#still kicking myself for not participating in 2021 | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

peachpety · 1 year ago

Text

Upon reflecting this past year, I’m reminded of one area as a fandom citizen that i am lacking - reading fic. And so was born an idea to canvas my fandom family and friends to share with me a fic they've written, art they've created, a podfic they've recorded in 2023 of which they are most proud.

This two part 'rec yourself' list is the result.

Part One features Drarry creations (heavily featured since that's my OTP). Part Two (here) includes a kick-ass mix of various HP ships and ships from other fandoms, including Carry On, Check Please!, Good Omens, Teen Wolf, and Stranger Things. Also, and most importantly, each entry presents a smol blurb from the creator about why they chose their particular piece as their 2023 favorite.

For ease in reading, I've also placed all submitted works posted to AO3 into a filterable bookmark collection, Rec Yourself 2023. Be aware that there's a range of ratings and archive/creator tags, so please, take appropriate responsibility for your personal consumption. And please also be sure to shower the creators with kudos and lovely comments.

Y'all. This endeavor has been a fucking blast. One thing's for sure, I am blessed, humbled and honored to know a whole bunch of fantastic, brilliant, fun folks. Big love to you all, and thank you for participating.

So go forth. Indulge and enjoy! xo peach

* * *

✩ @pato-roldnart ✩ Quiet as a mouse HP | Viktor Krum x Ron Weasely | ART | G rating | Unleashed!Fest 2023 I'm quite proud of this one, I don't know how I made it, I had never drawn them before! My mind went full "oh yeah ronvik " Also, I like the idea of them bonding over their pets and Ron seeing that Viktor cares about something else that is not Quidditch.

✩ @tontonguetonks ✩ Coffee and a Croissant HP Next Gen | Scorpius x Albus | 903 FIC | G rating There are parts of myself and my lived experience in every story and character I write—how I socialize, how I take my coffee… I can’t help it. In *Coffee and a Croissant*, I put a lot of myself in my ace and autistic Albus. He is very dear to me in this story, and in my Fizzy Lifting Drinks drabble. The fic is just a toe-dip in the Soulmate waters where Albus grapples with what to do if he is someone’s Soulmate, but they’re not his. Parts 2 and 3 are in the works, but there is no timeline on either of them. Maybe in 2024?

✩ @crazybutgood ✩ I Bloom Pink For You HP | Narcissa Malfoy x Pansy Parkinson | 993 FIC + ORIGAMI COMIC | M rating | HP Bodice Ripper Fest 2023 This whole idea came about because I got so excited to fold a corset for hp bodice ripper fest, realised I couldn't just submit that one thing, and started brainstorming more loose ideas. It all clicked together when I was inspired by a fic by @schmem14, whose writing I adore. I was so grateful and even more excited when Em gave permission to make this. From there started the self-indulgent process of folding fancy things with fancier papers for this origami comic, and I couldn't have done it without Em and my lovely support team.

✩ @seekercass ✩ Something Cosmic HP | Cedric x Draco x Harry | 1.7k FIC | M rating | Polyship Week 2022 A self-rec that I am still extremely proud of is a short fic written for Polyshipping Week 2022 called Something Cosmic. It's a small coda to Something Good to Always Keep, another fic that I wrote for Quidditch Fest 2021 that I cherish very much. Even though writing is still hard for me these days, I often think about this 'verse and what life is like for Harry, Draco and Cedric after they graduated from Oxford. These three and slice of life bring me such joy. I hope to write more of them.

✩ @roseharpermaxwell ✩ Sounds Worth It HP | Hermione x Draco | 5k FIC | T rating | D/Hr Advent 2023 Being nominated for d/hr advent was a sweet surprise. It gave me a good excuse to remember how to write and the nudge I needed to create something this year.

✩ @basicallyahedgehog ✩ (They) Keep Me Warm HP | Hermione x Harry x Ron | 5.8k FIC | E rating | HP Trans Fest 2023 This was my transfest fic - I wrote it as a love letter to all my trans and Enby friends and as a way of processing some of my own feelings. It’s my first (and so far only) foray into poly golden trio and I loved playing with their dynamics with that added layer to their relationship.

✩ @lumosatnight ✩ For I Have Found Salvation HP | Harry x Severus | 7.1k FIC | E rating | Snarry AUctoberfest 2023 Although this is a smut fic at its core, I tried really hard to make the pacing flow, bringing in background characters, and creating memorable imagery. I am very proud of how it turned out. However, this is probably my favorite fic from 2023 simply for the fact that I had the most fun writing it!

✩ @sugareey-makes-stuff ✩ Feel You Breathing Teen Wolf | Derek Hale x Stiles Stilinski | 8.4k TEXTING FIC | E rating | 2023 Year of the OTP This is my fav 2023 piece because I learned how to create a custom text message AO3 skin, stylize things for plain text reading, and I wrote a whole story that had some plot that was told through text messages. Also, I did not know I could achieve so much spiciness and throw in so many bad pick-up lines through this medium, but hey, the more you know! XD

✩ @schmem14 ✩ Mastermind HP | Harry x Ron; Draco x Harry; Ron x Draco | 10.7k FIC | E rating | Dronarry Fest 2023 This is one of the few times a story just flew out of me. Possessive stalker Draco sets out to win over Ron in this creepy thriller, but there’s a catch: Ron is already in love with Draco’s boyfriend, Harry.

✩ @drwhoisginnyholmes & @fledglinger ✩ Not Bad, For A 6000 Year Old Classic! Good Omens | Aziraphale x Crowley | 11.8k FIC + ART | E rating | DIWS Reverse! Reverse! Mini Bang

✩ @sniperjade ✩ The Sounds of Us HP Marauders | Regulus x Remus | 20.4k FIC | M rating | Remus Lupin Fest 2023; HPFC Spring Fling 2023 I've been thinking about this for a couple of days and whilst I would really love to say it was the drarry I wrote for this fest last year my favourite would have to be this moonseeker I wrote for Remus Lupin Fest last year. It's my favourite because I lived this fic. It became the entirety of my personality for a whole month because I desperately needed to get to the chapter where Regulus was riding on Padfoots back, through the forbidden forest, with only the light of the full moon to guide them, just to try and help Remus. It's also just because it's very musical and I'm very musical so that makes me love it all the more.

✩ @ghaniblue ✩ Sleeping With Ghosts HP | Regulus x Draco x Harry | 21.9k FIC | M rating | Harry Potter Rare Pair Fest IV I posted a Regulus/Harry/Draco fic last month that I'm very fond of. I started writing it more than 1 1/2 years ago, before I ever read a single Regulus fic. It's triad fic, and I'm pretty proud of the way the individual relationships develop. That was important to me, and I think I succeeded. Posting the first fic on ao3 with this triad tag doesn't hurt either.

✩ @celilasart & @wolfspurr ✩ Shifted Teen Wolf | Derek Hale x Stiles Stilinski | 25k FIC + ART | T rating | Sterek Reverse Bang This work was created for sterek reverse bang, a collaboration fest where the artists create first and the writers write second. wolfspurr and I just clicked when we talked about my art and the things that it inspired in their writer brain ;D the result is just an amazingly sweet and wholesome fic, that is still set in the teenwolf universe as we know it. but unlike many other fics which are full of violence and danger, this one starts with a bang and then it is a beautifully woven story of two people who just complete each other. also... the working title for my art was: tiny fox & sour wolf.

✩ @orange-peony ✩ At the speed of light Carry On | Basilton Pitch x Simon Snow | 26.3k FIC | E rating I picked [this fic] because I had a lot of fun writing it! It started off as a drabble and ended up 26k because I just had a blast writing it and the fandom support was so lovely. Last but not least, Pato made an absolutely stunning art piece for this fic, and it was the best present ever.

✩ @wynnyfryd ✩ i don’t know, you figure it out Stranger Things | Steve Harrington x Eddie Munson | 35.4k WIP FIC | E rating bragging about yourself is difficult, but i’ll just say it’s my favorite because i’m proud of myself for sticking to one project for this long, i love all the artwork the fic has inspired, and i just think the line “the river styx must taste like pennies” fucks severely lmao.

✩ @decaflondonfog ✩ growing pains Check Please! | Eric Bittle x Kent Parson | 50k FIC | T rating i am not usually a long fic gal, which i think is in part lack of patience, but also how attached i get to a universe if i’m working on it for a longer period of time. i finished writing this back in june but this fic felt very “me” in many ways and i think about them so often still so it’s definitely my 2023 creation i’m proudest of!

66 notes · View notes

natlacentral · 11 months ago

Text

MEET THE COSTUME DESIGNER BEHIND THE FANTASTICAL LIVE-ACTION ‘AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER’

Farnaz Khaki-Sadigh is a builder of worlds as much as she submerges herself in the woven fabrics that contrive some of television’s most quirky characters and unusual universes. Known for her past costume design work in Prime Video’s Upload (2020), Khaki-Sadigh can make detached, dystopian realities appear real.

Most recently, the Vancouver-based costume designer built the lushly decorated universe of Netflix’s live-action take on Avatar: The Last Airbender, diving deep into 19th Century lore across Asian history to reference the four different elemental tribes' wardrobe. Seen mostly in the water tribe protagonists Sokka (Ian Ousley) and Katara (Kiawentiio Tarbell), their multi-shade blue protective attire was crafted to appear authentic and feel functional. Each Avatarperformer has their fair share of scenes that include choreographed wire-work and martial art action stunt sequences. Before filming in 2021, the cast participated in a week-long “bending camp” where they trained and strictly reviewed their character’s bending movements and scene choreography in Vancouver, Canada.

“I really wanted to be a warrior and tough kid like Sokka when I was a little guy,” says Ian Ousley about playing Sokka over Zoom. “He masks his vulnerabilities with humor and he tries to protect the people around him.” This courageous and comical character is often draped in protective teal-strapped clothing equipped with a wide warrior waist belt, boomerang, and Indigenous designs—he can’t bend, unlike novice water-bender Katara.

“When I was growing up watching Avatar, what stuck out to me was to be able to see myself in a character on TV and especially as a little Native girl, you know, that representation wasn’t as prevalent. [Katara] is like kicking ass and she is the coolest person,” Kiawentiio Tarbell recalls to me, beaming from Netflix’s Los Angeles headquarters.

The new Avatar iteration accentuates Asian culture not only through onscreen characters, casting, and cuisine but also through the garb that the principal cast and background extras wear. Khaki-Sadigh gave these characters life, even though the characters are set in a fantasy world that defies physics, the interwoven fabric of Asian American identity lives within the seams in every scene. Here, she discusses her costume design mastery work and how being a fan of the show helped her approach design with care and a critical eye.

Malik Peay: As a costume designer, you really are the first line of defense of making these characters feel real and familiar to the Avatar: The Last Airbender franchise that has existed in other iterations before now. What felt like the biggest challenge when creating a wardrobe for all Four Elements? Farnaz Khaki-Sadigh: When it came to designing for the live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender and creating the looks for the four nations represented by the elements, the biggest challenge was blending the cultural and historical accuracy while staying true to the original animation. The animation pulled so much inspiration from so many different cultures, and I really wanted to represent and showcase the cultural authenticity and historical accuracy of the real nations, cultures and regions that were the inspirations behind the Four Elements. It was important to me to make sure that i blended the two worlds, the real and the animation, in a way that honored both and stayed true to the fanbase. As a costume designer, our job is to be able to help tell the a story by helping visually build the characters and bring their world and personalities to life. It is important to help create a world that the viewers can fully immerse in and relate to. In this case it was really about making sure that everything was still relatable to the fans and did justice to the original show and still was respectful culturally and historically accurate.

MP: I felt the Indigenous influences in the water tribe’s costumes and throughout the other tribes. What was your research process like for this series? FKS: The original animation takes inspiration from many different cultures during mid- to late 19th Century. I had to not only educate myself about the specific cultures that are referenced by the original lore but also the history of those cultures and the influences their history had on what, how, and why people wore what they wore in those time periods. I spent a lot of time doing research for this project before I started on the show and continuously trying to learn as we worked through the project. I was reading books, articles, watching documentaries and reading historical papers and basically any medium I could use to learn from. I was also very fortunate to speak with some Inuit elders and learn from them first-hand about their culture and history. As well as getting to work with many incredible Inuit artists that contributed to creating some of the trims, accessories, headdresses that were used in both the southern and northern water tribe. This was an incredible collaboration and an amazing learning experience for me.

