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kinatalks · 4 years ago

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Let’s talk about DiaLuci.

Look, this isn’t a judgement call. This is merely a flat out explanation and something that should be recognized. There will be a few S2-3 spoilers, but it’s mainly vague, not going into details.

Be aware: This covers sensitive topics regarding the ship, toxic behaviors, abusive relationships, and the angel event.

Firstly, if you support DiaLuci, good for you! I’m not here to shame someone for their ships. But this fandom has a habit of attacking others who aren’t so fond of this ship. Someone can like Diavolo, and not support Dialuci. You can support Lucifer, and not like Dialuci. Or hell, you could dislike either/or both characters and fucking love the ship! No matter which character or ship you like or dislike, you are completely valid.

But this is a post, about the issues with the ship that I personally see, and why it should be more outspoken.

Now lets get to the point of the subject, shall we?

I fairly like Diavolo. He’s charming, joyous, and someone who would be the star of a party. Someone cheerful and bright. However, the way that this fandom persecutes anyone who doesn’t like Diavolo or feels uncomfortable around him is not ok.

In my opinion, Diavolo has shown signs of immature and insensitive behavior. I.e. the way he treats others like toys. Yes, he cares about them, but often doesn’t consider their feelings in things he considers ‘mere pranks.’ This may be because Barbatos constantly assures him that the future will be fine, since Barbatos can manipulate and choose timelines.

He wants the best for the people around him, but doesn’t exactly take criticism or resistance to his advances kindly. “Well duh, he’s a ruler!” So? Yes, he’s a ruler, but that doesn’t mean he should be inconsiderate about others around him. The fact that he disregards others opinions unless it fits his agenda, is a sign of his childishness.

Which means, that over time, Diavolo doesn’t hold much regard to his actions, as Barbatos is always there to catch him. Now that doesn’t mean he constantly is reckless. When it comes to official Devildom matters, Diavolo is an apt ruler, who makes decisions for the Devildom’s best interests.

The problem is, no one has told Diavolo about his less than savory behavior. Because they fear him, and fear the punishments he could inflict upon them. So I can’t really say that he’s a completely bad character.

He wants Lucifer to be his equal, and acknowledge the fact that Diavolo sees him as an equal. Diavolo’s lonely, and it’s explicitly stated as so. He envies the closeness the brothers have. So, he goes about it in the only way he knows how. Which we’ll get to a bit later.

As for Lucifer, I can’t deny I’m quite fond of him. He does his best to overcome his pride for MC, and gradually (in S2-3), he becomes more open with his feelings. Yes, he’s a deeply flawed character, but he’s not a complete villain. The world simply isn’t as black and white as some would like it to be.

Yes, his relationship with some of his brothers is toxic. The way he treats Mammon at times is unacceptable, and possibly abusive in my opinion. The fact that he acts cold and distant to his brothers at times isn’t ok. But one thing I’ve seen others overlook, is that Lucifer is the Avatar of Pride. Does this excuse his actions? No. Does it explain some of his habits? Yes.

Don’t get me wrong, he still has a lot to work on. But he’s getting there, and actively trying to get better.

Now for the ship.

You do not need to like a ship, just because a character from that ship is constantly seen with the partner. Like I’ve said above, you can hate or love Diavolo or Lucifer, and dislike/like the ship.

As for the oath, I won’t delve too deep into this, as it would take essays upon essays worth of information. But we all know that, Diavolo had given Lucifer an ultimatum. Save Lilith, at the cost of Lucifer’s unquestionable loyalty.

Which as we’ve seen, Lucifer had agreed to the terms. And so, he is now Diavolo’s most trusted advisor, his right hand man.

Even though Diavolo says or implies that he sees Lucifer as an equal. He doesn’t always seem to show it. The power imbalance in between both characters is evident, throughout the plot of the story. If Lucifer denies Diavolo’s advances, Diavolo will continue. Why?

Well, you could argue that his behavior is due to him being royalty. Which is true, he’s royalty, and has never been told no. Barbatos has always been there, fixing his mess, so why would he need to worry?

Diavolo praises Lucifer, in a manner that is clearly uncomfortable to the latter. It’s evident that Lucifer despises being praised for his beauty, and just his looks. I’ve seen blogs see it as ‘just a joke’ or ‘being playful’. But time and time again, Lucifer has denied these advances, very obviously disliking the attention and focus on his looks.

But Diavolo continues, and in his defense, you could say, ‘because Lucifer doesn’t say that he’s uncomfortable!’. It’s very obvious that Lucifer isn’t an equal to Diavolo, no matter how much the latter insists he is. We’ve seen Diavolo brush off other’s discomfort at his actions, and we’ve seen him continue.

Diavolo is not evil. This is quite clear, even though he may be suspicious to some. However, his relationship tactics and methods of relationships have toxic, and quite possibly abusive effects.

For example. The angel event.

We all know, that the bangles controlled the 7 avatars, turning them all into angels. Their outfits, and minds, were taken over. The brothers, (excluding Satan.) had gone through traumatic events in these outfits, that’s for sure.

The celestial war, and losing Lilith, all were incredibly traumatizing events forever affecting their mindsets from that day forward. The bangles attempted to brain wash them, and we can see it when Satan states that he doesn’t feel like himself, that he felt calm.

But you might think, “But being calm is great! Isn’t that what he always wantd?’. Not quite.. All Satan had known before was wrath, and being calm completely took away an important part of him. Even though Satan had always resented his wrath, his sin, he had felt like a part of himself was miserable without it. He wasn’t himself, and felt as if he were being forced to be calm, something he loathes.

In all of the brothers, we can see that they are clearly distressed, and may come out of this situation traumatized.

Lucifer is no exception. We saw how visibly upset he was, the fact that the snow-white wings on his back gave him a constant reminder of the war and Lilith, throughout the entire ordeal.

What was Diavolo doing this entire time? He was being provided entertainment, and reveled the sight before him. He enjoyed seeing the brothers in their angelic uniforms, where they had fought with tooth and nail for their sister, and who knows what else. He enjoyed the fact that the brothers were having angelic ideals forced inside their heads.

And when someone speaks up against him? He’s passive aggressive about it, until the person opposing him gives up, begs for forgiveness, or embarrasses themselves.

While criticism of any of the characters is deemed valid and peachy in this fandom. I haven’t seen any criticism of Diavolo that wasn’t met with backlash and intense hounding. Lucifer, Satan, Belphegor, have all been criticized, but has the majority really deemed those opinions as invalid? No. We can all see why those arguments are valid, and people have their own reasons.

Hell, we’ve all seen people Lucifer left and right. And you know what? They’re completely valid! Some people may have triggers/squicks in regards to his behavior, and it’s completely understandable.

But the moment someone criticized Diavolo, we see fighting and targeting. The person who speaks up gets pushed down and insulted, until they either give up, or agree. If you like Diavolo, good for you, you’re valid! If you don’t, you’re completely valid!

Now back to the ship. Apologies for getting off topic, but oftentimes, when Diavolo and Lucifer are mentioned separately, they’re roped together.

Abusive/toxic relationships aren’t always one where the abusive/toxic partner is an outright terrible person. Oftentimes, they come with charm, a dazzling smile, and friends that would fight tooth and nail for them.

Diavolo has Lucifer in an....uncomfortable position to say the least. In power dynamics, that is. Lucifer is constantly embarrassed publicly and privately by compliments, and Diavolo knows this. He’s demeaned by the oath, and as for work, Diavolo often adds to it, just for fun. I.e, leaving the Devildom to come to the human world, leaving his responsibilities behind.

“But he’s lonely!” Yes, and? He is lonely, yes, but there is a time and place for fun, and time and place for work. He is going to become a King, and if he puts all this responsibility and stress on Lucifer, it simply isn’t right.

They have their good moments, but that absolutely does not make up for the state of the relationship as a whole. Just because someone has their good moments, doesn’t mean you accept and forgive them. That’s like saying that someone who physically abuses their S/O, is a good partner because they occasionally make them dinner. It simply isn’t correct.

Majority of the time, Diavolo is fine with Lucifer being reduced to a pretty face and belittled. In public, which very clearly hurts Lucifer’s pride and reputation.

Many people can resonate with some of these behaviors, having seen them in their past.

So please. Tag your works as DiaLuci for others uncomfortable with it, stop attacking others who dislike the ship, and for fucks sake, enough with hating people who dislike a character and/or ship.

#obey me #obey me diavolo #obey me lucifer #obey me ship #obey me dialuci #dialuci #obey me ship discussion

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ddaengyoonmin · 5 years ago

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Chapter one

Genre: DystopianFuture!au; Prison!au; historical and mythological characters; based on the Fate/ anime series. Fluff, Angst, Smut (it’s gonna be real smutty in some chapters 😳) Action and fighting will be a definite theme.

Pairing: poly!Ot7xreader -there will be some three(maybe even more)some smut in future chapter

Warnings: Mentions of killing and murder; swearing; explicit talk of sex and being horny;

A/N: While there are going to be a lot of famous historical and mythological characters in this series, I am not sticking 100% to factual backstories from history or stories that they come from. So when that all comes in please don’t be in my asks saying “but that never happened to *insert famous figure*!!” It’s just going to be lightly based on them if that makes sense... 💜

I’d recommend reading the prologue in my master list before starting chapter one

Word Count: 5.6k

Their home was small, definitely too small for seven people to be all in one house. Two bedrooms and a small kitchen, living room area, two bathrooms to share between them and a garage to keep the car that each household was issued. Yoongi often missed his life outside of Red Brick. Especially on days where he was woken up by Jin’s snoring from the bunk above him.

He shared his room with Jin, Namjoon and Hoseok, his three younger companions Jungkook, Jimin, and Taehyung shared the other room.

It seemed Yoongi was the first one in his room awake, the bright light of the start of a new day was trickling in through the tiny window in the middle of the wall. Yoongi pulled himself up from the bed, sitting up groggily and letting out a deep sigh. He stood and peered out, observing the small neighborhood that had been his home for the past 3 years. He’d now adjusted to life here, it was simple. There were 5 different neighborhoods of prisoners, many houses packed with too many people the same as his. It could be worse, he’d heard in the past that prisons were just small cells and you wouldn’t be allowed to do most of the things they were still able to here. Like driving their own car, or even making their own food wouldn’t have been allowed. He can’t imagine how suffocating that would’ve been.

But then again, those prisons didn’t have the Escape War.

Growing up he’d seen it televised, it was gruesome and sickening in his opinion. He’d never participated in the bets or buying subscriptions to watch the season. One season when he was a small child he remembered being at a friend’s house who had their TV turned on to the Escape War. He had marveled at the appearance of a tall muscular man, adorned in magnificent gold jewelry and a red robe fit for royalty, he was one of the servants. His friend had informed him he was a Rider Servant, the spirit of Alexander the Great. Yoongi had instantly taken a liking to the way the Alexander stood confidently and strong while he walked down the streets of Red Brick, when suddenly a large gold spear flew through the air, impaling Alexander in the chest. Yoongi froze at the sight, they had shown it all, the blood splattering and dripping down his front, and the look on Alexander’s face as he died. Then, as was custom to do, the gold spear wielding servent slaughtered the remaining members of Alexander's team, ending with the master. Right before the master was pierced through the heart with the golden spear he mouthed something out that was barely audible, it sounded like “Fuck you.”

It was a cold and ruthless game, yet the society that Yoongi had grown up in loved it. Every eight years it was the talk of the country. During the battles and even after there were action figures, posters, t-shirts featuring the servants and their masters. Fan clubs for teams existed even after the team themselves had been killed in the War. It was like they didn’t see them as real people and more like characters in a fictional television series.

They would start hyping up the battle a few months before it was set to start. Without fail, every eight years on the same week in the month of June the seven masters would be chosen. News outlets everywhere would announce the names. It would really get crazy once the servants were revealed, then the bets and deadpools started taking place. People had come up with strategies they claimed was the best way to tell whether a servant was strong enough to win or if they’d be one of the first to lose. Sometimes a servant would surprise everyone. In one famous war, before Yoongi was born, that was still talked about to this day, the team assassin class servant had won. No one had expected it, and most had actually placed them as the first to die. Mostly because the servant that had been summoned was a small child, she was the spirit of Jack the Ripper. Many had laughed and said it couldn’t possibly be true and she had no chance of victory. For one the Jack the Ripper everyone had heard about in history was assumed to be a man, and secondly how could a small child possibly be the power defending a whole team of adult men. Little did they know that the young girl Jack was one of the most merciless killers they would ever witness. That war only lasted eight days, as opposed to the average of forty days. Jack had snuck in to the rooms of the sleeping teams and servants and silently slit their throats in their sleep. The camera crews aren’t permitted in the houses of the prisoners for privacy reasons, so none of it was able to be televised. The media had gone crazy and the fans of Escape War were furious. Yet it still remained one of the most talked about seasons of Escape War ever.

The longest war took about four months, most of the teams were terrified and tried not to engage in battles with the other’s. The warden and his servant who always held the title Ruler Class Servant, had to actually try and instigate some situations where the teams would be forced to battle so as not to upset the media and the viewers.

Yoongi hated him. The warden, the one who made millions off of the deaths of the prisoners he was tasked to watch over as the one in charge of Red Brick. He would sit in the top of the tall ornate church, that doubled as his office, and watch the whole thing take place. It sat in the middle of their town, with a tower so far up that nothing big could be missed from above.

“Yoongi hyung, I think somethings wrong with the car” A whine rang out from outside of the paint chipped white wooden door to Yoongi’s shared bedroom.

Yoongi turned towards the voice had just snapped him out of his thoughts.

“What do you mean something's wrong” he groaned

The tall, heavily tattooed boy swung open the door and stomped into the room.

“It won’t start” he pouted, “I was going to go to the store and pick up our rations for breakfast but it made a weird noise and didn’t start up”

“Jungkook, for fucks sake, do you have to wake up the whole house about it?” Jin hissed from the top bunk above where Yoongi now sat.

“I’ll take a look at it Kook” Yoongi assured.

Jungkook nodded and rushed out of the room quickly.

“He’s gonna get his fucking ass beat if he keeps barging in like that for shit this early in the morning” mumbled a sleepy Namjoon who had apparently also been awakened by the youngest boy’s loud complaints.

Hoseok on the other hand was still knocked out. That boy could probably sleep through the entire Escape War, Yoongi thought, chuckling slightly to himself.

Yoongi met Jungkook outside by the car, it seemed Taehyung had also joined the younger boy in investigating the issue, he had the hood of the car opened and was staring at it blankly. Brushing his chocolate hair out of the way as it continued falling into his eyes.

“Step aside, let me check it out” Yoongi nudged Taehyung over and took a look for himself. After some observation he came to the conclusion “Looks like it might’ve blown one of the fuses and is stalling out now because of that, I think we have some spare ones back in the house.”

Yoongi had always had a passion for working on cars out in the free world, now, here in Red Brick it had become his job. When prisoners of Red Brick are admitted in they are assessed on their skills and usefulness then assigned jobs in the city in order to keep the town thriving and for the most part completely dependant on itself and the prisoners to keep it running like a normal society.

Jungkook and Taehyung worked out in the fields doing a lot of the farming work that went on in the prison. Jimin had landed a highly sought after job in the church/main office of the prison, helping with paperwork and secretarial duties. Hoseok helped run the gym and athletics area of Red Brick, it was a pretty shit gym, but the prison was required by law to have one so prisoners could get their allowed 30 minutes of exercise a day. Namjoon helped out at the library, shelving and labeling books, and Jin had a job doing electrical work on the houses and buildings in the city.

“So you can fix it?” Jungkook excitedly questioned.

“Yeah it’s pretty simple actually if we have the right fuse for it here, if not I’ll have to take our bike over to the repair shop and pick one up, I know they’ve got one there”

Taehyung threw his tattooed arms around Yoongi’s stomach in a tight embrace, “You’re the best hyung”

Yoongi pulled on Taehyung’s arms “Off me” he grunted.

Taehyung giggled and held tighter with a grin wide on his face “Uh uh.”

“You’re fucking annoying” Yoongi grumbled, finally shoving Taehyung off of him.

Jimin had just walked out of the house and made his way to the car, “Sup?” he greeted

“Yoongi’s fixing the car again, don’t hug him for it though, he’s grumpy today” Taehyung replied.

Jungkook nodded in agreement.

“Aww, what's eatin ya up hyung?” Jimin cocked an eyebrow up, biting his silver lip ring as he did, a regular habit of Jimin’s.

“Nothing” Yoongi quietly answered, pushing past the three younger men to go find the fuse.

The three boys exchanged looks of questioning between each other at the grumpier than usual attitude of their older room mate.

They stayed by the open hood of the car waiting on Yoongi to return. When he did he tried his best to ignore them, pulling the lid off of the fuse box and pulling out the fuse that he was pretty sure was the troublemaker and replacing it with another new one.

“Hyung...is that…” a shocked expression growing on Jungkook’s face as he pointed to Yoongi’s hand.

Jimin and Taehyung quickly leaned in to see what Jungkook had been motioning to.

“Holy shit...it is isn’t it?” Jimin gasped out

Yoongi recoiled his hand, taking it in his other hand and covering the mark, holding it into his stomach. “Yeah...this morning” he muttered

Taehyung gazed wide eyes at the older man, “Were you gonna say anything?”

Yoongi shrugged, shutting the hood and turning to lean against the car.

Jimin mimicked Yoongi’s shrug in a mocking manner, “That’s all you have to say?”

“This affects us all too hyung!” Taehyung shouted.

“What affects us all?” A voice rang out from the open door of the house.

“Yoongi has the masters mark Namjoon hyung” Jungkook replied, a small frown on his face and his mind racing, knowing the implications of this new tattoo that had suddenly appeared on Yoongi's hand.

Namjoon’s face fell, his hands that were pressed to his hips dropped in shock. “Oh... well fuck.”

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The day was filled with the seven of them talking about what to do now that Yoongi had been chosen for the Escape Wars.

“I say we all join in the team.” Jin suggested. The seven men were all sitting around in a circle in their small living room area. The tattered olive green couch holding the three youngest, Namjoon sat in a matching recliner chair while the rest of the boys sat on the floor.

Yoongi shook his head “I don’t want to bring you guys in to this. The chances that we all would die is pretty high and I don’t want that to be because of me”

“But the chance of us being able to walk free? Our records wiped clean? A fresh start? I’m willing to take that risk” Jimin replied seriously, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees.

“Women! I never thought I’d see a woman again for the rest of my life. I’d die for the chance to get some pussy again” Hoseok chimed in. The idea that he was literally ready to risk his life to get laid made Yoongi roll his eyes.

“I second that!” Taehyung agreed nodding his head quickly “It’s been three years since I’ve even seen a woman”

“Pigs.” Yoongi spat out at them, but he couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Ah Yoongi hyung doesn't understand. He usually prefered men anyways” Jimin winked Yoongi’s way flirtatiously, biting his lip ring as he did.

Yoongi blushed slightly at Jimin's actions. “Anyways.” He started, wanting badly to change the subject “I still feel like if anything happened to any of you...I couldn’t live with myself”

“We aren’t gonna let you do this alone Yoongi. Anyways, It’s required that you pick a team of at least three others besides yourself. We’re with you Yoongi, on the outside we were all a team, and we all ended up in here together. No one ever ratted anyone else out, we always stuck together no matter what the consequences would be” Namjoon stated

“All for one and one for all!” Taehyung exclaimed thrusting a fist in the air.

“We’re gonna be on TV” Jin realized, suddenly propping himself up and putting a hand to his face, making his best handsome pose.

Yoongi sighed as the conversations between the seven got loud and carried away with excitement. He was anything but excited.

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The next day Yoongi had been ordered to go to the church to let the warden know who all would be on the team with him. Yoongi wasn't enthused to have to sign off on the deaths of his best friends, but they didn’t really give him a choice, using the guilt that Yoongi was the one who technically got them all caught by the police landing them all in this prison, and now he could have his chance of redemption by being the one who could lead them to freedom.

