#they have been trying to parent/brother trap them back together literally this whole time

[boxwinebaddie]

bc i don't care about spoilers anymore, i want y'all to know that the climax of the south park portion of rm is at ike's winter formal where jersey is stuck wearing what sheila's brother or gerald wore to his prom in the eighties ( its giving downtown abbey, he looks like a founding father, help ) and is still mad as fuck at poor ravenstan, wolfing down punch ( he does not know is spiked, oof )

crimson dawn comes out, ravenstan is FITTED, bro like i put him in this badass emo boy red and black charro outfit because he's a legend with his red combat boots on and his eyeliner going crazy, ( ya i do think kenny and jimmy are in those 2007 scene shirts with the fake tie on them, marj looks like punk rock southern avril lavigne )

asks kyle to take him back, backflips into the splits says "HIT IT!" AND PROCEEDS TO DROP THE SICKEST BADDEST HARDEST POP GOES PUNK ROCK COVER OF STYLE BY TAYLOR SWIFT EVER.

[anderii]

🎃 Halloween princess 🎃

Will you stop going through my wardrobe? It's the 3rd time recently. I have found my outfits in a jumble , just leave my clothes alone, ok? Lisa was really cross with her sister Tasha.

It's not me. Why would I want to touch your stuff it's so boring, and while we're on the topic of other people's things, have you been using my makeup?

Dave listened and laughed to himself, his sisters would never expect it was him who was trying on their clothes and makeup it had started off innocently enough. They had teased him about his effeminate size and look, not in a bad way but enough to hurt, so he was going to muck up their things so as to get back at them but when he was in Lisa's bedroom he took out some of her clothes to damage, he found himself wanting to try them on instead.

After that first time, he took every chance he could, even grew his hair out and started using some of Tashas makeup. He was getting good, but they were getting suspicious, and he would have to be more careful.

Lisa couldn't believe it. She had set up her laptop to record Tasha touching her belongings, but this was not what she expected to record. She grabbed Tasha, and together, they watched Dave put on Lisa's old prom dress and then disappear and return with makeup on.

He literally stood in front of the laptop as he looked at himself in the mirror. Both girls were shocked. What were they to do? They had teased their brother a bit but never suspected this.

The girls thought long and hard, they could confront him, but they teased him first, so was this their own fault? They could tell their parents, but again, it could come back to bite them too. A decision was made, and Halloween was just around the corner. They had a plan.

The dress was just an explosion of pink and frills, Lisa left it on her bed, she and Tasha announced they were going out till later. Their parents were out visiting relatives for the weekend. Dave would almost certainly fall for the trap and would be all theirs.

It only took minutes for Dave to take the bate. Walking into Lisa's room, he saw her supposed Halloween princess dress and just had to try it. Everything was out ready, bra panties stockings, shoes, even a tiara it took about 30 minutes to dress and put on some makeup but when he looked in the mirror he felt so happy with the result and figured he had about an hour to enjoy it before he had to take it off, he figured wrong.

Lisa and Tasha had watched and recorded everything, and as their little brother posed once more in front of the mirror, unaware that the dress once done up wouldn't come off.

They had to admit he did look very cute as a princess , this was all going perfectly. All they had to do was confront him, finish his outfit and take him out trick or treating, and their day would be complete

Dave meanwhile smiled into the mirror, unaware of his impending fate.

His sisters had only driven round the road then returned to the house entering through the back and changing into their own costumes, if Dave was going to be the princess then in true fairy tale style they would be the wicked step sisters. Bursting into Lisa's room phones in hand they recorded everything, Dave was in a state of shock unable to fight back as they finished his makeup and gave him the long heavy wig that was with the outfit.

Now you are our Halloween Princess little brother, we have a deal for you, we know about the makeup and dressing up, we have films and pictures and if you want to keep them secret then come out trick or treating with us, and we can forget about the whole thing, or if you want, once you have made up for causing us to get into unnecessary arguments we can let you borrow some of our stuff, we can have girly night's in when mum and dad are out, teach you make-up and do your nails, all the girly stuff you want. Do we have a deal?

The trick or treating went on till late, Lisa and Tasha introduced their cousin Davina to lots of their friends, at first Dave was nervous that he would be outed but everyone was having so much fun, no one cared, he got lots of complements on his costume and loads of candy, in fact Davina had an absolute ball and was definitely the fairest one of all.

[candythepuppy]

Since I do like to dabble a little in the c r i n g e, here's an MHA OC I made for fun.

Note: I am not a professional artist. So everything here was traced. I just adjusted a few things and colored it in.

Zeya / "Z"

- age 16

- female (though she easily passes as gender neutral and has been to known to fake being a boy to get in/out of trouble)

- eye color is brown, though she likes wearing red colored contacts

- tried and failed forming a villain group to rival The League of Villains

- bilingual, bisexual, ambidextrous, ambivert (generally very torn and often confused)

- has been caught smuggling Trigger (and other substances)

- orphaned only child

- was Mineta's gf for a lil bit (they mostly just pranked people together)

- walks up to any naturally white/silver haired man "are YOU my father?"

- got into UA by literally blackmailing the school with stolen personal information (attends class 1B)

- sleeps in trash cans. wears fancy clothes.

- habitual liar (only trust 1/3rd the things she says)

- will hiss at you for touching her garbage

- ADHD/Dyslexia rep!

QUIRK: "Reverse Reverse!"

She can infinitely reverse time as far back to when she last slept.

Since this quirk does not reset the vitality of her mind, if she resets too many times and for too long, she will pass out of sleep deprivation or suffer other symptoms.

If under high stress, she can create time loops; depending on the level of stress, she can even drag those she touches into the time loops with her. They will repeat the same day over and over again no matter whether she dies or not. And it only ends when she either calms down or it reaches a pre-set amount of days looped.

Under the affects of Trigger, she can use a move that only affects those she touches, giving her the ability to loop someone's day infinitely until they literally go insane. However, using this move is insanely dangerous for her mental health, as she still has to watch them suffer from afar, but just sped up.

Because her quirk does not handle well in close combat, she prioritizes using her quirk to run away from situations. She is better fit as the strategist of a team than an actual fighter. Though, she is very acrobatic and if forced to fight, can usually survive long enough for someone to come and help her out.

For the sake of street smarts, she often lies about what her quirk is and how it functions, leading to a lot of confusion.

She can use her quirk to "predict" her opponents' moves, hence her quirk often being confused with Night Eye's.

Backstory

Her mother was from a mixed family living in America, who, after the deaths of her parents, abandoned her two younger siblings to move to Japan: the home country of her mother before marriage. While her younger brother and sister grew to hate but also worry for her, Zeya's mother lived however she wanted for a whole year.

That all ended, however, when Zeya's mother (Deserae, age 20) got pregnant after a night out with too many drinks. This changed her life completely. It took having a child to finally snap the woman out of her selfishness and mature enough to take care of the little girl.

The mother Zeya knew was infinitely loving. The best mother she could ever wish for, even. The two lived humbly in an apartment, Deserae trapped in Japan for the time-being until she could fork up enough money to all the debts she owed. But, she had plans to move back to America, where she would return to her younger siblings and raise them properly, both of whom were many years younger than her, with her daughter. It was Deserae who inspired Zeya to want to become a hero in the first place.

Everything backfired, however, on a simple day to a random car crash. Zeya was four, and it was on that day that her quirk was forcibly awakened. Zeya repeated the morning over and over again, trying to prevent the car crash. She, only a little girl, had to watch her mom die over and over again...until she simply couldn't take it anymore. Zeya gave up eventually and crawled free from the crashed car. Severe guilt fueling her, she ran away, feeling like she was the one responsible for her mom's death, and that the heroes would come after her now and throw her in jail.

She lived on the streets for quite some time, only cared after by the occasional thief or stranger. Her quirk helped her to avoid most trouble, though her tendency to steal and cause mischief did get her into quite a bit of trouble with the local Yakuza. For the most part, though, she grew up seeing a more human side of villains than most. Until eventually, her childhood dream to be a hero instead shifted into a desire to become a great villain.

The great shift happened when she had fallen so deep into crime, she thought nothing much of attempting to kidnap a UA hero student. Unfortunately for her, the attempt only worked partially, and she ended up tht one taken in for failing. She realized here just how far she had fallen. And just how messed up her morals were. So..she was shocked to see the heroes actually break in and save her. There were others too, but still. She was eternally grateful for the second chance.

Too bad her moral compass was damaged beyond measure, because, now a little late to attempt to join a hero school normally, stole secret information and blackmailed UA with it. They reluctantly allowed her to become a student, but it took several months and a plethora more villain attacks before anyone could dare trust her. Didn't help that she was the most dishonest/somehow also brutally honest person in the world!

Luckily, she just so happened to have a Hero aunt, who moved to Japan long long ago just to find her.

Personality

Brash, a button pusher, charismatic - in an annoying way, and all-around obnoxious person to be around, Zeya is almost impossible to befriend. However, a lot of that is just an act. A barrier to keep people away. To the few who managed to become her friends, she is insanely loyal and clingy to a fault. Will literally die a thousand times over for whoever manages to befriend her. And she expects the same level of dedication from them as well.

When in her comfort zone, which is rare, Zeya is oddly very easy going. She's very confident in her abilities, knows her limits, and likes to dabble some in the creative arts, which for her is editing together cringe compilations or dubbing scenes from low budget movies with friends. In this state, other than making a few sarcastic remarks, she is a far easier person to hang out with than her usual persona. But it is also so different from how she usually acts that it causes a lot of whiplash in the people who witness her like this.

Her love language also consists of teasing and prodding people verbally, but handing them random gifts or offering them expensive snacks or clothing for no apparent reason. She isn't a snuggler, but will happily fight you for your attention. (She gets along surprisingly well with Bakugo.)

All-in-all, she is a very chaotic, amoral lass who would do anything for her friends.

[bobbydagen24]

NGL as Hypocritical as it is It would feel kinda cathartic seeing the Bros call out Peppy on him and the rest of the village kinda letting Branch slip through the cracks when he was a kid and leaving him on his own.

like even if he hadn't stayed Grey would they have just left this kid on his own? like sorry your guardians dead guess it sucks to be you lol.

and yeah Branch struggling to relate to his bros is something I gotta see in the future I even came up with a similar story idea to your little scenario a while ago.

where the bros were all telling funny stories from their pasts and Branch awkwardly tries to join in telling a story about how when he was first digging out his Bunker he accidentally caused a cave in.

and was trapped for days on end with no one bothering to look for him so he had to resort to eating worms and other gross stuff in order to survive long enough to dig himself out.

and he lets out a half hearted laugh at the end hoping his bros would do the same and see it as a funny story only to be met with awkward silence.

and it totally brings down the mood.

plus I also like the idea of the climax kinda bringing it back together in a way where the Bros all work together to bring down Chef loosely using a strategy.

that their Grandma taught them all for Cards when they were younger thus having Branch finally have a childhood memory he and his Brothers can bond over.

while also in a weird indirect way having her bring about Chef's downfall.

this last bit is literally just something Random I thought of now lol but even if the movie fancied there could be scenes between Chef and Branch drawing a little parallel between them.

like in conversation Chef while working on her plan with Branch just sat in a cage happens to casually drop in conversation something along the lines of her.

having been abandoned by her parents or something at a young age and left to fend for herself in Bergen town and having turned out just fine despite this.

given she never needed anyone else and thus only relied on herself seeing personal connections just as a bother that wasn't worth the time or effort.

or the Risk of being hurt.

I'm not saying its purpose is to make Chef sympathetic it isn't more so just a little moment for Branch to think back to how he was in the first film and where he could be going if he lets his feelings of uncomfortableness.

and trauma from his lonely past prevent him from ever feeling able to be open and honest with his family about how he actually feels and actually let them see the real him warts and all.

rather than just keeping them at a distance for his own protection even tho it is somewhat understandable.

plus meanwhile Bro zone on the journey learn more about Branch through Poppy telling them such as how he used to be the outcast of the village who everyone saw as a weirdo.

for crashing social events in a panic over the Bergens and for never singing or hanging out with anyone.

Poppy points out that he was so closed off that despite him being a staple in the village her whole life effectively she never even knew anything about his family until he told her after 20 years of kinda knowing each other.

and even then he didn't feel comfortable enough opening up about his Brothers existence.

anyway these little talks would be a nice way of Bro zone learning more about Branch despite them being separated for the whole film.

and maybe at the very end Branch does open up to them more in an attempt to be more honest and less afraid of getting hurt again.

telling them in no uncertain terms about his uncomfortableness around them and his feelings of not belonging in the family.

and Bro zone in turn try to do the same saying they shouldn't have expected him to just suddenly be okay with everything and that they can take things at his own pace since they aren't going anywhere this time.

and have plenty of time to do so. and at the very end we see Branch being more himself around his brothers being more quirky and survivalist like than he was before when he was trying to fit in more with them.

to the point most of his Bros look sorta uncomfortable and think he's a weirdo but more framed as a positive thing since he's actually comfortable enough to be himself around them now.

plus he and JD get along better this way since their so similar.

wow this is long lol sorry I just get so many ideas my brain is like a factory anyway I am also totally normal about this so I'm glad you and I can just casually talk about this kinda thing without either of us getting too obsessed 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

some little story ideas I thought up about Chef coming back in the next movie inspired by this other persons post.

so yeah I liked this other person's idea for a 4th film a lot so I thought up some extra details for a possible story where Branch is taken by Chef who gets revealed to still be alive.

I do really like this idea as the older Brothers coming together to save him from his greatest fear would be a satisfying story arc.

as the movie could maybe open with Poppy Peppy and Viva as well as all of Bro zone all just playing happy families getting along with each other and adjusting to the whole thing pretty easily.

meanwhile Branch Despite putting on a fake smile and hiding how he feels is still just feeling uneasy about the whole thing he could kinda be on a constant nervous edge where he's so afraid of doing or saying the wrong thing and causing tension that may cause them to fight and thus leave him again.

that he's pretty much a nervous wreck around his Brothers desperately trying to make sure everything is perfect all the time and never asking them for help or letting them know about any negative feelings he has from time to time Regarding them and also Grandma.

and he overall just doesn't feel like he has a family he can rely on anymore than he did During all those years that he had no family for.

in short he just still doesn't exactly trust them nor feel comfortable around them as their still somewhat strangers to him who he mostly knows from the past as being unreliable and quick to flee when the going gets tough.

which maybe causes some sorta argument where during an event JD gets frustrated with how he and the others can clearly tell he's been hiding something from them due to how weird and off he acts.

and he's tired of waiting for him to open up on his own and like I said this causes a big argument between Branch and JD Floyd and Clay try to calm things down but to no Avail.

Bruce steps in and agrees with JD tho he's less aggressive about it and more just calm and concerned.

but ultimately stuff is said on both ends ending with Branch finally letting out his true feelings and screaming at them about how they didn't care enough to stick around they didn't care enough to come back and they didn't care even when he was upset over them wanting to leave him again.

so why should he believe that they care now? and Branch runs away into the Forrest which could be when he's captured by Chef.

I'd think her motive is wanting revenge not just on all of Pop Village but also on Bergen Town given they Banished her twice but she somehow needs the magic that a Troll produces to achieve her plan hence why she takes Branch when he wonders off on his own.

maybe she does something similar to Velvet and Veneer where she drains the Troll magic out of him but this time she's using it to power a device that she's going to use to topple all of Bergen town and its people.

and then Pop Village just out of spite.

and it'd be just be nice as a emotional plot to have Bro zone rescuing Branch from their Grandma's killer maybe we even get some parallels where during the climax Chef in a last ditch effort out of spite goes to try and kill Branch only for one of the older Bros either JD or Bruce.

to push him out of the way sacrificing themselves in a scene mirroring when their Grandma was taken when Branch was a kid tho I'd have it just be a fake out death and they get saved soon afterwards.

but point is the sentiment is the same where they were willing to sacrifice themselves for him.

and early on in the film it'd be good to finally have Branch acknowledge that he is aware it was Chef from that fateful day and he angrily comments on it only for her to callously not Remember who or what he's talking about stating that she killed so many Trolls that his Grandma wasn't at all special and she doesn't even remember the day he's talking about.

obviously Hurting and angering Branch given that day pretty much shaped who he became afterwards for his whole life.

and maybe in another scene Branch states to Chef that knows that Poppy will come to save him but when he thinks about his brothers he just thinks back to how easily they've all broken up in the past at the first sign of trouble and he sadly thinks to himself that they likely wouldn't bother coming to save him.

and this leads to Bro zone actually stepping up and Risking their lives to save him from the source of his greatest Trauma aka their Grandmother's killer thus by the end actually showing Branch that he really can trust his family to be there for him this time.

and just Chef getting to face off with Bro zone would be neat since ya know she killed their Grandma and Honestly I've always found it weird from a writing perspective how her being the one who killed Branch's Grandmother was never actually acknowledged at any point in the first movie the only reason we the audience know is a super brief glimpse we see of her During Branch's flashback scene.

so even getting to see Branch himself have a proper face off with Chef over his Grandma would be nice since they never actually Directly interacted in the first film except for the scene where she tried to force feed him to Gristle Jr poor guy.

so yeah what do you think about the idea? the person behind the post did also say that the idea could still maybe work without the whole Chef being Revealed to be alive angle and it instead just being a new villain who kidnaps Branch.

but I feel the first idea where she is the main villain again would add a nice sense of personal stakes to the story for the main characters involved given it wraps up a nice little part of the Bro zone family's History.

sure we saw her get eaten at the end of the first film but that can easily be Retconned where she somehow survived and was able to escape from the creatures mouth.

plus it'd be satisfying to see The Brothers all work together to defeat her in the final battle and this time her Defeat could be Ironic for a whole different reason where due to some magic nonsense in the end Chef gets shrunken down to the point she's now smaller than the Trolls by a lot.

she's made so small that she's as Helpless as her past Troll victims were.

and she isn't actually capable of hurting them anymore we see her angrily charge at Branch and start swinging away and he's scared at first only for him to then awkwardly Realise she isn't actually Hurting him.

Despite her best efforts and he just kinda flicks her away

not to mention it'd be fun seeing Branch and his Bros just playfully toss her back and fourth like some sorta ball kids play with.

really showing how none of them are afraid of her anymore not even Branch which would be very satisfying imo.

and after some mocking by Bro zone towards Chef they pick her up and toss her in a tiny cage where she's most likely kept in prison either at Bergen town or at one of the other Trolls Tribes since they most likely wouldn't want to keep her at Pop Village.

anyway I just love this persons idea I think Chef coming back would work great as an emotional plot device to Develop Bro zone's Relationship with Branch Further.

and it could expand on all of the Bros's Relationship with their Grandma a little further as well which would be nice.

what do you think?

[rnelodyy]

I cannot get over how Obsessed Belos is with Caleb. It’s SO wild, and the deeper you dig the sadder and more disturbing it becomes.

Like,,, Caleb was literally all he had growing up. Their parents were gone, they were (presumably) homeless, they were two street rats trying their best to make it on their own. Caleb was the older sibling, so the weight of caring for Philip fell on his shoulders, even though he was just a kid himself.

And considering the motif of coping through stories (Luz finding comfort in Azura after her dad’s death, Hunter finding comfort in Cosmic Frontier while trying to cope with the fact that he’s a clone), I wouldn’t be surprised if Caleb tried to do something similar for Philip. From Belos’s memories, we can see they used to play pretend a LOT. It’s a lot less scary for a young child if they believe they’re going on wild and wacky adventures than to know the truth – that they’re homeless orphans, moving into a community that regularly hangs people for witchcraft, with Caleb having to do hard labor to afford food and housing and sending his brother to school, while having to sacrifice his own education and skip meals so Philip doesn’t need to go hungry.

