#the arm was useless aside from bettering weapons

[merriclo]

bro just beat totk. goddamn.

[rebelscums]

Little Flower (Qimir x Padawan reader)

Rating: Fluff | Kissing | Light grinding | A pillow is thrown

Summary: You are the padawan to a masked man you had no name of. You have been by his side for years, training and mastering the arts of what he refers to as the dark side of the force. However, with Mae entering your life as his new favorite, you are beginning to question whether you belong there anymore. Something that you run to your closet fiend to talk about. Who knew confessing to Qimir about your trouble would bring a life changing moment.

“I’m not strong enough for him.” That was the first thing you said to Qirmir as you entered his shop. Borrowed shop? You didn’t care.

The defeat in your tone was enough to alert him of your dismay.

“That’s it. I’m officially useless to him. He doesn’t need me.” You blurted out all of your frustrations to the only person you have ever been able to call a friend, “All he cares about is his new acolyte Mae.”

You were both stationed here with Mae as she completed the next part of her trial which was to kill Master Torbin… Without a weapon.

“What makes you say that?” Qimir popped his head up from behind his counter.

“He’s been making me run these needless errands lately that literally anyone else in the galaxy can do.” You set a bag of powdered gold leaves onto the counter, “This took me an entire day to find and when I go back to the spot I left him, he was gone! Gone! Didn’t tell me where either.” You said frustratingly, “So I figured you might know what to do with this.”

Qimir took the bag and peered inside, a please look on his face as he hummed, “Actually I do. It’s the leaves I need to make a poison Mae requested.”

“Of course it is.” You rolled your eyes at the mention of her name.

Mae seemed to be taking the eyes of your master and Qimir lately. Something that made your eyes turn green with the overpowering feeling of jealousy… Of being abandoned.

“Look, I love Mae and she has become very dear to me, but… I was here first.” You felt like a child for saying that, “I know that sounds selfish, but it feels like he just tossed me aside for a better version.” You looked up at Qimir showing him the hurt and betrayal in your eyes before looking away to try and suppress your feelings, “And maybe… Maybe she is better than me… Maybe I should just take my loss and go.” You spoke in a near whisper, your throat tightening at the thought.

“No!” The way he quickly voiced his answer had you looking up at him waiting for him to continue, “You are strong with the force and an extremely skilled assassin.” He shook his head, “You don’t have to leave.”

You sighed and moved past him and the counter, “But what if he wants me to leave Qi? You don’t understand. It’s like he doesn’t even see me or the power I possess. All he ever says to me is that I’m not ready to become his acolyte and that I need to help Mae ascend yet…” You slumped into the cot that he called a bed with a huff, “I’m older than she is! I’ve been with him longer might I add. I’ve never questioned him, I’ve followed him loyally and this is what I am granted with? To be a baby sitter?”

“One useful skill may come out of that job.” He noted and you missed the blush in his face at whatever he was thinking about…

“And what might that be?” You muttered tiredly as you stared up at the ceiling contemplating your life and how you could just be better.

“You would make a good mother?” Qimir shrugged his shoulders as he tried to had the small smirk on his lips.

You launched one of the pillows on the bed the moment those words left his mouth. It was going straight for his head to which he surprisingly dodged with ease, but that didn’t stop the surprised look appear on his face as he raised his hands in surrender.

“Not funny.” You grumbled and crossed your arms, turning to face the wall with a pout.

“Okay okay. I’m sorry.” Qimir said as he walked over to where you were. When you didn’t turn to face him, he decided to take a seat on the edge of the bed beside you. There was a thoughtful look on his face before he spoke again, “Maybe… Maybe he is looking out for you.”

That got your attention. You sat up, your shoulders brushing against his as you peered up at him with confusion, “What do you mean?”

A nervous blush creeped up his face as you leaned closer to him, “Well I mean… I…” He trailed off nervously, “I just mean that maybe you just might be more important to him than you realize. He could be looking after you to take on a more important role.”

“What’s more important than being his acolyte?” You huffed in confusion as you look towards your fiddling hands, “I remember what he said to me all those years ago when we first met. He promised he would make me a powerful force weirder and that I would stand by his side as his acolyte and now… Now I’m starting to question if he really meant it.”

Qimir’s hand found yours and gave it a comforting squeeze, “He meant it and… You are powerful. Just as you are brave and unlawfully kind.” He assured and it was your turn to blush.

It seemed like he always knew what to say to you in ways that made your heart flutter and your cheeks burn, “Qi…” You breathed out as you glanced at his lips.

He was quick to copy your movements leaning in closer to you as he did so, “Maybe he sees too much good in you to turn you into something your not.” He whispered, his breath caressing your skin.

“You seem to know a lot about what he may think.” You whispered, suddenly lost in his darkening gaze, “Why is that?”

“What can I say? I’m good at reading people.” He smirked slightly as he looked down at your lips again, “I’m also extremely possessive over what I care about. Knowing him means knowing you.”

“Okay…” You hummed accepting his answer, “Alright then mister possessive, what am I thinking about right now?” You mused, a mischievous glint sparkling in your eyes.

It was something the Qimir couldn’t get enough of. It was your playfulness towards him that was like a breath of fresh air against the darkness he was met with daily.

“I would say…” His speech was slow as he traced your face with his eyes, “That you really want to kiss me.” He teased lowly. There was a small grin on his face in knowing that he was right.

He was always right.

“Do I now?” You didn’t try to deny it as you leaned in closer to him, “And you? What do you want to do?”

A low noise emanated from his throat, almost like a pleading sound as his lips brushed against yours, “I want to kiss you...” He said in a way that made your heart yearn for him.

“Then what are you waiting for? Kiss me.” You breathed out, your heart racing wildly in excitement.

That was all he needed to hear as he leaned down to press his lips against yours. Your eyes fluttered closed at the soft sensation in the way that he kissed you. It was delicate and gentle as if he was afraid to push you too far, but the way your arms circled around his neck, pulling him closer to you, was all he needed to know.

He felt like light between your fingertips as you ran your hands through his hair and he was gentle with his movements in guiding you back against the bed. “Beautiful…” He breathed out, fitting himself snugly between your legs.

“Qi…” You breathed his name against his lips, arching your back as he tugged your bottom lips between his teeth. He held himself back, letting go of your lip to really look at you. You couldn’t help but look at him with awe as he gazed at you with so much love and devotion shining in his eyes.

“You are just… Breathtaking.” He admired you with every part of his being, “Utterly breathtaking…” He seemed mesmerized as his right hand traced along your curves.

You blushed, a small smile playing on your lips as you looked away from him embarrassed by his loving words, “Who knew you were such a flatterer.”

He chuckled lowly as he leaned back down to kiss your lips. All too quickly he left and began leaving a trail of kisses down to your neck. You couldn’t help your eyes fluttering closed at the feeling.

“You deserve to be flattered.” He continued losing himself in everything that was you. He rocked himself against you as he held back the urge to devour you entirely. He wanted too so desperately now that he knew you were his, body, soul, and mind. He would never let you go, not now… Not until his last dying breath. “You deserve the galaxy, my little flower.” He muttered softly against your skin.

You have much to learn little flower.

You moaned lightly at the pleasure he filled you with almost kissing his last words, but you heard them. Your mind took a moment to register the deeper meaning behind his endearment, but when you did your eyes opened in realization. It was him. Qimir was him. No one knew about that little nickname except for…

“Master?” You whispered running your fingers through his hair in a gentle manner, but your heart beat widely in your chest as he stopped kissing you.

“Hm…” He hummed a small smirk gracing his lips as he breathed against your neck, “You finally figured it out.”

You placed your right hand on his cheek and gentle lifted his head to face you, “He’s you?” You said in awe as you pieced together every moment up until now, “You’re him?”

“I am.” He searched your eyes for any fear or resistance, but his shoulders relaxed as he saw none.

“So… That is why you were never around when he— I mean when you were training me? Because you were already there.” Your brows furrowed, “Does Mae know?” A small pang filled your chest at the possibility of her knowing your masters identity before you.

He shook his head, “No.”

The pang quickly left, filling your chest with relief as you let out a small sigh, “So… That’s how you were so sure about how he was feeling because that’s what you truly felt…” A blush filled your cheeks at the kind words he said to you earlier.

However, you realized something else as well. He was the one who kept you from becoming his acolyte. You gasped as you smacked his chest causing him to groan and you would have cared for the old Qimir if you didn’t already know how strong he truly was as your master.

“Why won’t you make me your acolyte?” You huffed slightly embarrassed now that you know you spilled your guts to him, “This entire time I have told you how I felt. I am devoted only to you master so why will you not let me become your acolyte?”

“I thought you would have figured that out by now.” He chuckled shaking his head.

Your brows furrowed in confusion, “What do you mean? That is why you train me, it is why you let me stay with you, is it not?”

Strands of his hair fell into his eyes from the way he shook his head. You couldn’t help, but reach up to brush them away, something that had his heart flutter and his lips curl up into a soft smile. He leaned into your touch, his eyes closed as he spoke softly, “I don’t want you to become my acolyte anymore because I couldn’t bear the thought of something ever happening to you.” His gaze darkened, “I would burn the galaxy before that ever happens.”

You smiled softly and brushed away the creases from his brow, “I know.”

“I want you to be mine.” He nuzzled his nose into your wrist before placing a gentle kiss upon in, “I want you to be my equal… Not as someone who does my bidding, not as my padawan or my acolyte, but someone who stands by me.”

“I want you my little flower because you are everything I wish the world to be.” He finished, a soft look in his eyes.

Love swelled up in your chest at the confession he conveyed so deeply to you. His love sealed your fate to him as you leaned up towards him. You brushed your lips against his, the both of you conveying your strong emotions to one another with the look of your eyes.

“You have my heart Qimir and I will stand by your side, always.” You agreed softly.

It was a promise that the two of you would keep without any doubt. He was yours and you were his until the end of time.

[demonpiratehuntress]

better

Portgas D. Ace x F!Reader

summary - you think you don't do enough for the crew so you work harder and train harder to be better. Ace thinks you do plenty already, but supports your decision regardless.

warnings - none

a/n: i hope the person who requested this sees it, because me being a dumbass at 3am, i accidentally deleted the reply to the request. i also hope i got it right!

You could admit that you were not the most useful crewmember of the Whitebeard pirates. In fact, you felt completely useless, like you couldn't contribute anything meaningful or helpful. But you didn't want to be that way, you didn't want to be just a burden to them, even if Ace would constantly remind you that you're not a burden and you were helpful. To him, at least.

But you wanted to be helpful to the entire crew. In fights, you wanted to be able to hold your own without being told to go hide or go check on the injured. You wanted to be able to fight without having to depend on your boyfriend to come save you if you were faced with an opponent.

"(Name) are you even listening?" A deep chuckle met your ears, snapping you out of your thoughts.

You turned away from the shop window, smiling at Ace sheepishly, "I'm sorry, just...lost in thought." The way you said it and the way your smile didn't quite reach your ears alerted Ace to what you were thinking about.

"Hey," he took both your hands and brought you a little closer, "If it bothers you so much, I can always teach you a few things." He looked at the items you were eyeing from the shop and smirked. "Daggers, huh? Come on." He tugged you into the shop to help you choose a set.

-

After a very long few hours choosing a pair of pretty yet lethal daggers (Ace was the indecisive one), you both made your way back to the ship. You were staring at the sharp weapons in your hands, marveling at how dangerous they looked and feeling excited to finally learn to be at least a little bit effective.

"Okay let's start with some basic stances," he began, his hand reaching for your hip to position it. "Place one leg like this, and the other like this." He demonstrated his words, showing you how to stand and how to position your arms.

"Ace," you laughed a few minutes later, "I'm pretty sure my butt does not need to be in any specific position."

His beet-red face popped up in front of you, a coy smile on his lips, "Sorry babe, couldn't help myself."

He spent the rest of the afternoon teaching you basic combat moves and acting as your personal hype man, cheering excessively when you got something right just to boost your confidence. It was working, and you were grateful to have such a supportive and helpful boyfriend.