The church was the most beautiful building in the city, most of the other buildings were run down and falling apart. The church on the other hand was constantly kept up with, the light tan brick walls were decorated with paintings and the floor was a beautiful white marble. It even had a working elevator that could take you to any of the 10 floors if you had the right key. Which none of the prisoners had. Jimin swore that once the warden let him use the key and he got to see the town from the top floor, no one had believed him.

Yoongi filed into the room he was instructed to enter. Six other men walking in behind him. They all seated themselves in the metal folding chairs that had been brought out for them.

The other chosen masters seemed nervous as well, with the exception of one, a tall man with dyed blue hair and a cocky grin on his face.

“I would say good luck but I look forward to killing ya. This ass is walking out those red walls bitches” The blue haired man winked at the other six.

Yoongi wanted to jump over the others and punch that cocky look off of his face. The only thing that restrained him was the idea that unfortunately he would probably have a chance for some bloody revenge on this asshole. He wasn’t excited at the thought of that, but it brought him a little peace that at least one of them probably deserved it.

One of the six was an old man, he had a long white beard and his hands were shaking in his lap.

Please please please don’t let me have to fight him. Yoongi silently prayed, he was in a church so he supposed it couldn’t hurt. Yoongi had beat up his fair share of people on the outside, even killed a few when it came down to it. But, he’d always drawn the line at violence towards Women, children or the elderly. Even a hardened criminal had to have some morals.

Finally the warden walked in, he was a short man probably in his fifties with a constant stern look laid on all of his features. He had short black hair and was wearing a gray suit and tie. He stood in front of the seven masters in seated in the room and cleared his throat preparing to start his speech. Yoongi noticed the warden’s own mark on his hand, each of the other’s tattoo’s were a slightly different design and the wardens seemed to be the most simple, just a single red circle with two parallel lines going through it.

“Welcome masters of the 10th Escape War! Now that I have you all gathered I will explain some of the rules. First off, no killing guards or any prison employees that aren’t prisoners, including the camera crews. Do your best to avoid killing prisoners not entered in the war, you won’t be faulted for accidental casualties that may occur from your servant’s power. If I see you being purposefully reckless, or commanding your servant to cause mass destruction or causality to the prison population when not engaged in a battle with another team, my Ruler class servant will be commanded to step in and take your servant and your whole team out of the running. Besides that you may use any means necessary to kill another teams servant and members.”

he paused and scanned the room, making eye contact with each of the men. “You may know some of these details but I prefer everyone to be on the same page. The marks on your hand are called command seals, they can be used only three times to order your servant to do anything you want them to. Some of you may have greater need for them depending on the stubbornness of your servant, some servants may be less inclined to obey you. I advise you build up a good relationship with them so as to improve the chances they will fight for you with all of their strength and skill.”

The warden clicked open a briefcase that he had carried in with him and pulled out a sheet of paper. “You can now write down here who your teammates will be. If your team wins every name you’ve placed on this sheet of paper will be absolved of all crimes committed and will be released from this prison. Your servants will most likely appear within the next few days. The battle will start a week from today. Good luck” He finished off, his tone as dry as the entirety of his speech.

Yoongi patiently waited his turn in line behind the other masters to sign his friend’s names on the paper. Hoping and praying that they would survive, hating that to do so would mean all the men in front of him would be dead.

“Can’t wait to kill ya” the blue haired man taunted the rest of the masters, purposely bumping into Yoongi’s shoulder as he walked past the line of men after signing up his team.

Yoongi bit his lip, his fists clenched, holding himself back from retaliating. A young scrawny man directly in front of Yoongi didn’t have the same self control, he jumped out of line taking a fistful of the blue haired man’s yellow shirt “Not if I kill you first mother fucker” he jeered.

“Save it for the War” One of the guards standing in the room yelled out, hand clutching the gun on his hip in warning.

The blue haired man shrugged the other off of himself with a cocky smirk “I look forward to it”

When it was finally Yoongi's turn to sign the paper, his hand was shaking, he struggled to remain composed as he signed his friend’s names. Once completing his task he let out a long sigh, hoping that he didn’t just kill the six people he cared for most in the world by doing so.

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When Yoongi arrived home his roommates were all gathered the same way they had been before in the living room.

“So how’d it go?” Jungkook asked excitedly before Yoongi had even walked all the way in the door.

“Fine I suppose…” he answered with a small lift of his shoulders. As well as it could considering what it was, he thought.

Namjoon then spoke up, “As soon as the servant gets here we’ll have to start discussing strategy. What were the other masters like?”

Yoongi settled down in his usual spot, cross legged on the floor next to Namjoon and his favorite chair. “Um, one was pretty old, like grandpa old. One was a fuckin’ rude cocky motherfucker with blue hair, I think we should watch out for him. One was this blonde scrawny little guy but he had some fire in his belly I’d also watch out for him. The other three were pretty forgettable, uh actually I think one had some kind of gang tattoo I recognized from some of the fuckers on the outside that used to mess with our crew.”

“Damn” Jin shook his head. The rest of the group was quiet for a moment.

“Oh, they let me know on the way out that none of us have to go to work, they’ll have people covering the essential stuff but most things are going to be closed during the War” Yoongi added

“Makes sense” Jungkook nodded in understanding.

“So when does the servant get here? I can’t wait to see what kind of badass dude is gonna be tearing up these streets with us” Taehyung exclaimed his tone ecstatic. “I wonder what class we’ll get! Riders seem pretty cool, but a saber is said to be the one that’s won the most wars so that would probably be sweet”

The rest of the group nodded, “Saber for sure” Hoseok agreed.

Yoongi shrugged “I don’t really care” he mumbled. His friends were way too enthusiastic about this in his opinion, Yoongi was too filled with worry and dread of the weeks to come to discuss these things in anything less than a serious manner. “I’m just gonna go to bed” he announced.

“Aw c’mon hyung. This is fun! The Escape war was the best thing on TV, aren’t you even a little bit excited?” Jimin whined

Yoongi instantly shook his head. “No. Not at all, and I think it’s ridiculous that you are” He stood up and went to bed leaving the other boys talk without him. He was getting a headache from it all.

After Yoongi had left the six men continued discussing their memories of the previous Escape war they could remember.

“There’s been two since I was born so far. I was too young to remember the first one though I was only five” Jungkook recalled

“I can kind of remember that one! Lancer Leonidas and Rider Alexander’s battle that happened right by neighborhood two, that was some of the most epic shit ever!” Jimin added in.

“Or the war after when that Berserker Lancelot brought out that rotary cannon and just mowed down Archer Robin Hood’s team. That shit was insane! Each servant is so unique too! With all those different types of skills and powers” Taehyung said, wide eyed and hitting Jungkook on the shoulder enthusiastically as he spoke.

The older boys chucked at the excited younger members of their team.

Suddenly there was a loud crash from the direction of the garage, it sounded out like a canon and black smoke started to creep into the house from under the door.

“Holy shit” Hoseok muttered

“Yoongi hyung! Wake up get down here!” Jimin yelled out.

Yoongi had already shot out of bed at the sound and was rushing into the living room to join the rest of his roommates.

“Do you think that was…” he stuttered out at the other men.

“What else could it have been?” Namjoon replied. They all slowly stood and stepped lightly and cautiously towards the door to the garage.

“Yoongi hyung should open it, it’ll be his servant after all” said Taehyung, poking Yoongi in the shoulder.

Yoongi nodded, carefully putting his hand on the doorknob, he was shaking with fear and anticipation of what laid behind this door. What kind of terrifying person was waiting for him. Would they even want to listen to him? What was he even supposed to say?

He opened the door nervously, and there you were.

He didn’t understand the feelings that came over him, flooding every part of his body. He tensed up and was frozen to the spot.

You were laying on the floor of the garage looking like you were asleep, a beautiful white silk dress draped over your body, clinging to you erotically, flowing down past your bare feet. A golden headband was tied around your head beautifully.

You were by far the most beautiful woman Yoongi had ever laid eyes on. In that moment his mind was flooded by impure thoughts, he wanted to take you right there, ravage you and make you scream out his name. He couldn’t pull his eyes away from the way the dress clung tightly to your breasts. Every part of his mind was screaming out at him to grab you, take you, claim you as his right there in that garage. He was shocked at himself for that, he wasn’t usually this vulgar, but he couldn’t help it. It was almost like some spell had been placed on him that told him that he needed you, and if he didn’t have you he might die.

The other members were each going through a similar ordeal, all of them hungrily staring down your still sleeping figure like a pack of wolves ready to pounce on their prey.

“Fuck.” Hoseok hissed out.

“I-” Jimin started “I need her. I need her now.” his pupils blown out as he bit at his lip ring.

All of them were breathing heavily, erections growing larger and harder the more they stared.

Jungkook couldn’t hold himself back, he started walking towards you, hands stretched out to grab you and feel you like he was craving.

“NO!” Taehyung yelled out “Mine!” he grabbed the younger man aggressively and yanked him back from you.

“Not yours, mine!” Namjoon shot out.

It was animalistic how they were behaving now, and they couldn’t help themselves.

“Stop!” Yoongi screamed out. “Get ahold of yourselves. Doesn’t something feel off about this?”

The six other men stilled from their arguments. Hoseok had his fist cocked back about to punch Jin, Taehyung and Jungkook had each others shirts balled up in their fists, Namjoon had been about to turn and scream at Jimin. They all turned and looked at Yoongi, panting heavily.

“Yes. Something's wrong. I can’t control myself right now” Jimin whined “What’s happening to me”

“I think it’s her power. I think she's doing this to us on purpose or something” Namjoon guessed.

“Yoongi wake her up and make her stop, I don’t wanna do something to her I can’t take back” Jungkook gasped out.

“Like I would let you do that before I got a taste” Taehyung smirked letting go of Jungkook's shirt and shoving him.

“I-I don’t know how” Yoongi stammered.

As he spoke your eyes started to flutter open.

“Oh wow…” Hoseok gasped.

“She’s so perfect” Jin whimpered.

“Hello” you mumbled sweetly, propping yourself up, letting out a yawn, stretching a hand into the air as you did. “I am your servant. Which one of you is my master?” you cutely cocked your head to the side.

All seven men were restraining themselves, using every bit of self control they could muster not to get down on their knees and beg you to fuck them right there.

“I am” Yoongi quietly answered.

“Hello master” you beamed, standing up and stepping towards him.

Yoongi inhaled sharply as the distance between the two of you grew smaller. “What are you doing to us…” he managed to get out.

“What am I doing to you?” your brow furrowed in confusion “I don’t understand…” you scanned the room, the faces of the seven men in front of you were carnal, and they all looked like they were in pain. You could see obvious bulges in the front of each of their pants, begging to be released.

“Oh” you murmured “Oh I understand now. I’m sorry I can’t help it”

Yoongi grew frustrated at you “What do you mean you can’t help it? Just like, turn it off or something. Whatever this is that you’re doing to us needs to stop! How are we supposed to win this war if all we are thinking about it fucking you”

You shrugged shyly “It’s not something I can help...I was like this in my former life. You see, I’m a Caster class servant and the Goddess Aphrodite, the goddess of love, beauty and...pleasure”

A series of moans were let out throughout the group at your mention of pleasure.

“I can’t help it, its my power, it seems to affect humans more than it did other god’s. I’m really sorry but you’ll have to just find a way to ignore it i suppose.” you trailed off.

“Ignore it?” Taehyung whined out “I don’t know if that's possible”

“Can I use a command spell to make you turn it off?” Yoongi tried.

You shook your head looking down as you shuffled your feet on the ground “I’m afraid that won’t work. I’m not lying. It’s really something that can’t be turned off.” you frowned “Please don’t be mad at me” you added, noticing the seven men all glaring at you.

Yoongi never thought it could be possible to hate someone so much while at the same time wanting to fuck them this badly. It was a frustrating feeling, he just wanted it to go away.

“Master?’ You sweetly spoke at Yoongi.

Dammit he thought, and why did you have to keep calling him that. As if he didn’t already want you enough, he know felt like he would explode in his pants right then and there.

“What.” he managed through gritted teeth.

“What would you like me to do?” you stepped closer to him staring up doe eyed and batting your lashes.

“Go.” he grunted out “Please leave and go inside and wait for us there. Now.”

Hoping that maybe putting some distance between you and the rest of the group would help them all think clearer.

You nodded and without hesitation left the garage to go inside.

As you did that, the group simultaneously let out a large exhale as if they had been holding their breath the entire time they’d been in your presence.

It did help a lot, having you leave. Yet something still was pulling each of them to follow after you and have their way with you.

“What the fuck…” Jin was the first to speak.

“Yeah, agreed, what the fuck” Namjoon spoke holding the front of his pants where his erection still hadn’t faded.

“Yoongi hyung?” Jimin glanced at the older man “What do we do?”

Yoongi was pissed off at the idea that he was supposed to have answers. He didn’t ask for any of this, he didn’t want any of this.

“You deal with it. I don’t want anything to do with her. Keep her away from me and just let me know if you want me to use a command spell. This is bullshit” He spat out, then stormed out of the garage, avoiding where you were now sitting on the couch in the living room and storming out the front door to the car. He didn’t plan on going anywhere, he just wanted to sit and try and clear his head from this chaotic mess he had on his plate.

Back in the garage Namjoon had started coming up with a plan and some rules for dealing with you.

“None of us, including myself are allowed to have sex or anything of the sort with the servant. Okay?” he sternly commanded the other men. “I don’t want fights breaking out among us during all of this, the last thing we need is jealousy ruining our chances of winning our freedom. Our goal is to fight the other prisoners not each other. Agreed?”

The other men groaned and nodded reluctantly in agreement.

“I think that this could actually work out well. If the other teams get the same effect from her that we all just did it might make it difficult for them to want to kill her. So while their guards are down we’d be able to take them out” Namjoon theorized.

“True” Jin nodded “That’s actually not a bad thought Joon.”

“This is gonna be so hard” Jungkook pouted

“We’re gonna be so hard” Jimin joked with a smirk, earning himself a punch on the shoulder from Namjoon.

“We’ll figure this out okay? Remember the rule. No one touches her.” Namjoon sighed. Hating himself for his own rule he’d just made. It was the best option in this situation, he couldn’t risk all of his friends fighting over a girl right now when they were about to be participating in this life or death battle. He himself knew that if any of them ended up sleeping with you he’d answer with his fists. He wanted you so badly, even knowing that it was just a spell you had put on him, he couldn’t help the voice in the back of his head screaming, ‘mine mine mine mine mine’

#bts fanfic #bts fluff #bts x reader #bts smut #bts angst #jin x reader #namjoon x reader #taehyung x reader #bts x you #jungkook x reader #jimin x reader #hoseok x reader #yoongi x reader #ot7 x reader #bts imagines #bts au #ot7 au #bts x y/n

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unohanadaydreams · 5 years ago

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Gotei 13 Headcanons

(Mostly pertains to divisions when before, during, and shortly after the first and second arc but some of these headcanons are valid all the way through.)

1st Division

Competition to enter this division is fierce and unlike many divisions, re-evaluations for staying in the 1st happen fairly often.

The younger generation of shinigami in this division are fairly peaceful, while the veterans who remember the formation of the Gotei 13 are generally a gruff bunch who have a fondness for hazing the new recruits. human college greek royalty has nothing on these old timers.

Many shinigami from this division end up transferring before re-evaluations as promotion into the upper ranks is almost impossible.

2nd Division

The lush quarters and insular duties that rarely extend to going into the rukongais make this division a favorite among Soul Society royalty and nobles who wish to serve with minimal risk. Soi Fon’s fatalistic attitude makes this a surprising fact to commoner recruits who find out.

Tradition is paramount, even more so than in the 1st division. A lack of knowledge on the correct way address superiors or serve tea results in lengthy punishment and ridicule. Like, no A/C all Summer punishment.

A common test of true stealth that is required for promotion among those of this division is to steal something from the 4th division. Few succeed and fewer are spared Captain Unohana’s ire.

3rd Division

Despite the lackluster reputation, those of the 3rd division are often some of the most well rounded talents of the Gotei 13 even if they aren’t the strongest.

This division has a squad garden and tree grove. It is mandatory to plant and grow food there and the fruits of everyone’s labor results a booming fresh and fermented fruit and vegetable business that the entire Gotei 13 buys from. Members of this division have a deep sense of community and eat well thanks to their garden!

Tests of promotion and evaluation are often masked as more carefree games and pranks, causing some to skip applying to this division when they are informed of the tests.

4th Division

Although the medical aspect of this division is more popularly known, the majority of those recruited into the 4th division are put on janitorial duties throughout the Gotei 13. The 11th division is a trash can compared to the rest of the Gotei.

The 4th division sponsors the running of a hospital in the human world for studying academy hopefuls and new recruits, to teach medical science and technology that isn’t approved to be brought to Soul Society. Captain Unohana herself travels there often to keep herself updated on new techniques.

Janitors of the 4th division often find promotions within the 2nd division for their amazing knowledge of the Gotei 13 layout, learned stealth, and incredible work ethic.

5th Division

One of the highest contributors to the Maggot’s Nest. Aizen through his nonchalance to unethical and careless curiosity masked as naivety allowed this. Momo through her genuine naivety. And Shinji through his curiosity and desire to put those individuals exactly there masked as nonchalance.

Though a peaceful surface, the 5th division has some of the most constant passive aggressive and petty drama. Members of this division have the most memorable fights and bullies. Seireitei Communication Monthly’s anonymous submissions are absolutely full of 5th division members attempting to spread rumors and humiliate their peers (and spill the tea).

Has a lab building dedicated to experiments on shinigami capabilities and gadgets meant to push those capabilities. Captain Kurotsuchi often sends moles to infiltrate, but the amount of information sabotaged from 5th divisions own members to punish other 5th division members is so great, its often more frustrating than enlightening for him.

6th Division

This division is often in charge of planning any special occasions within the Gotei 13. Occasion planning and room design lessons are mandatory because of this. The lieutenant of the 2nd division hates this and often petitions for this duty to be given to his division because he finds the 6th decorations “too plain”.

The only division to have mandatory barrack checks. Anyone with an untidy or ugly room is put on janitorial duty with a designated 4th division janitor for at least a month.

The most genuinely fair division in the entire Gotei 13. The Kuchiki line, although fairly different in actual personality, have never stooped to favoritism and do not accept such an attitude in their squad.

7th Division

The division that patrols the rukongai most regularly. Most shinigami positioned in rukongai districts also come from this squad. It is seen as extremely honorable to look after innocent citizens and is largely done without complaint.

One of the hardest to deal with paperwork loads of any division, second only to the 1st division, thanks to the fact that those stationed in the rukongai (about 1/3 of the division) are not present to help. Every end of the month is known as “the crunch”.

The most shinigami of any division are married in the 7th, thanks to the member’s ability to travel and meet so many people in the rukongai.

8th Division

This squad has a lot of members who own successful businesses, especially in the beauty, clothing, and adult sectors. Its rather rare for shinigami in service to run a business, so it’s a pretty big deal, and academy recruits know this.

Plans the most events of any division, both for leisure and to advertise the businesses run by squad members. The 6th division are very close to this squad and members are often promoted between them.

The squad with the most assignments in the human world, mostly so members can expand their businesses on the side. This means they’re also the most modern thinking squad along with the 12th division.

9th Division

Has the most chaotic energy of any squad. There will be two people shouting at each other over an opinion in grammar while the person sitting next to them is peacefully reading a poem book, kind of chaotic energy.

Interacts with other divisions the most, because they all want to make sure that they are represented well in the monthly magazine. 9th division is rolling in gifts and trips thanks to the lengths other divisions will go to in terms of trying to bribe the squad (it rarely works; General Yamamoto and Captain Unohana being firm exceptions).

Has the most “field trips” of any division. They most often go to museums, landmarks, and historical tours with occasional concerts thrown in. Officially listed as “team building excursions”.

