#this writer is too powerful to be kept alive

[fromevertonow]

Suzanne Collins is one of the few contemporary writers who realizes the importance of names in her stories and the significance they bear. They add so many layers to the story, additional meanings that otherwise would not have existed.

The original trilogy:

Katniss: named after a plant of which you can eat the roots. Her father taught her where to find it and told her that “as long as you can find yourself, you’ll survive” (quote may be a little bit off, but it’s from one of the early chapters in THG). Additionally, the leaves are in the shape of an arrowhead, referencing her skills with the bow which her father also taught her how to use.

Peeta: literally bread lmao. But bread is one of the basic nutritions humans need, a little bit goes a long way to keep you alive. Peeta’s presence in Katniss’s life also kept her alive, literally and figuratively—the burned bread he threw her in the flashback and their complicated relationship.

Primrose: a plant with medicinal purposes, even more significant in light of her work as a medic in Mockingjay.

Gale: literally means “strong wind” and considering that in every encounter with Katniss he’s caused some reaction, he pulls her into directions she maybe initially doesn’t want to go in. Additionally, his name also represents his determination and steadfastness in his beliefs.

TBOSAS

Lucy Gray: named after William Wordsworth’s poem “Lucy Gray” which is about the titular character of the poem who got lost during a blizzard. She literally got lost in snow. Rachel Zegler sang this poem in two parts on the original soundtrack of the movie. When Snow asked who the girl in the song is, Lucy answers that she’s a mystery, just like her.

Snow: aside from the obvious snow references, I think his name is most significant in relation to Lucy and the poem. The only one who knows what caused her disappearance is Snow. He is the reason that Lucy is gone. But her traces in the snow are still visible. He will always remember her because the memory of Lucy has manifested itself in every part of his life.

Coriolanus: named after the Roman general (and also the titular character of Shakespeare’s play), Coriolanus wanted to attack Rome and become its ruler. He was scorned and celebrated by the people, only to be later exiled from the city by them. In TBOSAS, Coriolanus is the star pupil at the Capitol’s academy but sent into exile to the districts after he won the Games with Lucy through cheating.

Volumnia: Coriolanus mother who played a part in his ascent to power. In TBOSAS, she almost serves like a mentor to Coriolanus, teaching him how to think in terms of power.

(Edit) Sejanus: a roman soldier who was betrayed by the roman emperor Tiberius, just like the future president betrayed him.

(Edit) Plinth: got this info from here, but it was too good not to include here. A plinth is a base for a statue or vase to stand on. After Sejanus’s death, all of the Plinth fortune was given to Snow for being such a good to friend him. It was this money that skyrocketed the Snow family from poverty to filthy rich. The Plinth money was the foundation upon which Snow built his power.

There are so many other names that have historical (mostly Roman and Greek) connotations—Plutarch, Seneca, Cinna—but also regular names like Trinket and Beetee bear meanings that represent the character beautifully.

Names are important. For any lover of literature or (aspiring) writers, please look closely at them. They can shape your story into something unique.

Feel free to correct me if I’ve said something wrong. I know there are many names missing, but I can only add so many examples ✊🏻😔

[https-lvesick]

♡ ⭑.ᐟ 엔시티 드림 . . "merry christmas, loverboy!"

scenario . . ♡ you’ve been bragging about your christmas gift for the whole month and, even though your boyfriend had been arguing you couldn’t beat his gift for you, he was curious, after all, you were talking too much. he didn’t expect you to tell the truth. it’s the first christmas eve you’ve spent alone since you started dating, a few months ago, so you decided to prepare something memorable. he found you lying on the bed, completely naked, well, not completely since you had a big red ribbon around your breasts, offering yourself as the special gift.

content . . 𝜗𝜚 boyfriend!dream x fem!reader, first time as a couple! [mk] protected sex, praising, squirting, kinda rough sex, mark is lowkey a beast ♡ [rj] protected sex (in my mind), praising, breast play, renjun is a whiny sub ♡ [jn] unprotected sex, virgin!reader, big dick!jeno, power play, cervix fucking, creampie, jeno it’s too good for this world ♡ [hc] fingering, messy sex, mention of squirting, mirror sex, haechan is a bit of a perv and kinda mean (but wbk) ♡ [jm] fingering, cunnilingus, praising, jaemin is a softie and… kinda pussydrunk ♡ [cl] unprotected sex, implied breeding kink, mentions of children (as next christmas’ gift), GIVE THIS MAN A KID Y’ALL, chenle is completely obsessed ♡ [js] unprotected sex, creampie, clothed blowjob (?), slight size kink, jisung is needy

lola's notes .: oh, haii >.< i’m kinda back yippie! i’ve been facing terrible writer’s block that is eating me alive and i’ve been kinda… depressed bc writing is literally my favourite thing to do, (stardew valley, close your eyes) so it’s being hard for me… anyways, dropping this hc (which i didn’t know i could write on time) so you can enjoy it while i’m away! also, i’m closing requests for now :( i have like 8 in line and, as i said, i can’t write now, but i’ll do it as soon as possible. i have some other projects to do, so idk when i’ll open it again… well, that’s it, enjoy your holidays, my adorable “lola lovers” (you’ve been named by @lyvhie btw) and merry christmas! love y’all <3 (and wtf are these content warnings 😭😭)

Mark

as soon as he stepped into the bedroom, his mouth fell open. he opened and closed it several times while you giggled, watching your boyfriend freeze in the doorframe. he didn't know how to react. though he wanted to touch you, his mind wouldn't let him — not until you gave verbal permission, even though you were literally offering yourself to him. mark stood there smiling awkwardly, trying to hide his obvious arousal. but when you walked toward him, touching his arms and whispering sweet words, he melted. you peppered his face with kisses, running your hands over his body just as you'd imagined.

you gripped the bedsheets so tightly you thought they might tear. you knew your boyfriend had strong hips — he was a dancer, after all — but you hadn't imagined they were this powerful. mark had your face down, hips raised, completely lost in pleasure. he barely let you catch your breath between positions. you'd already reached one orgasm, and he was driving you toward another.

"fu-fuck, baby, slow down..." you murmured, feeling another climax building. you were already weak, but mark kept going round after round like he couldn't stop himself. his skills were undeniable as his hips snapped against yours in sharp, quick thrusts, hitting all the right spots inside you. your eyes rolled back as you drooled, completely undone, but he loved seeing you like this — pleasure-drunk and utterly satisfied.

"c-can't..." he gasped, sucking in a breath when you clenched around him. "been waiting for you my whole life. i can't stop, baby, i'm sorry." his voice was weak, matching his expression. mark truly couldn't control himself, his body moving on its own. "so pretty, baby... so pretty..." he murmured, gripping your flesh. you managed a faint smile at his praise.

one hand maintained its tight grip on your ass while the other traced down your spine, his touch ghosting over your skin before grabbing your hair and pulling you to him. his lips pressed soft kisses and bites to your shoulder as you reached back to hook your arm around his neck. mark buried his face in your neck, whimpering as he picked up his pace once again.

when your fourth orgasm hit, your breath caught, and suddenly you felt something warm and liquid beneath you.

"did you just... squirt?" mark asked, staring in awe with a goofy smile. "shit, this was so fucking hot." he kept talking, but you couldn't process his words, too exhausted to focus. he removed the full condom, disposing of it in the bathroom before returning to you. "let me clean this mess so we can enjoy a romantic christmas eve." he chuckled at your incoherent mumbling.

Renjun

he wasn't proud of his previous actions, but he had glimpsed you naked once or twice... It was an accident — or maybe he had peeked while you were changing. but seeing you fully naked for him now was simply mind-blowing. though he had a mental list of everything he wanted to do with you when the time finally came, he couldn't move. he was too stunned. when your smile began turning into a worried frown, he snapped out of it, walking toward you to cup your face and kiss you passionately.

jun had always shown you his strong and confident side. you never needed to worry — he was there, your super-boyfriend, ready to handle all your concerns. even though he looked small and fragile, he never let that affect your perception of him.

having him underneath you was heavenly. his big round eyes looked at you — especially your breasts bouncing right in his face — like you were the most precious thing in the world. whines escaped his plump lips whenever you rode him too fast or clenched too hard around him. it was all overwhelmingly satisfying and delicious; you wouldn’t want it any other way. turns out his gift was indeed better than yours.

he played with your breasts, squeezing the flesh, pinching and twisting your nipples, even licking his lips, eager to taste them. so you ended his torture. you bent closer and smiled gently at him. "go ahead, love." as soon as the words left your mouth, he took you in. renjun hollowed his cheeks, suckling your nipple, twirling his tongue around the mound, making you gasp when he nibbled it.

your hips rolled lazily on top of his, but his teasing made you pick up your pace. you placed your hands on either side of his head for support and soon you were riding him exactly how you wanted. you lifted your hips until just his tip remained inside, then slammed back down. renjun's whines were muffled by the flesh in his mouth, his eyes rolling back. a heavenly sight.

"jun... baby... i'm—fuck—close..." you whispered, biting your lower lip. he nodded vigorously, gripping your hips, thrusting back into you at a desperate pace until you were the one rolling your eyes back.

as you reached your high, you nestled your face in his neck, breathing heavily, still clenching around him, still hearing his whines. minutes later, his arms caged you as he pressed a soft kiss to your shoulder and whispered sweetly in your ear, "merry christmas, my love."

Jeno

he wasn’t surprised to see you like this — offered to him so openly. he’d seen you like this once before, back when you tried to seduce him for the first time. back then, he’d gently rejected you, saying it was too soon. he wanted you to be certain, especially since it was your first time. but now, as you lay before him, beautifully confident and presenting yourself to him on christmas eve, he couldn’t resist. not this time. you looked so sure, so ready to give him everything.

a soft gasp escaped your lips, a sound that sent a jolt straight to his core. jeno was slowly sheathing himself into you, mindful of every inch, giving you time to adjust to his size. your hands clawed at his back, drawing a hiss from him, though the sting was nothing compared to the intoxicating grip your pussy had on him.

“is it okay?” he asked, his voice gentle as he kissed your face. “i can stop if it’s too much.” he nuzzled his nose against your neck, breathing in your scent. “love, if it hurts too much, we can try another day.”

