#tournament of graceful losers

[ultimate-green-day-song-bracket]

TOGL ROUND 2, HEAT 5/7, GROUP 3/4

[theabysss]

Hiii good morning/afternoon/evening!

I just saw the event post and I have come bearing a request.

If you do not mind..Can I please request a sagau kinda crack fic where there’s a tournament/competition being held in Teyvat where vision users must prove their love and devotion to the creator by fighting to the death (oooh brave scaryyy fighttt~) and whoever loses a.k.a dies are “punished”

Everyone thinks this “punishment” is horrible. Like they’ll be sent to a place where they can no longer feel their creator’s grace.

But little do they know this punishment actually just turns them into one of the creators thousand of plushies.

So they just sit there in the bed, unblinking, soft and squishy, watching their beloved Grace going on about their day normally

I recently read the Zhongli turning into a plush fic and my mind went “How about the other vision users turning into a plush?” Also I think my request is more like a reverse!isekai than sagau..Sorry..!

Fem or GN!Reader please! (While I prefer fem as I’m a female I would like this to be as inclusive as possible for other people out there..! So GN is most likely more suitable)

I’m not sure who the characters are but..If you can, can you please add any of the anemo boys and Itto?

I apologize for making this incredibly long. Please feel free to delete this request if you don’t want to do it! Anyways, that’s all. Thank you and I hope you have a wonderful day!

It's okay about the length of your request, I really liked that idea. I hope you enjoy the way I wrote the fic, this is my first time responding to a request and I'm a little nervous. Of the anemo boys, I chose Kazuha because I'm actively trying to get him c2 now, I hope this fic will help me lure him. If you have any other idea and you like how I wrote this one, you can send another request while the event lasts, I will be glad. ヽ(´｡• ᵕ •｡`)ノ

summary: A tournament in which your allogenes must fight to the death with each other, proving their loyalty and devotion to you Creator. But what fate awaits the losers?

characters: Kazuha, Itto, Zhongli, Raiden + mentions of some other characters.

warnings/tags: gn!Reader, religious + cult themes, possessive & obsessive thoughts, description of deaths (not detailed).

word count: 2.2k

It was a beautiful sunny summer day, the warm wind playfully ruffled your hair, it must have been Venti's antics. Ordinary inhabitants of the regions came to support the vision wielders from their nations, hoping that one of their people could become one of the seven champions, bestowing glory on the entire nation. For your allogenes, as they said, participation in the tournament was the best way to show their loyalty, love and devotion to you. You chuckled, their willingness to put their lives on the line for a slim chance of winning and getting your confession amused you.

You shifted your gaze to the archons standing next to the throne, they were forbidden to participate, otherwise the outcome of the tournament would have been too predictable, and it was not interesting that way. Although you allowed adepts and youkai to participate, and it may not have been fair, you just wanted… more entertainment. Venti's offended expression popped into your head when he knew he couldn't compete in the tournament. On that day, he followed you like a tail, not unstick for a second, hoping that you will change your mind. The reaction of the other archons was much more restrained, but each of them was certainly upset by the impossibility of participating in the competition. After all, they were your most loyal followers, following you for thousands of years, and the fact that you denied them the opportunity to show their loyalty to you frustrated them. But your desire was above all, so they simply accepted your decision.

Catching your gaze, Zhongli bowed his head respectfully.

"Do you need anything, Your Grace?" The geo archon's eyes were full of awe and willingness to fulfill your every wish.

"Please feel free to tell us if you need anything." Ei joined the conversation. "Perhaps you would like to taste the Inazuma confections? I have specially brought them for you, and I hope they can please your exquisite taste, Your Grace."

"Sounds wonderful, I'll gladly taste them, in that case, Zhongli, could you make some fruit tea?"

"With pleasure, Your Grace." Zhongli bowed.

You smiled brightly at both of them and noticed how Zhongli's breath hitched for a second, and a blush spread across Ei's cheeks. You followed them with your eyes as they went to fulfill your requests. The tournament was about to start and up to this point you wanted to face some of your especially favorite allogenes. So that you instructed the servant to bring the two people you named.

Itto could be heard from far away, explaining something very loudly to Kazuha walking beside him.

"Of course, I will definitely take the place of one of the seven champions, it cannot be otherwise, because I am the great and invincible Arataki Itto, the supreme, the one and oni!"

"Behave yourself, we are in front of the Creator." A smile appeared on Kazuha's face as he met your eyes and knelt down on one knee with his hand on his heart, Itto follows his example.

"I'm glad to see you my allogenes, you can get up from your knees, let's leave excessive formality."

Kazuha and Itto obey your order, you could see a spark of curiosity in their eyes, why did you ask them to come? Just do not think that they were unhappy with this, for them it was only a joy to be next to you, your presence always warmed their hearts.

"I just wanted to wish you the best of luck for the competition, you are one of my favorite followers." Your smile was more tender than the most expensive silk.

"I'm honored to be one of your favorites, Your Grace, I won't let you down, I promise." There was a fire in Kazuha's eyes that should have led him to victory.

"That's right, we will definitely win! With Your Grace's faith in our strength, we will definitely become champions! Ushi and I will show you excellent fights and after the victory, maybe Your Grace will agree to fights with bugs."

"Well, if you win, I'm really up for a couple of fights." You giggled. "I won't delay you, you can go back to the others."

Bowing once more, Itto and Kazuha left, and a minute later Zhongli and Ei returned.

"As you requested your tea Your Grace, the flavor is based on sun-dried mulberry petals and should have a sweet aftertaste due to the addition of zaytun peach juice." Zhongli gave you an elegant porcelain cup and placed the teapot on the table next to the throne.

"It's a dango Your Grace, bon appetit." Ei handed you a plate with colorful balls strung on a stick and poured with sauce.

You take a bite and the sweetness in your mouth. Tasty. The widths are tender and seem to melt in your mouth, you cover your eyes with pleasure. In the blink of an eye, you eat the confection and look at the plate with sadness.

"It was delicious." You put plate on the table and pick up a hot mug of tea and blow on it before you take a sip.

Ei lights up with joy "I'm glad you enjoyed it, maybe you'd like some more sweets after the tournament?"

"I won't refuse such a generous offer." You lean back on the throne and continue to sip the tea, just like Zhongli said it had a sweetish aftertaste. Not the worst tea you've had in your long life.

Soon the iron smell of blood will be in the air and the people will cheer for cruelty. What a rotten world, but how do you like it. Perhaps among all your creations, they were the most bloodthirsty and devoted. Your beautiful dolls, ready for incredible deeds, are all covered in blood and with wide smiles on their faces until the very end. The last sip of tea marks the beginning of a bloody dance from which seven will come out victorious, and the rest… what about them, something much more interesting awaits them.

It's time to start the tournament. Thousands of eyes are attentively watching you with bated breath as you rise from your throne, walk to the edge of the loggia and put your hands on the railing. A wide, joyful smile appears on your face and you begin to speak.

"Today, on this beautiful day, there will be a tournament with life-and-death battles between my precious allogenes. The names of the seven winners will be covered with glory and they will be personally blessed by me. The losers will be punished after the resurrection. The stakes are high and if anyone wishes to opt out, now is the last time you can do so." Your voice, picked up by the power of the anemo, resounded throughout the arena.

You look around the participants and all you see in their eyes is the will to win. Their souls burn with fiery determination and no one is going to retreat. Even if the punishment is excommunication from your divine presence, a terrible event, the thought of which makes their hearts bleed, they were willing to take the risk. Your gaze lingers on Kazuha, his serenity standing out a lot from the nervous anticipation of the other allogenes, which some of them hid just a little more carefully than others. Also striking was Itto's high spirits, whose wide smile was brighter than the sun. No wonder they were your favorites.

"Since there is no one who wants to withdraw, let's start the tournament." You returned to your throne and prepared to watch magnificent battles in which every drop of blood spilled was dedicated to you.

The number of contenders for victory gradually decreased. After each battle, the sand in the arena changed its color to red more and more, and the screams of the crowd became louder. Childe quickly and brutally cracking down on the next opponent, ignoring other people's attempts at resistance and having time to wink at you at the end of each fight, before someone else's head flies away from the body. Diluc whose phoenix mercilessly roasts the next unfortunate to the bones, so that the smell of burnt flesh could be felt a few more fights after. Distracting the attention of opponents with the help of hydro illusions and the swordsmanship of the Kamisato clan brought Ayato victory after victory.

Unfortunately, your favorites' chances of winning were dwindling every second, each of them was badly enough wounded that he might not survive his next fight. However, you never really believed in their victory, but still called them to give them hope. Yes, and then it will be funny to watch how they will apologize to you for losing, when you also personally bestowed your blessing of luck on them. Though they'll have to survive the resurrections to begin with, it's a pity you didn't say how quickly it would happen, so they would have been in a very unusual position since then, but you didn't think they'd complain.

The last fights have passed and the seven winners have been determined, as you thought Kazuha and Itto were not among them. The spectators from the regions whose participants won shout even louder than before, while the residents of the losers are depressed and look enviously. You go down to the arena with Zhongli and Ei, and when you almost slip on the blood-stained sand, you grab Geo Archon's hand. Zhongli's muscles tense up under your touch, and the warmth of your hand is felt vividly even through the fabric. He closes his eyes, hiding his pupils that have become vertical for a second, you were so close to him, exciting close. Your warm palm burned through him, making him feel butterflies in his stomach, as mortals said.

You do not focus on what happened, and without letting Zhongli say a word, you quickly approach the winners. The Allogenes' eyes flare jealously when they notice you are holding Zhongli's hand, but you don't let that feeling flare up and start talking.

"Congratulations to you all on your victory, your strength and devotion have been proven, this evening there will be a ball where you will be honored and I will perform a blessing ritual."

They bow respectfully and praise you, saying that it was only by your mercy that they won. How happy they are now standing in front of you among all the applicants. You smile favorably at them, allowing them to enjoy your presence next to them. When you leave, they sadly follow you with their eyes, but it is not so strong because they know that you will see each other again in the evening.

You dress up in beautiful clothes made of expensive fabrics to your taste, smile at the mirror, knowing that the eyes of all those present will be turned to you. After all, you were their Creator, their precious Creator for whose sake they were ready for anything. You enjoy the ball, drink sparkling wine, which, unfortunately or fortunately, did not affect you in any way and dance with some winners. When one of them manages to make you laugh, all those present eagerly absorb this sound, recording it on the subcortex of consciousness in order to reproduce it later.

