want to be the last person in the room on major decisions. If I’m going to serve as your right hand then I want to really participate.”

Bartlet was slightly taken aback at the younger man’s forwardness & candor. It was a far cry from John Hoynes, who had at times roiled against Jed’s decisions. Even going so far as to on occasion leak a disagreement to the press when he was really in a snit with him. Leo had always attributed John’s ill behavior to Jed coming from behind in the primaries to steal the nomination away from him. However in just a few sentences Steve Rogers proved he had more heart & backbone than John Hoynes had managed in nearly 5 years.

It Jed’s mind it wasn’t even a question. He knew he could trust this man. He felt it in his bones. He still dutifully glanced toward Leo awaiting his silent approval. Leo simply gave a single nod. They agreed to Captain Roger’s requests without hesitation.

President Bartlet then gratefully held out his hand towards the captain, “Well I guess I shouldn’t get too used to calling you Captain Rogers then. By the time I remember I’ll have to start calling you Vice President Elect Rogers instead.”

The two men shook hands & sealed their political fates to each other. If they won then they won together, if they lost then they lost together.

Captain Rogers smiled brightly & gave a slight nod as he clutched the President’s hand “Thank you, sir. You can just call me Steve. I’m with you until the end of the line.”

Leo smirked & jokingly added “See, it wasn’t all that hard finding someone.” For the first time in a long time, lately Leo had found himself tempted to retreat to alcohol. He hadn’t told Jed, but this campaign had him more rattled the longer it went on & Captain Roger’s words seemed to confirm that Leo wasn’t the only one who sensed something very wrong in Loki. To comfort his thoughts he had found himself wanting to escape the campaign problems in the bottom of an empty bottle. After all old habits die hard, & it had been a habit during the first campaign. Now he stood, his hands in his pockets, holding one of his AA chips. Thanking god (or whoever really controlled everything) for Captain Rogers. Without even knowing it, Cap had already protected one person from an enemy. Even if it was just an internal one.

The ticket was now officially sealed. It was set as Bartlet/Rogers.

—————

Perhaps he had underestimated the Midgardian this entire time. Perhaps Bartlet really was a foe worth his time & effort. It made him almost respect the man a little.

He held the front page of The New York Times in his left hand, right hand resting under his chin, studying the headline & image before him. Brow furrowed, causing his gleaming horned crown to shift slightly higher into his raven hairline.

How quaint.

There standing with him arm around the president was Captain Steve Rogers. Both men smiling & waving to the crowd where they announced their new ticket. The papers had already started calling him “Captain America”. Fawning over him as if he was some sort comic book superhero. Some of them had even gone so far as to draw him into one themselves, complete with a stars & stripes jumpsuit & matching shield.

Loki pictured a battle between “Captain America” in full costume & himself in full Asgardian armor. Fine tailored suit morphing into black & green leather with ornate gold plating, & his gold horned crown transforming into his full elaborate helmet. While comical on one hand, Loki was quite a showman. Perhaps in the event of a recount he could conjure up that outfit for the captain & solve the election that way instead. Leaving Bartlet & Hoynes to fight it out amongst themselves.

To Loki’s ears he even spoke like some sort of cartoon as well. All sugar & sweet, yes sir & yes ma’am. He questioned whether this Captain Rogers was even capable of telling a lie. Although the American’s had already had one president who used that schtick before. It was still something the crowd seemed to be eating up. Loki almost wished he’d thought of it himself, but what fun would that be for him really? The god of mischief & lies having to play nice. His nose crinkled & upper lip snarled as his thoughts soured at the very suggestion.

For every devious act or trick Loki had implemented, the Bartlet campaign seemed to be trying to one up him in a the wholesome department. Perhaps it was time to simply match wit for wit. Maybe Loki’s silver tounge had finally met it’s match. His lips pressed into a tight line, ever so slightly pulling his bottom lip in with his teeth as he thought.

The third debate was open topic, questions could come from any area. He figured that would allow him to fair better than the first debate, no need to try to memorize budget statistics or job numbers. He could just as easily pluck a number from someone else’s head. He was sure the intrusion into their mind would go unnoticed if he only did it when he absolutely needed to.

The president though would also surely fair better on the topic of defense this time around. His team would be going through Loki’s responses from the last debate as he sat there. This debate they would be on much more even footing.

He would not hold anything back this time, now that he knew Bartlet could clearly play the game just as well as he could. He would actually have to prepare & study for this debate. As much as he loved reading the idea of spending hours reading about Midgardian matters made him wince.

Loki quickly stood up from the desk. He had to act on his plan quickly before his distaste for spending time with mortals had a chance to outweigh the importance of the debate. He really wanted to win the presidency, otherwise he would never stoop this low.

He walked briskly to the door of his office, yanking the door open so hard it hit the wall with a deep thud. All of Loki’s campaign staffers froze at the sound & a thick silence fell over the entire room. Eyes wide on many of their faces. Loki had them terrified of him.

He resisted the urge to giggle with delight at the terrored faces he had evoked. Instead he calmly & quietly took 2 steps forward into the large open office space. He scanned their faces & inhaled deeply. His mind searching for who could best fulfill his need.

He found 3 faces. A male & 2 females. All rather mousey & plain. Their desks each piled high with binders & newspapers. Computer monitors cluttered with open windows. Yes, these 3 should work nicely.

“You, you, & you.” Loki pointed to each of the 3 as he began his verbal command, voice deep & thick with passioned energy. “In my office. Bring everything you have on Bartlet’s policy positions, & whatever we’ve said mine are. You have 5 minutes! Don’t test my patience.”

Loki immediately turned & strode back into his office,leaving any questions about his order hanging in their air. Eyes quickly darting from person to person around the room in both confusion & curiosity. They only snapped back to the present & returned to their work as they heard the door to Loki’s office slam shut behind him. Time seemed to suddenly unfreeze as staffers began talking again & phones started ringing.

Back in his office Loki positioned himself behind his desk. He had made it this far. He could practically see himself behind the resolute desk in the oval office. It was no golden throne of Asgard, but god he wanted it. His birthright was to rule, & he fully intended to.

[makeste]

BnHA Chapter 254: Who the Hell Is Bucky

Previously on BnHA: All Might welcomed 1-A back after the new year with a pun he’s probably been working on for the entire winter break, the poor man. Aizawa received a call :’) and drove down to Tartarus with Mic to meet up with Naomasa and Gran Torino. Nao and Gran were all “so you’ll NEVER GUESS, but we found out that Kurogiri’s quirk is apparently a FAKE QUIRK which was created from a bunch of other quirks -- AND GUESS WHICH ONE WAS THE ORIGINAL QUIRK?” and Aizawa was all (ಠ ∩ಠ), and Mic put a hand on his shoulder, and Nao was all “YEAH YOU DID GUESS, IT’S YOUR OLD DEAD PAL SHIRAKUMO, FROM CHAPTERS 59 THROUGH 65 OF VIGILANTES!” And okay, so (1) OH MY GOD, and (2) I originally thought this meant that Kurogiri is straight up a zombie!Shirakumo, but others pointed out that he might be some random other dude who just has Kumo’s quirk, among others. And like, okay. SO WHAT IS THE TRUTH.

Today on BnHA: Y’ALL HE REALLY IS A ZOMBIE!KUMO, AND NAOMASA AND GRAN BROUGHT AIZAWA AND MIC TO TALK TO HIM AND TRY TO RESTORE HIS MEMORIES SOMEHOW. Aizawa is all “this isn’t some fantasy world with happy endings, this is THE REAL WORLD WHERE MIRACLES DON’T HAPPEN!” but Gran is all “sometimes they do!” and Aizawa is like “!!” and so they sit down to chat with Kumo. Aizawa launches into a passionate speech about how great Kumo was and how he pulled him along and inspired him, and how he (Aizawa) is strict with his students now and -- get this -- FAKE-EXPELS THEM IN ORDER TO PUT THE FEAR OF GOD INTO THEM JUST ONCE LMAO, BUT IT’S BECAUSE HE CARES, and because he wants them to be great heroes and not hapless redshirts who get killed offscreen. And by the end of it he’s crying and imploring Shirakumo -- “if you’re still in there somewhere” -- to become heroes with him and Mic just like they always wanted. All of it is exactly as emotionally devastating as you would figure, btw.

you guys I have been playing hopscotch on my dash since yesterday trying to avoid spoilers about the popularity poll until I actually had time to write down my reactions! all I know is that of course Bakugou is #1 again, because this fandom always comes through lol. my other predictions are that the rest of the trio will receive lots of love again as well, and Hawks will once again be high on the list, and Aizawa too because of the Vigilantes flashbacks (at least HE BETTER), and probably the villains will get a big boost as well after their arc, Tomura in particular. and Endeavor might break the top 10 again too with the newest arc, although I can’t quite remember whether or not the poll was still going on by the time that started (ETA: actually I don’t think it was). but yeah. anyway so there’s a real possibility that most of the kids will actually be shut out of the top ranks because of these GROWN-UPS and VILLAINS stealing all their glory, smh. your time will come, kids

“more than anyone, you were a hero” oh is this chapter going to play with my feelings yet again. is this just going to happen every fucking week now. okay

HELL YEAH MY BOYS ON THE COVER

@unboundednamelessfuture, to answer your ask about whether I’m planning on watching Heroes Rising, the answer is a resounding YES, POSSIBLY EVEN MULTIPLE TIMES IN THEATERS IF I CAN SWING IT, because I’m pretty sure it’s actually just going to be All My Dreams Come True: The Movie. and yes I have seen some spoilers for it, although I’m not clear on whether or not they’re actual spoilers or just rumors. so because of that I won’t post my thoughts just yet, except to say that if it is true, see above re: All My Dreams Come True: The Movie, and also add a bunch more exclamation points at the end of the title omfg

anyway so my sons are famous now. they’re in Hollywood. good for them

AND NOW THE POLLLLLLLL YES

oh shit, I heard about “Deku & Bakugou Rising”, but is that out this week?? shit I’ll have to do a separate post if that’s the case. I’m assuming it’s more of a bonus chapter than an actual spinoff, kind of like the All Might chapter we got for the last movie. either way, to say I’m hyped would be a massive understatement, needless to say