-

After a few more days of this, you were starting to get the hang of it. Your combat skills had drastically improved, and while you still hadn't managed to beat Ace, there was massive progress and you felt it.

But aside from combat, you also wanted to be more knowledgeable in other fields. Like first aid. In case of emergencies, you wanted to know how to deal with injuries and minor wounds that could be fixed right then and there. You didn't want to be an all-out doctor or medic, but you wanted to have at least a little medical knowledge.

So you took to medical books.

You read everything you could get your hands on, even staying up late at night to study. Sometimes you would even fall asleep at your desk, which is where Ace would find you in the morning. It worried him, but he also didn't want to stop you from learning.

"You should read it to me," he suggested one afternoon, while he was lying in bed with you after having to force you to stop when your eyes started to droop.

"Hmm?" You looked up at him sleepily, "Read what?"

"Those medical books you're reading," his warms hands rested on your stomach, putting you at ease. "You should talk to me about what you learn, it could help you remember."

You smiled when he offered to listen to you, "Are you sure you'll be able to keep up?"

He gasped dramatically, "What do you think I am? Stupid?"

"Yes," you teased.

He feigned offence, playfully scoffing, "I detest that."

"I'm kidding," you laughed, shifting so you could bury your face in his neck. "But thanks for the offer. I might just take you up on that."

And you did. Every time you were reading, Ace was with you whenever he could be. He sat and listened to you explain and discuss the human anatomy, how to dress certain injuries and what steps to take if there wasn't a medic around. He really didn't follow along, and he often fell asleep, but you appreciated the effort he was making to encourage you.

"Aceeeee!" You giggled and flicked his nose gently.

"Wha-?" He jerked awake, eyes flitting around the room before settling on you, and a lovestruck smile formed on his lips. "Oh, hey babe."

"You fell asleep again," you pouted, unable to stop your smile.

"I'm sorryyyyy," he apologised, leaning forward and kissing all over your face. It tickled, and the laughs he pulled from you made him smile. "Carry on, I'm listening now."

"You promise?"

"I promise."

[enigmatist17]

Weight of the World

Part 1 (sorta kinda)

2 3 4 5

----

Spike hadn't left since that night.

Well, that wasn't entirely accurate, he sometimes would leave Sunnydale to do...whatever it was he did.

But he always came back to a house he was slowly starting to call home.

Dawn found she couldn't sleep unless she heard the distant sounds of Passions downstairs in the living room, the clink of his lighter being flicked on and off better than any music she used to sleep sometimes. Breakfast was always waiting for her before she left for school, a task that was still hard some days, sometimes finding a small ring or cheat sheet for an exam in her bag on those days. She would never know how he knew when it was one of those days, but the tears she would dab away would be her knowledge and hers alone.

Something would tug at Buffy's heart whenever she didn't see his duster slung over the banister after a long day. Usually, he would be asleep in said coat, long limbs sprawled out over the couch as he slept under it, and other times passed out in the basement that was slowly being converted into an apartment of sorts.

The crypt had been abandoned shortly after Buffy had asked him to stay with her and Dawn, and the Slayer wondered why she hadn't found an issue with his living situation before the world turned upside down.

The best nights were sparse at first.

Buffy, Dawn, and Spike had been watching some movie, laughter, and giggles filling the air as popcorn was fought over and commentary about how the actors were phoning performances in leading late into the night. Dawn fell asleep first, using Spike's lap as a pillow after pulling his duster over her like a blanket. One hand gently runs through her hair while he and Buffy watch another movie, the Slayer slowly curling under his other arm and resting her head on his chest. It's strange not to hear a heartbeat, chest rising and falling on instinct rather than to fill long useless lungs, but it's also comforting in a way she'd never felt with Riley. Spike knows when she's finally fallen asleep, and for a moment drinks in the sight before tucking it carefully in the back of his mind for when this would inevitably end, as things often did with his luck.

A dam had broken after that, Spike sometimes lounging on the cough with Dawn until she fell asleep from homework or general exhaustion, the vampire looking at her with doting eyes he'd never shared with anyone aside from his mother. Other times, he and Buffy would be in her room, sometimes enjoying the peace after patrol and others going through albums and poking fun until she grew exhausted. The first time he'd gotten up to leave, but stilled when he heard Buffy pat the spot beside her with a small smile, the implication hanging between them until he slowly sat on the bed. He'd held her close that night, his dead heart aching with something he couldn't understand as he played with her golden hair, wondering when the hell a Slayer had made him feel...human.

----

The moments were stolen too soon.

Glory couldn't wait forever, and struck all at once. Dawn being snatched from them tore his heart from his chest, the vampire having to push the unfamiliar feeling of the mixture of raw fear and fury down and away as they scrambled for what to do. Willow surprisingly breaks up the chaos, the witch standing tall as she comes up with a plan that, admittedly, is better than his urge to go and fight his chip to kill whoever stood in their way. The relief when Buffy is drawn out from her mind nearly sends most of the Scoobies to the floor in relief, knowing that the only reason they don't is because the fight ahead still looms, and they all linger in the Magic Box for a few precious hours before they begin. Revello Dr. is quiet when he and Buffy return to gather weapons, the both of them silent as he heads for the living room and she upstairs.

"Spike..." The rummaging stops as he glances over, Buffy looking at him from the bottom step. "We won't all make it."

"Yea," Grabbing the closest axe he quickly moves so he can properly see her, and for the first time can see how tired she is. "Hey, I always know I'd go down fightin'."

"I'm counting on you...to protect her." It's a whisper that holds more weight than either of them can bear, yet their gaze is unshakeable.

"Till the end of the world. Even if that happens to be tonight." The world is silent as they hold each other's gaze before Buffy turns and begins to head upstairs.

"Buffy..." His words get lodged in his throat as she turns, wanting desperately to spill everything he feels. "I know that I'm a monster, but you've always treated me like a man...and it's all I could ever want."

"I..." His heart aches at the look she gives him, and for the unlife of him he doesn't know what it is. Is it love? Is it pity? When he'd been human he might have known, might have been able to make sense of something that the demon he was couldn't comprehend, might have been able to place with a song in his heart. He doesn't realize she's come down the stairs until gentle hands take hold of his head, those brilliant eyes of hers looking into his with that look.

"I-When we make it through this, I want to try." Her voice quivers as one thumb gently rests on his lips. "I can't promise anything, but I see you trying, and it's enough for me."

His heart aches fiercely now, and Spike knows what he needs to do now after they fight and win.

"I'll hold you to that pet." He kisses her thumb before stepping back, feeling so cold now. "Go, I'll wait." Buffy holds his gaze for a moment longer before her shoulders slump, the Slayer coming forth to do whatever is necessary to kill the big baddie and save the world.

----

Everything ached from the battle raging below, but Spike's only thought was Dawn, his vampiric speed all but phasing him from sight as he climbed. The doc was there waiting, knife glinting when he turned to face Spike the moment he got to the platform at Dawn's cry.

"Doesn't a fella stay dead when you kill him?" It takes everything not to pull forth his demon face as he stares down the other, hackles raised as he slowly approaches the two.

"Look who's talking." The ponce is smirking, and Spike snarls as she shifts his stance.

"C'mon Doc, let's you and me 'ave a go." Murder drips from every word as the other looks down at his knife before looking up, the smile raising Spike's hair on the back of his neck.

"I...do have a prior appointment." Eyes flicker towards Dawn, and Spike knows it's time.

"This won't take long."

"No. I don't imagine it will." Spike knows he fucks up when he moves to strike, the man flickering between the blink of an eye to end up behind the vampire, sticking the blade right in with a fierce jab. An uppercut sends the demon stumbling back just enough for Spike to surge for Dawn, the knife making him groan as he yanks it out and drops it, now squarely between Dawn and the danger right in front of her.

"You don't come near the girl, Doc." He can see the other demon pause in surprise, eyes looking over him like one would observe a fine cut of meat.

"I don't smell a soul anywhere on you," He hums, clearly curious by the behavior before him. "Why do you even care?"

"I made a promise to a lady, an' I'd never let some soddin' freak harm my little girl." Spike and the demon now speak as one, clearly ready to tear the other apart. He's able to dodge the tongue strike, but wasn't fast enough to avoid having his legs kicked out from underneath, the other demon easily grabbed Spike into a headlock and spun him so he was facing Dawn.

"Oh? Well, I'll send the lady your regrets."

Dawn looks at him with terror for the moment time seems to slow, and Spike wants to scream.

"No." The gasp is all he manages before he's suddenly falling towards the earth, the ground meeting him with a sickening set of cracks. It burns when the ground starts to rumble what feels like hours later, and he has to move to avoid a large crack that appears as whatever is happening above starts. Every shattered bone in his body protests as he gets up to his feet, trying hard to see what's happening in the strange portal above before suddenly...it stops. The air stills, the rumbles cease, and the world seems to let out a sigh of peace as the dust settles.

Willow is the first to start screaming.

The noise is only one of pain as Spike limps towards the small familiar crowd forming around something, and when he turns a corner, he sees.

His leg gives out a few feet away, but it doesn't matter as he just stares, those beautiful eyes closed as if she were merely asleep. Tears begin to burn his cheeks as he cradles his head in his hands, letting out his own animalistic wail as he grieves for his Slayer. The noise rattles in the bones of the Scoobies nearby, any vampires or demons nearby squirreling for cover as a vampire in agony was a greater danger than one who was not, and he keeps making it until someone carefully hugs him close.

"It'll be okay." Dawn's voice was hoarse as she held him close, no one saying a word before Giles finally found his voice.

"Xander...find a car, we need to get everyone - well - most everyone to the hospital." The contractor nodded and moved for the exit, carrying Anya despite her soft protests, regarding Spike with sheer concern. "Spike..."

"I'll take him," Tara speaks up, kissing Willow's cheek. "G-Go, keep Dawn safe for me okay?" The witch is too shellshocked to do more than nod, the couple carefully picking their way across the floor towards the remaining Summers', who looked distraught at leaving the man in her arms. "It'll be okay."

"b-But he fell, a-and his bones are broken, and we don't have any blood left." She whimpers, jumping a little when Spike squeezes her knee.

"Go pet, I'll be right as rain." They all know it's a lie, and he's able to hold himself vaguely upright just long enough for Willow and Dawn to head out of sight before turning his head and coughing, the floor stained with blood as he does so.

"Take him to Willy's, he knows." It was all Giles said at the wordless look, and only years of enduring pain prevented the vampire from crying out as he was helped back onto his feet. For all the horror in the world at the moment, the demon bar was not far, the patrons long cleared out from his wail save the bartender, who only looked at the duo sadly.

"Back room, I've got it stocked." Tara is grateful when the man rounds the bar, taking up the slack of Spike's increasing body weight as he sags from the pain.

He passes out the moment he's hauled up and onto an awaiting bed, grateful that the Powers That Be gave him some solace.

[boatswainscall]

It's endlessly frustrating to me as a MR30 the way discussions around what specific Warframes and weapons are "good" or not end up being framed.

Where the same bullshit always unfolds whenever new ones release with youtubers and the like talking about how "bad" they are when the reality is their metric of "good" is like.... being able to mow through exceedingly high-level eximus with steel path modifiers in the blink of an eye. Which is laughably non-applicable for like, most people playing at any given time. Not to say that information is not expressly useless - it will be for instance a great resource to look to once you take your first steps into Steel Path, Archon Hunts and Deep Archimedea, but it can be disheartening for people just trying to get through stuff like the Index or the Sedna arm of the Void to see all these weapons and builds and such that they cannot access yet.

The reality being most weapons are at least worth trying out to see if you personally enjoy them and most Prime, Kuva and Tenet weapons for instance will be reliable for use in most content until you take that step into Steel Path - with some still retaining their usefulness into that tier of content if built a specific way. There are weapons that are very much not worth looking into or building beyond MR fodder though, which are at the very least discussed when applicable.