10th Division

The most legitimately laid back division. Often seen as the most boring and un-noteworthy, but this squad has the least turnover in the entire Gotei 13.

Is in charge of the Gotei 13 ethics board, which often clashed with the Central 46 and afterwards, pushed to be more strictly enforced among the divisions. So far, the 5th and 12th divisions remain the only ones resistant to follow.

Volunteer work is part of promotion requirements. Although, lieutenant Rangiku started a trend of drinking with villagers of the rukongai as volunteer work; its very popular.

11th Division

Lieutenant Yachiru has an association dedicated to watching and announcing her location, funded by all divisions. The only thing keeping her from the maggot’s nest is her loyalty to Soul Society and General Yamamoto’s odd endearment toward her.

Nap time is legitimately part of the work schedule in the 11th division. If someone from another division brings it up, squad members will vehemently defend the super needed and very manly practice.

There’s a standard to bullying 4th division members and those who go to far end up being janitors for the 4th division in short order, especially if they lip off to Captain Unohana. Captain Zaraki turns a blind eye to it.

12th Division

Since they’re so involved with technology, they are very immersed in internet culture and absolutely know what memes are. Nemu posted a few vines and almost started a crisis within the Japanese government when a video showing off zanpakto powers was proven to not be photoshopped.

D&D, supplemented by virtual reality technology, is a very popular past time among 12th division members. Captain Kurotsuchi is a merciless GM.

Recruitment numbers for this division is the absolute lowest by a long shot, due to the captain’s habit of using new recruits as expendable experiments. This has caused Captain Kurotsuchi to start attempting a cloning/copying system to get the numbers back up.

13th Division

Every month, they hold a spa day as a “wellness exercise” but truly it’s so their captain will take a break without being asked to take a break.

Karakura Town is partly under the division’s control because that’s where Isshin and Urahara are. They move Urahara’s goods to the Seireitei under the guise of being their own division’s products made in collaboration with the 12th division (known for their very cute designs and playful advertising).

Although it’s a peaceful division, it’s also a very restless one. Most shinigami in this division can’t help but want “more”, even if they don’t know what the more is. It gives the impression of a very immature group of people.

#bleach headcanons #bleach hc #bleach imagines #gotei 13 headcanons #soul society headcanons #gotei 13 imagines #honestly i have so many more but this post would be ten thousand words long so i stuck to three each

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crazy-loca-blog · 5 years ago

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Personal thoughts on The Royal Heir, Ch. 4

Note: As the title says, these are just personal opinions on Choices books and chapters. Of course, you may agree or disagree with them, I only use this platform to express my thoughts on what I read every week and what I’d like to see in the next chapters, because none of my friends play Choices so I have no one to comment the books with.

Well… apparently, our MC and our beloved husband/wife aren’t the only ones who have no idea about how long it may take to conceive a baby, but this is unknown information for the paparazzis and Cordonian people (someone please give this people some sex education classes in school!). Even though I’m a little disappointed on the fact that the photos were taken by paparazzis and that this was more a silly smear campaign against the MC (where are my enemies? where are my spies? give me some spies, PB!), there are some things that are way more important at the moment… like having a ball where we can arrange our baby’s marriage, of course! (read it using an ironic tone, please)

There are some old and new faces that were quite nice to us. I loved to see Marguerite from The Heist: Monaco at the ball! Based on her personality on that book, I can tell her friendship would be very genuine, she is a good soul who was raised to be part of the royalty but who doesn’t have much interest on it. Then we had Lerato and Lesedi, two pretty awesome girls who seem to hate Constantine as much as we do, but at the same time they seem to be more interested in parties and balls and have no real interest in politics, so I don’t see a real threat there.

On the other hand, we had King Elrik, whose ego seemed to be bigger than the ball room and who probably came to Valtoria only to hear us adulating him (I would never trust a person with such a big ego, hahaha). And then we had Isabella and Bradshaw… where do I begin? They’re just two snakes (seriously, Look What You Made Me Do by Taylor Swift is playing while I write this) who care way too much about Cordonia’s wealth… and they don’t hide it. They know exactly how to become richer (even though a part of me thinks they’re actually desperate because they’re poor as hell) and they need Cordonia to reach their goal through an alliance and an arranged marriage. I don’t see any of those options as a win-win situation, to be honest.

And finally, we have Amalas. She was the second one to offer us an arranged marriage, but she gave me totally different vibes. This black widow seems quite smart and strong, like a “royalty-born” version of our MC. And she gave us a corgi… haw can you say no to a person who gives you a corgi?!?!? I know in the end we’ll probably end up having an alliance (not an arranged marriage) with Monterisso because it seems the smartest move, but there’s something about her that doesn’t fully convince me… like she’s “too good to be true”.

I know a lot of people are quite annoyed by these arranged marriage thing. But as I usually say every week, remember that this is royalty; they definitely don’t have the same social rules as the rest of us, happy commoners! So when you analyze it, even though the idea shocks me and I hate it as much as most people do, it doesn’t sound that crazy in this context. Arranged marriages used to be are a common thing, usually for politics and traditional reasons. Shockingly, I was looking for some information about this topic and found out that the latest arranged marriage between royalty members was celebrated in 2013! So of course, they are not as common as they used to be in the past, but they’re still a thing in some monarchies (and sadly, among commoners in certain countries).

Now let’s go back to previous books. Have you stopped for a moment to think that Liam’s marriage was kind of an arranged marriage, too? The whole concept behind book 1 was that he literally had to choose a girl to get married. Falling in love was just an added bonus. He needed a wife. And he couldn’t just pick any girl. He had to choose between Olivia, Hana, Madeleine, Penelope and Kiara, girls that had also been prepared their whole lives for this moment. Our MC was there only because house Beaumont needed a girl for the competition and they didn’t have one. Then, in book 3, we discovered that Olivia was supposed to marry Justin Anton, because their parents had arranged a marriage for them when they were just babies. So… there is nothing new here, it seems like arranged marriages are a thing in Cordonian royalty… however, I agree with some people that says the “problem” is not the arranged marriage, but the fact that there isn’t even a baby yet!

Of course, the best part of this chapter was the diamond scene with our LI. And I don’t mean to say this because of the sex, but because for the first time in the book you got to seriously take a moment to TALK about everything that’s going on. If you’re married to Drake (as my MC is), it was quite easy to notice how out of character things seemed after Liam’s proposal. We did know that Drake really wants to have a family with the MC as he’s been saying that for a long time now, but even though I loved his answer when we got to tell him how surprised we were about his reaction to being parents to Cordonia’s heir (it was so “commoner”!) I still have some bittersweet feelings about it. It seems like, despite the fact that he does want to be a father, he’s doing this because his best friend asked him to do it. I mean, I love Liam, but I can’t help wondering if Drake will ever live his own life and do things for himself instead of doing them to please others. So honestly, it was good to see there was a reason behind his behavior in previous chapters, but at the same time, I’m not sure that this was the side of the “old Drake” I wanted to see.

What I definitely want to see is next chapter. I know and I understand when people say “how can you just leave Cordonia when all our neighbors seem to want a piece of us?!?!”, but I felt so relieved when I read they were going to America! I’ve been feeling the pressure since Liam’s proposal, and I was beginning to feel a little overwhelmed by this… so thank you PB! Now I’m seriously waiting to see more of Drake’s life in America, as he was the only LI who didn’t show us his place of origin during TRR series! So bye Cordonia, hi America… hopefully without paparazzis around!

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snkpolls · 7 years ago

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SnK Chapter 96 Poll Results

The chapter 96 poll closed with 1,469 responses. Thank you to everyone for participating. Let’s do this!

RATE THE CHAPTER (1,402 Responses)

There was an increase of strong NOPES with 6.5% rating this chapter a 1 verses .07% for chapter 95, but otherwise like last month, the majority gave the chapter a favorable rating.

With every chapter focusing on the Warriors, they steadily climb the list of some of the greatest characters I've ever had the pleasure of reading about. I love everyone in this manga, but the complexity, moral ambiguity, and tragedy of these three just continues to astound me. No matter how this manga concludes and no matter how imperfect AoT is as a whole, I applaud Isayama for writing some of the best antagonists I've ever seen.

Warriors background and sob story is always good to see. However, I do want a bit more progress in the story. I can wait a bit longer to see Paradis cast.

96 is probably the highlight of Marley focus so far, and is a well deserved title. It honestly never crossed my mind for some reason that we would see the opposite side of the attack on Paradis, and it did surprise me with how much of a rush and danger it was for RBA.

I liked the other chapters better since they weren't all about flashbacks; they had a nice mix between current and previous events

I don't really like the Marley chapters but this chapter has been amazing. Best chapter of this arc so far.

It has a huge emotional content but I feel like it had less substance than previous chapter. The insight on Annie is interesting though.

i think seeing the fall of wall maria from RBA's perspective was a very good (and heartbreaking) decision for yams to make, and a good way to segway into finally revealing what the SC are up to hopefully lol

It seems like Isayama has a thing for writing heartbreaking and sad chapters in August *sides eyeing to chapter 84* and btw, I'm still not over serumbowl. I don't even think I'llbe over that someday ;;-;;

It was really insightful to see more of RAB and actually see R&B relationship with Annie (I honestly thought Annie hated them and vice versa). We didn't see 3 monsters but 3 little kids, traumatized and forced to shed innocent blood

fuck this chapter, i dont even mind the marley chapters but this literally told us nothing interesting aside from royalty not being subjects of ymir

WHICH BEST DESCRIBES YOUR THOUGHTS ON SEEING THE FALL OF WALL MARIA FROM THE WARRIOR PERSPECTIVE (1,425 Responses)

Some mixed reaction here. A slight majority (45%) loved it while 25% didn’t care or didn’t like the timing of it. 31.5% were lukewarm about the retelling of the fall of Wall Maria from the warrior perspective.

I suppose if we were going to answer various loose plot points, we might as well get them all out in a single chapter.

I think Isayama's starting to push it with the flashbacks. I'd be okay with like. Half the next chapter or less being flashbacks to the trainee days but I want the rest to be interesting present-day Marley content

This would all have been so much more compelling if it had been incorporated into the main narrative timeline. Yams seriously needs a better editor.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE CHAPTER? (1,343 Responses)

“So much Annie” and seeing both trios in the shelter together were the top moments. Bert making eye contact with EMA and loudly contradicting Annie about her ability to charm men followed at #3 and 4. But with a lot of options came a lot of opinions.

"I'm here to save humanity." Like. Holy shit.

"Reiner is dead. If you want Marcel, I'll become Marcel" That was epic

One True God, Reigner, preaching His Holy Word to other Warriors. For He is the true savior of humanity

Reiner finally winning against Annie in a foot race

series was really just a bunch of scared kids making it up as they go

The little RBA group hug awww

The survivor from Wall Maria telling RBA his story. When I realized that I had heard it word for word out of Bertolt's mouth, it was very chilling. And Annie, seeing her break down at Reiner was one of the most heart-wrenching moments in the series

The two times we saw EMA

When it was revealed the Tybur family knew something about the Reiss family, that they have made a "vow renouncing war." OK, something is up with the Tybur Family, and I want to know more!

Seeing RBA talk about their mission when the Coordinate was maybe 20 feet away from them tops was a weird mix of frustrating and hilarious.

Ma boi Bert is smooth af.

Damn, Dina really hustled to be the first Titan through the gate.

SADDEST MOMENT FROM THE CHAPTER? (1,339 Responses)

Rather than pick a single moment, nearly 38% of us selected the whole chapter as the saddest moment. As usual, any glimpse of the 104th makes people cheer. The moment of eye contact between Bert and EMA was #2.

Annie...everything about Annie in general.

Knowing that once Reiner got back to the Marley after they failed, he did listen to Annie's words when she beat him up because he did take all the blame himself

reiner saying he wants to be a "soldier" to "save the humanity"_ the poor young man really thought he was saving the "humanity" from the monsters/devils

The panels of Bastion looking over the wall were so sad imo. Knowing RBA's story makes this iconic moment so much more tragic and powerful, but in a different way than before.

The parallel made between EMA and BRA. It's so sad to see how similar there six kids are, and how differently their lives ended up.

The saddest moment was Reiner saying he will 'become' Marcel. That was Isayama tearing my heart out of my rib cage and beating it repeatedly.

Watching three broken children commit an atrocity that they couldn't fully understand the consequences of

when it was yet another flashback

MOST INTERESTING NEW DISCOVERY FROM THE CHAPTER? (1,326 Responses)

The majority selected how Reiner became Marcel as the most interesting discovery. Bloodline talk and and the origin of Bert’s cover story were close second and third.

All of the above

Everything.

how reigner got fukin ripped, brah

reiner is hot asf

Reiner was always ripped

the explanation for why reigner went from the weakling to a buff dude (LUMBERJACKING)

Knowing for certain that RBA and EMA were (at least for a while) in the same refugee camp. My babies <3

I dont care for the plot at this point honestly im just in it for annie i discovered i love her somehow more than i originally thought

The Tybur clan detaining the information about the vow of the King. That implies they were in contact with Kruger at some point.

DO YOU THINK RBA KILLED THE MAN FROM THE REMOTE VILLAGE? (1,347 Responses)

My poll co-creator was the one who suggested this question and once asked I couldn’t unsee it. Nearly half of respondents don’t think RBA killed that man, but clearly there’s room for doubt.

I'm torn on whether RBA killed the man from the village. The idea occurred to me when reading the chapter, and I could equally see them doing it but also not doing it. isayama why!

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE BEATDOWN THAT ANNIE BROUGHT ON REINER? (1,360 Responses)

Honestly I wasn’t expecting this to be a landslide but here it is - 82% felt that Annie was ok in her beatdown of Reiner.

YEAH ANNIE, KICK HIS ASS!!!

I want more of cruel Annie

My feelings for Reiner is kinda messed up.. Annie did beat up Reuner pretty good

i was all for reiner rescuing annie and apologizing to her but seeing what she did to him this chapter. never mind. she can go f*** herself.

RATE EACH WARRIOR IN TERMS OF HOW THIS CHAPTER AFFECTED YOUR PERCEPTIONS OF THEM

As far as opinion changes go, 807 people view Annie more favorably after this chapter, 788 do so for Reiner, and 633 for Bert. On the other end of the spectrum, 140 view Annie less favorably. That number is 113 for Reiner, and 57 for Bert

I used to dislike Annie, but this chapter helped humanize her in my eyes.

I kind of despise reiner after this chapter, the only good thing about it was annie

Bless Annie, she not only saw through all the brain-washing that the Marley government had imposed on them all, but was oblivious to her own charms! But damn, the scene where Eren, Mikasa and Armin are reflected in the Colossal Titan's eyes? That had me in tears!

WHICH OF THE THREE ORIGINAL WARRIORS IS YOUR FAVORITE? (1,369 Responses)

When I asked this question, I mentioned Tumblr’s outpouring of love for Annie as my reason. Now I have data to back that up. While Reiner was the combined winner, favorite character does vary by platform. On Reddit, Reiner was the clear favorite with 55% of the vote. Tumblr selected Annie with 46%. Bert is viewed far more kindly of Tumblr than Reddit. The breakdown is below:

REDDIT’S FAVORITE WARRIOR

Reiner: 55%

Annie: 31%

Bert: 15%

TUMBLR‘S FAVORITE WARRIOR

Annie: 46%

Reiner: 32%

Bert: 23%.

Reiner best character. Reiner for Straw Hat. Reiner for king of Westeros. Reiner for everything. I uh... I like Reiner.

Bertolt is such a non-entity in the flashbacks.

I can't believe I didn't appreciate Annie as much as I do now before!!! It was great to see her again and I really look forward to seeing her more hopefully

WHICH OF THE THREE ORIGINAL WARRIORS IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE? (1,322 Responses)

No surprise here. Mah boy Bert continues to get the least love.

WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL HAPPEN IN CHAPTER 97? (1,353 Responses)

88% of people think the perspective will stay with the Warriors and a slight majority believe the flashback will continue. The 12% who think we’ll have a perspective switch are probably being optimistic.

IF CHAPTER 97 IS SET IN PRESENT DAY MARLEY, WHAT DO YOU MOST WANT TO SEE (1,362 Responses)

The Tyber family festival and the identity of Amputee-kun are what we want next. Many people think they will happen at the same time.

The Tybur Family Festival will reveal Amputee-Kun

All of this. A dialogue-heavy chapter that takes place during the tyber family festival. Right before the end, Pieck looks at Amputee-kun in the distance and says "Yo Zeke, Reiner, ain't that Eren Yeager ?" and Zeke goes "That's exactly right".

Amputee guy goes home. It is a dark house. In the corner is armin praying to an annie shrine. Mikasa is next to him on a chair drinking tea as if nothing weird at all is happening.

I'd like to see sort of visual representation of the Warhammer titan

Levi

Main cast

Reiner visiting Bertolt's family/parents

THE FOUNDING TITAN APPEARS TO YOU IN A DREAM AND GRANTS YOU 3 WISHES FOR THE MANGA. YOUR CHOICES? (1,401 Responses)

I hope ya’ll know I can see who voted for more than three. Shame on you! Action for Annie and Mikasa top the wish list followed by “no more time skips”. There were plenty of write in votes asking for romance and canon ships and the resurrections of Ymir, Bert and Erwin. There were some rather creative options as well.

*virtually votes for Annie getting out the damn crystal three times* WE NEED SOME ANSWERS FROM HER DAMMIT!

Armin. Man-bun. Now.

Every character getting a satisfying and conclusive ending.

Explain PATHS without magic.

Honestly I wish Zackley's "art" was never a thing

Chapter once a week

Marcel's death. Again. Again

Titan shifters not having to die after 13 years, except for gaylord, he can die for all I care.

HANJI ZOE GET A BACKSTORY

one billion dollars and a mansion to live in. PLEASE

Let's talk about East Sea Clan now

Bring Bertoto Big-Boi Bertollini back to life

better pacing

Connie with luscious curls.

MORE ZEKE!!

HOW BADLY DO YOU WANT TO RETURN TO THE ORIGINAL CAST ON PARADIS? (1,420 Responses)

The number of people willing to sell their souls to see the original cast is up 10% over last month.

I understand people are frustrated because they miss the main cast, but Warriors are my favorite characters and I've wanted to see this since forever. We'll get back to the main cast eventually, just bear with it like we went along with chapters without the Warriors.

This is honestly all I've wanted to see from the beginning of the series. No matter what happens after, I'm really glad we got to see the other side of that fateful day. Also, I love how clear the parallels between the two trios were, because that's something I've found incredibly powerful in this series, but it's never really been this clear before. I find it tragically beautiful just how similar EMA and RAB are, and yet one trio has hope of a happy ending while the other's been doomed from the start.

Just when i was finally gettibg into Marley we switch to a flashback! Lol that's how it goes. It was a good chapter, finally covering something we've been going over on a fandom level since 2013. I'm glad we finally saw it. Bring back Annie 2k17!

On one hand, the Marley files is necessary, building up to the end of the series. But holy cow I miss our main crew on Paradis! Granted, the Paradis chapters have been well done, especially on expanding the Warrior's side as fellow humans trapped in some shitty circumstances.

I just want a glimpse of how the Walldians look like. Just one panel and I can rest in peace.

I've been selling my souls for the past six months to see main casts... I'm withered now.

WHICH CHARACTERS DO YOU GENERALLY ENJOY THE MOST (1,422 Responses)

Vets are up and the104th are down, but I suspect poll exposure is the reason for the change.

WHERE DO YOU PRIMARILY DISCUSS THE SERIES (1,298 Responses)

Tumblr, sit down, we need to talk. I know you love your art and ships. And I do too! But can you spend three minutes taking the poll? The good folks at Reddit once again outnumber you 2-1.