(ETA: okay so I’ve seen Korean scanlations of this -- which I didn’t look at closely because spoilers -- but no English scans yet. so stay tuned!)

so I was wrong about the kids being shooed out of the top 10! I have never been so pleased to be wrong! so we have Kacchan at #1 (I love his face so much. ghlkhf), Deku at #2 (he beat Shouto this year! good for you!!), Shouto at #3 (wouldn’t be surprised if he and Deku were neck and neck again though), Kirishima at #4 (we stan one bright ray of sunshine), Iida at #5 (YOU DESERVE IT SO MUCH SWEETHEART. I’M SO GLAD FANDOM ISN’T SLEEPING ON THE ACTUAL BEST CHARACTER IN THE SERIES), Tomura at #6 (DID YOU NOT GET THE MEMO ABOUT WEARING A NUMBER ON YOUR OUTFIT? MAKING ME FIGURE IT OUT FROM THE PROCESS OF ELIMINATION IS A REAL BASTARD MOVE. THEY SHOULD HAVE PUT YOU AT #8 TO MATCH YOUR CURRENT NUMBER OF FINGERS YOU STUPID SEXY JERK), Aizawa at #7 (THANK YOU FANDOM, YOU’VE REDEEMED YOURSELVES FROM LAST YEAR), Ochako at #8 (I LOVE YOUUUU), Toga at #9 (LADIES!!!!!!), and Momo at #10 (YES GIRRRRRL)

I think this is the strongest showing of ladies yet in the top ten (ETA: actually no, the second poll was slightly better) and I’m all about it. also can they all please keep these costume upgrades because YES. I don’t care if Horikoshi would get sick of drawing them. THAT’S WHAT ASSISTANTS ARE FOR. KATSUKI HAS A FUCKING BULLET BANDOLIER, COME ON, YOU CAN’T MAKE THIS JUST A ONE TIME THING YOU ASSCLOWNS, THIS IS FOR THE PEOPLE

lol here’s the abridged version of the Shirakumo flashbacks, I guess. everyone was saying last week how Vigilantes was now required reading, and like, I get that everyone’s excited about the crossover, but they still have to make this comprehensible for people who only read the main series. I’m guessing we’ll get the short version here, but Vigilantes gets to provide the more in-depth story for people who want to know more about everything, which is more or less what Vigilantes’s role has been in general

anyway so here’s Kumo doing his usual Naruto impression and cheerfully dooming himself by being ceaselessly optimistic and tempting fate’s sense of irony

you sure can! just so long as that crisis doesn’t involve big, heavy rocks, or gravity. I’m sorry kiddo

“‘let’s all form an agency together.’ it happened just after he said those words.” well there you have it, the BnHA equivalent of “one week left till my retirement.” hero training should really include a mandatory course titled Death Flags: The Silent Killers. there are children’s lives at stake here

lol yeah this really is abridged

“once upon a time we all wanted to be heroes and then Shirakumo got crushed by some rocks the end.” yeah, so maybe not quite the full emotional impact of the original lol

OH SHIT SON

so it is his reanimated corpse, then! which means the potential for him somehow dramatically regaining his memories is very high. since this is a shounen manga, I’m gonna go ahead and put it at... 100%. is that too low

guys I don’t know what to do when Present Mic is making faces like this

when even the Comic Relief Guy is getting all traumatized and serious, you know it’s bad. sob who will I turn to now for comfort. Horikoshi’s really just gonna go full dark no stars here and leave me just stumbling around lost

OH IF IT ISN’T THE ORIGINAL PIECE OF SHIT HIMSELF!!

yeah it makes perfect sense actually, you bastard. you steal the bodies from the crematorium and then give the families fake ashes or something. holy shit you really will not stop until you find the lowest possible level to stoop to, and then grab a fucking shovel and start digging so as to GO DOWN EVEN LOWER. just. god everything about this is just so wrong

oh btw, now seems like a good time to bring up this ask I got last week!

anon you blew my mind, just so you know. you’re absolutely right. so that’s one mystery down! though the way that this is going, I’m not so sure I’m gonna like any of the other answers that the Noumu arc is gonna provide us sob

holy shit look at this fucking simile

dead children = leftovers. sure why not. just in case we all forgot how evil he is

and also, YEAH BUDDY THAT’S WHAT I JUST FUCKING SAID, PLEASE KEEP UP. and who even knows how many other times AFO has done this. I hope they’ve started investigating crematoriums, then. I’m just waiting for them to make some connection that leads to them finally finding out about Ujiko, but that might take a while still

(ETA: although if they actually can get Kumo to talk...)

and did he really just solemnly call Mic “DJ” because omfg. Gran, are you the comic relief. do you even know. are you even aware

oh hey look another dagger to my heart

ouch. that was cold. and... not necessarily true, though, is it? because he was kind enough to Tomura. idk, I know my villain mom has done some horrible things, but you’ll be hard pressed to get me to think of him as all bad, even so. he was the one keeping Tomura from going FULLASS MURDER MODE!! for a long time

HEY WHAT THE FUCK KIND OF COP-OUT IS THIS

well then WHY DID YOU EVEN BRING THEM IN HERE! DID THEY NOT SEEM TRAUMATIZED ENOUGH TO YOU?? “well idk they seem pretty shaken up already, but just to make sure they grasp the full repugnant horror of the situation why don’t we make them visit him face to face.” OKAY THEN YOU SADISTS

son of a bitch and speaking of twisting the knife, Horikoshi keeps showing us these increasingly wrecked glimpses of Aizawa lowkey falling apart and I can’t

at this point the shadows under his eyes have their own shadows. and god dude, I know you’re rational, but it’s really hard to watch you just outright dismiss any and all possibilities of hope just like that :(

what the fuck Gran

so you really are the one in this scene who’s trying to lift everyone’s spirits now. well all right then, just what are you alluding to

OH SNAP

LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD NOUMU BACKSTORY AT LAST! jesus christ, do Nao and Gran just know everything already, and they’ve just been keeping it all to themselves for the hell of it?? how long before they casually swing by U.A. and are all “oh and by the way, the traitor is...”

ANOTHER AIZAWA FACE BUT THIS ONE IS SOFT OH GOD!!

HEY WHAT’S UP I’M GONNA CRY. SOMEONE TURN ON SOME SAD MUSIC. AND I WON’T GO, AND I WON’T SLEEP, AND I CAN’T BREATHE, UNTIL YOU’RE RESTING HERE WITH ME

AND I WON’T LEAVE, I CAN’T HIDE, I CANNOT BEEEEEEEE

hey Nao. you know what really would have helped with getting him to talk. NOT KNOCKING HIM UNCONSCIOUS. ??? move over do you need someone else to do your job for you or

-- OH THEY’RE TALKING TO HIM NOW LMAO OKAY

“go ahead and do your thing guys. don’t be afraid to make it real gay”

this would be even more dramatic if Kurogiri actually had a face. but even so... OH I AM WHAT I AM. I’LL DO WHAT I WANT. BUT IIIIIIII CAN’T HIIIIDE

oh my fucking god Aizawa is all “but what about his family?” and Naomasa is literally “if you two are unsuccessful, then...” like straight up acknowledging that the three of them were so fucking gay in high school that their odds of getting through to Kumogiri are stronger than that of his OWN FUCKING FAMILY. wow

chin up my sexy man. you got this

OH SHIT AHHHHHHH

LDSKFHL EASY THERE CHAMP, THAT’S TOO MUCH SEX TO BE CONTAINED IN A SINGLE PANEL, PLEASE TRY AND DO ME A FAVOR AND FUCKING HOLD IT TOGETHER HERE FOR THE KIDS WHO ARE READING THIS!! [frantically googles ‘can a shounen manga get you pregnant’]

so Aizawa is all “I’ll be damned if I let his family hear this sickening story” and like, I’m sure he means that in a “they don’t deserve that pain” kind of noble and principled way, but if it were my child I sure would want to know regardless. and aren’t they going to find out either way?? either you do get through to him, in which case obviously you would want the family to know “HEY, GOOD NEWS!”, or you don’t manage it and Nao has to call them anyway as we just established. but you go ahead and get all fired up then, Shouta

now there’s a panel of him staring at Kumo and Kumo is just a big shapeless blob of black smoke just sitting there lol. don’t tell me he’s still unconscious?!

oh

thank you

anyway so Aizawa, did you know that while you were off being an underground hero, Kumo was studying at Oxford to get his medical degree while bartending on nights and weekends to make ends meet. the two of you have so much to catch up about

Mic’s thinking that even with Aizawa using his quirk, the fog isn’t dissipating, so it means Kumo’s body is now made up of fog. well but then what about the metal neck thingy! huh??

and Mic’s opening his big mouth to complain that Kurogiri is far too polite and classically educated to really be their old pal, but before he can finish, Kumo is interrupting to ask about his son!!

he’s. uh. I guess you could call it “well”? maybe a little too well [marge simpson noises]

well Mic is clearly back to being the comic relief here. but Aizawa is keenly spotting those mom instincts that have remained in Kumo to this day!

yes Aizawa the core of your friend is still in there deep down!