Caleb used stories to shield Philip from the worst of their life, which blinded Philip to just how bad his brother was suffering. To Philip, life in Gravesfield was good, but it was only good because of how much Caleb was sacrificing for him.

So when Caleb met Evelyn, of course he took the chance to escape his shitty life. It may have even been a situation like Luz, where he only expected to be gone for a short time, and either returned to find Philip gone, or ended up being trapped on the Isles for longer than he’d anticipated.

Philip, meanwhile, is fucking Losing It. Caleb was his whole world, and now he's just gone, spirited away by an evil witch just like those stories they’d been playing out their whole lives. It may even be a situation like King, where Caleb knew he wasn’t being truthful with the witch hunter stories, but Philip genuinely believed them all.

So Philip goes into the Demon Realm, determined to rescue his brother. He’s practiced this, he’s trained for this, he just needs to find Caleb, save him from whatever tortures that witch has been inflicting on him, open up a portal back to Gravesfield, and everything will go back to normal. So he travels, he meets witches, he kills them, he either gets cursed or discovers that eating Palismen gives him funny powers, so he keeps doing that.

And then, after years of searching, he finds Caleb. Not chained up in a dungeon, or turned into a frog, or a shambling husk of his former self, but free. Happier and healthier than Philip has ever seen him. 

Philip tries to grab Caleb and leave with him, but Caleb refuses. The witch who lured him away is his wife now. He’s got a house and a job and a kid on the way. He’s got a Palisman, this stupid fucking red bird that follows him everywhere. Caleb’s good here. He’s not leaving.

And I think Philip just fucking loses it at that point. What do you MEAN you’re not leaving?! We were adventurers! We were gonna be witch hunters together! We were going to do everything together! Did she do something to you? Did you just hate me that much? 

Caleb tries to de-escalate, but eventually loses his temper himself. We weren’t adventurers, we were street rats! I was working so YOU could go to school, I was starving myself so YOU wouldn’t have to, I sacrificed EVERYTHING so you’d have a chance at life! You’re old enough to handle yourself now, it’s time to grow up and let me live my own life!

Phil’s not having it. There’s a fight, someone draws a knife, and… we all know how that one ends.

Fast-forward a bit. Philip, now alone and stranded on the Isles, has latched onto the stories he and Caleb used to play pretend with. He’s going to make them come true. He’s going to kill every witch in one fell swoop, become Witch Hunter General, and he’s going to do all of it with his brother by his side.

So he asks for the Collector’s help, and together, they make a Grimwalker.

Philip decides that this is his chance. He can raise this new Caleb properly, make sure that his brother isn’t swayed by the evils of witchcraft again. The new Caleb doesn’t look exactly the same but it’s fine. Having him back is good enough.

And then the new Caleb betrays him too.

Maybe he befriended some witches, maybe he tried to learn magic, maybe he had some reservations about the whole genocide plan. Either way, this Caleb has gone the same way as the first. 

So Philip kills him, and starts over with a new Grimwalker. This time he’s gonna get it right. This Caleb is gonna be the one.

But he’s not. He betrays Philip again. So Philip starts over again, tightening the leash this time. New-new-new Caleb can’t leave his sight, isn’t allowed to talk to people without Philip there, because it’s dangerous. But strict parents make sneaky children, and Philip catches new-new-new Caleb making out with a secret witch partner behind his back.

Philip realizes he needs to change his approach. Caleb isn’t listening to him? Well, he’ll make him listen. He makes the next one younger, establishes himself as an authority figure (dad feels too personal, so uncle it is), and makes himself the focal point of this new Caleb’s life. Continuing to call him Caleb feels weird, especially since there’s such a significant age difference between them now, so he gives this one a new name.

They’re going to be witch hunters, so he names the new one Hunter. It’s hilarious when you think about it.

And so the cycle continues. Hunter is born, grows up, rebels, and is killed. Over and over and over again. Philip grows numb to it at this point – he’s already killed dozens of them, and he doesn’t see them as individuals anyway. To him, it’s like a game, resetting and starting over from the last checkpoint to really, really get everything right this time.

He adopts his new identity as Belos, and lets Hunter believe it too. He preaches to towns, pulls more and more power towards himself, with Hunter by his side, his Golden Guard, the most perfect version of Caleb he can make.

They keep betraying him though, so with each iteration, the leash gets tighter. The Hunters become more and more isolated, Belos’s power over them greater and greater. Step out of line and be beaten, show disrespect and be verbally abused, betray him (which can be anything from actively trying to stop his plans to making a friend he didn’t approve of) and be killed, replaced with another Grimwalker.

Belos becomes Emperor of the Isles, and his Grimwalkers become his right hand men, answering only to him. Caleb by his side, just like he’d always wanted. Never mind that the Grimwalkers are nothing like Caleb now – they’re submissive, desperate for affection and attention. They’re afraid of Belos, but cling to him all the same, because he’s all they have. He’s made sure of that.

A few years before the Day of Unity, the culmination of his life's work, Hunter betrays him again. Belos got too lenient, allowed him to take on a student, and now he’s got all sorts of weird ideas in his head again. So he starts over, and this time, he makes sure that Hunter will stay pure and obedient until the Day of Unity.

No contact with the other scouts. No scroll, no crystal ball, no leaving the castle unless it’s for a mission. Keep the number of missions to a minimum, make him associate getting missions with good behavior. Monitor his training, monitor what he studies, keep him safe under lock and key. Make him desperate to please, never quite give him what he needs so he keeps clinging to you for more.

And it works. For a while. At least, until literally a week before the Day of Unity, Hunter shows up in Philip’s mind. And I mean, Philip doesn’t necessarily want to ruin this one, but he’s always liked testing loyalty. He can make another Grimwalker after the Day of Unity if this one fails.

And fail Hunter does, except… he doesn’t die. He escapes. Goes on the run.

Philip tries to get him back, sends out search parties and everything, but Hunter doesn’t turn up, and he’s got other priorities now. It’s fine, Hunter’s got a sigil. He’ll die during the Day of Unity anyway.

And then he fucking shows up to stop him! Him, a gaggle of witch kids, and Luz the Human, and they nearly fight Philip to a standstill! They nearly get the better of him! Philip tries to guilt trip Hunter back to his side – surely he doesn’t want to hurt his beloved uncle – but then what does he see? That Fucking Bird. Caleb’s bird. This one’s DEFINITELY gone too far now, murder mode it is.

But then oops, the Collector gets freed, Philip gets splattered against a wall, and the Draining Spell ends. 

However, Phil’s not dead, somehow. He manages to shift his consciousness to one glob of goop that lands on Hunter, and rides along to the human realm, determined to salvage the dumpster fire this whole thing has become.

He gains back strength, spies on the kids, watches as Hunter does boring child stuff that’s absolutely nothing like how Caleb acted, until… Hunter finds a bit of his goop, and like a dumbass, sticks his finger into it. And Philip, who by now has gotten the hang of this whole Venom-stuff, crawls inside a wound, and into Hunter’s bloodstream.

And as he grows in strength, he realizes. This is it. This is the culmination of everything. Hunter isn’t Caleb, but dammit, he’s close enough. Philip can save him now, save him from these witches who have been a terrible influence on him, he can finally, finally complete his great work, with his brother by his side.

So when he gets strong enough, he takes over. Consumes whatever energy Hunter had stored in fat cells and his magic heart and uses it to power himself, growing himself throughout the kid’s whole body. Taking him over. 

He’s finally united with Caleb again, he can finally finish what he started. Never mind that Hunter doesn’t want this. Never mind that Hunter fucking hates him for what he did. Never mind that Hunter isn’t Caleb, never mind that Caleb would never, ever have wanted this, never mind that Philip is now the corrupting force, it does. Not. Matter. 

And then “Caleb” betrays him again. Because of fucking course he does. Philip literally fucking invaded his body like a parasite and made him kill his own Palisman with his bare hands, and he expected Hunter to just fucking lie down and take it? To let him do whatever? He robbed Hunter of his childhood, of his autonomy, of his personhood, and he expected the kid to not just accept it, but be grateful for it?

Well... Yeah. That’s how far gone he is. That’s how far removed from reality Philip has become. “Caleb” isn’t even a person to him anymore, “Caleb” is some kind of personification of his childhood nostalgia that he keeps trying to bring back into the flesh. And it’s not gonna work, because nobody could ever fill that role. Even the original Caleb wouldn’t be able to fill that role – in fact, that’s why Philip stuck a knife in his chest in the first place!

He’s lost EVERYTHING. He’s killed his own brother, he’s reduced himself to a parasitic goop monster that’s no longer living yet unable to die, the plan he’s spent 400 years working on blew up in his face, the realm he spent so long fighting for has moved on without him, and his latest attempt to create a new Caleb to comfort him not only rejected him, but actively despises him now. No fucking wonder he’s gone even more batshit insane.

I don’t know where the story is gonna go from here. Philip is still obviously trying to carry out his genocide, and Hunter is on the fucking war path now, so I have zero doubt that there’s going to be some sort of clash between those two. Hunter now also presumably has access to Flapjack’s memories, so him gaining memories of Caleb is also not out of the question. 

Either way, Philip’s just gonna become Even More Not Normal about his brother, and I for one cannot wait.

[chippedaxe]

yessss for karl?! omg yess please pleas please can you write a dom step sis! reader ruining innocent stepbro! karl!!

like she teases him and he just isn’t experienced at all and she just fucking destroys him, wanking him until the sensitive little bunny is crying and begging to stop from overstimulation

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Title: Silly Boy

Warnings: !TW: STEPCEST!, NSFW (Minors DNI), cursing, corruption ig, blackmail, degrading, teasing, humiliation, penis degrading, small penis, overstimulation

Pronouns: She/her Afab

Synopsis: The reader dominates Karl and knocks him down a peg.

Word count: 2k

Note: If this type of content offends you in any way then please just ignore it, I have tons of other content on my page that isn't stepcest content and you're able to blockout any stepcest content by blocking the 'tw sepcest' or 'stepcest cw' tag <3

- This prolly isn't what u wanted but I thought of this and wanted to write it! also this hasn't been proofread and it hasn't been edited at all!

*Btw Veruca Salt is a spoiled kid that gets everything she wants, from Charlie and the chocolate factory.

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Your eyes glared down at the younger boy, towering over him to show dominance "S-sis, what're you doing?" Karl asked "Trying to scare you, is it working?" you leaned down and kept eye contact with the stammering boy "u-um not really.." he stuttered out "then why're you stuttering over your words? You're obviously intimidated." you placed your hands on your hips.

"Well why're you trying to intimidate me? I'm just trying to read this book!" he groaned "Because someone has to knock you down a peg, you think just because you're younger that you can get everything you want? Well not if I can help it!" you were furious by the boy.

"What're you on about? What've I done to you?" Karl asked worriedly "You've been asking for a whole lot this week, veruca salt!" you threw your arms in the air and started pacing around him and his chair "What? Like what?" Karl was utterly confused "You've been asking for non-stop rides to your friends houses, and you've been leaving your laundry around for mother to do!" you cross your arms.

"You're overreacting!" Karl complained "Oh I'm not done! You've also been taking money from mom's purse!" you called him out "What- how did you know about that??" Karl immediately became tense "Oh you look so stressed dear brother, just relax- don't worry... I'm not gonna tell her-" Karl sighed in relief "Oh thank god" and got cut off by you finishing your sentence "-If you promise to be a good brother and listen to what your stepsister says!" you finished.

"WHAT? No way! I'm telling mom and dad!" He began to stand up but you pushed him back down "Oh no no no, you're gonna tell them what? That you stole the $200 that mom presumed was stolen by a thief? You gonna explain that to her after she already called authorities and had someone sent to jail?" you spat venom at him.

"You're evil!" Karl shouted "Me? Evil? I'm not the thief here" you grinned mischievously "Although I could be- if you don't wanna have to do everything I say then just give me something precious you own" you held your hand out expectantly "What am I supposed to give you? My soul?" Karl questioned "If you can bare to part with it then yes" you gave a mean smile in response to his sarcasm.

"I have literally nothing!" Karl exclaimed "You have your phone" you suggested "Dad would kill me if he found out I'd given it away!" He shouted "he'd kill you if he found out about that money too" you reminded him "I- I could give you... I'll let you date one of my friends!" Karl smiled nervously as he hoped you'd agree "What friends? You're a nerd, no one would want to be friends with you" snickered.

"S-Sapnap! He's strong, he loves animals, he has big muscles!" Karl said "The brute with dark hair? He's cute but not my type" you yawned "U-m.. Quackity?" a bead of sweat dropped down his face "He's super cool, really funny!" Karl was starting to worry as he was already running out of friends to pair you with "No.. My type is nerdy boys that I can dominate, ones that get nervous a lot and stutter over their sentences" you hinted.

"Oh- like Wilbur? I'm not really his friend but I can try something!!" Karl wasn't getting the hint "No, I was thinking more specifically towards someone like you." you finally told him "M-me? But I'm your brother!" Karl was in disbelief "Step-brother. And I don't really like you, I just think that you're pitiful and if you're gonna be selling someone's body to me in exchange to keep your secrets safe than it may as well be yours." you explained.

"But- Well- I've never done that before!" he put his hands up defensively "Well obviously, who would want to touch a greasy nerd like you?" you sighed. "Well- No, that's wrong!" he shook his head "Well I'm not gonna make you, just give me something else then and I'll be on my way" you told him. Karl looked down at his feet for a moment as he mulled over what was happening and what decision he was gonna make.

Karl lifted his head and made eye contact with you "Okay." he replied "Okay what? Okay you're gonna give me something?" you asked "No- I mean- okay I'm gonna give you my body" he mumbled quietly "Gonna need to speak up, can't hear you over the sound of our parents crying over having such a disappointing child" you ridiculed him.

"I'll give you my body, damnit!" he yelled "hey- quiet down, our parents are only just down stairs!" you made him shut up. "Whatever" he leaned back in his chair and slumped down "Karl. You need to give me your full consent, you can't just go 'yea whatever' and expect me to be fine with that!" you furrowed your eyebrows "Why?? What- do you need me to beg you for it?!" he was getting aggravated.

"Actually yes, I do" you decided to torment him a little bit "Big sis, please please please fuck this desperate loser" he put his hands together to make a praying gesture as he mocked you "That's more like it, runt." you grabbed his chin and forced him to face you "We can stop at any time, if you choose not to speak up then that'll be your fault" you made sure he was fully aware that he had a say even though he wasn't in control.

"Thanks. Now- how do we?" Karl was now confused on what you were gonna do, and he was having some type of delusion that he was gonna be the one in charge dominating you. "I think I'm just gonna have some fun by jerking you off, is that okay bunny?" you teased "W-what do you mean you're gonna jerk me off?" Karl asked nervously "I'm gonna stroke your dick, never done that before?" you bullied him.

"N-no, never even thought about it.." his face became red and flushed, you slowly slid onto his lap and straddled his leg "No? You haven't? Are you lying to your big sister? That's not very nice you know, Mom always told me that you shouldn't lie (Unless it's to your dad) " Karl glanced away from you and tried to hide his face "Aw you can tell me the truth, I'm a good listener after all!" you encouraged him "I haven't.." he persisted.

"Well then let me introduce you to the pleasure that is being jerked off, slide your pants down" you instructed "What? Do I have to.." he was clearly embarrassed "No. I guess I could just palm you through your pants" you shrugged. Karl sighed in relief and let out a small breath, tilting his head back in the chair and waiting for you to do what you wanted.

Your hand dipped between his legs, your palm rubbing his growing bulge "H-Hey that feels weird" he told you "So what? You want me to stop?" he shut his mouth, encouraging you to keep palming him. "This would feel a lot better if you let your cock free, instead your trapping it in your tight pants and strangling it.." you frowned "F-fine.." Karl blushed as he slowly pulled his pants down.

You watched in delight as he released his penis "Oh is this what you were worried about?" you stared down at it "O-Oh god-" Karl felt humiliated and went to put it away but you stopped him "It's cute.. I wouldn't expect a nerd's penis to be big anyways" you told him. Karl's little cock twitched at your words, moving slightly on its own "oh. my. god. You LIKE when I'm mean to you! That's why you never argue back! It all makes sense now.." Karl looked down to avert eye contact.

"That's perfect Karl, you love when I'm mean to you- and I love to make fun of you! Win Win!" you felt a small rush of excitement. Your hand wrapped around his cock which forced a choked out moan from him, his hands moving to cover his face "you're acting quite rude Karl. Look at your big sister when she's talking to you!" you ordered.

Karl slowly revealed his face, revealing how much pleasure he was having. "F-Feel's weird, let go!" he ushered you to let go of his penis, even though his body disagreed; his hips bucking up into your hand to help finish him off "Trust your big sister." you said as you continued to pump your hand around his cock. "Fuck! Fuck you!" Karl's whole body shuddered as he was having an orgasm, his penis twitching in your hand.

"Wow Karl, that was rude." you huffed and narrowed your eyes, your hand still lingering on his crotch "A-are you done now?" Karl panted as he was trying to catch his breath "Done? I've barely even started!" you laughed maniacally as you began to slowly stroke him again "Ah- no no no, that's too much!" Karl whined. "You want me to stop?" you asked him "Yes!" he exclaimed so you let go and pulled away "What?" Karl was confused and a bit upset "Hm? What is it?" you asked "You're just.. done?" he looked saddened.

"You told me to stop!" you explained "yeah but.. I didn't really mean it.." Karl's cheeks were dusted red "Well come back here then" you grabbed his hips and forced him back down onto his chair. Karl was already eager and bucking his hips up against you, your hand grabbed him again and started to jerk him off "Ah!- Ah-" Karl tried to keep quiet but couldn't help the escaped noises that came out.

You placed your free hand over his mouth to try and muffle his moans, his voice vibrating against your hand "You can never be quiet! Always have something to say, don't you?" you rolled your eyes at him. Karl clenched his eyes shut and tapped the chair repeatedly with his hand to let you know he was ready to cum again, you let him release his load yet again but you didn't remove your hand.

"A-Again?? I can only take so much.." Karl whimpered and whined "You're feeling this way already? But I've only just started!" You frowned "Well I guess I can give you a break now but there won't be any breaks later on when our parents go out to dinner." you stood up and got off him. "T-Thanks.." Karl huffed "For what?" you asked "Thanks for um- pleasuring me?" you scoffed and walked back to your room, ready to return at night time when you had Karl all to yourself.

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*guys lemme know if u want a part 2 bc I could certainly make one of the reader x karl at night time after their parents have left.

[theladycarpathia]

Harringrove Week Day 2

So, my only knowledge of summer camp comes from The Parent Trap, Fear Street and a variety of murder mysteries so I’m kind of amazed there’s no murder in this.  I’m added these prompts to AO3 under the name of Storybelle! 30th July - Last Day of Summer Camp

It is the last day of summer camp and Steve Harrington is a chicken.

“This is literally your last chance,” Robin says, ruthlessly. She’s wearing her Starcourt Camp counselor uniform: red shorts, striped t-shirt and sneakers, her name tag frayed and smudgy with marker after six weeks. Steve had written her a new one that read ‘Chief Bossy-pants’ but had found it stuck to his forehead one morning instead. How she’d broken in and stuck it to his face without waking anyone, he’ll never know.

“I know,” Steve says, in irritation. He’s going around picking up stray tennis balls, because the minute their hour is up, the kids all vanish like smoke without picking up their equipment. Which is how Steve is here, looking in the bushes and listening to Robin.