You return to your chambers and fall on the bed without undressing, you may have been immortal, but emotional fatigue still affected you. There were a lot of plush toys in your room, they were everywhere, on the bed, sitting in armchairs and on bookshelves. Their eyes seemed to be watching you intently. Well, there was nothing surprising in the fact that they did it. You took the toy in which Kazuha was supposed to be. A cute charming toy for you, silent, but understanding, seeing and feeling everything. And there were a lot of those. You gently kissed the toy, if you had done this while he was a human you are sure that he would have been redder than boiled cancer. The lack of reaction was frustrating, so sooner or later you were going to put them back into human bodies. In the end, it would be a real loss of so many insanely loyal and devoted followers. But for now, they could just be your cute toys.

Night or day they are always watching, greedily absorbing every little thing, every gesture, everything that you want to show them. Your sleepy expression in the morning, the way you stretch before finally getting out of bed, the exposed areas of your skin when you get out of the bathroom. They enjoy all these and are infinitely glad to be here in your chambers so close to you. Getting to know you better and better, remembering all the little habits. They don't want it to end, you won't let them get that close if they become human again, will you? So they'd rather be here with you in that state, just please don't leave them alone don't put them away in dark wardrobes or closets, let them watch. Please.

Reblogs, comments, are always greatly appreciated! ヽ(o^ ^o)ﾉ

[yall-hate-kids-tourney]

Loser Round 4: Damian Wayne (DC) vs. Jason Todd (DC)

A rematch? It's so funny how the bracket turned out this way.

Propaganda under the cut.

Damian Wayne (9-14):

Damian is a kid who was raised as an assassin and because of that when he first appears he has some really messed up ideas of how to prove himself to his father by being aggressive with the criminals they capture and attacking his brother. Because of this people act like he is the most evil character ever and refuse to give him any grace. They make him out to be this awful irredeemable monster who just wants to kill his brother and hurt people. If the fandom isn’t making his out to be The Worst(tm) then they are ignoring his existence all-together. He is a really interesting character who has done some not so great things but he’s grown and learned a lot through various character arcs (as much of an arc as a comic book character can have) and he deserves to be acknowledged for himself and not just as a villain so that people can woobify his brother.

——

HES JUST A LITTLE BABY GUY!!!!! Little baby man raised as an assassin and learning how to be a real person <3. But because he was kind of a dick and also a little stabby early-on, especially to the fandom's main "so sad uwu depressed baby" blorbo (and also he's not white), people treat him like he's satan incarnate

Jason Todd (~12):

Most of the Tumblr fandom likes this guy but if you step outside this website then wham so many people say he got what he deserved as a kid and Batman can't be cool if he's a dad so it's important for Batman to trash-talk his dead child constantly so we can all agree what a bad idea it was. Also wanna highlight that a lot of the records we have from fans at the time were clear they disliked Robin for BEING a child. Like a lot of the little dude characters in this tournament are treated too harshly for making an ugly choice and the fans aren't being understanding or sympathetic that the choice is made by a child character who is immature and not developed and strong enough to make a good choice and stuff. But THIS little dude was specifically hated FOR being a child. People wanted tough loner guy Batman not Batdad and his little buddy. The first Robin would drive back from college and guest star sometimes and be advertised as the Teen Wonder and people were like yeah okay but then Batman actually starts being a single parent for a child with needs and people were like UGH not the BOY Wonder. Today pretty much everywhere you see Batman fans saying Batman is better solo, no kid, it's not realistic to have a kid, a kid shouldn't be in the movies blah. Even if the comics they always find a way to send away the new kid so that Batman never has to parent. So all the Robins are being excluded from the narrative but I think this one is THE symbol of Batman fans hating a child character just for being a child.

-

Robin, Jason Todd, THE hated child character. In the 1980s, Batman comics had become increasingly dark and gritty. According to editor O'Neil himself, the courted audience wasn't kids but 19-40 year old men with disposable income. Batman's child sidekick, Robin, was offensively campy and childish. Fans called him wimpy, annoying, dumb, bratty, etc. Also people complained that Batman acting like an affectionate dad was unmanly and gay. Robin acts violent and emotional and people are like "ew he's so childish and emotional"—and then Batman literally acts just as murderously and emotionally within literally the same exact story and people are like "wow he's so dark and tortured". So in 1988 (after brutalizing Batgirl to get rid of her for being too bright and nice and kid-friendly), DC held a paid poll for fans to vote for Robin to live or die. O'Neil claims he heard a fan (a grown man with a dayjob as a lawyer) programmed a phone to spam kill votes. One fanguy claimed that he sold his Mercedes to buy kill votes (probably an exaggeration but still). By less than 1% margin, the vote decided to kill Robin in a spectacularly violent way. Anyway the 1989 Batman movie brought in a huge wave of new child comicbook fans who liked the new Robin (a very cool teenage high school Robin with a driver's license and a girlfriend), and DC started a separate Robin-less Batman series called Legends of the Dark Knight to make the anti-Robin writers and fans happy. But to this day, many fans agree it was a good idea to kill off the other Robin so that his foolish death reminds other characters to never be childish and stupid again. Bonus: the current Robin (usually a traumatized 10-year-old) has also been facing some pretty loud hatred for over 15 years.

[patchwork-oil]

❧ "Blue Hour”

Chapter 1/?

Pairing: Karkat/Reader (Gender Neutral) Word count: 2,101 Warnings: strong language

Summary: You and your roommate Karkat have a somewhat typical Friday night.

Author’s Note: First x reader I'm posting! Kinda excited :3 dunno if I'll continue this but it was fun to make regardless. I know x readers don't tend to be in first person, but it's my favorite way to read them so :,) you're stuck with that.... The whole theme of my writing is that it's hugely self-indulgent. since like. the homestuck x reader tag is super dead askhjfd

   It’s blue hour isn’t it? I can hardly tell if there are clouds in the sky right now. Looking up between the buildings feels as though I might be about to fall into a deep, dark pool. The street below looks like it’s underwater, the lights from all buildings nearby look… tired? Like I’m looking back at the past through an old, sad movie.

  The front door jingles and opens. 

   Oh, Karkat’s home. What the hell was I doing just now?

   I could have sworn I was doing… something on my laptop. Oh, right. Just watching some YouTube. But, I paused it? To look at the clouds? I’m really out of it right now, I guess. 

   Unconsciously I shake the distraction out of my head. It hasn’t been that long since I got back from my job at the grocery store, I must have spaced out trying to relax to some videos. Whatever, there are much more important things to think about at a time like now. 

   “Karkaaat-” I announce once I open the door to the living room, drawing out his name as long as I could.

   “Fucking hell! What!” He grouched something about just getting back home, a single moment of peace would be nice. He hides his startled jump by trying to put his coat on the rack by the door. 

   “You said you’re cooking tonight,“ I accuse, “and I have never been more in the mood for chicken than I am in this moment right now.” I point a finger at him like I’m in a courtroom and my last name is Wright.

   Karkat makes a look like some sort of wince. “Uh huh. And I’m the unfortunate slob who has to do something about that.” It was almost phrased like a question. He exaggerates every move as he closes the door and steps inside. 

   “You are!” I nod “When you lost the chess match with John yesterday, you also made your roommate look like a loser, remember?”

   “Yes, I get it, I get it. You’re annoying and I have to pay for it.”

   “I’m just saying we both know John is going to ridicule me for even thinking about supporting you at the tournament so you should be the one who has to pay the medical bill for the… embarrassment. In the form of food. Tonight. As dinner…” He looks up at me from taking off his shoes, not amused and highly confused. “I’m losing my train of thought. You said you’d make dinner anyway! Why am I trying to convince you?”

   “I didn’t even say anything,” he chuckles, “that was 100% you.” 

   “I picked up chicken and broccoli from the store today!” As I walked past him to the fridge, I hit him on the arm. 

   “Fucker,” he spits.

   “And I’ll do the dishes like usual.” Placing the chicken on the counter, I reach for the broccoli-

   “Just sit your ass down! If I have to deal with your sniveling prongs making a mess all over the meal block, (Name), I swear to God we are not having a repeat of pasta night.” He starts to make big shooing gestures, ushering me out.

   “You really suffocate my creative spirit, KK,” I playfully sigh, knowing full well I shouldn’t be allowed in the kitchen with my track record of spilling anything that can be spilled. Sometimes even things that can’t be spilled. 

   “Last time I checked, we don’t need ‘creativity’ over an open flame.” 

   “You may be right.” I giggle. “Thanks for cooking though.” 

   He mumbles some affirmation and gets to work. My gaze lingers on his back for just a moment before going back to my room to grab my Switch. I’ll always feel guilty about not helping out but I know that even if I were more graceful in the kitchen, he prefers to have control over everything. I will, however, be within earshot if he needs an extra hand. Starting up something casual on the Switch, I plop down onto the couch. 

   Maybe there was something in those clouds today. I can’t stay focused on one thing for too long. I’ve abandoned the game, still holding it my hands while its quiet soundtrack plays. Every time Karkat uttered a curse over the food, I caught myself looking up, watching him for a while, then looking away. 

   We’d been roommates for ages now, since the last year of college. We quickly clicked, which was super fortunate for me. There was no way I wanted to live on my own after school, and as luck would have it, he wasn’t opposed to staying as roommates either. He, for the most part, enjoys cooking, I clean the dishes since he says he hates doing that, he doesn’t mind to remind me when I forget to do a chore around the house, and I’m not bothered by how he gets loud on calls with his friends. It’s such a ruminating day today…

   “Hello? Do you have slime in your hear ducts?”

   Eh? Ruminating over. 

   “Earth to (name).” 

   “I’m here! I’m awake,” I jostle suddenly.

   Karkat just started putting everything on the table—the nice one we worked together to buy so we had somewhere to play his tabletop games. Though, it also takes up the majority of the small apartment. 

   “Sure you are. You weren’t even looking at the game, you looked like you were undressing the meal vault with your mind.” 

   A surprised laugh escapes from me as I get off the couch. 

   “Food’s ready.” 

   “Yay! Thank you again, it smells really really good.” 

   “Mhm.”

   We squeeze into the chairs and dig in, it tastes just as good as it smells. I’m honestly pretty lucky Karkat is cool with cooking for me. We used to eat in our rooms, both because of the lack of a table but also because we both preferred eating alone. It’s likely we’re only eating here to get our money’s worth, but there’s still something satisfying about a warm homemade meal over a nice table. 