OH MY GOD

LMAOOOO. “EMO PUNK... WHERE HAVE I HEARD THAT BEFORE -- !!” [AUDIBLY GASPS AND LOOKS DIRECTLY AT AIZAWA]

oh my lord. like, I don’t think this is actually meant to be funny, but just the fact that he immediately associates “emo” with AIZAWA FUCKING SHOUTA so strongly that it makes him go (•̪ o •̪) all knowingly has me fucking deceased right now good grief

so Kumo says he doesn’t resent his mission at all. some people like looking after emo punks, Mic. you should know

AND NOW MY FEELINGS ARE BEING TOYED WITH AGAIN!! JUST STRAIGHT UP OUT IN THE OPEN!! THIS ISN’T FAIR

heh. don’t mind me I’m just looking for some sort of emotional support to cling to here for my breakdown that’s about to happen about 0.2 seconds after Aizawa starts crying, if he indeed starts to cry. which it looks like he might. oh god I’m not ready for this at all. my hatches are not even remotely battened; my shutters are just gonna go flying right the fuck off

by the way what the fuck is up with the chairs at Tartarus. why do they look like swiss cheese

hmm, Nao and Torino are all “no reaction”, but to me it looks like there clearly is a reaction, though? he can’t even look Aizawa in the eye all of a sudden. it’s clearly getting to him. Nao seriously, do you need someone else to do your job

oh Aizawa

(ETA: Kumo really first-named Aizawa two seconds after meeting him. this man knows how to adopt his introverts.)

okay but Present Mic in a summer uniform is the most punchable version yet, SORRY I JUST HAD TO SAY IT I’M SORRY MIC I LOVE YOU. it was just gonna come bursting up out of me if I didn’t

anyway so Aizawa is gaying it up just as promised

him using his quirk is definitely making the scene more intense, but I’m not really sure why he actually is using it, since we’ve established it’s not having any effect. unless he’s trying to possibly undo some of the brainwashing somehow??

(ETA: so it occurred to me that just because his quirk isn’t dissolving Kumo’s mist body doesn’t mean that it’s not having an effect on his warp abilities. this way they can interrogate him without fear of him trying to use it and them having to knock him out again.)

so Kumo’s continuing to try and play it off all smooth while Aizawa unleashes the full force of fifteen years of pent up grief and trauma!

starting to think Aizawa never did go to therapy after that whole thing. typical U.A. “so you saw your best friend die suddenly and violently right before your eyes and subsequently suppressed it and hallucinated his voice talking to you to avoid facing that reality, huh? eh, you’ll be fine”

oh no a close-up of Aizawa that doesn’t show his face completely. this kind of thing never ends well

BECAUSE HE DOESN’T WANT THEM TO END UP LIKE YOU [sobs forever]

wait are we really going to talk about this?? omg

wait what. so do you mean to tell me he expelled them but then continued to guide them afterwards so they would have long, happy and healthy careers but more importantly would be safe omfg I’m not fucking ready for this shit

we’re cutting to U.A.’s class 2-A! Aizawa’s former class? does that mean he literally expelled EVERY SINGLE ONE of his students last year omg

so then. does every single standout characteristic of the Aizawa we know and love stem from his tragic past and his relationship with this boy then, or what? meanwhile the feelings continue to torrentially lash against my house while I huddle in the basement

I can’t fucking believe we’re actually getting a legit reveal about the “Aizawa expels all his students” gag holy shit

re-enroll!? what?? and “expel” in quotation marks?!?

ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS -- HE DID IT JUST TO SCARE THEM!? AND THEN WHAT, WERE THEY PICKED UP AFTERWARD BY THE OTHER HERO CLASSES INSTEAD? SO HE TEACHES THEM A POTENTIALLY LIFE-SAVING LESSON AND THEN GETS TO LAZE AROUND THE REST OF THE YEAR, LOL WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK. THIS MAN IS A GENIUS

(ETA: and by this logic, Deku really ought to have been expelled half a dozen times by now. don’t ever try and tell me that this man doesn’t play favorites.)

so Aizawa is taking his goggles off and saying that he’s strict with his students because he wants them to live long, fulfilling lives

OH NO

SOMEHOW HORIKOSHI MADE KURO’S FACE LOOK SOFT?! I DON’T EVEN KNOW HOW, IS THERE ANYTHING HE CAN’T DO

AHHHHH

OH NO HE DID IT AHHHH THE TEARS, FUCK. WELL MY HOUSE IS FUCKING DESTROYED, I’M CLIMBING UP TO THE ROOF TO AWAIT RESCUE

wow. anyways that really did get gay as fuck at the end, didn’t it. given the meaning that those goggles have to Aizawa, can this be taken as a form of marriage proposal? no? well I’m taking it that way anyway, so. congratulations you two. I’m off to go sob into a pillow now

[arazialotis]

Two Twin Arrows

This was written for the wonderful and fabulous @atc74 Fierce Females in Fanfiction Challenge as a celebration for her amazing achievement of reaching 3000 followers!! Thanks babe for hosting this fun challenge! 

Prompt: I am Strong Because I had to be. I will take back what is mine and give nothing in return.

Word Count: Around 2600

Summary: When your twin brother goes missing, you will do everything in your power to track him down and bring him home. 

Warnings: Language

                                                             ***

Your little brother was perhaps the single most important piece of your life; he meant everything to you. Of course, you were technically twins, but being born nine days earlier gave you an advantageous head start. You even helped your mother through his birth. And when you held him, so small and vulnerable in your arms, his laugh as bright as the sun, you vowed on that day to do everything in your power to protect him; always.

Yet when you swore that promise, you had yet to realize the gravity behind it. It was soon after that it dawned on you that you and Apollo were destined to be exact opposites. He the sun, you the moon; you chaste and pure and he… Well, to say promiscuous would be putting it lightly. You were cunning and thoughtful and he was impulsive and impetuous, proning him to all types of trouble you’d bail him from. So when he went missing, and he often did, it didn’t surprise you.

Two weeks was fine, but at three weeks you started to worry. And as the weeks turned into months you knew you had to go looking for him. The last time he went missing was for a month and a half in the roaring twenties. You tracked him down to New York City and discovered him in the middle of a bender so infamous, Dionysus himself was envious. Had mortals shown an ounce of respect for gods these days, Apollo would have at least one or two more stories to add to his repertoire.

After that, the two of you stayed in the New World, occasionally travelling here or there, for family engagements. As much as possible, you kept a low profile, and tried to convince your brother to as well. It worked, for the most part.

This time after he went missing, naturally, you started with the party towns and after hearing about a ‘miracle’ in Las Vegas where the sun didn’t set for three days time, you knew you had found the place to start. Knowing Apollo had a flair for extravagance, you started at the top, working your way down. But even the Bentel & Bentel penthouse suite at the Cosmopolitan Hotel was a but flashy, even for him.

The signs of his inhabitants were all to clear, but he had not returned even after several days. You started pursuing club surveillance, finally pinning him to the Emerald Gentlemen's Club. It was his last known whereabouts and the last place he was seen. All other traces of him had vanished. It was as if he didn’t want to be found. But on the video surveillance, two days later popped up another face. One you were all to familiar with. One Apollo had several run ins with that often lead to trouble. The trickster.

You hunted him down to the desolate wasteland of North Dakota, hiding like a fox in a hole. His private resort was carved into the side of a mountain, easily overlooked by the untrained eye. But Loki’s desire for luxury undid him. It glowed as obvious as a candle in the night, calling you in.

You lurked in the shadows for days. Watching, waiting, but Apollo never showed. You finally revealed yourself once you had enough of the cheating rat’s trickery. He was in the middle of a poker game, porn stars in barely nothing dancing around polls opposite of him. Three other men, all gruff placed bets. He lifted his his face, when you saw it. His two cards were four, all aces.

Your restraint could no longer be contained. You lifted your bow, sliding an arrow into place and without hesitation let it release. It tore right through the cards, pinning them to the table. The three gentlemen looked down at the table seeing the four cards displayed. They eyed Loki dangerously.

He shrugged his shoulders. “Fellas, those aren’t mine.” One man threw his hand down on the table, before rolling up his sleeves. But Loki paused the scene before it continued. “And neither is this.” He pried the arrow from the table, the illusion faded as he further examined it. The people, the cards, the drinks, all vanished leaving only you, him, and the furnishings. “Come out Katniss.” He goaded.

You bravely stepped out of the shadows.

“My… Athena… Haven’t you changed with the times.” He looked you up and down; your black skinny jeans tucked into dark boots., studded leather jacket over a silk red top, and your hair hanging down in curls.

“It’s Artemis, you pig.” You held you bow close.

“Ah yes.” He recalled. “All of you are so hard to keep straight. Don’t even get me started with the whole Roman thing…” He walked over to a wooden bar pouring himself a drink. “So what can I do ya for? I make a mean Sex on the Beach.” He offered before taking a sip.

You ignored the proposal. “I’m here for information. It’d be wise you answer truthfully in interest of your well being.” You paused and for a moment your curiosity got the better of you. “Is it true what they say about you?”

He wiggled his eyebrows playfully. “And what do they say about me? That I can last nights on end, that I have the endurance of a panther, that Aphrodite got half her stories from me, that Zeus wishes he had a pair like…” You squinted at him. “You dare tempt me?”

He chuckled. “Oh god no. I was just hoping that cute brother of yours was going to pop out of a shadow in a jealous rage. But it looks like I’m out of luck.”

Your hope dropped. “You’ve not seen Apollo?” Loki sighed. “Listen, I like to get wrapped up in a Greek tragedy at least once every century as much as the next guy, but when you guys start dropping in for holidays, come on, it starts to cramp my style.” You tucked your bow back into it’s satchel and turned to leave. But he grabbed your shoulder before you could. “Arty…” He cood. “What’s happened?”

You shook your head. “I’m sure nothing. You know how he is.”

“Let me suggest two things.” He held up a finger. “First, get a beeper for that kid. Second.” He pulled a card out of thin air. “Maybe it’s time to call in a favor from your patron saints…” You took the card. Eyeing it with suspicion. It was an FBI business card, with the name Agent Robert Plant and a phone number. Obviously a fake. Obviously a hunter. You looked back to Loki. “Thanks, but I got this.” You turned to leave again. “By the way. It looks like you might be molting… Gabriel.” 

And with that he was left in the room alone. He looked down to his feet where a few golden feathers had collected. “Dammit!” He cursed.

***

Outside a small town in Iowa, you stayed in a rundown motel off of a dying highway route. In its glory days, southern tourists bound for Mt. Rushmore must have filled it to the brim. But now, in it’s secludedness and stillness, it was the perfect place to reconvene and focus. You twirled the business card back and forth between your fingers; considering it. If these hunters had any idea who you were or half the things you’ve done, they wouldn’t hesitating putting a stake through your chest. And Apollo… well, if they caught wind of him, there’s no telling what would happen.