It’s made worse by the fact that he knows that she’s right. But he doesn’t have to say that to her.

“I don’t think you do,” Robin says, deftly swizzling one of the rackets in her hands. She sucks at tennis….or any sport, for that matter. But it’s okay because they have a system. Steve takes the lead on hikes and basketball, swim, tennis and volleyball and she does the same when it’s time for music, macrame or anything crafty that might lead Steve to gluing his fingers together. They make a good pair and the only reason Steve signed on for this gig was because he’d been guaranteed to be partnered with Robin, leading a rag-tag group of twelve year olds through assigned activities and supervised fun. 

It hasn’t been bad, by any means. The kids are quirky and a little mouthy but nowhere near some of the terrors he’s seen other counselors trying to wrangle. One of Jonathan’s kids, Troy, has been in time out at the Big House at least seven times. That means no fun, no swim time, and cleaning under the watchful eye of Hopper, one of the camp owners. Steve had pegged him as a terrifying shit, not to be messed with the week of orientation. He kind of has to admire the balls on Troy for ending up there so often.

Not that it’s been smooth sailing. Erica, one of Chrissy’s little ten year olds, frequently slips away from her own group to annoy her brother, Lucas. Mike is completely smitten with Hopper’s daughter, El, and got busted sneaking out after lights out to see her. Max, from Robin’s cabin, Foxglove, punched another kid in the face on day two. And Dustin promptly hit a shuttlecock at a beehive, causing the entire sports area to be cleared out for the day.

It’s not been bad, Steve thinks. He could come back next summer. There’s something about the cool breeze from the lake, the sparkling water as the sun rises, the warm smell of pine. This whole place feels like the front of some postcard, the kind that the kids write every Sunday to be posted home and assure their parents that this place is the best and may they please, please come back next year. Some kids, like Chrissy and Barb, have been coming their entire lives, aging out of being a camper and into being a counselor. 

Some, like Steve, get blackmailed into getting a job after they graduate high school by their dads.

Steve hadn’t expected much. He thought he’d eat some burgers, earn some cash and get his dad off his back. Hang out with Robin during their two nights off a week and maybe get a tan. 

He had not expected to get punched in the gut with an overwhelmingly out of control crush that threatens to devour him from the inside out.

“And yet you’re still hiding out here, with me.” Robin drops the rackets back in the bucket and dusts off her hands. The heat of the day has turned everything a little hazy, a coating of sweat and dust on the back of Steve’s knees. The kids had flagged majorly, so Steve had sent them off with Nancy early to go to the canteen for drinks. No one in their cabins is all that good at hitting the ball anyway. No one except El, who is truly frightening and possibly moving the ball with mind control. 

“You are my best friend,” Steve points out, prodding in the undergrowth for the ball that Will lost. How the kid hits anything when he flails that much astounds Steve. “Although currently I don’t know why.”

Robin makes a face. Their friendship is an odd one, based on trashy 80s movies, Taylor Swift and a complete desire to get out of Hawkins as soon as they’re physically able. And Steve’s not going to get the funds for that while his dad disapproves of him, so right now they’re saving up and a long year of minimum wage in his father's company looms looms when Steve gets back home.

“Fuck you, I’m a delight,” she says cheerfully, tucking a loose stray of golden brown hair back behind her headband. “I’m just saying that you could have had a way better summer if you’d not been such a wuss and actually gotten some.”

“Like you have?” Steve mutters, in a far grumpier tone that he’d normally allow for Robin. “What exactly have you done with Vicky this summer?”

“Enough,” Robin says cagily, leaning against the wall of the sports shed. Robin’s summer hasn’t been entirely without romance; she’d definitely vanished into dark corners on their nights off, reappearing with smudged lipstick and a dreamy smile. She’d also been nowhere to be seen during the Fourth of July fireworks, leaving Steve with their combined rugrats and covering for her with Hopper when he’d done his rounds. Steve can’t even resent her for it - if he’d gotten his act together, she would have done the same for him. “It doesn’t matter anyway, because she’s coming back to Hawkins. She’s working at the coffee shop so she’ll come into Kit and Caboodle on her breaks. California is a thirty-two hour car ride away.”

Frustrated, hot and more than a little heart-sore, Steve throws the last ball back into the basket with force. He knows how far California is. He’d Googled it the first night they were here, along with flight costs. He’d lain awake in his bunk, staring at the ceiling and hoping that none of the kids would wake up and see the glow of his phone.

It wasn’t worth it. Long distance doesn’t work out, everyone knows that. And even if it did, there’s no way that Billy Hargrove would ever look twice at him. 

“It’s too late now,” Steve says, hauling the various equipment tubs back into the shed. There’s no point asking Robin to help, not when her upper body strength is limited to picking up her trumpet. 

“It’s not too late, until he gets on a flight with Max!” Robin slaps her hand against the door for emphasis, looking like she wishes it were Steve’s head instead.

“He’s not gay,” Steve counters, kicking the last basket in and slamming the door shut.

“Steve, you are the definition of a useless bisexual,” Robin says in exasperation, stretching her long arms over her head. They need to go retrieve their munchkins from Nancy and head to scrap-booking, and their last swim session before it’s time for the scavenger hunt and the last night barbecue. Tomorrow morning the kids will have to pack, tidy up and have tearful goodbyes as they’re shoved onto various buses to ferry them home. 

And Steve goes back to a normal life, sad and alone and mourning the fact that he never got to lick Billy Hargrove’s collarbones. 

“Well, I don’t have the most practice with it,” Steve counters, setting off towards the path that will take them back to camp. He needs an ice cold coke and an aspirin, before he can even think about mentoring emotional children through making a glittery, sticky photo album of their memories. “Realizing I’m bi after one sloppy make-out session with Tommy H last year didn’t exactly give me time to hone my gaydar.”

“Mine has been in action since Sammy West in Second Grade,” Robin says, easily falling in step. In the distance, Steve can make out Chrissy’s bouncing red ponytail glinting in the sun as she and Eddie try to corral their collective kids. Steve returns Eddie’s peace sign and keeps walking. “I could pick out every queer counselor the day we arrived and your boy, Billy, is definitely one of them.”

“Maybe he is, but that doesn’t mean he wants anything to do with me,” Steve says, his words coming out a lot sharper than he intends. Robin’s face is gentle, almost pitying, as she loops his arm through hers. He leans gratefully against her, trying to appreciate this last moment that’s just the two of them. Even now, he can hear the raucous noise that comes from the canteen, poor Nancy trying to wrangle three separate cabins by herself. The next time they’ll have any peace is when they wave the cabins off tomorrow morning and the thought of it gives Steve a strange pang. He’s going to miss these kids, these people. He didn’t expect to make friends but he has. 

“Or maybe you’ve been too sunk in your one-person pity party to see what’s right in front of you,” she says, and then doesn’t mention Billy again as they retrieve their kids and head off to Arts and Crafts.

***

“Can’t you take them?” Steve whines, as they follow the trail of kids down the path to the lake. Everyone is in their swim gear, clutching towels and almost off the walls with excitement at the chance of leaping into Lake Nora one last time. Robin and Steve follow at a more sedated pace, Robin through disinterest and Steve through reluctance. 

“No,” Robin says, ruthlessly. “This is your wheelhouse, Harrington. You were swim team and swim captain and my coordination on land is lacking, never mind in the water. The kids are going for their last swim. Don’t fuck it up.” 

“He’s going to be there,” Steve mutters, kicking at a large stick and sending it flying off the path. Robin rolls her eyes.

“No shit,” she says. “He’s the lifeguard. Hey! Don’t you guys dare jump in without us! Line up, you know the rules!”

The kids all screech to a sudden halt by the water’s edge, not daring to defy her orders. Steve has to admire her for that. They worked out a good cop/bad cop routine pretty early on and no one - not even Mike - dares disobey Robin’s rules. 

Steve, they walk all over. He can’t quite bring himself to mind though.

But he really ought to work on the discipline thing before he has kids of his own.

He and Robin scramble down the last section before the trees open up and reveal the clear, sparkling water. Steve takes it all in for one last time, trying to preserve this in his memory. The bobbing kayaks, the kids giggling as the water laps their toes, the bright light glinting off the dock. Everything exactly like this.

“Alright, towels down,” Robin instructs, a lighthouse in among the sea of kids. “Earrings out, Max? El, need a hair tie? Angela, if you make faces, you won’t go in! If I have to discipline you for splashing again, you won’t go to the last barbecue! Okay, ready? Go!”

The kids hurtle away into the water, immediately churning up the stark, clear blue with bubbles and foam and tiny legs and arms immediately strike out in a desperate race out to the buoy. They’ll swim out and come back, to see who’s first, and then they’ll spend the rest of the time bobbing up and down and chasing each other.

“Will will win,” Steve says, shielding his eyes against the sun as he watches the bobbing heads compete to be the first to the buoy. “He’s gotten good.”

“Max isn’t far behind,” Robin comments, shifting a few towels away from the frothing water. The distinct red plaits are definitely close behind but what physical skill Will lacks on land, he seems to have taken to swimming like a fish. They’ve done this all summer, betting on which kid will win the race, who’ll make the most goals, who will be the first one to fall out of the kayak.

“I don’t want to be around her if she loses,” comes a voice from behind them and Steve turns.

He hadn’t known, okay? If you went back three months and told him that he’d meet the fucking love of his life at a fucking summer camp, he’d laugh in your Goddamn face. He’s Steve Harrington and he doesn’t do love anymore. He tried that two years ago and all it got him was humiliation and a broken heart.

Billy hadn’t even turned up that first week. He’d come late, with Max, and when he’d gotten off that bus - leather strap on one wrist, blue shirt sleeves rolled up his tanned forearms and sucking on a diet coke - Steve’s entire world had moved. 

When he doesn’t see Billy for a while, he can almost forget. And then, out of the blue, it’s like a lightning bolt, frying every nerve in his body and stopping his heart dead in his chest.

Billy grins at him, entirely unaware of what it does to Steve. He’s wearing his favorite aviator sunglasses, pushed back over his golden curls. Save for the flip flops, red regulation swimming shorts and a whistle around his neck, he’s completely naked and it’s just miles of golden skin from the mole on his left knee to the delicate curve of his collarbones. 

Steve is so fucked. 

“She was born competitive, I swear,” Billy says, tipping his glasses down onto his nose and squinting at his stepsister in the distance. The kids are paddling back now, although the usual suspects have begun to flag. Dustin is last, Steve notes, and Max and Will are still fairly neck and neck in the front.

“I remember,” Robin says dryly, no doubt recalling the day Max had shoved a scrabble tile up some kid’s nose when he’d cheated. “Has she always been like that?”

“Don’t ask about the Monopoly incident of 2017,” Billy says, with a wince. He takes another step forward, bringing him level with Steve and it’s just enough to feel the warmth from Billy’s skin.

Steve doesn’t quite get Billy’s family dynamics. Max is his stepsister but he refers to their parents as Susan and Mark. Steve knows for a fact that Billy’s dad’s name is Neil so he isn’t quite sure how Billy ended up with Susan and Max when his stepmother remarried.

Not that it seems to matter - Billy and Max argue and adore each other in equal measure. She shows off to get his attention and he affectionately calls her a shithead, while saving her his share of dessert. Their relationship is something odd and incomprehensible to outsiders. Billy even writes postcards to their parents, wistfully mentions Susan’s cooking, bubbles about how Mark is going to help him fix up this old car when they get back to Cali. Billy doesn’t seem to mind that none of his family actually share blood.

Steve can’t quite understand: he’s currently in a shitty stand off with his dad, even though they both know that Steve will cave and come work for him. But Robin just graduated and her part time gig at the craft shop hadn’t really wracked up the funds so Steve might as well make decent money before they leave Hawkins in their dust.

It chafes, being forced into a box that he doesn’t want. Even if it’s for a year, before he and Robin get in the car and go, Steve feels like something is being carved out of his chest that he just can’t get back.

Will and Max stumble onto the shore, both breathing deeply.

“Who won? Was I first?” Max asks, a brilliant flush to her pale cheeks. Steve and Billy share a look.

“It was a tie,” they say in unison, rather than confess that they hadn’t really been watching. Steve’s attention had been on the patch of skin by Billy’s wrist, a faint strip of white made by Billy’s bracelets. 

Max pouts a little but forgets about it when El comes up behind her. The rest of the group traipse out of the water, one by one, catching their breath after their race. Billy elbows Steve and points to the tiny dot still out in the water.

“I think Dustin’s flagging,” he says. “Do you want to go, or shall I?”

Steve stares into Billy’s sharp blue eyes and wishes he’d been braver this summer.

“I’ll go,” he says, instead of the words he’d really meant to say and heads out into the water.

***

Steve sucks some barbecue sauce off his fingers and thinks that he’s going to miss Murrary’s cooking skills most of all. The man only breaks out his culinary abilities for big events, like these barbecues and the end of color war, but the man is a fucking genius.

“You’ll be sick,” Robin says, looking at his plate with disgust. “That’s too many ribs.”

“Au contraire, my good woman, it is not enough ribs,” Eddie counters, looking at a bare bone with what can only be described as love. Robin groans loudly and turns back to her potato salad. 

The last night's barbecue is everything that Steve could have hoped for. The evening is warm, with the faintest summer breeze and Steve’s happy and full. The kids are on such good behavior that the junior counselors get to sit together, so long as they keep a general eye on their charges. Not that anyone is going to risk pissing off Hopper on the last night - rumor goes that the last kid who messed around on the last night was made to scrub every toilet stall instead.

Steve chucks another bone back onto his plate and wonders vaguely if he’s eating to smother his feelings. His friends seem to have coupled up over the summer without him noticing. Nancy and Jonathan, still going strong, to Robin and Vicky’s new relationship to the surprise twist of Eddie and Chrissy lounging against each other like they can’t bear to be apart.

Steve bites viciously into another rib. It’s fine. He’s going back to Hawkins the day after tomorrow and he’s fine about it. He’ll be sad and single and pathetic and it’ll be a repeat of his job last summer where the girls couldn’t get past the stupid sailor outfit. He knows there’s some stupid mail-room get up waiting for him, payback for not agreeing right away.

Billy is hanging out with the other lifeguards, all of them now wearing the regular uniform rather than their swimsuits and whistles. That douche-bag, Shaun, is lounging in a chair like he owns the place and several girls adjusting their straps, soaking in the last of the summer sun. Heather Holloway offers Billy a plastic cup and as he takes it, Billy slings an arm around her shoulders and tugs her in closer, teasingly covering her eyes with his free hand. Steve’s gut twists unpleasantly at the sight and he turns away. He’s no longer quite so hungry.

“He’s not dating her,” Robin says, having followed his line of sight. 

“Who’s dating who?” Nancy says, her reporter ears apparently still working even on summer break. Her hair is curling softly around her delicate face, loose from its usual ponytail. Steve still vaguely remembers running his fingers through that ponytail, in the car, in her room, by her locker.

“Billy and Heather,” answers Vicky, and Steve nearly drops his chicken wing.

“Did you tell her?” he yelps, outraged and Robin merely rolls her eyes. Vicky merely smiles apologetically. 

“She has eyes, Steven,” Robin points out, rather meanly. “I think everyone has noticed.”

“No, they haven’t,” Steve counters pathetically. He’s definitely not that obvious. His friends might be obvious but he’s not. Jonathan’s feelings for Nancy were obvious from space and Robin would start chattering like some anxious tweety bird every time Vicky set foot near her but he’s not like that. He’s Steve. He's cool.

“Who’s noticed what?” Dustin asks, taking large, clumsy steps into the middle of the group. Chrissy whisks a cup of Pepsi out of the way just before he sends it flying. 

“Steve’s crush on Billy,” Robin says before Steve can kick her, thoroughly ensuring that everyone now knows. Dustin reaches the other side of their circle and drops down next to Steve.

“Everyone knows that,” Dustin says, as though it’s old news and Steve covers his face with his hands.

“Everyone?” he asks, barely able to look at Nancy. It’s been several years now since their break up and into their tentative friendship, but out of an unspoken agreement they just don’t talk about stuff like that. She never talks about her relationship with Jonathan. He never talks about his dates with Heidi or Lucy or Sabrina or all of the other not-quite-replacements for her.

Billy doesn’t feel like a replacement. He feels like something new.

“We talk about it in the cabin when you’re doing your hair,” Dustin says, bluntly and Steve groans. Christ, every night all fucking summer he’s used the bathroom last when the kids are all asleep. Apparently, they’ve aired opinions on his love life instead, faking sleep the minute his foot hits the porch. “Can we have ice cream now?”

“Did you finish?” Robin asks sternly, her big-sister need for proper nutrition kicking in. She peers over Vicky’s head to look at the kids' plates, all seemingly empty. “Jesus Christ, Max, you can’t hide the bits you don’t like under the bench!” Robin scrambles up to run damage control but Dustin stays, seeming quite content to hang out with the big kids. Steve would never tell anyone - and while he loves all of his kids, from Max’s stubbornness to Lucas’ goofy jokes to Will’s sweetness - Dustin is by far his favorite. 

“Did you really?” asks Steve quietly, letting Dustin pick a spare sausage off his plate. Jealousy and resentment and loneliness have soured his appetite.

“Well, yeah,” Dustin says, mid chew and not closing his mouth. “But nothing bad. We just think you’re an idiot for not asking him out.”

“Great,” Steve sighs and hands Dustin his plate. “I’ll just add it to my total.”

“Why haven’t you asked him out?” Eddie pipes up curiously, because it’s a valid question and clearly not a problem he’s had, judging by the way Chrissy is curled up into his side. 

You’d think it would. Because he’s Eddie ‘The Freak’ Munson and she’s Queen Chrissy. When they head back home, Eddie will return to his job at the local comic book shop and Chrissy will head off for college. And yet, neither of them seem to let it stop them.

Shit, Steve is going to have to make some major life changes if Eddie Munson is more emotionally mature than he is. Because he knows full well why he never got round to asking out Billy and she’s sitting on the other side of the circle, leaning against the guy she left him for. They’ll go to NYU together in the fall, where Nancy will be brilliant in journalism and Jonathan will take perfect shots and they’ll be that power couple everyone loves. 

He can’t deal with Billy just being a summer romance. And he knows what will happen. The phone calls will become less and less. Billy would stop reading his texts. And before you know it, he’s met someone else, someone who’s there and not a million miles away in a dead end town. 

He can’t do it again.

“I need a napkin,” Steve mutters, climbing to his feet and heading off to the table laden with spare cups, cutlery, napkins and sauces. He needs air and space and he really doesn’t need to be told what he should be doing again. He knows, okay? 

He rubs his sticky fingers off with several napkins and lobs them into the nearby bin. Robin has returned to the group, having finally agreed that the kids have eaten enough for their well deserved ice cream. They’ve all clustered around the cart, shouting over the girl on duty there with requests for cherries and sprinkles. With Dustin back among his friends, Steve can finally see how much of an odd man out he’s been, how easily he slipped out. It doesn’t really mean anything, because they’re still his friends and Robin is always his person…but still. Maybe in another lifetime, Billy would be sitting next to him, instead of Heather.

As the sky takes on a softer hue, Steve shuffles over to the ice cream, because it’s still summer and no one said only the kids could have sundaes. But to his actual horror, Lindsay is no longer manning the cart. 

“I thought Lindsay was on ice cream duty?” Steve says, dumbfounded, and Billy leans forward on the counter. A shiny silver pendant swings forward out of his polo shirt.

“She needed a break,” Billy says, easily. The lifeguards had been the ones put in charge of dishing up the ice cream, as the six of them didn’t have any designated kids. This had happened a fair few times over the summer, as Steve had shuffled his kids off to the tuck shop, only to find the man of his dreams sucking on a Twizzler at the counter. “I think your kids wore her out.”