   “Kar?” 

   He only looks up in response, food’s probably keeping him from his usual yelling. 

   “I got a new game if you want to play with me tonight,” I swallow and continue, “since it’s Friday and whatever.”

   He sighs loudly once he’s done chewing. 

   “Cooking for you and entertaining your screen addiction? Seriously, (Last Name), have I been put on this planet, cursed by the twisted gods who hide their sorry asses among the stars where they know my mortal wrath can’t reach, to be the player 2 at your beck and call?” Despite his long-windedness, his voice is softer than usual, making me smile before I even process what he said–a good sign he’s totally up for a game. 

   I perk up, “It’s called Heave Ho, I’ve watched other people play it so I got it myself. I think you’ll really like it.” 

   “If it wasn’t Saturday tomorrow I wouldn’t even think about it.” 

   “Yay!” I kick him under the table and he kicks me back just as hard. “This is super fuckin’ good by the way, I’d eat this every night.”

   “I only followed a recipe, you don’t have to slobber all over my bulge about it.” 

   “Gross, in front of my chicken?” 

_________________

   “Could you! Fucking! Hold on for one second! Do you think you’re capable of doing that?”

   “Hahah-I’m trying, I’m trying! I swear to god the button is unpressing its-hahaha-elf!”

   “It’s not ‘unpressing’ itself you’re CLEARLY letting go–just fucking–HOLD ME UP!”

   “I AM! What! Pfft bahaha-you don’t think I’m doing everything I can?”

   “You’re swinging in the wrong direction–(NAME) YOU–AGH-”

   A short “splat” noise follows and I erupt in laughter. Karkat throws his head backwards on the couch and groans sounds of anguish into his hands. I can’t help putting down my controller, my character dying as a result, and holding my sides to try and keep them from splitting. 

   “You thought I would like this game?! You thought, no–” he turns so he’s facing me on the couch, “(Name) you thought,” he grabs me by both arms, which I don’t really process because I’m still laughing “You thought there was some way in ever-loving Hell we could play this game without me bursting a fucking blood vessel and dying here in this room right now?!”

   “Sto-op!” I can only manage to squeal between gasps at air in my laughter. “I can’t–I can’t,”

   “Literally the most hopeless display at cooperative gameplay I’ve ever fucking seen and you make me play every damn game you buy.” He lets go of me and I fall backwards onto the arm of the couch, still giggling away. Distantly, I can hear him also laughing. It fills me with accomplishment, knowing I chose a game he would enjoy. I knew this game would be ragey, but it’s also primarily skill-based. As long as he knows I’m trying, which he can trust from how often we play together, he’ll have a good time.

   Finally I can manage one big gulp of air before I’m back in position. He was holding his head up with one hand, massaging the bridge of his nose, surely trying to hide the sharp-toothed grin he can’t shake. I knock my shoulder into his to snap him out, and after collecting himself he retaliates with enough strength to nearly push me off the couch. I rebound and get comfortable again, sitting cross-legged with one leg over his.

   “We. Just-“ I giggle “-need to regroup.”

   “Oh really? Oh really, is that all?”

“Stop it—I’m being so real Karkat I might piss if you make me laugh again don’t even test me. Pick up the controller, we can do this.”

   “No, we have to do this. We’re going to beat this level.”

   “YES! That’s the spirit.”

   We muse over our plan a little more. Deciding how exactly we should angle our characters to achieve the perfect toss—right into the goal. A couple more failed attempts go by calmly, “all part of the plan” I repeat like a mantra. 

   A calculated silence falls over the apartment. Blue hour is far from over and the windows we forgot to close display a full dark scene of a quiet cityscape. Some bright apartments far away are blinking sleepily.

   “FUCKING-“

   “No no no, focus-“

   Our characters swing, the game music hums idly, our characters stare blankly back at us. 

   We launch ourselves at the goal. 

   Everything is still.

   A successful note starts to ring.

   “YES HOLY SHIT!”

   “Oh my god!”

   We both start to pump the air with a wave accomplishment washing over us. Confetti in the game starts to fall and I turn to look at Karkat-

   -at the same time he turns to look at me. 

   Both our smiles drop to surprise and a beat goes by. I push myself off of him and he takes his hand off from my back—

   “I’m sorry, sorry, I didn’t realize I was so close-” I start.

   “No- you’re fine, I didn’t… Notice. I wasn’t paying attention, sorry.”

   We both nervously laugh. The soundtrack went quiet, briefly, before it automatically moved onto the next level with a funny sound effect. 

   What. 

   The FUCK–why was I–I had somehow managed to get myself half on top of Karkat while we played–and then when we looked at each other we were so close- and what the fuck he stared at me I think? How long did we look at each other? What the fuck was that? And his arm, I can’t-

   “Oh man! We left the blinds open, let me just close them really quick.” I stand up, speeding without really thinking about it, to the window. 

   “(Name)?” Nope. Ignoring that. 

   I prop myself up by two arms over the back of the couch, moving so rigidly it nearly hurts. 

   “We beat the level! That’s pretty cool! So. Maybe it’s about time y’know we call it a day. Right? Yeah.”

   He still doesn’t say anything while I start to pull the switch out of the dock and lock the joycons back in place. 

   “Um? Sorry, again, I’m just gonna go back to my room. So um! Goodnight!” I robot over to my door. 

   “What the- (Name)!”

   “Oh, and for the food! Thanks again!”

   And slam it shut by accident. I don’t hear anything from the other room for a moment, not for the minute or two I strained myself to listen. I let out the breath I didn’t know I was holding and slump against the door. 

   Ever so slowly, I ghost my hand over my mouth.

   Why am I freaking out so much?

Next Chapter

Author's Note: Yay! Hope you enjoyed :) I will mayyybe write a second part, bc this is definitely not finished haha. I dont know the best x reader tags! if you're willing to help me out id love to know :3

[darkdevasofdestruction]

Being in a relationship with Narushima Koga...

( Disclaimer: Darker themes touched, the reader was a victim of the Gu ritual )

The first time Koga fell in love was when he was in Yamashita-san's office, sitting on a desk next to Ryuki, getting taught some useless stuff by Kaede. He hadn't expected the door to get opened and for two men with completely different auras to step in, nor for a girl around his age to follow close behind. Until then, Koga would occasionally have small crushes on pretty girls in highschool, but one look at the beautiful lady in front of him, and he was a blushing mess. Why? He couldn't understand either. Was it her princess-like grace? That pretty dress? Her long, wavy hair with that cute bow? Or was it that mysterious vibe she gave off, highlighted only by that stoic and rather apathetic look on her face?

His bewitching was short lived, for the pretty lady called Y/N simply scoffed, calling him weak all of a sudden. He couldn't help but feel his jaw drop to the ground from shock - How could she call him weak, of all things? Sure, he wasn't yet as strong as that boy, Cosmo, but he is determined and ambitious to surpass even him, and even that man with black hair who beat him to hell that night in the alleyway, when he and his group tried to gang up on him. He was hardworking enough and patient in his journey of becoming the strongest out there! How could she just call him - Weak?!

Angry, he stomped in front of her, easily towering over her smaller form, looking down at her aloof face - She didn't seem to sketch a single emotion whatsoever - Koga almost felt like he was trying to argue with a brick wall.

That, however, changed as soon as he tried to put his hand on her shoulder in an attempt at making her react in some way to his protests, yet before he could even blink, before his fingers could feel the thin material of her dress, he felt an electrifying pain surging through his wrist as though it got shattered, and his center of gravity got destroyed as he was thrown into the door, breaking it.

"Oops. Forgive me, Yamashita-san. I will pay for the damages." despite his vision being blurry, Koga's heart leapt slightly at the soft yet low voice of the frail-looking girl who somehow managed to break the door with him. Insane. Was she a fighter or what? The underground sure has a lot of surprises. "Listen, Y/N, I get it - I'm weak, by Kengan standards. I know that, okay?! I know! But I'm determined and I won't give up! Do you hear me?! I just can't stand the thought of someone out there who's stronger than me!" the twisted expression of sheer anger and ambition on his face made Y/N's eyes widen in surprise - Ohma used to say the exact same thing, bless his soul - And look where he is now, dead in a ditch. "...Better a living loser, than a dead champion." though Koga couldn't understand her mumbled words, he could feel the sorrow of not only her, but the other adults around the room also.

✮Since then, Himuro and Kaneda became his and Ryuki's mentors.

✮During the first day, Himuro took Ryuki to hell knows where, while Koga was taken by Kaneda to Sekibayashi's wrestling ring. Y/N was there, though she seemed even more silent and uncomfortable than before. Was she not comfortable with so many people surrounding her? It could be. She seemed like an introvert.

✮She got to watch him make a fool of himself, unable to keep up with Seki's squatting, and got beaten up to hell by Jose, how embarrassing.

✮Still, she didn't seem to sketch any ounce of disgust or disapproval. Instead, she silently took a handkerchief and delicately held his bloody and bruised face, cleaning it up.

✮He was a blushing mess.

✮When he was told about the Kengan vs Purgatory Tournament, he felt the need to see you and tell you all about it - But you already knew about it, of course.

✮Though he was a little flabbergast at how actively involved you are in this underground mess, his voice got so genuine and vulnerable, asking you if you thought he had any chance to secure a spot on the Kengan roster.

Your beautiful eyes bore sharply into his own, almost intimidating him. "I would say it sorely depends not only on your improvement in the next half a year, but on the amount of veterans that we manage to score on our side. Don't take it personally, but I would rather have 'Sasa or Agito, rather than a newby like you." Koga gulped, taking the brunt of her blunt sincerity - Though he hated to admit it, she was completely right. "On the other hand... Well, adding the political problem into the equation, and that we couldn't get in contact with even 'Tsumi or Rei... I wouldn't say it's all that impossible for you to take that spot. I would take you over some dumbass like Rihito any day." the way she rolled her eyes with complete denigration of that man she mentioned seemed to encourage him a little. "Ha! Thanks, Y/N! Lemme get you another frappe as thanks." though he suggested that, Y/N was already up on her feet, having paid the bill herself, and walked out of the cafe. "Hey, wait up!" he jogged after her, as she took the shortest path to the park, enjoying the warm weather. What a peculiar girl, Koga thought. "Hey, Y/N, why did you just leave like that?" Y/N rose a questioning eyebrow. "I knew you would follow." her simple reply shocked Koga, but at the same time, it also amused him. "Koga." she suddenly called out to him, stopping in her tracks. "Don't die too. Not like him." her voice was soft and sentimental. "I am no Buddhist, I cannot find the comfort in suffering, nor in the ephemeral state of life." "Come on now, don't say such things! There's no way I'd die!" chuckling leisurely, Koga swung his around around her shoulder, pulling her into his side, smirking confidently. At first, he didn't realise that her entire being froze up, and gingerly put away his hand so he wouldn't touch her. "Don't get cocky and don't underestimate your opponent." came her last bit of wisdom. "Don't worry, I won't! In fact, I promise I'll get so strong that I secure that spot!" he seemed determined enough. For the first time, Koga noticed a faint smile on her otherwise stoic face. It was beautiful.