You had arrogance, yes, but not the arrogance of other gods that would dismiss hunters as any other ape. You had to be smart, cunning, to treat them with respect, or your fate could easily end up as any other monster on their hit list.

Finally, you worked through your hesitation and dialed the number, faking the best damsel in distress act as you could. You simply needed to keep him on the line long enough to triangulate his position, then you could go to him, gauging his usefulness, if he proved otherwise, you could easily slip away with your presence going entirely unnoticed.

“Hello.” A strong, deep voice answered.

“Uh… hello, um Agent Plant?” You stuttered, voice a few octaves higher than usual.

“Yes?” His confusion quickly grew.

“I um, I got your number from a friend, Sally Hanson, I’m not sure if you remember, she says you helped her a few years back on a case…” You fabricated, but intently kept an eye on your laptop as the tracking software was running.

There was a pause as he tried to recall. “Oh, right, of course… Sally.” Even though there was confidence in his voice, you could tell it was complete bullshit. “Well, what seems to be troubling you.”

You sighed. “You see… it’s my brother, he’s been missing near two weeks. I haven’t been able to contact him.”

“Have you filed a missing persons report?” He asked, trying to fish out details of the case.

“Of course, but the local police haven’t been too helpful… Unfortunately, my brother has a bit of a reputation around here.” Actually the story came easier than you thought.

“And uh, what makes you think he simply hasn’t started fresh somewhere else?”

“Well, that does seem like him, but we’ve always been so close. He would never leave and not tell me.” You explained, heart hurting more and more as you began to diverge the truth.

“Well…” He chewed on it. “I’m not sure it’s exactly my type of case, I got a few things lined up, but if I have any openings….”

Shit. You needed a few more minutes. “I’m just so worried about him.” You interrupted. “There’s been other missing people too. With the police not helping I’ve tried to do my own investigation you know. And I started at this old hangout of his. And it’s just like creepy you know. I know I must be imagining things but there is just this chill that comes over you as...:” Bingo. You pinned him nearby Lebanon, Kansas.

He assumed you had stopped unable to continue from sadness or fear. “Okay sweetheart, just calm down. I’ll run the details by my partner and we’ll try to be out in a couple days. Where are you at anyways.”

“Oh…” You chuckled. “This is so embarrassing. He’s uh calling me right now. I’ll give you a call back if we need anything.” And you abruptly hung up, quickly switching off your phone so he couldn’t track you.

After taking a minute to breathe, you shook of any remainder of the act, for a damsel in distress you were surely not. You pack your things and checked out of the motel, heading for Lebanon.

***

Lebanon. It was a extremely small town. To say it was a one-horse town would be a vast understatement. But that made your hunt all the more easy. You set up shop at the only food market in town and waited.

It was two days before he showed up. His car stood out like a sore thumb. It was old enough to be handed down through the generations, taken well care of, countless of miles put on it, and modifications to the trunk. You expected a hunter, but the man not who stepped out of the car.

Your heart dropped. Instantly recognizing him from the security footage you reviewed time and time again in Vegas. But the fear was instantly replaced by boiling anger. Apollo wasn’t dead, yet. You could feel it. He couldn’t be. And not from the hands of this hunter. As he lazily strenched, you jolted from your car catching him by surprise. You grabbed his wrist, using the force to push him up against the car. He struggled a bit but you had him pinned.

“Where is he?!” You demanded.

Dean pondered trying to catch up. “Listen, sweetheart..” He started.

You cut him off, shoving him hard against the car. “Call me that one more time.” You warmed. “Where is my brother?”

“Why don’t you just calm down and we can find him together.” Dean attempted to de-escalate your anger.

“I’m not taking your bullshit hunter.” You spat. “You were there. In Las Vegas. When he disappeared.” Tears threatened to spill over.

It took him a second, but then it clicked. “I might know where he is. How about all three of us meet up tonight…” He stopped when he felt his hands being tied together. “You will take me to him now.”

You took the keys from his pocket, opened the door and shoved him inside. You slid into the driver’s seat, next to him.

“Oh hell no.” He protested as you started up the car.

Just by briefly looking around it was easy to see the car was occupied usually by three. “Don’t bother trying to notify your partners.” You noticed he already seemed to be looking for a knife to pry out of the ropes. “The more you resist the restraints the tighter they become.” “What are you?” Dean huffed as you pulled out of the parking lot. “Witches, demons.”

You lightly chuckled but did not grant him the satisfaction of an answer.

***

It took a while to find his location, he not being the most helpful or willing subject. But his emotions became easier to read the more time spent with him. The subtle gritting of teeth or sighs of relief each correct or incorrect turn you made, it led you closer to the destination until you finally arrived.

You led Dean through the entrance, dagger at his back to hinder him or his partners from trying anything. The door swung open with a heavy creak leading into the hideout below. To be honest, you were impressed with the space.

“Dean?” Someone called from below. His younger brother. Taller, longer hair, but still a touch of youthfulness that Dean lacked.

“Hiya Sammy.” Dean drearily greeted.

Sam reached for the gun in his back pocket, but your second dagger buzzed threw the air dislodging it before it was even pointed at you.

“What’s going on?” Sam asked through the shock.

“She’s a lot stronger than she looks.” Dean scoffed.

“I’m strong because I had to be.” You explained as Dean felt the dagger press harder against his back. “Born into a world of vengeful and sex crazed gods, I didn’t have any other choice. Now, I will take back what is mine and give nothing in return.”

Sam still had confusion plastered across his face, attempting to work out what Dean already had. Everyone’s attention broke at the sound of a coffee mug shattering against the floor. You turned to the sound, expecting their third partner but instead finding your fool of a brother in a bathrobe.

“Arty?” He sheepishly asked.

“Apollo.” You sighed a breath of relief and released Dean, running towards him. “Are you okay? Did they hurt you?” You checked him over.

He rolled his eyes. “Arty you are embarrassing me.”

When all seemed right, you punched him square in the shoulder. “What the hell? You can’t just disappear on me like that.”

“Ow.” He moaned and rubbed the spot on impact. “Can you blame me? They’re cute.” He defended. “I didn’t need you up in my business ruining everything. You’re kinda a cock blocker.”

As you argued back and forth, Dean made his way slowly down the stairs and joined Sam, marvelling in wonderment.

“Turns out we’ve had a god living with us, right under our noses.” Dean commented.

Apollo’s argument sounded over them. “Besides, anytime there was a successful hunt, I burnt offerings of incense to you.”

“Like that matters!” You spat.

“For a whole month….” Sam added to his and Dean’s side conversation. “We must be losing our touch.”

***

Tags:

Forevers:  @nanie5 @sea040561 @crushing83@mogaruke@deanwinchesterforpromqueen @ginamsmith @jotink78@blushingdean@sup3r-pott3r-lock3d @dancingalone21 @li-ssu@highonpastries @daddy-kink-confirmed @weewooweewoo1212@carryonmyswansong @spn-dean-and-sam-winchester @atc74@superapplepie @coolness22 @cassieraider@winchesternco @adaliamalfoy@iwriteaboutdean @spnbaby-67 @cigsandpie @curedean @monkeymcpoopoo@adoptdontshoppets @maddiepants

[sockpansy]

Lost At Sea

Hey! This is a fic based off of two drawings done by the amazing @thelazyblueshipper who gave me permission to write a fic!

Warnings: blood mention, ghosts, kidnapping (its too a mermaid) and let me know if I need to tag anything else!

_______

Roman had wanted to do it for years, ever since the pirates found out about them. Ever since they started to take, kill, sell their kind.

Roman wanted to stop them.

But Logan wouldnt let him.

"Its too dangerous Roman! As long as we stay farther down and away from nets, we can be safe."

"But then we have no freedom! We are confined to the deep waters only! We have to watch how fast we go, we can even float on the surface to sunbath!"

"But if they catch us, we die." Logan spat. "If we go after them, we Will get caught, then what do you suggest we do?"

Roman fell silent, not able to make a reasonable agrument.

"There are ships we could fix up easily and-"

"No Roman."

That had been the end of that argument.

_____

"Help! Help!" Patton sped through the water in search of someone, anyone who could help.

He found Roman and Logan, who had heard him and came as fast as they could.

"Patton! Calm down padre, what's wrong? Predator? Underwater volcano?"

"Virgil!" Pattin cried.

Logan looked around."where....is Virgil? Patton what happened?"

Patton's tears floated in thw water. "I just wanted to go above for a little bit, i didnt know they were so close! I didnt know there net was so close!"

The rest was lost in cries, but it was obvious what happened. Virgil had saved Patton but got caught by pirates instead.

"Roman." Logan starred at the water above them.

"We need a ship."

_____

Luckily, Roman knew were a ship was in...ok condition and not filled with water completely.

"How did you even find this?" Patton asked as they arrived at a small islabd with an old ship on it. It had a hole in the side and a broken mast,but was rather alright.

"Before we started to stay under, I found it."

"We better get to work if we want to get Virgil back before they reach a port then." Logan was still unsure, but...they couldnt just leave Virgil,to be sold or...killed, if he wasnt already.

_____

It took a few days to fix the ship, but they found swords, and old clothes they could wear when they transform in homaniod forms. Roman was the self proclaimed captain, with logan as the firdt mate who has some common since. Patton was the one incharge of leading the way to Virgil right now.

But logan still worried. They only had three people, a small, barely afloat ship, and they are all secretly mermaids. They were up agianst a full pirate crew, on a big ship, who catch mermaids.

They needed a plan.

"We need a plan." Logan said one night. "We can't just attack, we will be killed or captured."

Patton looked down."if I just stayed away..."

"Patton, we have been over this, it isnt your fault, and we sre gdtting virgil back." Roman said, tilting his captain's hat up.