As for Warframes though, you genuinely can't go wrong with most of them in most content - with specific ones being better suited for specific mission types of course ie tankiness, crowd control and defensive capabilities, but if you have a particular favourite that you want to stick with you won't get expressly punished for it outside of content that they are definitely not suited for, of which you can just switch up your loadout to better suit the situation. But even then some Warframes really can thrive in any environment if you have spent the time to learn their kit inside and out, which is something I do love about Warframe as a game.

Depending on how badly viral + heat will get bodied by the Jade Shadows update and its damage type reworks I may set aside time to sit down and try to write up my own guide of sorts for early to midgame players, with stuff like specific weapons, mods and generalized tips for building Warframes in general ie when to prioritize shields over armor/health etc. Because this game really is one I'm very passionate about and I did most of my learning on my own past a specific point due to not having any friends at the endgame level to ask for advice from. So I'd like to be that kind of resource for players in that position where I had none myself.

Again this will depend on how cataclysmic the shift in damage type meta is come that update because it'll mean I'll need to scramble and salvage my own arsenal from utter annihilation given how much of it is currently centered around viral + heat lmao. As well as my own eternal battle against executive dysfunction. But we'll see.

[ria-writes-stories]

Feast

Genre: Romance, Tension, Action, Unhealthy obsession

Ship: Jolly

Description: U already know

WARNING: this entire fic is an obsessive unhealthy fight between J and Doll hurting each

TW: Vampire like gore idk-

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

(No one's pov)

Doll was a cold calculated rational person. Nothing could get out of her bloody red eyes, nothing without her own will. No one could peer into her mind and everyone was too scared to do it, so it was no wonder that no one ever tried to get within her mind, not even those who despised her, and here there was, a helpless idiot pathetic and useless 'murder' drone. Oh she'll have tearing her to shreds.

J didn't expect this. She was patrolling in this wasteland she has travelled on so many times, but not once before has she met this drone, and not once has she seen a weak worker drone do such feats, it was something that could not be explained. No. It was the horrors of her past coming to bite her throat, reminding her she is just as weak as she was back then, unable to protect Tessa, unable to shield her from the horrors. Now, faced with the same powers, with a different enemy, she was just as weak.

J grunted as she was thrown into a wall as she helplessly fell to the ground on her knees as she held herself with her arms from falling, pressing them against the dirty ground, covered in oil and snow as she gasped heavily, as she used one of her arms which currently had her missile projection out as a pillar to get up.

For the past hour she was tossed like a piece of scrap and she could already feel her powers caving in but she refused. She refused to let this freak of nature. She had to prove that she was better. She had to show her greatness. She took out her most vital weapon, one that never fails, that being her electric shockwave gun, but before she could use it a red symbol of light was thrown at her and she began to malfunction as if she was attacked with the same weapon she used once to try and defeat Uzi.

She fell to the ground like a corpse as her visor went dark with a red message displayed on it as she heard footsteps approach her, crushing the snow below them as she could felt the dark presence, colder than this world, approach her.

She could feel her coming closer and closer...but then nothing...What happened? Well, when she opened her eyes, she found out, because it wasn't long before someone grabbed a handful of her hair and painfully brought her head up despite her body barely being able to stand up.

"You're pathetic." The drone before her said in a merciless, cold tone, staring her down with cruel judging eyes. "This is what is supposed to be in my way? Even the weakest of my colony turns out to be far more powerful than you." Doll said as with a quick hand mention she ||mashed J's head against the wall, causing her visor to split open slightly before letting her fall to the ground.

"You're too pathetic to even kill. Pitiful truly." Doll said walking away as J's body healed as she growled lowly under her breath. There was one problem with Doll, underestimating a new enemy, always.

In the split of a second she found herself face to face with the so called pathetic drone she thought she gave a piece of her mind enough to determine them to run but no. J's yellow orbs stared at Doll's eyes, steady and calm, now thrown off guard completely, a rare feat given the Russian drone's past.

With her wings widely spread J tried to stab Doll with her tail, she missed by an inch as Doll stepped aside and glared at J with pure hatred as she...disappeared?! She teleported or what?! But before J could get any answer she was grabbed by her tail and smashed into the ground causing the snow around them to fly up in the air, sending a pressure and shock wave for miles as a crater formed into the place that J was so roughly thrown into.

J groaned with her eyes squinted, close tightly from the pain, and before she could open them she felt a strange pressure on her chest. Doll was stepping on her, much like she stepped on N many times before, but her punishment was far worse.

She grabbed one of J's messed up pony tails raising her head up. "You are a worthless pathetic excuse of space."

The Russian drone spat out with disgust and resentment in her voice as she glared at J.

How dare this low life try and waste her time? Doll wasn't furious, no, this drone wasn't deserving of her wrath, and yet she couldn't help but feel something wrong when she looked into the eyes of the drone, and then she saw it, something she never thought she'd see... From the corner of the girl's mouth a sinister smile perked up. Doll didn't allow it as she immediately sued her absolute solver to throw the drone to the side as she looked at her in utter shock. How could one smile when they were about to die? Something was wrong with that drone, and maybe that something she could use to her advantage... but how?

"You're pretty good for a weak little worker drone." J said getting up as she cleaned a few drops of oil from the corner of her mouth as she pointed her weapon at Doll barely steady on her feet as she shook from head to toe, from bolt to wires. "What are you doing? You can't take me down." Doll said bluntly as she looked at J with a cold yet intrigued look, trying to hide it with a serious and disgusted look. "Who says that? You or me?" J said as her gun began to sparkle, ready to fire.

Doll stopped the fight where it started. When J shot her missile Doll simply stopped it and turned it back to J's direction as the murder drone seemed to be taken off guard and son smoke and dust relieved themselves in the air as Doll turned around to leave.

"Did I say you could leave?" A low dangerous voice spoke from the cloud as Doll was slammed to wall before she managed to turn around and see what other useless attempt the murder drone would have to try and use against her.

Doll's head spun as she felt her hands pressed against her back as J held her palms with her claws. "One hint of that red color and I'm cutting them off of you." Empty threats, or so Doll thought, because J did not hesitated to immediately kick her with her elbow into the side of her neck.

Doll gasped for air as she choked from the sudden pain before J slammed her head against Doll's, making the Russian drone's head slam against the concrete wall just like she did earlier to the murder drone as oil poured down staining her face, but unlike J's face who was dirtied and messy, her was clean as the oil got reabsorbed.

"Not so weak after all huh?" J said with a sadistic grin as Doll's mind went blank and in the blink of an eye Doll found herself on top of J as a rain of knives stood upon their heads as Doll smiled widely from corner to corner with all of her teeth visible.

Soon the rain came down as Doll didn't even think about the fact that she too would be stabbed by this rain but...

When it happened Doll saw from the side of her eye a pair of metallic wings warp around her and the other draw, and once the rain was finished she felt two hands pressing on her back keeping her down and steady, trapped with the murder drone. "Idiot." J said in annoyance as she glared at Doll, who was looking at her with an empty hollow look.

J hissed in pain as Doll tugged on her hair roughly. J didn't even realize when Doll's hand made it's way to her hair. "Did I hit a nerve?" Doll asked with a smug smirk as J looked down with her eyes as she snarled a little revealing her sharp teeth. "You're defect, you shouldn't have teeth like that." J remarked looking at Doll's fangs, only for her hair to be tugged again painfully as soon the drone on top of her got up and pressed her knee on her chest without hesitation. "And you should be stronger." Doll whispered as she looked at J as if waiting for something.

J leaned her head down, within the other drone's touch as she opened her mouth and said breathlessly. "Fuck." as a steam of hot hair came out and disappeared into the cold environment around them. She was overheating. and so was Doll, because her hand was starting to warm up while holding J's hair, and J could feel it. A simple quick solution.

Doll bit J's throat as hot steaming oil sprouted out as J's face winced in utter miserable agony and shock as her eyes were now wide opened as her lips parted helplessly to let out a scream that was never going to come out as a frail gush of her breath came out instead as more and more oil came out as she felt herself slowly succumb to the pain as she lightly raised her hand shaking from every inch as she refused to believe such pain exists as the teeth only kept biting her harder and harder as the grip holding her hair slowly softened while another hand held hers as J's power went all out and she stared hollowly at the sky like a corpse as a pool of oil was under her.

She was not dead, because she could feel the gentle and firm grip of the other drone holding her as she slowly felt a cool release over her as her system stopped overheating as she received oil into her mouth from the other drone's as she pressed her lips against hers deeply.

J's eyes were filled with life and disbelief as after knowing how long the drone let go of her and never before had J felt the need to breath harder before. Everything she felt that fight, she never felt it before. She felt vulnerable, weak, and it made her feel...alive.

Doll cleaned J's oil from her mouth by licking it. Her plan worked. J's oil cooled down immediately in this outside atomic frozen wasteland, and that is when J realized that not only was she bled out and her oil was forced back into her, the other drone has also consumed it

They were left staring at each other for a long while before each got away from each other and up as J proceeded to dust herself. "Imbecile. You can't do one thing right." Doll said with annoyance as she fixed J's suit and ponytails along with her tie before taking a long look at her humming, before pulling her hair...for God knowing what time. "Now that's as it should be." Doll said before letting go and walking away.

To J it felt like Doll was reminding her who's in possession of who with that last tug on her hair but...she didn't felt the desire to prove her wrong.

J looked at Doll as she stepped away. "State your business." J said bluntly. "Temporary alliance." These two will certainly have a ride...

The end

[klbwriting]

The Jason Todd Anomaly

I See You’ve Been Dragged Into This

Pairing: Jason Todd x female!Reader

Warnings: none

Summary: Jason spends the night with Y/N and then starts his time with the Court

Note: sorry its been awhile, finally got back from vacation and settled down so I’m back!

Jason took Y/N to his place, dropping their bags in the loft before moving to change out of his suit.  Y/N put out a hand and stopped him as he started unbuttoning his shirt.  

"Jason Todd, you better let me do that," she said, moving him to face her.  She started to undo the buttons, eyes following her fingers.  Jason kept his eyes on her face, watching as she slid the shirt off his shoulders.  She continued by pulling his undershirt from his pants, pushing it up and over his head.  He couldn't handle how slow she was going anymore.  He arm snaked around her waist and he pulled her close, lips meshing against hers hard and deep.  She moaned into his mouth, hands now seeming to be on fast forward as she undid his belt, pants following soon after.  Her dress was removed and tossed aside and he lifted her, carrying her to his bed.  He set her down gently, and climbed in with her.  He made sure to spend most of his time that night satisfying ever fantasy she had and some of his own too.  

Morning rolled around and Y/N woke up first, glancing at Jason sleeping next to her, smiling.  She sat up, pulling his shirt from the evening before on as she went to start making breakfast.  She frowned noticing a note on his table.  She opened it and growled.  One night and already those fuckers were demanding he dance to their drum.  She put the note back and went to make some eggs and bacon, hearing Jason in the loft.  He came down and she nodded at the table.

"You have to be fucking kidding me," he grumbled as he read the request.  "They want me to go into Quinn's old zone today, in broad daylight, and start making demands?  That's insane, if one of her cronies attacks the innocent people stuck there could be put in danger."

"That's what they want, this is a loyalty test.  You do something out of character for them and they can see that you're really in with them," she said.  "As soon as you can get something we can use and then we can get you out of there and put those assholes 6 feet under."  He nodded.

Jason did as they said.  He went to Harley Quinn's old turf and made a scene.  He was able to control the situation enough that no one got hurt but there were some close calls.  Then he did it again, and again, anything the court asked.  It was nearly six months of proving himself before they even invited him to a meeting.  He dressed in his Red Hood gear, making sure he had his guns as he rode the elevator up to the penthouse suite.  He was wearing his comms but he had a feeling they were wise to that, Dick was mid sentence when they cut out, so he figured the earpiece was now useless.  The doors opened and he was confronted by two large masked men.  

"All weapons must be placed in the safe" one said, motioning to a large fire safe by the elevator.  He glared and put his guns inside, making sure he kept at least one hidden on his back.  They moved aside to let him by and he headed towards the room.  Masks were placed at the door and he picked one up, putting it on reluctantly.  He found the seat with his name on it, taking it and looking around the room.