✮True to his promise, Koga continued to train hard with Seki, and even listening to Ryuki's advice, all to get stronger and stronger. All for his goal, and to keep his promise to you.

✮He started training with Adam and Cosmo's master, went ice-skating even. Funny enough, you were also there, but you didn't bother with them much - It was rather humiliating, admitting to knowing Cosmo and Kureishi when they were playing around as Ina Bauer.

✮Still, Koga couldn't help but steal a few glances at you and your elegant skating - You seemed so at easy and happy dancing, as though you were in a dream state.

✮Cosmo and Adam teased him when they realised, and mentioned how you were a natural at skating, often coming by just to dance around. It only made Koga more determined to get better at it and complete Adam's challenge.

✮Needless to say, after this was over, Koga invited you to skate whenever he had some time to spare, and though he wasn't as graceful as you, nor did he know how to dance, you held endless patience in teaching him - And you even held his hand! If only you could see how red his face was as you helped him twirl around!

✮You were there to watch Ryuki's fight, but you admit to Koga rather shamelessly that you were far more interested in Nitoku's fight. It was very rare to see him going - Poor man must be getting broke again - But it made you happy. No other good fighter in Kengan was such a Sambo master, and you loved seeing all of his hard techniques dominating his enemies.

✮On occasion, Koga would ask you to come over for shopping with him and Ryuki, hoping to help the clueless boy get a fashion sense - Only to discover that you were also very much ripped away from reality, but just hid it better.

✮You simply accepted to dress with whatever clothes you were given, not having any opinion whatsoever about fashion, and likewise, had no clue about movies, games, or anything pop culture. He was shocked out of his mind.

✮How could either of you live just a secluded life, away from anything pop-culture?!

✮He had to remediate that by taking you to watch all kinds and genres of movies, introducing you to all of his playlists, showing you video games, arcades and what not.

✮Much to his surprise, you didn't show an immediate interest in absolute anything.

✮In truth, he thought he failed you, only to later hear you throwing off-comments about random things that he showed you - He was so touched! He got even more determined to help you find out things that you like.

✮Though you were a bit skeptical at first, you even agreed to have sleepovers with him, where you'd spend the whole night watching movie marathons or playing co-op games of all kinds.

✮Koga was so, so happy just spending time with you, and his crush on you only grew.

✮Especially after you gave him a small clap after winning a fight against Jose, or encouraging him briefly to get over his fear of his uncle and return to his karate dojo.

✮He even showed-off his newly polished finishing move to you, and he was so proud!

✮Though he thought things were going very well for him, the sky fell crumbling down on him upon discovering Ryuki was actually a remorseless killer.

✮He went to you for comfort, his eyes in tears, but you seemed completely unsympathetic.

"So what if he killed?" Koga's heart stopped moving. "When it's kill or be killed, you wouldn't let someone else take your own life, would you?" "Wh-What? How can you speak so casually about taking a life?!" he gasped, feeling so betrayed by his friend and crush. "You've lived a sheltered life, Koga. I speak from experience." Y/N shrugged simply, tilting her head slightly, confused at why he was overreacting. "S-So... Y-You're trying to say that you... You've killed, also?" he stuttered over his words pitifully. "Yup." she popped. "Didn't have much of an alternative, y'know? Life's life, and life sucks. Suppose I'd still be killing, were it not for Katahara." she hummed dryly. "Wh-What are you saying, Y/N?! What do you mean?" poor boy's mind was completely blank, unable to understand why the girl was so uncaring towards human life. "Stop being so over-dramatic." she rolled her eyes. "You got upset at Koga for no reason. Moreover, if Ryuki said that wasn't a man, but a bug, then no doubt, it was a Worm. Worms deserve death." "... I'm done with you. Both of you." Koga made the mistake of looking into your eyes, and saw how confused you looked at his reaction - You seemed as innocently confused and unaware, just like Ryuki was. Still, he couldn't continue staying around psychopath, so he left, choosing to focused entirely on fighting.

✮Thankfully, that didn't last long. Not only did he see you in the front row of his employment fight, but you were hanging around like a ghost during Ryuki's fight also - But you didn't intervene. You just left.

✮Though he made up with Ryuki, he still had to make up with you also somehow.

✮You didn't seem too bothered by it though. You even told him you had no idea why he was apologising. Water under the bridge, though you did point out that his naive thinking would make him lose in life.

✮Months passed, and you heard the new that Yamashita-san and Koga were attacked by the Worms, and you rushed to the hospital as fast as you could.

✮You didn't speak a word, though Koga could see that you were worried sick for him. He felt so flattered.

✮Nothing he did for you, however, earned the reaction that you made as soon as that black haired man, Ohma, entered his hospital room.

✮ "Ohma!" Y/N jumped to her feet, her voice raising for the first time in ages. The man was surprised to see you going out of your way to hug someone, but he merely chuckled, glad that people actually missed him.

✮You were also on Ohma's side when he told Koga he couldn't fight in the tournament. He was far too injured, and he was still nowhere on the veterans' level.

✮On the other hand, he felt light-hearted with Ohma's encouraging, and with you pushing the weirdo jerk you called Raian out of the window.

✮Seeing him in the hospital bed like that, you found yourself zoning out all the way until everyone left the two of you alone.

✮Koga ended up telling you about the guys who attacked him, to which you explained they were Worms - Hence why, you mentioned previously that they deserve to die. Now, he understood your words, and he regretted temporarily severing ties with you. He apologised again.

✮You ended up telling him a little about your life, how you were an orphan in Mainland China and how you were subjected to the Gu Ritual, and what it meant. The trauma you went through at such a frail age, and how you still can't get over many of the things that happened. You can't stand people touching you, you're constantly on the edge, crowds make you uncomfortable, and you always feel like people want to kill you out of nowhere.

✮You also tell him more delicate aspects of your life before old man Katahara found you and took you in, saying Sayaka needed a younger sister, but even with Agito as a mentor, someone who went through the same things as you, you couldn't get over what happened.

✮Instead, you adopted the same apathetic facade as the Fang and tried to carry on with life, hoping that someday, things will change.

✮After seeing Agito couldn't help you live a normal life, Himuro agreed to take you in and tried to show you that life wasn't as dangerous and evil as you were subjected to previously, and people weren't out to harm you all the time.

✮Koga ended up with tears in his eyes, and his first reaction was to throw his arms around you, pulling you in a tight bear hug and apologising for every time he touched you so familiarly, as he was so used to doing that with friends.

✮Once he realised that once again, through the hug, he was touching you, he tried to pull away - But much to his surprise, you didn't let him get away from the embrace.

✮"Thanks." he heard your soft whisper in his ear, and his heart started trembling even more from emotion, realising that you trusted him so much.

✮Being so familiar with most of the Kengan roster, you felt comfortable staying in the arena with them, silently cheering on them and getting a better view of the matches.

✮You even texted Koga to get over also - After all, why wouldn't he?

✮Both of you were overly frustrated when Gaolang lost his match all because of that stupid ringout rule, and for the first time, Koga noticed a grim frustration in your eyes. It wasn't often that you expressed any definite emotion, but by far, this was the most defined he's seen yet.

✮Contrary to the match-up rules though, instead of a Kengan fighter stepping first into the ring, a Purgatory beast of a man was already there, cackling like a maniac and taunting the Kengan side.

✮Though Koga wanted to curse under his breath at that petty behaviour, he noticed you unable to peer your eyes from that man. You were tensed up and trembling. Was it from fear? But why? Did you know that man?

✮That man was holding a dog collar and leash in his grasp, twirling around the collar with his finger and laughing. Was he deranged in the mind?

"Hey, Y/N, what happened?" Koga tried to gently call out to you, but you jumped away from him, and stepped back as if to seek comfort from the Fang. You were visibly hyperventilating and panicking. "I see you, pretty girl! You've grown up so much. I wonder how you look now, all string up to a tree with this leather beauty." unconsciously, Y/N held her hands over her neck, feeling herself getting strangled by the neck to the point of passing out. Agito knelt in front of you, trying to snap you out of it, and even Himuro rushed to your side, but nothing worked. "Come on over, pretty girl, you know you want your revenge, don't ya? You kill all those poor bastards, just to get the chance to kill me too, didn't you?" the man taunted. "You were my favourite apprentice, after all. Especially with this little thing around your neck." "That fucker! How dare he?! I'LL KILL HIM!" Koga got so angry that he almost stormed to the ring to kill that man for traumatising and humiliating you for most of your life. Ohma had to hold him down from doing anything stupid. "Huh? Don't worry, I'll fuck him up real good for ya, Y/N!" Rihito grinned widely at you, but you were unresponsive. "Come on, babe, come on out, let's play! Surely, you don't wanna wake up with a phone call telling you either of your daddies mysterious died, huh~?" all of a sudden, your shivering stopped, and an eerie aura engulfed you. Agito knew best, it was the same as when she was rescued from the ritual. It was the same as when HE was rescued from the ritual. The girl was going to fight to death for her revenge. "Piss off, weakling." Y/N hissed, using an elbow hit that slammed Rihito into the wall. "H-Hey, Y/N, you can't go out there!" Koga tried to stop her, but she was blind and deaf to anything surrounding her as she let her coat fall to the ground, stepping in the ring in a crop top and loose pants. "Oh, look at her, look at her go! Ready for the show, baby girl?" the man's laugh resounded creepily as he threw the dog leash at her. She simply discarded it out of the ring without any emotion.