“Yeah, they’re a lot,” Steve agrees. He’s heard this a lot the past two months. “Did Max shove a waffle cone up someone’s nose yet?” 

“Night’s still young,” Billy says, with a shrug. He reaches out for an ice cream scoop and twirls it expertly. “Cone or cup?” 

“I served ice cream last summer,” Steve says, out of nowhere and then wants to kick himself. “At the local mall,” he says, hurriedly. “Summer job. I mean, either’s fine.”

Oh shit. Maybe this is why everyone knows. 

“Cone,” Billy says, mouth twitching. “I can offer chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, caramel, cookie dough, coffee…” He squints down at the labels. “I think this one’s mint?”

“No USS Butterscotch?” Steve jokes and Billy looks up at Steve with a smile so bright that it reminds Steve of the time he and Robin snuck out of their cabins early and climbed up the jungle gym to watch the sun come up.

“Ah, we’ve sold out,” Billy says regretfully, gesturing to the crowds of children dripping ice cream onto their clean clothes. “Little shits.”

“Coffee’s good,” Steve says, because he’d actually eaten the Butterscotch every day last summer and now the smell of it makes his stomach roll. Robin still won’t let him live it down. “And cookie dough, I guess?” Billy scoops one flavor and then the other into a waffle cone and presents it grandly to Steve as though it’s an Olympic trophy or something. 

“Thanks,” Steve mutters, suddenly shy. This is a really good fucking chance - everyone else is preoccupied with their ice cream and the beginnings of the massive bonfire that Hopper’s in the process of building. Not even Robin has spotted them, not with Vicky looping their fingers together like that. This is their last chance to spend time with their friends like this and they know it.

It’s Steve’s last chance too.

But there’s something about Billy’s expectant face that stops him in his tracks. And Steve slowly realizes that he’s been standing here, holding his melting cone and gawking like some idiot for a full minute. Stomach churning, he mumbles a goodbye but as he turns away, Billy calls his name.

“Hey, Steve?” he says. “Want a cherry?”

Steve, in fact, does not want a cherry and doubts very much that it will go with coffee ice cream anyway. But it’s precious seconds with Billy, so he backtracks to the counter.

“Sure,” Steve says, wearily. But Billy doesn’t pull one from the tub. Instead he presses both hands firmly on the counter and leans over it to press a soft kiss to Steve’s mouth. Steve barely has time to appreciate Billy’s lips on his before it’s over.

“Okay?” he hears Billy ask and only then does Steve realize that he’s closed his eyes.

When he opens them, Billy’s eyes are curious, a little bit apprehensive. Like he’s worried he’s going to get kicked out of camp on the last day for kissing another counselor without asking, rather than this being the best moment of Steve’s whole fucking life.

“Yes?” Steve says, unsure why he phrased it as a question. “Why did you…?” Billy’s face drops a little, a worried twist to his mouth.

“Sorry,” he says, running a hand over his dirty blonde hair. He looks really upset now and somewhere in Steve’s barely functioning brain it occurs to him that maybe he should clarify that it’s not an action to be sorry for. “I should have asked. Shit, I’m so sorry. I’ve really liked you all summer and Max said….but I shouldn’t have believed her.”

“Max said what?” Steve says, twisting around to look for her. He now knows that the boys in his cabin talked about him and Billy but he wonders if maybe Robin’s cabin did too. Maybe Max noticed a lot more than just his feelings.

“Nothing,” Billy says, an embarrassed flush to his cheeks now. “I was being presumptuous and an idiot and…” 

Steve’s brain starts working again, a few minutes too late. Because all he can hear is ‘I’ve liked you all summer’ and it just plays over and over on a relentlessly mocking loop.

“Wait, you’ve liked me all summer?” Steve asks, incredulously. Fuck, Robin’s right. He is an idiot and a chicken and a useless bisexual. “But Heather…”

“Is a mate?” Billy answers, looking adorably confused. “Fuck, Steve, I’ve liked you since that first day. I just thought…I mean, I should have known. Dustin told me you used to date Nancy.”

“We broke up years ago,” Steve says distantly, completely unaware of anything but the beautiful boy in front of him. Even the ice cream that’s slowly dripping down his hand barely registers. “She kind of cheated and broke my heart and since then I think I’ve been too afraid to fall in love again.”

“Right,” Billy says slowly, looking stupefied at this sudden load of information.  “But are we going to be okay? I know I fucked up, but are we okay?”

Steve looks up at Billy. He thinks of all the chances he’s had this summer to be brave that he didn’t take. He thinks of Nancy, who loves Jonathan and never once looked back and of Eddie who put his heart out there and finally got the girl he’s loved since the 8th grade. So in the end it’s really easy to step around the counter to Billy and drop his ice cream straight in the bin without having taken one single bite.

“No, this isn’t okay,” Steve says honestly, because there’s no universe where he’s fine leaving this crushed looking Billy behind. Fuck his emotional trauma and fuck what comes next and especially fuck worrying about it.

This time when he kisses Billy he’s able to appreciate every second of it, the warmth of his mouth, the faint taste of cherries on his tongue. Billy’s hand curls around his waist and pulls them together, pressed skin to skin and the urge to lick Billy’s collarbones returns.

“I’m an idiot,” Steve sighs when they finally part, Billy’s mouth deliciously red in the fading light. “I thought you were straight.” Billy snorts loudly.

“Yes, my old man left me behind after the divorce because I’m so straight,” he says flatly, answering the unpleasant question of Billy’s home life. “I would have asked you sooner, I just figured that with Nancy and all, that you weren’t interested. I thought you were still hung up on her.” Steve hastily assesses a few of his actions this past summer.

“I think I have been,” he admits. “But not in that way. What she did really fucked me up. And even though I’ve been crazy about you since the day you got off the bus, I just thought that once you left for California again, it’d be the exact same thing all over again.” Billy swipes a thumb over Steve’s jaw, painfully gentle.

“I’m not Nancy,” he says, trailing his fingers down towards the bare skin revealed by Steve’s open collar. Goosebumps immediately spring up on Steve’s flesh and he wonders if now is the time to call in that favor with Robin so she can cover for him tonight. “And yeah, I know the distance isn’t great. But I don’t know if I’ll always stay in California, or if you’ll be in Hawkins. But I’ve spent all summer waiting for your cabin’s allotted swim time just so I could see you. I’m okay with waiting a bit longer.”

Steve just kisses him again and thinks that he’s going to try to do this as much as possible, until they have to leave the day after tomorrow. He tries not to think about the kisses he could have had this summer or the long year ahead, saving money so he can see Billy on holidays. Maybe Robin would consider moving to California. Maybe the end of this will hurt, but he’s not so afraid of it anymore.

They kiss hungrily, desperately, completely forgetting where they are and who might be watching until a furious tapping on the abandoned counter pulls them back to reality. Steve blinks at Lucas’ little sister, who is now impatiently tapping her fingernails.

“That’s probably a health hazard,” Erica says, tilting her head at them like they’re some sort of spectacle in a zoo. “But for another scoop of cookie dough, I won’t make a formal complaint.”

[read-write-thrive]

I do not know anything about stranger things volume 4 beyond what I have spoiled for myself on social media and I don’t know shit about DND as a whole but I am in LOVE with the Eddie as Kas theory (I think it’s too smart for the Duffer brothers but alas) and I’m just wondering; are we still going with Vecna traps Eddie’s consciousness in his sword, which then eventually leads to Eddie killing Vecna? Bc personally I think it would be more interesting if other characters were involved in the telepathic sword that turns the tide

Specifically, we know that Vecna has Max’s consciousness, hence the fear that she’ll ever wake up, so I think she’s the obvious choice to be the player to turn the tide. Originally I was wondering is it should be Will, because I also love the idea of a Will villain arc in s5 and I think they’re building to something like it with all the Vecna/Will parallels (plus we know Will has some ingrained connection with the Upside Down at this point, but I don’t think it’s been explained well). But maybe instead we see a parallel of Eddie/Will as Eddie’s literally lost his way and Will is losing his all due to Vecna at the same time. Then I think it would make an interesting parallel to have Max/Eleven be their guides back on the right path; Max’s fury against Vecna fuelling the shell that is Eddie versus (inverting how emotionally driven these characters have been previously) while Eleven and Will are forced to confront their emotional sides (particularly regarding Mike and his treatment of each of them, but also their sibling dynamic and their parents and coming back to Hawkins and all of that) and end up leaning on each other, even as Will is pulled towards Vecna-like darkness (and Eleven is still trying to figure literally everything in her life out, so I think it would be fascinating character growth for her to become a moral compass considering she’s literally killed people).

Not to mention, when the big final battle happens, now you have teams on both sides where there’s a leading team against Vecna on both fronts, including Eddie & Max stabbing in the back while Will and Jane/Eleven (I have no idea what she is being called in canon at this point so apologies) being the main offensive coming from the right side up, of course also while backed by their army of allies. This way, it’s pretty much (if not definitely) the first time we see our entire cast of characters banding together in one United goal, rather than being spread across multiple plot lines around the world. I also think this would crack the coming of age code of “you have to let me be me” as now that Hopper and Joyce are fully back in the picture, I can definitely see them being more protective of Will and Eleven especially, so those family/character dynamics would be interesting to see play out over the season. I also feel this allows the kids as a whole to take a more prominent role in the ending, which parallels well with how integral they were in season 1 (not that they weren’t in later seasons, but I think the teens/well now young adults often overshadowed them).

Anyways, these were just some thoughts of mine regarding a show I still haven’t watched but continue to follow online anyway. Apologies if this has already been talked about and I missed it, but I’d be interested to see if these ramblings inspire anyone who actually knows what they’re talking about when it comes to Stranger Things (and if so please tag me!!)

[doctorofmagic]

My thoughts on What If... Doctor Strange Lost His Heart Instead of His Hands?

The very title of the episode sends a shiver down my spine. And this is where we’re going to start.

~ long post under the cut ~

A year ago, I wrote this post as an attemp to dive into one of the most important traits in Doctor Strange’s personality: love. Stephen is a being made of love, made to love, no matter which interpretation you have when you watch Infinity War. If you don’t read comic books, you’ll understand the moment you meet Donna. You’ll begin to understand how her death reshaped his entire subjectivity out of fear of failing, being powerless and unable to control everything around him (especially death), thus the arrogant and yet a disaster of a man we all know.

Where do I even start? Stephen loved her sister deeply and felt responsible for her death. And then, slowly, he also lost his parents and his brother. He fell in love with Clea but he also pushed her away. He loved Zelma platonically and lied to her, which was enough for them to break their bond. He felt attracted to Kanna but screwed things up, even though they remain friends. He was forced to kill the Ancient One, the only father figure he had ever since his father died. And lastly, the only person who would never leave his side... also left. Yes, even Wong. Stephen has SO much love to give but he’s also afraid because he’s cursed. He truly believes his love in poison. And would you look at that? What If really delivered a story where this is actually true.

What If Doctor Strange Lost His Heart Instead of His Hands?

The level of understanding when it comes to the character is... inconceivable. What could possibly reshape Stephen into following a dark path but love? The very premise of the whole episode. This is so much more than a love letter. This is literally too much, in all senses.

Fine, let’s begin.

What if the best of intentions has very strange consequences?

No. You used the word “strange” for the pun but this is not the word. Nah-ah. I’d go with ATROCIOUS, for starters. Things are gonna escalate so quickly, my friends.

Seriously, tho? Christine is SO SO SO SO beautiful, they’re so cute together. I have this feeling that MCU!Stephen was quite toxic because of his arrogance and this is why they didn’t work out. But WhatIf!Stephen???????? He’s always praising her, teasing her in a healthy way, respecting her and listening to her. HE TRULY LOVES HER, I’M GONNA CRY ALL OVER AGAIN, PLEASE, NOT THE CRÈME BRÛLÉE, PLEASE

I’m going to leave this shot here because we need to go back to it later. Hold that thought.

And bonus points to “Yeah, well, I would call that quite remarkable.” / “Well, I would say the same about you.”

GODS. THE PAIN. STOP THE PAIN.

So in this reality, Stephen didn’t caused the car accident because he was checking his phone while driving. Also it was not the reckless attempt to pass the truck. Well, maybe it was the consequence of this act? The fact is, the car behind them loses control, which makes them crash. Does it matter? We’ll learn later that no, it doesn’t.

And yep... Christine dies. Have you noticed the shattered heart? Ah, the pain only gets better and better.

Again, Stephen blames himself. More than anything, this is so important because Stephen is all about guilt. We still need to meet Donna so we can add yet another layer of guilt. But the feeling exists. This is what corrupts Stephen’s heart and soul in all his iterations. This is what makes him the character I love so much. I love this SO. MUCH. In addition, his stubbornness to accept his condition. Man won’t take a no. This, this is Doctor Strange in character. Stop complaining about NWH Stephen, it’s pathetic.

Okay, “grief-stricken”, Stephen found the Mystic Arts and became a sorcerer. That’s when he learned about the Time Stone, the Eye of Agamotto and Dormammu. Nothing changes, he saves the universe. But time does not heal his deepest wound.

I love Wong so much. Every time Wong does something, the world is healed. Really. We’re going back to him as well but for now I’ll just leave this shot.

BUT STEPHEN, DOING SOMETHING RECKLESS? HE’D NEVAH

Aaaaaaaannnnnnd then he did.

He goes back in time. It’s been two years since he lost Christine. I think he reacted pretty nicely, despite the circumstances. Now let’s go back to that shot I said I was saving for later.

Stephen is so light-hearted here. Also, during the first time he lost Christine, he had no idea what “The Price is Right” was. He knows now, which means he probably tried to learn more about the show because of her, because of grief. HAHAHA MORE PAIN

AND THEN HE

AND THEN SHE DIES AGAIN

AND THEN HE KEEPS GOING BACK IN TIME

AND SHE KEEPS DYING

AND THE MUSIC

AND HIS VOICE

AND HE TRIES TO CHANGE FATE BUT IT CAN’T BE AVERTED

HE EVEN TRIES TO STAY AWAY FROM HER LIFE BUT SHE DIES ALL THE SAME, WHY

AND EVERY TIME THEY CRASH, HE FEELS THE PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL PAIN AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN, WHY

I’M-- *ugly sobbing noises*

Apparently, not.

And this scene when he simply... closes his eyes before she dies again...?

This is where this episode had me in endless tears. It got me the four times I watched it. I’m dead serious.

Okay, so, next the Ancient One appears to Stephen, explaining that Christine’s death is an Absolute Point in time. It cannot be changed. Stephen needs the accident to become the Sorcerer Supreme and defeat Dormammu.

And this is where Stephen starts his journey into darkness. “Nothing is impossible, you taught me that. I only require more power.” Disobeying the Ancient One, Stephen then travels in time, seeking the Library of Cagliostro. Now, if you’re not aware of that, Cagliostro was a sorcerer who studied time in comics, and later became Sise-Neg (there’s a recent post on this because of the new Defenders run). It’s funny to think that Sise-Neg also destroyed the world when he became a god, however he grew past his pettiness and remade reality. Stephen did not possess such power, as we’re about to see.

PS: “Stop torturing yourself, Stephen.” Naur but he should use this line like a mantra. Especially comics!Stephen.

Not gonna lie, tho. This place reminds me of the Temple of the Vishanti from T&T (of course I was going to insert T&T somewhere, it’s me).

And of course they’d go for a pun with his name haha. I don’t know how to feel about this, tho. I feel like the episode is too heavy and dark for comedy. But it is what it is.

Okay but why some books are in cages??????????? And wow, it seems Cagliostro also gathered knowledge about several fields of magic.

And then Stephen learns that, in order to break an Absolute Point, he needs to absorb more power. This is when I went “oh-oh, here we go”.

And for real, is this Shuma-Gorath? Why are they keeping his name a secret? Is this the same creature from the first episode with Captain Carter, right? RIGHT? It has to be Shuma-Gorath.

Of course he tries to be polite and ends up all hurt haha. O’Bengh warns him about love but he will not listen. “Love can break more than your heart. It can shatter your mind.”/ “Is she worth the pain?”. Please, this is Stephen. He eats pain for breakfast.

Also, also, let’s take a break. We’re finally going to get monsterf0cker tentacle-lover Stephen Strange. It will cost us everything but here we goooooooooooo (yes, I went frame by frame for your more obscure fanservice needs)

Gods, I love this sequence so much it hurts. Okay, here we go.

Shmebulock???????????

AND HE STOLE THE CAPE??????????? AND DREW THE LINE ON BUGS??????

The grasp this man is holding on me right now...

Some of you will understand. I’m with you.

And here are the grostesque ones. These are hard to take SS but I had to.

Animation, sound effects, OST? CHEF’S KISS TO ALL

And lastly... the tentacles. Yeah, if you’re new... this is a thing.

Fanservice. Fanservice everywhere. (low-key the reason I also waited to write this review, I wanted to enjoy this part so badly but I was too sad for that lmao)

Okay so. O’Bengh is suddenly OLD and DYING, until we realize that Stephen spent CENTURIES absorbing mystic beings. CENTURIES. WTF STEPHEN. He had nothing in mind but the goal to save Christine. And people wonder why he went insane???? I’m sorry, O’Bengh, but I can’t take you serious when you still call Stephen Sorcerer Armani. Oh, and also because you watched him absorb beings for centuries in silence lmao. But I guess I have to because you said that Stephen is split in two since the Ancient One cast a spell on him, splitting the timelines and making them exist in the same reality before he could travel back in time. I know, it’s complex. Anything for the plot.

And now good!Stephen has an evil!twin who wants to absorb him back in order to become whole and break the Absolute Point. Cool.

I said I wanted to talk more about Wong because I think people are not talking about him enough. Wong is so important in this episode. He’s the one who’s trying to heal Stephen after Christine. He’s Stephen’s anchor.

Also, THEY FINALLY USED A SPELL WITH THE NAME OF THE VISHANTI. HOORAAAAY

So, for the sake of our understanding, I’m addressing the characters as evil and good!Stephen. Let’s go. Evil!Stephen summons good!Stephen and gods, he still holds such a strong grasp on me... unbelievable. THE DEEPER VOICE BENEDICT USES???? PLEASE, DIDN’T WE HAVE ENOUGH?

Imagine his strength to hold so many beings inside him, fighting to control him. BRO, THIS IS TOO TOO MUCH

Fine, I’ll not post SS about the fight because I’d be here all night long but I WILL say this: NOT CLOAKIE!!!!! NAAAAAAAAAAUR

Also if you ask me if I recognize any of the spells? Maaaaybe the Flames of Faltine, the not-so-crimson Bands of Cyttorak and a little trick Magik does with her portals. That’s how far I go.

I’ll not comment on the “seducing yourself to stay in the trap”. I will not. I’ll just say that the first person Stephen thought of when “Christine” was talking about the crème brûlée was Wong. That’s it.

And finally evil!Stephen absorbs good!Stephen and releases... UNLIMITED POWER (I love when the stone goes red as if it was bleeding aaaaaaa)

I can fix him...

This scene here? Poetic cinema. (I love his wings so much)

And when Stephen says her name and the other monsters’ voices echo “Christine”, AAAAAACKKKK

AND OF COURSE CHRISTINE WOULD FREAK OUT, BRO. LOOK AT WHAT YOU’VE BECOME BECAUSE OF YOUR TWISTED LOVE. I’M NOT DOING FINE.