There were not nearly as many people here as had been in the cavern when he and Y/N were being held captive so he assumed this must be some kind of higher level meeting.  Perhaps his hard work had been well received, maybe he would hear something that mattered.  He hoped so at least because this fucking sucked.  

"Please, everyone, sit," Kane said.  The other guests sat down in seats as he stood in front.  "Welcome to all, especially our new member, the Wayne heir Jason Todd."  Jason almost wanted to wave, and then start shooting.  He instead clenched his fists as a few people looked at him.  "Now, Mr. Todd has been doing work for us for several months now, claiming more territory for the court under the Red Hood name, and we thank him for that."  Kane lifted a hand in thanks to Jason.  Jason just stood there, fingers itching.  What a prick, throwing a spotlight on Jason, making sure everyone in the room knew, making sure they looked at him like he was one of them.  Even though this is what he and the Robins wanted he hated it.  He wasn't one of these people bent on complete control, wanting to see others fall in line.  He would never fall in line for these people, just like he hadn't for Bruce.  

"Now, onto the business of tonight, Victor Fries," Kane continued.  "Fries has been a thorn in our side, causing some chaos to our labs run by S.T.A.R.Labs.  He recently extended his territory in a deal with Two Face so that he can use the facilities.  We need those labs back or the compound will never be completed in time."  This piqued Jason's interest and he sat just a little straighter.  What kind of compound?  For what purpose?  

"I can handle Fries," a voice said near Jason.  He looked over and saw a woman in a mask, dressed fine.  He frowned, trying to place her voice.  

"Thank you Ms. Kyle," Kane said.  "Please alert us when we have access to the labs again."  Kane continued speaking about another topic but Jason was more focused on Selina Kyle.  A member of the court?  What world was this?  He glared under the mask and she seemed to notice, looking in his direction.  He looked back at Kane, but keeping an eye on her as the meeting was adjourned.  He quickly left, moving to get a higher view of the hotel, watching for her to come out of the hotel.  He didn't see her but heard her land behind in on the roof.

"Hello Jason," she said as he stood, turning to face her.  "I see you've also been dragged into this."

"What are you doing with those assholes?" he asked.  She looked like she was considering telling him something.  "You better start talking or I am going start shooting."

"I think the court had Bruce killed," she said.  "I decided to insert myself with them, the same as you have done."  Jason snarled, starting to pace, needing to do something to get this energy out.  "I have no proof, and until I earn a higher rank and can get closer to Kane, find out if he had someone assassinate him."  

"Do you know anything about this compound?" he asked.  The comms seemed to finally recover and he heard a few voices in his ear before Y/N came in clear.

"What compound?" she asked.  He held up a hand to Selina.

"I'll explain later," he said, turning his face away from the other woman just a bit.  

"Still talking to your brothers?" she asked.  He nodded.  Selina didn't need to know about Y/N, not right now, she was mostly on their side but still dangerous.  "I don't know much about the compound except that they have some kind of plan to disperse it over the city.  What it does I haven't figured out yet.  I am hoping to find out when I break into S.T.A.R.Labs.  Now, have a good night Jason, say hello to your family.  And make sure your girlfriend stays safe and away from the other boys, I caught her meeting with Tim the other night.  If it had been another court member it would have been bad."  Jason growled as Selina disappeared from the rooftop.  This was a fucking mess and he was already tired of it.  He was going to break into S.T.A.R.Labs himself and find out what the court was doing, he was going to find a way to end this.

[spinningbuster98]

Optic Sunflower's stage consists of a series of timed challanges. The better you are at them the harder they'll get and you'll receive different rewards at the end of the level depending on how you perform

This level can be a bit of a pain but I have the D Glaive meaning that it's now a joke

If you beat everything perfectly (which I couldn't do, oops) you even get a secret battle against Cutman!

Then we have Avalanche Yeti's stage

Yeah this is the worst level in the game

I don't even think it's bad on a technical level: the Jet Ski controls fine, each character attacks differently, the level design is fine.

It just drags on way too long and if you don't know how to be properly aggressive against that mini boss it'll just get longer

Also I hope you have all the necessary characters and abilities if you plan on getting the Rare Metal and the Light Capsule here, because they're both at the end of the stage and you don't wanna do this a second time

X8 has a similar issue as X4 in that the final stages are clearly rushed and pretty minimal. However I have much less of a problem here for mainly 2 reasons:

The Jakob Elevator has fantastic music and while it isn't much of a "level" per se I'd say this is one of those cases where the general vibe of a level holds it together, it really makes you feel like you're bringing the war to Sigma and there's nothing that can stop you

The actual final level (which I'll handle in the next video) is an actual level that's also pretty tricky, unlike whatever X4's excuse of a final level wanted to be

So X has two armors in this game: Icarus and Hermes, with the former focusing on offense and the latter on mobility

Unique to this game is the ability to mix parts from the 2 different armor

Fantastic idea. Middling execution because the Icarus Armor is clearly superior I'd say, giving me little reason to actually experiment with different combinations outside of niche uses

The Hermes Leg parts I got earlier double your speed, but they also make you invincible while dashing.

However most players find them useless because you'll still take damage from enemies. What the game doesn't make clear is that they only make you invincible to enemy ATTACKS, like lasers or electricity. Knowing this these parts can actually be a life saver against the final few bosses I find

The Icarus Leg parts only increase your jump height, which is pretty useless given that Zero has a double jump

The Icarus Arm parts change your normal shots into half charge shots, your half charge shots into fully charge shots and your fully charge shots into a big laser that....actually doesn't do much damage and locks you in place, but aside from that this is a pretty good part as it essentially increases your fire power and the hotboxes of your shots while also making it faster to shoot fully charge shots essentially

The Hermes arm parts change your charge shots to a three way shot which would be useful in other games but here Icarus is mostly better

The Icarus Body parts are amazing, not only do they halve damage but they also negate knockback and allow you to recover as much health as you want whenever you switch back to another character

The Hermes parts on the other hand make you invincible to weak enemy attacks...but you take normal damage against anything else so eh

The Hermes Helmet parts increase the speed at which you charge weapons which, when combined with the Icarus Arm parts, can result in a pretty effective guard breaking setup useful for the final boss fights though be careful with the timing otherwise you'll accidentally charge a laser shot

The Icarus helmet parts allow you to damage enemies above you by jumping. Eh it's fine I guess

Well! Only one more to go!

In the next video we finally end the Mega Man X series!

[pathfinderunlocked]

Forest Temple Keeper - CR4 Fey Shaman

A Gathlain NPC based on Saria from Ocarina of Time.

Artwork by Jasqreate on DeviantArt and Rachel Kiernan at WordPress, ineptly combined by me.

Gathlain always seemed a lot like Kokiri to me, just with wings.  They’re forest fey who look like children their whole lives, and even grow from seeds that fall from a great tree.  The concept behind this NPC is a gathlain who serves as the guardian of a nature temple deep in the forest.  The NPC isn’t particularly combat-adept, but its ability to fly helps it find cover in the trees, and it is friends with many of the woodland animals and fey creatures in the surrounding forest.

Those forest creatures are likely to come to the forest temple keeper’s aid in battle, and will need to if you intend to use it as an enemy encounter.  The forest temple keeper’s ability to speak with trees might inform it when creatures have entered the forest or temple, giving it a chance at a surprise round.  It uses smoke bullets, thunderstones, tanglefoot bags, and support spells to disable enemies and buff allies.  Without help, this creature and its familiar are more like CR 3.  It’s perhaps better suited as a friendly NPC who guides the players and can heal them if needed.

This NPC has an improved familiar, a sprite with a couple of tiny wands.  Aside from yelling “Hey! Listen!” and “Watch out!”, the sprite flies around the battlefield and attempts to use the wands to heal allies or trip enemies.  Keep in mind that its reach is so bad that it has to share a space with someone in order to heal them, and it only has a 40% chance of successfully using either wand.  It tries to heal allies if it can do so without entering melee; otherwise it uses the wand of Stumble Gap.

The forest temple keeper has Tailwind pre-cast on its entire party (including its familiar), pointed in whatever direction makes it easier for them to get away from enemies.  This NPC gains proficiency with longbows from a trait, which it buys off with the Lonely drawback.

I’ve included the text of relevant class abilities, leaving out a few useless ones.

If you want to support this blog, now there’s an easy way to do so through my Ko-Fi page!  https://ko-fi.com/lockez  

Forest Temple Keeper - CR 4

The young-looking green-haired child watching over the temple entrance is clad in the leaves of the forest, and a small glowing fairy buzzes around her.  Her wooden wings must be what she used to reach the high tree branch she’s sitting on, from which she’s aiming an arrow down at you.

XP 1,200 Gathlain shaman 5 CG Small fey Init +3 Senses low-light vision; Perception +5

DEFENSE

AC 18, touch 17, flat-footed 12 (+5 Dex, +1 dodge, +1 natural, +1 size) hp 26 (5d8) Fort +1, Ref +4, Will +9; -2 vs. charm

OFFENSE

Speed 20 ft., fly 30 ft. (poor) Melee unarmed +0 (1d2–2) Ranged longbow +8 (1d6/x3 plus thistle arrows) or sling +7 touch (smoke bullets) Special Attacks monstrous insight, swamp’s grasp

Shaman Spells Prepared (CL 5th; concentration +9)    3rd—blindness/deafness (DC 17), tailwind    2nd—wood shape, summon nature’s ally II, forest friend    1st—entangle (DC 15), entangle (DC 15), bless, hide from animals (DC 15), sleep (DC 15)    0th—create water, detect magic, know direction, mending

Spontaneous Shaman Spellcasting (CL 5th; concentration +9)    3rd (1/day)—locate object, minor creation (wood only)    2nd (1/day)—barkskin, tongues    1st (1/day)—identify, shellelagh

Spell-like Abilities (CL 5th, concentration +5)     1/day—speak with plants (trees only)

STATISTICS

Str 7, Dex 16, Con 11, Int 10, Wis 18, Cha 10 Base Atk +3; CMB +0; CMD 13 Feats Improved Familiar (sprite), Small But Deadly, Weapon Focus (longbow) Traits Heirloom Weapon (longbow, weapon proficiency), Lonely Skills Fly +5, Handle Animal +4, Heal +8, Linguistics +1, Knowledge (nature) +8, Knowledge (religion) +4, Survival +11, Perception +5 (+3 to see through disguises) (+7 when familiar is within arm’s reach), Sense Motive +3 (+5 when familiar is within arm’s reach), Spellcraft +4, Use Magic Device +5 Languages Celestial, Common, Sylvan SQ spirit (wood), wandering spirit (lore), tree dialect, whispering leaves Gear small longbow, small sling, thistle arrows x30, smoke bullets x10, thunderstone x3, tanglefoot bag x3, hooded lantern, small +1 spellsink chainmail

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Thistle Arrows (Ex) A forest temple keeper fires thistle arrows from its longbow.  These arrows deal normal damage but then become embedded in the wound and deal an additional 1 point of damage each round for 1d6 rounds from their irritating sap.  Creatures immune to poison are immune to this extra damage.  A creature can remove an embedded thistle arrow as a move action without provoking attacks of opportunity, but doing so deals an additional 1d3 points of damage as the thorny barbs are pulled free.  A DC 12 Heal check (made as a standard action) can pull free a thistle arrow’s head without dealing any additional damage.

Smoke Bullets (Ex) A forest temple keeper fires smoke bullets from its sling.  Smoke bullets require only a successful touch attack to release the smoke.  When they strike a target, they burst, releasing a cloud of noxious gas that requires the creature struck to attempt a DC 13 Fortitude save.  If the save fails, the target is nauseated for 2 rounds.