“jeno, babe, please, shut the fuck up.” you replied, eyes squeezed shut. “it is hurting a bit, but that’s fine. i mean, have you seen your size?” he chuckled softly, continuing to pepper your face with kisses, hoping they’d ease the discomfort. “just… move slowly, yeah?” you added, and he nodded, doing exactly as you asked.

his thrusts were slow and deliberate, each movement filled with care. jeno wanted this moment to be perfect for you, something you’d remember with a smile — or maybe something that would leave you aching for him whenever the memory crossed your mind. he wanted to mark you, to make sure no one else could ever compare. you were his.

when the initial pain faded, you urged him to move faster, to stop holding back. and he obeyed — because how could he ever deny his woman? his first move was to pin your wrists above your head, holding you firmly but tenderly in place. he loved the marks your nails left on him, but right now, he wanted to see you fully. vulnerable. exposed. his.

the shift in pace was overwhelming. he fucked you with a fervour you hadn’t expected, every thrust hitting deep, brushing against spots inside you that made your mind go blank. you were soaking, your wetness easing his way into you as his cock found its rhythm, pressing against your cervix over and over. the sensations left you moaning, eyes rolling back, utterly lost in him. jeno — usually so gentle and soft — was showing you a side of him you hadn’t known existed, and you loved every second of it.

when he finally came, filling you with his warmth, your body reacted instinctively. your toes curled, your back arched, and his name fell from your lips in a chant. he relished the sound, savouring every moan as if it were a symphony written just for him.

his chuckle broke the haze, followed by a cheeky question: “do we get more gifts on new year’s eve?” you frowned, opening your eyes to meet his gaze. there he was — your mesmerizing boyfriend, sweaty and glowing, with a grin that could light up the world. he traced his hands down your sides, leaning in close to whisper against your lips, “merry christmas…”

Haechan

you were already his goddess — his perfect little girlfriend whom he'd do anything for. he loved you more than himself and respected you like you were his owner (and you were), but he couldn't help wanting more. he wanted to touch your body and do even more things to you, and you knew that — haechan isn't exactly subtle about his thoughts or cravings. that's why you happily decided to give yourself as his gift. when he saw you naked, he moaned involuntarily, so genuine that you couldn't help but giggle. he tried to hide his growing boner, but it was useless, especially because you were smiling at him with that warm, sexy smile of yours that made him kneel immediately. he licked his lips and took off his shirt, ready to enjoy the best gift anyone could've given him in 24 years.

it was raw, messy, and definitely dirty. haechan was a perverted motherfucker with thousands of fantasies — you knew that — but having sex with him took things to another level.

he was always suggesting beach dates or pool days at his house because he wanted to see you in a swimsuit, or suggesting showering together — "jokingly," according to him— to save water. you caught his hints, obviously, and it just fueled you to tease him more. but now that he had the chance, he wouldn't let it go to waste.

he had you completely open for him, your legs spread — caged by his own — in front of the mirror. the sheets were drenched, as was his face, and you were already drooling, babbling something haechan couldn't care less about. he was too focused on your dripping core, which made obscene noises every time his palm connected with it. your grip was so tight on his thigh that your fingerprints marked his flesh.

"you didn't know what you were getting yourself into, baby..." he grinned, watching your dishevelled reflection. your eyes faltered for a moment, making you close them, and haechan stopped, making you whine. "nuh-uh, what did i say? keep your eyes on the fucking mirror and i keep going." he held your jaw, making you open your eyes and look at yourself. the shame had long since vanished, replaced by pure, raw pleasure and inhibition.

"but... it's too much, hyeok..." you whined, trying to catch his hand on your jaw, but it was futile. you could see his mocking grin.

"yeah? too much? then i should stop, huh? i don't wanna hurt my queen." as soon as the words left his lips, your eyes widened and a single tear rolled down your cheek in desperation. he'd been edging you for the past two hours, filling you with promises of making you feel good, satisfied, and giving you as many orgasms as you wanted — and he did, once. haechan made you squirt the first time and then... left you high and dry, begging for more. this wasn't how you'd imagined your christmas eve to be going.

"chan, please..." you whimpered, feeling his fingers circling your clit. "let me—cum..." you gulped before letting out a stream of pleas. when you felt his lips pressing softly against yours, you knew he'd finally let you release.

"now, that wasn't so hard, was it?" your moans grew louder when he inserted three fingers without warning, moving at a quick pace, curling inside you. "let it go, baby, give me another one. be a good girl and give me another one."

Jaemin

right, okay, you caught him. no handmade or expensive gift could beat yours. he leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, admiring the stunning view before him. his smirk wouldn't fade as he walked toward you, ready to unwrap his gift. he wanted this to be the night of your life. fuck christmas at this point — you were his special event, and he would make it unforgettable.

"nana..." you whimpered, feeling your orgasm building. your boyfriend didn't hear, still devouring you like a starved man.

you'd been in this position for almost an hour now, lying in bed while Jaemin had his face buried between your thighs. before that, he'd explored your whole body with his hands, lips, and tongue. every inch of you had been kissed, licked, and nibbled. he made sure you felt special and loved — because you are.

"just one more, baby... i can't get enough of you..." he growled before diving in again. you gripped his hair, moaning loudly when he slipped two fingers inside you, fucking you while sucking on your clit.

jaemin wasn't even fully naked yet, still wearing his pants, having only removed his shirt because you'd begged. you needed to see him, to mark him. and there he was — your masterpiece, your gorgeous boyfriend covered in hickeys and love bites, just as he'd done to you. but you wanted more. you wanted to touch him, feel him, give him the same pleasure he was giving you — even more — but he wouldn't let you. not now. he was just too drunk in you to let you move.

just as he'd learned everything about you, he knew you were close — he'd seen the signs twice before — so he worked to overwhelm your senses. you came, releasing into his mouth once again, gripping his hair and chanting his name. he licked you clean before rising to hover over you, kissing your lips and letting you taste yourself.

"can my baby handle more?" he smirked. "i still have plenty of ideas to make this christmas eve unforgettable." he wiggled his eyebrows, making you laugh and playfully slap his arm. soon he crawled off the bed, stripping off his remaining clothes. you glanced at him, noticing a darker spot on his boxers. "yeah... i might have cum just from tasting you..." you scoffed. "what? you're absolutely fucking delicious, baby. how could i not when i had my face buried in fucking heaven?"

Chenle

fuck. you had just broken him. he’d lost count of how many wet dreams he’d had about you, how many nights he’d jerked off thinking about your scent, your taste. and god, he hated it. he had you. he didn’t need to fuck his fist like some desperate, virgin high schooler. but he couldn’t bring himself to rush you, couldn’t risk making you feel forced. so he waited. and now, this moment? it was everything. it didn’t take much for him to lose control, pouncing on you like a man starved.

from the very beginning — from the day you slapped his face — he knew you were it. his perfect girl. the one he’d love until the end of time, marry, have kids with, and spend forever building a life alongside. it was always you.

and now, having you like this — sprawled out on the bed, back arched, skin glistening with sweat, lips parted as the sweetest, most intoxicating sounds spilled from them — he felt like the luckiest man alive. he was making you his, satisfying you in every way a real man should — your man should.

your legs were wrapped tightly around his waist as he thrust into you with an almost desperate pace. yeah, chenle had imagined making slow, tender love to you, but his urgency wouldn’t allow it. he needed to feel you, to claim you, to pour everything he had into you.

“ch—chenle, fuck!” you gasped, fingers gripping the bedsheets for dear life. his cock was hitting every perfect spot inside you, and the pressure from his thumb on your clit was enough to drive you mad. why had you waited so long to let him have you like this?

“is it that good, baby?” his teasing voice only made you whine louder. he wasn’t even trying; it was almost unfair how effortlessly he could ruin you. you nodded breathlessly, and he leaned down, biting your lower lip before capturing your mouth in a searing kiss. your arms found their way around his neck, pulling him closer — as if he wasn’t already impossibly close. you were on the edge, desperate to fall over with him.

“don’t pull out, please…” you managed to whisper, your voice shaky as your release took over. your walls clenched around him, and you buried your face in his neck, biting down to muffle the intensity of your orgasm.

“not like i planned to,” he growled, his thrusts growing erratic. just a few more, and he spilled inside you, filling you to the brim as you’d begged him to. even then, he stayed, making sure he gave you everything he had.

“do you think we’ll be celebrating three months of our gift next christmas?” his cheeky tone earned him a playful slap on the back, and you shook your head, laughing softly.

“chenle, it’s too soon for that.” you brushed a hand through his damp hair, pressing a soft kiss to his shoulder. “but merry christmas, love.”

Jisung

boy would be shocked. he didn't even blink for a full minute. the only sign he was "alive" besides his breathing was his quickly growing tent. he didn't notice his body's reaction until you touched him. he whined softly, letting you take control and lead him however you wanted. but when he realized he could fully enjoy his gift, something snapped inside him.

you had been teasing him from the start — whispering sweet nothings in his ear, touching all his sensitive spots, guiding his large hands over your body to untie the ribbon around your chest. when you were fully exposed to him, his hands engulfed your breasts, squeezing them as he prepared to taste them, until you stopped him.

he whined, frowning as he watched you sink to your knees, running your hands along his thighs. "darling, what are you doing, let me—fuck..." the words died on his tongue when you wrapped your pretty lips around him through his boxers. it was the hottest sight he'd ever seen of you, and he was losing control.

you teased him with your tongue while squeezing him, maintaining eye contact as he pleaded for more. you could feel him throbbing against your tongue as he whispered his desperate pleas. he felt ready to burst without proper stimulation. he was begging for it — begging for you. but you weren't ready to give in just yet.

that led to your current position — bent in half, completely exposed, with jisung's tall frame hovering over you as he moved frantically. the thin chain around his neck swayed with each thrust, brushing against your face.

"fuck—sorry, love. am i hurting you?" he whimpered. you managed a faint "no." taking that as encouragement, jisung sat up, lifted your hips, and continued his movements while stimulating your sensitive spot.

you were so aroused that the sounds were obscene and loud enough to make you embarrassed. you'd never been this vulnerable with anyone before, and being this way with your shy boyfriend made you both embarrassed and deeply satisfied. his soft sounds merged with the wet noises, bringing you closer to the edge.

finally, he finished, every muscle in his body relaxing as he let out a satisfied groan, his head falling back. when you opened your eyes, jisung was hovering over you again. "you're so pretty..." he murmured, losing himself in your eyes before adding shyly, "but i finished inside..."

"don't worry. we're safe," you whispered against his lips. "merry christmas, ji."

"merry christmas, my darling," he smiled before kissing you.

did you enjoy your reading? why don’t reblog, like or leave a comment? this way i know you liked what i wrote and surely will keep up with the good content!

masterlist + taglist: @jungaji

[vantavarmint]

I think part of what makes the Netflix show so frustrating is the fact that there's definitely blind spots in the original lore that could allow for a deeper discussion on a demon's capability for love and goodness, but the show itself just did not seem interested in actually exploring those ideas.

I've seen some posts going around about how demons not being inherently evil was already established in the games, and I think that is true. The gameverse has a bit of a strange philosophy when it comes to demons and their capacity for good. On one hand, the original two games act as though the only way for a demon to be good is to actively distance themselves from their demonic heritage.