Reddit: 869 (66.9%)

Tumblr: 419 (32.3%))

Discord: 84 (6.5%)

Twitter: 7 (0.5%)

IS THERE ANYTHING FROM THE NEW GUIDEBOOK YOU FOUND PARTICULARLY INTERESTING? (1,143 Responses)

yes, seeing Armin’s parents was awesome, but my poll co-creator’s obsession with Reiner Braun is #3 and that’s all I need! That, and eruri is canon.... again ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Seeing Armin’s parents: 49.2%

Isayama’s obsession with Reiner Braun: 38.5%

Poll creators obsession with Reiner Braun: 35.1%

Reiner’s unexplained weight loss: 23.8%

4 pages of insight into Levi's thoughts: 23.4%

Eruri being canon.... again: 22.2%

Annie’s hairstyle being designed after Avril Lavigne’s: 21.3%

The Colossal Titan was designed before Bertolt: 21.3%

Reiner being described as “the perfect man”: 20.6%

Annie’s name being a joke on the word “ani,” meaning “bro”: 18.3%

Marcel and Porco aren’t twins: 16.2%

The height/weight info on the warriors and cadets: 15.7%

Reiner’s genetic predisposition to be a muscular and sexy bara: 14.4%

Birthdays for characters we didn’t know before (Finally! Moblit!): 13.6%

Reiner having David Beckham’s eyes: 11.8%

Reiner having Matt Damon’s looks from Saving Private Ryan: 10.8%

It's ok, I too am obsessed with Reiner Braun (I would marry him)

Reiner is B U L K

isayama is evil

I fucking love Reiner Braun. That's all.

reiner needs to be protected

Reiner continues to be best boy

FINAL THOUGHTS?

This is a subset of the write in the comments we received. Thank you again for participating! See you next month!

EXTRA DANCC

This chapter was incredible and i cant wait until 97 comes out.

This chapter made me think a lot of Draco Malfoy. I mean the trio and him both were brainwashed and raised to think lies. They were just children caught up in situations they coulndt understand well. It made me feel very sad.

I wonder how the Tybur family knows about the First King's Will. Either he made the vow before traveling with the Eldians to Paradise, or the Tybur family infiltrated the Walls somehow.

Tyber family is being set up to be the "real" masterminds behind Marley's government.

Fuck you Isayama!! I hate you and I'll always will... except if you give Annie a happy ending I could rethink about it

It was really good but I would have liked just a little bit of present-day Marley as well

Again, the Tybur Family knows something about the Reiss family even though the rest of the world doesn't know what's going on within the Walled Society. Something is up with the Tybur Family, I tell you!!!

We need more Annie, Bertolt and Reiner. Also want so badly to see the main Paradis cast but enjoying so much this Marley arc so I'm very conflicted with myself on that and which side I'm now on (Warriors/Paradis)

It was lit

It was interesting to see these events unfold through the long-awaited perspective of Reiner, Bertholt and Annie. I liked how they showed those three kids having more humanity. Seeing Bertholt hesitate and Annie cry gave another dimension to their character.

I've said it before but the new shots of Bertholdt looming over the wall were so fucking incredible. When it gets animated, I hope this moment be silent, no bgm, nothing. It would make it more memorable.

The fact that this chapter is called "Door of Hope" may suggest that RBA's time having their worldview expanded will eventually lead to hope. Reiner may turn on Marley in the end, and Annie's character definitely isn't loyal to Marley. I don't think either would work for Paradis if they had a choice, but since Paradis *is* directly opposing Marley, I suspect we'll have a "enemy of my enemy is my friend" situation. For Annie at least. If Reiner switches, I think it'll be in some great final act. :'(

Im a wreck now!

As expected

Dank

I love how there are absolutely no black and white in this series

Reignar's motivation for joining the military was done really well, and I love how complicated of a situation he's been in...

I've been a fan of getting the Marley perspective and was really happy to see Annie again, but this chapter felt like it was more of everything we already knew. It didn't add emotional stakes, it didn't add to the plot, it contributed to the abysmal pacing. I realize that we can't fully judge the manga until it's complete but the fact is, this is a monthly manga, and Isayama should take that into consideration when pacing the story. Focusing entirely on a flashback this chapter felt like a really poor narrative decision, especially since while it gave us feelings it didn't add any the last chapter didn't also give us. I know Isayama is a master of the long game so maybe I'm wrong and this was an important chapter, but it certainly didn't feel like it. It feels like he's trying too hard to make us feel for the warriors, but the previous chapters already accomplished that.

I expect SC to come back in Chapter 99. With the festival upcoming, I expect two volumes of Warriors before returning to out niggas on Paradis. Also, it's Reigner, not Reiner.

This arc need to step up its pace. It's good that we had all this new info but the story is so slow!

I just want to see grown up Mikasa

Disappointing overall. Little useful new information. The part about stealing the backstory was interesting but not significant. No plot advancements, no new mysteries, no present day action, and we all guessed accurately how the wall fell from RBA's perspective. IMO a pointless chapter, and the Marley arc has dragged on for almost a year now (no problem with Marley focus, it's just been very slow). Could/should have been done differently (include Walldians learning about Marley along w/us readers, include Warriors other than Reiner)

Need less marley and warrior focus jesus fuck

Ballsy move by Isayama to continue with the Marley/Reiner stuff. It's not terrible but considering monthly release schedule it's getting tiresome and I think he's starting to lose some of the fanbase - and he'll continue to lose more with each Marley/Reiner chapter

I'm so done with Marley, wake me up when we get back to the main cast

Please just move the story forward, we don't need previous details spelled out, the audience is smart enough on their own, this all just feels like a gigantic stall.

Feels like Isayama is stalling for the big reveal of Paradis plot

RBA perspective is already overkilled its inviting irritation rather than sympathy

I feel like isayama doesn't care about the manga anymore and is just trying to wrap it up as quick as possible

ANNIE PLEASE COME BACK REEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Getting weary of the flashback. I don't mind seeing the Marley side of things, but pick up the pace.

very powerful chapter. That said, I hope that for the sake of the story's pacing in general, this is the last flashback we get for a while.

AoT is the best story I've ever read. But if there are more useless Marley chapters I might even stop reading monthly. That's how exasperated I am. Fuck i really do like RBA and flashback is nice but PLEASE LET ME SEE THE WALLDIANS COME ONNNNNNNNN!!!! Its been half a year already !!! I didnt see the main characters since i caught up with the manga wtf

Cool chapter in itself, not ok with the premise

I'm pretty sure Dina said fuck Bertolt because she was going after that slut sleeping with her husband

You know, after hatin' on the Marley POV for the past few chapter I actually am starting to feel that I'm succumbing to them, slowly but surely starting to enjoy them

The RBA hug was the sweetest thing.

would be interesting to see of armin -remembers- any of this

I finally fully enjoyed reading a chapter of this Marley arc, even if it's just a flashback... but i reeeeeeeeeeaaaaaalllly wish to come back to the original cast POV. I miss them, i wanna see them, i would sell my soul to see them. Also i think Isayama made a wrong choice doing this Marley arc now, after the timeskip, if he had done this before the fandom probably wouldn't react as the way they did (missing EMA and Veterans). I mean, after the longest time skip ever, after the most loved/hated arc with huge changes to some characters, Isayama just change the view to another characters not showing us anything of what happened. Also with this guidebook we could see that things have changed with the original cast, mainly the relationships that before were strong but at this moment we don't know fully (Like i seriously saw the EMA split apart reading this guidebook, a thing that i didn't wanted to happe, but at the same time i wanted because is interesting af. Or Levi miserable after Erwin death... I feel like Isayama will continue with this flashbacks to explain something like why Annie didn't killed Armin, and their thoughts on the Walldian, but i also feel like chapter 100 will split the fandom apart (again) (i mean we probably will get the main cast in this one, i hope)

I MISS MIKASA

Great develope of the warriors trio

EEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKK

nice info & perspective in this chapter. but felt dragged..could've been expressed in less pages tbh.

The pacing of this whole arc has been poor. These backstories would have better served the story if they had peppered the narrative a little bit at a time over the course of the whole series, not as some last second infodump.

Only thing worse than present day Marley is flashback Marley

I DON'T WANT ANOTHER FLASHBACK JUST GET ME ON PARADIS AGAIN FOR THE LOVE OF GOD

You have a beautiful smile, but not as beautiful as Dina's.

I need Reiner/Happiness to be canon like RIGHT NOW

wjat the fuck is dina d o i n g how did she just KNOW who carla was aksdadkjs

I wish bertholdt was not dead And that he has more development.

I never thought we'd actually get to see this part from the warrior's perspective, but I've always hoped we'd at least see it in a spin off or something, so I am pumped we actually got to see it in detail in canon

Thank god for Isayama, he's a blessed man to give us so many chapters with Warrior focus.

Man I just wish I didn't have to wait so long for each chapter, but I understand it's necessary for quality.

I wasn't really enjoying the flashbacks but I loved this one

I wish we would have had some bits from the breaching of the wall way earlier. I also wish the plot would advance a bit faster. I feel too many panels were spent on the flashback. For me the chapter was over too soon, but felt like I'd learned nothing new of importance :(

I understand the flashbacks are necessary, but I hope the story will eventually wrap those up to keep the story moving forward. Everything has been going by so slowly lately, but even so, I love this series to much to just leave, especially since we're already nearing the end. Keep it up, Isayama!

Because I see all the recent Annie content as the most obvious foreshadowing of her return to the plot, that begs a new question. In Stohess, she tried to run away, not take Eren, and just get back to her father. She crystallized with that stuff in mind, she seemed ready to abandon her mission, so when she inevitably wakes up will she still have that same mindset? I think this whole thing could set up an interesting change for her character. Whether she joins the Walldians or not, she finally gets a chance to break away from the flow and suffer or thrive based on the outcome of (probably) the only time she's allowed to choose something in her life.

Damn this is depressing as hell

Dina will never not freak me out. Also hooOOOOOO REINER'S MESSED UP HOOOOOOOO

I really do hope Isayama goes back to the paradis crew in a flashback to 4 years ago. A couple months from where chapter 90 left off & the entire volume covers 1 year of the Paradis crew in between the 4 year time skip

I feel like Isayama doesnt care much for Mikasa anymore. She has become a flat character and deserves more focus.

I didn't need an entire chapter dedicated to RBA's persepctive of the fall of wall maria to feel any more sympathy than I already do towards them.

I'm really tired of the Marley focus in the story.

Loved seeing how Annie really felt about the mission outside of the hometown and ideologies. Also heart breaking to see Reiner trying so hard to make the mission work only to end up losing the only other two who understood him best in the end.

I was hoping we would get the Tyber family's festival, and there Amputee-kun would reveal his identity. However, after seeing this chapter, I realized how important and interesting the Fall of Wall Maria is in the warriors' point of view. I'm glad we got this chapter.

1. Reiner is much more than a warrior or a replacement for Marcel. 2. Dina keeps being awesome even after her death. 3. Bertholdt already being in love with Annie is awesome. 4. We've been able to see Jean!!! 5. I don't want to say goodbye to Colt...

Isayama, give Erwin back 😌!

#snk poll #snk chapter 96 #snk 96 #snk chapter poll #snk poll results

178 notes · View notes

thran-duils · 7 years ago

Text

Take Your Time

TITLE: Take Your Time (Rise For Your King P4) PAIRING: READER/AU KING!CASTIEL SUMMARY: THE READER WAS BETROTHED TO THE PRINCE BUT WHEN A NEIGHBORING KING DECIDES TO DOLE OUT JUSTICE TO YOUR FUTURE FATHER IN LAW, HE DESTROYS THE ROYAL FAMILY, LEAVING YOU WITH THE TWO YOUNGEST PRINCESSES. THE MAGE KING TAKES AN IMMEDIATE LIKING TO YOU, LETTING YOU LIVE. WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH THIS OPPORTUNITY? WORDS: 2,281

PART 3 || Part 5 || MASTERPOST || Fanfic masterpost

“I am ready to go,” you had told Reyvin only an hour and a half before Castiel had woken from his dream about her.

Reyvin had answered his door, looking surprised to see you at his door, covered in a cape, hiding your face. He ushered you in quickly. He was shirtless and quickly moved to get a shirt. You had averted your eyes out of politeness and had only turned your attention to him again when he had spoken.

“My lady, do you know what rumors it would spring for someone to see you coming to my room so late at night?”

You pushed the hood off your head and informed him, “I was quiet.”

He looked unconvinced. “Still. You know there are eyes. There always are. Even beforehand. But I believe even more so under Castiel.”

“I believe it. But, I made sure I left in between shift changes. They won’t enter my chambers. I know the next shift change and I will be careful upon returning.”

Reyvin nodded before moving to his desk and pulling out the chair, offering it to you. You declined with a shake of your head. He sat down himself and inquired, “What made you come to this decision, my lady?”

You decided to not beat around the bush. “The king asked me to marry him.”

This seemed to stall Reyvin and he was slack jawed for a moment before clearing his throat. Starting off, he tried, “Perhaps… perhaps it is best you do not leave.”

What?

Cocking your head, you asked, “Why?”

“That is a… an important request.”

“Do you think its best? I am not royalty. And he claims the people love me – and I know, they do” you started in noticing Reyvin had opened his mouth to defend what Castiel had said. He closed his mouth upon your comment. “But, I am not the rightful royalty. And what happens when Gwyinth and Oriana become of age? Or old enough to know what happened to their family? And begin to resent me?”

Reyvin said nothing to this.

You continued, “I couldn’t stand that.”

“You have no want to be with him? To be queen?”

Choosing your next words carefully, you stated, “I don’t wish to be queen, no. But…” You trailed off, not being able to finish your sentence.

Reyvin reassured you, “I do not blame you, my lady. He is not hard on the eyes.” Your face flushed with embarrassment and Reyvin added, “I imagine it is hard.”

Exhaling sharply, you stated, “My feelings for the girls are more important – although, just as strong – than my feelings and… want…” again your face flushed. “For the king.”

Shifting back in the seat and leaning against the desk, Reyvin studied you for a few moments. “So, your plan is to leave with them as well?” You nodded. “What if they begin to ask questions?”

“They can be told differently. They are young. They can still… forget.” It hurt for you to say that. You didn’t want to deceive the girls but it seemed the best option at this point to keep your relationship with them intact and protect them.

“And if they ever happen to find out who they really are? Do you not think the resentment would be as bad or even worse? Considering you tore them from a life of luxury?”

You had considered this as well. “I will deal with it if it ever arises. I would rather them hate me for taking them away than for taking their place and pushing them off to the sidelines while I took what was rightfully theirs.”

Reyvin again considered this. “If it’s what you believe is the right thing to do, then I will go with you.”

Balking a bit, you stammered, “You only need to show us the way, Sir.”

“No, I will go with. To make sure you remain safe.”

“If they ever find you, you will be hanged. For treason.”

“What do you think will happen of you?”

“I can handle me dying. I can’t have someone else’s blood on my hands because of my choices.”

Reyvin gave you a small smile. “I would not have offered the thing in the first place, my lady, if I didn’t expect to be a part of it. Some of this is for me as well. I do not wish to stay here under this new leadership. I have no allegiance to them and I wish not to. I was too close to King Orin.”

“I know, sir.”

“So, we will go together.”

It was better to have someone else besides you and the twins – and you assumed Aideen, she would not let you leave alone – to go into hiding. You nodded and gave him a small smile.

Reyvin looked pleased. “I am glad to hear it, my lady.” He paused before adding. “When would you like to leave?”

“As soon as possible. The king expects an answer from me.”

“The soonest I believe I could get us out would be tomorrow night,” Reyvin admitted.

You concluded, “That is more than acceptable, Sir. Where would we be going?”

“The country side. There is a place where King Orin had set aside in case anything happened. Trust me. They will be prepared for us and will be welcoming. No matter the time or circumstance.”

You would just have to trust him on this. You were putting a lot into his hands.

<> <> <>

You had to pat yourself on the back mentally. You were acting completely calm at lunch with Castiel. You had opted out of breakfast, going to the twins instead and hanging out with them. As they played, you had nonchalantly packed essentials for them. They had not noticed amongst their play and you were thankful. You could only imagine later tonight would be more difficult to get them to move. You surmised you would have to carry one and someone else carry another in their sleep and pray that they didn’t wake up until you were far from the castle.

Castiel had been making small talk all through lunch and you had been responding properly. You couldn’t help but notice the pleased expression on his face every time you answered him. You didn’t know if it was from the conversation itself or the fact he thought you were polished ‘perfectly’ or a combination of both.

When he requested a walk through the garden after lunch, you had accepted, despite your anxiousness to get back to your chambers and finish the final touches on the things you had packed. You knew Aideen wouldn’t have time today considering she was taking extra time to set up meals for the next few days to take burden off of the other servants since she would be absent. She still cared about them and that warmed your heart. You had not been surprised she had immediately agreed to go with you and Reyvin.

The warm day was a comfort and you held your hands across your waist, walking close enough but not too close to Castiel.

“Would you be opposed to a revamp to this part of the garden?”

“Is it up to me, my king?”

You felt his eyes on you with you trying out this new title for him. You did it on purpose, trying to gauge his reaction. You felt a surge of his power come off of him for a second, as if he had lost control momentarily before it was sucked back away from you. You weren’t naïve enough to not realize that it had most likely been the ‘my’ that had worked him up so much.

Castiel regained his ground quickly. “I would like your opinion on it.”

“I would not be opposed. As long as it didn’t lose its original beauty.”

“I would never allow such a thing to happen.”

And you believed him when he said that. He kept asking you questions about the garden and what you enjoyed most about it. You were calm, letting the answers come to you freely. There was no way you were going to give yourself away with uneasiness.

That is… until you found the two of you alone. Somehow the guards behind you had drifted off, leaving the two of you alone. You felt alarmed for a moment, not having been alone for a long while without guards attending you.

Castiel, on the other hand, seemed content. “Have you thought anymore on what I proposed, Y/N?”

He had planned this. Being alone.

Pushing your tense feelings away, you forced yourself to answer, “Yes.”

“And?”

“I haven’t come to a decision.”

There was a fleeting look of disappointment across his face before he took your hand in his. “It is a lot to ask of you as of late, my lady. I know. But, I know you are also concerned with the kingdom. And what I stated was true. Peace would be easier with a union between the two of us.” He paused before adding, “Plus, I admit I would rest easier with someone by my side.”

The way he said rest made you believe he didn’t just mean recreationally or emotionally.

“I understand,” you told him, letting his hand caress yours. You wouldn’t pull away from it. “I have just… I haven’t come to terms and gathered my feelings completely. Just a couple of weeks ago I was engaged to someone else.”

His free hand moved up to touch your cheek and you inhaled sharply as his skin brushed yours. His hands were so soft and smelled calming…

“It is hard,” he agreed. “But thus is the life of someone bound to royalty by one means or another.” His eyes ran over you and you watched the care and concern behind his own. “I think you would make a fine queen, Y/N. You have the makings of a great queen, starting with your diplomatic approach. And there’s too much to be said about the beauty you would bring to a royal painting added to the Grand Hall.”

You shivered, uneasy to be in such close proximity to him. Especially with him confiding this personal information to you. He, on the other hand still, did not seem uncomfortable in the slightest.

“Do you feel it?”

Being so close to him, hearing him praise you like he was… of course you did. How could you not? Even if for some reason it wasn’t true, he made you believe it was.

“Yes,” you breathed. “I feel it.”

His lips fell on yours and you did nothing to stop it. At least for a few seconds.

You pulled away abruptly and couldn’t miss the look of annoyance that flashed across his features before he masked it with concern.

“I… I need to leave.”

“Y/N.” His voice was firm and stopped you from doing so. “You do not have to be ashamed.”

Swallowing sharply, you responded, “I am not. I just think there are – is a way to do things. And this is not the right order.”

Castiel smirked at you and commented, “Do you believe everything happens in a linear order, my lady?”

He was teasing you.

“No, your majesty. But, I will try my hardest to stick to it.” He pondered on that for a moment and you added, “I would appreciate it if you would keep this… between us.”

Castiel’s expression softened and he cooed, “Of course, sweetheart.” The pet name sent flutters through you and you tried your hardest to hide your reaction. He reached out and you refused to flinch under his touch. He brushed a stray hair and tucked it behind your ear. “Your – our – secret is safe with me.”