Spellsink Chainmail (Su) A forest temple keeper wears a magical suit of spellsink chainmail.  A suit of armor or a shield with this ability can absorb and neutralize magical effects, albeit on a limited basis.  Once per day as an immediate action, the forest temple keeper can command the armor to absorb a magical ability created by a magic item, a spell, or a spell-like ability that specifically targets only the forest temple keeper.  The armor cannot absorb spells, spell-like abilities, or item effects that target an area or multiple targets.  The attacker creating the magical effect to be absorbed must succeed at a DC 14 Will saving throw or the armor absorbs and neutralizes the effect.

Monstrous Insight (Su) Three times per day, a forest temple keeper can identify a creature and gain insight into its strengths and weaknesses.  As a standard action, the forest temple keeper can attempt a Knowledge skill check to identify a creature and its abilities (using the appropriate skill for the monster’s type) with a +5 insight bonus.  Whether or not the check is successful, the forest temple keeper also gains a +2 insight bonus for 1 minute on attack rolls made against that creature and a +2 insight bonus to AC against attacks made by that creature.  These bonuses last for 1 minute.

Swamp’s Grasp (Su) As a standard action, a forest temple keeper can summon an entangling quagmire to fill an area.  Five 10-foot squares within 90 feet become difficult terrain for 7 rounds.  If the shaman uses this hex again before the duration of the previous use has expired, the effects of the previous use of this hex end immediately.

Whispering Leaves (Su) Whenever the forest temple keeper is within 10 feet of a tree or undergrowth, it can cast Whispering Wind as a spell-like ability (caster level 5).  The targeted area must also contain trees or undergrowth, which relay the message in a gentle, rustling voice.

Forest Temple Guardian’s Sprite Spirit Familiar

CN Diminutive fey Init +3 Senses detect evil, detect good, low-light vision; Perception +6

DEFENSE

AC 20, touch 17, flat-footed 17 (+3 Dex, +3 natural, +4 size) hp 13 (5d6) (half of master’s hp) Fort +1, Ref +5, Will +4 DR 2/cold iron Defensive Abilities improved evasion

OFFENSE

Speed 15 ft., fly 60 ft. (perfect) Melee shortsword +3 (1d2-4/19-20) Ranged shortbow +10 (1d2-4) Space 1 ft.; Reach 0 ft.

Spell-Like Abilities (CL 5th; concentration +5)    Constant—detect evil, detect good    At will—dancing lights, daze (DC 10)    1/day—color spray (DC 11)

STATISTICS

Str 3, Dex 17, Con 10, Int 8, Wis 11, Cha 10 Base Atk +5; CMB +4; CMD 10 Feats Alertness Skills Escape Artist +15, Fly +21, Handle Animal +1, Heal +1, Knowledge (nature) +7, Knowledge (religion) +0, Linguistics +0, Perception +6, Sense Motive +2, Stealth +19, Swim +0, Use Magic Device +8 Languages Auran, Common, Sylvan SQ luminous Gear diminutive wand of cure light wounds (30 charges), diminutive wand of stumble gap (13 charges)

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Luminous (Su) A sprite naturally sheds light equal to that provided by a torch.  A sprite can control the color and intensity of the light as a swift action, reducing it to the dimness of a candle or even extinguishing its luminosity entirely if it wishes.

Spirit Animal Camoflauge (Su) The forest temple guardian’s sprite spirit familiar looks like a wooden figurine or a vaguely fairy-shaped tree branch when it is motionless.  The spirit familiar gains freeze as per the universal monster rule.  The spirit familiar can take 20 on its Stealth check to hide in plain sight as this kind of inanimate object.

Improved Evasion (Ex) When subjected to an attack that normally allows a Reflex saving throw for half damage, a familiar takes no damage if it makes a successful saving throw and half damage even if the saving throw fails.

Familiar Alertness (Ex) While its spirit familiar is within arm’s reach, the forest temple guardian gains the Alertness feat.

Empathic Link (Ex) The forest temple guardian has an empathic link with its spirit familiar to a 1 mile distance.  The master can communicate empathically with the familiar, but cannot see through its eyes.  Because of the link’s limited nature, only general emotions can be shared.  The master has the same connection to an item or place that his familiar does.

Speak with Master (Ex) When the forest temple guardian and its spirit familiar communicate verbally, they can choose to do in such a way that other creatures do not understand the communication without magical help.

[bh-writingdump]

Zeek's Freaks

Blanket

[1st draft]

Peaches isn’t sure what ze can get for so shoots for things that are at least convenient like blankets and a hoodie. One by one ze asks.

The blanket has the added bonus of being an offensive weapon.

Ezekiel deactivates the glass. Cordons off a 6 foot dimeter around saying to show how far Peaches can go before the collar activates in case something happens.

E: I wouldn’t advise stepping out of bounds but it should be safe out to here at least. *gestures around yellow line*

P *nervous*

E: I promise I won’t hurt you for coming out. If it’ll make you feel better, I’m not comfortable with this either.

But the doctors are supposed to always know what they’re doing and confident.

E: *pushes blanket* I hope this will suffice for the time being. I couldn’t find that hoodie

Peaches snatches it, smelling it, not lemony. For some reason, Peaches is disappointed. Still, ze wraps it around zemself and backs away, watching E set a timer.

1 hour.

Once its clear Peaches doesn’t intent on coming out any further, they say “I’ll be here if you have any questions. This is your time. I’m at your disposal.”

Peaches has trouble making sense of the word. They’re weird and soft from yesterday. “If your not a doctor, I don’t have to call you by your last name.”

“No, you don’t… It’s Ezekiel.”

“Ezekiel.” It doesn’t sit right.

Patridge shrugs. “People prefer Patridge. I suspect it has to do with the association with birds. Though, a few have called me zeek but it’s fairly childish.”

Zeek? Now that sounded just right. “zeek’s better.”

Peaches watches the way Partridge’s hair shifts as it falls smoothly as they turn away. Lemony smell dances in the air. Peaches breathes in, suddenly gripped by the sudden clenching of zir soul. Before ze knows it, Peaches crosses the great divide between them. the blanket thrown around Partridge as if to keep them warm. Pulling them over the threshold. Only to have something stop zem from going further. A rope attached to their belt.

Zeek struggle to push away from Peaches but it’s like a kitten struggling in zir arms. Too easy to keep a hand on its back so it squirms doesn’t it zem or itself.

Someone shouts something. For the first time, a chilling anger leas into zeek’s voice. “Dr Peterson, is this truly the time? Or would you rather me turn off the shock collar next time you tend to the octopus mer?”

“Oh, he’s plenty ware. Know how many times he’s done this?” His words sound distant, like he’s not even there. A smug grin pulled at his stubble. “Enough that we sedate him for any tests. Makes his data beyond useless but he’s fine at culling the heart. Say, Patridge, how’s that hour of uninterrupted time sounding now? Need someone to cut it short? Got a tranq gun right here?”

Zeek stills, breathing short and slow. “No I’m… fine.”

“You sure?”

“Yes. this is all part of the plan.” Their voice goes cold as the artic

Peterson jeers. “I’ll give you the night. Let you get acquainted. Maybe you’ll be married by morning. Give Johannus something fun to watch.”

Peaches keeps an eye on Dr Peterson until he’s gone. The ward breaks out into whispers. A few shout out. “Nice catch! Can I have a piece?” But they might as well not exist as Peaches curls around you. Pressed up to zir chest, zeek can’t move aside from their arms. Their hairs so soft and silky. If the proximity hadn’t dulled the ache, the touch made it go away. Peaches must’ve been doing it for awhile by the time ze registered zeek growling. “Peaches, I know you can hear me. You’re a good person. I’m not angry. But I need you to let me go.”

“Good person?” Peaches parrots the strange words.

“Precisely. I won’t report this. Dr Drew won’t know. I need you to…” Peaches cups their cheek, brushing away the hair. It makes zeek look away, jaw tight as tight as fishing line. “I.. need you to.. listen. very very closely. I am not angry. I don’t mind… sitting beside you but I need you to put me down, do you understand.”

No, no. they want to go. Peaches can’t let them go.

“Stay.”

“that’s right. I stay but you have to let me go.”

“Stay.”

“Stay. Yes.” zeek nods slowly, wriggling against the coils pinning their legs to Peaches. “You wouldn’t hurt a friend would you?”

“Friend?”

Zeek nods. “could be. But friends don’t hold each other hostage to pet their hair.”

“friends… friends stay close. They protect each other.”

For some reason, zeek’s eyes narrow. “I suppose.”

“zeek?”

“Yes?”

“Don’t go.”

“I won’t.” zeek says, affronted. “I’ll hug you before I go. Prom—but you have to let me go know.”

How did everything get so confusing?

Regrettably, Peaches loosens zir grip on zeek. uncoiling enough for zeek o stumble out onto the tile floor stretching and patting their legs. Relief only to wince.

“Did I—”

“They just fell asleep. They’ll wake up again.”

Zeek walks back with exaggerated steps before throwing their arms around Peaches. Zir girth a little much for zeek’s tiny human arms but the pressure was there.

Peaches pulls them close with zir arms instead. A looser hug than before. So much closer this time, ze can even hear their heart beat.

“Stay.” Ze purse.

“Fine but no braiding my hair. Its unprofessional.”

Soon as zeek settles into Peaches’s arms it was like everything was right in the world. No fighting. No tests no walls. No ceiling. Like back when the world was ig and good. Peaches closes zir eyes, imagining a long winding river. Fish a plenty for Ocean and enough game to keep Peaches sated for hours.

Peaches imagines holding Ocean’s far smaller form now in zir arms. The way Ocean would smile and murmur that he could go after “just one more.” A game that could go on awhile as each of them requested, “just one more” before they parted. It helped so much on the bad days.

“How’s my Peachie feeling?”

When was the last time ze heard Ocean’s voice?

Peaches shudders as ze feels a reassuring squeeze back.

Zeek’s head rests heavily on zir chest. Wait, is that enough breathing for a human? Peaches lifts their head up, they groggily murmur. “what was ..? Hmm.. Eyes half lidded, like they just woke up. A tiny light glowing from beneath their shirt. Peaches lifts it up. the cyan light grow stronger. Taking up a softball size dome in their chest, a glass orb contained their soul. So close to the surface, it’s a wonder they don’t keel over from the wind.

Dozens of wires plug into it. A fine mist fills it. Its beat slow and reassure as if on the verge of sleep yet twinkling bright.

Zeek tugs on the shirt to bring it down. As if they didn’t notice the light show being put on. It’s so pretty, is that what all human souls look like?

“Peaches…” zeek growls

The shirts down. lights gone. Zeeks a bit more awake and grumpy.

Peaches slowly let them go. “I didn’t…”

That was their soul. Singing. Human souls weren’t supposed to be visible like that outside of a fight. Someone did this.

Zeek stumbles, leading to Peaches scooping them into another hug. They shiver, gasping like being tugged back above water. there still was a light blue shimmer through the shirt. But slowly, Peaches rubbed zir back until it dissipated.

Awareness comes back to zeek, bracing against Peaches, zir breathes come in heavy, “No more.”  pushing away Peaches hands.

This time zeek just leans against Peaches as they struggle for breathes. “need a minute. I’m.. almost there.”  They murmur.

A part of Peaches feels bad. It must be terrible sharing your soul to someone whose not your mate but … how could zeek have known that. it was there.

A thin layer of sweat glitters along zeek’s skin. Their arm pits soaked and a patch of sweat at the small of their back. hair rumple. Peaches tries to pat it down. zeek shakes their head as if that’ll do it.

The hair settles.

Peaches hand waver as zeek finally speaks. “What just happened?” zeek waits, not getting an answer, they tap their chest orb. It clinks. “I felt so weird.”

Tears wells up in Peaches eyes. ze hurriedly wipes them away. unable to meet zeek’s eyes.

“Did you mean to do that?”

“No!” Peaches would never. That would be-that’d be one of the worst things, especially to someone who didn’t know what it meant. Just seeing it… Peaches would have to try to forget. It’s only right. No matter how beautiful the human’s soul was.

Still, ze couldn’t help but say. “Souls… shouldn’t be like that.. you aren’t sick but you’re…”

“Yes, well, mine is.” zeek straightens out their clothing, look in a hurry to leave yet pauses. “you grabbed me.”