Dante telling Trish and Lucia that "devil's never cry" actually feeds into the idea that demons are inherently evil and that they aren't actually demons because they are capable of goodness. In those games, this is played straight. However, in later entries, they seem to recognise this for what it actually is - the rhetoric of a man who is projecting his own self loathing in regard to his demonic half onto the people in his life who are dealing with similar problems.

Vergil and his core beliefs around demonic power being the only thing to keep him safe when human fragility failed him is the first time Dante is forced to confront a flaw in his worldview. Vergil is technically correct in that their heritage is what has kept the two of them alive up until that point and that in order for Dante to stop his brother and Arkham, he'd need to embrace that power too. Dante seems to internalise this as the idea that his power needs to be used as a force for good - "with great power comes great responsibility," style, but still retains that he is good in spite of his demonic power.

Power in DMC is not inherently evil, the folly of the villains in the series is that they seek it to fill a hole that should have been filled with love instead. On some level, Dante recognises this, but is often too burdened by his self loathing that he has a hard time excepting and seeking out love himself.

In contrast, Nero is able to acknowledge what is truly important to him, allowing himself to be vulnerable when he gives and receives love, while also fully embracing his demonic side and the power it gives him. V also has a similar revelation, although his is just as much about learning to love life itself and rediscovering passions so he can have a better coping mechanism that isn't more power.

These core character arcs clearly indicate that the reason humanity is seen as morally superior in the games is their willingness to love and willingly give. To gain more out of life than just power (it's also what makes the power hungry human villains so evil, they want to throw away what makes them human for the chance at being powerful). Whereas demonic power means that demons live in a perpetually dog-eat-dog world where there is no incentive to love or create, you can only ever take. But when demons like Trish are given the chance to grow from that, they are just as capable of love as any human.

This then opens up for the line of questioning, well, if environmental factors are what's making demons so power hungry, then wouldn't exploring how being shut off from the opportunity to grow in the human world be a valid idea for the Netflix adaptation to explore? It could have been! Genuinely!

However, the writers were not interested in exploring that concept, not really. The need to fit established DMC lore into the shape of a narrative about the War on Terror and the otherization of Arabic people means that those ideas couldn't be expanded upon. Making your fantasy race an analogue to a real minority group severely limits what kind of narratives you can tell.

This is often the problem central to the fantasy racism trope. Because it's a direct reference to a real group of people who's only actual differences from anyone else is appearance and culture, any discussion of how physiological differences may impact the way they live and experience the world very quickly become a minefield.

The demons in the games are often one of a kind or a species with entirely alien biological incentives, trying to make them seem like their way of life would be no different from the average human is actively contradictory and just plain boring. It's part of why the demons that were taken from the game look so out of place compared to their more human shaped counterparts.

There is the potential in examining a demon's ability to love in the gameverse version of the lore, and it wouldn't have been a problem for the anime to explore that. That sort of exploration would have had to focus on how love can come in many forms, how a fundamentally different way of perceiving the world around you doesn't mean your perspective isn't valid. However, because demons are an exact reference to a real minority groups now, making them out to be more than superficially different to any other human is risking a lot.

So that's the crux of the issue for me. I think trying to force the demons from the game lore into a human shaped hole is a terrible idea. Hell, if they were desperate to make the US government into the big bad then there would have been precedent for it. DMC2 and DMC4 both concern powerful groups in society abusing demonic power for personal gain, the idea that a government would do the same isn't too dissimilar in my opinion.

To be honest, I feel a lot of the criticism of the anime has only been scratching at the surface of the actual problems so far. I'd appreciate it if the pre-existing fandom could recognise where problems existed in the source material before jumping to complaining about the adaptation, even if there is a lot to complain about...

[pennysperfectpolls]

Second Annual Penny Poll Finals!!!

Penelope (The Odyssey)

Penny Polendina (RWBY)

Last year these two barely missed the top spot but who will join the ranks of Penny Crygor as a Penny of All Time?!

Propaganda under the cut

Penelope (The Odyssey) Propaganda

The OG Penny. Wife of Odysseus. Girlboss. Matches her husband's freak. Scammed a bunch of guys w her cunning & iconic 'weave a funeral shroud all day and then frog it every night' scheme. Can't beat the oldest in the book.

——

Earliest Penny I can think of

——

Who is a better Penelope than this Queen? The correct answer is 'no one' (not to be confused with Nobody)

——

https://youtube.com/shorts/rqpgax8Iukw?si=ZhhqcnCB1K5AUpIS

——

Girlboss of all time, literal queen

Submitted 7 times

Penny Polendina (RWBY) Propaganda

Penny is a precious bean with a beautiful design, lovely freckles, badass floating swords that shoot lasers, and even gets to fly later on. The writers knew she would be too powerful to be kept alive and as a potential partner for their main character, so they killed her off, twice. If anyone deserves to win, it's this robotic cinnamon roll with a heart of gold.

——

Oooh what if you were a robot girl and had to keep the secret and didn't feel like you were a real person but the first person to find out is like "no that doesn't matter you're my friend" and it makes you feel so warm inside you believe her. Also you wind up involved in two different Nation destroying conspiracies against your will because people treat you like a tool to be used but you get to eventually reaffirm your personhood so utterly nobody could ever take that away from you. <3

——

please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please

——

The sweetest and most wholesome robot girl ever, who is also fully combat ready and quite capable of opening a can of whoop*** if her friends are in danger.

——

Sweetest character of all time, just wants to be a real girl, also could kick your ass, fiercely protective of her friends

Submitted 8 times

[thenationofzaun]

Vi and Jinx's Bunny Toy

I was thinking about how bizarre it is that Vi thinks Jinx is dead, and we're meant to see this as a positive thing for her character. The way the writers explain it, Vi will never be able to give up on her family and thus will never be able to choose between Jinx and Caitlyn. So Jinx makes the choice for her and removes herself from the equation, "freeing" Vi from the burden of having Jinx in her life so she can be happy with Caitlyn. This is so unsatisfying to me for a number of reasons:

1) Caitlyn is a godawful partner and the Caitvi relationship is such an equal, abusive shitshow that there's no way I can see Vi ending up in the Kiramman's gilded cage as positive. And the implication at the end that Caitlyn suspects Jinx is alive but is going to keep this hidden from Vi so she can have Vi to herself makes it even worse.

2) The whole "Vi can never give up on her family" doesn't land because Vi as a character is extremely inconsistent in this regard. One second she's letting her girlfriend take kill shots at Jinx, the next second she's shielding Jinx from an explosion, then she's hugging Jinx in the jail cell, then she's shit-talking Jinx for refusing to fight for Piltover even though she's obviously crippled by grief after losing Isha. The extent to which Vi cares about her sister changes every 5 seconds with barely any coherency in the writing.

3) The idea that Jinx is too much of a burden on Vi and Vi would be better off if she were DEAD is............. gross to me.

4) Vi is robbed of any character development. It would be way more powerful to me if Vi accepted that Jinx has grown into her own person and has to forge her own path in life whether that includes Vi or not. Which Vi DOES in S2E5 ("Why did you come get me? You don't actually need my help. You haven't for a long time.") Vi has shown already that she IS capable of this character development! But then the writers just make her regress and now apparently she's incapable of letting her sister go her own separate way and has to be duped into thinking Jinx is dead? Bruh.

So I was thinking about all this, and I thought, the ending would work so much better for me if Jinx left some sort of message or hint for Vi to let her know she's alive, and she just needs time away from Zaun and Piltover. Remember their bunny toy? The one that a bully stole from little kid Vi and threw onto the power lines, then Vi got it back to give to Powder in S1E2, then Jinx kept it with her all throughout Season 1?

I wish Jinx had left this for Vi somewhere Vi would definitely find it. Maybe back at Vi's apartment or something. Imagine Vi goes back there to pack her things to move in with Caitlyn, and she finds her old toy sitting on her dresser. Preferrably with a note from Jinx explaining everything. This way Vi would know her sister is alive, she'd have some character development in accepting her sister has gone on her own journey, and it'd bring the bunny toy full circle all the way back to its original owner. First Vi gave it to Jinx in Season 1 to say goodbye before Vi turned herself in to Piltover, now Jinx gives it to Vi to say goodbye as she leaves Piltover behind. I would also have liked for the show to end on something Vi and Jinx related rather than Vi and Caitlyn. The sisters are the heart of the show. It should have ended with them.

[winxanity-ii]

𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐓: 𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃

❘ prev. chapter ❘༻✦༺❘ next chapter ❘

Sorry, not an update, but I'll try to keep this short...

I just wanted to take a second to speak directly and honestly with y'all after posting that last chapter (CHAPTER 42.5: WRATH WEARS MANY FACES). I've been seeing a few responses that, while valid in feeling, have also reminded me why I normally don't look at comments after publishing something heavy.

Let me be clear: I know this chapter was a lot. It was violent. It was cruel. It was painful. That was intentional.

This isn't fluff. This isn't comfort every chapter. This is a mythos-based story, rooted in ancient violence, power imbalance, and divine wrath.

I'm not here writing gore for fun or romanticizing harm—but I am writing a story where gods and mortals alike are capable of monstrous things, especially when they feel justified.

Chapter 42.5 was especially meant to remind you who Apollo, Hermes, and Telemachus really are—how close they sit to the divine cruelty of Olympus. I love them, yes. They're soft to MC, yes. But they are not soft to the world and those they deem unimportant/useless. That contrast is what makes their tenderness meaningful.

And I've hidden Hermes' darker side behind jokes long enough. Some of y'all forgot he's a god, and a trickster, and someone with centuries of blood under his belt. There's nothing squeaky clean about him.

If the chapter bothered you—I understand. It's not meant to sit easy. And for those of you who felt empathy for Melanion, or said this felt too much... I respect your reactions. Seriously. You're allowed to feel conflicted. That's what good storytelling should do.

But what isn't okay is the passive-aggressive commentary about my choices as a writer. I've been transparent from the beginning: this fic isn't some wholesome, "MC gets babied 24/7" kind of tale. It's a dark, myth-heavy journey with stakes and consequences. You don't get a kiss in Chapter 2 here. You had to wait because the world I'm building doesn't hand out softness that easily.

And I can't help but find it a bit hypocritical how some folks cheer for Andreia to die, but pity the man who murdered MC in cold blood. Y'all got mad at her for emotional cruelty, but want grace for someone who left them bleeding in an alley? We must not have grown up reading the same myths lol.

I'm not saying you can't critique or feel strongly. You're welcome to disagree. To feel things deeply. That's human. But don't twist the space/story I've created into something it was never meant to be. This isn't an Epic Musical fluff AU (hence the note of not needing to actually know about it). This is Olympus. This is blood-soaked marble. This is war, consequence, and love wrapped in power dynamics. I've made that plenty clear with me writing out the suitors carnage in chapter 6 instead of summarizing it.