MP: When it comes to creating a fantasy world for the audience to believe through costuming, what is your main goal in terms of enforcing believability through wardrobe? FKS: I feel the more the character and the costume and the surrounding world blend in together, the more relatable and believable it is, especially in a fantasy world. Costumes are usually the silent storytellers, you want them to be noticed but you don’t want them to stand out and overpower the scene. They need to seamlessly blend in with the character and the background, to create authenticity to the world and the story they are a part of. The more organic and authentic they feel to the story the more they enforce the believability of the fantasy world you are trying to portray.

MP: Knowing the cast has to have a lot of room for movement in their costumes, how were you sourcing fabric materials for the performers’ wardrobe that would feel functional and practical? FKS: This was a very important part of the process for us as there are lots of action sequences in the show, and for the most part the cast has the same look. Not only did we have to look at the comfort, flexibility, weight, and mobility for action sequences, but also making sure that the garments flowed and moved organically with the actions. We tested a lot of fabrics, did a lot of mock ups that we tested with cast and stunt actors to ensure that the costume did not infringe on their performance and actions. Changing some of the designs around to make sure we accommodated for the movement and comfort. There is a lot of trial and error to the process. I believe that when you put a costume on a performer it should be comfortable enough that it becomes a part of them, it should be something they put on and not have to fuss with or feel cumbersome by it. The costumes should feel like a second skin and an extension of that character.

MP: Do you look for practicality when curating the cast’s costumes or more so rely on movie magic? FKS: I think you need both. Practicality is important, but so is authenticity and that takes movie magic. You need both and you need to know how to perfectly blend the two as to not take away from the visual appeal and the viewer experience. For me it has never been one for the other to be honest. It is a balancing act and you have to figure out when to use one or the other and when you need both as things go along.

MP: The fire, air, earth, and water nation costumes are enhanced by the mixed martial arts acts and occasional moments of projectile natural elements. What costume in this series felt like your magnum opus because they all immersed me into the world of Avatar? FKS: I would have to say the entire show would be my magnum opus. I have been a big fan of the original show, I wanted to work on this project since they announced it, and to have gotten the opportunity to design and create the costumes for the live action and bring the world of Avatar to life is truly a dream come true. This show has been the biggest project, the biggest challenge, and the most gratifying project I have had the honor of designing in my career thus far. I set out wanting to do the show justice, and I am really proud of what me and my team were able to achieve.

MP: Why do you believe the costumes in this series are so integral to each’s character’s background? FKS: We use clothing to portray many silent messages in daily life. We tell our mood, where we come from, where we are going, and how we feel. We use clothing as a mask to hide our true self, a shield to protect and hide behind or as a badge of honor to show who we are. Just like real life, the costumes on each character tell a bit of their story and their journey, where they come from, where they belong, where they are going, if they are hiding behind a mask or who they truly are and what they may be holding on to. As each character’s journey progresses and their story arch changes, their costumes tell a bit of that journey. Their costumes are a representation of themselves, their nation and their growth as they move along their story arch.

#interview #joysauce #natla #atla #farnaz khaki sadigh #kiawentiio #ian ousley #netflix avatar #avatar the last airbender #avatar netflix #netflix atla #atla netflix

3 notes · View notes

raybeansbooks · 1 year ago

Text

Life is Strange: True Colors

Life is Strange: True Colors - Game Square Enix, Deck Nine 2021

(Image Copyright Square Enix)

A cold breeze blows through my cracked window as I curl up in bed with a blanket and my cat. I boot up my switch and start my game. The main protagonist flickers onto the screen before it goes black and the music kicks in. The theme song of Haven plays as developer names fade in and out on the screen; stringed instruments pull me in. The title card comes on as I look onto a scene of the town I will be occupying, as Alex Chen in Life is Strange: True Colors.

Life is Strange: True Colors and its add-on story ‘Wavelength’ are the most recent releases in the Life is Strange franchise developed by Deck Nine and released by Square Enix. In this entry to the series, you as the player take the role of Alex Chen, an Asian-American girl recently out of the Foster Care system and has the Supernatural Ability to read peoples’ emotions. Traveling to Haven Springs, Colorado, she finally reunites with her brother Gabe. He introduces her to the town and its people, a warm and welcoming environment to Alex as she starts her new life… but it isn’t long before things go sideways.

In a review written by ‘I Need Diverse Games’:

“ The Life is Strange franchise is a curious piece of work. It specifically engages with fascinating concepts, often ones confronting difficult themes that largely affects marginalised communities. From racism to child abuse, trauma to immigration, it is a franchise unafraid to deal with these themes as part of the games’ plot.”

Life is Strange games are more than just stories with super-powered teens navigating their abilities and identities as they figure out school and more adult aspects of their lives. We are focusing on the dark twists and turns of the everyday and real villains that walk among us. We are focusing on the memorable people that fill our lives as active or passive participants in our journey and development.

While I owe my interest to this franchise and my pursuit of Photography as an art- yes, a video game affected me in a way I knew what major I wanted- this latest iteration is in a league all its own. We still have supernatural abilities as an element in our story but it doesn’t drive the direction of the plot as much as it did in the past- time travel or trigger major events. We use it as a connection to analyze feelings and navigate expression and empathy.

I love the worlds this franchise immerses me in. The background music is stunning, the characters are cringy but fun and interesting and deep, the events around these characters truly affect them, and we watch them grow and foster relationships and community. While I definitely have favorites in terms of characters and installments- with personal preference leaning toward the original release and this one, I love this universe as a whole and can see myself continuing to invest in it.

A series like this makes fantastic leaps between mediums in its exploration of its universe. We don’t just have video games, we have written work in the form of comics and novels, following the continued and expanded stories of the characters we have gotten to know over the years. I think this could be a stellar way to bridge media for readers and gamers alike in a library setting. We could have little displays of materials together that are the same franchise and allow for people to see the source material and the materials that have come from it. Of course, items will be allowed to be checked out through policies of the institution and there is plenty of overlap that there can be multiple franchises at once and/or things can be switched around if the materials are on hand.

Since the games don’t really have to be played in any particular order, I’d recommend this title regardless of your familiarity with Life is Strange. It’s an adventure game full of life and loss and connections.

- Ray 12/09/2023 *All Images Copyright of Square Enix

Square enix. Life is Strange: True Colors. (n.d.). https://lifeisstrange.square-enix-games.com/en-us/games/life-is-strange-true-colors/

Tauriq. (2021, October 4). Life is strange: True colors review. I Need Diverse Games. https://ineeddiversegames.org/2021/10/07/life-is-strange-true-colors-review/

#ya #young adult #game #video game #lis #life is strange #true colors #life is strange true colors #lis true colors #switch #ps4 #ps5 #xbox #windows #square en #blog #contemporary

0 notes

taem-min-archived · 4 years ago

Text

Drink Drank Drunk teaser

Pairing : Frat boy! Taemin x Female reader

Genres: fluff, suggestive, angst, murder au

Summary: One murder. Two suspects. Are you responsible?

Warnings: fuckgirl reader, fuckboy Taemin, mentions of underage sex, suggestive, underage drinking, mentions of drugs, angst, mentions of cheating, murder, character death, unhealthy family relations, mentions of death

Collab: Part of the Prisoner’s Dilemma collab @cosmiclatte28 . Thank you so much for letting me participate in this collab I had so much fun. The idea is just so unique!

Release Date: 10th December 2021, this date has 2 significant meanings in my life special points if you can guess it

The game was simple. You were given a dare or a truth. If you did it, others had to drink. If you didn't, you had to drink.

And being already drunk everyone was a bit too bold, completing all the dares and resulting in others getting more drunk.

I could feel myself leaning more and more into Taemin as time passed but he gave me comfort by never letting go of me. He had his arm draped around my waist, supporting me as I snuggled close to him.

Finally, the bottle spun and landed on the devil I was hoping it would.

"Yubin." I said, my words so sugary sweet I could feel everyone's eyes on me.

She looked up at me, recognition dawning on her face as she chewed her lips nervously.

"Yubin darling, since you are new to this-" I began but she cut me off.

"I'm not afraid to do the dares." she declared.

I narrowed my eyes on her. "You didn't let me finish." I said coldly.

"Knowing how petty you are, you are just going to give me a dare to take revenge on me for spilling coke on your pants." she snapped.

Someone snickered and I felt my cheeks burn. Taemin's grip around my waist tightened as I swallowed all the ugly things I wanted to tell her.

She was a coward. She never stood up to her bullies unless it was me.

"Yubin." Taemin said, his voice crystal clear. "I dare you to stay as long as you can underwater."

Someone whistled as the crowd broke into ooh and aah's. I was glad to see Yubin gulp visibly.

"Come on." Taemin muttered to me, helping me up.

"Where are we going?" Yubin asked as I watched her look at me fearfully.

I smirked. Served her right.

"To the bathroom of course." Taemin said. She looked unsettled like she knew something bad was going to happen to her. Someone nudged her as she got up slowly and unsteadily due to all the drinks, and followed us upstairs.

Taemin kicked open the bathroom door ushering us in, and I fiddled with the taps, trying to fill in the bathtub.

"Here." I said turning back once the tub was completely filled. Taemin was leaning against the wall while Yubin was still near the door.

"Get in. We do have all day."

"I don't have any extra clothes." she muttered. Oh, so now she was scared of me?

I sat on the edge of the tub and smiled at her sweetly. "I'm pretty sure you can borrow some of Soyeon's clothes later on."

She still seemed unsure but slowly came near the bathtub. Slowly, she got in, shivering visibly as the cold water soaked into her clothes.

"Now get in fully." Taemin said and Yubin gulped, before going underwater completely.

I smiled in satisfaction. "Now let's see how much time you take."

If you want to be added to the taglist, please like / comment / reblog / send an ask!

59 notes · View notes

joopiterjoon · 4 years ago

Text

Spring Sprouts Collab

From the folks who brought you The Snowllab, we bring you Spring Sprouts!

Myself, @wwilloww, @btsaudge, @hesperantha, @thatlongspringnight, @jinpanman, and @ezralia-writes bring you a series dedicated to Spring! The season of new love and beginnings, nature in bloom, warm days and cool nights. From tumultuous April showers to romantic May flowers, please enjoy our tales for each member, a lovely mix of MxR and MxM!

Coming to you between March 15-March 30, 2021!

Long Ball by @hesperantha

Pairing: Jungkook x Seokjin (+18)

Jungkook's unexpected wardrobe choice for a spring picnic makes Seokjin's brain malfunction.

Spring Fever by joopiterjoon (me)

Pairing: Seokjin x Taehyung (PG-13)

Seokjin, the King of Spring, is growing old in the season of youth and feeling lonelier than ever during a time of year marked by the bloom of new love. That is until a freak accident at his best friend's magic shop leaves him wishing those were the least of his worries. Now he's helpless in more ways than one as he's forced to keep Taehyung from destroying the very season he'd come to loathe.

Bittersweet Spring by @btsaudge

Pairing: Yoongi x Jimin (+18)

The annual Chocolate Festival kicks off the spring season in your city each year. As a confectioner and purveyor of everything sweet, Jimin can’t wait to participate in the artisanal chocolate contest. His candy shop, The Sweetest Thing, is still new and winning the contest would bring Jimin both acclaim and customers. Just one thing stands in the way. Min Yoongi, local food critic and resident sourpuss, can’t stand Jimin or his ridiculously sweet treats. Yoongi's food blog, One Bite At A Time, is well-read, and he’s bashed Jimin's shop once before. Now, Yoongi’s the head judge of the contest, and Jimin knows Yoongi will do everything he can to sully the shop’s reputation. As the contest approaches, the passionate and angry tension between the two of them comes to a head.

Effortlessly Alone by @thatlongspringnight [[Coming Soon!]]

Pairing: Namjoon x Seokjin

Genre/Rating: +18, fluff, soft angst, fantasy

Jin is an ancient river god, cursed to be trapped in his fish form for his heartless transgressions. Namjoon is a lonely twenty-something who takes to feeding him cheese crackers and telling him about his life. Together this unlikely pair may just find the answers to the loneliness in their hearts are closer than they think.

Stinkin Adeerable by @jinpanman

Pairing: Hoseok x reader

Genre/Rating: PG13, fluff, some crack

What’s a skunk to do when the bright and annoying deer shifter says he’s going to move into your secret hiding place? Why, move in right along with him.