Peaches reaches out only to get glared at. “Did I hurt you?”

“Beside the point…” zeek stared at the ceiling like it’d reveal the answers. “Ask next time.”

“You wouldn’t have come.”

Zeek stills but doesn’t argue.

“Can I hug you again, next time?” Peaches trails off, scratching at a mark that hadn’t healed right.

Zeek: maybe. How long’s this been happening.

Peaches: ??

Zeek: you didn’t look like yourself when you grabbed me.

Peaches: *shrugs* been awhile.

Zeek: how long?

Peaches: idk.

Zeek: you know how long. you don’t get that touched starved without knowing.

Peaches, stiffens: 365 cycles.

Zeek: cycle?

Peaches: 7 days a cycle.

Zeek: a week… *eyes widen* *sighs*

Zeek: this will have to be dealt with first. there must be a way to get you a.. uh.. nesting friend

Peaches hand rested on their side, not restrictively so. “Can’t you?”

“5 minutes.”

Peaches: ???

“5 minutes on the timer. I… I have other patients.” Zeek yawn stretching before muttering something about “stupd ideas.” They gave them an approving look. “For one of your requests, would you like my company?”

“Inside inside?”

Zeek nods.

“Like this?”

Zeek nods.

“and I can touch your hair?”

“Absolutely not.” They cover their head against zir wandering hands. “There’ll be rules. Strict rules. 1) no touching my hair. 2) making me.. feel the thing.”

“You’ll have to be more specific.”

“Don’t make me fall asleep.”

“I’d think that’d be a good thing, that means you’re very relaxed.”

“Neither of us will be very relaxed if I get fired. Do we have an understanding?”

Peaches nods for fear of losing out. zeek had to come back. even the idea of letting them go now hurt. Peaches is quick to cup zeek’s back, too nervous to do more.

[inun4ki]

lift

'reasons to cup a face' prompts / accepting

"Ah, maybe I was a little too careless," Kaede murmured to himself.

Careful fingers swept over the edge of a chipped blade, scrutinizing gaze catching on superficial scratches, the slight bend at the tip, blunted edge...

He let out a sigh, pursing his lips, and dropped his arm, pressing the little knife against his whetstone and slowly, methodically beginning to drag it across. This wasn't the first nor would it be the last of his tending, idly sharpening damaged weapons in the hopes that his next trip to some backwater hellhole would prove easier than the last - at the very least. He was as unwilling as any to play at being curse-food, or to be possessed of broken, useless tools in any scenario that could result in an untimely end - or timely, depending on who one asks.

The silence was comfortable, little more than the scrape of metal against stone filling his ears - and, perhaps, the occasional and obviously bored puffs of air coming from Gojo to break the monotony. Admittedly, it was nice having someone else in the room - nice having company. Pleasant, even, despite the intermittent interruption of his concentration. That is to say, he didn't mind at all, content to simply be in the absence of work, special orders, and the like.

He often thought of moments such as these as times to catch up, even though he rarely ever did much talking. Opening his mouth was a double-edged sword - nothing good came out, friendly compliments twisting into petty teases, playfulness morphing into awkward (and stupid) displays of social ineptitude, embarrassment consistently reigning supreme over intention... But every once in a while, he was afforded the opportunity not to come across as a complete and utter fool - like now, in the warm afternoon light where idle hands could occupy themselves and the need for conversation wouldn't pervade. Quiet times to get caught up on that which needed it, be it meticulously guiding a blade across stone or hanging out with...well, a coworker. He didn't really know what to call Gojo, but that was neither here nor there, he supposed.

"Think if I can work out the kinks, it'll do better next time," he said, once more to himself, gaze fixing on a divot along the knife-edge. More effort than a mere few minutes of work would be required, and he was really quite lucky he'd been able to manage thus far, a cool tingle at his fingertips as cursed energy bled into the blade. Folding, compressing, filling, until at last it would again be optimally useful should he find himself entrenched in the worst possible scenario - as had so often come to pass. Still, for a moment, he set his knife aside, flexing his hands and rolling his wrists in an effort to work out any stiffness or soreness. "Nothing like a good knife to change the tide in combat - provided it's properly cared for. I'm not eager to meet death, after all."

He drew his knee up and pressed his cheek into the cap, long hair spooling over his shoulder as a faint breeze fluttered in through the open window. Rubbing his palms, massaging small muscles, he'd become too focused to notice the footsteps tacitly pounding into the hardwood, drawing ever closer. In fact, he'd already picked the knife up again when a shadow was cast, looming over him - but he'd thought a passing cloud had been responsible, writing it off as something natural altogether. He shifted again, folding his other leg in a half-formed criss-cross, but his knife wouldn't again touch the whetstone.

Instead, it loudly clattered to the floor.

Long fingers brushed against his cheek where others hooked underneath his chin, steadily yet insistantly guiding his head upward and off his knee - to look up - warm yet cold all at once, as if clammy from having been balled up for too long. At first, he was surprised, breath catching in his throat from the contact alone, but such was made doubly worse when he couldn't parse the expression Gojo was making. Masked placidity, teasing, a playful edge to something he simply couldn't fathom, too many unknowns wrapped up in one pale face framed in black cloth and white hair-- He nearly recoiled, some small part of him only too happy to almost lean into the touch, twin cornflowers wide open with confusion, curiosity, and the vague need to run the fuck away.

Why was he so close? Why was he touching him, lifting his head, gently urging him to look up and pay attention? Had he missed something, tuned him out and accidentally ignored anything he said? Did Gojo say anything...? Did it even matter? It wasn't as if he could conceal the warmth bitterly staining his skin with shades of pink, nor the miserably transparent quiver of his lip as he gnawed into it, praying to whatever gods may exist that he would not be called out on the storm suddenly overtaking his mind, or the boyish gasp that'd escaped him long before he could regain the wherewithall to choke it down.

"A-ara, Gojo-senpai...? Is there something on my face? Or did you say something...? I-I apologize if you think I've been ignoring you," he rasped softly, blinking in quick succession as one hand rose to cautiously slip around Gojo's wrist. He didn't push nor pull, resist nor encourage, arrested by the proximity. Enough thought whirled through his head to put event he most anxiously thoughtful mind to shame, all in a vain attempt to make sense of what was happening, deconstruct it and piece it all back together. But there were no adequate explanations, no silly excuses he could handwave away - just a persistent enough touch and an imperceptible smile.

Glancing away, he swallowed thinly, free hand tucking a lock of his hair behind an ear. He was nervous.

"Even though I'm not particularly kind to you, you would still... and gently...?"

[godzexperiment]

some full concentrated ouchie (this one is very much fucked up/not light subjects warning)

Rage. Everybody described him with warmth, and his presence accordingly. Not subject to the way he was when alone. Or not really- but Nix wouldn't pretend to be much an factor in the matter. Supposedly everybody overlooked the whole darker aspects of their maker.

The one, who was right now- talking about extinguishing human souls. Yet never would be bothered to do so directly. No it was always what horrific methods carried out by your siblings will it be this time. Nix observed silently without moving- no desire to trip over any sharp edges. Yet couldn't help wrinkle his nose listening to all the ideas voiced. Mistake. Direction of attention at him. "And what are you thinking?" Always seemed an trick question- that was doomed in any response given or not given. "Couldn't you just... Leave them to their own means? See what happens instead of send somebody to intervene?" Today was an death wish day apparently. Which was entirely likely as the air was basically slicing into the angel from the whole thing. "Since you think you know so much-." Nix didn't even dare shift an inch as waited for the axe to fall. "What punishment, which of your siblings should do it?" Oh- oh that was better? Worst- so much worst than he'd expected. He didn't want any part in it. Yet he knew he was backed into that corner. Anything of what happened would be on him.

"Weed out the troublesome ones... Spare the others? And uh maybe not an archangel- you were saying wanted to limit their interaction with humanity for a little so- somebody else." Who? he didn't know because naming whoever would wield weapons and do the deed made him feel ill. ---------- Nix's hands clawed at the ground; whole body trembling as looked up at the being. Onto his back heaving from the agony. Death would be merciful. An little rest before getting pulled back as he always was. It wasn't that serious. Just an illness for the humans cranked up to an level that wasn't going to ever reach them. Suffer the test without speaking. Slide of his feet towards him; bend of his legs to try making it hurt less. Like he could stabilize of his own choosing. When this was one of those times he was useless. Hard to think, hard to exist- just the feeling of misery. Yet he pushed up to be sitting. Hands feeling like they couldn't grip, like his arms would snap from the choice. Or be snapped. Yet he managed to sit- almost could swear was an flicker of approval. Likely not. Ending up wrapping arms around his legs. Head down as wings wrapped around for warmth. When was it going to end? If ever. ---------- You're no archangel, not really classified as anything more than an obligated listener and test subject.

Went his thoughts as studied his bleeding wounds. The dizzy sight of the road map of injuries healed on surface; below but not erased from memory. Unpleasant but he'd put wounds that would typically knit themselves away or be willed away- over cranked up human experiences of emotions. Blood over something he couldn't physically do shit about about. Fingers traced along the fresh injuries- testing, pressure and feather light. Already healing the only traces to be would be etched in his memory. Looked just made fresh to him among all the other memory stored horrors. Yet focusing on how that spot actually was. The ebb of the blood flowing out; skin starting to be smoothed over. No scarring only the dried blood left over. Aside the still wet blood on his finger tips. Which would dry, then when the dry blood was gone all that would be left is the memory.

------------ He didn't even blink at the planning being spoke of; maybe it made him an monster to be so empty about it. Or maybe it was just that he'd done at least 7 rounds of paying the price for what was unclear- probably one of his siblings caring an little too much about some human or whatever. Death. Murder. An pretty, innocent human soul. Numbness.

He just walked out of the space; without permission or any fucks about if he'd get in trouble over it. Wandering towards that room full of plant life and shutting the door behind him. It wasn't his problem, it wasn't worth standing there and he was just so tired underneath it all. Fingers brushing along flower petals ever so gently. Perching near his favorite one. Letting his eyes close. Seemed the maker was too busy with his fit of rage. That was apathetic about the walk away or going into such an precious off limits space without permission. And that meant Nix was going to rest, recover from the lashing outs while he could. ----------- Again, do it again. Nix didn't need to be pushing his limits; would be wiser to rest. Yet he kept kicking up off the ground. Into the air- flying faster, twirling around and making himself stop before could hit any boundaries that existed. He could do better, could stop sooner... Fly faster. Eventually having to stop as his wings begged for rest. So he sighed and thought about how else to spend his time. Eventually deciding to just shift it into another useful, useless skill. As eyes spotted one of the discarded weapons. Often wondered why they ended up tossed aside. Why not just uncreate them? But then he supposed they wouldn't exist to be abandoned. Except when the angel couldn't help touch them.

Rummaging for an nicely balanced sword. There was no pretending of fighting back enemies- too violent and unrealistic. No it was just about the movements of his own body. Seeking to perfect handling the sharp object. Twirl around, push himself to do better at micro adjustments. Learn more about the way his body moved.

[tumblingxelian]

I am not the mutual that said it but I get where they are coming from and I ask that you bear with me.

Firstly, she outright says in another post that she put Tai as better than Raven anyway. Thus, using Raven as a cudgell to try and claim Tai's a good parent cos he didn't leave doesn't really work.

I would also note that being present is like, the bare minimum for a parent, Tai isn't special because he didn't leave. One frequent complaint I have regarding the man is that he seems to embody the "Dads are held to a lower standard than moms."

I would also personally note that if you feel you are going to be a shit parent leaving your child with people you think will be better is actually the responsible thing to do. Is Raven a good person currently? Hell no, but that fact still requires acknowledgement.

But more to the point, Tai is shit at taking care of his kids. Its been established time and time again that after Summer died, Yang and Ruby were so neglected their lives were left in danger because of it.

What's more, even after that, Tai was still a very absent and nonfunctional parent because it was still Yang who had to keep the family together. We see how this has outright traumatized her and Ruby herself acknowledges Yang, not Tai, not Qrow, but Yang as the one who raised her.