And I say this with love but also honesty: if my content, tone, or direction rubs you the wrong way, it's okay to step away. Truly. I'll never beg anyone to read something outside their comfort zone.

Also—and this might be petty but I'm adding it here anyway—I'm even more annoyed because I had to spoil a big MC-related moment to my own sister. 😭

We promised to treat each other as authors, only editing each other's chapters once we’d both read them fully. That was the deal. But she noticed I was acting off and pushed me about it—kept asking what was wrong and finally told me to just rant before it ate me alive. So I did.

And man, I'm a damn blabbermouth because once I started venting, it all spilled out. Do you know how hard it was keeping a main plot twist from her? Only to have to reveal it because sister issues come first?? 😭💀

But yeah, back to being serious, this is my second serious fic, one where I'm trying to do something I can look back on and be like 'Xani, you ate that up fr.' And if that means I have to block people who threaten the joy or safety of my creative space?

Then so be it—rejection sensitivity or not.

That being said, I'm taking a real break from updating. I know I said I was taking a break after the last chapter, but the truth is, I was just trying to pace myself and stay ahead without losing momentum...but now I mean it—for real. I think I need an actual one to cool off and not spiral.

And yeah... maybe this rant feels a little intense or childish to some of y'all, but I needed to say it or I was just gonna end up doing something impulsive that I'd end up regretting later.

To those of you who do get it, who read carefully and trust the process—thank you. Deeply.

I'll see y'all soon 🖤

—Xani

Tag List: nerds4life246 ace-spades-1 uniquetravelerone alassal thesimppotato11 jackintheboxs-world kahlan170 akiqvq matchaabread danishland uselessmoonlight apad-ravya suckerforblondies jolixtreesunn dreamtheatre woncloudie byzantiumhollow kisskisskys b4ts1e sarcasticbitchsblog trashcannotbealive idkanyonealrr

[angst-is-love-angst-is-life]

Do you think the writers even knew how deep of a hole they dug themselves into?

Barry finds out Thawne had cameras at every significant location in his and his loved ones’ lives (one of them pointed directly at Eddie’s bed btw), and had been stalking him for fifteen years. Jesse was held captive for months if not a year, oh, and also tortured, that happened too. Caitlin’s husband died six months ago, and she’s a little sad but dw we’ve got a shiny new love interest for her. Oh Iris’s fiancé died too, on the same day, in a rather violent and traumatic manner. Cisco’s powers were activated by him repeatedly reliving his own death. “When it rains I can still feel where you shot me with those arrows” said TWO WEEKS after his spine was snapped (<- said snapped spine incident also involved mass public humiliation and other injuries). THE PIPELINE. Oh, Caitlin’s love interest didn’t work out? He kidnapped her, killed her doppelgänger in front of her, and threatened to kill her and all of her friends? Jesse gets the same powers as the person who kidnapped her. Iris’s mom is actually alive but oh wait not anymore; this will never be brought up again. Barry’s mom was murdered four days after his birthday. “I watched you die, Barry. You kept dying, your heart kept stopping.” Barry got disintegrated trying to get his powers back, and everyone he loves saw this. Wally got disintegrated too btw, and then had to watch his mother die over and over in a time loop. Iris thinks she’s going to die for months and then someone sacrifices themself for her against her will. You can’t count the number of times all of these people have seen someone they care about in mortal danger. Barry manages to trace any and every horrible thing that happens back to his actions. “This was done TO ME.”

[scriptseekstories]

Thou Art With Child?!

Chapter 3- Drunken Dance

A/N: Come one come all, for I have a special gift to share! I’m now those cringe writers adding music and having the characters sing/J lmao,

But like… it’s a really good song from a good show you should totally listen and watch it-

P.S- I got my eyes dilated for a glasses appointment and now I’m just praying I proofread everything right or else I’ll cry

Affogato knew who you were even before you gave your name. Every cookie knows who you are, or at least the cookie you were made out to be in all the Kingdoms. The one that had paintings hung on the wall of your faded memory.

You weren’t forgotten so easily by history, for certain powerful cookies kept your legacy alive by stories and legends, some true some stretched into something more. But all were stayed simply as stories, cookies wishing they knew you.

Yet here he was, sleeping in the same bed (he insisted he got cold during nights) as the same cookie who he used to walk past portraits of, now waking up together by the wails of Doughy.

“Ngh… third time tonight…” You groggily slid out of bed and went to tend to your crying dough. Affogato never felt such utter torture until now, making him pull at his robes and follow you to where Doughy resided in a cradle you craved out.

“Why must you have so much to cry about in such a small body?!” Affogato cookie whined while holding Doughy, well, attempting to hold them as he had no idea to hold a baby.

Doughy was still wailing, little stubby arms reaching out for comfort, which was something Affogato cookie did not have in him. You rubbed your face to keep you awake as you hushed both of them.

“All I hear is two babies. Give him to me,” You firmly yet gently took your baby from Affogato cookie’s hands and cradled them. Their big innocent eyes stared up at you while you soothed their cries.

“What can make you sleep, my little bundle?” You tiredly mumbled, watching at Doughy stopped crying, but was whimpering and hiccuping. Affogato cookie rolled his eyes and trudged back to bed just as you had gotten an idea and smiled at your baby.

“Hush, little one, let me sing you to sleep~”

You sung softly, trying to have a good time to keep Doughy calm. That made Affogato cookie stop in his tracks, turning around quickly.

“Moonlight has come, so drift off to a dream~”

You swayed side to side, smiling at how your baby dough watched with their big eyes, quietly babbling nonsense.

“Sail from the day to the wonders awaiting you out there, the the deep~”

You moved around the room, hearing the giggles of Doughy and their squirming underneath their blanket swaddle.

“Off, little one chase the wind on the waves~”

Affogato cookie crept closer, eyes dilated from how you were singing, and what you were singing. Your back was turned to him, too busy keeping your baby dough quiet and calm.

“Adventure is calling, so go and be brave~”

You lifted your head up, startled by the sudden voice of Affogato cookie. You turned to see him yawning and wanting to go back to bed, but he crept forward towards you two.

“But if you get lost as you’re tossed in the dark of the sea, look for me~”

He placed a hand under the back of Doughy’s head, giving you a wink which made your lips twitch into a smile before turning your attention back to your baby.

“I will wait at the shore for you, I will weather each storm standing by till safe you return from the night~”

You both began to sing gently to Doughy. That made the baby dough giggle and yawned as you and Affogato cookie shuffled together to spin them around.

“My love is a lighthouse, so darling~”

Doughy’s breathing became deeper and more peaceful while you both sang. His catlike eyes drifted onto your face, watching how much you deeply loved your little baby dough, his eyes twinkling.

“My darling, look for the light~”

They were now soundly asleep, their little chest rising and falling in a steady state. With a relaxed sigh, you set Doughy back into their crib and pulled the blanket over them.

Placing your hand over your mouth to hush Affogato cookie, you two quickly yet quietly shuffled out of the room,

“How’d you know that lullaby?” You quietly asked, shutting the door, “My mother sang that to me as a baby, surely she didn’t get it from any kingdom,” That song was created when you lived off the shore with your family, way before you moved into the forest away from it all.

“I do admit, it’s been a very well known lullaby across the Dark Cacao Kingdom,” Affogato cookie mumbled, “Among other Kingdoms,” He merely shrugged and stalked back to bed, leaving you in the hallway.

Known lullaby? Your brain processed what he said before it clicked. When you would visit the nearby village with the heroes of Earthbread, you would softly sing that song to the kids when they plead to hear your voice.

The same song you used to sing when drunk after a long night of Hollyberry and Golden Cheese cookie chugging down juice, keeping everyone laughing and enjoying the night.

“They didn’t fully forget me…” You whispered out, your hand reaching to your chest and squeezing your shirt. They may not have searched for you after the Dark Flour war, but they didn’t throw you away.

They cared, in some way. Your face heated up before shaking your head firmly. They were gone, you can’t reminisce the past of the ones who are no longer here.

You had Doughy now, and Affogato cookie! Your feelings towards the strange cookie was… getting better. So far, any thoughts of him hurting you or your baby was gone as he was nothing but helpful. Sure, he’s still a little unhinged most days but a week of spending time together was… fun.

“Let’s hope I’m not wrong about you,”

꧂꧁꧂꧁꧂꧁꧂꧁꧂꧁꧂ ꧁꧂ ꧁꧂ ꧁꧂ ꧁

“What is it this time?” You laughed, hands on your hips witnessing Dark Cacao cookie hunched over a bucket you brought in, looking more nauseous than the second.

“Good old Dark Cacao cookie ate some mushrooms Golden Cheese cookie dared him to!” Hollyberry laughed while patting the hero of abundance on her shoulder, the said cookie merely smirking.

“And he complied?” You couldn’t hide your smile while rubbing Dark Cacao cookie’s shaking back, “He didn’t wish to be seen as a prude,” Pure Vanilla sighed with a disappointed head shake.

“Y-You owe me… crystals….” Dark Cacao cookie managed to choke out before gagging and went back to vomiting in the bucket. You grimaced while letting him lean against your body, your heart skipped a beat when his heavy breathing vibrating through your body.

“I have some herbs to make into paste if you have anymore tea,” White Lily cookie emerged from the outside holding some plants. You felt your heart beat faster feeling her soft hands onto yours when she passed the plants to you.

“My dazzling treasure, you don’t, by any chance, have any more of that juice I stashed here?” Golden Cheese cookie tried to slyly flutter over and whisper to you, “I would advise to stop stashing things in my house, Golden Cheese cookie, I keep tripping over golden chains,” You jokingly sighed, making her grin as you rummaged around a chest to reveal loads of bottles.

“Let’s celebrate the revival of our dear friend Dark Cacao cookie by having rounds of berry juice!” Hollyberry cheered, pulling Dark Cacao to sit upright and grabbing a bottle.

“You always say that for the excuse to drink,” Pure Vanilla shook his head with a smile, White Lily giggling softly as Hollyberry let out a boisterous laugh.

“Yes!” She agreed shamelessly, “Come my dear (Name)! You’re always the best drinking buddy!” She swung an arm around you and pulled you to her chest. You yelped felt your body grow hot with how she held you close to her.

“O-okay!!” You squeaked out, being spun around by the cookie before she ran out, motioning for everyone to follow. You rubbed your cheek with a shaky and breathless grin.

“You better not drink it all, Hollyberry cookie! It’s also mine!” Golden Cheese shouted after her, making sure to tuck her wings as to not knock over some of your house items.

“Yes, let us have a sip of juice to make you feel better,” Pure Vanilla cookie reassured his friend as he cringed at the paste you had to spoon feed him to. Dark Cacao cookie glared at him before

“Ngh… fine,” He grumbled, but deep down secretly wanted to drink the embarrassing moment he went through today. He trudged to follow his friends who were already laughing with joy.