Y/N took no stance, while the monster of a man got in whatever stance he liked. As soon as he lept at her with his speed, Y/N punched him in the cheek with an Ironbreaker, following up with faster and faster brutal blows in a dangerous storm, only to get her wrists caught by him. "What's it, Kitten? Afraid to unleash your tiny little claws?" while he was busy taunting he, Y/N channeled her anger to use Agito's trump card technique, the Dragon Shot, in his groin area, before grabbing him by the neck and using a Redirection Kata to throw him to the ground, before following with a strong kick to send him flying away, towards the edge of the ring. Y/N didn't allow him a moment of respiro, as she sprung to his side with a barrage of well-aimed jabs to all of his vitals, easily side-stepping his punches, and continuing to overwhelm him with Adamantine punches in the face. Y/N could faintly hear her name being chanted, cheers from her friends resounding through the place, only for her vision to blur suddenly. "Stupid little whore." the criminal spat as he easily punched her face, making her fall to the ground, spitting blood. It almost felt as if nothing she did was capable of comparing to the single hit she received, in terms of damage. "Stand up, you stupid girl. I'll show you what defectors gets for betraying their master." Y/N tried to attack again, but this time, her hand got easily caught. "You've grown weak, you useless girl." with a twist of her arm, the man harshly slammed her to the ground. "Renounce those stupid friendships you made that got you weak, and I'll consider taking you in again." he tried to slam his foot on her head, but she rolled away just in time, leaping away, but he caught up with her, burying his hand in her hair. "You're nothing without me." he slammed her face into the concrete. "You'll never escape me." he rose her head just enough to punch her away, before kneeing her in the diaphragm, causing her to hunch over in pain, to which she received an elbow to the back of the head, continued with repeated slams of her face into the ground once again, and a kick to the face, making her roll away. "YOU CAN'T DO SHIT WITHOUT YOU, YOU PATHETIC LITTLE BITCH!" he slammed her foot on her head. "Give up now. You can't defeat me. Just admit you're pathetic and come back to me. I promise I'll discipline you well." he cradled her face close to his own, before punching her away.

"Y/N, GET UP! GET UP!" she head Koga calling out to her, as well as the other fighters. The world was spinning around with her, and she felt like she was going to die. Her mouth was overflowing with blood that she continued to spit and vomit with each failed attempt at getting up.

"Ah, is that your boyfriend, toots? Should I start by ripping him to pieces in front of you? Yeah, that sounds good." at the simple mental image of a dead Koga, Y/N found the strength to spring with such speed and velocity strength that she took the beast by surprise with a well-aimed punch to his diaphragm, knocking his breath away, following with another storm of jabs and kicks that almost felt like overwhelmed him, until he retaliated with a punch to her jaw. "Is that all your love can get out of you?! Ha! How pathetic!" When he tried to punch her again though, she managed to catch his fist. "I'll rip your fucking throat out." Y/N hissed, kicking his breath away again, before overwhelming him with multiple aimed jabs. "There it is, there it is, look at you! I told ya, didn't I? It's not love that drives you - You can't love! You're a monster, just like me! You're incapable of love or being loved!" he cackled at her. "It's hatred that makes you strong! Hatred, rage, fear and hunger - All of this made you stronger!" he laughed loudly. "Now it's time I discipline my rebelious little bitch. Surely, you can handle me, can't you?"

Just as Y/N expected, that fucker released his Guihun and was ready to actually rip her to shreds for running away. "Y/N! YOU CAN DO IT! SHOW HIM WHO'S THE BOSS! WIN THIS, Y/N!" at once, both Y/N and the criminal clashed fists at such speed that even Koga and Yamashita had problem keeping up with. This almost equal exchange of hit and receive went on until Y/N received a kick to her heart, before getting picked up by the neck - He strangled her just enough to make her see stars, before punching her to the ground.

Y/N was unmoving. She was cursing herself for being so weak against the sucker who made a hell out of her entire life. She wanted revenge more than anything she ever wanted in life.

Faintly, she could hear the referee calling the countdown, slow and steady. In the distance, she could her hear friends calling out her name. How annoying.

"I told you, didn't I? You're not even strong enough to protect those you claim to love. It's because you're weak and pathetic. You'll pay for running away, Y/N, starting with killing that runt in front of you."

The only sound heard through the stadium was Y/N laughter as she got to her feet, a wide grin on her face. "I'd like to see you try, fuckass."

With an angry scowl, the criminal rushed to her, only for Y/N to catch his wrist with one hand, delivering an elbow shot Flashing Steel with the other, continuing with an Ironbreaker to the jaw and a number of ground grappling techniques that destroyed his elbow and knee. "I don't need you teaching me anything. I don't need anything from you. This is my Formless Niko style. My Y/N style. You can't take this away from me, no matter how hard you try." Y/N hissed, deflecting another punch and hitting his nose, making him growl. He grabbed her head and headbutted her hard, once and twice, sending them both to the ground.

"You'll regret this, you fucking whore--" in a flash, Y/N rolled away to avoid a kick, before she aimed a kick to his neck, at his windpipe, making his stagger enough for her to swipe his feet, sending him to the ground. She straddled his waist and angrily started pounding away at his head, releasing all of her pent up anger and frustration, her fear, her tears and everything that tainted her heart. "I was just a child, you fucking psychopath! You ruined me! You ruined my life! Fucking die already!" what happened after that, Y/N wasn't sure, but somehow, she was being held away from the dead body of the man she just murdered.

Koga had panicked, seeing her so far gone, continuing to destroy the man even after the ref called out the match was over. He threw his arms around her from behind, prying her away. "Y/N! Y/N, snap out of it! It's done, you killed him!" Y/N grew lax in his embrace, her body trembling softy. He realised she was weeping. "I was just a child." he could hear her sobbing. "I was barely 5 years old. What the fuck. What did I do to deserve it?" she continued crying in his arms, her head hung and bordering despair. "You did nothing wrong, Y/N. You didn't deserve any of it." Koga gently soothed her, turning her to hold her tightly to his chest, caressing her hair. "You're safe now. It's okay. Everything is okay now."

Agito and Himuro also stepped into the ring, saying she did great and that everything is going to be alright now, there's nothing that can hurt her anymore. With a nod of agreement to the men, Koga picked her up and got her to Hanafusa for a check up. She didn't need to hear that she lost because she killed her opponent. He deserved it, that son of a bitch. He wasn't even the littlest bit upset that his crush killed - She deserved the comfort of revenge and the peace of mind that her past can't haunt her anymore.

✮After Hanafusa took care of your injuries, he suggested you rest - But of course, you couldn't. You needed an urgent shower... And eventually, a long sleep. You were exhausted.

✮Koga waited for you just outside the stalls with your clothes and a towel.

✮He kept his eyes close so he wouldn't peak at your naked body, though his cheeks were deeply flustered.

✮ "What does it matter if one more person sees it?" Koga was really upset by the depressive comment, but didn't open his eyes. Instead, he stepped forward and wrapped the towel around your body like a blanket.

✮"It matters. I want you to feel comfortable around me. To know you can trust me. To know that I'd never do anything to hurt you. I want you to know that I'll protect you no matter what."

✮For the first time, Koga saw you blushing.

✮"But I already know that, Koga. I trust you." now he was the one flustered.

✮Taken over by such an intense feeling of love that he cupped your face and gently kissed you. You've never had anyone being so caring and attentive with you. You felt yourself melting in his arms. "I love you."

✮You returned later for the rest of the matches and celebrated Kengan's win, though you were sad for the patriarch's death against the Worms.

✮You continued cheering for Koga as he trained and learnt more stiles from different fighters.

✮You began to feel more at ease around him, indulging and even finding genuine interest in whatever pop-culture things he introduced you to, and you even started doing your own research.

✮You quite literally renovated a whole room into a home-cinema just so you can cuddle in bed with Koga and binge-watch different shows. The same with video-games which you project on the large screen.

✮You were two fools, very much in love.

✮During the Berserker Bowl, you encouraged him and were so happy and proud of him for getting in the finals, even after fighting Ryuki... Only for him to lose to Rihito. It was the biggest annoyance of your life, but given his injuries sustained in the previous fights, it was no surprise.

✮Koga deserved to win though.

✮That night, you tended to his wounds and praised him for his victory.

✮Koga was very flustered by your beautiful smile and all your sweet words, to the point that he felt lost in your love.

✮Your intimate night with Koga is going to be filled with giggles as Koga likes to keep things light-hearted and make you feel comfortable.

✮He's going to kiss every inch of your body and worship you.

✮He's addicted to everything about you, and he can't get enough of you. He just loves you so much.

✮And officially having you as his girlfriend made him the happiest in a long time.

✮He's always going to support you with everything, and will be there to hold your hand when you need someone to guide you in life.

✮He's also very patient and will be there to comfort you and uplift you in your hardest moments.

✮And whenever you're out, he's going to hold your hand with your fingers intertwined - And if he'd feeling giddy enough, he might even swing your arms.

----------

Being in a relationship with Wakatsuki Takeshi... Being in a relationship with Yoroizuka Saw Paing... Being in a relationship with Kure Raian... Being in a relationship with Tokuno’o Tokumichi... Being in a relationship with Kano Agito... Being in a relationship with Gaolang Wongsawat... Being in a relationship with Gaoh Ryuki... Being in a relationship with Narushima Koga... Being in a relationship with Hatsumi Sen

[companion-showdown]

Who is the Hottest Companion?

TOURNAMENT MASTERPOST

[afarcryfrommymain]

Far Cry OC Tournament Round 1B: Jason Spero v Jestiny Ellen Rook

Contestant info and voting under the cut!

Jason Spero (@levithestripper)

About: Jason is 28 years old and the newest Junior Deputy. He’s a Hope County native, growing up with Nick and Sharky. He’s known as a big prankster, filling out the trifecta of silly little guys from Bumbfuck Nowhere, Montana Jason’s favorite memory is when after school one day, Nick double dog dared him to microwave a fork. Jason’s hair didn’t lay flat for a week after that.

Does your OC have anything to share?: “Shark said if I win—or at least not lose immediately—he’ll buy me dinner! Which is perfect, ’cause I’m starving!” —Jason

Anything else we should know?: Jason has mostly fluff where his brain should be. He and Sharky share a quarter of a brain cell which they both lost track of a half-mile down the road. Neither he nor Sharky realizes they’re dating until one of them kisses the other good night. Himbo 4 Himbo relationship goals. Jason also likes to call Sharky “Shark”.