TBA by @wwilloww [[Coming Soon!]]

Pairing: Jimin x Taehyung

Genre/Rating: +18, artist au, fluff, smut

Jimin is a artist. At least he used to be an artist. But after a year of no painting when the craft comes singing again, the only canvas that will satisfies his urge to paint is the city he lives in - windows, sidewalks, buildings. Anything in his reach. It's a secret he swears he'll keep till the day he dies, at least until an insomniatic stranger stumbles across his work one too many times

Fairy Flowers by @ezralia-writes [[Coming Soon!]]

Pairing: Namjoon x reader

Genre/Rating: PG-13, Fluff, Minor angst, Fairy!au

“I wish I could say I’m sneezing because of the dust but...” Namjoon paused, worried his next words might offend you, “I’m actually allergic to the flowers growing in your hair.”

#spring sprouts collab #bts fanfic #jinkook #jin x junkook #namjin #namjoon x jin #vmin #jimin x taehyung #taejin #taehyung x jin #yoonmin #yoongi x jimin #namjoon x reader

135 notes · View notes

mirkwoodshewolf · 4 years ago

Text

A new kind of competition RA on the Masked singer pt. 1

*Author’s note*

Hey guys well like I said on my last post, this is the 1st part of my Masked Singer chapter. And let me just tell you after literally MONTHS of trying to figure out a playlist for this chapter I FINALLY came to a good playlist that I could see the Rock Angel doing if she were to compete in the Masked Singer. So follow along and listen to the songs I’ve listed if you really wanna get into the mood of it and I hope you all enjoy this fun little chapter and until next time :)

Taglist:

@bohemiansweede

@plethora-of-things

@waddles03

@psychosupernatural

@ixchel-9275

@simonedk

@queensdivas

@queen-paladin

@jd-johndeacon-or-jackdaniels

@queendeakyy

@5sos-wdw

@wormzteef

@geek-and-proud

@starswin

@labessieisallama

@isabella-bby

@naturalswifty89

@ssa-sadboi

@onebigfangirlworld

_________________________________________________________

*February 2021*

This was a whole new game changer for me, but I’m happy I signed up for it. While visiting my son Georgie (through a very brief period when the pandemic was at a standstill, before the States closed down again), I had been asked by the Producers of NBC’s “The Masked Singer” if I’d be willing to participate in the show.

Having seen the show through Youtube videos and even seeing the UK’s version of it back home during our lockdown, I immediately hopped on board and said I would do it. But of course being as secretive as this show was, they forbad me from telling anyone or announcing it on Social media, if I even breathed a word of my appearance on the show to anyone, they’d revoke it and kick me out of the show.

The character that they had chosen for me was the Lioness and boy was she a gorgeous creature. Much like how they had the Lion all the way back in Season one, she was pure gold however she wasn’t covered with armor like the Lion was. I had asked for some flexibility to the outfit cause I wanted to give the audience a side of me that they’ve never seen before. I wanted to be able to move much like Bow-Wow did on the last season of the Masked Singer as the Frog.

They took some of my ideas into consideration on allowing the outfit to have that flexibility for me to dance my heart out. I wore platform high-heeled boots much like I always did back when I first started off as the Rock Angel.

I also wanted to honor Freddie in a way with my outfit. I had asked for the gloves if it could be possible if we could add some diamond claws. I showed them (whatever pictures I could find of the 1974 Rainbow concert. Thank you all for the lovely gifs) just so they could get the idea and when the costume dept. saw it, they fell in love with the idea. They even agreed to shape the diamonds as real lioness claws.

Once the costume was fully complete and I got to put it on for the first time, it felt like I had actually become The Lioness. Of course it came with a price too, I wasn’t allowed to talk to anyone, even when I just had to go around with the mask, I was given the famed DON’T TALK TO ME black hoodie so that no one was able to hear my real voice.

I was also forbidden from talking to the other contestants as well as hear them rehearse until we would begin filming the episodes. I was placed into GROUP B along with creatures such as the Piglet, Black Swan, the Chameleon, and Grandpa Monster. I was also told that there would be some major game changers this season but no one, not even the judges knew just what those changes were, only the Host.

Weeks and weeks of rehearsals and performing each of my songs that I had picked out and wanted to do, never did I think I’d get as far as I did. But I could care less about the trophy, I just enjoy singing and this was a whole new game changer cause now my fans get to see a whole new side of me that they never do get to see on stage with me.

Sure I’ve had courage to go up on stage constantly, overcome every obstacle known to man, hell even stay a sane person after having a rough childhood, but the Lioness has given me courage to do things that I’ve never done before on stage, whether performing with my boys, by myself, or with other singers that I’ve performed/toured with. Back then or present day.

And I hope you all can guess correct just who is beneath the Lioness mask. Enjoy my dears.

*GROUP B PREMIERE EPISODE*

“Alright! Alright! Alright!” the current host of MS5 Niecy Nash said after the last contestant Black Swan performed her opening song. “Now this next contestant is gonna prove that she belongs on this stage. Give it up….for the Queen herself! The Lioness!”

The crowd cheered and I walked out with the Men in Black strutting down with pride in each step. I greeted the audience with the royal wave before standing next to Niecy. Even though I could vaguely see out of this mask, I still had some sense of the stage.

“Oooo girl you are stunning to look at look at this ya’ll ain’t see a Queen or what?!”

“She looks amazing!” I heard Jenny exclaim.

“Yeah I’m jealous look at those claws of hers. I wish I had those.” Nicole stated. I gave them a sexy clawing motion with my hands as they all hooted and hollered.

“I agree with you Nicole. Now let’s find out some clues on just who this Queen Lioness is.” Through the TV, I knew my first clue package would be playing. Here’s out it went down.

You would see a 3 layered rock platform, on smaller rock, one slightly taller in the middle and finally a large boulder that stood tall like a throne with me sitting on top of it.

“Welcome to my Pride. Being the top lioness isn’t always easy but it’s all worth it in the end. Something that I believe the world could benefit from.” The screen would change to me walking along a virtual plain with various animals. “Growing up, we weren’t allowed to really show our true colors as much as we can now. If you were even slightly different from the rest of the world, you were condemned.” A zebra with the LGBTQ patterns for its stripes came up.

“An LGBTQ flag. Could be a member of it.” Pointed out Robin Thicke.

“But it still hurts me to see that even as society begins to change, there are those that still cling to the old ways of life.”

“Maybe a politician. This is a lot of politics going on here.” Nicole stated. The screen changed to me holding the world in the palm of my hands. I crushed the world down.

“I just hope that one day the world will come to understand that we are all One people, one world.” I opened my hands up and soon a rainbow appeared before ending my 1st clue package.

The stage was dark except for one spotlight shining down on me. Well more like half of me, half of my body remained in the shadows while the other half was sparkling under the spotlight as I spoke with my American accent, the voice modulator turning off for my performance.

“We are a nation with multi-graphic boundaries. Bound together through our beliefs. We are like-minded individuals, sharing a common vision. Pushing toward a world rid of color loins.” Already I could see that people were trying to figure out who I was by hearing my real voice, but due to me American accent and natural British accent being two completely different voices, it was throwing people for a loop.

I then did Janet’s famed countdown with my right hand before the song came on full force and I and my backup dancers began to dance the Rhythm Nation dance. ALL in perfect unison.

The crowd went insane and I could even see the judges standing up in shock as well as cheering. I strutted towards the mic stand at the corner of the stage and began to sing. My natural alto range came forth and I could see the audience singing along and even do some of the dance moves to the song, especially once the chorus hit.

I strutted across the stage before I would rejoin and lead the pride that was my dancers in the famed dance, before strutting forward on the stage, coaxing the audience to cry the chorus out loudly.

*Me*

With music by our side To break the color lines Let's work together To improve our way of life Join voices in protest To social injustice A generation full of courage Come forth with me

People of the world today Are we looking for a better way of life We are a part of the rhythm nation People of the world unite Strength in numbers we can get it right One time (Sing it up!) We are a part of the rhythm nation

My backup dancers and I then did probably the most difficult dance break that Janet had set for all dancers to perform in perfect unison.

“She’s has got this dance DOWN!!” exclaimed Nicole.

“This has to be a natural singer!” Jenny told Robin who agreed.

“No question!”

*Me*

Rhythm Nation baby!

Sing it for the children Sing it for the people

Rhythm Nation baby

Sing it for the man!

We are a part of a Rhythm Nation!

My dancers and I saluted and the crowd went absolutely berserk from my first number.

“Yaas Queen!” I heard Niecy exclaim as she came up to me. “Lioness all up here slaying it!” I gave a graceful bow (as low as I could go without the mask falling off) and she said. “Judges what did you all think of our lovely Lioness’s performance.”

“Niecy you don’t need to say anything else cause you summed it up! I think we are in the presence of a true performer here.” Nicole first started off.

“Agreed. Never did we see someone actually have the guts to pull off—probably one of the hardest choreography dances ever!” Jenny agreed.

“Alright judges now you know the drill. It’s time to put your first impression guesses into the tour bus.” I could see some of them complaining as they wrote down their guesses on who I was as the little tour bus came through to collect their First Impression guesses. “Now then, do any of you have any clues on just who this Queen of the Beasts could be, let’s start with you Mr. Robin.”

“Wha Me? Oh man….” The rest of the panel laughed at his misery while I mimed a laugh by putting my hand to my opened mouth mask. “I mean—this could literally be anyone but based off the clue package she spoke a lot about the world and people around it. So this definitely isn’t someone who is recently famous. She’s been around for a while.”

“Whatcha trying to say Robin that she’s old?” Niecy defended me as I got into a fighting position.

“Oh Robin you’re about to get mauled by the Lioness!” Ken teased him.

“No, no, no, no! Not insinuating anything!”

“Cause you know you never insult a woman’s age there Robin Thicke!” Niecy exclaimed.

“Tell him mommy!” Ken cheered.

“Sit down Kenneth!”

“Yes ma’am.” He said as he sat down on his chair.

“Where I was going with this is that maybe she came from an era where it wasn’t okay to bring about your sexuality or gender.”

“True, true.” Nicole agreed with him.

“And seeing the LGBTQ pattern on the zebra, I’m thinking this might be Shea Diamond.”

“Okay, okay not a bad guess.”

“I’m afraid I’m gonna have to disagree with you there Robin. I’ve listened to Shea Diamond sing and that’s not her.” Ken said.

“Then who do you think it is Ken?” asked Nicole.

“Okay I know exactly who this is.” Oh god here we go. “Okay from the clue package alone there was obviously the LGBTQ brand with the Zebra. Maybe she’s an advocate for the LGBTQ community. I’m going with Lady Gaga!”

Okay not a bad guess but it’s not her. I could see some of the audience pondering Ken Jong’s rare, good guesses.

“Well Lioness whoever you are, you are a star.” Jenny stated as she pointed at me. I blew her a kiss and Niecy said.

“Now Lioness before we go, I have to ask you. How long did it take you to do that dance?” I put the mic up to the thinnest part of my mask and answered with my voice modulator now on, making me sound like a warm, motherly Chipette.

“It took months actually, but I’m a fast learner when it comes to dancing.” I hinted that little clue and only my super fans would realize that I love to dance, especially when it was with my Brother Mine back in the day.

“Okay. Well give it up one more time for the Lioness!” the crowd applauded and I waved goodbye before walking off the stage.

After all the performances of Group B went, we all lined up and found out just who among us was going home for the first round in our group. It was suspenseful but the votes were in and Grandpa Monster was the one to be eliminated from the first round.

I was safe for now. I just hope I can keep going on and maybe go all the way.

*ROUND 2*

It was now Round 2 and I was going to perform after the Chameleon. I heard him do the song “21 Questions” by 50 Cent ft. Nate Dogg. I’ll admit he was an impressive performance, especially with how he can rap so my best guess is that he could be a rapper. Unfortunately, I’m not quite educated in my rappers (plus one rapper in particular still gives me a bad vibe after what he did) so I wouldn’t know who to begin guessing if I were an audience member.

After going to a commercial break it was now time for me to perform my second song choice that both me and the Producers thought would be a good fit for me.

“This Queen last time she crushed it with Janet’s Rhythm Nations, and now she’s back to hopefully crush it once more. Let’s dig up some more clues on the Lioness.”