“But not too much drinking! We all can’t carry Hollyberry back home again!” White Lily worriedly yelled, setting down the herbs and hurriedly ran after them, which meant it was just you and Pure Vanilla.

He gave you a big smile, thanking you for helping with Dark Cacao’s little bet with Golden Cheese, “Ah, not problem, anything for you,” You shyly rubbed your neck, not seeing how Pure Vanilla cookie’s soul jam glowed at your words.

“Best not to let them drink it all, my (Name),” His (Name)… the way he worded things you couldn’t help but smile a big dopey grin, your cheeks heating up.

You grabbed his hand and he led you outside where Golden Cheese cookie was already pushing down an entire bottle of juice down Hollyberry’s throat, where White Lily was frantically trying to stop them with Dark Cacao cookie silently sipping his cup watching the scene in front of him.

“Wait for us!”

꧂꧁꧂꧁꧂꧁꧂꧁꧂꧁꧂ ꧁꧂ ꧁꧂ ꧁꧂ ꧁

“(Name) cookie?” Affogato cookie tiled his head, raising an eyebrow at your spaced out look on your face. Doughy whined and patted

“Darling, you’re spilling your soup,” You were back from whatever you were thinking about, cursing to yourself as you held the bowl upright, staring at the puddle that you caused on your carpet.

“A-Ah! Sorry!” You apologized, remembering to clean up the mess later. Affogato cookie chuckled and sipped his own jelly soup, amused yet intrigued at how spaced out you were lately.

“What is swimming in your pretty head of yours~?” He purred, making you roll your eyes and stirred the soup with your spoon absentmindedly.

“Memories of the past. What could’ve been,” You nonchalantly shrugged, but it peaked Affogato’s interest even more. You turned your attention to who was on your lap, Doughy wanting more food.

“Open up, Doughy~!” You did an exaggerated expression of opening your mouth to get them to mimic. They giggled at your silly face and clapped, opening their mouth to have a spoonful of jelly soup.

“Look at you! Getting so chunky!” You cooed, tickling their sides which caused them to squeal and clasped onto your hand, their mismatched dough contrasting your own.

“You know,” Affogato cookie sets his bowl down, “It’s been a long week of the two of us- which I mean you- fixing up this lovely home~” You raised an eyebrow and deadpanned at his words, where he kept his shit eating grin and continued.

“How about later tonight when Doughy is off to bed, we could do another night of us drinking berry juice~?” He offered, before reeling back with a yelp when Doughy pulled their hand from their mouth and slapped it on Affogato’s arm, saliva splattered on his dough.

The offer was tempting, nights of Doughy wailing and demanding all sorts of baby needs was getting to you, but could you really trust being drunk with Affogato cookie?

“Oh, Affogato cookie, you know I’m not that much of a drinker,”

꧂꧁꧂꧁꧂꧁꧂꧁꧂꧁꧂ ꧁꧂ ꧁꧂ ꧁꧂ ꧁

“A-and then, the b-beast landed a strong impact on my friends!!” You giggled while letting out hiccups, swaying side to side from where you were sitting. Drinker my ass, you were three bottles of berry juice, along with Affogato cookie, you two were giggling like idiots.

“W-what a delightful story~!” Affogato cookie clapped joyfully, lounging on the couch with a big dopey grin on his face. He himself was also not a drinker, however the way you light up whenever he participated in berry juice he couldn’t resist accepting.

Which is how you ended up where, giggling like dumbasses while Doughy was peacefully asleep. You hiccuped and opened one eye to look at Affogato cookie.

“Say… y-you going to ever tell-tell me why you looked so… so ratty when met?” You swallowed hard, lazily grinning at the cookie who scoffed and waved his hand dismissively.

“I’m a-afraid you’ll be… mildly disgusted if I told you~” He answered bluntly, “Nahh… of course I won’t!” You tossed your hands up, spilling drops of juice before chugging the whole thing down.

“Trust m-me, my darling (Name)~ N-not even… my cunning looks c-could m…make you forgive me~” He cooed, making you laugh. None of you could really register what the other was saying, so the words slipping out was simply drunken words.

“Mm… be-beautiful night,” You switched conversations, distracted by the twinkling stars shining down above your home. Affogato cookie followed your gaze, seeing the crescent moon barely above the mountains.

“Back when-… when I was at my home, I-I used to watch the stars under- under my window~” He drunkenly confessed, softly and quietly that you might’ve blunt hard it if he wasn’t right next to you.

“When m-my… friends used to visit, we would-would drink outside and…” You felt your face heat up, “Dance,” You tried to mumble the last part, but you were too drunk to control your voice and you said it very loudly. Affogato cookie stared at you before bursting into more giggles.

“Dance?” He laughed, “S-shut up! I was b-born with two… two l-left feet!” You argued, knowing damn well you never had the rhythm nor skills to dance. Affogato swayed his head outside, before stumbling to stand up and threw himself toward without falling.

“Do you… w-wish for a dance, darling~?” He slurred, attempting to look dazzling and charming by stretching his arm out, but was so close to stumbling onto the ground with one push.

You giggled before attempting to catch his hands, wobbling a few times when you finally clasped onto him. He yelped when your weight pushed him back and he stumbled down the front steps, catching you into his chest.

“Just watch me~” He drunkenly cooed, pulling you upright before you both began to waltz around, your feet stumbling about. You were never the best dancer, always making up your very cringey and dorky dances that didn’t involve another cookie.

Until they appeared.

Your memories filled your brain, the nights where you danced underneath the moonlight with Pure Vanilla after drinks. He would laugh and spin both of you around while the insects humming noises sound like a melody in your drunken states.

“I will, wait at the shore for you,”

You both softly sang together, trying not to giggle and hiccup as the jelly fireflies began to rise from their slumber, flashing with light surrounding the two of you.

“I will weather each storm standing by till safe you return from the night~!”

Your eyes made you see Golden Cheese cookie flutter above you, holding your hand in hers as she twirls you around with a grin. Those memories were fun.

“My love is a lighthouse~”

You could see Dark Cacao cookie holding you close as he tried to teach you how to dance, even patiently wincing when you would step on his shoes.

“So darling, my darling~”

The laughter of Hollyberry cookie when she lifted you in her arms and you both laughed while she spun you in her arms, while you attempted to not throw up from how hard she hugged you.

“Look for the light~”

The soft giggles of White Lily faded in ever so slightly, seeing the memories of her waltzing with you while all five of you danced together in such a elegant yet drunken manner it was the most fun you had.

Affogato held his eyes closed while holding you closely to him. His head rested on top of yours as the cold night air draped over you both, but the heat from the drunkenness kept you both warm.

His plans… they were on hold. This life he never thought he would achieve was getting to him. A peaceful and happy week he spent learning magic with you, seeing Doughy grow more attached to you.

Maybe… his plans to get back at Dark Cacao will be sweeter than this life he put on, he’ll keep you by his side and rule the kingdom with your child growing up to be a perfect heir.

“Darling?” Affogato cookie whispered, feeling your weight pushed against him more. You let out a whine,

“Ngh… Nilla…” You moaned softly, trying to feel the buzzing in your head to go away, “Holl… Lily…” You snuggled further into his chest, a drunken blissful expression on your face.

“Gold… Cacao…” The name of that wretch made Affogato cookie to stare at your now sleeping face, eyes glazing over with a dark glint. His grip tightened ever so slightly around your body to prevent you from waking up.

He dragged you back inside, into your room, and he tucked you into bed, sliding next to you. He stared at the back of your head, not saying a word while you obliviously slept your drunkenness away.

“Aren’t you clever? Tricking me to… feel weak,”

꧂꧁꧂꧁꧂꧁꧂꧁꧂꧁꧂ ꧁꧂ ꧁꧂ ꧁꧂ ꧁

Two cookies treaded through the thick forest, the mixture of snow and green grass left footprints wherever they walked, attempting to travel into this new territory that appeared a week ago from the Dark Cacao Kingdom and Hollyberry Kingdom territory.

“Caramel Arrow cookie, listen,” The shorter cookie paused in his steps, crouching down and raised his claws in anticipation, waiting for anything to strike just as more rustling came from bushed behind them.

“Halt! Who goes there?!” Caramel Arrow cookie draws her bow, ready to fire at whatever was hiding in the forest greens. Crunchy Chip growled and was about to pounce at the sound when he stopped seeing a families glint of red.

“Stand down, First Watcher,” A monotone yet clear voice commanded while his full figure emerged. Crunchy Chip quickly yelped and motioned the archer to lower her weapon. She slowly did, sharing her eyes at the new cookie before nodding.

“Ah, you must be Wildberry cookie,” Caramel Arrow cookie smiled, “Crunchy Chip cookie told me all about you,” Said cookie choked on air and punched the archer’s arm roughly with his face turning red.

“Like Oven I did!!” Crunchy Chip cookie hissed at his friend, “She’s lying don’t believe her!” He quickly said to Wildberry cookie, who simply nodded in acknowledgment.

“Say, what are you even doing here?” Crunchy Chip recovered from his embarrassment, “I was sent by Hollyberry cookie to go on this mission, however she requested to keep the target a secret,” Wildberry cookie informed in his usual polite tone.

“Weird, Dark Cacao cookie told us the same thing,” Caramel Arrow cookie hummed with her hand to her chin, “Question, does this target involve the magic beam of light?” She asked curiously, but seeing the soldier’s eyes widen ever so slightly made her confirm her suspicions.

“I suppose that I could reveal the truth if we are after the same thing,” He replied, nodding along before his eyes slowly trailed up to a figure perched on a thick branch.

“So we all were sent by the Ancients without any others’ knowledge?” Black Raisin cookie wondered from the trees, causing the other two to flinch from the voice and cautiously watch as she jumped down from the tree.

Just from behind Black Raisin cookie, emerged an irritated and tired Smoked Cheese cookie, whacking away branches with his staff while arching his back to sooth his aching pain.

“You all willingly went to venture on this fellowship of yours,” Smoked Cheese cookie huffed, “Her majesty, Golden Cheese cookie forced me to accept this tedious journey,” He sarcastically remarked, right before shutting up when Black Raisin cookies gave him a harsh glare.

“If our majesties tasked each one of us to venture out to find that source of magic without each of them knowing, then it must be serious,” Caramel Arrow cookie guessed. It was weird that Dark Cacao cookie wasn’t really specific on what exactly they were looking for, but he said they would know when they see it?

“The question now remains, what do we do when we arrive to our destination?” Smoke Cheese cookie pushed his staff into the dirt. He frankly does not care of what he was looking for, as long as the others find it, he would be satisfied.