Jestiny Ellen Rook (@adelaidedrubman)

About: “the sorriest excuse for a soldier I ever seen.” - description from brother nathan, participant in jestiny’s trials and known gossip. jestiny is a hope county sheriff’s department junior deputy by vocation, clown by nature, fisherman by preferred pastime, dolly parton enthusiast by virtue of good taste, opossum surrogate mother by luck, and — above all else — a cringefail pathetic loser by the grace of god. credit to @starsandskies for the portrait!

Does your OC have anything to share?: jestiny’s presence in the ring is immediately intimidating. she boasts strong, brawny arms and powerful, calloused hands she knows how to use. she also boasts in the literal sense, hurling graphic threats and vicious mockery even before fists begin flying. between the brash attitude and the sturdy, sculpted jawline, it’s also clear she can and has taken a punch in her time. but most terrifying are those wild, fiery eyes with an obvious violent temperament and quick wit behind them. she thinks as fast as she moves. and she moves FAST. she lunges, swift and unyielding. she corners. she squares up. she goes in for the kill. she winds her arm back. she swings towards her opponent with a deadly speed — she misses by a foot, the force causing her to fall face-first onto the floor. it’s thirty seconds in. jestiny is knocked out with a fractured skull. her opponent has not thrown a punch. jessie instantly progresses to the loser’s bracket.

Anything else we should know?: HIIIIIII in case it wasn’t clear i want jestiny to lose all her matches and go to the losers bracket and then lose there first. she is a failure and constantly fumbles the bag when it matters most and my goal and dream is to have her voted Most Pathetic Biggest Flop around. PLEASE PLEASE vote for whoever jestiny is up against to win so she can officially be crowned the ultimate failure.

[bestygogirl]

BEST YGO GIRL: REDEMPTION CUP

Essentially the loser bracket from the Best YGO Girl tournament, these are all the girls who got eliminated in the first round.

They've been seeded based on how many votes they got in the main tournament and I'll post them in small batches to avoid too much spamming.

If I am suspicious of any poll results, I'll pick a winner at my own discretion. I also really don't like anti-propaganda.

Match-ups and links to polls under the cut!

Kisara (Duel Monsters) VS Emma (Duel Links)

Madolche Queen Tiaramisu (TCG) VS Cyber Angel Dakini (TCG)

Tearlaments Kitkallos (TCG) VS Entermate Uni (TCG)

Risa Kageyama (Season 0) VS Junko Makurada/Jasmine (GX)

Kyoko Taki/Clarissa Turner (VRAINS) VS Nini the Mirror Mikanko (TCG)

Queen (VRAINS) VS Melissa Claire (Arc-V)

Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring (TCG) VS Haru Tsukumo (Zexal)

Noodle Sorako/Celestia Noodlina (SEVENS) VS Cyber Tutu (TCG)

Grace Tyler (Arc-V) VS Hu-Li the Jewel Mikanko (TCG)

Dog-Chan/Pip (Zexal) VS Diabellestarr (TCG)

Gloria Tyler (Arc-V) VS Dinois Velgear (Go Rush!)

Insect Queen (TCG) VS Traptrix Rafflesia (TCG)

Asaka Mutsuba (Go Rush!) VS Entermate Corn (TCG)

Echo (GX) VS Lady Labrynth of the Silver Castle (TCG)

Kitt (Albaz Lore) VS Princess Mary/Adena (Duel Monsters)

Lyna the Light Charmer (TCG) VS Ha-Re the Sword Mikanko (TCG)

Silent Magician (TCG) VS Xiangsheng Magician (TCG)

Underworld Goddess of the Closed World (TCG) VS Emi Ayukawa/Fonda Fontaine (GX)

Blue Eyes Abyss Dragon (TCG) VS Vivian Wong (Duel Monsters)

Kiku Kamishirakawa (VRAINS) VS Barbara (5Ds)

Princess Rose (GX) VS Winda (TCG)

Nanaho Nanahoshi (SEVENS) VS Patty (5Ds)

Rebecca Hopkins/Hawkins (Duel Monsters) VS Pumprincess of Ghosts (TCG)

Baronne de Fleur (TCG) VS Prima Guitarna (TCG)

Yuamu Ohdo (Go Rush!) VS Momoe Hamaguchi/Mindy (GX)

Ranze/Rayne Nanahoshi (SEVENS) VS Sarina/Mizuchi Saiou (GX)

Sevens Road Witch (TCG) VS Blaze Maiden, Rino (Cardfight!)

Umimi Habara/Brooke Walker (Zexal) VS Manya Atachi (Go Rush!)

Aileen Rao (Season 0) VS Tilla Mook (Yu-Gi-Oh! R)

Sushiko Maki (SEVENS) VS Performapal Ladyange (TCG)

Aqua (VRAINS) VS Miss Mystery (Go Rush!)

Dian Keto (TCG) VS Sera/Prana (DSoD)

[the-90s-music-colosseum]

The 90s Song Ever - Round 1 Results

Hello y'all it's me again!! We have collectively suffered through the first month of this tournament, slicing the 256-song bracket clean in half and experiencing tremendous pain. Unfortunately it is late now and I'm sleepy, so the anticipated start of Round 2 is postponed til tomorrow - keep your eyes peeled for polls! Until then... good night.

Expand to see the results of Round 1! Songs in green will be moving onto the next stage, songs in red have been banished to the shadow realm.

Side A1

Midlife Crisis vs When You Sleep Emotions vs Barbie Girl Sugar Kane vs Firestarter More Than Words vs Born Slippy Sabotage vs Wonderwall November Rain vs I Want It That Way Losing My Religion vs Kiss Of Life Stratford-On-Guy vs Grace, Too Shitlist vs Freak On A Leash Blue (Da Ba Dee) vs Doll Parts Peaches vs Bulls On Parade All Star vs Flagpole Sitta Push It vs The Distance I Could Fall In Love vs Blue Monday Two Princes vs Bitch End of the Road vs The Private Psychedelic Reel Sour Times vs Sober 1979 vs Constant Craving Now That We Found Love vs Sunburn Loverman vs Wakko's America Around The World vs Lightning Crashes Believe vs Nothing Compares 2 U Pepper vs Windowlicker Fly vs Law & Order Theme Black Hole Sun vs Sex and Candy Animal Nitrate vs Unfinished Sympathy No Rain vs The Rain Free Your Mind vs My Heart Will Go On Du Hast vs The X-Files Theme C'est la Vie vs Fear Of The Dark Supersonic vs Deceptacon Running in the 90s vs The Tourist

Side A2

Beetlebum vs Are You That Somebody Sway vs River Of Deceit Hunger Strike vs Who Will Save Your Soul? Generator vs Bills, Bills, Bills Doo Wop (That Thing) vs Finally Tearin' Up My Heart vs Silence Kid Enter Sandman vs Everybody (Backstreet's Back) Boombastic vs I'll Be There For You Yakko's World vs To Be With You Cotton Eye Joe vs Amish Paradise Nuthin' But A "G" Thang vs Basket Case Dagger vs Seven Rebel Girl vs Groove is in the Heart Baby Got Back vs Hallelujah Only Happy When It Rains vs Say You'll Be There U Can't Touch This vs How Bizarre Nancy Boy vs Cornflake Girl Affirmation vs Don't Walk Away The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air vs The Boy Is Mine Scatman (Ski-Ba-Bop-Ba-Dop-Dop) vs Juicy Buddy Holly vs Closing Time Pony vs Wynona's Big Brown Beaver Pretend We're Dead vs All I Wanna Do Santeria vs Send Me On My Way Birdhouse In Your Soul vs That Don't Impress Me Much Vogue vs Brain Stew/Jaded Kiss Me vs These Are Days MMMBop vs Black Genie In A Bottle vs Bullet With Butterfly Wings Tank! (Cowboy Bebop opening theme) vs Smells Like Nirvana Mind Playing Tricks On Me vs (Everything I Do) I Do It For You Friday I'm In Love vs Would?

Side B1

Everlong vs Only Wanna Be With You California Love vs Fall At Your Feet Glory Box vs Man In The Box Livin' la Vida Loca vs Are You Gonna Go My Way What's Up vs If Only Personal Jesus vs Everybody Hurts The World I Know vs Glycerine Semi-Charmed Life vs You Get What You Give I'm Too Sexy vs Amor Prohibido Rhythm Of The Night vs Heaven or Las Vegas Heart Shaped Box vs In the Aeroplane over the Sea Everything Must Go vs Insane in the Brain Tornado of Souls vs Rabbit in Your Headlights My Own Summer (Shove It) vs Ice Ice Baby Californication vs Crush On You Clown vs No Scrubs Bitter Sweet Symphony vs Say My Name Waterfalls vs Cowboys from Hell Army of Me vs Tomorrow Adam's Song vs Self Esteem Under The Bridge vs None Of Your Business No More Tears vs Roll The Bones Black Or White vs Pure Morning Stay (I Missed You) vs Lump Girls and Boys vs De Música Ligera Waking Up vs Be Aggressive Can I Kick It? vs You Oughta Know Canned Heat vs Your Woman Cannonball vs Always Be My Baby Painkiller vs Even Flow Goldeneye vs Tubthumping Steal My Sunshine vs I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)

Side B2

Closer vs Sorted For E's and Wizz Bring It All Back vs Loser Wannabe vs Jesus Christ Pose Kiss From A Rose vs Nothing Else Matters Killing in the Name vs That's The Way Love Goes Pokemon Theme (Gotta Catch 'Em All) vs Ordinary World Song of Storms vs Estoy Aquí The World Is Not Enough vs I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone Criminal vs Real Love Enjoy the Silence vs Plush This Is Halloween vs Spooky Scary Skeletons Fade Into You vs I Will Always Love You Istanbul (Not Constantinople) vs Iris Been Caught Stealing vs Virtual Insanity I Wish vs No Diggity Torn vs Common People Gangsta's Paradise vs Detachable Penis What Is Love vs The Sign Linger vs Ironic Venus as a Boy vs Lover, You Should've Come Over 100% Pure Love vs Macarena (Bayside Boys remix) Violet vs Sugar Spongebob Squarepants Theme vs ...Baby One More Time Loaded vs Creep The Kids Aren't Alright vs One In A Million Right Here, Right Now vs Bruise Violet Killing Me Softly With His Song vs Lovefool Jump Around vs Jump Don't Speak vs Spit It Out Intergalactic vs Dreams Say It Ain't So vs Smells Like Teen Spirit Poison vs Rid of Me

[summerwritesfics]

🗺️But Suddenly It Seems Like I Can’t Get Enough

Pairing: Hanzo Hasashi/Kuai Liang Length: 1232 Words Rating: Teen Warnings: Modern AU, Chess, Chess Tournaments, Friendly Rivalries, Rivalry, Rival Relationship, First Meetings, Author doesn’t know how to play chess AU-Gust 2024 Day 5: Chess Players

AU-Gust 2024 Masterlist

Notes: Sorry if this isn’t edited too good today, I’m not feeling great :( But hey, enjoy Kuai Liang getting excited about finding a rival :3 Also as I said in the tags, I have 0 idea how to play chess, so you’ll probably notice a suspicious absence of anyone actually playing chess, in this fanfic about a chess tournament. Title is from Cut The Crap by Alice In Videoland.