Nodding, you stated quietly, “Thank you, your majesty. I just… I need another day. At most.”

Something flinched in Castiel’s features but it was gone in a second. He was all smiles. “You take your time, my lady.”

“Thank you,” you commented before adding, “And thank you for breakfast. It was delightful.”

Turning, you walked away from him and couldn’t push away the nagging feeling of wanting to stay. He was quite irresistible to you but… you still felt you needed to leave. For the girls’ sake.

<> <> <>

“She is not in the castle.”

Castiel had sent for Y/N the next morning at breakfast when she had not arrived. He wouldn’t be denied her presence at this meal two days in a row, no matter the excuse. Instead of getting her back to him for the meal, he had been presented with this rotten piece of information, which instantly made him furious and lose his appetite.

“You’ve searched the entire castle?”

“No, sir,” Samuel reported, shifting. “But, we noticed the twins are gone as well. And… Sir Reyvin.” Something crossed Castiel’s face and Sam added quickly, “We didn’t think it necessary to search the whole castle with that many missing. It seems… well… they’re gone.”

Anger immediately coursed through Castiel’s veins, his power threatening to explode outside of him in an outburst to relieve some energy and anger. How dare she. He shook slightly, trying to control himself. He had been generous… understanding. Given gifts. And to lead him on as if she had meant to stay with him…

(gif)

A small growl almost escaped Castiel’s throat but he held it back. Swallowing his anger, he adjusted his collar, the slightest twitch crossing his face.

His eyes landed on Samuel and he snapped, “Fetch me my horse. And get a small brigade together. With your brother. He is a good tracker.”

“Yes, sir.”