Tai is neglectful at best and that's franlly being kind given his dynamic with Yang is one built on him being unfair to her.

He stands aside and just ignores it when she's having panic attacks.

He treats her like a stupid child even though he left her to raise his second daughter.

He yells and throws out insults the moment he's challenged and while Yang played it off she only did so after hearing Oobleck drop his cup, which seemed to remind her they had people over. She also did not retort in equal measure so if this is their dynamic, its one where he lashes out and she just takes it. It was two teacher who barely know her who gave Yang useful advice.

Tai makes his help conditional on her not "Moping" an extremely disparaging thing to dismiss trauma and depression as. Along with being incredibly hypocritical when he himself has struggled with depression.

He makes vast and incorrect assumptions about her fighting style, injury and Semblance al of which are incorrect.

Yang does not let herself get injured to win fights and she is not reliant on her Semblance, she happens to use it less than basically anyone else. What's more, she didn't use it to win the first first, she won the second fight by disrupting Neon's range of motion and the third fight by out-skilling Mercury with a high speed rush. She uses the freaking Dempsey roll when using her Semblance, that is an extremely hard to use fighting technique that some brainless muscle head (as Tai characterizes her) could not do.

She was not injured because she arrogantly or stupidly relied on her Semblance. She was exhausted, stressed and lured into an ambush by a skilled manipulator who stabbed someone she loved before placing himself between them. With Yang's weapons, her specific fighting style and Blake's injuries she could not "Go around" Adam, he could just pivot to counter her , or she'd hurt Blake or he'd have the time to just kill Blake.

Sometime you can't win and "Go around the problem" is useless advice, especially for that scenario. The only one responsible for Yang losing her arm is the fucker who cut if off, not Yang.

Her Semblance, the manifestation of her very soul is not a temper tantrum no matter how little he thinks of Yang. It absorbs kinetic energy when she gets hurt and she uses it to grow stronger, that's it. Yang can use it in any emotional state What's more, we have seen what happens when Yang misses, literally nothing, she does not lose any power and has only shown exhaustion once after using it.

That time?

Her fight with Adam. If we ever needed evidence that Tai's advice was disrespectful and bad it was the Adam fight. Because this is the first time Yang intentionally tanked hits to juice up her Semblance. This is the first time that Yang poured all her Semblance and Aura into an attack and left herself with zero energy after one final strike. This is the exact opposite of what Tai told her to do and she did it and won.

Moving on from that, Tai's neglectful to both Ruby and Yang. Oh he's definitely more invested in Ruby than Yang, he actually brings her food and tries to fuss a little bit. But Ruby herself is relatively cold on this and only shows vulnerability and a desire for guidance around Yang, IE. the person who raised her.

What's more, despite blaming Yang for him not going after Ruby, which forced Yang to start her recovery before she was ready. It still ended up being Yang who went after Ruby while Tai sits on his ass at home, confident Yang is doing his job for him once again.

Tai's not malicious in the same way Jac is or Salem's father or Madame are, but he is not a good parent by any measure.

Also tons of people jump on Willow far more than I have ever seen jump on Tai. However I am more sympathetic to her because she was actively being abused and manipulated while Tai was just, to use his own words "Moping." IE, their circumstances were different, one had someone actively trying to destroy them, the other just failed his children because he couldn't pull himself together and parent when a five year old could.

Aside, I frequently badger Qrow for how Ruby & Yang are clearly very used to him turning up shit face drunk on their doorstep and needing care.

I feel the need to point out that Raven has been winning "Worst mom award" ever since we learned about her existence in V2 before we even knew why she left or what she was like. Raven has consistently been maligned and hated in the fandom for not being a mother to Yang more than she is for being a freaking bandit and murderer. Mostly because a woman rejecting motherhood is seen by way too many as a greater sin than being a shitty murderer.

Tai Yang Xiao Long

is not a shit parent.

A shit parent doesn't love or take care of their kids. A shit parent fobs them off onto someone else. A shit parent runs from their family just as their daughter is born. A shit parent abuses, gaslights, and torments their kid.

Just because Tai isn't the best at helping Yang or Ruby with trauma, which doesn't exactly come in a parenting class or anything, and because of the problems in the past doesn't mean he's not there right now.

And I'm tired of people saying that he's a bad parent, when RWBY has PLENTY of examples of bad parents.

Raven walked out on their family. Marcus Black was practically Cassandra Caining Mercury. Jacques is...Jacques, needs no explanation. Lady Tremaine/Cinder's wicked adoptive mom literally electroshocked Cinder. The Vanille's were, by and large, only interested in Trivia/Neo as more of a status symbol then a kid IIRC or at least didn't treat her too well either.

Tai and Willow may have the problem of 'neglected their kids in a critical juncture of their lives', but I've seen too much Tai hate to let that go. Nobody appears to be jumping on Willow for getting drunk at every opportunity, nor Qrow's on and off visits or drinking problems likewise despite that coming in bad ways.

Nobody appears to actually think of Raven coming in only when Yang was close to death as a black mark on her record as a parent.

Did Tai screw up when Yang and Ruby were young? Sure. Is he still there and still trying? YES. And I, for one, massively prefer Tai over Raven as far as parenting Yang and Ruby goes. He was a much better parent to Yang then Raven was, and yet some fans treat Raven with kid gloves and reserve the sledgehammer for Tai?!

~

Okay, maybe I should confess that the reason I feel so strongly about this is that I relate to that. Not the whole 'emotionally distant parent' thing, but the 'raised by a single parent when the other one left' thing. Yes, Tai messed up in the past and that messed up Yang quite a bit. It's not as much as Raven leaving did, but it does deserve criticism. Not an explosion, however, we got that with the Raven confrontation(s) in V5.

Again. I prefer a parent who tries at the very least, and this includes Willow too, to a parent who walks away or actively abuses their kid.

For Grade A parenting (genuine) in RWBY though? The Belladonnas, Pietro, and Ren's folks come to mind. Heck, Saphron and Terra and possibly Jaune's parents too if we ever get to see them?

TL;DR: No, I don't think Tai is a shit father or the "third worst parent" as a mutual described him. There are far worse in RWBY than Tai, and that's the truth. I'm not saying he did nothing wrong ever, I'm saying people are being way too harsh on him.

[void-inked-pen]

hi! another sai user here. i’ve been a martial artist (shaolin kempo karate) for about a decade now, and while i don’t practice with my sais extremely often, i feel like i have a general understanding of them. i would imagine how one uses a weapon would differentiate between the different fighting arts a little bit, but in my experience, there are actually moves where you CAN hold sais by just the handle — but these aren’t very common, and as you said, definitely aren’t a starting move. my sai form is, naturally, mostly defensive, but there are a fair amount of stabbing movements; they’re just not always with the tip of the sai, but with the pommel instead! there’s probably a different name for it, but it’s still a stabbing-like motion so i’m calling it stabbing. i do agree that raph often holds his sais incorrectly, as i myself often find i am holding my sais by the bottom half of the tine in the crook between my thumb and pointer finger, and — as i think you mentioned — keeping the shaft of the sai against the inside of my arm for protection. however, to be fair, i don’t think raph can do that considering the size of his fingers lmao

i feel like the fighting in tmnt 2012 mostly suffers from the writers and/or animators/artists not doing enough research on how these weapons actually work, rather than from a place of in-story incompetence. not to say that the turtles don’t mess up or should probably know better sometimes, that definitely does happen, but it sometimes feels like their skills are sacrificed for the sake of adding drama to whatever problem they’re facing that day. i don’t think that they’re COMPLETELY useless without their weapons (as one of the episodes you referenced was actually them struggling with using each other’s weapons, then struggling a bit with no weapons but quickly adapting), however they probably do use them as a crutch and may feel like they are useless without them, as seen in said episode. i definitely would’ve loved to see them fight more hand-to-hand combat or potentially with other weapons they feel confident with. it’s not uncommon for a martial artist to be skilled in multiple weapons (i personally practice both kamas and sais). like in the season one finale, raph brought tonfas, implying he knew how to use them, but then we NEVER SEE THEM USED!! seeing them use different (or slightly different) weapons in situations such as the spirit quest episode or in the space arc is so cool but it’s often, just… not utilized? which, again, i personally feel is a writing thing. i usually try to fix the fighting whenever i’m writing for tmnt 2012, but since i only really know the bō, dual katanas, and dual nunchucks secondhand, some things can’t be helped. i think it’s really cool how you’re analyzing the fighting in these shows and i totally agree with most of your points! keep up the good work!

(small note, kind of unrelated, but iirc in one of your posts you mentioned donnie and mikey would have stronger muscles in certain areas because of how their weapons are used? i do agree with the general statement, but i also have to note that these moves that often hit human muscle are hitting their shells most of the time and that should probably be kept in mind. sorry if it seems kind of nitpicky, i find your analysis really interesting and i can’t help but add my own opinions. have a good day!)

yall are SPOILING me with these asks!!

okay, fighting analysis aside, I will agree that a lot of how the turtles look should be taken into account when it comes to how they fight. they have less fingers, they have shells, these are aspects that DO contribute to a lot of stuff. HOWEVER! they don't UTILISE THEIR SHELLS!!

I can't remember a specific time in season one where they have actually used their shells as they're intended, for protection. Like they might have popped into their shells a few times but I can't remember if they ever used their shell or plastron as any kind of shield. A lot of how they fought was similar to regular martial arts and if I remember correctly they always jumped around to make sure they still faced the enemy. You personally should never turn your back on a foe but they have protection back there. wouldn't that make them feel idk a LITTLE overconfident in their own defensive abilities? just food for thought because you brought up a good point about their turtle physiology and now I'm curious how that could have been written in better.

in general, the writing in the show was... bad. when it came to fights and how stuff was written during those fights... I cringed more watching the fights then I did at some of the character writing (which I know I've said before maybe in passing but I REALLY do not like the character writing in 2012, literally me and my friend had to sit together as emotional support just to watch season 1 and I couldn't get any farther into season 2 on my own because one of the episodes started of with a HUGE phobia of mine and I had to stop)

I know some of the crew who worked on 2012 moved over to rise, JJ talked about how he was brought on as a board artist there and he was proud of what he did and learned while a part of that crew and the main writers of rise were support writers on 2012 and have stated they openly did not like how the turtles were written and wanted a more family focus in rise, so they were aware that the writing and such wasn't all that great in 2012. a lot of that stuff was a learning experience for them and 100% think that's why the writing in rise is so much better!

Like I mentioned, I'm a board artist who does action mainly. When I look at 2012 I see so many flaws in fights that drives me nuts! When you want to create a realistic fight that is interesting to watch and fun for the audience you have to keep in mind several things! Rule of cool is part of the process and can supersede logic a lot of the time (see any shonen anime ever) but it still has to be GROUNDED in some key parts. The environment should always be utilized to the fullest, how a character moves should be taken into account, using their weapons in fascinating and fun ways based on their real-world use, and showing your character is THINKING (or sometimes NOT thinking if its a rage induced fight) can make a fight so much more!

I am not sure I openly stated this in my last ask but what I meant by them going from switching weapons to not using them AT ALL was also a good character moment to show they all relied too much on their weapons like a crutch (like you said) and it would have been more fun if they just.... started to adapt.

Ninja weapons were originally farming tools. people who were fed up with their local lords would take up arms because they didn't have weapons like the samurai did, that's why those weapons exist. so learning to adapt to the situation is very important in ANY story and especially with modern takes on martial arts. learning how to fight with old school techniques and adapt them to more modern situations is what makes a lot of the turtle franchise fascinating... but we hardly see it.

thank you for your ask! appreciate the convo talks with all you guys its so fun to talk about this stuff :>

-Pen

[caelestis-composition]

⭒ how to care for your fatui harbinger ⭒

in which childe faints from pain and blood loss and you, his oh-so-loving partner, patch him up

pairing: childe/reader

characters: childe

genre: hurt/comfort, fluff

word count: 1334

⭒

Childe lives for the thrill of battle. He’ll face off against any opponent, but he prefers something that will present at least a bit of a challenge. There’s nothing better than the exhilaration that comes with fighting for your life, Childe thinks, so he seeks out enemies he shouldn’t, unconcerned with whether he’ll come out alive. It’s all part of his pursuit to grow stronger; and besides, nothing compares to the pride he feels after defeating something that should have killed him.