Oh, but it’s too late anyways because Stephen broke reality haha. This scene is interesting because Stephen is the only one who sensed and/or talked to the Watcher until now. I read an interview that the Watcher kinda showed up but it’s also about Stephen’s keen senses. Bit of both, let’s say. Still, man, 616-Watcher is not that cold. 616-Watcher would watch this and say “how about I intervene anyway?”. WhatIf!Watcher is brutal.

The way Christine looks at Stephen one last time also KILLS ME, DESTROYS ME, BREAK ME INTO A MILLION PIECES.

And this is where my soul left my body.

This is how they end the episode. This is how you leave me speechless and with teary eyes. This is how you give me a whole existential crisis.

This... this was brutal to watch. Really.

What can I say after this? I’m used to reading painful things when it comes to Stephen. Aaron’s and Cates’ runs are heartbreaking on so many levels. Hickman’s New Avengers is not easier. Coincidentally, What If? Magik Became Sorcerer Supreme and The End. And now Death of Doctor Strange. And yet, after everything I’ve been through, I’d never expect to watch something so brilliant, so tragic, so heartbreaking and unexpected in the MCU. Never. This is top tier content and this is my favorite character with SO MANY LAYERS and SO MUCH UNDERSTANDING. I can’t put into words how meaningful this whole episode is to me, or how deep it touched my heart and soul.

I’ve been struggling to find the proper words since then, I still can’t. All I can add is, I cried for the 4th time now. This is too, too much, even for Stephen stans. Even for the ones who are used to pain, regardless of which media you’re into: comic books, live actions or animated movies. This is literally more than I can take and yet I’m so, so grateful. The voice acting, gods, how did Benedict manage to create a better Stephen than the one he’s literally playing in real life???????????? HOW

This episode really took the max potential Stephen had to offer as a character, added tons and tons of layers based on his grief, depression, arrogance and need to control everything and created a tragic masterpiece. In 7 years of being a Doctor Strange fan, I've never read or watch something that could go this deep into the character. The closest I can think of is Mr. Misery and the metaphor of Stephen's depression. This is a whole new level of respect and understanding. This is more than a love letter. This is peak maestry. It’s perfect, it’s heartbreaking, it’s... gods, I can’t.

Sorry for dragging you until this far. Before I wrap up this review, I just wanted to remind you all that Stephen will appear again, he will smile again, he will be surrounded by people again. So this is not the end. It was painful but be brave. We still have a few more steps to take.

[immaturityofthomasastruc]

IOTA Reviews: Crocoduel

When you stop and think about it, this episode is really just the world's most intense custody battle.

Let's get into the thirteenth (chronologically the twelfth) episode of Miraculous Ladybug's fourth season: Crocoduel

We start off with the band Kitty Section (composed of Luka, his timid sister Juleka, her “best friend” Rose, and Ivan) performing a concert for the super amazing Zoe and all the peons beneath her greatness (Alya, Alix, Nino, and Mylene). Luka notes its been a while since Marinette came to the Liberty. Because I guess even the show wants to forget the events of “Sole Crusher”.

Luka is still upset that Marinette hasn't wanted to be around him since their breakup, so after he walks away, the others scheme to force them to spend time together.

Yep, even though they promised to back off in “Gang of Secrets”, Marinette's friends are once again trying to meddle in Marinette's personal life as well as Luka's this time. Because it's not like they can understand how hard it is for two exes to remain friends after a breakup and give them their space, right? They plan to invite Marinette to Luka and Juleka's birthday party while reminding the audience that they're twins.

YES. THEY HAVE ALWAYS BEEN TWINS. ASTRUC HAS NEVER SAID OTHERWISE OR CONTRADICTED THIS STATEMENT IN THE PAST.

LUKA WAS NEVER TWO YEARS OLDER THAN JULEKA, JUST LIKE THERE WAS NEVER A WAR IN BA SING SE.

In all seriousness, I do feel like I was a little hard on Astruc for this. Compared to other things he's made canon on Twitter, this is fairly minor, and we only knew Luka was the older brother at first through a tweet. And considering the other retcon we'll see in the very next scene, this isn't as big of a deal as I made it initially.

Alya invites Marinette to the party, but she easily deduces that it's a trap. Alya then tries to convince Marinette to talk to Luka.

Uh... since when? When did Marinette lose all romantic feelings for Luka? The whole point of the breakup in “Truth” was to show that she couldn't pursue a romantic relationship with Luka because of her duties as Ladybug. She never showed any signs of not loving him, which made the breakup all the more tragic. Yeah, “Mr. Pigeon 72” was an excuse for her to go back to loving Adrien because the writers don't know how to write anything else, but it didn't mean she stopped loving Luka. You know, it's almost like the writers want to make sure the audience knows Lukanette will never happen and the sacred Love Square is the only way Marinette will ever feel love for someone else.

Alya still forces Marinette to go, making her ask Juleka if Luka won't be there. Some people have gone down on Marinette for this, but she does later acknowledge how wrong this was to ask, and apologizes to Juleka for trying to force her to do something she didn't want to do. If only Marinette's friends learned the same lesson.

Juleka goes to tell Luka about the party, but hesitates to tell Luka he can't go there. While he knows Juleka is hiding something, Luka is distracted by the sudden arrival of his father who he loves despite abandoning him for his entire life, Jagged Stone. However, Luka and Juleka's mother, the anarchy-loving Anarka isn't happy that much like his sperm when the condom broke, Jagged came in without her permission.

At the day of the party, Marinette panics as soon as she sees Luka, who in turn realizes she didn't want to see him. Rather than comfort Juleka who just ran away crying, the others comfort Luka, preventing him from being akumatized by Shadowmoth, though he still keeps his Akuma around just to be safe. Marinette apologizes to Juleka before Shadowmoth can akumatize her too (even though she got a Magical Charm in “Guiltrip” so it wouldn't work either way). Then Shadowmoth tries to akumatize one of the guests as they find out Jagged (who just arrived) is Luka's father, but since they're dumb teenagers who don't know Jagged was winning awards and being celebrated as a rock icon while Anarka was working two jobs and struggling to make enough money for rent, they think it's awesome. Very confusing day for Shadowmoth, isn't it?

Marinette also finds out Jagged is Juleka's father and finds out Juleka worries Jagged loves Luka more since they share more interests, which she thinks is true when Jagged gives Luka a guitar case and instructs her to not tell his sister. Marinette tries to call out Jagged for neglecting Juleka over Luka even though Jagged was more of a father to his pet crocodile than either of his biological children, but it's obviously a gift for Juleka, the first bass guitar Jagged ever owned, which calms her down. Funny how nobody acknowledges how Jagged practically abandoned his family, isn't it? Sure, it looks like he's trying to make up for it, but he just acts like he's always been Luka and Juleka's dad and they don't have any problems with their father literally never being in their lives until now.

Jagged's gift to Luka is a record of the first record he made in his band with Anarka before they broke up, Crododuel, but Anarka is naturally pissed he wants to give that to Luka. Jagged and Anarka argue over which one was the Yoko Ono in their relationship while they both grab the record, which Shadowmoth uses to akumatize the two as it breaks, turning them back into Guitar Villain and Captain Hardrock respectively, Shadowmoth labeling them as Crocoduel.

Unlike the other team Akumas like the Punishers or the Gang of Secrets, Guitar Villain and Captain Hardrock care more about fighting each other than working together, and they see getting Ladybug and Cat Noir's Miraculous as a competition to help prove who was right in their argument. It's a pretty interesting gimmick, though I don't get how Shadowmoth thinks this will help him and not ignore Ladybug and Cat Noir while they fight.

Alya provides a distraction to help Marinette transform, and after we get Adrien's single scene to remind the audience he's still a main character, he transforms into Cat Noir. The two heroes give chase, but then Guitar Villain and Captain Hardrock decide to take their fight to above the clouds.

Yeah, it's not like you have a form that specifically allows you two to fly, right?

All they had to say was that Marinette was still making more potions for that form, and it would have been better than ignoring the fact that they can fly.

Much like the hotel room during the night Luka and Juleka were conceived, the crossfire from Guitar Villain and Captain Hardrock's fight starts to damage the area around them. Ladybug and Cat Noir get Luka and Juleka to safety, and Luka tells them about what's happening, while Ladybug spouts the lesson about people needing to talk even though they don't love each other anymore, reflecting the situation the writers retconned her into learning.

Ladybug summons her Lucky Charm, a roll of scotch tape, and comes up with an idea that involves Juleka. She takes her away into an alleyway and gives her the Tiger Miraculous. The tiger Kwami, Roarr, demands Juleka show some courage, so Juleka yells in her face. Unfortunately, as much as I want to show this scene, the subs I got don't really match up, so I can't really give some screenshots of it. So I guess you can watch this scene from Full Metal Jacket instead to get the gist of things.

So Juleka takes the Tiger Miraculous and transforms into Purple Tigress.

I think the suit has a pretty good design. I like the striped pattern with the gold highlights around the black stripes, and think the color scheme is visually pleasing, especially the hair. I wouldn't call it one of my favorite hero suits, but I still like the way it looks.

Cat Noir launches Ladybug and Purple Tigress into the air where they split up to steal both halves of the record, but when they break them, no Akuma comes out. It turns out that since the record was broken while Jagged and Anarka were akumatized, they need to put it together again before breaking it in order to free the Akuma.

Purple Tigresse goes to distract Guitar Villain and Captain Hardrock with her power, Collision, which she uses to KNOCK CAPTAIN HARDROCK'S SHIP ABOVE THE CLOUDS, TAKING GUITAR VILLAIN WITH HER.

Why the hell did it take four seasons to break this Miraculous out if it gives the user the ability to go Super Saiyan on the enemy? I think Cat Noir's expression after seeing the power in action says it all.

Cat Noir Cataclysms the record (because a record is just so hard to break without using the power of destruction, isn't it?), Ladybug de-evilizes the Akuma, uses Miraculous Ladybug to fix everything, Jagged and Anarka somehow weren't killed by their own daughter, the three heroes pound it, and Ladybug gives two Magical Charms to Jagged and Anarka.

Back at the Liberty, Juleka tells the two to forget what caused them to break up and just apologize while they ignore the past, proving the writers really don't get how hard it is to move on from tough events in life. And despite building it up for the entire episode, Marinette and Luka talk in the final thirty seconds of the episode and just agree to be friends, meaning once again, Luka was sidelined in what should have been a focus episode for him.

Aside from the way Jagged and Anarka's relationship was portrayed coupled with the retcons surrounding Luka, this episode was alright in my opinion. Guitar Villain and Captain Hardrock are some of my favorite Akumas, so I thought it was nice to see them again, even if we didn't get to see their powers at full potential. I also thought this was a really good episode for Juleka, as I felt like the hero debut really helped her grow as a person and didn't just feel like she was given a Miraculous because the plot said so. She wanted to help her parents, and using the Tiger gave her the courage to symbolically speak out while potentially launching them into the stratosphere.

But the biggest problem to me has to be the way Jagged is portrayed in the episode. Just like with “Truth”, the idea of Jagged being a terrible parent is just swept under the rug and everyone just accepts the fact that Jagged is Luka and Juleka's dad very well. Despite the idea leading to some interesting drama in a show that's no stranger to family drama, they don't really do much with the whole “Jagged abandoning Anarka” thing. Aside from a brief interaction between Luka and Jagged while the former was akumatized into Truth, nobody is really angry at Jagged. Nobody really feels angry at Jagged for what he did, despite the drama being the main focus behind the episode that also had the Lukanette breakup. You would think this would at least lead to some tension between his family, but nothing really comes from it other than an argument that was pretty much played for laughs. But considering this show has a history of teaching kids to love their parents no matter how cruel they are to them, I'm not entirely surprised.

Overall, it's just a decent, albeit forgettable episode. If the writing with Jagged was different, it could have been a lot better in my opinion.

[therealityhelix]

Alright @cardwrecks I saw those eyes.

U.S.

So Unswag is the parts of Swag that he hated about himself, and he still expresses traits Swag tries to suppress. He’s introverted, aggressive, gets angry. He only gave up under extreme coercion, and is still dangerous, but he is not the Riddler reborn. Like Swag, he is looking at trying out new possibilities. He is not becoming like Swag, he expresses himself differently, relates to people differently, feels and processes emotions differently.

Unswag can still see. He’s one of only three Riddlers capable of touching magic (Himself, Detective, Narci) It’s very clear when he is doing it, as his eyes glow, and he usually uses it to measure the possible outcomes of an action, but  he can also see unnatural beings like ghosts or fae.

He’s slowly getting over the germ fear, but still feels most comfortable with his gloves on, even in situations where nothing else is.

There is still plenty of tension and friction between them, but he and Swag actually work very well together. Neither feels any remorse about leveraging this to their mutual benefit. These occasions are some of the rare times Unswag feels a real sort of self acceptance.

The two of them refer to each other as twins, but never as brothers.

He has the potential to be a good dancer, but not the experience.

His relationship with Helix is a complex and slightly twisted thing. It’s based on old, possibly false memories, having the same tastes as Swag, the fact that she bested him, and bone deep terror. He is very afraid of Helix, but expresses it as attraction due to the aforementioned things. Like Swag, he has a very hard time denying her anything. (No seriously, go back and look, Swag literally never tells her no, and she never calls him by his nickname to his face. They’ve been like this since the beginning, and I have written it into their dynamic.)

He’s the only one in the entire Family who knows what she’s actually capable of. Arkham thinks he knows, and Narci thinks xie knows, but they do not. But Unswag saw in those thousand worlds, what happens when a less soft Helix decides you’re too much of a threat, and it was gruesome, creative, and very, very persuasive. He does not step out of line with her, and rarely initiates anything without Swag nearby. If only so that he’s sure there will be a witness.

Still really likes apple pie though.

Good cuddler, almost clingy, but he’s not as, uh, friendly as Swag, so very few people know it.

Secretly likes K-pop.

What Actually Happened

While there is no such thing as fate, there is such thing as probability. In the context of worlds, there are certain occurrences that have an impact, decisions made that lead the timeline in a certain direction. But for every decision, there was another that could have been made, and if the result is important enough, a new world can develop from that. For example, Bruce Wayne's parents NOT being murdered is an occurrence significant enough to cause a reality mitosis, a whole new universe coming into being like cellular mitosis.

This can also lead to mutant universes, where things that would be completely impossible in mainline universes can occur. Things like the Justice League being actual dinosaurs, or the Scarecrow being inexplicably gigantic and cannibalistic. Mutant worlds tend to have a lot of extra ambient magic upholding their aberrant realities.

Swags world is one of these mutants. His world is not a cell, it's a blastocyst, a myriad possible worlds that never fully separate, but cluster together in ever greater numbers, the metaphysical membranes remaining thin and permeable. Occasionally, they bleed into each other, showing glimpses of worlds where Swag is converted into a computer program that has to build its own android body, where he's a traveling rock star, a magical girl.

When Helix created her circle, she didn't mess up. The circle did exactly what it was supposed to do: trap Unswag by placing him slightly out of sync with the world. In a normal universe, this would have had no other effect. In this mutant universe of worlds within worlds, it exposed him to all of those possible worlds and all their underlying magic, all at once and for a prolonged time.

He couldn't interact with those worlds in anyway, but he could see what happened in them, and still can, if he tries. The power doesn't work and magic is inaccessible to him when he is not in his own universe. So, if he was visiting YJ, say, he wouldn't be able to do it. Even in his own world, he can only look into the other parts of his own universe.

The color never comes back. Some mechanism in the process of creating it was destroyed. He remains that pale forever. With magic, anything permanent comes at a price.

Narci

Our baby would be about twenty-eight now, all grown up, healthy and strong. Xir clone body ages more slowly than xir natural body would have.

Narci is kind, thoughtful, gentle, loving, and absolutely obliterates people on occasion. Like Helix, xie is no vigilante, but xie is compelled to help if xie sees people in trouble. Unlike Helix, xie sometimes opts for more permanent solutions.

Xie has a lovely singing voice, a useful thing in casting spells, or team building exercises with ones mentor.

Xie is engaged in some mild gender fuckery

Narci has settled into a specialty in conjuration and energy manipulation. Yes, that means xie can cast magic missile.

Narci doesn't metabolize the magic very efficiently, causing light to leak from xir eyes and mouth when casting, and permanent black staining on xir fingers. Visually, Narci's magic appears as a ghostly, pale green glow.

This is Narci's third body, the second lost in a reckless attempt to help someone else.

Narci can't fly, but xie can double jump. Also, xie can control xir own local gravity-slow falls, run up a wall-and glide from heights like skating on air. These skills, combined with xir gymnastic and parkour skills make it so that, in a city, it doesn't matter that xie can't fly.

Xie is very gay.

Narci occasionally goes berserk, and the magic gets a bit fucky. People familiar with xir know to get out of the way, but the targets rarely get the chance to learn.

Xie does eventually learn how to walk the worlds unassisted, like Helix can, and regularly patrols for outside threats, earning a reputation as a cryptid on some worlds.

Narci never returns to Xir homeworld. The Riddler remains dead there, as far as anyone is concerned.

Narci's relationship with Helix is much closer and more intimate than friendship, but not at all sexual in nature. Xie would consider it a form of soulmate.

Some updates:

Nash can access magic, but only when Lust is with him, and only that which falls under Lust’s domain (enchantment, illusion), because it’s actually Lust doing it.

Unswag still can’t use his predictive capabilities on other worlds, but he can see unnatural or invisible things.

The magical staining on Narci’s hands comes from overuse of magic, is now dark red, and fades over time.

[archived-kin]

caught in a twin courtship

note from kin: i’m going to be honest i only really wrote this because the title is fun to say, so it isn’t as cohesive as i normally would have wanted to make it

(this is an au where the twins aren’t separated by the unknown god! instead, just their world-hopping powers were stolen, and that’s why they’re journeying to find said god - to get their powers back so that they can go home. i’ve also excluded paimon since i kind of forgot about her while writing this haha)

(this doesn’t follow canon at all since reader and the twins just kind of start wandering about after the dvalin incident rather than heading straight for liyue oops)

fandom: genshin impact

character(s): gn!reader, lumine, aether, diluc, venti, jean

pairing(s): aether/reader/lumine

warning(s): i don’t think so??

genre: fluff with a little bit sprinkling of angst

you first meet the twins in the aftermath of the stormterror battle. it isn’t a glamorous introduction by any means - it’s pretty unflattering, actually - but it definitely makes a powerful first impression.

the group - aether, lumine, venti, diluc, and jean - are on their way back to mondstadt city, making small talk here and there, but mostly just walking in silence.

then they hear a yell in the distance.

jean and lumine both drop into a battle stances, venti leaps to hide behind aether with a very unmanly squeak of fear… but diluc, who arguably should have been the most alerted by this occurrence, just gives a resigned sigh and pauses.

a split second later, a figure comes speeding up to the group. you barrel up to diluc and immediately punch him square in the stomach, yelling “why didn’t you tell me you were going after stormterror?!”

aether and venti both give matching gasps of horror at the blatant disrespect, but diluc only shakes his head and catches your fist as it goes for another blow, this one aimed at his chest, and chastises, “calm down, i left a note.”