Patton sniffled but nods, pushing his new glasses up. (He put on a random pair and found out that he can see a lot better with them, same with Logan)

Logan,nods as he thought."we could go under the cover of night, but even then they will have people awake and ready to fight..."

"What about during a storm?" Roman suggested.

"What?"

"Well they will be busy with the storm right? We can show hi in mermaid form, get in, pretend to be part of the crew, get virgil out and only have the fight if we get caught." Roman suggested.

Patton lit up."that could work! Its dark during storms, and...and if they see our patched up ship, they can think its a ghost ship!"

Logan nods along as he listened. "It...could work...that we need some way to have our clothes when we are in the water so we can change quickly..."

Roman hummed."we could...get dressed on there ship?"

Logan shook his head."too wierd and supious."

"We could pretend to be crew members who fell over?" Patton suggested.

Logan nods, "yes...but only one of us, it will be easier to get one then...and other two will stay on the ship and act as ghosts." He grinned ad the plan started to come together.

_____

Virgil didnt know how much time past. He remembered pushing Patton away from a net, just cor his tall to get caught, he remmebered being hauled up over the ocean. He remembered being out in a barrel filled with water, and a lid being put on with holes so he could breath. But he lpst count of the days and nights he spent in there.

He had given up after day two, accepting his fate.

He could feel a few rain drops through the holes in the lid, and couls hear yelljng do the ship didnt get blown off course.

Then he heard screams for help.

A scream from the water.

That sounds way to familiar.

Pattin was screaming for help. They caught him.

Virgil started to fight inside the barrel, knowing full well that it was tied up so he coulsnt move it or knock it over, but he ahd to try. Patton was in danger. Why wasn't Roman or Logan with him!

He could hear pattin on the ship.

"Thank you, i fell off in the storm."

Wait, what?

He couldnt hear much after that, because there was yelling about a...ghost...ship?

It wasnt long before his barrel was opened and Patton stared st hin in human form. He,smiled and held a finger to hus mouth to tell Virgil to stay quiet. Held helped Virgil out of the barrel and threw him over into the ocean, and Patton jumped in after him, transforming once he was in the water and gathering up his clothes.

"Hey Virgil, long story short, we need to get to the pirate ship."

"But we just got off it!" Virgil said, before coughing. He hasn't used his voice in a while. Patton just grabbed his hand and swam to a different, smaller boat.

Patton helped viegil onto the boat and Virgil saw Roman and Logan standing and facing the other boat in human forms, as if daring them to attack in thus storm.

Patton put on his clothes as he got out some for Virgil. "Ok, short story longer, im so sorry I got you captured! We fixed up an old boat Roman found and came up with a plan to save you. I pretend to have fallen overboard in a storm, they gwt me up, i fins you, Roman and Logan pretend to be pirates on a ghost ship, and we are all free!" By the time he finished talking, Virgil was dressed and then hugged tightly.

"Im sorry i wasnt more careful Virgil...you could have been..could have..could...could have..." Patton sniffles aa he held virgil tight.

Virgil hugged back."im right here pat, i promise, id do it agian to save you in a heartbeat."

_____

The ship turned away from the other and left the storm. Once a safe distance away, Virgil was covered in hugs.

Virgil smiled as he stood and loked st his pirate clothes, "ya know guys...why dont we do this all the time?"

"Uh Virgil, I dont think getting caught is something id like to makw a habit." Roman suggested.

"No, i mean...saving mermaids. You guys have a plan that worked. And with an extra person, you have a bigger crew. Why cant we save more of our kind before we are the only ones left?"

"I agree with Virgil." Patton smiled. "And i like being in the sun." He giggled.

Roman tipped his hat grinning. "And ive been wanting to do this forever!"

They all looked st Logan. The first mate. The logical one. The one who fixes plot holes and makes sure everyone is safe.

He gave a smile. "Well, we have to name the ship first, dont we?"

____

It took a while, but soon, a legend was born for the small crew.

Legends that say that if you are a pirate crew transporting mermaids, avoid storms.

For in a storm, you will come across a ship called 'the Siren' with ghosts on it.

No one knows how many are on the ship. They only know that there are always four who will always be seen at one point.

There is a boy with square glasses and a dark blue bandana around hus forehead. If you see him in the ship, watch him, for if he gets into the water, your ship will sink.

Then there is a boy with round glasses, and a light blue scarf around his waist. He seems sweet, but it will be too late when you realize it is him. He is a spy who boards your ships as crew. He is the reason you get caught.

There is a boy with purple hair and eyes. Much like dark blue, beg that he stays on the ghost ship. If you don't see him, then you must fear everything around you. You never know what he will take. Food, gold, your life, maybe all three.

Then there is the captain, who stands at the end of the bowsprit, sword held at his side. It is said that his eyes are red with the blood of those who he has fought, and if you get close enough to see the color, he will add your blood to his eyes as well.

The legends warns you to be wary of boys with light blue eyes on on your ship. To stay clean of storms. To release mermaids when you see the ship, so many you will live to tell about the encounter.

Legend says that it is safer to let mermaids be free.

____________________

Yes i was tempted to name the ship lamp.

And done! First off, i know i kinda skipped around, but in happy with how thiz this turned out!

Bowsprit: the poll thingy at the front of a ship

Also! Some things i wanted to to say! The crew does get bigger. Some mermaids they save decide to,join, others will stay until they heal if they are injured then leave. Others stay to repay a debt, so the amount of crew members change.

At the end, the legend talks about each side a bit, and i wsnt to explain why i chose to do that the way i did!

Logan is logic. He is smart and you can do a lot of damage (probably) to the bottom of a boat if you know what your doing. He breaks boats (with help from other crew members) to make them sink. But only some.

Patton is morality. He is cute and sweet and he volunteered to be the spy. He joins crews and finds out how many mermaids are on board and finds a way to get the ship into a storm. Sometimes he will disappear from a crew ship a few days ans reappear like he never left. He swims right under it and will go inform the sides about the boat by leaving at night.

Virgil as Aniexty. He causes fear. Patton will tell him were gold is, food rations, and on occasion, jerks who need to be taught a permanent lesson. He sneaks on and steals, throws overboard, does anything to inconvence the pirates.and because well...they are pirates,too, they need money!

Roman is creativity. And he is the captain. And what js scarier than the red eyss he has? He started the rumoe about his eyes himself, and does sword fight on occasion. I just feel it fits him to stand dramatically xD

Part 2:

https://sockpansy.tumblr.com/post/179462778629/gaining-a-crew

[kevrocksicehouse]

Sight and Sound magazine shocked cineastes in 2012 when their prestigious Greatest Movie poll ended the 50-year reign of Citizen Kane in favor of Vertigo. A few more films that could take #1 next year.

Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans. D: F. W. Murnau (1927). This story of a man (George O’Brien) tempted by a woman from the city (Margaret Livingstone) into trying to kill his wife (Janet Gaynor) becomes an almost avant-garde tale of reconciliation and fate that many call the finest silent film ever made. As in a lot of silent movies, we can see melodrama dissolving into grace.

Rules of the Game. D: Jean Renoir (1939). A dinner party ruled by romance, misunderstanding and guns on the eve of World War II is a portrait of the French bourgeois – Renoir made it to dramatize a class that made the war possible. The director cast himself as Octave, the saddest man in the film who says “You see in this world there is one awful thing, and that is that everyone has his reasons.”

Tokyo Story. D: Yasujiro Ozu (1953). The story is simple and timeless – an elderly couple goes to Tokyo to visit their children who don’t have time or space for them. Ozu gives them both, allowing his scenes time to develop and compositions with lots of room for loneliness. He also grants forgiveness for a Westernizing society growing away from family obligations.

The Searchers. D: John Ford (1956). John Wayne’s greatest role as a Civil War veteran who spends many years looking for his abducted-by-Comanches niece, first to save her and later to kill the “squaw” who would be despoiled by a “buck.” The final shot where Wayne is exiled from his story has never been matched.

2001: A Space Odyssey D: Stanley Kubrick (1968). Speaking of last shots, I’ve always found the whole Star child concept an overly simplistic denouement to a thorny story about evolution and death. But the fate of HAL, the artificial intelligence deactivated by a less “human” astronaut was just as moving as it was supposed to be. 

[benikoumori]