The next clue package stood as followed:

“I’ll admit, 1st round I was terrified. Never have I done something like this before. But once I got up on stage, I overcame that fear and just sang. In fact, it was music that helped me overcome my shyness.” I told the camera.

I opened up a closet and inside it was my Red Special guitar, a pair of drum sticks and a Fender Bass guitar (the one that Deacy always played with).

“Growing up I had very low self-esteem. I was shy, insecure, and thought I’d never amount to anything.”

“Aww that’s so sad.” Nicole awed. “Don’t worry I’ve been there too honey.”

“But when I found music, it changed my life. I would become a whole different person everytime I played an instrument. Or just sang to myself.” I picked up the Bass guitar and strummed it. “I especially loved the Rock and Roll artists growing up. Just seeing them perform live, gave me the confidence I needed to one day reach a dream of becoming a Rockstar myself. And low and behold it came true.”

I was now performing on stage with the Men in Black surrounding me pretending to be crazy fans holding up signs with hearts and I love you Lioness.

“So I’m here to say that if you feel like you’re alone out there in the world, or feel like it’s against you. Just listen and jam out to some of your fav tunes. Because in them, Life creates a new path for you.” I did a wind-mill and my mask gave a gleam at the right eye, symbolizing a wink.

The lights were dark and I took a deep breath in before exhaling out. Soon the guitar strum of “Eye of the Tiger” came on before I threw my fist in the air with each punch the guitar gave, while fire spurted from the stage.

The crowd cheered as Survivor’s most popular song came through the speakers and I went up to the mic stand and sung my heart out. I changed a word or two just to make it fit more towards me but it didn’t take away the effect my song had on the audience.

The backup band was jamming out to the song with one lioness on the guitar and a male lion at the drums and another male one on the bass. I belted out the last note

*Me*

Rising up, back on the street Did my time, took my chances Went the distance, now I'm back on my feet Just a girl and her will to survive

So many times it happens too fast You trade your passion for glory Don't lose your grip on the dreams of the past You must fight just to keep them alive

It's the eye of the tiger It's the thrill of the fight Rising up to the challenge of our rival And the last known survivor Stalks her prey in the night And she's watching us all with the eye

Of the Tiger

The eye of the tiger The eye of the tiger The eye of the Lioness

At the very last explosion of fireworks and fire, I punched my hand in the air and the crowd cheered.

“YASSS LIONESS!!!” I could hear Nicole cheering from the panel booth as she pointed at me. Ken Jong, Jenny and Robin all bowed before my performance as Niecy came back up and she said.

“And the Queen slays us AGAIN!!” I bowed before her and took her hand and pressed it to my open mouth giving her a ‘kiss’. “Oh and I’m getting a royal kiss from the Queen herself!”

“Lucky mommy!” Ken proclaimed.

“Sit your butt down son! Panel, what did you think of that song?”

“Lioness, you took us to a real rock concert. I mean the fire, the electric guitar. And I think I even saw you doing a little air guitar in there somewhere!” Jenny said. I shrugged guiltily. Yeah I did do a little air guitar, come on I know you all do it too! “But that was a killer performance!” I bowed my head in gratitude.

“What made you choose that song in particular?” Niecy asked me.

“It’s always a good rock anthem. You can just let yourself loose and not have a care in the world. And it really got me through my 1st year of being who I am today.” That got the panelists attention.

“Alright so we went through your personal journal and found out just who exactly your childhood crush was. Men in Black! Bring out the 1st crush clue!” Niecy announced as two of the men in Black came out with a large flat platform with a sheet over it. “I’m excited to see just who it is you had a crush on. Now let’s see who it is…..”

Niecy took off the sheet and it revealed the late great Prince.

“It’s Prince!” exclaimed Nicole.

“Okay! Okay I see you Lioness! Little chocolate love there.” I laughed and said into my microphone.

“First thing I always notice about a man are his eyes. And growing up, Prince stole my heart with those eyes.”

“You sure it wasn’t also his dance moves?” Niecy asked me with a ‘for real’ look.

“Mm that too.” Everyone laughed before Niecy asked the judges.

“Okay so any guesses panel on just who this could be? Let’s start with you Jenny.”

“Oh my god why!?” we all laughed. “Okay going off by the tonality of your voice. You are truly a Rock star under there, there’s no way you could be a Pop artists or rapper under there. And my guess in Pink.”

A very good guess. In fact when Pink came on the music scene, everyone thought she was trying to copy my voice but she’s a total talented artist on her own. That’s all her voice, and I’m proud to have not only mentored her, but become her very dearest friend and confidant.

“Yeah it does kinda sound like Pink. But the clues didn’t really point out to her.” Nicole said.

“What you thinking Scherzinger?” Niecy asked.

“Okay so we saw LGBTQ last time but I also took notice of the instruments that were in this week’s clue package. The red guitar specifically.” Oh shit she’s got it. “And I remember seeing this performer on my 12th birthday. I’m going with the Rock Angel (Y/n) Kline.”

“Ooo okay. Not a bad guess Nicole.”

“Yeah it could be the Rock Angel but it’s not!” Ken bluntly said.

“Oh god here we go again.” Jenny said as she flopped against her chair.

“In the clue package we did see the guitars and the drumsticks. And Sticks rhymes with what? Nicks. Stevie Nicks welcome to the Masked Singer!” Oh god Ken.

No way could I ever be compare to Stevie Nicks! She’s way above me and no way could I ever be better than her or do her vocal ranges like she can do.

“Ken I swear I’m about to hit you in the head with this pen.” Nicole said.

“Alright, alright, alright calm down up there. Look no matter who is under here, let’s agree that the Lioness gave yet another rockin performance. Give it up for the Lioness everybody!” I walked backstage.

“The panel has given some good guesses. But there’s gonna be surprised to see just who I am. And—”

On your screens it would’ve staticed up and there on screen is the infamous Rooster with clues, Cluedle-Doo. The rooster that’s been helping the viewers at home guess just who is under each mask, while also trying to get people to guess who he is.

“So sorry Lioness but I’m here to give the audience a little bit more than you’re letting on. Don’t let her voice fool you for she’s a Lioness that lives……across the pond.” His deep voice spoke to the camera as he walked over to his map with a pushpin pointed right at England.

“Hold on what was that? Something fishy is going on around here, and I’m gonna find out what.” I told the camera as I waved my fist.

A couple more performances later as well as the reveal of our group’s Wildcard, The Crab and it was time to reveal who was going to be unmasked. I almost feared that I was gonna be the one to go home since Nicole had said my name and the fans would demand that I be unmasked.

But when Niecy read out that the Crab was gonna have to be unmasked I sighed with relief but I was also sad for the crab. He actually performed well tonight and I wanted to see just how far he was gonna go. As me and the rest of the group that was safe headed back to our rooms, I kept thinking to myself just how was I gonna make it through without making my voice sound too obvious.

*ROUND 3*

Okay. This round is sure to throw them off my scent this time. This is a song I’d never thought I’d do but it’s the only way to keep me going to the next round and not risk getting unmasked.

“Her last two performances have been killer! Now it’s time to see what else she’s got up her paws. Release, the Lioness!” Niecy announced.

The LIONESS; THE CLUES.

I was staring into my reflection at a watering hole.

“This has been a wild ride for me. Most fun I’ve ever had in years.” The letters MSG flashed on the screen written within the mud.

“MSG? Madison Square Garden?” asked Ken.

“But I’m here to show that I truly belong here and deserve a shot to go the Distance.”

“Go the Distance. Isn’t that a song from a Disney film?” asked Robin.

“Yeah Hercules. Could she be in an adaptation of Hercules?” Jenny said.

“So for this next performance, I’m gonna do a song I’ve never done before, and hopefully that will keep me in with the pride and out of the spotlight for just a little while longer.”

I stood there with the spotlight on me, the mic stand right in front of me as Miley Cyrus’s song “Wrecking Ball” came on. The last time this song had been used on this show was way back during Season 1 with Mrs. Gladys Knight. And she did a phenomenal job with her rendition of the song. However I had a little something extra up my sleeve.

I started off with a smooth, ballad like tone for the opening using my hands and arms to give forth a more deeper emotion as I sang the song. Before I finally unleashed the fire within me.

Like Freddie always did back in the day when Queen first started off, I tore the mic stand off the rest of it and fell into the passion of the chorus using the mic-stand like a sledgehammer when I could. I could see everyone lip-syncing the chorus and even the judges were singing along to the song.

I went back to my ballad like tone as I was kneeling on the ground looking up towards the heavens before standing back up and slowly walked towards the back of the stage as the lights dimmed down to only a spotlight on me.

When the 2nd chorus came back on, I pulled out my big surprise. When the lights came fully on, a makeshift Wrecking ball stood in the middle of the stage. In order for me to fully be on it with this costume, the Wrecking ball was built around a swing-set and was hidden within the walls of the Wrecking ball, but I could stick my feet through a curtain that would give the illusion of me actually being on a Wrecking Ball (much like Miley was).

Everyone in the audience was losing their minds, I even saw Nicole getting really into the song as she would raise and circle her arms in the air. I kept swinging back and forth as I continued to sing until my final note.

*Me*

We clawed, we chained, our hearts in vain We jumped, never asking why We kissed, I fell under your spell A love no one could deny

Don't you ever say I just walked away I will always want you

I came in like a wrecking ball I never hit so hard in love All I wanted was to break your walls All you ever did was wreck me Yeah, you, you wreck me

I never meant to start a war I just wanted you to let me in And instead of using force I guess I should've let you win I never meant to start a war I just wanted you to let me in I guess I should've let you win

Don't you ever say I just walked away I will always want you

I came in like a wrecking ball I never hit so hard in love All I wanted was to break your walls All you ever did was wreck me

I came in like a wrecking ball Yeah, I just closed my eyes and swung Left me crashing in a blazing fall All you ever did was wreck me Yeah, you, you wreck me

Yeah, you, you wreck me

This was probably my best performance of this entire competition. No way was the audience gonna unmask me yet. I got off of my makeshift Wrecking Ball and Niecy came up bowing before me.

“OH MY GOD!!!” Nicole and Jenny both exclaimed.

“The Queen remains on top!” at that point the crowd began cheering my character in a rhythm clap.

“LI-ON-ESS! LI-ON-ESS! LI-ON-ESS!!!” I coaxed them to keep chanting with my hands, going in time with their claps.

“Pardon my language but that performance definitely had balls.” Niecy said which made all of us laugh.

“This is definitely the first time in Masked Singer history that someone was even able to do that with costumes like these.” Robin said.

“Lioness tell us how do you feel after that performance?” asked Niecy.

“Tired.” That got a good laugh out of the audience and the panel. “But it’s all worth it cause it’s either go big or go home. And I definitely do not wanna go home just yet.”

“Well we definitely don’t want you to go Superstar.” Jenny told me. I gave her a heart shape ‘I Love you’ with my hand and pointed at her and she accepted it and sent one back to me.

“So any clues that you guys might’ve picked up on?”

“I’ll start off.” Ken said.

“Oh boy, here we go.” Robin said as Nicole laughed and I placed my hands on my hips. This outta be good Dr. Ken.

“Okay so in this clue package we saw the acronym MSG. What’s that stand for? Madison. Square. Garden. This actress was born in Manhattan, NY. She can sing because she played a Porcupine in a film this my friends is none other than Black Widow herself, SCARLETT JOHANSSON!!”

“No! No way that’s Scarlett!” exclaimed Jenny.

“Have you seen the movie Sing? That’s totally her voice!”

“No it’s not!” Jenny argued back.

“Maybe not but Lioness might be connected to Scarlett in a way.”

“What you got cooking in that brain of yours Mr. Robin Thicke?” Niecy asked him.

“Well going through the clue package we saw the LGBTQ obviously, she is known for speaking up for the community especially since a few friends of hers are a part of that community. I’m gonna go with Nicole and say this is the Rock Angel.”

“Okay. Okay not a bad guess.”

“Just hearing the voice alone it just makes me think of her.”

“Yeah but the Rock Angel wouldn’t be able to do what Lioness did.” Jenny tried to argue.

Oh she don’t know me very well, does she? I’ve got some moves in these old bones Jenny.

“Well whoever is under that mask. This was definitely your best performance not only for you but for the show itself. I don’t think we’ll ever have a number quite like that again.” Nicole said.

“I agree girlfriend. Alright Lioness, you head on backstage and rest up. You’ve earned it honey.” I waved to the audience and left to go backstage.