“i left a note,” you mimic, an absolutely awful impression that has you sounding more like a mosquito than the darknight hero, “fat lot of use that is when you aren’t even telling me where you’re going!”

diluc evades another jab at his arm and firmly sets his hands on both your shoulders, effectively anchoring you to the ground. you contemplate swinging your feet at his knees and knocking him over, or maybe shocking him with your electro vision, but ultimately decide that you might as well try to preserve what little dignity you have left in front of those three people you’ve never met before

so you stop with a defeated sigh and turn to face said three people to introduce yourself

it turns out that you’re diluc’s cousin and he’s been having to baby-sit you for the last few years after your own parents left on a ‘business trip’ to snezhnaya that they’re still not back from

you’re pretty sure they’re dead, killed by the fatui, and you say as much during your introduction without even the slightest sign of distress, which is a little unsettling

lumine’s first thought is that you’re quite the interesting character, what with the casual way you treat diluc, and how you don’t seem to question whatever situation lead you to meet in the first place

aether’s first thought is holy shit, they’re cute

one twin greets you in return with a lot more enthusiasm than the other, and venti the bard wastes no time in asking whether you have access to good master diluc’s wine storage

(you’d be shocked by the audacity if you weren’t just as bad as him when it came to shamelessness)

strangely enough, the fact that aether likes you so much actually makes lumine more wary of you than she was initially

aether trusts too easily, and from experience, that usually leads to disaster - and your flippancy regarding your parents’ apparent probable deaths rather inclines her to think that you might be a very dangerous person indeed

the three of you don’t see each other for a couple of days after that - you and diluc leave for dawn winery together, while the twins depart with venti to wrap their whole situation up, and jean returns to her duties in mondstadt city

all this time, apparently unbeknownst to even himself, aether keeps finding ways to bring you up in the middle of conversation

you’d only spoken to him for a few minutes and somehow that as enough to get him absolutely fascinated

lumine would be lying if she said she wasn’t still curious about you as well, but it gets annoying after aether somehow manages to mention how ‘mysterious’ your black cloak is in the middle of a conversation about why mitachurls are able to randomly set their axes on fire

luckily for these two, they happen to run into you the very next day!

you’re in the middle of taking out a ruin guard stomping around the thousand winds temple -  a ruin guard that the twins had been meaning to take down themselves, which is why they’re here in the first place

at first they move to help you, only to stop short and watch in awe as you plunge down at the ruin guard from atop one of the enormous pillars, your polearm held steady in your grasp as your entire body seems to spark and glow with a deep purple electro energy

the sharp blade of your polearm goes clean through the top of the ruin guard’s head and shatters its core, and it sinks to the ground with a massive thud that echoes around the temple ruins, massive wooden limbs twitching and jerking as the last of your vision’s energy disperses from it

aether and lumine are basically star-struck

from there you spot them and call them over for a conversation, show them how to take apart a ruin guard’s circuits to get at the good parts, and somehow end up agreeing to journey with them across teyvat in their search for an unknown god who stole their abilities to hop from world to world as well as their apparent true power that allows them to wield all seven elements at once

the details are a little lost on you, but what you’re hearing is that you get to go on a cool adventure with a cool gal and a cool lad, so you’re pretty much all for it

diluc isn’t too happy about you up and leaving without so much as two week’s notice (partially because he has literally no friends apart from you and he’d get lonely without his little cousin bothering him all the time) but you simply tell him to deal with it and go anyway

(you do give him a big hug and promise to visit, you’re not heartless)

from then on you, aether and lumine become a dynamic trio like no other

it’s actually pretty damn spooky how well the three of you end of working together

aether and lumine had long since formed a style of fighting that meant they made up for each other’s weak spots and could attack in perfect sync, but then you come along and somehow manage to make their already pretty flawless formation even better

is it witchcraft? they honestly don’t know

considering you fit so well into their battle strategies, it follows that you’d also slot perfectly into their every day life

lumine is cautious at first, wondering if your presence would disrupt her and her brother’s long since pre-established routines, but you fit in so naturally that it’s as if you were there all long

maybe it it’s this that makes both twins slowly start falling for you - the comfort of being beside you and the familiarity that you bring are things that they struggled to find, being trapped in a world far from their own with no way to get out, and they unknowingly latch onto you like drowning men clutching lifebuoys

aether is the most obvious about his feelings - he starts waking up earlier just because he knows you do, sitting beside you as you stoke a campfire and keep watch for any approaching monsters, making quiet conversation as lumine continues sleeping. he tells you stories about his adventures in other worlds, including an encounter with a rather bigoted individual who is the reason that he keeps his hair so long while lumine’s has been cut short

he even starts taking his hair out of its braid before he goes to sleep so that he can ask you to braid it for him when he wakes up

lumine is a lot more subtle

she finds excuses to stand closer to you when, deliberately brushing her fingers against yours when handing you something. she listens far more attentively to you when you speak than anyone else, and she smiles far more in your presence, hanging onto your every word and gazing at you so intensely that it’s almost unsettling

of course, the twins notice each other’s feelings pretty easily

at first neither acknowledges it - it’d be far too messy for both to accept that they’d both fallen in love with the same person, let alone actually admit this to each other

but it gets to the point where it just isn’t ignorable anymore, and finally the twins decide to talk

it’s about as civil and sensible as they could hope for with the subject at hand, and they eventually decide to talk to you about it

and so, we come to an ultimatum. what will your choice be?

if you reject both, it’ll be hard to continue adventuring with twins who can’t look in your direction. neither resent you, of course, but the atmosphere has become so stifling that they can’t even make eye contact

it’s as if an enormous gap has opened up between the three of you. the twins are avoiding each other as well, unsure of how to handle the fact that they’re both in love with the same person and have now both been rejected by that same person. if anything, they should be becoming closer out of solidarity, but it seems that they can’t stand to be in each other’s presence as much as they can’t stand to be in yours.

the three of you still work together as seamlessly in battle as you did before, but once the final monster has been cut down and your weapons are sheathed, that connection seems to disappear again.

it’s aether who finally breaks the stalemate. he starts trying to start conversations as the three of you sit awkwardly apart from each other around a fire, and while the first few attempts end in stony silence and an awkward cough on his part, eventually you begin replying with some semblance of the humour you used to

from there things only improve - the three of you come to a silent mutual agreement to leave this behind you, and soon you’re all laughing and joking as you used to

lumine and aether both know that they cannot force you to love either of them, and they respect your choice. if anything, they’re the ones in the wrong for springing something like this on you so suddenly, and they start to feel a little guilty that they were essentially pressuring you into making a choice that you were never obligated to make

so they return to treating you as a dear friend, just as before. things are different now, of course, but they can only be grateful that you continue to travel with them and stay by their side; this situation doesn’t make them love you any less, even if you don’t love them in the same way.

if you choose lumine, aether will be understanding. the twins have been each other’s only support for longer than they can remember, and as the older brother, he’s well used to giving things up for his sister.

he’ll still be friendly and amicable, but he won’t seek you out as much as he did before. he starts braiding his hair by himself again, and stays in bed as late as he can every morning so that he doesn’t have to be face to face with you. just because he’s accepted this doesn’t mean that it doesn’t hurt.

sometimes, when the sky grows dark and you and lumine have long since fallen asleep beside each other, he wonders to himself - why is it that he has to give everything to his sister? he’s given away so much, so why couldn’t the universe let him have this one thing?

but he knows, deep down, that this is nothing to do with the universe - you simply fell in love with someone that wasn’t him, his sister at that, and he’s struggling to come to terms with it.

he wants to hate you, hate lumine, hate the relationship that the two of you have formed, but he just can’t. he loves the both of you in different ways that are just as important as each other, and he can’t stand to lose either of you. he’d rather throw himself off of starsnatch cliff.

so he’ll smile and bear it, even if it’s a battle to keep himself from breaking down every time he sees the two of you lace your hands together, off in your own little word, so near and yet so far from him.

if you choose aether, lumine will become cold. at first, that is. she’s never been as empathetic as her brother, always holding grudges and developing dislike much more easily. it had taken a lot for her to open up to you in the first place, and now that you’ve rejected her, it’s going to take a while for her to return to the same camaderie with you that she had before.

lumine does not begrudge aether for being the one you chose. if anything, she’s glad - aether is always putting her first and himself second, and she’s happy that he has someone like you, who lights his eyes up in a way that she’s never seen before.

but our hearts often betray our mind, after all, and lumine can’t help but scowl and turn away every time she sees her brother wrap his arms around your waist or press a kiss to your cheek. despite her best efforts, all she can think is why? why did you have to choose him?

she can’t bring herself to hate you, though. as much as it feels like her heart is threatening to split down the middle when she sees you smile and is reminded of something that she cannot have, there is an equal joy in the fact that her brother can be with the person that he loves so dearly. if anything, the two of you deserve to be happy together.

lumine would never do anything that could take that away, and so she forces herself to accept it. it takes several days of tentative conversation and barely held back tears, but eventually the two of you seem to return to the way you were before - all friendly jabs and light-hearted banter and little jokes exchanged over crossed blades.

but lumine knows that your friendship can never be quite the same as it was before. she’ll forever be holding you at arm’s length, terrified to let you get too close lest you see how much your presence affects her. she can’t let you know how much she loves you because she will never be the one who links hands with you as you walk down a long, winding path, or the one who holds you close under a darkening sky filled with stars - because that person is aether, and she would sooner die before she takes her brother’s happiness away.

if you refuse to choose, the twins will be at a loss at what to do. they hadn’t considered this scenario - that you had somehow come to love both of them.

the confusion becomes joy soon enough, though. they realise what this means - they both love you, and you love both of them! isn’t this perfect?

neither are particularly thrilled at the concept of ‘sharing’ you with the other, so to speak, but in the end they both equally want each other to be happy as they want you to be, so the logical conclusion is that they both become your partners.

they’re not too sure how this should work, nor what sort of label to put on it, but they come to you tentatively with the idea anyway

to their joyous surprise, you agree!

and from then marks the point of no return…

aether is definitely the clingier of the two. once he realises that he’s allowed to show affection and be close to you for no particular reason, he won’t stop - it’s as if he absolutely has to be holding your hand or be standing or sitting  as close to you as physically possible. he’s always buying you souvenirs at every place you stop by, scaling trees to pick apples for you when you mention a craving for fruit, presenting you little treasures that he’s found with all the pride of a golden retriever.

lumine is a more subdued kind of partner, preferring to demonstrate her feelings with little things like making your favourite food for dinner or bringing you sprigs of flowers that she’s secretly been collecting in order to present you with them. of course, that doesn’t mean she isn’t physically affectionate at all - she presses perhaps even closer to you than aether when you sleep beside her, and somehow her hand finds yours at every opportunity she has.

the twins clash every now and then, as siblings often do, except that you’re usually caught in the middle. their arguments are little more than playful squabbles, though - things like play-fighting over who gets to hug you first after a well-fought battle, or who gets to hold your hand on the way to the next village (you have to step in and remind them that you do, in fact, have two hands)

in conclusion: why choose one when you can have both and prevent the unchosen from having endless amounts of angst?

[racheloveyunho]

Till Death do us part - 2

Y/N grew up in a wealthy family, she always was seen as a beautiful and smart kid and was most likely to take her father’s place as the CEO of one of the most important companies in South Korea. However, after the death of her mother, Y/N’s family slowly started to break apart. Her father was always working to forget his uncalled pain while his kids were left alone at home.

She was 17 years old when her life took a sudden turn when she met him in a dark alley. He was a bloody mess, bruises everywhere but behind blood and dirt, she could see his beautiful features and his addictive gaze. Maybe she should have walked away, maybe she shouldn’t have helped him, but the moment his gaze locked with hers, she was already his.

Choi San was his name.

Genre: Mafia AU, smut, angst, fluff, stranger to lovers

Words: 2237

TW series: Y/N is described as an OC. Please be aware that this story will contain a lot of triggering content such as smut, blood, death, murder, drug, kidnapping, etc. Do not read if you are under a legal age!

TW chapter: Body shaming, reader being forced into a marriage, character got slapped, swearing, threats.

I was finally back home. Fortunately for me, my dad hadn’t noticed me since he was already sleeping on the couch.

I quickly went upstairs to my room and collapsed on my bed, my mind still processing what had happened earlier. It was scary to say the least but fascinating at the same time. I was still confused even after showering. This San had a deep effect on me, not only mentally but physically too.

“Choi San…” I muttered before closing my eyes and drifting into a deep sleep.

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Chapter 2

2 years after.

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Days and months went by so fast, I didn't even see them go by.

It has already been two years since my first meeting with San and since then, I didn't met him again. However, he was still on my mind, from the moment I woke up tired in the morning until the moment my head was hitting the pillow at night.

I just couldn't stop myself from thinking about him, his voice, his gaze, his touch, and the shivers he gave me when his mouth had come close to my ear.

"Hey sis’, what is going on? You had been absent-minded for a while and I still don't know why" Jin said with a hint of worry in his voice before he looked around, checking the surroundings to make sure we were alone "Is it because of dad?" he asked.

For the first time since our mother passed away, dad was at home for a whole month without any explanation. He was now working from home and even though It was something I dreamed of a few years ago, it was now so stuffy, I couldn’t breathe properly in my own house. Every single time I went outside of the comfort of my room, I silently prayed not to meet him, hoping that our house was big enough to let me avoid him.

"I'm fine but I'll be better if he wasn't around" I shrugged while looking at my plate "I'm not hungry today" I nonchalantly played with my food.

"Please force yourself and eat a little, you loosed too much weight recently" he furrowed his eyebrows with true concern in his soft brown eyes.

"I'm fine Jin, really! No need to worry for me" I stood up but felt a hand on my shoulder, stopping me in my track.

I turned around and saw my dad with his usual stern expression "Sit down." he calmly ordered.

I sat down without a word, I knew I was about to be lectured one more time.

"Why are you not eating?" my dad asked, voice sounding more as a threat than a question.

"Not hungry" I simply answered.

A long silence settled in the dining room, Jin and I were looking down, trying to avoid any eye contact with the man we referred to as our dad. I laughed internally at the situation, wondering if the kids in other families were afraid of their parents too.

"You don't have to eat if you don't want to, men love slim girls so it'll be good for you to start a diet." He stated, unbothered by the awkward silence.

I was annoyed by his remark 'how dare he' I thought 'Is he thinking my body is his?'

"I'll be dumb if I'd choose a man who loves me just for my body, I will not change anything for anyone" I retorted, Jin nodding in approval, visibly proud of me. But, my father didn’t seem pleased at all by my answer and my rebellious behavior.

"Well, I wasn't talking about any random man, but about your fiancé. He likes slim girls." my dad crossed his arms.

I shot a glance back at my father with wide eyes, he was smirking over my shocked expression, feeling visibly satisfied by the way he made me go silent.

"My fiancé? What are you talking about? I never had a boyfriend in my whole life, how could I have a fiancé?" I shouted, standing up from my chair which quickly and loudly fell on the ground.

"I chose a good boy for you, he is the son of a rich politician who will be useful to me and the future of my company. In two months, when you'll turn 20, you will marry him" he said, not sparing a glance at me as he busily taped on the screen of his new expensive phone.

My mouth was now wide open, and so was my brother's.

Jin stood up angrily, it was the first time I ever saw him defy our father's authority. His brown eyes who always seemed so soft to me were now darker than ever. The anger in his body was showing with his tensed muscles and the vein in his forehead that was angrily popping up. His jaw was so tight, I swore he could have been able to break his own teeth.

"What to do you mean she will marry him? Are you not concerned about your daughter's happiness? Can't you stop thinking about your work and think more about your family instead, for at least once in your life? That's why mom died! You-..." Jin got slapped by my father before he could even finish his sentence. Our father’s face was red and rage was visible through his eyes.

I gasped and kneeled myself to my brother's side, the impact was so hard that he was now laying on the ground, his right hand hiding his red cheek. Jin shot a death stare up at my father who was still standing in front of us.

"I heard that you want to integrate the Seoul national university, Y/N. You will need money for that, right? If you marry this man, I'll give you all the money you want. If not, you can already say goodbye to this dream of yours." he told me with a harsh voice "Think well cause your birthday is coming up" he added before exiting the room.

I collapsed on the floor, tears were stinging my eyes and blurring my vision. Jin hugged me tightly and patted my back, whispering sweet nothings to my ear to comfort me the best he could.

I hid my head on his neck and cried silently, I hated this, hated this situation, hated this life. I was like a bird trapped in a silver cage.

I ate nothing for the rest of the day after my dad had announced my upcoming wedding.

I still couldn't believe it. I didn't want to believe it. How come a father could do this to his only daughter? Wasn't he supposed to love and cherish me?

It was Saturday and after a lazy morning, I finally stood up to do my daily routine. I put the prettiest dress I had on my dressing and put natural makeup on. I tried my best to cover up my dark circles and hide the exhaustion in my face caused by a long night of crying.

Today, my best friend Hana and I, planned to hang out together for a shopping day. It was the best way for me to think about something else than my current situation.

I took a look at my phone and saw her message "Hey honey, I'm waiting in front of your house~" I read before smiling and joining her outside the house, in front of the big gateway.

"Wow, you are stunning! Why is that? You're going to meet this San again?" She smiled widely.

Hana is the first friend I ever made in my life, I first met her when I was just 6 years old and she always stayed by my side even when I went through hard times. Her cheerful personality and her warm smile made her easy to get along with, she was the best at socializing, she was literally a burst of energy by herself and never failed to make me crack up a smile even when I wasn’t in a good mood. She made everyone feel attracted to her, she wasn’t only nice and outgoing but beautiful and funny as well. Her short and messy hair were completing her chubby cheeks and her brown eyes. Her tall frame and perfect curves made everyone drool over her, men and women.

She knew everything about my life. When something happened to me, she was the first one I talked to.

"I already told you! I know nothing about him, I don't even have his phone number, how could I meet him?" I pouted before laughing playfully.

We took the first bus we saw and headed downtown.

"It's a shame he isn't on any social media" she whined loudly "Dude, don't get me started" I answered, almost complaining.

During the bus ride, I talked once again about how I felt about San and the gorgeous charisma he had. Hana listened to me as if it was the first time I talked about this whilst I already told her a hundred times before.

Within ten minutes, we had reached our destination.

"Y/N! Look at this! I'm sure this top will fit you perfectly" I heard Hana yelling from the other side of the shop.

Everyone looked at us, some customers were judging us silently while others smiled, probably finding amusement in my friend’s behavior.  I apologized to the other customers for the noise and quickly went to my friend's side, slightly embarrassed even though I was used to it. Hana didn't know the word "silent".

After 3 hours of shopping, I went outside to eat ice cream with Hana. We moved to a quiet spot with no one around. The weather was nice, it was a sunny day and I let myself relax under the comfortable heat.  I always liked rainy days better but I liked to feel the sun against my skin from time to time.

"I'm sorry to say this Y/N, but your father is truly an asshole" Hana swore between her teeth after I told her what happened at home the previous day.

"I don't know what I'm going to do about this. Is it better to agree and then divorce this guy? But my dad is well-known, he always will find a way to keep me under his grip, no matter what I do. I feel completely useless and trapped, I can’t find a good way to escape from this" I spoke in a low tone, sadness filling my voice the more I talked.

I sighed, concerned by the situation I was into. Hana gently rubbed my back to give me some comfort while my head was on her shoulder. We stayed silent for a few minutes, both of us didn’t know what to say because we both knew that there was no way I could escape my fate.

"Excuse me, are you Kim Y/N?"

I turned around to see who had called my name. In front of me stood was a well-dressed man, a bit older than me with a confident look. He wasn't especially handsome, but he wasn't unpleasant to look at. He had this classic Korean vibe one could find everywhere here in Korea.

"Yes? Who are you?" I politely asked.

He took my hand in his own, making me stand up from the bench I was sitting in. Soon after, he put a slight kiss on the back of my hand.

"What the hell?" I shouted and took my hand off his.

It wasn't in our culture to do something like this so I first assumed he had grown up abroad but honestly, from what I knew, even in the USA or Europa no one kissed a perfect stranger met in the street less than ten seconds ago.

"Who the heck are you?" Hana jumped between the man and me.