Today he’d felt particularly restless, so Childe went out to do what he always did when he was like this: find something to fight. Unfortunately for him, nothing particularly difficult crossed his path, pushing Childe to continue on and on until he came across something more exciting. He’d made quick work of several Hilichurl camps, and by the time he’d finished off his second Abyss Mage of the day, it had begun to rain.

That’s when the Ruin Guard found him.

Childe was honestly relieved that he’d found—or, he supposed, had been found by—something a little more dangerous. It hadn’t been too hard to defeat, the rain aiding in his attacks, but the downpour limited visibility. He was growing tired, but Childe couldn’t have cared less, instead spurred on by the additional difficulty.

He’d won, of course. He could very clearly recall watching the Ruin Guard fall, the ground beneath his feet shaking. The machine had jerked and sparked for a moment before shutting down, completely useless. Childe remembers putting his weapon away and walking over to the Ruin Guard, the toe of his boot lazily nudging the pile of metal as he’d placed his hands on his hips.

Then his side exploded in searing pain.

And then he woke up here. Wherever “here” was.

He was laying in a soft bed, propped against a pile of pillows at the headboard, that much was obvious. He could hear the rain still pouring down in a steady, dull rhythm outside. His pain had lessened, thankfully, and he could feel several of his injuries had been tended to and bandaged.

Childe wasn’t left wondering by who for very long as you make your way into his field of vision, fiddling with something in your hands, your back to him. He brightens immediately.

“Hey!” He chirps, grinning at you as he sat a little straighter. “Whatcha up to?” Childe tilts his head, and you turn just in time—setting whatever was in your hands down on a nearby table— to see him wince as the action sends a jolt of pain along his shoulder.

He doesn’t expect you to fix him with an icy glare.

“You mean aside from dragging your unconscious ass all the way from the Guili Plains to Wangshu Inn?” You raise an eyebrow at him. “And then basically bringing you back from the brink of death? Oh, not much.” Childe winces again, this time at your words.

“Unconscious, huh?” He asks, rubbing at the back of his neck. “Sorry about that.” You sigh, burying your face in your hands. Childe’s smile falls as you stay like that for a moment, before you finally make your way over to his side.

The bed dips as you sit next to him, wrapping your arms around his bare waist and carefully burying your face into his bandaged neck.

“You scared me,” you mumble, tightening your hold on him. Though you can’t see it, Childe’s gaze softens.

“Aw, come on,” he says, bringing his own arms down and around you. “It’s going to take a lot more than that to get rid of me.”

“Is it?” You ask, drawing back to look him in the eyes, your arms falling from around his form. “Each time you go find some crazy strong opponent to fight, I’m scared you won’t come back, Childe. Just—” You avert your gaze, staring down at your hands in your lap. “Just be more careful. Please.”

Silence, save for the beating of the rain.

“Okay,” he says, uncharacteristically quiet. “I promise.”

You relax, your shoulders drooping. “Thank you,” you sigh, flashing him a small smile. “Now,” you push off from your spot at his side to stand. “I never finished dressing your wounds.”

As you make your way to the table to retrieve a roll of bandages—what you had been messing with when Childe first came to—you swear he mumbles something that sounds like “never finished dressing me, either.” When you whip around to fix him with another glare, he simply grins back at you.

“I heard that,” you snap, returning to his side and unwinding a strip of bandage.

“Heard what?” He hums sweetly, and you roll your eyes. You’d already taken care of his worst injuries, so you start wrapping a cluster of relatively small cuts on his arm. Thank the Archons, Childe lets you work in silence for a while, covering each wound you come across as you carefully inspect his upper body. You know the quiet won’t last, not with him, but you enjoy it while it does.

“You know,” Childe starts, and you brace yourself for whatever it is he’s about to say, finishing tending to a minor wound above the already-bandaged large gash in his side.

“If you wanted to see me shirtless so bad, you could’ve just asked.”

You inhale sharply, freezing as, much to your dismay, your face burns. You can feel Childe shaking, attempting to contain his laughter at your reaction as you refuse to meet his eyes.

He yelps when you press a hand into the wound on his side, careful so as not to actually hurt him, effectively shutting him up. As you quickly retreat from his side, he hears you grumble out that you were “fixing the bandages.” An obvious lie. Childe’s eyes follow you as you pack up the medicinal supplies you’d been using, the flush on your cheeks only deepening under his gaze.

“That was rude of you,” he whines, and you snort at his pouting.

“Says you.”

“Me?” He feigns innocence. “All I said was—”

You yell, cutting him off as you stiffly turn to face him again, your hands balled into fists at your side. “I know what you said,” you grit out between clenched teeth. Childe’s gaze is mirthful, and he laughs at you again. You cross your arms indignantly, half-heartedly glaring at him from your place beside the bed. It doesn’t take long, though, for you to start laughing along with him, your shoulders gently bouncing.

“You’re terrible,” you sigh, moving to sit next to him again.

“Ah, but you love me anyway,” Childe responds as you take your seat.

You immediately regret it when he wraps his arms around you—trapping yours against your sides—and pulls you into his still-bare chest.

Shrieking, you struggle in his hold, but it does nothing. Quite the opposite of what you want, Childe actually holds you tighter to him, burying his face in your shoulder.

You ask yourself why you ever entered a relationship with a Fatui Harbinger.

He’s laughing again, you realize, and you give up, slumping into him and seething in his arms. Your blush comes back with a vengeance as you glare straight ahead, accepting your fate for the time being. You let Childe have his moment, feeling him nuzzle into the back of your shoulder before placing a soft kiss on the same spot.

Finally, finally his hold on you loosens. You take advantage of your newfound mobility to spring away from him, ignoring the dramatic groan of disappointment he lets out as you free yourself from his clutches. He calls out your name, practically whining. He seems to really be trying to live up to his alias today.

“Aw, come on—”

“I’m not coming back over there until you put a shirt on,” you say, refusing to even look at him, and he groans again.

“Babe,” Childe pleads, “I promise I won’t—”

He’s silenced as a clean, dry shirt hits him in the face.

[l-sincline]

Cybernetics Chapter 22

Amy Rose is a mechanic, plain and simple. But aside from that, she feels utterly alone in a cruel world where she makes just enough to scrape by. One night she’s visited by a mysterious Cyborg that needs his arm fixed, little does she know this repair will change her life.

Flung from the confines of her normal life, Amy finds herself working with Anarchists set on creating a new life for themselves and the poor people of Mobius. The only downside? Seeing who she thought was her best friend fight against her.

AO3 Tags:  Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Amy Rose/Shadow the Hedgehog, Minor or Background Relationship(s), Amy Rose (Sonic the Hedgehog), Shadow the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog, Miles “Tails” Prower, Dr. Eggman | Dr. Robotnik, Rouge the Bat, Whisper the Wolf, Cream the Rabbit, Knuckles the Echidna, Badnik (Sonic the Hedgehog), E-123 Omega, Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - Cyberpunk, Angst, Slow Burn, Partners in Crime

AO3 Link

Previous/Next

The next few days were slow. Amy figured she should enjoy the break after the very tiring mission they’d just been on, but she was antsy. 

She trained with Shadow most days, asking for his help when she still felt the miserable weight of how useless she’d been during the Eggman battle in the Inner Ring. Rouge reassured that she hadn’t done all that bad, and that it was two against… too many, so they might not have gotten away either way. Amy didn’t express that she still felt at fault after that, she just wanted to be better. 

Sparring with Shadow was helpful. He beat her for the most part, even without the teleporting and the blasting, but she could feel herself getting more skilled with hand to hand and her weapon of choice. 

Sometimes- when Shadow was busy- she would spar with Omega. She beat him a few times, but later found out he had ‘levels’ to his sparring and she’d been fighting him at the normal level. When she kicked it up a notch- she lost. But ever hopeful, promised to herself that one day she’d beat both Omega and Shadow, she just had to be patient. 

“Why don’t you take a break?” Shadow spoke up one day as Amy called a time out to get a drink of water.

“What? No. It’s fine.” 

“I’m serious. You sit out here and fight me and Omega all day, go for a cruise on your board or something.”

“I’d run into a patrol.” She attested, putting her bottle of water down and leaning on her hammer. 

“Suns setting, they won’t be out this far. They barely are in the first place.” Shadow rebutted, when Amy shook her head no, he started again, “Okay. I’ll come with you. On the one and one million chance we get found we can just teleport away.”

“You’re seriously not going to give this up?” 

“No. Come on. Put the hammer away and go get your board.” 

“Fine.” Amy relented, scooping her bottle back up and heading inside.

She passed Rouge and Omega in the main room who paid her no mind and headed up the stairs to her own room. She deposited her bottle and hammer before grabbing her board off its charging pad and heading back down. When she exited the front door, Shadow was unclipping his cloak and tossing it in a pile by the door, stretching. 

“You don’t want that?” 

“No. It's nice to just feel the wind sometimes.” He paused, looking at her as she dropped the board to the ground. “Keep up.”

And he was off, jet shoes skating adeptly through the overgrown buildings. Sometimes Amy forgot how fast he was, but she jumped onto her board and set off after him. 

The sun cast a pleasant orange color across the sky as it darkened, the very top of the world seemed to fade into purple and then blue and then black, the clouds illuminated in the bright dandelion glow of the sun. Said sunlight filtered through broken, overgrown windows and bright green leaves, it lit up the trail of dust the two hedgehogs left as they raced along the not very well tread pathways. Shadow would bank a sharp turn around a building, and Amy would follow, falling into the rhythm of slight swaying back and forth to keep herself up and balanced. Shadow jumped over a fallen log and she bit her lip, nervously watching as the obstacle approached. She poised herself and then- jumped, landing evenly after it and continuing to float along. As it grew darker and darker, she noticed the lights on Shadow’s arms illuminating him, their red glow following his speeding form as yellow lightning bugs flew to move out of his way. And then,

He stopped.

Skidding to a halt and kicking up some more dirt. Amy lept off her board and stepped on the back end, causing the board to fly up into her hand- she caught it. 

In front of them was a pond of sorts. Lush with overgrown vines and bushes and young trees, bugs flitted above the surface of the still water, and the stars that were beginning to appear above reflected off of the surface. The last bits of orange and dandelion sunlight dipped and disappeared, leaving a darker world only lit by bugs, the moon, and Shadow’s arms. 

“I found this a while ago, when we first moved into that building. I spent some nights exploring the area and came across it. There's fish in there, too.”

“Wow.” Amy breathed out, stepping closer to the water. It was still enough and clear enough to see her reflection. She watched through it as Shadow moved up to stand next to her and look as well. 

They stood there silently for a bit. Amy looked up to admire the rest of the oasis, Shadow bent over and dunked a hand in the water. The silence was nice. In the base she was sort of aware of this constant humming. An electronic was always on, or the tv could be heard just the slightest from floors below, or Rouge and Omega talked amongst each other. Out here it was just the breeze, maybe the occasional bug flitted past her ear. 

Until it was interrupted by her buzzing ProjScreen.

Amy fumbled as Shadow looked up, puzzled. She reached into her pocket- the caller ID said Rouge- and then she answered.

“Hello?”

“Hey. I’m patching a video through to you that was just on the news. It's urgent, you and Shadow need to watch it.” Rouge sounded completely serious, so Amy just said ‘okay’ and hung up the call.

The video came through.

And the Blue Blur smashes it to bits!

Youch that was some kick- but look at him run, gotta get out of there before we get to him, right-

The video stopped, she looked worriedly up at Shadow.

“Damn.” He cursed under his breath, “Damn it.”

What the regular mobian might not have noticed in the video clip was the small yellow chip Sonic had picked up from the wreckage before bolting away.