“I say we fight till one is left standing to retrieve this magical source!” Crunchy Chip cookie grinned sharply and raised his fists that held his claws. Black Raisin cookie gave the short cookie a warning look, as if daring him to attack her.

“Or,” Wildberry cookie placed a hand on Crunchy Chip’s head, “We are to work together, retrieve this magic source, and confront our majesties about their secretive requests,” Crunchy Chip cookie growled and swatted the hand away before mumbling an agreement.

“I supposed that’s a good strategy,” Black Raisin cookie reluctantly agreed with help from these cookies. These other cookies seemed to be better company than Smoked Cheese cookie, who did nothing but complain and rant.

“If we must, I’d rather not travel with other cookies, but it’s better than being with Burnt Cheese cookie,” Smoked Cheese cookie grumbled. Caramel Arrow cookie smiled and pointed one of her blades out into the forest.

“Right then, onward! We’re almost there!”

A/N: there’s a lot of jump cuts in this chapter because I’m very bad at where to put parts in lol

Also what would you think about the Beasts and other cookies attempting to woo (Name) because they see a cookie with a child and are like “obviously that baby need a parent that steps up and that cookie needs a spouse to marry”

Taglist: @pix-stuff @jellystar-star @moon0goddess @lettucel0ver @lithiumval @degenerates-posts @ryuushou @deathbynarcisstick @silverklaus @artistwithcreativeburnout @middevil465 @jsprien213 @1abi @oliviaewl @redkarmakai @nxdxsworld @the-dumber-scaramouche @sc3n3mo-t3to @tw-om-gi-hs-56387 @bunniotomia @welpthisisboring @rad4bean @ithoughtthinks @reeyy0-2 @ceramic-raven @danart501 @esposadomd @trashlanternfish360 @jjoppees @nervousalpacalady @eyeless-kun @pinkcloudcat @lunamonkeypower @soriansick @your-favorite-god @fandom-freak-123 @cupid73 @solarisstarrsolomonsbeloved @otterluver05 @dondonrulerofall @octo-artist

[onlybeeewrites]

A Change of Plans (2/)

Pairing: Haymitch Abernathy x Fem!reader 

Requested: yes!

Word count: 2k

Warning: Mentions/illusions to SA, mentions of blood, gore, mentions of past games.

A Change of Plans: Previous

A/N: OMG I’m alive??? So many people requested a part two and I finally got around to writing. Between how busy life is plus writers block I promise I’m not ignoring the requests in my inbox <3 i appreciate all of your patience and I really hope you enjoy, this was a lot of fun!

      · · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

You never for one moment had thought that you’d be back here. Not like this at least. Of course you had been a mentor for years. You had did your best to keep the kids alive, to try to at least bring one home each year. But like many of the other districts, not many did.

You remembered their names. Their faces haunting your dreams every night when dreams of your own arena decided to give you a break. 

The dreams started off kind at first. But then as usual, they turned awful. Dark. Bloodied. Murderous. The smell was thr worst part. It all felt so real, that you could still smell the flesh and blood even after waking up. 

All of it reminding you of the failure to save them. Most of them at least. Celia was one of the ones you were able to save. Now a mother, she had her life ahead of her. At least as much of a life a victor could possibly have. 

But that’s why you always kept to yourself. Always. For the most part at least. You always kept your head down. Did as Snow asked of you. Continued to put out clothing lines the Capital thrived off of. Played the happy shy girl until you grew up and the Capital had new toys to play with.

Like Chasmire. 

Like Finnick.

You had been spared. Too shaken too meek. Not desired enough by the Capital to be sold off to. Though you supposed that was a blessing in disguise. A blessing that you didn’t get called on. Used by greedy hands and dropped back off on the train to go home.

But that didn’t protect you completely. Even now, after so many years after your own victory. You still returned to the Capital often. For parties, fashion shows, interviews, collaborations, meetings, work ups. It was exhausting. 

It was always exhausting.

But it Haymitch soothed it. 

It was rough at first. For a few years at least. Both young and scrambling to learn how to live with the content losses. The loose mentoring as the both of you were kids yourselves. Dealing with the aftermath of your own traumas—though dealing in very different ways.

It had taken years for you and Haymitch to become friends. Even longer to be lovers. With knowing how the Capital worked, you both knew Snow would do anything to use each other against one another for something.

So you both kept it close and quiet. 

Your own little peace. A little get away from the bright lights, and the constant cameras. It was something that was purely your own that no one could take.

But somehow, even without knowing? Snow had exactly done just that by putting you in the Games and not Haymitch.

You had known what was being planned by the rebels. Especially being from District 8, you had seen it yourself how fast that fire is spreading. And once the Quarter Quell had been announced? You knew the poor girl, Katniss, who you had been able to see and meet and call, was being thrown back into the games. And sweet Peeta refusing to let her do it alone.

Snow was trying to kill her. That much was clear to you as well. But what was also clear was how important the two kids from the District 12 were. You knew there was something sort of plan being brewed. You just needed to wait to hear what it was. But a gut feeling told you that that plan, didn’t include you as a priority. 

Not that you mind. You didn’t really if it meant getting the kids out and stopping these Games once and for all. It was Haymitch that you were worried about. And you hoped to whatever power was out there 

    · · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

The metallic scent of polish and artificial roses hung in the air, sharp and suffocating in the way only the Capitol could be. You stood backstage, shoulders pulled back despite the weight of the dress stitched to your body like armor.

District 8’s stylists had worked you into something stark and hauntingly beautiful — a dress made entirely of thread. Fine lines of black, silver, and deep plum wound tightly around your frame, as though you’d been sewn together by the very fabric of your district. 

The skirt trailed behind you in curling stitches, unraveling and reforming with every step, a visual metaphor for resilience. Your bodice was structured like a corset —though it was amusing considering both your and Woof’s outfit were your own design your stylist borrowed. 

Your hair was swept up into a loose bun, tendrils left to fall and frame your face in soft waves. Silver pins shaped like needles sparkled subtly in the Capitol lighting. Your makeup was more subdued — matte lips the color of dried blood in your opinion, and makeup around the eyes lined with a metallic powder. 

You smoothed your skirt with a quiet exhale, not from nerves, but from weariness. The Capitol made everything feel louder, heavier. But you’d been through this before. You knew how to hold yourself without becoming something else.

A familiar voice broke the hum of prep around you.

“Well, well. Look at you.”

You turned, lips tugging into a smile as Finnick sauntered over in his absurd sea-green netting and too-confident smirk. Though you knew it was all pretend—expect for that fond look in his eye that he saved for his true friends.

“I thought they were supposed to make me the pretty one tonight,” he teased, giving you a slow once-over.

You blinked at him, unimpressed. “You look like the garnish on a seafood platter.”

He laughed — loud, bright — and leaned in to bump your shoulder with his. “Good. Then they’ll never see me coming.”

You gave a soft hum, smiling now as he settled beside you. Finnick never stayed still, always pacing or fidgeting. But next to you, he stilled — if only for a few breaths.

“You nervous?” he asked, tone lighter now, but still careful.

You shook your head. “Not for me.”

He nodded, glancing down the hall where all the other tributes laid: older and younger, and the newest additions at the very end of the line. “Yeah,” he said, quieter. “Me neither.”

You reached up, gently adjusting one of the messy strands of hair that fell across his forehead. “Don’t show off too much tonight,” you murmured.

“I make no promises,” he grinned. “But I’ll try — for you.”

You shook your head fondly your heart aching knowing that he, like many here, are hating the fact they they all had to be there agin. Then the horns blared, signaling the parade to begin. 

Taking Woof’s hand, you stepped up into the chariot, and waited to get this over with.

 · · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

After the parade was finished you told Woof you’ll catch up with him later on, your heels clicked softly against the floors. You didn’t glance around — not yet. Your eyes found Haymitch immediately, though you pretended they didn’t. They always found him.

Your heart pounded as it had the first time you saw him. And ever time after.

He stood with Katniss and Peeta near the elevators, arms crossed, his usual grim scowl in place. Though he seemed to be talking with him, almost amused.

You kept your pace measured as you walked toward them. Your heart kicked at the sight of him, at the way his eyes swept over you quickly — worried, relieved, proud — before he looked away like it hurt to look too long.

“Smooth ride?” he asked, voice dry.

You nodded. “Crowd still loves a tragedy. All their favorites are in the ring,”

“You’d know,” he said. But there was a faint curl to his lip. Almost a smile. “Though not all their favorites. I’m not in,” he said.

That had earned him an unamused eyebrow raise, “Well unfortunately for you, Abernathy, you haven’t been a capital favorite in a long time. Especially now wi the these two,” 

Katniss’s eyes lit up when she saw you properly, as if the weight on her shoulders lifted for a second. Though it was quickly replaced with that familiar stoic gleam in her eye. The reality that you too, were back in the games.

“Y/N!” she breathed.

You gave her a nod, eyes warm. “Nice to see you again, Katniss. You looked good. Cinna did a great job,”

She laughed under her breath. “You looked terrifying.”

Peeta smiled too, softer. “We are glad to see you. It’ll be good to know someone here,”

You met his eyes reaching and giving his shoulder a gentle squeeze. Peeta was too good. Too sweet. And especially with his leg gone? These games for him especially would be almost impossible. “I wish I could say the same,” 

The elevator opened then chimed open and you all stepped in. You stood beside Haymitch. You were careful not to brush against him even as your fingers ached to reach for his.

Silence stretched. Capitol gold and steel blurred past the glass walls.

Then the elevator chimed — twelfth floor.

The doors slid open.

You waited until the kids stepped out and headed to their rooms to change before they ate.

“Y/N,” Haymitch started, the moment the two of you were alone. Well, as alone as you could be in those apartments. 

“I’ll find you later. But you know I can’t stay long,” your voice was quiet, but quick as your gaze met your love’s. His eyes, the same tired grey ones Katniss wore. And his messy scruffy dark hair that Effie tried to tame.

How cruel the world was. With how much it look from your Haymitch. And how cruel it was that it just continued to take from him. His friends. His family. You. 

“Nothing changes,”

“Plans change.”

“Do they?” Your eyes, usually so soft, timid were fierce like they had been so long ago. Before the burn out of the games. Before the toll of the losses started to take that light from you one year at a time. 

There was something in your voice that made him turn. His eyes were sharper now, clearer than anyone ever gave him credit for.

“You talk like you’re not part of this.”

You gave him a long look. “I’m not the one that matters in this right now, Hay.”

He flinched. Barely. But you saw it.

“Don’t start,” he muttered.

You stayed quiet for a moment, watching a hovercraft drift past in the distance. Its lights cast brief shadows across your face.

“I know the rules,” you said finally, your voice low, but steady. “I know how this game is played. Who the sponsors will favor. Who else is watching.”