"I'm Hwang Jinyoung, her future husband" he simply stated, a smirk on his face.

"I never agreed on that." I frowned my eyebrows at his statement.

"What do you mean you never agreed? Your father told us that you were glad to be my future wife" The man seemed truly surprised or at least, he was pretending well to be.

"He lied!" I yelled out, the anger taking over me while I clenched my fists, nails finding their way onto y skin.

I was angry that my father had one more time, talked for me without my consent. My body was shaking from anger while the man laughed at my reaction.

"Move, you're in my way" He suddenly stopped laughing and violently pushed Hana to the ground.

My eyes opened wide from the shock. I was about to check on Hana to be sure she wasn't hurt but Jinyoung grabbed my wrist and pulled me in his chest.

"Why are you so angry? I will take good care of you!" he chuckled.

"Let me go!" I screamed against him, feeling the tears tingling my eyes.

I suddenly felt a strong arm around my waist which encircled me from behind.

"Holy shit." Hana gasped when she saw the handsome man who was protectively hugging me.

I had no need to look back, I already knew who it was. This touch and this warmness were simply unforgettable.

"If you don't let her go in the next five seconds, I'll blow your hands off." the voice behind me growled against Jinyoung.

The beating of my heart quickened. For the past two years I had dreamed about him every night and now, I was finally able to see him again.

"San!" I shouted happily, finally looking to the handsome boy. He smiled back atme but his expression became cold again as he stared at Jinyoung. My so-called husband finally let my wrist go and hardly swallowed his spit.

"Y-you! What are you doing here?" he asked with a shaking voice. I had no doubt about the fact that he knew who San was and that he probably knew him better than I did.

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Edit: Guys, I'm so surprised, I didn't think I would get so many likes for this series, I just uploaded it two days ago after all lol but I'm glad! The next chapter is already done but I'll wait a bit before uploading it, maybe next week? Anyways, thank you again!

Tag list:

@hijirikaww @pinkchampagne2

[kittydemon9000]

Okay so I was thinking about ToE and had ideas to add for my Not Today Destiny AU(tl:dr, Kai keeps Lloyd’s Green Ninja status secret from everyone and how canon is affected from there)

Also, before we get into it, because there was no Overlord messing with tech, THERE IS NO LOVE TRIANGLE! I am fully subscribed to the theory that the Overlord messed with it in order to split the team up, and it’s stupid that it worked. So no Love Triangle and no Jay Cole Fight. That’s important later.

ANYWAY, with Zane not dead they’d be a bit less desperate to go to the island, and without that incentive of keeping quiet they’d probably immediately go talk to Wu about this weird invite and the fact that other Elemental Masters existed.

Wu would fill them in, explain how Chen was definitely up to something, which has them all go in the first place, and Nya and Wu agree to stay behind to watch Lloyd and defend against Garmadon.

How does this exactly tie into this AU? Well, there were two extra letters sent, one to Kai and Lloyd respectively.

Lloyd’s letter explained how he was also being invited, and if he won he would be awarded some info about his mom. Lloyd knows the ninja would never let him go, so he opts to sneak there and then explain. Better to ask apologies than permission. But don’t worry, he left a note for Nya and Wu

Meanwhile, Kai’s explains how they have found knowledge of who the Green Ninja is, and if he wins he’ll get that info and can do whatever he wants with it.

These two are connected and also important later.

They go to the boat, Nya gets them some hidden trackers to be safe, Kai is secretly freaking out since “How the heck does Chen know???” and then Lloyd sneaks on too. Now, at first everyone just thinks Lloyd is just really short and keeps to himself. It’s not until they land and get to the main room that it finally clicks to Kai that it’s Lloyd when Chen points him out as the Master of Energy.

He of course, is very not happy that Lloyd is here and makes that very well known. The other ninja are equally unhappy while the rest of the EM’s are given a slight Moral Dilemma since yes they want to win, but that means there’s a chance of them fighting a literal child(it’s been….almost a year since they first met Lloyd so he’s about 10 right now).

Lloyd’s room is next to Kai’s, just on the other side so he still shares a balcony space with Skylor. Maybe one of the other EM’s finds Lloyd desperately looking for a Jade Blade and “accidentally” drops it so he can pass.

Later when Karlof is dropped through the floor more than a few cast a glance over to Lloyd, each silently dreading who will have to go against him. Nobody comments when Kai holds Lloyd close and if anyone saw Lloyd sneaking into Kai’s room that night, they didn’t say anything.

It’s that night when Lloyd explains why he came, which makes Kai panic even more. On one hand, he cannot let anyone else find out about Lloyd’s Destiny. But on the other….Lloyd could finally get answers for what happened to his mom unlike Kai who has no idea what happened to his parents

So yeah. Not a fun time.

But it only gets worse from there.

You see, at first each of the ninja let out a silent sigh of relief when they learned they wouldn’t have to fight Lloyd.

Wellllllllll since there’s no Love Triangle and no fighting between Cole and Jay, Chen has no reason to pit them against each other to further split up the ninja.

What he does instead? Changes things so instead it’s Kai vs Lloyd

Now, it’s plainly obvious to everyone that those two are very close, so they’re not looking froward to this next fight at all. Camille honestly isn’t sure if this is better or worse than if she had to go against him

At first, their fight is mostly a verbal one, trying to get the other to take the Jade Blade, with only the occasionally very wide shot to try and herd the other toward the Blade. At some point Kai ends up physically picking up Lloyd and trying to carry him over to the Jade Blade, yelling about how Lloyd has a chance to find his mom and he shouldn’t that up, but Lloyd is fighting him and immediately yells back that he doesn’t want to find her at the cost of his Big Brother and god if that isn’t a knife in the heart of the other EMs.

But Chen, being the bastard he is, decides this is boring because it’s going no where and release the bikes like canon, and then these two fight like a well oiled machine. 

But ofc, we can’t have nice things and the arena starts falling apart.

And Kai….as much as he’s terrified of Lloyd’s Destiny, he even more terrified of loosing Lloyd.

So with a bright smile and a good luck wish, he jumps.

That night when Chen takes away their rooms as punishment, none of them can be mad. They don’t comment either when the remaining ninja drag two of the bunk beds together a curl up around Lloyd. Instead of splitting them apart, it only lets them know that Chen is not their friend. He sees all of this as a game, going as far as to lure a child here with promises of finding his mother and making him fight the family he has left. 

This actually makes their Elemental Alliance work out better this time.

(Also this time Jay fought Ash, then Cole fought Camille(I’m also 99% sure the skating thing was just another attempt to split them up, so again it’s kinda useless here).

Meanwhile Kai does not have a fun time. Clouse is upset since 1) the plan was for Lloyd to be the one to loose, either by Kai winning or making Lloyd fall, since because he’s the green ninja he’s bound to be powerful and 2) because Skylor got attached to this stranger and Chen ordered him to make Kai useful to them. So now he’s trying to keep a very annoying, very loud prisoner while waiting from the Master of Mind to be captured so he can use those powers to make Kai more docile.

Unfortunately, a side affect of Kai being as loud and obnoxious as possible means he spends a lot of his time knocked out, so he has no idea how long he’s been stuck under or if any of his family are stuck under here too. At the very least he shares a wall with Karlof who tries his best to fill him in(when he learns who Kai was made to fight he also gets pretty pissed).

Later when they’re all dropped from the plane, all of them are quick to make sure Lloyd has a parachute. This time the objective is to a “Safe Zone,” but there’s only enough for four of them. However, the Safe Zones are, unsurprisingly, traps and there’s enough for everyone. Once you step in one, it descends, then vengestone cuffs fly out and trap the Master inside.

Skylor ends up finding Lloyd and offers to help him look for one. They end up talking and joking, Lloyd saying how Kai has an enormous crush on her and kept trying to impress her, but Lloyd thought she was good and would like Kai if they didn’t need to fight each other, which accidentally slams her with guilt. 

Some how she ends up slipping, maybe by accidentally revealing how she knows the locations/number of traps and Lloyd realizes she’s the spy which crushes him. He tries to fight her but she just pushed him onto the trap.

Going to the small cult area below, the remaining EMs are brought together. They try their best to keep Lloyd protected but he’s brought to the front anyway. Lloyd asks if they even knew about his mom, to which Chen reminisces about a woman they meet a few years ago who was stealing from them and how they stole some of her things, but they were mostly worthless. They honestly have no idea where she is, which just makes Lloyd mad.

Mad these people tricked him. Mad these people had the audacity to pretend to know his mom. Mad these people made Kai sacrifice himself for him.

However, they weren’t lying About having met Misako. That’s actually how they found out about the whole “Lloyd Being The Green Ninja” thing

But anyway. Chen steals their powers, Skylor is having a moral dilemma, and they start getting ready to Make Trouble in the Noodle Factory

Only this time when they go to steal the staff, they now have to fight Kai.

Only this time for real.

This is the replacement for the Staff Scene. Because of his affect under the Staff Kai…..isn’t really there. Like, he’s just a blank puppet. There’s the tiniest amount of emotion, but his eyes look empty.

At some point the staff goes flying and it turns into a mental tug of war between Clouse commanding Kai and Lloyd and the others trying to get through to him. Lloyd is luckily able to get to Kai enough for him to smash the jewel, releasing the EM powers and the control on him. It gives him the worst headache though.

And from there, canon is mostly the same for a while. The whole time this has been going on Zane has been having dreams/nightmares about an Ice Dragon and finally makes the connection to unlock it. Skylor is still captured, Chen still escapes but now Clouse is still around, Pythor is captured, TIME FOR THE END

This time around, the EMs are able to follow Chen to their base of operations and have the final battle there. They fight, and even though they’re only partially Anacondrai, they’re still hard to fight.

Clouse tries to do the whole “Banish You To the Departed Realm” thing, but accidentally summons the Anacondrai Generals as well, who are very not happy over what these humans are doing.

And yeah. That’s what I got.

I might do more in depth posts for some of the other seasons, not sure. But feel free to ask or submit ideas of your own

[mqgriett]

Tech- Princess

Request: hello darling, i saw you were taking requests (it’s okay if you aren’t anymore, just disregard the rest of this) and I was wondering if you’d be able to write something for Tech? I’m absolutely starving for content surrounding him and I’d take literally any crumb you’d be willing to spare🥺 prompt/genre is totally up to you! @bandaid-bunny

Pairings: Tech x Fem!Reader

Warnings: small mention of death (very very minor, like a sentence)

Summary: you left the Jedi Order a year ago, which meant also leaving the Bad Batch. Tech’s feelings for you never faded, and neither did yours for him.

Notes: I really want to write a part 2 to this!! Please lmk if y’all would want a second part!! 

Tech adjusted his tie for the fifth time, looking at himself in the reflection of the silver elevator. He licked his hand, smoothing back any stray hairs on top of his head. 

“Nervous much?” Hunter muttered next to his brother. 

Tech shook his head, “of course not. Why would I be?”

“Because this is the first time you’re seeing her in a whole year.” Crosshair replied, a smug smile on his face as he crossed his hands over his lap. 

“And why would that make me nervous?” Tech scoffed, rolling his eyes and straightening the cuffs of his suit. The collar of his dress shirt felt increasingly tight and he pulled on, further giving his brother more of a reason to tease him. 

“Last time you saw her you couldn’t talk right!” Wrecker slapped him on the back, making Tech choke on his own spit. 

“That-”, cough, “is-”, another cough, “not true.” He finally caught his breath and repeated his sentence a little clearer. “That isn’t true.” 

“Really?” Crosshair raised an eyebrow and turned to Hunter, who was giving Tech the same look. 

Sarg intertwined his fingers, bringing his fist to the side of his face and making his voice a few octaves higher to mock Tech, “You look especially beautiful in the night time, it hides all of your imperfections. No- it highlights your imperfections. No- you have no imperfections in the night time. No- you’re perfect” 

Tech crossed his arms, his cheeks glowing a shade of bright red as Hunter reenacted the scene from a year ago.

“We’re here for a surveillance operation, that’s all.” he swallowed the ball in his throat, “I might not even get the opportunity to speak with her, so I have no reason to be nervous.” 

The quiet ding of the elevator reaching the top floor was his saving grace. Tech was the first one off and he automatically began to scan the crowded room for any sign of you. As Wrecker walked behind his brother he whispered, “surveillance operation.” He nodded and followed the rest of the Bad Batch, eyes still searching for any sign of you. 

“Sarg, good to see you.” said Cody’s strong tone of voice, catching Tech’s attention again. 

“Same to you, Commander.” Hunter replied, giving the 212th trooper a strong handshake. Cody pointed out that the Bad Batch and 212th were allowed to have fun that night, and that they were only to interfere with anything if it was a threat to the princess’s life. He pointed to the other troopers that had accompanied him that night. The majority of the 212th attack battalion dotted the ball room. 

There was no sign of you after roughly twenty minutes, allowing Tech to ease up a little bit. Crosshair returned from the bar, standing next to his brother and handing him a medium sized glass with a small amount of black liquid. Although he wasn’t much of a drinker, Tech downed the shot within seconds of having it in his grasp. 

***

“Nervous much?” Padme asked, watching from the corner of your room as you adjusted the front of your corset for the fifth time. 

You ignored her snarky comment, continuing to speak your thoughts out loud, “Out of all the squadrons he could have asked, of course he chooses 99.” 

“You’re going to smudge your makeup if you keep pacing and sweating like that.” she replied, walking to your side. “And, who knows? Maybe he’s not here.” 

“Hunt- The Sergeant, doesn’t go anywhere without him. He’s here.” you answered, taking a loud breath in to calm yourself. “It’s been at least a year. Last time I saw him I was allowed to go on missions and hold a weapon that’s bigger than my palm.” 

You reached behind yourself and started to undo the corset, “Now I need to go and sit in meetings, sit like a lady, smile and nod, and be pretty. That’s all… Could you re-tie this for me? The seamstress made it so I couldn’t breathe.” You motioned to the strings of the corset. 

“How about you wear that blue dress, you liked that one.” Padme suggested, trying her best to get you into a better mood. 

You sighed, “alright.” 

As you walked back to your closet, Padme spoke behind you, “if you look on the bright side, attachments are no longer forbidden for you.” 

It genuinely made both of you laugh, lifting your spirits a little as you unhooked the blue dress from its hanger. “maybe embrace that he’s here. You no longer need to follow the code, make the best of it.” 

She was right, the Jedi code no longer applied to you. 

About a year ago, when your sister had passed, it left you to take the throne of Alderaan as Princess. Your father, Bail Organa, was a senator and your mother, Breha Organa, was Queen. Someone needed to help her govern the planet, which led to you leaving the Jedi order and fulfill your duties as the only living legacy of your parents. 

It was a difficult decision to make, and tonight would lock it in. The majority of Senators were here, including a few other monarchs. Last time you had seen the bulk of them you were still a Jedi Knight, now you were Princess of Alderaan. 

This party was risky to throw, but it had already been postponed many times before. There was a small window to celebrate the new princess, which is no-doubt why the Bad Batch was called in. Majority of the troopers were on missions, and if the party was to be short on guards then it needed the strongest battalion available, Clone Force 99.

It was already twenty minutes into the celebration, and you had five minutes prepare to see them again. Last time you five were together it was a special operations mission, you were a Jedi and they were your designated clone battalion. Now you were tasked with pretending to be someone else, a princess. 

You tugged your dress on and allowed Padme to lace the back up, it was time. 

***

A loud sound of trumpets echoed through the room, quickly drawing everyone’s attention. The lights dimmed everywhere except the grand balcony with a staircase leading down to the main floor. 

Tech followed the voice of the announcer, who seemed to be invisible among the huge crowd. “It is with great pleasure that I welcome the Queen and the new Princess of Alderaan.” he said obstreperously. 

Queen Breha walked with grace down the steps, waving as she descended. 

Next came the princess, her gold-accented, sleek, pastel blue dress shining in the light beautiful. Tech’s heart raced as he saw you, his glass slipping from his grip. He had nearly forgotten how beautiful you were, and the way you quickly walked down each stair nearly made him faint. The expensive glassware would have broken if it weren’t for Hunter’s quick reflexes. 

The only other time he had witnessed the sight of you in a dress was during an undercover op, other than that you were frequently in your robes. Maker, you were breathtaking in that gown. He was going mad and you were still across the room. 

You turned over your shoulder, automatically scanning the crowd for any signs of the Bad Batch. It seemed that every free moment you had was interrupted by a Senator or distant relative congratulating you on your new status. So, you smiled and made small talk, a tiny headache beginning to creep up on you. 

As you thanked Senator Clovis for coming, a strong hand touched the small of your back. “Need a break?” Hunter asked behind you. 

In that moment you could have cried at the sound of his voice. You were so overwhelmed and tired, wanting to collapse every time you needed to start a new conversation with someone. As you turned, you straightened your back, “Sergeant.” You gave him a curt nod, “Thank you for coming on such short notice.” 

Hunter raised his eyebrow, waiting a moment before hooking his arm within your own. “Since when do you call me Sergeant?” he mused, beginning to lead you over to the edge of the ballroom. 

You were well out of earshot of anyone important now, and your whole demeanor changed. You let out a breath of air and slouched, letting your legs rest a shoulder-width apart. “You have no clue how happy I am to see you.” 

“Right back at you Command- Princess.” he said, letting go of your arm. 

“Don’t call me that, for maker’s sake.” you pleaded, your tone genuinely sad. 

He smirked, “not your thing, huh?” 

You shook your head, “where’s the rest of the boys?” 

“Wrecker spilled that Corellian wine on his shirt, Tech and Cross are helping him get cleaned off.” he responded with a shrug, as if it was a regular thing; on that thought, it was. 

Your heart fluttered, “Tech’s here?” 

Hunter chuckled deeply, combing his hair back, “he is. Why?” 

You pursed your lips while narrowing your eyes, “just curious.” 

Before Sarg could tease you any further, the large gold door to the men’s bathroom opened and the other three Bad Batchers stumbled back inside the room. You instinctively looked over your shoulder, your gaze catching Tech’s. 

You both froze, trapped in each other's presence. He smiled, eyes sparkling in the faint light of the ballroom. 

The group of three made their way to Hunter and you, Wrecker with a huge grin on his face. 

Crosshair performed a dramatic bow, “m’lady.” he slid his hands into his pockets, a smug smirk on his face as he greeted you. 

“I hate you,” You teased, shaking your head the smallest bit to show you disapproval.  

“Hi Princess.” Wrecker didn’t hesitate to pull you into a tight hug, but he soon let go once realizing that he was possibly transferring the wine stain onto your dress. 

Tech wrapped his arms around your waist and whispered, “you look nice.” 

You rested your chin on his shoulder, “back at you.” 

Crosshair interjected, “you got something on your dress.” he twirled his long finger towards your abdomen. 

Wrecker had accidentally transferred some wine on your gown. You frowned, knowing that you now had to change dresses. “Kriff,” you mumbled, secretly slightly relieved that you got to leave for a few minutes, “I’ll be back. If anyone asks, just say I’m touching up my makeup.” 

As you took a step forward, Padme’s words seemed to echo in your mind. Maybe embrace that he’s here. You no longer need to follow the code, make the best of it.

You smiled, “Tech would you mind coming along? I’m not supposed to leave the room without another person.” 

He looked slightly surprised at your offer, but after tripping over a few words he nodded and followed. 

Tech took a deep breath once you two were alone, clenching and relaxing his fists to ease a bit of his nerves, “I missed you, we all did. Missions aren’t as fun without you.” 

You grinned, “I missed you too. Everything goes by slower nowadays.” 

“You don’t enjoy your new life?” He asked, eyebrows creasing to form a concerned expression. He looked around at all the gold accented treasures hidden among the castle. 