The Fate of the Phoenix 29

  Omne looked down at Kirk, startled, even impressed. Then he chuckled. “You do not quit, do you, Ambassador? At least, not for long. I approve. But surely you must concede by now that I am alpha here. You cannot challenge me.”   “I concede nothing,” Kirk said. “I did challenge you.” He stood straight and faced Omne. “I did defeat you,” he said.   Only Kirk could have seen the low jolt of that reach Omne. “The alpha wins,” Kirk said. “That is the definition of alpha. I won.”   Omne looked at him grimly. And then the features set in a certain acknowledgment. “Yes. You did.”   Kirk’s eyes widened fractionally. He had not expected the giant to admit it here. He inclined his head in acceptance.   “The alpha dies hard,” Omne said, “and lives to fight another day.”   Kirk nodded acknowledgment of his own. “The alpha knows what he is willing to give up before losing.”   “On that count,” Omne said, “I showed myself willing to give up more than any man.”   Kirk nodded. “Yes. But the winner is he who gives up least.”   He found a slow smile on his face and knew that Omne wanted to break him where he stood.   “I did defeat you,” Kirk said. “And—I will again.”   “Over my body,” Omne said softly.   Kirk nodded. “Quite probably.”   “The delegation is polled,” the Varal said from the audience. “Challenge is entered and will be binding on the conference. It will begin with Debate of Words in the matter of the Prime Directive. The topic is stated: ‘Resolved: The Noninterference directive is a policy of mass murder.’ The Ambassador from the Federation will take the affirmative.”   Kirk looked down at the Varal, surprised. “That is not the Federation’s position, nor mine. The question is undebatable in that form.”   “That is the form,” the Varal said, “and it is the contention of some here that that is either the Federation’s position, or your own, or both. However, even if it is not, the custom here is to argue first the opposite position. Begin.”   Kirk shook his head. “Let us not debate straw positions. I do not believe that it is even my opponent’s position,” he said. “Or—is it, Lord Regent?”   “No,” Omne said, “although there is some truth in it But it would be my contention that it is your position, whether you know it or not. And it is becoming the Federation’s position—as witness the fact that your own world-changing has been condoned. You have not been cashiered or court-martialed for violation of your oath. And it is you, the son of moral certainty, who are sent with full plenipotentiary powers to answer in this matter. Very well, answer. But defend your true position. It is Death which is your old enemy when you change a world. Make your argument from life. I will state it for you: On every less advanced world which the Federation refuses to change or to help because of the Prime Directive, billions die of diseases for which we already have cures. They suffer from insanity, crime, war, sickness, and ignorance—for which we have cures or help. They suffer and die in silence, and alone—and we deny them the stars. By what right? Are they so fragile that we must make that choice for them? And what contempt for them do we display by protecting them from greatness and shielding them from the light?”   There was a low, stunned murmur from the audience.   They had expected Omne to be the outraged defender of the Prime Directive.   “You play Devil’s Advocate very well, Lord Regent,” Kirk said. “That is doubtless why you have been able to champion the Prime Directive with one hand while the other hand changes the fates of empires and arranges wars and rumors of wars. No Federation representative would so arrange things that he became Lord Regent of a member confederation. None would try to change a viable culture by force. None would encourage formation of an alliance to foment war. And none would defend that argument, except in earnest. You are right: Death is my enemy. When I see battle, murder, and sudden death, or worse: slow death in silence and alone—yes, I am tempted. That is the genuine dilemma on which a starship captain stakes his honor and perhaps his soul.”   Omne smiled. “I was never merely the Devil’s Advocate, Captain. Some have suggested that I am Devil enough. If your soul is for sale…” He bowed with a slight shrug.   “Merely on the line,” Kirk said. He turned to look at the audience. “That is always the stake. On any new world millions, even billions, may die if it is left to its own devices. Yet if an advanced alien civilization interferes, even to save it, there is the risk that it will never develop along its own path, or even that it may be destroyed. But what we fear most is the destruction of the path not taken. That loss is incalculable—and perhaps fatal, in the long run, to a galaxy. We might become one wall-to-wall empire: homogenized, safe, and—sterile.”   The Varal spoke from the audience. “Surely that is your opponent’s argument?”   Kirk glanced at Omne. “Yes. We share a certain taste for the path not yet taken.”   Omne inclined his head. “And a distaste for the homogenized, the safe?”   “At least—for the sterile,” Kirk said. “But it is my job to keep both the untaken road and the high starways open. Sometimes it is my job to decide whether a world suffers alone or struggles in full knowledge. Sometimes, if I do nothing I condemn millions to early death. If I do something I may condemn the seeds of greatness. Except—who is to say that the untaken path would have had as much to offer as paths already taken? Should all beings not have that choice? Who denies it to them? By what right?”   Kirk lifted his head and looked out over the audience. “We make that decision, he said, “all of us who have reached the stars—by the right of the fact that it is ours to make. We have the knowledge. At least we are beginning to”1cnow how much we do not know. There may come a time when we need to think through the Prime Directive again. The time may even be now. We have already made certain qualifications in the language: The ‘normal’ development of a ‘viable’ culture. It leaves room for judgment. Judgment must be used. Judgment can be wrong.”   Kirk shook his head. “Even when judgment is wrong,” he said, “it is better than using no judgment. It is better than making no attempt to follow a moral policy. This I believe: the Prime Directive is the highest moral policy ever attempted by a galactic power. It is also, as an Earth statesman once said of democracy, the worst policy—except for all those others which have been tried from time to time. In practice, both democracy and Prime Directive have become the defense of choice, of the right even to be wrong, as long as you impose your choice on no one by force. That right I do defend with my life, my ship, my honor.”   There was some low murmur in the audience. Assent? Appreciation?   “How does your honor stand, Ambassador Kirk,” Omne said, “on imposing your own choice on the galaxy—even on the question of immortality?”   Kirk turned to Omne slowly. Was this the form in which Omne was going to expose the real question to the galaxy?   “It is a pretty problem in logic,” Omne said. “To withhold immortality: is it murder? Mass murder of millions, billions, trillions in a galaxy? There are those in this room who came close to death tonight, who will die in a week, a month, a year, a decade. One did die tonight, and what would he have given for another life at the head of his Dynasty—or even merely for another life? What would any being in this room not give—especially in that last fatal moment when oblivion comes, for you, or for the one you cannot let go?”   There was a murmur from the delegates, a sense of unease, as if they knew at some level that Omne spoke of more than the topic of debate.   Kirk stepped in. “By your own argument from the Prime Directive,” he said, “even immortality could not be introduced. It would be the most radical alteration in a culture, any culture, every culture, which is possible.”   Omne nodded. “You notice that?”   Kirk said, “There was once an argument on my world: Should the advanced nations move into less advanced countries with their customs and their medicine, their sanitation and their swamp-clearing, and bring down the death rate—then hear complaints of overpopulation and accusations that they were meddling and homogenizing the world? Creating Tasmanias. Obliterating customs. Saving lives which might die of the problems of civilization, but not until later. One suspects that the question was not often asked of those who were about to die.”   “Nor of the Tasmanians?” Omne said.   Kirk shook his head. “The details of that case have been obliterated in the name. They do not support the principle or the poetry for which it stands. The Tasmanians were killed, murdered, not shocked out of existence by mere cultural contact.   “There was the cruelty from which we learned the Prime Directive,” Kirk continued, “but also, we did not stop the medicine and the swamp-clearing. Millions who would have died lived, mingled, struggled, quarreled—and finally made it to the stars.”   “Where you have not stopped the meddling yet,” Omne said. “There is Canella, where you object to Klingon interference, but keep a medical mission because the Federation needs their dilithium crystals, and where you yourself saved a life in direct violation of custom—and touched off a civil war—”   “Where I saved a woman and an unborn child from a treacherous coup and restored the legitimate succession,” Kirk said.   “The coup was within custom,” Omne said. “You were not. True or false?”   “True.”   “And when you cut the Federation in for a piece of the action and sent missionaries to gangland on Iotia?”   Kirk shook his head. “I am not here to answer a catechism of questions on my actions or the Federation’s. In that particular case, we dropped a stitch some time ago, and I knitted it up again with the best yarn I could think of at the time. Could be I dropped a bigger one, which we will regret in another hundred years. And some starship captain will have to try to knit one, purl two—while keeping his neck out of a noose and his anatomy out of a sling—and his eye on the Prime Directive. Now try to Work in that position—”   Kirk grinned a little sourly, then sobered and turned to the delegates. “I will say to you now that those are not even the most difficult of the decisions that any starship captain faces. I have seen one captain destroyed by the promise of an immortality which he could not bring home. I have seen another—Garth of Izar—the man who wrote the book, and was the book, for starship captains—finally driven insane, and I have knelt to him, not in the homage which he deserved as that hero, but to save my life and that of my First Officer. I have seen men destroyed, both in honoring the Prime Directive, and in its breach. I have gambled, if you like, my own soul or sanity or peace on a hundred worlds. I have pulled the plug on computer war as a civilized custom, with sanitized casualties, in favor of brute war—or peace. Peace prevailed. I could have lost—and lost two worlds. In any case, I decided. As the Lord Regent would doubtless like to point out, I have even decided against immortality.”   Omne raised an eyebrow and there was a questioning murmur from the audience.   Kirk turned to face Omne. “The question is: immortality, at what price? I decided against it on Vaal’s planet when the innocent immortals came to murder me. If I introduced the apple to Eden, the serpent was already there—as in most Edens I have seen. In the legends of many worlds, the forbidden fruit is from the tree of knowledge. To eat it is the end of immortality, and the beginning of life. One day, knowledge will become the key to immortality. When it does, that decision, too, will be in the hands of some one man, one person, one being.”   Kirk looked out over the audience. “You are always in the hands of that being—the one who will make the decision on life and death and immortality. No directive and no secession will save you. One day one being will face the decision of immortality. Perhaps someone already does. On that day, all that will save the galaxy is that being’s commitment to a decency of the caliber aspired to by the Federation. You can undermine that being. You can reject that aspiration. You can secede and reject the system against which the worst real accusation is excessive benevolence. But then do not be surprised if the jackals come out to feed. The Federation will be cut in two—and the jackals of war will snap up your bleeding half, too. You will wonder how you were safe when the skin was whole.”   There was some sound of approval, but there was a larger mutter which was ominous. Kirk knew the sound of a house divided, and one still chiefly against him. It could not be settled in words.   オムネがカークを見下ろした、感動さえしているような驚きをもって。 そして彼は静かに笑った。 ”途中棄権はできんのだぞ、大使? まあ長くはならんだろうが。 賛成しよう。 だが君は此処でのアルファは私だという事実を確信することになる。 君は私に挑戦はできない ”   ”事実ではない ” カークは言った。 ”私は貴方に挑戦する ” 彼は背筋を伸ばしオムネに向き合った。 ”私は貴方を打ち負かす ” 彼は言った。    オムネを襲った衝撃をカークだけは気づいた。 ”勝者がアルファだ ” カークが言った。 ”それがアルファの定義。 私は勝った ”   オムネが険しい顔で彼を見た。 そして確かな���識を持った表情となった。 ”そうだ。 君は勝った ”   カークの眼が僅かに広がった。 彼は巨人が此処で認めるとは予測していなかった。 彼はそれを認め僅かに頭を傾げたのだ。   ”なかなか死なないのがアルファだ ” オムネが言った、”そして生きてまた戦う ”   カークは彼自身に認めさせる様に頷いた。 ”アルファは失う前に何を諦めるべきかを知っている ”   ”それはカウントされるな ” オムネが言った、”私はあらゆる者よりも動くことを諦める意思を見せた ”   カークは頷いた。 ”ああ。 だが勝者とは最も諦めの良くない者だ ”   オムネが此処で彼を壊したいと望んでいる事を知り彼の顔はゆっくりと微笑んだ。   ”私は君を敗北させた ” カークは言った。 ”そして -- 再び ”   ”私の身体は治った ” オムネがそっと言った。   カークは頷いた。 ”恐らく完全に ”   ”代表の投票により ” 観衆側からVaral が言った。 ”決闘はカンファレンス形式のものとする。 始めの議題はPrime Directive 問題。 不干渉とは大量虐殺政策であるかがテーマだ。 Federation の大使は肯定派として ”   驚いたカークがVaral を見下ろした。 ”それはFederationのポジションでも私の物でもない。 その設問には議論の余地がない ”   ”それが形式だ ” Varal が言った、”そしてFederation の、若しくは貴方の、若しくは双方のポジションは此処での争議でもある。 例えそうではないとしても、此処での慣習としてはまず対極のポジションを取ってもらわなくては。 開始 ”   カークは頭を振った。 ”無意味なポジションでのディベートはしない。 対極のポジションにつけるとも思えない ”彼が言った。”それとも -- 摂政卿はそうなのだろうか? ”   ”いいや ” オムネが言った、”幾らかは真実ではある 知っていようがいまいが、君のポジションは私の主張でもある。 そしてFederation のポジションもそうなる -- 許す事で君自身の世界が変わった事実を目撃することで。 君の誓いを違反しても君は罷免にも軍法会議にもかけられていない。 そして君はモラルの提唱者としてこの問題に答える全権を与えられえている。 そう、答えだ。 君の本当のポジションを守れば良い。 君が世界を変えてしまう程に死は古くからの君の敵だ。 君は生の立場で議論をすれば良い。 私は君の為に述べようじゃないか。 我々が既に治療を受けている病によって数十億が死んでいる、Prime Directive によって先進していない世界を変えること、若しくは手助けをする事をFederation は拒否する。 狂気に、犯罪に、戦争に、病気に苦しむ彼等に与えず -- 我々にある治療法や手助けをだ。 苦しむ彼等は孤独に沈黙し、死ぬ -- 我々が彼等の星を拒否することで。 どんな権利でだ？ そんな儚いかれらをどう選択しろと? 明かりのシールドになり大きな物から守る事は彼等を軽視している事になるのか? ”   観衆から驚きの低いどよめきが起きた。   Prime Directive を擁護する事にオムネは憤慨するものと彼等は予想していたからだ。   ”貴方は悪魔の代弁者を演じているな、摂政卿 ” カークが言った。 ”何故いっぽうでPrime Directive を守り、いっぽうで戦争の噂を立て戦争へと向かわせようと帝国の運命を変えようなどできるのか。 Federation は彼がそうした工作をするために同盟メンバーの摂政卿になったのだとは言わない。 力づくで現在の文化を変えさせようともしていない。 戦争を助長する同盟の奨励もしない。 そして本気である事を除いてそういった議論を擁護もしない。 貴方は正しい。 死は私の敵だ。 私が戦闘を、殺人をそして突然の死という最悪な物を見た時 -- 孤独に沈黙しゆっくりと死を迎えるような  -- 私は試みるだろう。 それは船長が彼の名誉を、恐らくは彼の魂もかけて臨む本物のジレンマだ ”   オムネが微笑んだ。 ”私は決して単なる悪魔の代弁者ではないぞ、船長。 私は充分悪魔足り得ると示唆されている。 もし君の生命が売りに出されているならば… ” 彼は僅かに肩を竦め会釈した。   ”単なるラインだ ” カークは言った。 彼は観衆へと向いた。 ”それは常に賭けだ。 その装置が残されていたとしても新たな世界では数百万、数億という者が恐らく死ぬだろう。 先進の異星人が介入する、例えそれが救うためだとしても、それ以上の発展がなくなる、若しくは破壊されてしまう危険性がある。 だが私達が最も恐れるのは破滅のであろうと道を取らせないということだ。 その損失は計り知れない -- 恐らく長い目でみれば銀河にとっても致命的な事だろう。 大国ひとつとなってしまう。 均質で安全で -- 面白みのない物に ”   観衆からVaral が発言した。 ”それが貴方の反対弁論だろうか? ”   カークはオムネをちらりと見た。 ”そうだ。 我々はまだ取っていない道について確かに共有している物がある ”   オムネは頭を傾げた。 ”安全と均質は嫌悪するのにか? ”   ”少なくとも -- 面白みはなくなる ” カークが言った。 ”だが星の道を開けておくこととまだ取られてはいない道を守る事が私の仕事だ。 時に知識を持ち得努力しているのか、孤独に耐えている世界なのかを決める事も仕事になる。 何もしないと決める事で数百万を早死に追いやる事もあるだろう。 私が何かをすることで偉大な種だと決めてしまう事も。 除かれるのか -- 既に取れる道としてまだ取られていない道を提供することは? 全てにその選択をしなくてはならないのか? 誰が彼等を否定するのか? どんな権利があって? ”   カークは頭を上げ観衆を見渡した。 ”私達はそれを決めた ” 彼は言った、”星の道に到達した者皆に -- 私達自身でそれを行ったという権利に基づいて。 私達は知識を得た。 少なくとも私達はどうすれば良いのか分からない所から初めている。 再びPrime Directive を考える必要の出る時がやって来る。 今もその時だ。 私たちには既に言語という確かな技術を持っている。 正規の発展で ‘ 生き残った ‘ 文化だ。 ジャッジの余地は残っている。 ジャッジとはそれを使わなくてはならない。 ジャッジとは間違う事もある ”   カークは頭を振った。 ”間違ったジャッジの時でさえも ” 彼は言った、”モラルに従う事を試みないよりは良い。 これは私の信条でもある。 Prime Directive は高次のモラル政策であり銀河が力を尽くして試みる物だと。 かつて地球の政治家が民主主義は最悪の政策だと言った事もあった -- そういった時代時代の審理の全てを除いても。 実質的に民主主義とPrime Directive は選択の余地を守る政策だ、誰かに強要された選択を負わさるのでない限り誤りでさえも権利と認める物だ。 その権利を私は私の生命を、船を、名誉をかけて守る ”   観衆は低くざわめいた。 賛成か? 理解か?   ”君の名誉とはどういったものだね、カーク大使? ” オムネが言った、”君自身の選択を銀河に強要するか -- 不死の問題に関しても? ”   カークはゆっくりとオムネに向き直った。 こんな所でオムネは銀河に本当の問題を晒すつもりなのか?   ”素晴らしい論理の問題だ ” オムネが言った。 ”不死を控えることは、殺人か? 銀河の数百万、数十億、数兆の大量殺戮ではないのか? これには今夜、ひと月、いち年、十年で死にそうなものがいるぞ。 ひとりは今夜死んだ、そして彼の王朝のトップとなる別の生命に与えること -- それは単に別の生命なのか? これはあらゆる者に与えられる物ではない -- 特に生命に関わる瞬間を君や君が手放す事のできない者には与えられないのだとしたら? ”   代表達は不安を感じたらしい、オムネが話している事は議題を越えてのものであると知ったかのようにざわめきが起きた。   カークが踏み込んだ。 ”Prime Directive からの貴方の議論によって ” 彼は言った、”不死といえど持ち込ませる事はできない。 あらゆる文化もそれが可能なのだとしても、どの様な文化にとっても最も急進的な変化だからだ ”   オムネが頷いた。 ”気がついているんだな? ”   カークが言った、”私の世界でもあった議論だ。 死亡率を下げる為に湿地を整え公衆衛生を医学を文化を先進国が非先進国に持ち込むべきだと -- それらの干渉によって世界は均質化し人口増加の不満を聞いたか？ タスマニア人がそうだ。 文化は抹消された。 文明の問題であった死を遅らせる事で生命を守った。 死について聞かれる事は滅多になくなるのだとある者は考えた ”   ”タスマニア人はそうではなかったと? ” オムネが言った。 カークは頭を振った。 名前の詳細は消されてしまった。 彼等に支えとなる原則はなく、それを磨く事もしなかった。 タスマニア人は殺された、単なる文化の接触による衝撃などではなく殺されたんだ ” ”そういった酷いことがあるからこそPrime Directive は学ばれるべきだ ” カークは続けた、”しかしまた、私達は医療も湿地を整える事も止めはしない。 数百万の者が生き、死に、交わり、藻掻き、仲違いし -- そしてようやく星への道を作る ” ”しかし君が医療を止めなければ ” オムネが言った。 ”そこはカネラだ、君はクリンゴンの干渉に反対しつつメディカルミッションを続ける為にFederation はダイリチウムクリスタルを必要とし、君自身の生命を守るために文化を直接的に侵す -- そして内戦を誘発し -- ” ”私は女性とまだ生まれていない赤ん坊を救った、クーデターから正当な継承を戻すことで ’ カークは言った。 ”クーデターは文化の範囲内だ ” オムネが言った。 ”君は違うと。 それは真か否か? ” ”真だ ” ”君がIotia の暗黒界に���教師を送りFederation の利権を断ち切ったな? ” カークは頭を振った。 ”此処は私の行動、若しくはFederation の物についての教理審問に答える場ではない。 あえて言うなら、暫く前に落としてしまった編みかけの物をあの時私が考えうる最高の糸で編み直したという事だ。 私が落とした物は大きく私達はその事を百年は残念に思う事だろう。 それは船長がひと目ふた目と編んでいくものだからだ -- 身体を吊る輪の中に彼の首を入れたまま -- 眼をPrime Directive に据えて。 そのポジションでその時に出来る事を -- ” カークは少し意地悪く笑い、冷静に代表達へと向いた。 ”私はそれらの物が船長が直面する最も困難な決断ではないのだと言わせてもらおう。 私は不死の約束から生還することが出来ず壊れてしまった船長を見た。 別の者も見た -- イザールのガースだ -- 彼は本を書いた、それは船長の為の物だった -- 最終的に精神に異常をきたした彼に私は跪いた、彼が英雄に値したからではなく私の生命と副官を守る為に。 私はPrime Directive を守る事と違反をすることとで壊された者を見た。 貴方は言うだろうな、ギャンブルだと、私の魂、正気、百の世界の平和を賭けたと。 私は文明化の慣習であるコンピュータ.ウォーを阻んだ、負傷者を出したくなかったからだ、戦争を -- 若しくは平和を支持する事での。 平和が広まり。 私は失った -- 2つの世界を。 いずれの場合も、私の決断だ。 不死に対しても私は決断を下すのだと摂政卿は好んで指摘するだろうが ” 観衆から疑問のざわめきが上がり、オムネが片眉を上げた。 カークはオムネに顔を向けた。 ”問題となるのは。 不死の価格は何になる? 無垢な不死者達が私を殺しにやって来た時、私はVaal の惑星に対し決断した。 私が持ち込んだ物がエデンのりんごだとしても、蛇は既に居たのだろう -- 天国と称される大部分を私は見た。 多くの世界の神話にあるように、3つの智慧の実が隠されていた。 食べれば不死は終わり、生命が始まる。 知識が不死の鍵となる日。 その決断もある者、ある存在の手にあるという事だと ” カークは観衆を見渡した。 ”貴方がたは既にその手の中にある -- その者が生を死を不死を決定する。 貴方を守る為の離脱も指令もない。 ある日その者が不死の決断に直面する。 恐らく既に行っている者もあるだろう。 その日には、それが銀河を救う物であるのかFederation の大望の品質を問われる事になるだろう。 貴方にはそれを徐々に削る事ができる。 貴方にはその野望を拒絶することが出来る。 貴方には過度の慈悲だと告発しそのシステムから離脱することが出来る。 だがジャッカルがやって来ても驚かないでいただきたい。 Federation が裂かれれば -- 戦争というジャッカルは貴方の半身にも噛み付くだろう。 貴方は皮膚が完全だった時はどうして無事だったのだろうかと考えるだろう ” 承認するような音もあったが大部分は険悪な呟きだった。 カークにはその殆どが彼に相対するもので、家を分かつ音であるとわかった。 それは言葉では解決出来ないものであると。