“That was probably the—toughest performance of my life. With or without the costume.” I laughed. “But I gave it my all and win or lose, I’m glad I did this show.”

After the elimination of the newest Wildcard the Bulldog. Which wasn’t according to the votes, but by Niecy’s own will, Bulldog was revealed to be none other than Nick Cannon. Who had returned to host the show after recovering from his COVID scare.

It was a huge surprise to see him back and actually competing in the show. Although he wished he could’ve gone onward with the show but he was just happy to be back with the judges and to see us progress onward into the final few rounds.

After that filming, I was in my trailer resting after that performance, having the fan on full blast to try and take away my sweat, I phone rang and I saw Brian’s handsome, wrinkly face pop up on the screen.

“Hey Bri what’s up?”

‘Oh nothing much really. Just been……fiddling around with Red Special, keeping Anita company, and above all trying not to lose our minds over the lockdown.’

“I hear yah. America’s really been trying to tighten the leash on restrictions. But of course stubborn Americans, especially Trump supporters are still denying this pandemic and refusing to wear their face masks.”

‘Right up arseholes I tell yah. This isn’t some conspiracy thing. It’s real life.’

“I know Brian. But let’s change the subject before you go off on an angry rant and have another heart attack.”

‘You’re right, you’re right sorry. The reason I called was because I want you to clarify something for me.’

“Clarify what?”

‘Well. I don’t know if you’ve seen my Instagram lately. But our followers are telling me that I should ask you if you’re a part of a show called the Masked Singer?’

“The Masked Singer? Which version? Cause you know we’ve recently got one too now.”

‘They’re saying that you could be the Lioness on the American version. Is it true?’

“Bri. Come on. I’m in lockdown with my son during a pandemic, I run on the high risk factor due to my recent high blood pressure. Why would I do a show like that?”

‘They’re pretty adamant about it. So come on (n/n). Tell me the truth.’

“No Brian Harold May. I am not the Lioness. Besides even if I were, it’d be too obvious. Everyone knows I’m Roger’s lion cub. If I were to choose a creature, I’d be a griffin or White-wolf.”

‘Okay. If you say so. Stay safe out there love.’

“You too Bri. Hopefully, America can get their shit together so that I can fly back home soon. I miss you and Rog and Jack. How are they by the way?”

‘Well that husband of yours is still working hard to preserve the peace in London. Hardly any serious criminal activity, just rotter’s not wanting to wear their face masks inside local buildings. Rog is good, he’s been posting up a lot more on his Instagram lately. Been asking about you and worried sick over you.’

“Some things never change. Alright Bri well I know it’s pretty late over there, so get some sleep. You’ve probably never slept in this late in so long your body must be aching for it.”

‘Yeah I suppose your right. Have a good night love. Love you.’

“I love you too Bri. Bye.” He said goodbye and I hung up on him. “Bloody hell that was close. Thank god he didn’t hit facetime, otherwise he would’ve been suspicious.”

*ROUND 4*

Now it was time to change things up with this weeks performance. I’ve been giving out killer hard-rock/pop songs but now it was time to allow the audience to just solely focus on my vocals alone. Plus this performance was in dedication to a very special someone.

“Now here to wow us once again and seeing if we can dig up more clues on her identity. Here’s the Lioness.” Nick Cannon announced.

THE CLUE PACKAGE. THE LIONESS

“Being on this show has really meant a lot to me.” The screen showed my last performance as well as my 1st performance. “But now I’m gonna take things back and really allow you guys to get to know me.”

I was in my ‘house’ writing at my desk a letter. And on the laptop it said a number code. 149121.

“Oh wow a number code. 149121.” Jenny said.

“Throughout my career I’ve met a lot of great people. But unfortunately I’ve had to say goodbye to some of them, some gone far too soon. Others for other personal reasons.”

“So she’s lost someone. Maybe a partner.”

“This one person in particular even though he’s still around physically, I had no choice but to let him go. We practically did everything together. But I understood why he did what he did, and I never pressured him to come back to the spotlight.” I touched a shadow figure of a male lion. “So this performance is for my brother. And I hope he’s living out a happy life doing whatever it is he wants to. I will always love you forever, my Brother Mine.”

It was just me up there with the spotlight down on me. I took a deep breath in before softly exhaling. This one’s for you Deacy. I opened my mouth and sung my next song, “I will always love you” by Whitney Houston.

The audience was in tranced by voice alone, some of them pressing their hands to their hearts and I could swear I saw some of the judges already starting to cry. When the bridge came up, I thought back to all the memories Deacy and I had together.

Playing the bass, me sitting the Deaklings when they were little babies, us always dancing together at the after parties (after some liquid courage). To the big moments whenever the two of us were on stage together and we’d interact with each other.

Him doing his “Disco moves” on stage during our sets, or how during the medley’s during the “Kind of Magic tour” we’d be the ones to stand together as he played his bass and I would have my acoustic guitar or tambourine on me. Remembering his happy smile, the way his eyes wrinkled whenever he’d smile that adorable, gapped tooth smile of his.

*Me*

If I should stay, I would only be in your way

So I'll go, but I know

I'll think of you every step of the way

And I will always love you

I will always love you

I hope life treats you kind

And I hope you have all you've dreamed of

And I wish to you joy and happiness

But above all this, I wish you love

Finally I unleashed the power that my voice had gained throughout the years. As the lights danced about with the beat of the song as well as my voice, the audience cheered as I belted out that famed last bit of the chorus. Some were in tears while others were just in awe. Ken and Nicole were dabbing their eyes trying to rid of their tears while Jenny and Robin were just shaking their heads in pure awe.

I don’t know if you’ll ever see this Brother Mine, but if you do, know that this performance is for you. I hope you’re happy, safe, and healthy. Both physically and mentally.

*Me*

And I will always love you

I will always love you

I will always

Love you

I will always love you

I, I will always

Love you

You, darling, I love you

Ooh, I'll always,

I'll always love you

I held out the last note as I slowly extended my arms before finally ending the song. The audience cheered and applauded for another killer performance.

“Unbelievable! The lioness really pulling the heartstrings now!” Nick said as he came up and stood beside me. “You even had me going there for a second there Lioness.” I gave him a comforting pat on the shoulder.

“Oh my god Lioness, let me just say. Your last few performances you were slaying and killing it with hardcore dancing, rock and roll and semi-aerial stuff. But this week……we truly got to see your voice. And that—rawness it just……you have me in tears.” Nicole said as she continued to wipe away her tears.

“I agree with Nicole.” Robin said. I gave them a bow of my head. “It’s—it’s really rare when we see female artists do such songs on this stage. Especially one as difficult as that song in particular. But you were the perfect voice to sing that song.”

“Thank you Robin.”

“Now it’s time to find out just what is inside the Mind of our Lioness. If you would just quickly step on over to our mind-reader. We would like to see just what’s within your Lioness brain.” I walked over to the machine that was gonna give an extra clue as to who I was. “Scanning, scanning, scanning and it is…..a Police badge.”

I stepped out from the machine and walked back towards Nick.

“Do we have another Jackson family member on our hands?” asked Ken. I remember thinking back to La Toya Jackson who was “the Alien”.

“Unlike Ms. Jackson I’m not a police officer. But I am directly involved with them.” The audience ooed.

“That give you any guesses panel?” Nick asked.

“Not a single one.” Jenny shook her head which made us laugh.

“Indirectly involved with the police. I mean does that mean she’s an informant? Reality star maybe?” Ken suggested.

“Maybe she played one on TV. Maybe it’s Priyanka Chopra.” Robin added.

“Yeah cause of her role in Quantico.” Nicole agreed.

“No guys I don’t think it’s Priyanka. It really doesn’t sound like her. Lioness has a more richer tone than she does.”

“Well we’re stumped!” Ken said as he sat down on his chair throwing his hands up in surrender.

“Oh now don’t give up son!”

“I can’t do it daddy! Just take off the mask and show us who you are Lioness!” Ken demanded but I shook my head and placed my index finger over my masked lips in shush.

“She knows the drill. Well you wowed us with your vocals, go on and head backstage. Give it up one more time for her royal highness the Lioness everybody.”

“That performance……really took a lot out of me. I was even crying at one point under the mask. But I hope I secured a spot for the Super 8.” As I take my leave, the infamous Cluedle-Doo shows up and he tells the camera.

“Another infamous secret you might want to know about the Lioness here is that she also has ties in with space. Look at these stars, does it give you any hints? Because 2 people she cares about study it.”

“Oh it’s you! Come back you yah cocky Rooster! I’m really gonna turn you into fried chicken now!” I exclaimed as I chased after the Rooster whose been trying to give away more secrets about me. He gobbled out in laughter as he ran away.

31 notes · View notes

sleepyowlwrites · 3 years ago

Text

find the word tag CCXXXXV

a double feature presented by Sounding and I hope I can find them in the docs I have open because I don't really want to open any more. @diphthongsfordays

ink (from: yearnings of a writer, 2012)

I wish I could write about moths. Their delicate, fluttering wings dipped in ink would make beautiful art.

idea (summon story supplemental)

“You will kill for me and I will kill for you. But only one life.” She had pointed to the terms in the array, linked to the summoning by her own blood.

The shidha had considered her with something like mockery, something like pity. “One life,” it echoed, the pleasure of the idea slithering out of its form palpably. “Bleed on it, then.”

She had placed a bloody palm to the earth and signed her name. The shidha did the same. Their hands met in a touch of dirt and death. It burned.

imagine (from: technically that's how you write a song, 2020)

A poem given music to change the pace of sound Clipped wings complaining that they’d just like to sing now Did you see me on the offbeat? Did you catch when I fell flat? I used to joke about parades I saw you on the stage You are a star, imagine that

impatient (hell in a handbasket, 2021)

The boy’s mother joins them and inspects the basket. “Sealed with ocher and blood sap?”

“From dead pines,” the demon says proudly. “Mixed it myself.”

“I’ll give you a half-dozen cockatrice feathers and mend your cloak with spider thread. And you can stay for dinner.”

The demon wilts a little. “I really do need the blood.”

“Fine, I’ll bleed a couple drops into your soup,” the boys says impatiently. “Is that okay, Ma?”

impact

empty (summon story d0)

“Hey, is this your first death?”

“First-” Dair said in a wobbly voice. He took a breath. “Uh. Yes.”

“Oh! A first time ritual participant!” Zan waggled his eyebrows at Shae, who only slightly rolled her eyes in response. “How exciting.”

“I’ve participated in rituals.” Dair said it very quickly, bunching the words together so Zan had to process them for a few extra seconds before he understood them.

Shae dropped the empty bag at Zan’s feet and scooped up the pebbles. “Are you going to help at all?” But when Zan opened his mouth, Shae just looked meaningfully at Dair instead of the array and Zan wanted to kick her. It would have messed up the ashes and he refrained, reluctantly.

echo (from: on a hill, still, 2021)

The church bell intones without notes, your own a throbbing echo like a shadow without a sun. The hour turns over and the song has still not begun. It has no singer, no self, no place to stand. You lie down and wait for the aching to subside. But you are played, and played out, and you forget that you died.

etch (from: dream, 2011)

It was an etched heart Piercing song of oak Just to show the girl How tenderly he spoke It was a fading light Gave way to mist's rare gleam In marshes thick or valley rich My savoring, my dream

energy (trans-dimensional ghosts, 2016)

“Why is it not good?” Terence asked like he didn't want to know the answer.

“Because,” Caden answered reluctantly. “It means that either intentionally or not, the ghost is drawing out your life energy and eventually-”

“It’ll kill me.” Terence said it point blank.

“Yeah.”