Castiel refused to believe the kiss – and the look in her eyes – meant nothing.

~~~

CASTIEL TAGS: @prince-halfblood, @splendidcas, @klaineaholic, @letsthedogpackandthecats, @alexastacio, @winchesterforever12 @seirensou @tacos-and-trenchcoats @the-amaranthine @intheir-dreams @study-me-misha @marisayouass @demonicguardianangel @afanofmanystuffs @holyheadharpies-quidditch-blog @misscherryberry @too-lazy-for-this-world @dragonchantant @morbid-apricots

#castiel x reader #au castiel #supernatural fanfic #spn fanfic #spn fanfiction #my shit

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wendynerdwrites · 8 years ago

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Meta Repost #1: The Trident Fight: Why We Need to Stop Blaming Little Girls and Start Blaming Irresponsible Adults and the Awful Society They Perpetuate

It’s back!

I feel embarrassed that I feel the need to discuss the Trident scene in a meta at this point in time. It’s been four books and nearly twenty years since George R.R. Martin wrote the damn thing, and yet people still keep bringing this up as not only A defining moment for certain characters, but THE defining moment for certain characters. Especially for Sansa.

This is wrong. The person to be angry at isn’t Sansa or her sister. While both girls can get blamed for this event, Sansa tends to get the bulk of fandom hatred for the events that led to the death of Lady. I want to focus on why this viewpoint is wrong.

It’s just that so many of the mentions of the fight at the Trident between Arya and Joffrey, Sansa’s reaction, and the fallout are so often used to make really bad arguments. And, in fact, the whole instance is just misinterpreted a lot.

Usually, the Trident and subsequent hearing is often cited when people want to argue that Sansa Stark hates her sister, or Sansa was weak and stupid, or Sansa was super-duper-evil-selfish-and-wanted-to-throw-her-sister-under-the-bus-just-so-she-could-wear-a-tiara-and-was-willing-to-betray-everyone-to-do-it-and-also-she-is-probably-a-secret-Nazi-and-the-writer-of-High-School-Musical. Sansa has no honor. Sansa cared more about being a princess and impressing her crush than she did about anything. Arya is awesome and Sansa is the worst and here’s why. Sansa utterly betrayed Arya. Sansa was stupid. Sansa should have told the truth and she didn’t so she is the worst.

Okay, so everyone? Sansa may have actually done Arya a huge solid by saying she didn’t remember. It’s likely that her answer of “I don’t know, I don’t remember” was the best thing she could have done for not only her well-being, but Arya’s as well. The person who failed Arya wasn’t Sansa, it was Ned.

No, seriously. Hear me out on this one.

Now, a few things off the bat I want to establish: 1) Joffrey Baratheon was a sadistic little boy who attacked Mycah out of the desire to see him bleed. He got off on the suffering of others and that was his intention all along. 2) Yes, Sansa did often resent and antagonize her sister. I know that Jeyne Poole came up with the “Arya Horseface” name and that we don’t actually see Sansa use it. However, the fact that the name became wide-spread enough for people to remember it, and that Theon would have made the mistake that the name came from Sansa does indicate that she either used it herself or at least gave it enough of a blessing to allow that name to continue. As a huge Sansa fan, I have to say that in my opinion, Sansa’s lowest point as a character was her rant to Arya about how she should marry Hodor because she’s “stupid and ugly.” Sansa bullied Arya. Not all the time (and certainly not to the extent that some people claim), but it did happen. It was wrong and messed up, but it is true. 3) The relationship between the two sisters was seriously strained. 4) Arya was trying to defend her friend and what happened at the Trident was horrible and not her fault. 5) Yes, Sansa blinded herself to Joffrey’s cruelty in AGOT. She blamed Arya for the incident unfairly.

6) Up until the Trident fight, Sansa had no way of knowing Joffrey wasn’t Prince Charming.

7) Arya also had a tendency to antagonize and resent her sister unfairly. Why? Because that’s what siblings DO. Also, she’s a child. Kids can be dicks. Arya is not exempt from this. Because she’s a child. Sansa, being older and more capable of fitting into the social roles of her family, was in a position to do more damage to her sister. However, she was more or less actively encouraged to pick on her sister. Both girls were pitted against each other. Their primary caretaker, Septa Mordane, often made nasty comments about Arya while making rude comparisons to Sansa “Arya has the hands of a blacksmith”, etc. This happened CONSTANTLY. Sansa’s bullying of Arya was reinforced from all sides by their authority figures and the society they lived in. Arya’s resentment of Sansa, therefore, was likewise reinforced. The two fought in almost every interaction we see between them, partly because most of their interactions occur after the Trident. Their memories in later books are kinder. They used each other as outlets for their hurt feelings and acted out at one another. Because they’re children. It’s just that Sansa’s poor treatment of Arya was informed and reinforced by the abusive system they lived in. That is not Sansa’s fault. It doesn’t make what she did RIGHT, but it is the source of a lot of the emotional damage done to both girls and did insure that their relationship reached such an antagonistic level. Arya’s resentment towards her sister was also informed by the system in which they lived. 8) It doesn’t matter what Joffrey’s motives were in attacking Mycah. Not at all. At least, it doesn’t matter when it comes to the outcome or the reaction. Joffrey was always going to get off scot free for what happened. 9) Sansa and Joffrey were betrothed. It was considered a binding arrangement. Marriage was a system of ownership in Westeros. The husband owned his wife (they put it in kinder terms, but let’s not white-wash things here. Women were property. Husbands had legal rights to abuse, rape, command, control, imprison, and in some instances even kill their wives) 10) Joffrey was also the future king, giving him even greater authority over others. The common husband, according to TWOIAF, was allowed to beat his wife with seven strokes of a rod as wide as his thumb. Joffrey, as king, was allowed to order Sansa to be “beaten bloody” and stripped in front of the court. King Aerys Targaryen got away with raping, burning, and abusing his wife, Queen Rhaella. Aegon the Unworthy was allowed to systematically abuse and rape Queen Naerys and took joy in endangering their son (a story Sansa was intimately familiar with). Maegor the Cruel was able to kill multiple wives for not giving him an heir (another story Sansa would have known well). Baelor the Blessed imprisoned his sister-wives (another story Sansa definitely knew) Rhaegar Targaryen was only prince and still was able to abandon his wife for a younger woman and carry off Lyanna Stark. While Rhaegar DID NOT get away with this, it was only because of the huge war and rebellion that took place after. If Robert’s Rebellion hadn’t succeeded, Rhaegar likely would have gotten away with it. When a complaint was lodged against Aerys, the man set Lyanna’s father and brother on fire. Elia Martell and her children, left behind in the Red Keep by her husband, were brutally murdered and neglected more or less. Lyanna Stark died. Another story Sansa would have known VERY WELL. 11) Westeros is a country with a majorly divisive feudal, caste system. Highborn girls like Arya playing around with the sons of butchers was a HUGE breach of custom. The rights and safety of someone like Mycah didn’t matter to those in power. While Winterfell might have been an environment where Arya could have been “underfoot” and played with the children of the cooks and smiths, this was in no way the norm. Girls like her were encouraged and expected to consort with other girls of nobility or some sort of higher social status. For a “butcher’s boy” like Mycah, playing with the daughter of a Lord Paramount and the Hand of the King would have been considered him going above his station. It’s also a place where highborn people constantly get away with abusing and even killing common folk. Furthermore, “respect to one’s betters”, i.e., people of higher social standing, was expected and could be punished to the Nth degree. 12) Westeros is also a society that brainwashes young women to believe that it is their duty to accommodate their husbands at every turn. Ladies obey and please their lords, and to fail or resist is a dereliction of duty. 13) Westeros is also a society that encourages ideas of chivalry, of highborn men saving innocent women and children, often from monsters or evil lords or, on occasion, “common peasants.” 14) Arya was breaking more than one rule when she was playing with Mycah at the Trident. 15) (Controversial opinions time) Ned Stark is a really bad parent and shoulders quite a bit of the blame for what happened. Arya and Sansa are both little girls put in an awful situation. Their father utterly failed to handle it. None of this would have happened if Ned Stark wasn’t impressively negligent. I know people give him a lot of (deserved) crap for how he handled himself in King’s Landing vis a vis Cersei and the court, but I don’t see him called out for this shit enough. He’s no Tywin Lannister, but he still utterly shit the bed as a father to his daughters.

Okay, so with all of that background, let’s talk about that day and the morning after. I’m going to focus on this sequence of events in particular:

1) The events of Sansa I, where Sansa and Arya have an argument, Sansa encounters Ser Illyn and the Hound, spends the day with Joffrey, and the incident at the Trident happens 2) The events of Eddard III, the hearing and execution of Lady.

By the time we get to Sansa I, we know that Arya’s seen Joffrey act like a real dick. The fight with Robb showed her that Joffrey was a petulant brat, something Sansa didn’t witness. The only criticism Sansa’s heard of Joffrey thus far is, “Jon says he looks like a girl” per Arya I. Sansa’s interactions with her future husband so far have indicated that he’s polite. Also according to Arya I, he told Sansa that she was beautiful and gave every impression of being “gallant.”

Sansa’s been trained to be the perfect lady and wife, and to believe in romance, but also to accommodate royalty and men, as is her duty.

It was a great honor to ride with the queen, and besides, Prince Joffrey might be there. Her betrothed. Just thinking it made her feel a strange fluttering inside, even though they were not to marry for years and years. Sansa did not really know Joffrey yet, but she was already in love with him. He was all she ever dreamt her prince should be, tall and handsome and strong, with hair like gold. She treasured every chance to spend time with him, few as they were. —Sansa I, A Game of Thrones

Then there is Arya.

The only thing that scared her about today was Arya. Arya had a way of ruining everything. You never knew what she would do. — Sansa I, A Game of Thrones

Now, granted, this seems kind of a dick thing to say. But the problem is… Sansa is sort of right? In a way? Sort of. As much fun as Arya is, there is a good reason Sansa has to worry about Arya misbehaving and/or embarrassing her. Take this passage of Arya I, for example:

“What are you talking about?” Arya asked suddenly. Jeyne gave her a startled look, then giggled. Sansa looked abashed. Beth blushed. No one answered. “Tell me,” Arya said. Jeyne glanced over to make certain that Septa Mordane was not listening. Myrcella said something then, and the septa laughed along with the rest of the ladies. “We were talking about the prince,” Sansa said, her voice soft as a kiss…… “He’s going to marry her,” little Beth said dreamily, hugging herself. “Then Sansa will be queen of all the realm.” Sansa had the grace to blush. She blushed prettily. She did everything prettily, Arya thought with dull resentment. “Beth, you shouldn’t make up stories,” Sansa corrected the younger girl, gently stroking her hair to take the harshness out of her words. She looked at Arya. “What did you think of Prince Joff, sister? He’s very gallant, don’t you think?” “Jon says he looks like a girl,” Arya said. Sansa sighed as she stitched. “Poor Jon,” she said. ��He gets jealous because he’s a bastard.” “He’s our brother,” Arya said, much too loudly. Her voice cut through the afternoon quiet of the tower room. Septa Mordane raised her eyes. She had a bony face, sharp eyes, and a thin lipless mouth made for frowning. It was frowning now. “What are you talking about, children?” “Our half brother,” Sansa corrected, soft and precise. She smiled for the septa. “Arya and I were remarking on how pleased we were to have the princess with us today,” she said. Septa Mordane nodded. “Indeed. A great honor for us all.” Princess Myrcella smiled uncertainly at the compliment. “Arya, why aren’t you at work?” the septa asked. She rose to her feet, starched skirts rustling as she started across the room. “Let me see your stitches.” Arya wanted to scream. It was just like Sansa to go and attract the septa’s attention. “Here,” she said, surrendering up her work. The septa examined the fabric. “Arya, Arya, Arya,” she said. “This will not do. This will not do at all.” Everyone was looking at her. It was too much. Sansa was too well bred to smile at her sister’s disgrace, but Jeyne was smirking on her behalf. Even Princess Myrcella looked sorry for her. Arya felt tears filling her eyes. She pushed herself out of her chair and bolted for the door. —Arya I, A Game of Thrones

I hate to tell you this, guys, but that’s the sort of thing that WOULD give a person a good reason to worry. Arya interrupted a private conversation about Joffrey. She insulted the crown prince in front of his sister. She attracted the attention of Septa Mordane (something she blames Sansa for, which, you know, is wrong. “Her voice cut through the quiet of the tower room” while Sansa had been trying to keep things quiet). Sansa actually covers for her when Mordane comes over and asks what they’re talking about, being courteous and pretending that Arya did the opposite of insult royalty. Then Arya gets reprimanded and she cries and runs from the room. So yes, sorry, Sansa does have a reason to worry about Arya turning things into a fiasco. She of course does it in the most resentful, pre-teen way possible, but her worry isn’t exactly unfounded.

But back to Sansa I.

She found Arya on the banks of the Trident, trying to hold Nymeria still while she brushed dried mud from her fur. The direwolf was not enjoying the process. Arya was wearing the same riding leathers she had worn yesterday and the day before. “You better put on something pretty,” Sansa told her. “Septa Mordane said so. We’re traveling in the queen’s wheelhouse with Princess Myrcella today.” “I’m not,” Arya said, trying to brush a tangle out of Nymeria’s matted grey fur. “Mycah and I are going to ride “upstream and look for rubies at the ford.” “Rubies,” Sansa said, lost. “What rubies?” Arya gave her a look like she was so stupid. “Rhaegar’s rubies. This is where King Robert killed him and won the crown.” Sansa regarded her scrawny little sister in disbelief. “You can’t look for rubies, the princess is expecting us. The queen invited us both.” –Sansa I, A Game of Thrones

Okay, so this isn’t great. The royal family invited both girls to ride with them. And yes, this is, as Sansa says, a great honor. It’s also pretty important for her future. Joffrey is her betrothed, Cersei her future mother-in-law. Making them happy will greatly affect her future. While Sansa’s determination to be “in love” with Joffrey does seem silly to a modern reader, there’s a very good reason for it. The second part of Bluecichlid’s excellent series of metas covered this pretty well. Joffrey is her future: her future monarch and her future owner. Both Cersei and Joffrey are going to be major influences on her for the rest of her life.

It’s better for her psychological well-being to believe that Joffrey is “all she ever dreamt her prince should be.” If not, well, the young man her father sold her to is a bust, and so is the rest of her life. Betrothals were considered VERY binding, marriage even more so. So yes, a lot is riding on Sansa impressing and pleasing the Lannister-Baratheon clan, including the wife of her monarch. Her well-being could very likely be shaped by the impression she gives now.

And then there’s Arya, who wants to snub the honor of Cersei’s invitation, covered in mud, and saying things like this:

“I don’t like the queen,” Arya said casually. Sansa sucked in her breath, shocked that even Arya would say such a thing, but her sister prattled on, heedless. “She won’t even let me bring Nymeria.” She thrust the brush under her belt and stalked her wolf. Nymeria watched her approach warily. “A royal wheelhouse is no place for a wolf,” Sansa said. “And Princess Myrcella is afraid of them, you know that.” “Myrcella is a little baby.” —Sansa I, A Game of Thrones

Remember, her sister also decided to mention aloud that their half-brother said that Joffrey looks like a girl in a room where Joffrey’s sister was sitting. So yes, Sansa’s frustration and fear is pretty warranted. As far as she knows, her entire future could be at least partially determined by the impression she makes on the Lannisters today (it is, as it turns out, just not in the way she expects). She’s an eleven-year-old girl who is looking at a future in a high-profile position as the wife, partner, and property of an extremely powerful person whom she doesn’t know very well. That is a ridiculous amount of pressure for a young girl to be under.

If Arya causes trouble, it isn’t just some brief embarrassment Sansa has to worry about. It’s her entire future and position.

So, keeping that in mind, there’s also this:

One day she came back grinning her horsey grin, her hair all tangled and her clothes covered in mud, clutching a raggedy bunch of purple and green flowers for Father. Sansa kept hoping he would tell Arya to behave herself and act like the highborn lady she was supposed to be, but he never did, he only hugged her and thanked her for the flowers. That just made her worse. Then it turned out the purple flowers were called poison kisses, and Arya got a rash on her arms. Sansa would have thought that might have taught her a lesson, but Arya laughed about it, and the next day she rubbed mud all over her arms like some ignorant bog woman just because her friend Mycah told her it would stop the itching. She had bruises on her arms and shoulders too, dark purple welts and faded green-and-yellow splotches; Sansa had seen them when her sister undressed for sleep. How she had gotten those only the seven gods knew. —- Sansa I, A Game of Thrones

And this:

“You’re not supposed to leave the column,” Sansa reminded her. “Father said so.” Arya shrugged. “I didn’t go far. Anyway, Nymeria was with me the whole time. I don’t always go off, either. Sometimes it’s fun just to ride along with the wagons and talk to people.”” —Sansa I, A Game of Thrones

Okay, so sorry guys, but Sansa’s actually totally right that her father should have told Arya to behave. And then enforced that. Especially after the flower incident. The fact that Ned didn’t take that as a warning and instead just smiled and allowed his daughter to continue breaking rules and direct orders is kind of… Super shitty parenting.

Yes, Arya got some flowers that just gave her a rash. But the next day? It could have been flowers that give her an even bigger rash and an infection that requires a medieval amputation. Arya’s not exactly kept things hygienic in an already bath-phobic society. The fact that Arya was rubbing fucking MUD on her skin inflammation… Yeah…

Of course Arya does this stuff. She’s an energetic kid who likes to have fun. She’s going to want to do these things. She’s got this cool older friend who told her that helps the itching. She prefers hanging out with her exploration buddy. Especially since every time she tries to join the sewing circle like a “proper lady”, she inevitably gets Septa Mordane on her ass insulting her in front of her peers.

But, you see, that’s sort of why Ned has a job to do, one he’s not doing. He’s left his daughters to a caretaker that neglects and emotionally abuses the younger one. And then doesn’t do much to protect his daughter and/or keep her from running around random countryside where she’s already encountered POISON FLOWERS. He doesn’t take the Poison Kisses as an indicator that MAYBE he should at least send a guard with Arya when she goes on these little expeditions.

And no, having her run around with a temperamental direwolf doesn’t count. Neither does having her run around with the kid who told her to rub mud into her rash.

Okay, so Sansa’s got her sister defying orders, bringing home poison flowers, covering herself in mud and bruises, insulting Sansa’s future royal in laws, and announcing plans to snub the queen. The queen. The mother of the future king Sansa is going to marry and, once again, BE LEGALLY OWNED BY.

And for the record, Sansa does try to coax her sister by promising cake and feather pillows and lack of mud-covered poison rashes. That was Arya’s cue to insult the queen.

So, now, completely humiliated, faced with having to tell her future mother in law that “I know that you invited us to come and spend the day with you, but my sister decided to go look for rubies in a lake with a boy that smells like dead meat instead. Have I told you how great an honor it is that you invited us? I can’t wait to join your family.”

Is it any surprise that minutes later, upon meeting Illyn Payne, she has a panic attack?

She heard the queen say, “Joffrey, go to her.” And her prince was there. “Leave her alone,” Joffrey said. He stood over her, beautiful in blue wool and black leather, his golden curls shining in the sun like a crown. He gave her his hand, drew her to her feet. “What is it, sweet lady? Why are you afraid? No one will hurt you. Put away your swords, all of you. The wolf is her little pet, that’s all.” He looked at Sandor Clegane. “And you, dog, away with you, you’re scaring my betrothed.” —Sansa I, A Game of Thrones

Yeah, there’s Joffrey, looking cute and telling people who are scaring her to stop freaking her out.

Then this happens:

“Joffrey, perhaps you would be so kind as to entertain our guest today.” “It would be my pleasure, Mother,” Joffrey said very formally. He took her by the arm and led her away from the wheelhouse, and Sansa’s spirits took flight. A whole day with her prince! —Sansa I, A Game of Thrones

Okay, so Joffrey’s just “saved” her from the freaky executioner dude. And now she has ALSO been spared the prospect of giving her queen the “My sister prefers the company of the boy who smells like dead cow to you” speech. And to top it all off, she actually gets to finally spend time getting to know the king-to-be her father sold her to. She’s going to make a good impression! Exactly what she needs!

““What would you like to do?” Be with you, Sansa thought, but she said, “Whatever you’d like to do, my prince.” Joffrey reflected a moment. “We could go riding.” “Oh, I love riding,” Sansa said.” —Sansa I, A Game of Thrones

This is a lie. Earlier in the chapter, she thinks about how much she hates it. But, also remember points 9, 10, and 12. We also know she’s afraid of making him angry, because earlier in the chapter:

“I can answer,” Sansa said quickly, to quell her prince’s anger.” —Sansa I, A Game of Thrones

“If you like,” she said uncertainly. “I suppose I could tie Lady up.” She did not quite understand, though. “I didn’t know you had a dog …” Joffrey laughed. “He’s my mother’s dog, in truth. She has set him to guard me, and so he does.” “You mean the Hound,” she said. She wanted to hit herself for being so slow. Her prince would never love her if she seemed stupid. “Is it safe to leave him behind?”” — Sansa I, A Game of Thrones

That’s a good question, Sansa. No, strangely enough, it is safe to leave him behind, even though logic dictates that it shouldn’t be. You’d think bringing a guard with the two high-profile, rich children would be the safer option but it’s the Hound, so no, not really. But good on you for having more sense than your father WHO NEVER SEEMS INTERESTED IN SENDING GUARDS WITH HIS CHILDREN. (yeah, there might be a whole other meta on this)

But then there’s this. “Her prince would never love her if she seemed stupid.” Points 9 and 10, guys. It’s super important that her prince love her. Which is also why she keeps drinking when Joffrey tells her to keep drinking. Why she suddenly loves riding. Why she takes his word for it that he’ll protect her.

Then the magical day starts. And what is described is what sounds like several hours of Joffrey charming her petticoats off. He promises to protect her, he gets her food, and he sings to her. He acts like every story she’s been told to believe in her entire life.

Also…

“They dined on trout fresh from the river, and Sansa drank more wine than she had ever drunk before. “My father only lets us have one cup, and only at feasts,” she confessed to her prince. “My betrothed can drink as much as she wants,” Joffrey said, refilling her cup. They went more slowly after they had eaten. Joffrey sang for her as they rode, his voice high and sweet and pure. Sansa was a little dizzy from the wine. ” —Sansa I, A Game of Thrones

Guys, the eleven year old is drunk now. Sansa doesn’t know how to hold her liquor yet. She’s eleven.

“Beyond, in a clearing overlooking the river, they came upon a boy and a girl playing at knights. Their swords were wooden sticks, broom handles from the look of them, and they were rushing across the grass, swinging at each other lustily. The boy was years older, a head taller, and much stronger, and he was pressing the attack. The girl, a scrawny thing in soiled leathers, was dodging and managing to get her stick in the way of most of the boy’s blows, but not all. When she tried to lunge at him, he caught her stick with his own, swept it aside, and slid his wood down hard on her fingers. She cried out and lost her weapon. Prince Joffrey laughed. The boy looked around, wide-eyed and startled, and dropped his stick in the grass. The girl glared at them, sucking on her knuckles to take the sting out, and Sansa was horrified. “Arya?” she called out incredulously. “Go away,” Arya shouted back at them, angry tears in her eyes. “What are you doing here? Leave us alone.” Joffrey glanced from Arya to Sansa and back again. “Your sister?”” —Sansa I, A Game of Thrones

So here is the scene they’ve come upon: A girl and a much older boy are hitting each other with sticks. The much older boy is winning and hits her so hard she drops her weapon. And Joffrey knows that the girl is highborn. And Mycah, who is a good three or four years older than Arya, is the butcher’s boy.

Points 11 and 13 come into play now. Which is why Joffrey does this:

““And you’re only a butcher’s boy, and no knight.” Joffrey lifted Lion’s Tooth and laid its point on Mycah’s cheek below the eye, as the butcher’s boy stood trembling. “That was my lady’s sister you were hitting, do you know that?”” — Sansa I, A Game of Thrones

Points 1, 8, and 13 guys.

Highborn girls were expected to obey and not take up swords. For Mycah, the son of a butcher, to play with a girl as highborn as Arya was a HUGE breach of conduct. That he was hitting her with a stick didn’t help. Nor does it help that Arya’s been spending her days with him and coming home with bruises everywhere for weeks now.

Joffrey wanted to hurt Mycah for fun. He doesn’t give a shit about Arya, and he finds the situation hilarious. He’s a sadist. The problem is: it doesn’t matter. Because he’s the prince, because Mycah is lowborn, because Arya is much younger than Mycah and a lady, because princes like Joffrey are supposed to be chivalrous and protect ladies from harm, because Joffrey’s got a powerful family, because a lowborn boy hitting a little lady is a HUGE taboo. It doesn’t matter why Joffrey does it.

All Joffrey has to say is this: “He was hitting my lady’s sister.”

And boom. Excuse for him to attack an unarmed, innocent boy in the eyes of Westeros law. Joffrey, as prince, is allowed to hurt boys like Mycah, especially when boys like Mycah were hitting his lady’s sister. He was being “chivalrous.” He was maintaining the status quo.

He was definitely doing the latter, at least.

“Arya went for him. Sansa slid off her mare, but she was too slow. Arya swung with both hands. There was a loud crack as the wood split against the back of the prince’s head, and then everything happened at once before Sansa’s horrified eyes. Joffrey staggered and whirled around, roaring curses. Mycah ran for the trees as fast as his legs would take him. Arya swung at the prince again, but this time Joffrey caught the blow on Lion’s Tooth and sent her broken stick flying from her hands. The back of his head was all bloody and his eyes were on fire. Sansa was shrieking, “No, no, stop it, stop it, both of you, you’re spoiling it,” but no one was listening. Arya scooped up a rock and hurled it at Joffrey’s head. She hit his horse instead, and the blood bay reared and went galloping off after Mycah. “Stop it, don’t, stop it!” Sansa screamed. Joffrey slashed at Arya with his sword, screaming obscenities, terrible words, filthy words. Arya darted back, frightened now, but Joffrey followed, hounding her toward the woods, backing her up against a tree. Sansa didn’t know what to do. She watched helplessly, almost blind from her tears.” — Sansa I, A Game of Thrones