“There’s no excitement. Every day is just a repeat of the last.” The elevator doors opened and you both stepped inside. 

They slid shut, officially making it just the two of you. “Do you miss the Order?” 

You shook your head, “Not as much as I thought I would, but I miss the adventures. I miss you.” you said the last piece quietly, hoping he didn’t hear. 

But since it was Tech, and he was the most attentive person you knew, he heard. He turned to look at you, making deep eye contact, “I miss you too. Co-piloting with Crosshair isn’t as fun as it was with you. I’m not as good at calming Wrecker down as you were.” 

You arrived at your floor, the doors opening again and both of you walking out. There was an awkward silence surrounding the two of you now, both wanting to say the same thing. 

As you stepped foot in your room, the energy shifted a little. You motioned for Tech to make himself comfortable and made your way to the closet. 

He sat at the foot of your huge bed, admiring how well-decorated it was. He turned to look at the wall his back faced, eyes wandering to your nightstand. In the middle stood a framed photograph. It was a picture that Wrecker had taken after a rough mission. You and Tech were both asleep, your head on his lap and his hand draped over your waist. He sighed and called out to you, “You know I’ve always loved you, right?” 

You froze, barely finishing at pulling the peach-colored dress over your head when his voice reached your ears. By the time you had turned around, Tech was standing in the doorway of your closet. 

No more Jedi Code. 

You walked to him, placing a gentle hand against his cheek and kissing him. He grabbed your hand and held it, leaning forward to deepen the kiss. He had waited too long for this to end quickly, and you felt the same. 

[jq37]

The Report Card – Fantasy High: The Seven Ep 2

The Girls Are Fighting!!!

We return to Aguefort Adventuring Academy where the man himself has just told the Seven Maidens that their party is being split up which they are NOT having even though it doesn’t seem to be a malicious plot so much as the fact that Danielle, Ostentatia, and Zelda are Juniors while the other four are graduating Seniors. Antiope casts Hunter’s Mark on Aguefort, Penny pleads, Katja threatens (well, “threatens”; she walks up menacingly and then says that he can’t do this because it’s the only group of friends she’s ever had and it’s heartbreaking like all of her non-hilarious dialogue is).

Aguefort understands that it sucks and has no respect for rules but says it’s out of his hands. Sam clocks that he’s hiding something (along with the fact that he seems to know about something going on with Antiope and Penny which we know is their respective internship/apprenticeship offers) and calls him out, hitting him with a Lightning Lure to drag his ass back when he tries to turn into a bat and escape out the window. She’s unhinged and I love it. 

So does Aguefort who decides to let them in on some school secrets, leaving a decoy while he leads them all to the super secret part of the forbidden library which is bondage themed because sure. Also, Ostentatia is topless for this also because sure. He does a lot of pomp and circumstance to summon a book which Yelle flatly says better not just be the syllabus and it isn’t but she’s close. It’s the bylaws of the school district which he has summoned for the guidelines on the special, magical thing the girls can get so they can graduate together…

Their GEDS!!!!! Trés mystical. 

Basically what they need to do is complete a level A, B, or C quest together (which Antiope knows are like the top 3 highest difficulty quests--they go from A-F) and get signoff from the superintendent. But the superintendent has been missing for 12 years and there can’t be a new one until she’s dead (which she isn’t or else they’d be able to appoint a new one). Her name is Tectonya Karkovnya (who I will be calling TK) and Aguefort calls her, “chaotic and impossible to predict,” which coming from him is como se dice, troubling. 

Sam pulls out her mirror to do a little snooping on TK’s past and sees that she’s a coppery, earth genasi woman. She also sees her talking to Aguefort and saying that the magic of consciousness is far superior to his beloved chronomancy. Then the scene shifts to show her getting more and more worried as she got deeper into her studies and then going to a dwarven holy site in the Mountains of Chaos with some kind of shadow figure following her. 

Penny gets photos of the super cursed bylaws and Arthur leaves since he very much is the principal of the school and has to do his job (ostensibly). With Aguefort gone, the girls discuss the proposition after conscripting a very reluctant Antiope to be their leader (Aabria hilariously improvises that a shaft of sunlight somehow comes down to illuminate her and she has to step out of the spotlight). 

They discuss whether they want to do this GED quest or not and Zelda says she wants to but she wants to give anyone who has other stuff going on an out so they don’t feel beholden. Ostentatia immediately shoots back that Zelda is just saying that because she has plans with Gorgug. That brings down the mood and Sam, despite being a water genasi, fans the flames by saying that Gorgug has lots going on that doesn’t involve her so she shouldn’t be running back to him all the time. 

Yelle tries to calm things down and says they should sleep on it but Sam and Ostentatia are taking this super personally and are offended that they’re even having this conversation. Penny accidentally lets slip that she has some kind of apprenticeship (she’s trying to keep it on the DL because it’s supposed to be a secret) and oh man it becomes a Whole Thing. They fight in the way that you do when everyone in the fight actually wants the same thing and cares deeply about each other but are in completely different headspaces which are making them lash out.

Penny, not wanting to be around the conflict, goes invisible. Zelda is suppressing going into a rage and says that maybe she should go be with Gorgug. At least he won’t yell at her. Yelle once again tries to cool things down and suggests they have a text thread where they can say if they’re in or out by the end of the night instead of hashing it out in the open. She’s accused of not being in and, in response, texts that she’s in. Ostentatia and Sam also immediately text that they’re in, which basically makes her “solution” entirely moot. 

Zelda is finally fully fed up and leaves (Penny following invisibly). Katja also follows. 

Antiope can tell that Sam is upset about something that’s not this but Sam brushes her off rudely and storms off (quite literally, causing storm clouds outside in her wake). Yelle goes after her. Ostentatia is left with Antiope.

Time for a string of very emotional mini scenes which I highly encourage you to watch because they are peak improv.  

Zelda, Katja, (Invisible) Penny

Katja runs to find Zelda who is under a tree crying and asks if she’s OK. Zelda says that Sam and Ostentatia are so beautiful and confident and eloquent and she gets so tongue tied and useless when they disagree with her because she’s so timid. Zelda wants this so bad but she doesn’t want to feel like she’s forcing her friends to stay with her. 

Katja, as we know, has major abandonment issues because of her constantly away dad (and prob her mom too) and she doesn’t want to be left behind again but she also doesn’t want her friends to factor her in so she tries to be stoic and says that the people you love have to want to stay. But with a 3, Zelda immediately clocks the emotion behind the words. Instead of calling her out, Zelda offers to listen to music with her. 

Penny takes this opportunity to make herself known (which has got to be terrifying--unless you’re used to it and then it’s like same shit as usual from Ms. Luckstone) and Zelda goat jumps to grab her out of the tree she was crying in above them and tells her that she doesn’t have to go invisible every time there’s conflict. They all agree that they hate confrontation and Rehka gets the funniest lowkey line of the episodes: that she wouldn’t know what to do if they didn’t agree on that. We then cut to…

Ostentatia and Antiope

Where Izzy gets the high key funniest moment of the episode by transitioning in with a big, “You know I LOVE confrontation,” which breaks everyone at the table. But she says it as a preface to admitting that she may have been a bit of a bitch to Zelda. She plays coy for like a half second before she breaks down sobbing with Antiope catching her before she sinks fully to the floor. Antiope comforts her and admits that while she wants to stay with the party, she hates having options taken away from her as they have been her whole life effectively. She was honestly kind of relieved when she was trapped in the crystal because it meant all that pressure was gone for a bit. They affirm that they love each other then Ostentatia goes to apologize to Zelda. 

Danielle and Sam

Yelle goes to talk to Sam (who she adorably calls “merbae”) and while Sam doesn’t wanna talk about it, Yelle says they don’t have to. She just wants to be there for her in whatever capacity she needs. She knows Sam loves her friends and would never hurt them on purpose so something must be wrong with her-- “History of abandonment?” Sam finishes, almost glibly. She’s tired of losing people. She doesn’t want to lose more. She doesn’t want things to change. Nature is change, Yelle says. Nature sucks, Sam says. Yelle is gonna pretend like she didn't hear that. 

Sam feels bad that she snapped at Zelda and Yelle says that they’re all a family. Things will be alright. The storm clouds that Sam reflexively summoned peter out into a cool, refreshing mist. 

Ostentatia and Zelda

Ostentatia goes to where Zelda and the girls are and full ass runs at her like they weren’t just fighting. After assuring her that she’s not there to fight she apologizes, saying she was a cow. Zelda says she honestly agrees with Ostentatia that she wants the group to stay together and wishes she could be bolder in non-rage settings. Ostentatia says that maybe if the Seniors leave they can still have a party and Penny vetos that even though, as Ostentatia says, it’s a pretty reasonable compromise. Anyway, they basically all go in a circle saying they love each other and it’s very sweet. 

I’m serious, I can’t do these heart to hearts justice in this format, just go watch them for that emotional girl group goodness.

Anyway, outside of the main group, Antiope goes to talk to her sister Corsica who is currently teaching a class. Antiope does not give AF. She orders the students out and they scatter. Wouldn’t you?

Antiope wants advice. Should she stay with her party after flaming out of her last one? Should she take the internship and stay on the path her parents want her on? Corsica really feels for her. Antiope has had to struggle in a way that she and their brothers never did. She finally answers that she and her brothers are awesome and successful fighters but none of them have been able to do the scariest thing possible: disappoint their parents. They’re soldiers. They like it that way. They fall in line. But maybe Antiope isn’t a soldier. Maybe she’s a leader. She ordered those kids out of the room without thinking after all and they obeyed. It’s an extremely good speech and Antiope basically has chills, as do I.  

I assume while this is happening or perhaps right before everyone goes home, Penny goes to see Jawbone (who has some spiffy new art--as did Gilear who cameoed early in the episode when Aguefort atomic wedgied him invisibly because sure) and talk about this uber difficult decision she had to make. Jawbone gets to the heart of the matter pretty quick. Penny is a high achiever who’s lived a life without choice. But now that she’s about to be off the rails for the time she’s freaking out. Penny sees the truth in the statement (after hilariously trying to solve his metaphor about an amusement park) and thanks him for the perspective. She then, in a very Fig move, tries to kiss him and Jawbone basically stiff arms her and breezes right past like it didn’t happen, showing her out. What a trooper that Jawbone.   

Moving on to Katja. When she gets home she tries to call her dad who is unreachable on his hell mission. She leaves him a message saying that he should call her back when he can and she knows what she wants for her graduation present now. She wants her party to not break up. This breaks Brennan and me. 

She then snoops arounds for info on TK. She sees letters of her dad trying to get her into Hudol. And she sees some stuff from the Ministry of Adventure, asking if he knew where TK was. But she doesn’t get anything else. At least, she doesn’t get anything else that’s helpful. She does however find a picture of her mom which makes her bolt to go talk to Cinnamon who prances for her to make her feel better. She joins in dancing, badly.

EDIT: I initially wrote that Katja’s mom was dead because that’s what I thought she said but @ennn said that in the Adventuring Party, Rekha said that her mom didn’t die, she left. Which is less dramatic in some ways but SO MUCH WORSE for abandonment issues so, yikes girl!

Yelle meanwhile goes home to talk to her unofficial third mom, Holly, who is the awakened tree under which her house is. Picture a Grandmother Willow situation from Pocahantas basically. Yelle talks about the conflict a bit and, as usual, ends up on a tangent about how the world is unfair and she has to speak for the voiceless. Holly is concerned for her (as are her other moms which I may have neglected to mention in the last recap). She asks Yelle if she can tell her something that might be painful. Yelle agrees. Holly says that Yelle is great and wonderful and kind but she spends so much time speaking for other people that she never speaks for herself. Her moms worry that there will come a day when she needs help and will have to ask for it without couching it in terms of the greater good and she won’t be able to. 

Yelle really hopes she’s high when the time comes. 

At her home, Ostentatia casts Commune With The City to see if TK has been around and she’s not there now but she can tell she has been (though there’s no indication on if that’s recently or not). On a 17 religion check she knows that there is a dwarven holy site in the mountains that matches Sam’s description from the mirror. She’s still avoiding her dad but when she prays for her spells, she asks for her dad to feel like himself again too. 

Hey, what time is it? Let me check my watch. 

Ah yes, it’s time for Sam to make some rash decisions. 

She feels like she should text Zelda but doesn’t. Instead, she goes into Penelope’s room. And she takes out her mirror. And even though she’s expended the charge for today, she tries to make it show her Penelope. 

OK, says Brennan. Sure. Hey, can you roll me a quick little Wisdom Save?

5. 

Haha, Sam’s in danger. 

The mirror heats up as it’s pushed beyond its limits and Sam sees an image of a young Penelope with braces grabbing her hands and grinning and saying that they’ll be best friends. Then, the image shifts and she sees the Penelope of the present in her tattered prom queen dress and glass shard crown. Her eyeless, haunting, demon prom queen form, teeth razor sharp as her words. 

“A call without a text,” she says. “Are you out of your mind?”

“You look better than you ever did alive,” Sam spits back. 

It is a battle of the bitches right out of the gate. The girls are fighting part two if you will. They snipe at each other for a bit and Brennan has Sam roll insight into herself. On a 19, Sephie says that’s not enough for Sam to get a read on herself (yikes girl) so she doesn’t understand that this fight can only ruin her because while Penelope enjoys causing people pain, Sam doesn’t. 

They both get in some very choice barbs but when Penelope tries to entice her into making a devilish pact and disparages her new party, Sam does the mic drop of the century by telling her that her parents are divorcing and hanging up. The entire table LOSES THEIR MIND. It is like a real life representation of one of those Draw The Squad memes. Everyone brandishes their fans in a salute to that truly epic conversation ender. 

As the night draws to a close, Brennan asks the girls who haven’t responded to the text chain yet if they respond. Katja texts that she’s in. Zelda texts Antiope and Penny that she’s not going to text whether she’s in or out until they respond because she doesn’t want it to feel like a 5 on 2 dogpile.

Antiope and Penny call then text, then call, then text, then call each other to discuss what they should do and also hype each other up because with all the drama, they didn’t really get to celebrate their opportunities. Penny tries to downplay her thing and insinuates that it wouldn’t be a big loss if she wasn’t in the group anymore and Antiope shuts that down immediately. You’re the last thing so many people see before they die Penny! That’s so cool! 

They both decide to text that they’re abstaining from voting for now and go to bed.

The next day, Antiope gets up and sees that her party’s schedule has been cleared for the next two weeks by the school for quest reasons. She tells her dad she wants to talk to Charity Blythe (the woman at the Ministry of Adventure she needs to talk do) and he sets up a no pressure (but actually tons of pressure) meeting with her before turning her 5 mile run into a 12 mile run because she is a Jones and 5 mile runs are for Amateurs. 

Ant texts the rest of the Maidens that this meeting is happening so they can maybe get some quest info from Charity and Ostentatia has in the meantime texted (after the 2 abstains) that she will be going for the GED regardless and anyone who wants to join can. Of course, there was never any reason to NOT go for it (besides the danger which they obv don’t care about) and getting it doesn’t mean any doors are closed to them. It’s just that emotions are running so high they can’t fully seem to see that (or at least some members can’t). 

Ant doesn’t have the clearance to meet at Charity’s office so they meet at the Museum of Adventuring instead. In it happens to be the skeleton of Kalvaxus who they killed (if you don’t remember, the Bad Kids killed him first and then he was resurrected so the Maidens could also kill him for catharsis reasons). Tensions are still super high as evidenced by Sam’s snide abstention comment to Penny and Ant and then by her TRYING TO LIGHTNING BOLT THE DRAGON SKELETON TO DESTROY IT.

GIRL.

That doesn't happen though because she’s Counterspelled by Charity Blythe who walks in, surprised to see that Antiope brought her whole party. Antiope says they were just leaving but Charity can sense shenanigans when she sees them and says if they’re gonna spy on the conversation they might as well stay for it which they of course do.

She gives Antiope a rundown of the internship: 1 year commitment with a possibility to expand to 2-3 years. Stipend. She’d have to live in Bastion City.

Katja remembers that her dad was talking to the Ministry of Adventure in the letters she found and asks Charity about it. Charity says they were asking him about TK’s whereabouts because he was friends with her. On that, Yelle casts Detect Thoughts with a Stealth roll of 17 (we see on a secret Box of Doom roll that Charity got a 26 to see her cast it). Anyway, she sees that TK took some object with her when she disappeared (which she later sees is a crystal screen with a map seemingly marking quest locations from A-F) and of course the fact that Charity knows this. Yelle shares this info with everyone as Antiope walks off with Charity to talk further. Katja suggests to the group that maybe Ant should take the internship to get more info for their quest. While she’s talking to Charity, Ant feels the hairs on the back of her neck stand up.

See looks up and sees a figure with blood red lips look at her and disappear.

Yikes! Combat time baybee!

Superlatives 

Danielle: Most Likely to Talk Her Way Out of a Hostage Situation 

While, like her mothers, I am slightly concerned that Danielle is the type to set fire to herself to make sure others are warm, I also very much love her chill, warm, encouraging vibes. For those of you coming off of MisMag, she is like vibing at the same wavelength as Whitney Jammer but with the intensity turned all the way down. Danielle encouraging Sam honestly gave me like second hand calm. Excellent vibes. 

Random Thoughts

If you’re wondering how long it took for it to come up that Aguefort banged a phoenix, the answer is 12 minutes.

The concept of phoenix chlamydia is the definition of thanks, I hate it. 

Aguefort saying that TK is a crazy person could literally mean anything tbh. It could mean she is the most batshit person on the planet or it could mean she’s totally normal and just kinda bugs him. Literally no way to tell. 

Someone (I think Rekha?) mentioned that the cursed bylaws book is copper and so is TK. Idk if that’s relevant but thought I’d flag it anyway. 

We learn in this episode that the friendship bracelets Penny made them last week let them track each other and see each other even if one of the in knocked out (which is what gives it utility outside of what their crystals can already do).

We learn in this episode that Skullcleaver Elementary School is actually named after Katja’s family. 

Nothing like the fear you feel when a DM gives you what you wanted even on a failure. And on that note...

Sam, I wish you a very happy Please Go To Therapy. Please girl. 

This episode was such an emotional roller coaster. I deeply empathize with the horrible feeling that your friends have stuff going on and you don’t and you’re going to be left behind. It’s so rough to see everyone hurting and lashing out (or in the case of Yelle for instance, trying and failing to diffuse the situation). But it’s so nice to see everyone trying to be there for each other and apologizing and affirming that they love each other (from Antiope saying that she would kill and die for any of them to Danielle defusing the ticking timebomb that is Sam). The players really get the cadence of how teenage girl friendship works and it’s such a treat to watch. 

“Did we ruin your life?”

Do you think ep 7 of The Seven is gonna be when everything pops off? As a DM I wouldn’t be able to resist that.

Penny’s response to being told that she can’t take every path is, “You can with chronomancy” which isn’t a bad point. 

Rekha is the Zac of The Seven which is to say low key the funniest person on the planet. Her saying she was so scared that she wasn’t gonna be told “I love you” during that scene was so funny. Her comic timing is impeccable. 

Katja fainting at the end of the “I love you” session after Penny says she loves her and Cinnamon. 

I love the table ambient whisper of, “LCAB” under Antiope’s scene with Corsica. 

I really felt for Zelda in this episode. Like, I felt for everyone but especially her, being the quiet one with all this yelling happening. When she was talking about how much she hates to have to fight with Sam/O my heart really broke for her. I’m so glad she got all her hugs in after that. 

In this episode Katja, Ostentatia, and Sam roll nat 1s. No nat 20s.