“Well.” Terence bit down on his lip.

enter (from: but I don't have the words, 2021)

I don’t have the words.

limitless, really, are the options here. I have every color from which to choose and a million moments to reflect on and move into the spotlight and explain precisely what I mean when I open up my tiny fists and place my train cars down. this track, for instance. I know where it goes. or that one. I see where it’s been. and the newest one, over here? it runs through the tunnel under the mountain where only dragons dare enter.

it's fun to put my old poetry in this tags, because I'm not going to share them otherwise (mostly). stop, end, turn, aside, bend. BONUS: detour, track. @ren-c-leyn @nikkywrites @oh-no-another-idea @vellichor-virgo @myhusbandsasemni @writting-in-blood OR ANYBODY or nobody

#find the word tag #tag game #searching circle

4 notes · View notes

acrosstobear · 3 years ago

Text

alright i’m already being dramatic about the ✨2021 post season test✨ so let’s write this out and figure out what we know, what we can be mostly sure of, and what we can speculate. first, we know that teams will be allowed to test the new 18 inch Pirelli tyres that will be run in 2022. second, we believe that a mule car will seemingly be required. third, we can assume that the FIA will maintain the rule that the driver(s?) must not have participated in 2 or more GPs in 2021. finally, we are still trying to find out if the teams can run 1 or 2 cars.

alright, let’s hop into this under the cut cause this got out of hand

Mercedes: Stoffel Vandoorne (likely) / Nyck de Vries (possible) / Frederic Vesti (long shot)

with Stoff playing the role of main reserve driver this season and having run in the post season test last year, this is the most likely scenario, though Merc might want to reward Nyck’s FE championship and put him in, as he is the second official reserve driver. throwing in Fred for shits and giggles cause he is a merc junior.

Red Bull: Jüri Vips (confirmed) / Alex Albon (possible) / Dennis Hauger (long shot)

Jüri has been confirmed to be driving for RBR; if the teams are running 2 cars, i would think that their next best bet would be to run Alex, as he did develop the 2022 car, so would be able to provide good feedback to the team. Dennis is a long shot but with RBR you just never know 🤪

McLaren: Pato O’Ward (confirmed)

Pato has gone for his seat fit, and I don’t see the team running a second car at all, even if they can. they didn’t run in last year’s post season test, and this year’s is just a reward for Pato more than for proper testing, so i’m pretty sure this will be the final lineup.

Ferrari: Robert Schwartzman (likely) / Antonio Fuoco (possible) / Callum Ilott (possible)

this is where there is the most interest to see who will run. Ferrari have a whole host of talented academy drivers to choose from; i’ve got Robert in there as likely just because he ran in last year’s test and is having a relatively good end to the F2 season after a slow start. if they’re running a second car, i would expect to see Callum as the most likely second, again because he developed the 2022 car and would be able to provide good feedback, but with how shafted he’s been by Ferrari, i’ve got Antonio (who ran last year’s test) in there just so i can already let myself down easy 🥲

Alpine: Guanyu Zhou (likely) / Oscar Piastri (equally likely)

this will 100% come down to 1) the F2 title and 2) the final Alfa seat. if Guanyu is getting the 2022 Alfa seat, I would assume that Alpine will release him to run with Alfa and put Oscar in for the test. they really have nothing to lose by running either of them, so it’s going to be interesting to see how this shakes down.

Aston Martin: Nico Hulkenburg (possible) / may not participate at all?

i mean, Nico is the Aston reserve, so I don’t see there being anyone else possible? tbh, i’d be a little surprised if they do participate -- they didn’t participate last year, but i guess, look where that got them 🤷🏼‍♀️

Alpha Tauri: Liam Lawson (confirmed) Alex Albon (possible) / Dennis Hauger (long shot)

with Liam confirmed for Alpha, Alex would only be an option if the teams can run 2 cars and if hes not already driving for RBR. would honestly expect them to only run Liam though.

Williams: Will not participate (confirmed)

Williams confirmed they will not participate in the post season test, which is what kicked off my whole thought process on this. will be a loss, cause they could have run Alex if RBR had released him, but i guess we’ll see what the car looks like in march.

Alfa Romeo: Theo Pourchaire (likely) / Guanyu Zhou (likely if 2022 seat) / Callum Ilott (long shot, but if no Guanyu, possible)

i would probably expect Alfa to run Theo. now, that would assume that they 1) cannot run 2 cars and 2) are not signing Guanyu. if they can only run one car and do sign Guanyu, i would absolutely expect them to be smart enough to give him the chance to get experience on the 2022 tyres already rather than prioritize their academy drivers who will be doing another F2 season; however, you never know with these guys LOL so Theo is who my money is on. if they can run 2 cars AND don’t sign Guanyu, that’s when I would expect Callum to get in the car, as Robert is no longer elligible with his 2 GP starts replacing Kimi.

Haas: Pietro Fittipaldi (likely) / Callum Ilott (long shot)

normally, i would assume that Haas doesn’t have the money to run this test. HOWEVER, knowing that they’re running mule cars + 2022 tyres, they bETTER be running cause they only threw away their whole 2021 budget to get this damn 2022 car built. i would assume that Pietro will run in this test, just because he is their reserve driver, but i’ll be real honest and say im holding out a very small token of hope that Callum could get in there?? pls Guenther im on my knees begging 😩

#f1 #formula 1 #post season test #am i gonna tag all the teams?#haas #alfa romeo #mercedes #red bull racing #alpha tauri #aston martin #alpine #ferrari #mclaren #williams #pls enjoy this #needed this out in the world so that i could build myself up about callum maybe driving an f1 car for the last time #OH GOD WHAT IF ITS ALREADY BEEN THE LSST TIME #DONT TOUCB ME IM FRAGILE #come hmu in my ask box about this lmao

15 notes · View notes

liaragaming · 4 years ago

Text

In 2019, a friend of mine set a goal for herself to write every day in an effort to finish her novel. Below is the chart that she made, and you can see the color key in the next photo. There’s a lot of red on here, which means most days she wrote less than 100 words. But she still increased her novel’s word count by 35,000 that year, and that’s pretty awesome.

She continued her challenge into 2020, this time with the goal of writing at least 100 words a day. This time, you’ll see a bunch of yellow, meaning on average she wrote around 300 words a day.

For 2021, she’s working on revisions and has decided to challenge herself to 100 words a day OR 20 minutes of editing and revision.

I personally don’t find the practice of writing every day helpful. And I don’t participate in NaNoWriMo anymore. I have nothing against NaNoWriMo or writing every day. I just don’t find them helpful to me. I find writer’s block generally comes from forcing yourself to write when what you really need is more time to think about the story. And setting yourself difficult goals can ultimately lead to frustrations that impede progress.

(You can read the following articles if you are interested in other perspectives)

Write Everyday is bad Advice

Why I don’t like NaNoWriMo

That said, the anxiety of 2020 completely killed any desire I had to write. I was throwing out a chapter of my Solavellan fic around every 2 months, and I dropped it completely. Not because I was no longer interested in the story, but because I just didn’t have the energy to work on it.

But I’m doing a lot better now, and I want to get back into it, so I started my own challenge to kick things back into gear.

I give myself full permission to have blank days and not feel guilty about it. I don’t want to punish myself, just push myself to do more than nothing at all. 100 words a day is a small easy goal that isn’t daunting to fulfill. And I know if I sit down to write I’m probably going to write more. I fully expect to mainly use the left key. The right key is for days if/when I surprise myself.

I’m throwing this out there because I know a lot of you have writing projects going on as well. And I want you to know that you can totally take this challenge and change it up as you need. You don’t have to write everyday if you think you can’t commit to it (like me). You can just try to challenge yourself.

Good luck on your writing projects, and happy improved New Year! Also, if you decide to do this project, tag me. I’d love to see your calendars.

#writing stuff

65 notes · View notes

lovelyjasmari · 4 years ago

Text

KHOC Week 2021 ~ Day 1

@khoc-week

Day 1 ~ Strength

Hello Everyone!

It’s great to be participating again in KHOC Week for the third year in a row! This year, I’ll be focusing on two in particular. Many of you already are familiar with my primary oc Kalai; elegant adventurer, noble warrior, daughter of the Whirlwind Lancer. But this year, I’ll also be showing off more of her grandmother, Anila.

At 88, Anila is my oldest oc and has had a very incredible life. Spending her early years as a keyblade wielder and training beside Eraqus, Xehanort and the other Scala kids before setting off on her own as a young adult to traverse the countless worlds, then settling down in Radiant Garden where she becomes a wife, a mother, eventually a grandmother and even politician!

Of course, Anila has had her share of heartbreaks and tragedies, but her heart has always remained hopeful and even in old age, retains a youthful spirit that inspires those around her. To kick off this week, here’s a snippet highlighting the relationship between Kalai and Anila and how the latter gives inspiration to her granddaughter.

Mindful and Free ~ 2834 Word Count

This was a long shot. She had never visited any place in Radiant Garden outside the capital. But thankfully, those she spoke to seemed to know exactly where she needed to go. Kalai walked along a long dirt road, leading further away from town. The sound of morning doves took her deeper into the woods as the sounds of the bustling village fell away. After a time, she came across a fine stone cottage, mantled in ivy. Wildflowers lined the pathway leading to the door, which was open.