Okay, so Joffrey is bleeding and attacking Arya, Sansa’s freaked out and calling for them to stop, and Arya has attacked Joffrey and is afraid. Sansa has gotten her first glimpse of Joffrey’s cruelty and feels helpless. In comes Nymeria. She bites Joffrey. Arya calls her off and brandishes a sword at Joffrey, Joffrey threatens to tell his mother, and Arya bolts when Sansa bids her to leave Joffrey alone (good advice).

“Joffrey,” she sobbed. “Oh, look what they did, look what they did. My poor prince. Don’t be afraid. I’ll ride to the holdfast and bring help for you.” Tenderly she reached out and brushed back his soft blond hair. His eyes snapped open and looked at her, and there was nothing but loathing there, nothing but the vilest contempt. “Then go,” he spit at her. “And don’t touch me.”” —-Sansa I, A Game of Thrones

Sansa is totally screwed at this point. There’s no going back. She doesn’t know this, but she’s aware that this is a huge problem. Even as she is trying to help him, he’s looking at her with hatred. Even though she’s not done anything. Joffrey is the type of boy who attacks little girls. Joffrey is looking at her with the vilest contempt. And Joffrey is the boy she is tied to for the rest of her life. The boy her father has betrothed her to.

Okay, so let’s move on to Ned III. They’ve found Arya, and she’s brought before the king after a night of being lost. She’s crying and sorry and freaking the fuck out because she’s a nine year old who was attacked by the prince, spent a night in the wilderness, and has now been dragged before the entire court like a criminal.

“Why was I not told that my daughter had been found?” Ned demanded, his voice ringing. “Why was she not brought to me at once?” —Eddard III, A Game of Thrones

Arya should have never been allowed to leave the progress unguarded in the first place.

She felt so tiny in his arms, nothing but a scrawny little girl. It was hard to see how she had caused so much trouble. “Are you hurt?”” — Eddard III, A Game of Thrones

Oh, I don’t know, maybe she’s an energetic kid left completely unattended in the wilderness and has a wolf for a pet? Maybe that’s how she caused all this trouble. (Actually, she didn’t and you know that. But whatever, look at the little girl who you know was defending her friend from the nasty, armed prince and view HER as the source of the trouble). Maybe the wolf you brought home and the guards you didn’t give her might have had something to do with the trouble. Even if you wanted to indulge her and let her go running with her friend, SEND SOME FUCKING GUARDS. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN OBVIOUS. POINT 15.

Now the actual trial part:

“The queen stepped forward. “You know full well, Stark. This girl of yours attacked my son. Her and her butcher’s boy. That animal of hers tried to tear his arm off.” “That’s not true,” Arya said loudly. “She just bit him a little. He was hurting Mycah.” “Joff told us what happened,” the queen said. “You and the butcher boy beat him with clubs while you set your wolf on him.” “That’s not how it was,” Arya said, close to tears again. Ned put a hand on her shoulder. “Yes it is!” Prince Joffrey insisted. “They all attacked me, and she threw Lion’s Tooth in the river!” Ned noticed that he did not so much as glance at Arya as he spoke. “Liar!” Arya yelled.” — Eddard III, A Game of Thrones

Okay, first of all, this is a farce: It doesn’t matter what the truth is.

Second of all: A surprising amount of what Joffrey and Cersei said were lies. Mycah didn’t hurt Joffrey, and he and Arya didn’t beat Joffrey with clubs, and Nymeria attacked him without Arya’s bidding. But it is true that Nymeria kind of tried to tear his arm off (good puppy) and you and Nymeria did attack him, and you did throw Lion’s Tooth in the river.

And unfortunately, that’s all that’s going to matter. Because you live in a awful, unfair world, Arya.

Seriously, one of the saddest parts of this whole thing was “He was hurting Mycah.”

Why? Because it doesn’t matter to anyone but Arya and the readers. Arya, it doesn’t matter that he was hurting Mycah. It doesn’t matter to the king, the queen, and his court. That would never affect the outcome of any of this. Joffrey is (supposed to be) the son of the king. Mycah is the son of a butcher. 8, 10, 11.

All Joffrey has to say is that Mycah was hitting you with a stick. That is true. If anyone with power over the situation might have cared, your game with Mycah would put an end to that. It won’t matter that you were just playing. You’re not supposed to play with fake swords, you’re a girl. You’re not supposed to play with the butcher’s boy, you’re noble. According to the standards of class and chivalry, Joffrey was intervening in a wholly inappropriate situation and punishing the lowborn boy attacking the highborn girl.

You should have known this. But your parents kind of suck at preparing themselves and their children for the world around them. So yeah. Mycah is getting his throat slit by the Hound for attacking the prince as you passionately testify that Joffrey was hurting him. I’m sorry. You’re a little girl who lives in a world where everything is terrible.

Okay, so then both Arya and Joffrey tell their version of what happened.

And then Ned decides to make another really awful parenting decision.

““They were not the only ones present,” Ned said. “Sansa, come here.” Ned had heard her version of the story the night Arya had vanished. He knew the truth. “Tell us what happened.”” — Eddard III, A Game of Thrones

Eddard Stark, YOU agreed to have your eleven-year-old daughter tied to this family. You had her swear an oath to marry Joffrey. You signed a contract. You did it so that the Lannisters would not question your loyalty as you investigated them for the murder of Jon Arryn. You are heading to King’s Landing to find evidence and bring the most powerful family in the country up on charges. The same family you have tied Sansa to in a legally binding sense. Sansa, the daughter who has been raised from birth to follow custom, be a perfect lady, and obey. The daughter who is tied to the boy you now know to have attacked your other daughter. The daughter whose future in laws you suspect of murder and treason. The daughter who has no idea WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON.

An hour ago, you were terrified that the Lannisters were going to hurt or kill Arya. You believe that the queen is responsible for Jon Arryn’s death. You know that she sent THE HOUND and her brother THE KINGSLAYER after your nine-year-old daughter.

So you’re asking eleven-year-old Sansa to go before her future husband and his murderous, traitor mother and call the prince a lying brute who attacks children. The same prince you’ve legally tied her to.

Both Joffrey and Cersei have attacked and/or tried to attack your children with lethal force. You KNOW this. Sansa is supposed to marry Joffrey, an arrangement you agreed to. And now you expect her to go up against them in a court of law.

“His eldest daughter stepped forward hesitantly. She was dressed in blue velvets trimmed with white, a silver chain around her neck. Her thick auburn hair had been brushed until it shone. She blinked at her sister, then at the young prince. “I don’t know,” she said tearfully, looking as though she wanted to bolt. “I don’t remember. Everything happened so fast, I didn’t see …” “You rotten!” Arya shrieked. She flew at her sister like an arrow, knocking Sansa down to the ground, pummeling her. “Liar, liar, liar, liar.” “Arya, stop it!” Ned shouted. Jory pulled her off her sister, kicking. Sansa was pale and shaking as Ned lifted her back to her feet. “Are you hurt?” he asked, but she was staring at Arya, and she did not seem to hear.” — Eddard III, A Game of Thrones

Sansa’s entire future might have depended on this moment if not for the fact that the Lannisters are insane. In a somewhat sane, logical world, where fathers don’t betroth their daughters to the sons of suspected murderers, what Sansa did in this passage might have saved her and her sister.

If she had backed up Arya’s story, it would not have helped the situation. The closest thing to consequences that might have come about for Joffrey would be for attacking Arya. And even then, an argument might be made for self-defense. It wouldn’t be a valid one, but it would win out because Joffrey is heir to the throne.

Joffrey might have been punished somewhat. Not severely, though, if Cersei has a say (and she does). Joffrey would still be heir to the throne. Someday, he’d be king. And he’d be very, very angry with both Stark sisters.

She’s seen Joffrey attack her sister once. Someday he might do it with a crown on his head and absolute authority. As far as Sansa knows, she’s still going to marry him.

We know she told Ned what happened earlier. The fact that her father didn’t decide right then and there that the betrothal would end speaks volumes. Her father didn’t make that decision. But he has made the decision to drag her up in front of her future husband and have her call him a lying psychopath.

If Joffrey doesn’t hate Sansa, if she finds a way to rectify the vile contempt she saw on his face, she’s potentially not the only person who is safer.

Yeah, Arya is safer if Joffrey likes Sansa as well. Everyone is. This won’t happen, but Sansa doesn’t know that.

In a drunken haze, partially blinded by tears, Sansa saw Joffrey attack her sister. Before that, Joffrey had been charming. Sansa’s approach to her relationship with him even before this happened was to “quell her prince’s anger.” She’s always intended to be a tempering influence on him. That becomes much harder if he hates her.

However, if she agrees with Joffrey’s story, she’s selling out her sister and possibly subjecting her to a cruel punishment. It’s a capital offense to attack the prince. Even though Arya, due to her birth and age, wouldn’t be executed or tortured or something, it likely that this incident would ruin her life and lead to some severe violence for her down the road. Years from now, she’d have a king who hates her and the mark of being a criminal to make her even more vulnerable.

So, Sansa gives a non-committal answer.

She’s already told her father the story. He didn’t pull the plug on the betrothal even though he believes her. He didn’t use her honesty to protect her. He used it to fling her out in front of the most powerful family in the country and endanger her entire future. The future HE set her up for in the first place.

The thing is, it doesn’t matter if Sansa backed her sister up for another reason:

“Their only good fortune was that both Jaime Lannister and Sandor Clegane were missing, leading searches north of the Trident.” —- Eddard III, A Game of Thrones

It had already been decided that the Starks would suffer for this, regardless of who was at fault. The king allowed his wife to send her brother the Kingslayer and The Hound out after a nine-year-old. Justice for Arya and Mycah was never in the cards.

And then the wolves.

That was when Sansa finally seemed to comprehend. Her eyes were frightened as they went to her father. “He doesn’t mean Lady, does he?” She saw the truth on his face. “No,” she said. “No, not Lady, Lady didn’t bite anybody, she’s good …” “Lady wasn’t there,” Arya shouted angrily. “You leave her alone!” “Stop them,” Sansa pleaded, “don’t let them do it, please, please, it wasn’t Lady, it was Nymeria, Arya did it, you can’t, it wasn’t Lady, don’t let them hurt Lady, I’ll make her be good, I promise, I promise …” She started to cry. All Ned could do was take her in his arms and hold her while she wept. He looked across the room at Robert. His old friend, closer than any brother. “Please, Robert. For the love you bear me. For the love you bore my sister. Please.” The king looked at them for a long moment, then turned his eyes on his wife. “Damn you, Cersei,” he said with loathing. Ned stood, gently disengaging himself from Sansa’s grasp. — Eddard III, A Game of Thrones

As much as I want to completely blame Cersei and Robert and Joffrey for Lady’s death, I can’t.

Really, Ned? THAT is the extent of your protests? Sansa did absolutely nothing wrong. You are Hand of the King. Offer to send Lady back to Winterfell (and send your daughters back too, FFS).

Or better yet, offer to do it yourself and then sneak Lady out of there!

“Shortly, Jory brought him Ice. When it was over, he said, “Choose four men and have them take the body north. Bury her at Winterfell.” “All that way?” Jory said, astonished. “All that way,” Ned affirmed. “The Lannister woman shall never have this skin.” —- Eddard III, A Game of Thrones

NED YOU SUCK ALL THE DICK.

You’re denying Cersei the pelt. You feel confident enough to deny the crown proof that Lady is dead. You want to send her back to Winterfell. You do.

Lady SHOULD have been sent back to Winterfell, but not to be buried. The fact that she is? Yeah, NED’S FUCK UP. AN UNNECESSARY ONE.

And then this:

“No sign of your daughter, Hand,” the Hound rasped down, “but the day was not wholly wasted. We got her little pet.” He reached back and shoved the burden off, and it fell with a thump in front of Ned. Bending, Ned pulled back the cloak, dreading the words he would have to find for Arya, but it was not Nymeria after all. It was the butcher’s boy, Mycah, his body covered in dried blood. He had been cut almost in half from shoulder to waist by some terrible blow struck from above. — Eddard III, A Game of Thrones

Remember what I said about justice never being in the cards? Here is your proof. The Hound didn’t even know they’d already found Arya. But he slaughtered Mycah. This was an inevitability, just as Joffrey getting away with what happened was. No matter what Sansa said.

Even if she backed Arya up. Even if Joffrey was punished and judged the sole aggressor. Mycah would still be dead. Joffrey would still be heir to the throne and angry at both Stark girls. And Sansa would never have a chance of “quelling her prince’s anger.”

A lot of people hate Sansa based on this and the fact that she blamed Arya for the incident later. That she didn’t see what Joffrey was then. That she trusted Cersei.

As Bluecichlid says in her meta, confronting the reality of the situation would cause a huge psychological break for Sansa.

Sansa has a history of rewriting events in her head to cope. The most famous example would be the Unkiss, where she remembers the Hound kissing her during the battle of Blackwater. He didn’t. He snuck into her room, put a knife to her throat, forced her onto the bed, and threatened to kill her. But she rewrites it in her head as a kiss.

She does the same thing with the Trident. In her subsequent chapters, she looks back on the event internally blaming Arya. It’s not just something she says, but something she thinks. She believes her sister, who had a habit of insulting the royal family and misbehaving, who literally attacked her in front of the entire court, attacked the prince with Mycah. She remembers again when she can no longer deny what Joffrey is, but consciously, throughout the rest of A Game of Thrones, she believes her sister is responsible.

George R.R. Martin has gone on record saying that the loss of Lady has had a serious impact on Sansa’s mental state. It’s not entirely surprising—all the Stark children, according to Martin, are wargs, and they come into their powers through their bonds with their direwolves. We see it with all of Sansa’s siblings. Even Rickon and Bran, who are far younger than her, enter their wolves’ minds. Arya possesses Nymeria even after they are parted and can possess the minds of other animals at will. Meanwhile, Sansa’s power hasn’t developed at all. This natural ability has been cut off and stunted.

During the fight, it’s mentioned that Sansa is “blinded by tears”. And soon after, she is robbed of her ability to ever see through the eyes of her wolf, who is a core part of her being. Despite the fact that Sansa didn’t do anything wrong, she, like Mycah, was punished. And she is still legally tied to a cruel boy. So yes, she alters her conscious memories and refuses to confront the truth. She stays blind in order to keep some semblance of her sanity and hope for her future.

Neither girl was responsible for what happened. Both of them were neglected and put in an extremely dangerous situation. Sansa, who lost her wolf, processes this internally, in an unhealthy manner to cope with the tragedy. Arya, who didn’t lose her wolf, does remember what happened. She “hates” her sister as much as Sansa “hates” her (they’re super, super pissed at each other with the sort of anger one can only feel towards family and congressmen). They both unfairly blame one another for things that are not their fault. The difference is, Arya didn’t have a piece of her soul killed by her father. So she deals with things like a normal little girl. Sansa, who lost Lady and is still looking at an impossible future, does not.

#Arya Stark #Sansa Stark #Eddard Stark #Joffrey Baratheon #asoiaf meta #asoiaf #long post

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secretagentspydetectiveninja · 8 years ago

Text

The Misadventures of Prince Kim - chapter 13

(aka the royalty AU story)

Note: I feel like this chapter is pretty appropriate considering it’s MLM March right now...

[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12] [AO3]

The winter party, being informal, was rather relaxed and cheerful. Nobles and royals mingled alike, chatting with each other regardless of rank and sharing food and drinks from the platters on the sides of the large hall. In the middle by the staircase, a very lively band was playing all sorts of very upbeat folk music from various different countries, and the dancefloor was filled with students happily joining in the fun with their friends.

Some humbugs who hadn’t wanted to attend this mandatory event were sitting on the seats provided along the edges, impatiently waiting for an hour to pass so that they were allowed to leave again and do what they wanted. Out of the royal class, only Prince Nathaniel was hoping to leave as soon as he could. Social events made him nervous and he much preferred to avoid them, thank you very much.

There was more than one sprig of mistletoe dotted at various places around the hall, mostly in dark, secluded corners, such a directly under the staircase or right in the very corner of the room behind a large row of stacks of chairs. Ivan and Mylène had already had a sweet mistletoe kiss, and now other members of their class were beginning their own romantic scheming.

“I’m hiding in this broom cupboard if you need me, alright?” Alya whispered to Marinette, before pushing her out into the room and then closing the door of her little hideaway, leaving only the tiniest sliver open out of which to spy.

Marinette gulped and wandered around a little – she had just seen Adrien somewhere around here, now where was he? Oh hang on, there was Nino, she should ask him.

“Hi Nino!” she said, smiling brightly up at him. “You look nice today! Blue is really your colour, you know that?”

“Uh… uh-huh…” Nino said, nodding, smiling rather awkwardly.

“Anyway, is Adrien here too? I mean, I know he must be since this is a mandatory event, but where is he? It would be nice to say hi to him too!”

“He’s, um, gone to get a drink!” Nino gabbled. It was not true. Adrien was hiding behind a pillar just a few metres away, watching like a hawk.

“Right, well, I suppose I’ll wait here for him to get back!”

“Haha… yeah… good idea…”

Without even a word being said, Nino could feel Adrien’s watchful eyes pressing into him, telling him to do something, make a move.

“Actually I wanted to talk to you about something!” he quickly said.

“Oh yes, of course, what is it?”

Tell her you love her! Ask her for a mistletoe kiss!

“There’s this girl I like and I don’t know how to tell her…”

Marinette squealed. “Oh my gosh, do you want my help or something? I could totally do that for you! Who is it?”

It’s you!

“It’s Alya!” Nino blurted out, then had to physically restrain himself from clapping his hand over his mouth. No, why had he said that? How hard would it have been to just tell Marinette the truth?

“Ahh, that’s amazing!” Marinette gushed, her beautiful blue eyes staring up at him filled with affection. “I’ll definitely help you with that! Do you want me to get her to kiss you under the mistletoe, since we’re here?”

“What? No, no, that’s fine! Nothing like that! I mean, I could just… uh… talk to her or something. Yeah, that would be better.”

“Yes, you’re right, maybe take it slow at first. Anyway, I know where she is, I can help you – follow me!”

Without waiting for an answer, she grabbed Nino’s hand and pulled him over to the broom cupboard.

“Alya, I’ve got a bae for you!” she called, flinging the door open and pushing Nino inside. Then she closed the door and quickly grabbed a nearby chair, jamming it under the handle. “I’ll leave you in there for 10 minutes, okay?” she yelled through the door. There were muffled replies and knocks on the door, but she paid them no heed.

Feeling rather pleased with her inventive matchmaking skills, she turned around to head off to get a drink, only to walk directly into Adrien.

“Good evening Marinette,” he said politely, bowing his head towards her slightly. “You look lovely.”

“Oh thanks Adrien! Y-you look lovely too! And lovesome – I mean h-handsome! You look... yeah, handsome and l-lovely!”

“Thank you. Anyway, I have to ask: is it my eyes playing tricks on me, or did I just see you lock Alya and Nino in that broom cupboard?”

Marinette giggled, fiddling with a strand of her hair. “Well I was just m-match… m-m-matching… m-m…”

“Matchmaking?”

“Yeah! That’s the word! And I promise I’ll let them out soon, I just…” It was starting to occur to her that locking two people in a cupboard together was probably not a very nice thing to do. Ah well, it was too late now, she had started already so she may as well go the whole way.

“Make sure you do let them out soon,” Adrien said. “It would be a little upsetting if they ran out of oxygen in there. I couldn’t air to think of Nino suffocating!”

Marinette blinked, staring at him.

“Get it? Air? Because it rhymes with bear?”

“Oh yes! Um… good pun…”

“Anyway, since I don’t see anyone else around that I know, may I have the honour of dancing with you tonight, princess?”

He held out his hand. Trying not to shake, Marinette, wiped her sweaty palm on the side of her dress and then took his hand. Adrien gently led her to the dance floor and began dancing with her to a very lively jig that was being played. It was fun, though Marinette kept feeling like she was going to get something wrong and accidentally whack Adrien in the face. She couldn’t help wishing the band would play a slow song next… so that she could cuddle up to Adrien without suspicion…

Kim had chosen to wait underneath the mistletoe in the corner of the room, hidden behind the stacks of chairs, while Max had gone off to search for Alix. She had to be here somewhere, since this event was mandatory and all.

A noble girl suddenly appeared around this side of the chairs. It was hard to see much of her considering how devoid of light this little corner was, but she seemed to be very pretty, with long auburn hair and vivid green eyes. Kim quickly stepped out from under the mistletoe when he saw that she was waltzing right up towards him.

“Uh, sorry, I’m waiting for someone else,” he muttered, pointing up at the mistletoe that was now directly above her head, but a safe distance away from him.

“Oh, that’s fine,” she breathed, her voice smooth with just the tiniest hint of an Italian accent. “I didn’t even see the mistletoe there. I was simply exploring. In any case, I already have someone to be kissing under the mistletoe… a very beautiful, wealthy young man… I suppose I’ll go find him then…”

She walked off again, her hips moving in a way that made her long dress swish from side to side. Kim had been sure that she was hitting on him. Too bad she wasn’t his type, anyway. She did look familiar, though… Hadn’t he seen Alya chatting with her a few times, down in the square? Maybe they were friends, and that was why he recognized her. He had no idea what her name was, though, only that she was a noble, and seemingly a very wealthy one.

After waiting for a while longer, Alix finally turned up. To Kim’s delight, she went and stood right next to him – though it didn’t look like she’d noticed the mistletoe.

“Alright, Max dared me to stand over here for some reason, he said he’d give me a chocolate bar if I did,” she said. “I don’t know what he’s up to, but I would do anything for chocolate.”

Her voice sounded a little off for some reason, though he couldn’t quite place it.

“Oh, I’m sure he just has, like, a surplus of chocolate bars and he wants excuses to give them away,” he said. He looked up and pretended to sound surprised. “Huh, would you look at that? Some kind of plant stuff? We don’t have that in my kingdom…”

“Kim, that’s mistletoe, duh. It’s all over the place.” She had barely even glanced up at it.

“Well, in that case, I guess… I mean, I’m not saying we should kiss, but like… it’s tradition and everything, so like… only if you want to…”

She suddenly sneezed. Pulling a tissue out of her pocket, she wiped her nose, which was a lot more red than usual. Kim took a step backwards.

“Do you have a cold?” he asked her.

“Yeah. I don’t know who I caught it from but I’m gonna kill them.”

He took another few steps backwards. It was no wonder her voice sounded odd – her nose must have been blocked. “Okay. Don’t come near me. I mean okay I know there’s the mistletoe and so we should totally kiss and everything, but uh… we can postpone that for later, right? When you’re not going to infect me?”

“Sure, whatever,” she muttered. “Just remind me when I’m not ill. Anyway, I’m gonna go find Max and get that chocolate bar off him, not that I’ll be able to taste it with this stupid cold…”

He watched her walk off, still holding his breath until she was fully out of sight. Phew, he hated catching colds. Feeling ill was the worst, especially for an athlete like him.

She hadn’t said no to a kiss… He tried not to get his hopes up too much. After all, she didn’t seem very enthusiastic about it. But still, she hadn’t said no! It was going to happen, it was just a matter of time! Maybe she just seemed uncaring because she was ill? Surely she had to have more of an opinion on it than a simple “sure, whatever”?

Kim stood there in the dark, blushing into his hands, trying not to think about it too hard. And failing. A lot.

Marinette took the chair away and opened the broom cupboard door. Alya and Nino stumbled out, blinking at the sudden brightness of the main hall.

“Sorry for locking you in there,” Marinette mumbled, “I probably should have asked first but once I’d done it I thought I’d just go through with it and I was being silly and…”

Alya laughed. “Marinette, don’t worry too much. I mean, yeah, suddenly locking people in a cupboard is a pretty bad idea, and you’re gonna end up with a rebellion on your hands if you do that to people in your kingdom. But in this case, it turned out not so bad.”

“Marinette, I have a confession to make,” Nino said, rubbing a hand on the back of his neck. “The girl I actually have a crush on is you, but uh, Alya told me you like someone else, so don’t sweat it!”

“Wait, what?” Marinette turned to Alya. “You told him?”

“I didn’t say who it was!” Alya said, taking Marinette’s hand. “I promise! All he knows is that you like a guy, and he’s cool with it. And for the record, I do think he’s pretty cute. You hear that, Nino? You’re pretty cute.”

Nino nervously finger-gunned at her. “I, uh, think you’re pretty cute too.”

Marinette giggled. Perhaps setting those two up had somewhat worked after all, even if throwing them in a cupboard together was not the best way to go about it.

Adrien, meanwhile, was feeling rather warm from his energetic dancing on the dance floor, and headed towards the less crowded corners of the room to cool himself off a little. Who knew Marinette was such a good dancer? He’d been having a lot of fun with her.

To tell the truth… he missed the way she used to speak to him. Something had happened recently, and he couldn’t figure out what, but now she just always stuttered around him, like she didn’t know what to say to him. Had he done something wrong? After all, she didn’t treat other people like that. Hopefully by hanging out with her more often he could regain a sense of the Marinette he knew before.

Wandering around, lost in his thoughts, he absent-mindedly headed for the emptiest spots in the room that he could see. It was dark here, and now that it was late evening and dark in general, even the light through the windows couldn’t make it any brighter around here.

There was someone standing over there, never mind going in that direction then – wait, it was just Kim, his friend.

“Hello Kim!” he said, walking up to him and tapping his shoulder to get his attention. It seemed like Kim had been lost in thought about something too, or perhaps someone.