“Checkmate.”

Kuai looked up from his move, staring across at his opponent. Hanzo Hasashi sat opposite, mouth agape as he stared at the board in front of him. This local tournament was small, with only a handful of contenders each year. Kuai was new to the area, and thus new to the chess scene here, but he’d been told at length what a juggernaut Hanzo was. He’d been undefeated for about 5 years in a row, his name feared by all the other contenders.

And Kuai Liang had just won against him.

It seemed even Hanzo was stunned by this turn of events, as his eyes darted around the table, trying to work out where he went wrong and what he’d missed.

“And we have our new champion, Song Kuai Liang,” the announcer cheered, oblivious to the general shock in the room. No one seemed to really know how to react, but Kuai could hear whispers between people.

Hanzo pushed himself to stand up, and Kuai followed his lead, somewhat surprised when the man offered his hand to shake. Kuai accepted, but couldn’t miss the frustration on his face. Thankfully though, he didn’t say anything, so he was at least a graceful loser even when he clearly wasn’t happy about it.

Kuai was rapidly whisked away by the organisers. He shook hands and was congratulated greatly. The trophy was small, but somehow still heavy. He wondered if he’d struggle with carrying it home. Still, he stuck around a bit, took a few photos with it for the local papers. Then got a round of congratulations from people within the crowd. The entire time, he didn’t see so much as a glimpse of Hanzo. Maybe the man had left already. Kuai wasn’t sure.

Finally, things died down, and he was able to collect his belongings and start considering how he was getting home. He pulled out his phone, hoping maybe he could get a ride from Bi-Han. If he was out of work, of course.

[Kuai Liang said: Hey, are you done with work?] [Bi-Han🖤 said: Yes. Just debating getting something to eat or whatever.] [Bi-Han🖤 said: Aren’t you doing your nerd shit today?] [Kuai Liang said: I just finished! Any chance I can get a ride?] [Kuai Liang said: Just… The trophy’s kind of heavy 🤭] [Bi-Han🖤 said: Wait, trophy?] [Bi-Han🖤 said: Holy shit, you actually won?!?] [Kuai Liang said: Yes I won 🏆🏆🏆] [Kuai Liang said: Wait, hold on, what do you mean “actually” 😐] [Bi-Han🖤 said: Never mind that. I’m coming to get you.] [Bi-Han🖤 said: We’re going to go get food to celebrate!] [Kuai Liang said: You know I didn’t win any money right? Just a trophy?] [Bi-Han🖤 said: Who cares! You fuckin’ won! We can celebrate that regardless!] [Bi-Han🖤 said: I’m on my way!] [Kuai Liang said: Thanks big brother. I’ll be waiting outside 😁]

He slipped his phone away, threw his backpack over his shoulder and picked up the trophy. He looked at it, smiling before turning to leave the building.

As he stepped outside, he noticed someone standing to one side. He turned his head enough to see Hanzo, leaning against the wall and smoking a cigarette. They stared silently at each other for a minute, and Kuai wondered if Hanzo had as little clue what to actually say as he did.

“Um. Good game,” Kuai decided to comment, immediately kicking himself. Of course it was a good game for him, he’d fucking won it.

“It was,” Hanzo sighed, pushing himself away from the wall and walking over. “You’re a very skilled player. How long have you been at it?”

“Since I was about… 8? I think?” It was roughly that age anyway. He’d been interested in it for a little longer than he’d started playing. “My Grandfather had a chess set when I was young, and I was fascinated by it. So one day, he brought me my own set and taught me how to play.”

Those were good times. His Grandfather could be a very stern man, but it was stated by everyone how much his heart seemed to soften after the births of his Grandchildren. Bi-Han was more insistent that it was Kuai Liang specifically who seemed to win him over. Kuai had been a sickly child, and something about that triggered a change in their Grandfather. Kuai wasn’t sure, all he knew was that his childhood was a warm one, full of love, thanks in part to Grandfather.

“Well, he did a good job teaching you.” Hanzo threw his cigarette down to the floor, stamping it out. “You’re the first real challenge I’ve had in a while.”

“Thank you,” Kuai said with a smile, feeling his face heat up slightly. “You weren’t an easy opponent to beat yourself.”

Hanzo smirked and chuckled before adding “next time, I’ll make sure it’s even harder.”

“I wouldn’t want it any other way, Mr. Hasashi.”

He held his hand out to shake again, and as their hands met, Kuai looked Hanzo in the eye. It was clear that their match had sparked something between them. A desire to win, and to best an opponent that they respected. It looked like future tournaments in this town were going to be very interesting.

From the corner of his eye, he saw Bi-Han’s dark blue car pull up next to them.

“Ah, sorry, that’s my ride,” he explained, releasing the other man's hand and pulling away. “Take care.”

“You too,” Hanzo replied, returning to his spot against the wall. Kuai briefly wondered if he was waiting for someone too, but decided not to ask.

He ran over to Bi-Han’s car, throwing open the door and slipping into the front passenger seat. Bi-Han was peering out the car window towards Hanzo with a frown on his face.

“Who’s that guy?” Bi-Han asked, in a tone Kuai was far too familiar with. It was his overprotective big brother tone.

“His name’s Hanzo, he’s the guy I beat to win.” He stared at Hanzo, and then looked down at his own reflection in the metal of the trophy. “I think he’s my rival now!”

“Only you could sound so happy about something like that.” Bi-Han shook his head, pushing his foot against the excelerator, as they began to pull out of the parking lot. “You know this is real life and not one of your fanfics right? You and this guy aren’t going to suddenly start making out in the middle of a game.”

“That’s not why I’m happy about it. I’m just happy to have someone so good to play against.” He paused for a few moments, pursing his lips. “Also you don’t know for definite that won’t happen.”

Bi-Han rolled his eyes, but didn’t touch on the subject more as he asked “so, where do you want to go to eat? Your choice, seeing as you’re the one with something to celebrate.”

“Can we go to the Korean barbecue then?” He asked, glancing in the rear view mirror to look for Hanzo one last time. He could just about see him walking over to get into a car himself. Strange, but he supposed maybe he’d wanted the cigarette before leaving.

“Sure thing.”

Kuai settled down, running his hand along the edges of the trophy. He was going to have to get a lot of practice in if he wanted to win the next one.

[ultimate-green-day-song-bracket]

TOGL ROUND 2, HEAT 1/7, GROUP 2/4

[crossovernonshipstournament]

And here we finally have our brackets!

Each group is divided into Side A and Side B.

A few quick rules, since this is going to be our pinned post for the bulk of the competition!

Propaganda is allowed and encouraged! PLEASE tell me and everyone else about your cool crossover and why it's the coolest crossover and should win!

That said, please be respectful. Whatever your feeling about the media in question, these crossovers mean something to the people who submitted them! When you submit your propaganda, bear that in mind: would YOU want someone to come along and shit on YOUR cool crossover?

Ties will advance as a team! This is because I think it would be very funny to end up with a bunch of huge mass crossovers. Do with this information what you will.

I'm not going to be completely impartial, but I will at least maintain a level of grace around my favoritism. I put a limit to the number but several of these crossovers are from a project that Ship and I have been working on for right at three years now, and I'm not going to pretend I don't have feelings about those. I'll let y'all know how cool my crossovers are, but I'll still be a gracious loser when they inevitably get knocked out. I've had plenty of time to make peace with their loss.

If at any point you feel yourself getting het up over a silly tumblr poll, please remove yourself from the situation instead of making that my problem.

The below tags will be the ones used for the tournament. Clicking on any of them will take you to the most recent polls!

See y'all Sunday! o7

[ultimate-character-design]

The Ultimate Character Design Tournament

Please remember to vote for characters solely based on their design, rather than which character you are more familiar with or like more!

Characters and propaganda under the cut!

*Spoiler warning for Bort

Vice Igarashi | Kamen Rider

Cassidy Tailor "Flash Cut" | Sleepless Domain

Creamsicle :)

Dan Heng • Imbibitor Lunae | Honkai: Star Rail

Francis Mosses | That's Not My Neighbor

Gabimaru | Hell's Paradise

One-One | Infinity Train

Colgate 360 Toothbrush | Colgate 360 ad

He’s such a hard worker and really a pioneer in his field, no one’s done it as efficient as him and he’s dominated the market for the last 13 years. I think he deserves a bit of recognition

Toothless | How To Train Your Dragon

Bort | Land of the Lustrous

Bort's hair is peak character design. It makes fantastic use of the manga’s art style, all the black and white and negative space, and allows for a sweeping feeling of movement during fight scenes. And in the anime, it makes Bort’s motion feel different from every other character - grand and powerful and dangerous. The way it fans open in motion can be slow and graceful like a swimming octopus, or sharp and dangerous like a claw, depending on the mood of the scene. And when the character is standing still, the way it drapes creates a completely different silhouette, distinct from the character’s silhouette during battle.

When Bort loses their distinctive hair later in the story, the symbolism is great because it was so intrinsic to their character design that they really do feel like they're becoming a different person, and it emphasizes the change in their personality.

Springtrap | Five Nights at Freddy’s

Controversial take perhaps? But I think spring trap in fnaf 3 is where the series peaked in terms of character design and I think his jumpscares are among the most scary. The red wires that are reminiscent of organs, the desiccated skull inside his jaw when he opens the mouth of the suit, the lips of the costume rotted away into a permanent skull-like smile, these all strike a really nice balance for me of effectively showing that this is an unheard corpse in a rotted mascot costume and not feeling the need to soak to soak the whole thing in blood and teeth or extra parts to achieve a more conventionally scary effect. The quiet, deliberate way he moves compared to the other anamatronics is also a nice touch- really makes you feel like rather than being in danger of randomly vengeful robots, this time you are locked in a room with a murderer.