A rustling noise followed Kalai as she came closer to the house. An orange cat sprang towards her from the bushes. It startled Kalai, but she did not call out. She simply looked down at the creature, who, with a few blinks and mews, circled her feet before running back into the house. After collecting herself, Kalai wondered if the cat was guiding her to her destination, and she smiled to herself at the thought.

~~~

Despite the early hour, Lady Anila was awake and ready for whatever the day had in store for her. She opened her windows as well as the front door to let in the daylight, and wasn’t surprised when her cat made a beeline for the door. Outside, she could hear the cat mewing at something, piquing her curiosity.

“Lisi, what are you…oh!”

When Lady Anila stepped outside the doorway, she wasn’t sure what to expect, but she certainly did not expect to see her granddaughter waiting outside for her. Not that such a thing was ever unwelcome. Months had passed since their last meeting. They both immediately rushed towards each other. Each took the other into her arms, and they wholeheartedly embraced each other.

“Does your father know you’ve come here?” Lady Anila asked as she held her granddaughter close.

“He doesn’t,” Kalai replied. “No one in the castle knows I’m here, but...I needed to see you, Grandma. I need your advice.”

The two women pulled apart from each other ever so slightly and their identical eyes locked. Lady Anila replied, “well I’m always glad to help you if I can.” The elder woman smiled. “What has…”

A beam of the morning sunlight found the silver cuff decorating Kalai’s arm, causing it to shimmer more brightly than usual. The brightness immediately caught Lady Anila’s attention and stopped her mid-sentence. It was so similar to a cuff that encircled her own arm for decades, in her previous life, before Radiant Garden. She reached for her dear granddaughter’s wrist, bringing the cuff closer to her face. She gazed upon it with wonder and a tiny hint of concern. Kalai did not resist her grandmother’s inspection of the cuff, as Lady Anila continued running her fingers along the intricate design. A plethora of thoughts swarmed her mind. But she wanted to be certain.

“Kalai, how did you get this?”

Kalai did not respond with words. Gently pulling her arm away from her beloved grandmother, she stepped back and extended her cuffed hand, summoning Graceful Destiny in a beam of light. Lady Anila took one look at the keyblade and became overwhelmed with emotion. A flood of memories revived themselves and danced inside her mind. Yes, it was just as she suspected, and in her heart, she had always hoped something like this would one day happen. But after having a son more interested in lances and never taking on an apprentice, she felt that her hopes would never be. Now before her eyes, she could see her legacy, which would surely continue long after she departed this world. Lady Anila couldn’t be happier and nearly suffocated her granddaughter in another embrace, holding back tears.

The words began spilling out of her. “I gave up my keyblade decades ago. And with it, my hopes that I’d have a successor, someone to carry on my legacy.” Lady Anila gazed at Kalai, eyes shining with affection and pride. “With this, my dear, you’ve revived my hopes. This is so incredible, do you know what this means for you?”

“But...grandma…” Praise from her grandmother, though well-intentioned, only added to Kalai’s anxiety. “I came here because I’m not sure about wielding a keyblade. My Master has faith in me, and of course, Dad has faith in me. But I’m not sure if I have as much faith in myself.”

Lady Anila nodded, remembering all too well her own uncertainty when, as a little girl, she was bequeathed with the power of the keyblade. And she remembered all too well her continued fears as she went through her training and her Mark of Mastery.

“I understand,” she said. “You might be unsure now, but it doesn’t mean you’ll always be that way. Come inside child.”

Placing her arm around her granddaughter, Lady Anila led Kalai inside as her cat followed behind them. Memorabilia from decades of exploits and adventure was on display for Kalai to see. Unique treasures and cases filled with rare multilingual tomes spoke to the very rich life her grandmother had lived. Kalai sat at a table by a window overlooking the sea while Lady Anila poured tea for them. The white cat purred, nuzzling her owner’s leg and was rewarded with a bowl of milk. Lady Anila smiled down at the cat, then back at Kalai.

“Lisi is my companion when I’m not in the capital, named after my old friend from my days in Scala,” she explained as she sat down. “So, tell me about your keyblade. Are you training? Do you have a Master?”

“I do have a Master who’s training me,” Kalai replied. “I live with her now. Her name is Aqua.”

“Aqua!” The elder woman’s eyes lit up. “I know her, she was one of Eraqus and Ilysia's wards. And a boy named Terra.”

“I know Terra!” Kalai smiled. “He lives with us too!”

“I haven’t seen either of them since they were little ones. But Eraqus trained them, so I know you’re in good hands. Which brings me to my next question…” she continued delicately, taking a long, measured sip of her tea. “Why do you not have any faith in yourself?”

Kalai let out a long sigh, turning her cup in her hands as she thought about how to best explain herself. But her grandmother already understood.

“Does this perhaps have anything to do with the...unfortunate events in your past,” Lady Anila gently said. The elder and the younger’s eyes met again, light catching their dark irises in the exact same manner.

“That is part of it,” Kalai replied. “I have another Master, sort of. He’s a former master, but he gives us advice. Yesterday I found out that he secretly doesn’t trust me, because of my past association with Xehanort.”

“Is that so?” Lady Anila chuckled. “If that’s all, then I would also be unworthy of trust since we were once friends.”

“But you knew him before he was a darkness-soaked tyrant. And let’s be honest, grandma.” Kalai lowered her head as a sudden recollection shamed her. “It’s not like I was without my own darkness before he came along. That’s what I’m unsure of. I don’t want to be a keyblade wielder like him. Am I even worthy of a keyblade? Considering everything that’s happened?”

“Hmmm…” Lady Anila placed her cup back on the table, not answering right away. She was thinking of an instance, decades ago, when she sat in her classroom as one of the Masters explained how darkness manifested itself in people’s hearts. She was quiet and thoughtful for so long, Kalai became concerned.

“Grandma?” she called out to her.

Lady Anila breathed deeply, and spoke with great care and intention. “You say you don’t want to be like Xehanort.” said the elder woman. “That would imply you’re afraid that there is still enough darkness in your heart to hold sway over you.”

“Yes. That’s what Master Yen Sid is worried about.”

“Yen Sid?!” Lady Anila laughed. “The sorcerer? That’s your other master?”

“You knew him too?”

“I did, and I should have known. His stance on light and dark has always been very black and white. Eraqus too.”

“Isn’t it though? Black and white?”

“Not exactly. Granted, my stance on light and dark is more nuanced for a Master of our generation. But I wasn’t always that way.” Lady Anila took another sip of her tea, then surveyed her granddaughter’s face with great tenderness. “Have I ever told you why I chose to relinquish my role as Keyblade Master?”

“No,” Kalai shook her head. “I don’t think you have.”

“When Terra and Aqua were still little, I went with Eraqus and Ilysia to the Realm of Darkness. We were searching for Xehanort, whom Yen Sid had given us reason to believe was trapped there. It ended up being the final mission we ever went on.”

“Why? What happened?” Kalai asked, although from the downcast look in her grandmother’s eyes, Kalai felt she could make an educated guess.

“Long story short, we found him, but we were cornered by a large Heartless. Ilysia knew our options were few. So using a special keyblade, she opened a portal to the Realm of Light but placed herself in front of the monster to help us escape.” The elder woman closed her eyes. “For years...she and Eraqus ruled Scala together, yet her sacrifice that day was the noblest action of her entire life…” The horrific final image she had of her friend alive caused her lip to quiver. “...and her last.”

“Grandma...I’m so sorry…”

“Eraqus was never the same. Neither was our relationship with Xehanort. As for me, the grief was too much to bear, especially due to the tragedies darkness had brought upon me. My father was also a Master, struck down like many of my companions. Now darkness had taken my dearest friend. With all the pinned-up sorrow I kept in my heart over the years from what darkness had taken from me, I knew it was only a matter of time before the darkness took me as well. And in that fear, I vowed never to use my keyblade again.”

After this, there was a long silence, cut only by the distant sound of waves outside the window and the occasional mews of Lisi. Looking at her grandmother, Kalai saw immeasurable wisdom. But as a child, her father would often say that the most important life lessons were often bitter ones. And for every inch of wisdom Lady Anila possessed, there was sorrow to accompany it. To be named a Keyblade Master was the greatest honor that could be bestowed upon a warrior of light. To be worthy of such a title, the strength of one’s heart had to be beyond measure, the resolve unwavering.

And yet, her grandmother had felt compelled to doff that mantle out of fear of the darkness growing in her heart. Even in her old age, she could see her grandmother was a strong person, with a kind disposition. So whatever darkness she had, it must have been extremely powerful to make such a decision. Kalai thought about when her mother had died, and the rage she felt when she had been excluded from the funeral. Such turmoil remained with her for a long time after the fact, even now. Would her dark feelings eventually compel her to abandon her keyblade as well?

“In those days, one of the first lessons drilled into a prospective Master was the ways darkness is manifested, the negative emotions that in and of themselves are considered darkness, that become darkness over time.” she continued. “However, the real lesson, that I did not come to learn until decades later, is that those emotions aren’t darkness at all. They’re as much a part of the human experience as happiness and love. It’s not realistic to think you can erase those feelings.”

“Sometimes, I feel like my heart is still ruled by my darker feelings,” Kalai admitted. “Remember how much I hated my sisters? Because just looking at them reminded me of how much my stepfather hurt me.”

“I remember.” Lady Anila smiled a little. “But in time, your heart opened up to them. Having dark feelings is not a problem, it’s holding onto them that’s the problem. That was Xehanort’s folly, but I know for certain it will not be you’s.”

“How can you know that?”

“Because I’ve seen the effect darkness has had on you. I’ve seen you almost on the brink of losing yourself. And yet, you refused to let it destroy you.”

Lady Anila took her granddaughter’s hand with a sigh. “Kalai, whatever dark feelings you have, you are stronger than them. If I had understood that about myself sooner, I might still be wielding my keyblade, even at my age. I might have had more I could offer you beyond advice. Please don’t wait until you’re my age to realize something so simple.”

“So you think Master Yen Sid is wrong about me?”

“Please understand, in our time, we had a lot of reasons to fear darkness. Of the eleven in our original class, only six of us survived our training and became Masters. And of those six, only I, Yen Sid, and another of our friends still lives. However, It doesn’t mean I think he’s right to hold your past over you.”

“So what should I do?” Kalai asked.

“Continue what you’re doing now, my dear.” Lady Anila replied. “Listen to what Aqua tells you and strive to be the best wielder that you can be. As for your darker feelings, acknowledge them, but do not embrace them. And when you do that, you’ll learn to stop worrying and realize what’s most important. In time, I’m certain that Yen Sid will see the good in your heart.”

“I hope so.”

They talked about other things, like Kalai’s training and how it compared to Lady Anila’s. Kalai learned that Kairi’s grandmother had also once been a Master and trained beside her own grandmother when they were young. And nearly eighty years later, they were still friends.

“I guess it makes sense that our granddaughters would also be friends and inherit our gift.”

“Kairi has been having doubts herself. ”Kalai thoughtfully leaned her face into one of her hands. “We try to encourage her and I’m certain her grandma is proud of her.”

“She is, and I am proud of you too, Kalai. With your keyblade, I know you will do amazing things.”

Kalai stayed with Lady Anila a little while longer. Lisi sat purring in her lap as she was told more stories of her grandmother’s life in Scala. Soon enough, she felt her confidence returning but when she was asked if she would try to become a Master herself, she laughed.

“I doubt it,” she replied. “I’ve only had my keyblade for two months and from what you’ve told me, the Mark of Mastery sounds dangerous.”

“I understand. Perhaps you’ll feel differently after a few years of training.” Finally, when Kalai felt that she had stayed long enough, Lady Anila guided her to one of her bookcases. “Before you return, there is one last thing I wish to show you.”

She pulled out a large tome bound in dark leather, taking out something that was marking one of the pages. A purple star-shaped charm dangled in her hand. Kalai recognized it at once, it was very similar to the ones carried by Terra, Ventus, and Aqua.

“It’s a Wayfinder,” she told her. “It was given to me a very long time ago, I was much younger than you when it was given to me.” She stared at the charm somewhat wistfully. “The Wayfinder serves as a good luck charm and for the longest time, it decorated my keyblade as the chain. Even without a keyblade, it still holds a lot of meaning to me.”

But when she handed the Wayfinder to her granddaughter, she would not accept it.

“I couldn’t possibly take something so important.”

“That’s exactly why I want to give it to you. In a way, it represents my life before coming to Radiant Garden, my hopes as a young girl. But these days, I have a new purpose in my life.” She pressed the Wayfinder back into her hand with a little smile. “As do you.”

Kalai took the charm. The lustrous purple seashells reflected softly in the light, casting itself upon her face. A little smile slowly pulled at her lips as her grandmother’s words began to reach her heart. Darkness was never her choice, it wouldn’t be her choice now. With her keyblade, she had even more reason for her heart to remain strong. Even if it was just her stubbornness driving her, it didn’t matter.

In a way, this pretty little charm represented far more than a means for good luck. This Wayfinder symbolized her grandmother’s faith, and more than anything, Kalai wanted to be at least worthy of that.

#khocweek2021 #kingdom hearts oc #kh oc #kingdom hearts #kalai oc #Anila oc #my art #my writings #i literally finished this less than an hour ago

18 notes · View notes

lilydalexf · 4 years ago

Photo

Old School X is a project interviewing X-Files fanfic authors who were posting fic during the original run of the show. New interviews are posted every Tuesday.

Interview with Rae

Rae has 16 stories at Gossamer. If you like MSR, you should go check them out, including (but not limited to) the fun-titled, banter-filled The Cat, an Espresso and a Bag of Sunflower Seeds. Big thanks to Rae for doing this interview.

Does it surprise you that people are still interested in reading your X-Files fanfics and others that were posted during the original run of the show (1993-2002)?

It surprises me that anyone reads my fanfic at all, let alone they are reading it 20 years after I wrote it!

But in the same vein, I am still actively reading xfiles fanfic and I tend to read the older fics, or new fics by authors I recognize or remember from back in the day. I cannot explain this lack of rationale. 🤷

What do you think of when you think about your X-Files fandom experience? What did you take away from it?

I had a great experience with the X-Files fandom! I made some fantastic friends - many even attended my wedding! I didn't really get involved in the dramas that went on. I was aware of it, but really, I just wanted to discuss my show with people that loved it like I did and read the fic, so I ignored all the other static.

Social media didn't really exist during the show's original run. How were you most involved with the X-Files online (atxc, message board, email mailing list, etc.)?

Mainly message boards. AOL chat rooms, Yahoo groups, etc. We would all sign on after the episode aired and chat about it. Deconstruct it. And then we started traveling to meet each other and the real fun began!