He stared out at the city, jaw clenched. “Don’t make decisions for me.”

“I’m not,” you said gently. “I’m reminding you to make the right ones.”

“You are the right one.” The words escaped before he could stop them. Rough. Unfiltered. Careless.

You glanced around the room. Knowing that all over there are most likely cameras and bugged wires placed and hidden all over. Your eyes fell back to him, and raised your brow slightly, a silent careful.

He let out a breath and shifted, eyes on the horizon now. “There’s a plan,” he said, voice more careful. “A way to keep certain… valuable pieces on the board. To ensure the games win,”

“I know,” you said. “I know the pieces. I don’t need to know all your strategies to know the goal is to win,”

He turned to you, eyes searching. “You’re not just a piece.”

You gave him a small smile. A sad smile that broke his heart. “But I know where I sit on the board.”

Silence stretched again. Not cold — just full of things neither of you could say.

Then, softly:

“They’re good kids,” you murmured, hands tightening on the railing. “Kind. Brave. The kind of good that’s hard to find now. But they’re also incredibly important,”

He nodded once.

“You make sure they win and get out of there,” you said. “You do whatever you have to do.”

“I’d rather not have to choose,” he replied, quiet.

“You won’t have to,” you said, finally looking at him again. “I already did.”

[somekindabard]

Shauna being bi is so important to me. Jackie being a comphet lesbian is so important to me.

All of these characters are so well written and the sheer brutality of trauma and how it shapes a person are displayed so powerfully. Some of the girls have trauma before the crash and you can see how it affects them. Then you can see how they are pre-crash trauma vs during vs after and how they evolve. It's just so real and raw. The writers delve into the complexities of girlhood to womanhood with so much trauma mixed in and the actors skill takes it to a deeper level.

They also showcase relationships in general so well. Familial, romantic, platonic, etc. So it makes sense for them to showcase the complexities of being gay, especially in the 90's. I was a bit disappointed with season 1 at first because so many people online were so annoyed by those of us that thought Jackie and Shauna had feelings for each other. It felt like I was queer baited again. I knew the show had representation so the most obvious pairing never happening with no chance of happening and with no confirmation of the feelings kinda hit a nerve. I didn't know the writers or much about the show yet so why would I trust them? As a queer person, I've definitely been burned before by "representation".

But Gooood the way that Shauna and Jackie look at each other. The way Jackie speaks about Jeff, about her going to college and needing to lose her virginity first and how they weren't gonna stay together, how he said he loves her and she didn't say it back but maybe she "should have". It's just so comphet and so familiar to me. And it's the best portrayal of it I've seen. And yes of course it doesn't have to be blatantly stated for it to be real, but without the confirmation I was so frustrated. People who don't get it, who haven't lived it, who probably don't even know what "comphet" means saying we're reaching and that "not everything has to be gay" really did get to me. It shouldn't have, but it did. Because yeah, we're seeing more and more gay characters in media, but they usually follow specific tropes. God forbid there's more than two queer experiences in media. God forbid we showcase how complex it is to discover yourself.

It's so frustrating when people who dated men before coming out are called liars or people don't recognize how being raised in a heteronormative society can make it really difficult to recognize your queerness. And then throw in bisexuality and that can add a whole different type of confusion. Enter shauna. It was just so so perfectly done. It felt so familiar. Finally! There's an out queer couple and then there's these two who aren't necessarily "fighting their queerness" or trying to pray it away, they just don't fully understand or recognize it yet. It was set up so beautifully. And then Jackie died and nothing was confirmed. And I was really sad, but I kept watching because the show is so good and tried to ignore the people who don't get it. But it just felt so special I was sad it went unacknowledged.

But as I've watched more and more, omg. The writers have greatly earned my trust. And I actually love how it played out. I love that we didn't get the confirmation or a love confession or anything while Jackie was alive. Because so many queer people don't ever get that and it hurts. So many queer people die before finding ir understanding themselves. So many queer people never accept themselves. It makes Jackie's death even more tragic. And then Shauna actually confirming her bisexuality adds so many layers to it. SHE'LL NEVER KNOW IF JACKIE FELT THE SAME. Even if ghost jackie confirms it, she'll never actually know. God thats so tragic. And I don't feel its "bury your gays" tropey because its just too real and I can't explain it but the way the went about it was just right. I hope she'll explore that grief later on. I feel like that could be really powerful, but so far the writers are better at this than me lol so we'll see where it goes.

No, we don't have explicit confirmation that Jackie is a lesbian dealing with comphet, but lesbians who have dealt with comphet interpret her that way. We see ourselves represented and it's so special and important to us. And her best friend that we thought could be bi? She is. For sure. And her life continued on long enough that that was confirmed. But Jackie's wasn't. Ouch ouch ouch. There's sooooo many ways that not confirming Jackie's queerness could have gone wrong. Again, bury your gays, queer baiting, all of the tropes. But somehow it doesn't feel like that. I trust the way this story is written and I trust the direction it's going. I don't know if I conveyed what I wanted to here or what else to say I just. Ahhhh I have big feelings about the representation in this show and those feelings are no longer frustrated. There's grief and desperation and sadness, but in a way that feels very healing. And then there's JOY somehow. Lots of JOY IDK I JUST LOVE THIS SHOW THX FOR READING THIS FAR

[moghedien]

How do you feel about the WOT (book) ending? Most people seem to like it, but, honestly, I hated it. My fave (Egwene) ended up dead, the real enemy (to me, the Seachan) won, and we're explicitly told through visions that they (mainly the Aiel) shouldn't fight that. I think it would have been immediately improved if Rand had been clasped with an a'dam and forced to share the fate to which he felt comfortable condamning all those women.

Ok so first things first, what Aviendha saw in Rhuidean is not the future that’s going to happen. She saw a possibility of a future that could happen and pretty sure they explicitly made choices to prevent that from happening in the text itself. A series of things had to have happened besides just the Aiel going to war with the Seanchan for that to happen.

The Seanchan also didn’t win, they just didn’t lose yet.

The Seanchan have been confronted with the reality that every sul’dam can channel, including their Empress. The next generation of the royal family is going to have two separate family lines that both have very power channlers in it. The potential for all of their kids to be born with the spark is HIGH. Seanchan is going to either collapse within the next generation or have to make several very drastic changes that I just don’t see them being able to make. Seanchan is going to eat itself alive before it can be a problem across the sea again, whether that be revolution, civil war, or whatever, the truth about the damane system is known now and that’s not going allow the status quo to remain

The other problem with the kidnapped women being kept in slavery is something I kinda personally don’t dwell on too much as a character issue because I honestly think a lot of how all of that ended was Sanderson not dealing with it well enough. I blame the writer not being able to handle the task of writing something that serious rather than the characters making the decisions they would actually make. I’m not as harsh on Sanderson and the Sanderson books as a lot of people are but I do blame a lot of the issues with the Seanchan in particular on him not being equipped or interested enough to deal with it. Same with a lot of the deaths.

I’m honestly fine with the ending in that I can easily just talk myself around what I didn’t like being different than how it’s presented in the text. I’m not so hard core on the canon having to match what the story in my head is. Even Egwene I have….ideas….about…

[the-breath-in-air]

Okay Galadriel's whole situation in the first episode of season 2 of Rings of Power makes no sense to me. For the entirety of season 1 Galadriel was trying to convince everyone that Sauron's alive...and no one would believe her. And now suddenly in season 2 she's suddenly supposedly unable to trust herself around Halbrand because he deceived her once. But, like, he deceived Elrond too? Literally everyone trusted him at least to some extent. But somehow it's Galadriel who's brought ruin to Middle Earth by not catching that Halbrand was Sauron when literally...no one did?

Like, wtf? A second ago Gil-galad and Elrond were about to bring ruin to Middle Earth by refusing to believe Sauron's back...now suddenly it's Galadriel's fault she was deceived by an enemy that the rest of you kept telling her wasn't there?!

ETA: To the folks replying with explanations of why Galadriel feels guilty or how she was seduced by him, thanks but that's not quite where my point of frustration lies. Like when I say it makes no sense I mean like, as a story. Like, it's more about the weird self-righteousness of Elrond and Gil-galad as compared to Galadriel's guilt, given all the ways Elrond and Gil-galad were also wrong. And the fact that self-righteousness is unspoken by Galadriel. Like, at no point in all the arguments about the Three Rings did Galadriel bring up the fact that we was right before about Sauron being alive so maybe Gil-galad should listen to her because last time when he didnt, it all got fucked. But it doesnt feel like its deliberately unspoken...it feels like the writers just decided not to have any character bring it up. (At least not in the first 3 eps of season 2...I havent watched the rest yet)

[blueinkedfrost]

Castlevania seasons 3 and 4 - Hector and Lenore.

Spoiler warning.

Image source

What are the key traits of a vampire? Ask five writers, get fifty-five answers, a lot of ink is spilt on this topic and that's good.

One of the most compelling definitions is, "A vampire is a powerful parasite, who cannot survive without murdering people." A vampire is a metaphor for the rich and greedy in human society, who break other people's backs and use and abuse others' labour to live long and comfortable lives at the expense of their suffering.

Castlevania vampires seem to live up (down) to that definition. Sure, they're able to drink animal blood, but they calculate that if Dracula's plan to murder all humans on Earth worked, then they too will starve to death even if some animals survive. They specifically need to devour humans to continue to exist. So the war between vampires and humans can't end. Bias alert: I am Team Human all the way.

Castlevania's Lenore was a child of war before she became a vampire. She decided to be a vampire diplomat. Peaceful negotiations when possible, so that everyone involved got some reward and left the table happy. She showed loyalty and affection to her vampire sisters and generally kept her word when she made a bargain. She fed on humans, but she kept it discreet. She even trimmed her nails instead of going around with claws like every other vampire.

Enter Hector, the human Forgemaster, with the ability to animate dead bodies into powerful night creatures subservient to his will. This is a unique ability that only humans can use. While they're often persecuted by other humans, Forgemasters are very valuable to vampires because their "night creature" armies are used more like "day creatures" since they don't die from sunlight exposure like vampires. Lenore was tasked to bring Hector under her sisters' control. She manipulated Hector into becoming her magically bound slave and told him that he was her pet. She gave him decent food, clothing, and creature comforts. Both sides of the relationship tripped over Stockholm syndrome and manipulation into something resembling friendship with a side of sexual attraction. (I think it's pretty explicit that some of Hector's manner to Lenore represented him trying to manipulate her. Hector was a prisoner, Lenore and her sisters abused him, so his escape attempts are obviously sympathetic.) When Hector finally escaped captivity, he asked his ally Isaac to keep Lenore alive as a favour.