[companion-showdown]

Most Fun Realtionship With the Master Masterpost

This tournament idea was suggested by @thenugking

Sometimes you meet the Master and its a deeply awful experience, maybe he kills your aunt, or perhaps your entire planet, then possesses your dad's dead body for the next several years. But sometimes, he's turning into a cat, or she's that weird lady the Doctor seems to be keeping in his basement.

We are here to find the best of the latter, the relationship a companion has with the Doctor that is not only the most fun to watch, but also one where you can see the companion walking away from their encounters having enjoyed the experience

GRAND FINAL:

Jo Grant vs Clara Oswald

previous rounds under the cut

SEMI FINALS:

Chang Lee vs Jo Grant WINNER: Jo Grant

Alison Cheney vs Clara Oswald WINNER: Clara Oswald

ROUND 3:

Chang Lee vs Peri Brown WINNER: Chang Lee

Ace McShane vs Jo Grant WINNER: Jo Grant

Alison Cheney vs Bill Potts WINNER: Alison Cheney

The Brigadier vs Clara Oswald WINNER: Clara Oswald

previous rounds under the cut

ROUND 2 TIE BREAK:

the tied pair and all losers in a group

Susan Foreman

The Brigadier

Leela

Kamelion

Liv Chenka

Martha Jones

Wilfred Mott

Kate Stewart

Nardole

WINNER: The Brigadier

ROUND 2:

The Brigadier vs Chang Lee WINNER: Chang Lee

Nardole vs Liv Chenka TIE

Ace McShane vs Susan Foreman WINNER: Ace McShane

Kate Stewart vs Jo Grant WINNER: Jo Grant

Alison Cheney vs Kamelion WINNER: Alison Cheney

Martha Jones vs Bill Potts WINNER: Bill Potts

Wilfred Mott vs Peri Brown WINNER: Peri Brown

Leela vs Clara Oswald WINNER: Clara Oswald

ROUND 1 (Group Stage):

4 companions from each group will advance

Group 1:

The Brigadier

Sergeant Benton ELIMINATED

Tegan Jovanka ELIMINATED

Kamelion

Peri Brown

Ace McShane

Grace Holloway ELIMINATED

Group 2:

Jo Grant

Mike Yates ELIMINATED

Adric ELIMINATED

Nyssa ELIMINATED

Vislor Turlough ELIMINATED

Chang Lee

Martha Jones

Wilfred Mott

Group 3:

Jack Harkness ELIMINATED

Kate Stewart

Clara Oswald

Bill Potts

Nardole

Yasmin Khan ELIMINATED

Graham O'Brien ELIMINATED

Ryan Sinclair ELIMINATED

Group 4:

Susan Foreman

Leela

Adam Mitchell ELIMINATED

Alison Cheney

Liv Chenka

Molly O'Sullivan ELIMINATED

Raine Creevy ELIMINATED

Previous tournaments

[themattress]

I Grade: Chairman Rose

Most find this guy to be an awful villain - but how bad is he, really?

Games: Pre-tty bad, if you’re going by the original Sword/Shield games. The problems are threefold. First off, there is precious little proper foreshadowing that he’s a villain until the climax. He’s the first character you see on screen in these games, and yet the story fails to properly build him up as a potential threat! And it’s weird because being a powerful and successful business philanthropist like Lysandre and Lusamine, he’s actually the most obvious suspect! Yet like with Lysandre, and Colress before him for that matter, the games act as if they’re being clever by revealing a twist villain at the last minute even though just about everyone had them pegged as a villain from the get-go. Secondly, his motivation is stupid. He owes his capitalistic success to a unique energy phenomenon and now Galar’s whole economy relies on it, and he somehow freaks out about the possibility of that energy running dry in 1,000 years so he decides to do illegal things to release a dangerous entity that could potentially destroy Galar in order to “preserve Galar’s future”. Huh!? Last but not least, he’s not even much of a villain in his demeanor. He’s always polite and affable, never ruthless and clearly conflicted when doing things like battling you, and is such a graceful loser that he turns himself in to the authorities once his plan fails! Likeable villains are one thing, but when they act this respectably it makes you wonder why they’re even a villain at all!

Some interesting details are revealed about him through Trainer Cards, the postgame, and DLC expansions, but by that point it’s too little too late for anyone to really change their mind about him having been a lackluster villain...and that includes me. Rose just kinda....sucks.

He debuts in Pokemon Masters, voiced by Maaz Ali, to serve as the antagonist of the Galar chapter of the Villain Arc, where he seeks to use the power of Sync Stones as a new energy source to the point of teaming up with Giovanni and threatening to have Lear overthrown as Pasio’s leader. Not only are there no real fixes down to his character, but it’s arguably made even worse: being defeated in a tournament by Lear and his supporters is all it takes for Rose to immediately change his mind and become a good guy! Because after all, if the other side believed his point of view was wrong strongly enough to lead them to victory in a tournament, then his point of view must be wrong! It’s how human nature works, right? Wrong. It’s how fickle idiots who clearly have no business being villains to start with work.

Score = 1.5

Anime: After a cameo appearance in an earlier episode, Rose serves as the main antagonist to the four-part “Sword & Shield” event in the Revival Series. He is significantly improved over his game counterpart by being an active villain from the beginning and having a noticeably more ruthless streak to him while still maintaining his personal affability and well-meaning aspirations. Most importantly, we actually are granted a backstory where his father died in a mining accident when he was young, which perfectly explains his desire for both sustainable energy (so that work such as mining isn’t required) and securing Galar’s future - he wants to “save” Galar to make up for the helplessness he felt at being unable to save his father! So, Rose has been turned into a credible, interesting villain by the anime. Great! Then what?

.....Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

Yep, in a baffling act of self-sabotage, not only does Rose suddenly start behaving extremely out-of-character in the fourth “Sword & Shield” episode - flipping his lid when things go wrong and shouting like a madman - but after he and Oleana escape off-screen, he is never heard from again. Nothing more is done with him, not even with DLC-based stuff like his relatives Peony and Peonia who just straight never appear in the anime. It makes no sense; why build him up as a character only to completely discard him? For shame, Pokeani! For shame!

(Also, his English dub voice is horrendous.)

Score = 2.5

Manga: Rose in Pokemon Adventures is a truly bizarre case when contradictory elements somehow add up perfectly.  He’s a successful businessman, but he’s also an overemotional man-child. He’s friendly and compassionate, but he’s also capable of cruelty...sometimes being cruel out of compassion! He’s obsessively paranoid about Galar’s future, but he’s also rationally prepared for future events with multiple contingencies. He’s an open book that’s easy to read, but he’s also someone who can trick others and play up his foibles to make himself strategically underestimated. He’s prideful and won’t accept help easily, but he’s also humble enough to admit when he’s wrong even to the point of stepping down as Chairman and turning himself in to the authorities. He’s full of dualities like this, and it’s fascinating!

Like the anime, we see more of him in an antagonistic role and his motivations are fleshed out, with the nonsensical parts of it either called out point-blank by other characters as being so or changed altogether (ex: the energy crisis he wants to prevent won’t be 1,000 years in the future, it’ll be very soon). And best of all, he’s not the only villain in the equation or even the dominant one: Sordward and Shielbert, the asshole “celebrity” princes of Galar, are the primary driving force of villainy that unleashes Eternatus and who are motivated by purely selfish aspirations, with Rose and Oleana looking better by comparison since they do what they do out of genuine care for Galar. This is exactly what the games should have done. 

Score = 3

TCG: He shows up in the Darkness Ablaze set on a Trainer card and on special prints of Eternatus cards. Fittingly enough, his card’s effect revolves around obtaining energy. He’s really just the impetus behind Eternatus being unleashed, and is otherwise pretty bland.

Score = 2

Other: Rose is a recurring character in the Twilight Wings web series. Voiced to perfection by Keith Silverstein, he comes off as a highly charming and compassionate person who truly does love Galar and its people. He’s the good sort of capitalist who remembers and respects where he came from and how he got where he is now, and who wants to grant that same opportunity to others - which we see most vividly with Oleana, whom he also is implied to have developed romantic feelings for. Rose is a great character in this, but the downside is that it’s a prequel to the Sword/Shield games, which means he undergoes a sort of character derailment in order to be the “twist villain” of those games’ story, which is highly unsatisfying.

Score = 3

TOTAL FRANCHISE SCORE = 2.5 out of 5

To me, Rose is a tragic case. He’s a good character and can make a good antagonist when utilized properly, but the stigma of his showing in the Sword/Shield games is inescapable. Yes, his appearances in other mediums are all improvements, but unlike with Lysandre, they just aren’t enough of improvements to rehabilitate his overall image. It’s said that every rose has its thorns, but most roses aren’t hurt by their own thorns. Chairman Rose, however....is.

BONUS: Which version is my personal favorite?

Pokemon Adventures’ Rose is the best, and also my favorite. I must again stress that him not being the primary antagonist went a long way toward making him a good villain, and his personal complexity that makes you both love him and wanna punch him is also fantastic.

[bestmothertournament]

Best Mother Tournament Round 1: Group 10 Results

All Winners: Annika Strandhed, Carla Sunday, Doris Walker, Elinor (Brave), Evelyn Abbott, Gaia (Greek Mythology), Grace de Point de Luc, Juliana (Quest for Camelot), Joyce Byers, Kirigaya Midori, Lisa Palmer, Mary Quinn, Niobe (Greek Mythology), Pepa Madrigal, Ygraine (Merlin)

All Losers: Alex Drake, Alura In-Ze, Amy Silva, Annie Flynn, Chrissie Jackson, Cora (OUAT), Elizabeth Branagh, Elizabeth James, Janine Lewis, Jayna Zod, Jocelyn Fairchild, Joyce Barnaby, Jemma Simmons, Margot Fairmont, Nyssa Vex

All Draws: Hippolyta (Greek Mythology) and Ziva David

Best Winners: Joyce Byers with 89% of votes and Carla Sunday with 81 votes

Least Successful Winners: Lady Juliana and Kirigaya Midori with 51% of votes and Annika Strandhed with 8 votes

Most Successful Losers: Jemma Simmons and Amy Silva with 49% and Joyce Barnaby with 60 votes

Worst Loser: Alura In-Ze with 11% of votes and Nyssa Vex with 5 votes