What did you take away from your experience with X-Files fic or with the fandom in general?

It was definitely a growing experience. It forced me to step outside my comfort zone a little bit. Traveling to NYC, LA and Chicago to meet people just to fangirl with. Meeting Gillian and getting a picture with her - it was wild.

Different shared experiences that "real life" family and friends just didn't understand. It was fun and exciting.

What was it that got you hooked on the X-Files as a show?

So I came to the show late in the game. I was sick, lying in bed channel surfing and caught the last 5 minutes of Fight the Future and immediately wanted to know why this woman was sitting in the snow holding onto this man. I spent the summer recording episodes on FX during the week and watching them all weekend and was somehow able to pretty much catch up on the first 6 seasons in time for the 7th season premiere.

What got you involved with X-Files fanfic?

In my quest to know all the things that summer before the 7th season, I discovered AOL chat rooms that led me to different discussions on the show in general and at one point, a link was posted to whatever fanfic was hot that minute and I was instantly hooked.

What is your relationship like now to X-Files fandom?

I often feel like a wallflower at a party. I'm on the fringe, looking in to see what's going on. I don't bother anyone and most people don't even know I'm there. Every now and then I'll send feedback on a story, or I might even participate in a random discussion, but I feel it's a little more difficult these days without the chatrooms and discussion boards. Following people on tumblr or twitter and trying to engage in those platforms is more awkward since it feels so much more personal. It's like I'm intruding on someone's personal space. Or having to scroll through non-fandom stuff to find the fic. The message boards were a more even playing field I guess? It's hard to explain.

When I'm hardcore searching for something...anything to read, I'll refer to "The Classics" list. There are still many on there I haven't read.

I miss ephemeral.

Were you involved with any fandoms after the X-Files? If so, what was it like compared to X-Files?

No. No other characters have ever interested me beyond the story we're given within the confines of the show/movie/book like Mulder and Scully did. My friends would dive into Harry Potter or Marvel or (fill in the blank with anything) and I would try to get excited, but there's nothing.

Who are some of your favorite fictional characters? Why?

Well, Scully because she's so bad-ass. She's always so certain of her convictions. We don't see her second-guess herself often.

Anne of Green Gables because against all odds, she still sees the beauty in everything.

Jo in Little Women because she is just so tenacious. She knows what she wants.

Hermione in Harry Potter. She knows the most important thing she'll do is help Harry and there is value in that, so she gives it all she's got.

Do you ever still watch The X-Files or think about Mulder and Scully?

I do. A couple of years after the original run was over, I lost a dear friend (met because of XF) and then later I had my first baby and life just got busy in a very different way so I fell out of the fandom and just dropped all of it.

And then there was the revival. I waited until all episodes aired and then binge-watched them. And I did the same with season 11, but waited about 6 mos after it aired to watch it, rewatching the whole series from the beginning, first.

But now I turn it on a few times a week while I'm folding laundry or making dinner or some other chore. It's nice to have it on in the background because I don't have to pay close attention because I know what's going to happen. I've actually watched the whole series a few times this way.

Do you ever still read X-Files fic? Fic in another fandom?

I still read XF fic. It's still my favorite thing to read. I am always looking for the next great fic to lose myself in. Back in the day, I would read any pairing, any genre...I was game for anything, as long as it was XF fic. I'm a little more choosy, now, but only because my free-time is more limited. I only want to read MSR and I'm not at all interested in revival fics.

Do you have any favorite X-Files fanfic stories or authors?

I am partial to the novel-length AU and canon-divergent stories. I love everything by Prufrock's Love and Bonetree. I have read Paracelsus, A Moment in the Sun and the Goshen/Secret World series countless times. Journal 1999 and Journal 2000 by MD1016, The Mastodon Diaries by akaJake, Blinded by White Light by Dashak, Deliverance From Evil by Char Chaffin and Tess.

I could go on all day.

My absolute favorite story is Arizona Highways by Fialka.

I am partial to Scully angst. And the Emily storyline just kills me, so when authors take those elements and write a kick-ass story, I am there for it.

What is your favorite of your own fics, X-Files and/or otherwise?

How awful is it that I had to look up my fics to answer this question? I don't know that I have a favorite. That's like asking a mother which child she favors. Maybe One of the Damned.

Do you think you'll ever write another X-Files story? Or dust off and post an oldie that for whatever reason never made it online?

I won't say never, but I don't think so. I've tried to start one or two with some ideas I've had, but I haven't gotten far with them.

Do you still write fic now? Or other creative work?

No. I don't even have time to read as often as I would like to.

Where do you get ideas for stories?

Usually what if scenarios - I try to work out different ways the story could go in my head. I would usually have the guts of the story written in my head before I typed the first word.

What's the story behind your pen name?

There was already a well-known Rachel posting fic when I got started, so I just decided to go with a nickname - Rae.

Do your friends and family know about your fic and, if so, what have been their reactions?

My husband is crazy supportive and tries to convince me to write again All. The. Time. I never hid my XF obsession from anyone, but I don't think I told many people about my writing.

Is there a place online (tumblr, twitter, AO3, etc.) where people can find you and/or your stories now?

I am on tumblr and twitter, but like I said above, I don't really post. All of my stories are at Gossamer.

(Posted by Lilydale on February 9, 2021)

#new post #old school x #xfiles fanfic #xf fanfic #xf fanfic author interviews #rae

41 notes · View notes

hinamoria · 4 years ago

Text

Hitsuhina Week 2021 : Day 1

Hitsuhina Week 2021 : Day 1- Nickname / Hot and cold

Rating: K

Synopsis: Momo remembers the origin of her nickname: Bed wetter Momo

Word Count: 1801 words

Author’s Note: Hi everyone! My first participation at the Hitsuhina week is here. I hope you like it! I had fun writing it \(^.^)/

English isn’t my first language so excuse myself for any typos <3

----

“Shiro-chan!” Hinamori greeted cheerfully as she walked through the doors of the Tenth Division office. “We're going to eat yakitoris with Matsumoto-san and other lieutenants. Are you joining us? "

Hitsugaya, sitting at his desk, frowned at the famous nickname his childhood friend refused to forget, and declined the invitation.

"I have a lot of work to finish," he complained, putting an extra sheet of paper on the already tall pile of his desk. "Maybe next time," he added, afraid to upset his friend. "And Hinamori, for the umpteenth time, it's captain Hitsugaya."

"But Hitsugaya-kun, that nickname is perfect for you!" she replied, keeping her smile.

A perfect nickname from Hinamori's point of view. In harmony with the white and shiny hair like snow of her friend.

"Do you hear me calling you by your childhood nickname yet?” Sighed the captain.

Momo laughed lightly as she thought about it. "Bed Wetter Momo" was much less flattering than “Shiro chan”. Especially since it was referring to a single accident and therefore absolutely no more relevant today.

And yet, even though she wouldn’t like to be called that way again today, she still had a certain melancholy as she remembered the event where it’s from. Somehow, that night, Shiro-chan had for the first time given her a kind gesture.

It happened soon after arriving in Rukongai, when she was eight years old.

She still remembered the hustle and bustle, the lost people trying to get information about what was happening to them, and her in the middle desperately looking for her mom or her plush that she must have dropped something. It must be here. She remembered holding it during her last moments of life. So it couldn't be very far.

It was the end of her old life on Earth. Nowadays, it was just a vague memory. The faces of her biological family had gradually faded. She remembered that her mother had brown hair, often tied up in a bun. Momo may have subconsciously imitated her while growing up. But had she hazel eyes like her or were they a different color? She could no longer remember it.

A cholera epidemic had hit the country, killing thousands of people. Antibiotics did not exist at the time, so the chances of escaping it, especially for a child, were almost nil. Momo didn't end up in pain for long.

At the entrance to Rukongai, men and women dressed in black kimonos, whom she later knew as shinigamis, gave instructions to people around her. They were divided into groups. She was going to go to district number one, "Junrinan". She didn't know this place, but thought she heard the term "lucky" from a shinigami.

Looking back 100 years after, she understood how true it was. Especially after hearing Abarai-kun's stories.

Each person was taken to a different dwelling. Very little explanation was given. Sometimes locals sighed when they saw a new arrival, but others greeted them with a big smile. Her journey ended in front of a wooden house with a small earthen courtyard in front and two imposing shoji-style doors at the entrance.

A lady with gray hair tied in a bun opened the door and smiled at Momo.

"Is that the little new one?" She asked in a voice marked by time.

The shinigami nodded and left the area without another word. His behaviour may have seemed rude, but the little lady ignored it. Momo watched him go with slight fear, but returned her attention to the stranger who began to speak to him.

"Welcome my dear. What's your name? "

"Momo…" the child replied after a brief hesitation.

“Very well Momo. From today you will live here. Come home, I'll explain everything to you"

The lady held out her hand, which Momo took, and together they entered the girl's new home.

-------------

To say that the first few days in her new home were easy would have been a lie. Momo was missing her family. And she kept looking through the portal to see if her mother was going to cross the threshold and come to get her.

Her new grandmother was a sweet and warm woman. She gave Momo time to acclimatize without rushing her. She even offered her a small dog-shaped plush toy to replace her previous one. Momo appreciated the little attention and hugged the plush tightly against her at night.

However, living with Toshiro was more difficult. The little boy already had a strong character and did not seem delighted by the arrival of a new child in his home. He often spoke harshly to her, when he just wasn't ignoring her. Momo, luckily, didn't seem to take offense and came back to meet him all the more, determined to make him her new friend.

He didn't looked to be appreciated by the other children, who seemed afraid of his particular hair. Momo, on the other hand, was fascinated by their color and had repeatedly tried to touch them - usually receiving insults and yelling in return - which didn't stop her from doing it again a few days later. He reminded him of the old cat that resided in her neighbourhood on Earth. He had hissed on her each time she approached. But after a few months, he had accepted her affection. Toshiro would be the same, she could tell.

One night, about two weeks after her arrival, Momo had a terrible nightmare. The pain of her last moments on Earth came back to her. She heard her mom cry and pray, but she couldn't see her. She was terribly thirsty and hungry, but the nausea tugged at her so much that she couldn't take anything. It was the end. She felt death coming to seek her. When a new wave of pain pierced her body, Momo woke up abruptly, breathing heavy.

The pain was gone. But she still couldn't see anything. After a few seconds, a growl to her left signaled the presence of the white haired boy and reminded her where she was. Her grandmother must have been somewhere to her right. They used to stick their futons together and sleep three side by side.

She was safe, everything was fine.

Catching her breath, however, she noticed a new unusual detail. Her clothes looked wet.

She straightened up and inspected her bed with the palm of her hand. A stain of moisture permeated the futon, a small part of the blanket and the entire bottom of her kimono. She was taken aback for a few moments, then realized with dread that she had wet the bed!

It hadn't happened since she was three, how could she have done that now? She wondered ashamed.

Discreetly, she got out of the futon, holding her breath as she saw Toshiro move around in the futon right next to her. Luckily, he didn't seem to wake up.

Would Grandma be mad if she saw this? Was she going to be kicked out of the house? Who would want a messy child?

Trying to swallow back tears, Momo took the blanket and left the room discreetly.

With any luck, she would manage to hide her mistake and they would let her stay here.

First she needed clean clothes, then she would go and wash it all in the basin outside. As a final step, she would take care of the futon in the same way. And when asked tomorrow, she could pretend she spilled a glass of milk on the bed. If no one saw the stain, her excuse would be plausible.

After grabbing some new clothes, Momo went down the stairs of the house to go outside.

Luckily, the moon lit up the courtyard a little and allowed herself to orient without too much trouble. Momo found the basin and put the blanket in it. The cold water made the child shiver, who could now feel the tears running down her cheeks.

Looking back 100 years later, she realized how dumb she could have been to feel so bad for a trivial accident like this, but at this moment, the world was falling apart for her.

She changed, taking a little water to clean herself, then tossed the soiled clothes in the water as well. As she began to rub the whole thing vigorously, a voice startled her.

"What are you doing?” Toshiro surprised her from the doorway.

She turned in his direction, speechless. He kept his arms crossed against his chest, obviously waiting for an answer that took a particularly long time to arrive.

"I ..." stammered the little brunette. “I spilled a glass of milk?"

Her voice had risen in high pitch with a sobbing hiccup, making her assertion closer to questioning. Toshiro certainly wouldn't be fooled by the situation. He was young in appearance, but he was significantly older than her in age. And she realized her excuse was completely incoherent when said out loud.

But strangely, she heard neither reproach nor mockery from the boy who was looking at her seriously. On the contrary, his answer surprised her.

"I'm going to get your futon to have it cleaned too…" He said with a sigh.

And he disappeared for a good minute.

On his return, ditto, he remained silent. He helped her clean up and spread the ling. And when they returned to bed afterwards, he even gave her a bit of room in his own futon for Momo. The rest of the night ended without further accident.

The next day, she said with more confidence her story to her grandmother, who absolutely did not believe a word of it, but who accepted it nonetheless, afraid to embarrass her. When she went out to do some shopping, Momo turned to Toshiro who was finishing lunch.

"Thank you Hitsugaya-kun," Hinamori said in a small voice. "For keeping my secret."

"I don't know what you're talking about," he replied with his mouth full.

Then as he swallowed, he looked at the girl and let go with a smirk, "Bed Wetter Momo".

Momo froze in her seat upon hearing the new nickname.

"How did you call me?” She asked scandalized.

"You called me Shiro-chan a few days ago, remember? From today you will be "Bed wetter Momo" if you keep using that nickname ". He treated her, pretending to be interested in his bowl of rice. But the smirk he kept showing indicated the pride he felt right now in torturing her.

It was the start of a new friendship.

And he kept his word: he used that nickname for many years, and she kept on calling him Shiro-chan. It almost became a game between them.

And if today she was no longer "Bed wetter Momo", she treasured the memory of the first step Toshiro had taken towards her.

#hitsuhina week 2021 #hitsuhina #toshiro hitsugaya #momo hinamori #bleach fanfiction

17 notes · View notes