Not long before Hector's escape, Lenore came to a realisation about her sister Carmilla. Centuries ago, Carmilla was turned into a vampire by a mad old vampire who abused her. At some point she killed him and seized power. She gathered three other female vampires and formed a ruling council: Striga the warrior, Morana the logistics manager, Lenore the diplomat, and Carmilla the leader and inspiring spark. Perhaps all four had similarly dark backstories at the hands of men. Either way, the four vampire queens of Styria managed to rule a small but stable kingdom for two hundred years. Then Dracula summoned Carmilla to his side while he was trying to kill every human on Earth. Carmilla realised he'd become another mad old man, so Carmilla betrayed him and kidnapped Hector to use for herself. Carmilla's new plan saw the end of Lenore's diplomacy: she was going to use Hector to make an army and conquer the world by force. Lenore didn't know at the time, but her act to enslave Hector was the last task she could ever complete in Carmilla's new world.

Lenore claims that the "vampire's virtue" is stability, since they are long lived. She desires stability and she achieved something like it for two hundred years. But Carmilla is hungry for the whole world. Carmilla's become a mad old woman as much as Dracula was a mad old man, and wants never ending power that will cause her and her sisters' lives to be nothing but endless fighting. Isaac defeats Carmilla and she dies while Lenore is captured.

Lenore fears being kept in a cage, even though it is the same fate she inflicted on Hector. But there's much more to her last decision than that fear.

One of Lenore's final lines is:

LENORE. Having been shown what I am, having found that I have been living a lie ...

Through Carmilla, Lenore came to understand that as a vampire she'll always hunger. She tried for stability and was less bloody and more thoughtful than the average vampire, but she would inevitably have followed the same way as Carmilla. Her cruelty to Hector was part of what she was.

LENORE. Power does nothing but eat. HECTOR. Like a vampire.

Lenore decides to kill herself by walking into the sunlight. Hector reaches out a hand to stop her, but chooses to let her go.

HECTOR. Be free, Lenore.

Looking at the sun, making a joke about how there's not much to it, turning back to Hector in her final moments, Lenore dies with dignity and dissolves into the dawn.

Lenore's character arc is a well written tragedy. Through Carmilla and Hector, she's awakened to what she is and will become - a murderous parasite with a never ending hunger. She finds the inner strength to end it all. I enjoyed watching her character's journey.

[pennysperfectpolls]

Penny Poll Round 2 Match 5

Penny Polendina (RWBY)

Peni Parker (Spiderverse/Marvel Comics)

Propaganda under the cut

Penny Polendina (RWBY) Propaganda

Penny is a precious bean with a beautiful design, lovely freckles, badass floating swords that shoot lasers, and even gets to fly later on. The writers knew she would be too powerful to be kept alive and as a potential partner for their main character, so they killed her off, twice. If anyone deserves to win, it's this robotic cinnamon roll with a heart of gold.

——

Oooh what if you were a robot girl and had to keep the secret and didn't feel like you were a real person but the first person to find out is like "no that doesn't matter you're my friend" and it makes you feel so warm inside you believe her. Also you wind up involved in two different Nation destroying conspiracies against your will because people treat you like a tool to be used but you get to eventually reaffirm your personhood so utterly nobody could ever take that away from you. <3

——

please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please

——

The sweetest and most wholesome robot girl ever, who is also fully combat ready and quite capable of opening a can of whoop*** if her friends are in danger.

——

Sweetest character of all time, just wants to be a real girl, also could kick your ass, fiercely protective of her friends

Peni Parker (Spiderverse/Marvel Comics) Propaganda

her name is technically penny its just spelled different!!

——

She has a robot and they’re best friends!

——

the spiderman cute girl version of shinji evangelion. she is so cute and deserves all the good things in the world!!

[fiuworks]

What is the dynamics between each of your tla entities oc?

There's some of them who are next to each other in the drawing, does that represent something?

Some of their stories are more intertwined than others!

Roman is a former (and extremely conditioned) member of the People’s Church, and when the Church fell apart, he found independence, and also found love in aspiring archeological thesis writer Gail! Their romance is brief and passionate, until the death of Gail in an illegal cave ruin expedition that causes him to be crushed under a collapsing wall. Roman uses the Dark’s power to comfort Gail in his last moments, and then afterward in his grief submits his body to the Church as a new vessel, in hopes to re-ignite the cult and lose himself completely.

I think these three are some of my oldest ocs, and can be found under the #laika fear of flying TMA tag!

Santiago fell to the corruption when he accompanied his scientist brother into the Amazon on a trip, and got lost in the jungle and bitten to hell by mosquitos. He found himself enamoured by the life cycle of mosquitos and how they spread and survive, and went back to camp and felt compelled to drink all the vials containing all kinds of bug samples and experiments his brother was working on. Shocked at his survival, his brother begs him to test on him, but by the next morning, his brother is dead. Enthralled by the Corruption and living his best life, Santiago later joins Hermes’ permanent crew- and spends his days making passengers lives miserable.

Marina was born in a thriving community in croatia in the 60's that she slowly watched descend into gentrification and those she loved began to starve and die and so she decides to confront some of the buisness owners in their factory and mid heated conversation an oil tank bursts, killing the men she was talking to and so she flees but everywhere she goes she's overwhelmed by the effect rapid gentrification is having on society at large and in the mid 80's ends up by sewage pipes at the sea's edge and starves to death inside of one, but is brought back by the extinction, which claims her, and she's kept alive by the vigour of haunting mankind of their mistakes and inevitable deaths. She later joins Hermes’ airline crew.

Hermes always liked to roam and had big dreams of being a pilot but was very quiet and bullied on a bit by his two older brothers, but on a trip to the shard (tallest skyscraper in london) when he was 17, his eldest brother cabhan goaded him to go up the scaffolding ladders on the building onto the maintenance platform and as hermes is savouring the veiw, cabhan pushes him off. however, hermes miraculously survives the fall after failing to see the ground or the sky for what feels like hours, and suddenly finds himself injured on the ground. after recovery, he enters university and then flight training but the day before he gets his results, he tests what he experienced by jumping off another skyscraper and the sky 'catches' him again and he keeps testing it and realises he can do this to other people, and then when he becomes a pilot, realises he can do it to passengers, too

Hermes starts his own flight company, and hires two people first, two people hes met through various flights and who have since become his lovers over time- santiago and marina. hermes scouts budding avatars and those marked by the fears as well as normal flight attendants and such and has created the most efficient airborne system for harvesting and feeding off of fears.

(marina gives sleeping passengers or passengers watching movies imagery of plane crashes and emissions, santiago messes with the plane food and drink and the quality of the plane or illness in surrounding passengers, and hermes loves flinging people into the vast)

I love this evil throuple they’re great ❤️

A devoted, married pair of biologists who go down a dangerous spiral of seeing how far skin graft developments can go- and when no subject wants to come near them for fear of getting too familiar with the brains and bodies of animals, the Wilsons turn the scalpels on themselves. These days, they seem to act just a little off. Almost as if they’re the same person. However- nobody sees them enough to know for sure.

Two friends who started a rock duet, Miss Direction, rocket to stardom in their mid twenties. However, as their fame increases, their need to have control over the other does too. It reaches a breaking point, and while Rina is supposedly weak and pliable, Danys attempts to take their own eyes out to put them in Rina’s body. However, Rina sees this coming from miles away, and at the last second implants one of her eyes into Danys. Danys is now a lifeless puppet who is stuck watching their body move, as Rina gets exactly what she wants.

but yeah those lot are very interlinked! I do have a joke between Victoria and Uriah, as Uriah uses the Spiral to make pottery out of people and abstract their self-image into obscurity, and Victoria is a famous nude painting model who uses the Eye to embed her Oversight into any painting made of her and compel her artists into telling her their life stories, so the fact that Victoria and Uriah could cancel eachother out and have beef amuses me greatly

But yeah LOL soz for the infodump

[lazycatwriter1]

Azul x fem reader 

Little mermaid Fantasy au  

Summary: Azul fell in love with the reader who is a princess and Azul becomes a human to meet the reader and just being pretty cute stuff and not very serious 🩷

Genre :fluff 

Notes: probably not very good and it was just for a little fun since I have been in writer’s block for months and probably some grammar mistakes and I did Half asleep soo sorry if it’s bad 🫶🫶

Azul has been interested in land for a while now just imagine all the more business opportunities on land and more deals he could make. So of course he was interested in land. 

But he never thought he would be so interested in a human for a completely different reason than why he was interested in land . 

You were the human he was interested in. The princess of the powerful royal family . But he was not only interested because of the fact you were royalty. He had another reason, fell in love with you. 

He didn’t know why he liked you so much. He didn’t want to fall in love with anyone. He was coming with a plan for you to make a deal with him. But somehow he fell for you. He was watching you for a while to try to come up with a deal but something about you made him more interested then just making a deal with you.

One day you were on a boat sailing on the sea. You are having a great time as you look out to the Beautiful sea with a big smile on your face. You watch the waves of the sea and you find the sea beautiful. undisclosed to you Azul was watching you and daydreaming about you. Even though he would deny it. 

He watches you with a big smile on your face as you look across the ocean. You looked so happy it made him happy to see you with a smile on your face. It made his heart flutter for some reason. 

But then, eventually the blue sky turned gray,the winds started to pick up and the waves began to become bigger. A big storm was starting. The strong winds were so intense it knocked you down to the ground of the ship. 

You tried to pick yourself up and you grabbed onto the boat. You were trying not to let go but another gust of wind caused you to let go of the boat and caused you to stumble backwards and fall off the railing on the edge boat. 

You hit the water with a big splash. You tried to swim to the surface but you couldn't because the waves were too strong for you to keep your head above the water. Your vision started to blur and you began to become tired from trying to stay above the water. You couldn’t keep your eyes anymore or struggle and you started to sink. 

Before you passed out you felt someone wrapped their arms around you trying to see who it was but you passed out before you could see. Of  course it was Azul who was saving you from drowning.

Azul pulled you up to shore and laid you against the sand. He up his ear to your chest to see if you’re still breathing. You were still breathing. “Thank goodness” He said relieved

He stared at your face Looking closely. You were breathtakingly beautiful, he thought. He touched your face slightly. Your eyes open slightly and you only see a very blurry view of him only making out his silver hair. Before you get a better look at him a noise from the distance causes him to be surprised and disappear from your view. 

The noise in the distance came closer and you could make people calling your name. You finally slowly sat from the sand as you coughed up water. You looked around for the man you saw but you didn’t see him.

The people who called for you came up to you.  You recognized them from people who worked at the Castle. They had very relieved looks on their faces and they kept saying how thankful that they found you alive and that they need you to quickly come back to the castle so you can be warmed up since you were in freezing cold water. 

As you walked back you couldn’t stop thinking about the man who saved you. Who was he? Why did he run away? Will you see him again? You want to at least thank him since he saved your life.