[buddyrabrahams]

15 college football coaches on the hot seat

It’s late enough in the college football season that we can begin wondering just how much leeway will be given to some of the nation’s most notable coaches. In some instances, those at both big and small schools alike are coaching for their futures. Some can still save themselves, while for others, it’s probably going to be too little, too late.

Here is a list of the 15 college football coaches on the hottest of hot seats.

15) Jim Mora, UCLA

With quarterback Josh Rosen back healthy after missing most of his sophomore season, Mora was supposed to improve easily in 2017. However, expectations simply have not been met.

After a 2-0 start to the season — including a remarkable comeback against Texas A&M — UCLA followed with three losses in four games. They took advantage of a weakened Oregon team to improve to 4-3 — matching last year’s win total — but they have trips to Washington, Utah, and USC looming. Mora’s job is safe for now, but a bad finish to the season could change everything.

14) Kevin Sumlin, Texas A&M

That Sumlin is not higher up on this low on the list is rather amazing considering how Texas A&M’s season started. The Aggies allowed 28 unanswered fourth quarter points in a loss to UCLA, leading to many calls for Sumlin’s job.

Sumlin managed to help his team regroup and win five of their next six, with the only loss coming against mighty Alabama. Freshman Kellen Mond overcame a rough debut against UCLA and has looked like a premier dual-threat QB. Still, it wouldn’t take a huge downtown for Sumlin to find himself facing the ax again. After all, there is clearly some opposition from the school’s Board of Regents, so he can’t really rest easy.

13) Tony Sanchez, UNLV

After a remarkable run of success at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Sanchez took the step up to the collegiate ranks and has little to show for it. He’s now in his third year at UNLV, and he has yet to post a winning season — or even make any real progress toward achieving one. After going from 3-9 to 4-8, the program looks to have stagnated again, with the Rebels off to a 2-5 start. That means Sanchez has a 9-22 record in his third season, having won just six of his 20 conference games so far. You can see why the school might be tempted to look elsewhere.

12) Paul Haynes, Kent State

Haynes is in year five of his Kent State tenure, and no discernible progress has been made whatsoever on the field. He won four games in his first season there, and he hasn’t won that many in a single season since. 2017 is not looking promising either, with the Golden Flashes sitting at 2-6.

Haynes is 9-26 in MAC play and 14-41 overall. After five years with the program, that record is not really acceptable, and even though he’s a Kent State alum, patience must be wearing thin.

11) Barry Odom, Missouri

Odom may be saved by a lack of longevity — he’s only in year two — but his team has, if anything, taken a step back since he took over for Gary Pinkel prior to 2016. Odom is winless in SEC play thus far after winning only two conference games in his debut season. The program’s record as a whole has taken a step back in 2017 and shows no signs of turning back around. Odom may be allowed one more year to show tangible progress, but it would be no shock to see him let go if the 2-5 team’s underwhelming play keeps up.

10) Lovie Smith, Illinois

The hiring of Smith, a respected NFL coach, was supposed to give the Illini credibility on and off the field. Perhaps the coach brought some name recognition and boosted the Fighting Illini in some form, but he has done nothing for results on it.

Smith is winless in Big Ten play in 2017 and has a record of 5-14 over his tenure so far. Nobody thought the Illinois job would be an easy one, but the school invested money in Smith to see improvement on the field which hasn’t manifested. Smith may get a crack at a third season, but the seat will be very hot if he does.

9) Kalani Sitake, BYU

It was less than three months ago, really, that Sitake was viewed as a rising star in the coaching profession after going 9-4 in his debut season at BYU, including a Poinsettia Bowl victory. That talk has evaporated quickly with the Cougars sitting at 1-7 and taking their place as one of the worst teams in college football this season. The Cougars are 128th out of 130 with just 12.1 points scored per game, while once-promising QB Tanner Mangum has really taken a step back with five touchdown passes against eight interceptions.

Sitake probably still harbors some goodwill from his first year with BYU, and he’ll need every bit of it to save his job. BYU has been terrible this year, unacceptably so.

8) Larry Fedora, North Carolina

Fedora is very easily having his worst season as North Carolina head coach. The Tar Heels have posted a losing record just once in his tenure before 2017. This season he’s 1-7, and it’s not just the losing, but also the manner of it.

The Tar Heels have consistently been losing in blowouts, culminating in a 59-7 loss at Virginia Tech on Oct. 21. Fedora had a good resume coming into this season. That plus all the injuries the team has suffered this season should give him plenty of wiggle room, but his team has been so bad that nothing can be ruled out.

7) David Bailiff, Rice

A few short years ago, Bailiff was consistently leading Rice to bowl games, but those days are gone now. He’s suffered three consecutive losing seasons, each one worse than the previous one. He’s just 1-6 in 2017, and there have been growing calls for his head since the end of last season.

Bailiff is in his 11th season with the Owls, so it may be time for new leadership in the program — especially when you consider the trajectory that they appear to be on under their current coach.

6) Jim McElwain, Florida

How patient are the Gators feeling? McElwain is less than a year removed from leading Florida to an Outback Bowl victory and a top 15 end-of-season ranking in the polls, but the Gators are now listless at 3-3. Adding to the chaos is a locker room that has been awash with off-field issues and distractions, which falls in part on the coach.

A good finish to the season — in addition to his two strong seasons to start his Gators tenure — may save him, but mediocrity like this won’t be tolerated at Florida for long.

5) David Beaty, Kansas

Kansas ended the 2016 season — a year that saw them win two games, which was still an improvement from their winless 2015 — by handing Beaty a lengthy contract extension through 2021 that pays him $1.6 million a year. For that price tag, the Jayhawks have received a 1-6 season and a squad still waiting for its first Big 12 win. Kansas is simply stalled out under Beaty, and he hasn’t shown any evidence that he’s the man to turn around this long-struggling program that hasn’t won more than three games in a season since Mark Mangino’s final year in 2009.

4) Kliff Kingsbury, Texas Tech

It’s never a good sign when there’s a fan movement to get you fired, but that’s where Texas Tech is at.

Kingsbury got a shot across the bow during the offseason when there was some legitimate doubt as to whether he’d return, which was a clear warning that things needed to change with the Red Raiders. That hasn’t happened. The team is 4-3, but 1-3 in Big 12 play, with Kingsbury’s typically porous defense (ranked 95th out of 130 in points allowed per game) struggling again.

His seat gets hotter and hotter with each loss, and a good portion of the team’s fanbase wants him gone.

3) Mike Riley, Nebraska

Riley’s days look numbered at Nebraska despite a 9-4 season last year. The athletic director who hired him is gone now, and Riley’s fate has seemed sealed ever since the team’s shocking home loss to Northern Illinois in September.

Riley has two Big Ten wins this season, but they’re against lowly Rutgers and Illinois. Ohio State eviscerated them at home, showing just far behind expectations they are. Riley feels like a goner, especially with a new athletic director who may want a clean slate.

2) Bret Bielema, Arkansas

The Razorbacks are not paying Bielema over $4 million per season to go .500. They are definitely not paying him that much to go 0-4 in SEC play, which is exactly what he has done so far in 2017 — especially in his fifth season at the helm of the program.

Bielema now has a losing record overall as Arkansas head coach, and his 10-26 record against SEC opponents is, quite frankly, an abomination. He’ll be lucky to last until the end of the season, and Hogs fans won’t be sorry to see him go.

1) Butch Jones, Tennessee

Jones once infamously said that his senior class had won the “championship of life,” and it sure looks like that’s the only title he’ll be able to claim in Tennessee. He’s off to an 0-4 start in SEC play, bringing his conference record to 14-22 during his tenure with the Volunteers. He’s never been able to meet the high expectations placed upon him after some encouraging seasons, and things have gone particularly poorly for him in 2017. That 41-0 home loss to Georgia may end up proving the beginning of the end.

Vols fans are fed up with Jones, and it doesn’t look like he’ll get another chance to turn things around in 2018.

from Larry Brown Sports http://ift.tt/2yPic8r