“Oh, hey Adrien,” Kim said feebly, turning to look. All of a sudden, his face went bright red, almost as red as the clothes he usually wore. His eyes momentarily flicked upwards to something on the ceiling, then back down again at Adrien.

Adrien looked up at the ceiling and –

Oh.

There was mistletoe there. Right above them.

“So, uh…” Kim was now staring off to the side somewhere, determinedly not looking at Adrien. “That mistletoe… it’s, um… considered good luck and tradition to um… well, isn’t it?”

Adrien could fill in the blanks himself. He knew perfectly well what mistletoe was for during yuletide celebrations.

But… Kim was a boy. Did that count?

It hardly mattered if it counted. What mattered was that if Adrien’s father found out, he would be livid. He would say Adrien was in so much trouble. That the school was a bad influence. That Adrien was being a rebel.

Looking up at Kim, with his handsome face and tall, athletic figure… Adrien couldn’t help but wonder if being a rebel was such a bad thing. Especially if it wasn’t quite on purpose, which it very well might not have been, considering how he could feel his heart beat speeding up when he thought about it.

Yes. He wasn’t being a rebel on purpose. Boys could look beautiful too sometimes, right? And if a beautiful, handsome boy asked for a kiss, well… what if Adrien didn’t want to say no? Did that still make him a rebel? What would his father say to that?

Never mind. It didn’t matter what his father said. It was time for Adrien to live his own life now, not just what his father wanted him to do. And if Adrien was going to kiss a boy, then so be it.

A short while later, Kim found Max sitting on the steps to the terrace just outside the main hall, a drink of lemonade in hand.

“Hey, Max, can I talk to you about something?” Kim asked, sitting down beside him. “It’s something really, really weird. Like, really weird.”

“Of course,” Max replied, putting his drink down. “What’s up?”

“Okay, well, um. Just say that there was this guy. And he totally definitely liked a cute girl. And it’s not the first time he’s liked a cute girl, he’s liked loads of cute girls before. He’s definitely into cute girls. Well… just asking, but…” Kim ran a hand nervously through his hair. “…would it also be possible for him to be into cute guys? Even though he’s a guy himself? Like, is that a thing that can happen?”

“Yes, Kim. That is indeed a thing that can happen.”

“Oh, okay. Is it bad?”

“No, it’s not bad at all.”

Kim breathed a sigh of relief. “Thanks Max, that’s reassuring… To be honest that wasn’t an imaginary scenario. Not completely. I mean, I’m not sure, but there’s this one guy… He’s really awesome. And nice. And I knew I liked him a lot as a friend, but I didn’t really think about it in any other way because I didn’t know that was even possible, but… I can’t deny it. He’s really cute.”

“I know the feeling.”

“Wait, really? You like a cute guy too?”

“Oh yes,” Max sighed. “I like a very cute guy.”

“Wow, what are the odds of us both being like this?”

“A lot higher than you’d think, actually. It’s not uncommon.”

“Is it like, something more common in your kingdom?”

“It’s surprisingly common everywhere, Kim, people just don’t talk about it because it’s been so engrained in everyone not to. But at least in my kingdom it’s much more accepted these days, so hopefully in other parts of the world it soon will be too.”

“Wow.” Kim looked up at the moon, resting his head on his hand. “I had no idea before today. I honestly never thought about it. And I guess I’m not entirely sure, maybe I just like him like a friend, I don’t really know… it’s kind of hard to tell…”

“It’s okay. You don’t have to know.”

“Yeah, I guess not. I never was very good at judging my own feelings, was I? And anyway, it’s not like Adrien would like me back, so…”

“Adrien?”

Kim suddenly went red, throwing a hand over his mouth. “Wait – no – I meant – ugh, dang it!”

“Don’t worry, Kim, I won’t tell anyone,” Max chuckled. “Adrien is rather exceptional, I can’t blame you for being into him. Anyway, I meant to ask this before: did you kiss Alix after all?”

“It’s not Alix who I kissed,” Kim said rather quietly, looking away. “She had a cold so she said she’d do it some other time, and then uh… Adrien turned up, and…”

“And that’s what got you thinking about all this. That makes sense.”

Kim buried his face into his knees, mumbling, “I can’t believe I had my first kiss, and I can never tell anyone about it because it was with a guy.”

“Well, I’m always here if you want to talk about it.”

“Thank you, Max. That means a lot. You’re just… the coolest best friend ever. I feel like I don’t say it enough. So thanks for being so awesome all the time.”

“It’s no problem.” Max picked up his glass of lemonade. “So, did you want to go back into the party or do you think you’re done for tonight?”

“I’m definitely done,” Kim said. “I think I’ll just go back to my dorm. Goodnight, Max.”

“Goodni– mffhgfh!”

Kim had suddenly pulled Max into a big bear hug, and he didn’t let go for a long, long time.

#he was a guy. and he was another guy. can i make it any more obvious #anyway you can tell i headcanon kim as bi can't you #and also adrien and mari and alya and nino for that matter but yeah #and max can be gay. and alix is aro ace. and kim is also demi #and juleka is a lesbian #there we go it's perfect now #royalty au #miraculous ladybug #ml fanfic #le chien kim #max kante #idk who else to tag there are a bunch of people in this one...#guess who the wealthy liar italian noble is btw #random stuff #the misadventures of prince kim #aish writes

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gatesofember · 6 years ago

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Yellow Balsam: Chapter 3

PJO Arranged Marriage/Royalty AU Part 4

Rating: G | Pairing: Solangelo

Prev | Next | AU directory | Read it on AO3 (Recommended) | Arranged Marriage AU Masterpage

Summary: Will returned to Venadica early in the spring to help prepare for the Grand Expo — an international fair held to showcase national talents, encourage cultural exchange, and share discoveries and innovations. Nico is eager to visit his fiancé after being apart for so many months — with the excuse of visiting the Expo as Pluto’s Prince, of course — especially now that their betrothal has been formalized. However, the trip does not go quite the way Nico envisioned.

Nico was not having the best of days. To start with, Reyna had woken him up by dousing him in cold water. Later, he’d had a wonderful lunch with his fiancé only for it to be ruined by his fiancé’s offensive scheduling conflicts. To make matters worse, he now had to meet with Reyna’s former fiancé, who he hadn’t seen since he was a child and had no desire to meet with. Nico’s mood was too sour to enjoy the Expo, so he stayed inside and sulked for the rest of the afternoon while Reyna continued to work on her reports. When Reyna started to collect her papers and informed him that Jason should arrive momentarily, Nico was still simmering in irritation.

Jason’s blond hair was much more well-groomed than Will’s, which only made him look pretentious, in Nico’s opinion. He also wore a pair of ridiculous spectacles, and his eyes were not nearly as pretty as Will’s. Nico hated him instantly.

Jason was accompanied by a woman who Nico hoped was a new suitor. Like Jason, she was blond, but their similarities in appearance ended there. While Jason’s smile was meek (and, quite frankly, annoying), this woman exuded an air of intensity that reminded Nico of Reyna. She even wore her hair up in a simple, elegant style that was similar to Reyna’s and they both wore gowns with the same functional style. It appeared Jason favored a particular type of woman.

Nico tried to smile when Jason greeted him, but it probably looked more like a grimace. “I am glad to see that you have arrived safely,” Nico said, even though a large part of him thought that it would have been better if Jason had run into some bad weather that delayed his visit until after Nico had left the city, taking Reyna along with him.

“The same to you, Prince Nico,” Jason replied. “I hoped to have the chance to meet with you while in the country.”

I’d hoped to avoid it, Nico thought bitterly.

“I don’t believe we’ve met since we were children,” Jason continued.

“We have not,” Nico coldly confirmed. I wish it would’ve stayed that way.

“And I look forward to becoming friends again.”

“Right.” No. Absolutely not.

Jason cleared his throat and waved the woman beside him forward. “And this is my adviser, Lady Annabeth,” Jason said. Annabeth bowed.

So she wasn’t Jason’s suitor; a pity. However, Nico knew that Annabeth was already engaged, which at least meant that she wouldn’t try to take Reyna away from him.

“It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Lady Annabeth,” Nico said politely. Annabeth was quite famous, and not just because she was engaged to marry King Poseidon’s second son. She was the ward of the notorious heretic Athena, Emperor Zeus’ eldest and only legitimate child. In the most scandalous event in modern memory, Athena publicly rejected the existence of the Protogenoi—and not just the Protogenoi, but all gods, even Aegyptian and Scatinavian ones—on the basis that there was “no empirical evidence of their existence.” The scandal had led to her disinheritance, and Thalia, the next eldest child of Emperor Zeus, became the heir to the throne despite her illegitimate parentage. Athena was not cut off from the imperial family completely, however; her intellect proved invaluable and she was hired as an adviser to the Emperor. It had caused quite a stir when she returned from a visit to Scatinavia with a young girl and announced that she was her ward.

“And an honor to meet you, Your Highness,” Annabeth replied.

Having introduced his adviser, Jason turned to Reyna and offered her a nervous smile. “Lady Reyna,” Jason greeted. “It has been a long time.”

Nico tried to bury the flash of irritation that was sparked by Jason even addressing Reyna. True, he did not know what exactly had transpired between Reyna and Jason when Reyna broke off their engagement, but Nico was not going to let Jason take her back.

“It has, Your Highness,” Reyna replied. Nico rarely saw Reyna’s composure break, but she looked clearly uncomfortable to see her former fiancé. He took that as further evidence of Jason’s bothersome nature. “I am glad to see you are well.”

“Yes, and the same to you,” Jason said too quickly. His eyes darted around, looking anywhere but Reyna, and Nico could tell that neither of them wanted to continue the conversation.

“Why don’t we sit down?” Nico suggested. “And perhaps we can fetch a runner to bring us tea, Lady Reyna?”

Reyna looked both relieved and suspicious. “Right away, Your Highness,” she said, fixing Nico with a glare to say ‘behave yourself. I’ll be back in a moment.’

Nico didn’t want to behave. He wanted to make Jason leave. Still, he sat down on a couch beside a dozing Asterion and gestured for Jason and Annabeth to join. Reyna was only gone a matter of seconds before she came back, apparently distrusting Nico’s ability to control himself when he was alone. She was probably right to.

“I had heard that you entered the service of the Pluton royal family, Lady Reyna,” Jason said as Reyna joined them. “It’s not surprising; you always were a talented political theorist.”

Nico narrowed his eyes. Was that any business of his? And how would Jason have known about that? Was he keeping track of Reyna’s activities?

“Thank you, Your Highness,” Reyna said, smiling proudly. Why did she have to smile at Jason? Why did Jason deserve a smile? Everyone knew she was brilliant, Nico most of all. He could applaud Reyna’s skills as often as she wanted. Jason didn’t need to compliment her, too.

“She’s a very good adviser,” Nico blurted out. Reyna looked surprised by Nico’s words, but pleased. Nico did take pride in his adviser; although Nico loved to irritate Reyna, he also had a great deal of respect for her. He probably didn’t tell her that often enough.

“I would imagine so,” Jason said, giving Reyna a weak smile.

“She would have made an excellent consort,” Nico added offhandedly. “It’s a pity she ended your engagement.” He left his implication unstated: She’s mine now, so back off, Spectacles.

Reyna’s lips pursed and she glared at Nico in embarrassment and rage, but she restrained herself from lecturing Nico in front of Jason. Nico grinned back smugly. Although he respected Reyna, he also loved to irritate her.

“I am sure His Highness will have no trouble finding a better consort,” Reyna said, still glaring at Nico.

Jason did not look so sure. Annabeth, on the other hand, looked greatly amused, but she swept to Jason’s rescue anyway. “It seems Lady Reyna was destined to serve elsewhere,” Annabeth said. “To be sure, it was a loss for Jupiter, but there is little doubt that a new betrothal will be arranged soon, especially now that His Highness is approaching his 18th birthday.”

“Of course,” Nico said. Jason could find all the fiancées he wanted, but Reyna was staying with Nico.

“On that topic, I understand that your wedding is soon, is that correct, Lady Annabeth?” Reyna said, wisely drawing the conversation away from herself and Jason. Nico didn’t want to talk about it. Who had brought it up in the first place?

“Yes, Lady Reyna, this spring,” Annabeth confirmed. “If I may, His Highness—that is, Prince Percy—has asked me to deliver a wedding invitation to the Pluton royal family in person.” Annabeth reached into the pocket hidden in her skirts and procured a sealed envelope, then she stood and offered it to Nico. “His Highness would be honored if your family would attend.”

“Thank you,” Nico said as he accepted the envelope. When Nico was young, he had greatly admired Percy, but those feelings were all but forgotten. It was not long after the inauguration that everything went wrong—first Lady Maria, then Bianca and the beginning of those horrid years on the countryside. The whims of a smitten child became irrelevant when Nico’s entire life crumbled to dust.

Nico pushed the memories away. It was all in the past; true, he might have felt a twinge of disappointment when he returned from the countryside and learned that Prince Percy was engaged, but he had gotten over it fairly quickly. Percy wouldn’t have wanted him, anyway.

“I must deliver this to the Palatium de Divitae, but I am sure I will be able to attend for my family,” Nico said.

“The Prince will be eager to hear from you,” Annabeth said before taking her seat again.

Nico hoped his father would permit him to go; a part of him had always longed to travel. He had not had the opportunity to do so in his childhood, when he was confined to the manor on the countryside during the outbreak of the Scarlet Delirium. In recent years, he had not travelled outside of Pluto’s borders—it was even rare to leave Divitia.

As a puella from the kitchen arrived with their tea, Nico considered that if he attended the wedding, he would travel across the entire Juvian Empire to reach the Prata Pontia before sailing to the archipelago of Neptune. Perhaps he might even be able to veer south and go to Diana. If it was early spring, Will might still be there. Nico could visit him. Nico could even take Will to Neptune with him, if allowed. “May I bring my fiancé if he is able to accompany me?” he asked before he could think to hold his tongue.

“Of course,” Annabeth answered, but before she could say anything else, Jason interrupted.

“You are engaged?” he asked. “I had not heard.”

“He is indeed,” Reyna answered, not even giving Nico a chance speak. “It was recently formalized. His Highness is quite pleased with the arrangement; I am sure he has much to say on the matter.” She gave Nico a triumphant smile. Nico scowled.

“Yes, I have a fiancé,” he said. “Lord William, son of the Duke of Diana. He is in the city, although he is currently occupied with consor business.” Nico tried to keep the bitterness out of his tone when he said that; he didn’t need Jason thinking that he was any more or any less than content with his intended.

“We have met him,” Annabeth said, turning to Jason. “It was very briefly at the Grand Expo in Olympus several years ago, Your Highness. If you recall, he accompanied his aunt, the Matestra.”

“You are engaged to the Matestra’s nephew?” Jason said. “My, Prince Nico, that is quite a match.”

Had Jason not made the connection when Nico informed him that his fiancé’s father was the Duke of Diana? Thickheaded idiot.

“It may have taken many, many failed attempts before Lord William arrived, but it was well worth the trials we endured to find His Highness a husband,” Reyna said with a saccharine smile.

Nico made a mental note not to embarrass Reyna in front of her former suitor again. He’d prefer it if he didn’t have to speak to her former suitor ever. He didn’t want Reyna to talk to Jason, either; Nico hadn’t expected to feel so insecure about that. He knew that was ridiculous and selfish of him, but the idea of Reyna leaving terrified him. Reyna was his only friend in Divitia. If she left, he’d be alone.

Again.

Maybe try to be nicer to her, suggested a voice in Nico’s head. If you’re not nice, she’ll want to leave.

Nico took a deep breath to settle his boiling temper. “Yes,” he said, finally managing to respond to Reyna’s goad. “Will has the potential to be a suitable consort.”

“Will?” Jason asked. “You call him Will? How long have you known him?”

Nico cleared his throat. “Well...I....”

“Not yet a year, Your Highness,” Reyna answered for him.

“But we write to each other—” Nico started, then he cut himself off. Jason didn’t need to know that.

“They exchange letters on a nearly weekly basis,” Reyna finished anyway.

“I’m only trying to get along with my future husband,” Nico insisted, careful to keep his tone as even as he could.

“I’m surprised I haven’t heard of it before now, with his father being the Duke of Diana,” Jason said.

“As Lady Reyna said, it only became official a short time ago,” Nico said, then he muttered, “A month, a week, and four days, to be exact.”

Not that he’d been counting.

“But that’s enough about my engagement,” Nico said before Reyna could do something else to embarrass him out of retribution. He quickly searched for another topic without much success. This was not going well; Nico couldn’t even have a conversation. Nico hated conversations. He was terrible at them. Nico hated Jason, too. By the gods, Jason was obnoxious. Stupid spectacles.

“Prince Nico is fond of fencing,” Reyna said, once again sweeping to Nico’s rescue. Nico was relieved; at least she wasn’t too mad at him.

Fortunately for Nico, Reyna always knew how to balance uncomfortable conversations; Jason immediately began to rhapsodize about his love for the sport. Annabeth, apparently, enjoyed fencing as well, and Reyna had been one of the most skilled fencers in Venadica before she moved to Divitia to serve the royal family. She and Nico liked to spar together when they had time to spare.

While Jason was busy enthusing about the Juvian school of fencing and its differences from the Pluton and Neptonian schools, Nico caught Reyna’s eye and nodded to her thankfully. He didn’t know how he would ever manage to make it through meetings like this without her. In spite of his communications lessons, Nico was awkward and quite often rude—sometimes on purpose, but other times on accident. Nico was not a speaker, but Reyna was. When Nico lacked the qualities of a good prince—which he often did—Reyna was always there to step in. She was the real royal of the two of them.

She’s not leaving, Nico tried to tell himself. He didn’t believe it.

By the time they had to leave for their dinner appointment with Artemis, Annabeth had informed them that there would most definitely be a fencing competition during the festivities held in honor of her wedding to Prince Percy, and they had all agreed to enter. Mostly Nico was looking forward to utterly vanquishing Jason. If only he could use a weapon heavier than a foil.

Artemis brought Thalia with her to the dinner, and she was embraced by both Jason and Annabeth in what Nico thought was an excessive display of affection. It made him think about Bianca, and thinking about Bianca made him upset, and being upset made him unpleasant company, so Nico remained silent through most of the meal. At some point, Reyna, who sat beside him at the table, noticed his hands shaking. Her expression told Nico that she was able to guess what had him upset. “Do we need to leave?” she asked in a soft voice, so that no one else could hear. When Nico shook his head, Reyna discreetly waved over one of the puellae waiting on them to ask for a cup of chamomile tea be brought for him.

“Thank you,” Nico said when the meal had ended and Reyna was leading him through the palace, Asterion following at their heels. Annabeth and Jason had remained behind to visit with Thalia, but Reyna had made excuses for Nico to leave.

“Think nothing of it, Your Highness,” Reyna answered.

He wasn’t going to ‘think nothing of it.’ Reyna always cared for him, and she deserved better than the way he sometimes treated her. “And I apologize for embarrassing you earlier,” he mumbled.

“I asked you not to bring up the engagement.”

Nico hung his head and fiddled with the buttons on his coat. “I know, and—”

“I knew you’d do it anyway.”

Nico sighed in shame. “Lady Reyna, I...I truly am sorry. I know I shouldn’t have done that. It wasn’t right.”

“No, it wasn’t,” Reyna agreed. She suddenly stopped walking and turned to face him. “But I embarrassed you, as well. I should not have teased you the way I did in front of Prince Jason. I also apologize.”

“Oh,” Nico said in confusion. “Well, of course. You did not even need to apologize—”

“Yes, I did,” Reyna said, silencing him with a look. “And I think we should talk about this, Your Highness.”

“Right,” Nico mumbled. “I—”

Reyna held up her hand. “I ask that you allow me to speak. I should have made this clear to you already and I apologize for not doing so. Your Highness, everything that occurred between myself and the Prince is in the past. The reason I do not talk about it is because I do not consider it to be of much importance anymore; to me, it feels like it happened in a different life. I chose to take my Oath rather than marry Prince Jason, and I have never regretted that decision. Since then, I have devoted myself to three things: the Sorority, Pluto, and you. As long as you’ll have me, that will not change. Do you understand that?”

Nico swallowed. “Then...you won’t leave?”

“Do you want me to?”

He shook his head quickly.

“Then I’m not leaving.”

Nico felt as though a weight had been lifted off his chest, finally allowing him to breathe again. “Thank you, Lady Reyna. I needed to hear...I...I shouldn’t have behaved the way I did this evening.”

Reyna looked him over calmly. “We both made some mistakes earlier, but we’ll do better tomorrow, won’t we?”

“Yes, Lady Reyna.”

“Good,” Reyna said, starting to walk again like nothing had happened. “Now, before I take you back to your chamber, there is another meeting I've arranged for you today. I did not receive a final confirmation until just prior to sitting down for dinner, so I apologize for the late notice.”

Nico sighed tiredly. Hadn’t he had enough conversations for one day? First there had been the disappointment with Will, then the Jason fiasco, then he had to sit through a meal with Jason and Thalia reminding him of his dead sister, all while doing his best to behave in front of the Matestra, who also happened to be his fiancé’s aunt, and then he had an exhausting talk with his adviser. “Alright,” he relented, thinking that he should behave to make Reyna’s job easier. “With whom?”

“Lady Hestia,” Reyna answered.

Nico looked at Reyna in surprise. “Lady Hestia?” he repeated. He rarely got the chance to see Hestia alone anymore. He had tried to speak to her when she visited the Privilla with Will and Artemis the year before, but they had only managed to exchange a few words when she found the time to meet him late one evening after Artemis had retired. “Thank you, Lady Reyna,” Nico said, feeling truly grateful that she had gone out of her way to arrange that for him, especially considering that Nico was not sure if Reyna and Hestia got along.

“I knew you would want to see her, Your Highness,” Reyna replied. “She is quite busy with the Expo, but she made time.”

“I’m glad. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to speak to her.” Now if only Will would make time for him, too.

“You could always ask me to set up a meeting, Your Highness,” Reyna pointed out.

Nico’s eyes wandered away from Reyna. “I...I was not sure that you would be comfortable with that.”

“Why would you think that, Your Highness?” Reyna asked, sounding genuinely confused.

“Well, you were both....” Nico trailed off. Reyna and Hestia had been the two final candidates to become Nico’s adviser. Nico had requested Hestia specifically, but Artemis had suggested Reyna instead, stating that Nico and Hestia had too much of a personal history. Hestia had agreed, so Nico reluctantly acquiesced. He was, of course, very pleased with Reyna now that he had spent time with her, and he trusted her despite his inclination to be suspicious. Reyna had become just as important to him as Hestia. Nico worried that Reyna felt self-conscious about Nico requesting Hestia, but if she did, she never showed it.

Reyna shook her head. “That never caused any problems with Lady Hestia and I. I have told you this before, Your Highness. Now, Hestia should be waiting for you. I’ll wait outside the room for you, then I will escort you to your chamber for the night.”

“Thank you,” Nico said again when she stopped in front of a door.

Reyna smiled at him before knocking, and, at a call from inside, she opened the door for him. “Take your time,” she said as he and Asterion passed her.

The drawing room he entered was not large; it was a cozy space with cream papered walls and a tin ceiling. One wall was lined with windows overlooking Aether’s Square, which was beautifully lit as always. There was a tea tray waiting on a table and two large, inviting chairs by the window. Hestia was standing in front of one.

Nico smiled; he always felt better when he saw Hestia. She was older than Nico—close to Reyna in age—and she exuded a constant air of comfort. As a soror, she always wore silver, but whenever Nico thought about her, he pictured her the way she dressed before joining the Sorority: usually warm shades of brown in simple, practical designs. She still favored the simpler style of dress, as most sorors did, but it always took Nico a moment to adjust to seeing her wear silver.

“I’m glad to see you, Lady Hestia,” Nico said, bowing politely. “Thank you for meeting me.”

“It is my honor, Your Highness,” Hestia answered, bowing in return. “I’m afraid we cannot meet for long this late in the evening, but I am glad to have made the time. Would you like to sit down? Tea?”

“Yes, thank you.” Nico took a seat in one of the chairs by the window. Really, he’d had enough tea for one day, but he’d always preferred the way Hestia made it.

“I see Asterion is doing well,” Hestia said as she filled their cups. Asterion was busy sniffing the hem of her skirt with interest.

“Yes,” Nico said, taking his tea when Hestia offered it to him. “He’s becoming less timid.”

“I noticed that when I saw him at the Privilla,” Hestia said as she settled in the chair next to Nico’s. Asterion followed her to continue sniffing her skirts, and Hestia patted his head fondly. “Will has a way with animals, but Asterion still took to him more quickly than I expected.”

“He’s growing,” Nico said, looking fondly at his dog.

“So, I think, is his master.”

Nico smiled over the rim of his cup. “I’m hardly the child I was when we first met, Hestia,” he said in amusement. “And neither are you.”

“Not at all,” Hestia agreed. She was quiet for a moment while she gently stroked Asterion’s ear. There was a moment like that between them whenever they met. they’d exchange pleasantries, then they would be silent as they remembered everything that had happened during the years of Nico’s exile in the countryside while the Scarlet Delirium rampaged through Pluto. Because of Hestia, Nico hadn’t been completely alone. She had been a maid in that manor—the Lotussium, as it was called. Nico thought the name Tartarus pit might suit it better.

Nico and Hestia never spoke about the Lotussium anymore other than to make a few passing comments about how things were better than they had been. Neither of them wanted to discuss it more than they had to. Nico tried not to think about it at all.

“Tell me about your engagement,” Hestia said. “I know enough from Will, but I’d like to hear your perspective.”

Nico blinked in surprise. “Does he talk about me?”

“Quite often, yes,” Hestia answered. “He was excited when he heard you were coming to the Expo.”

Nico scoffed and slumped in his chair—his posture didn’t matter to Hestia. “Well, I’ve hardly seen him since my arrival.”

Hestia nodded. “Unfortunately, he has a very full schedule. The Expo has us all busy.”

“But I expected at least a walk, and I haven’t even gotten that much,” Nico protested, absently swirling his cup.

“Perhaps let him know you would like that,” Hestia suggested. “It could give him an excuse to make more time for you, when he can.”

“But I have asked him. He has said no.”

“Then he either has very important duties that he cannot work a way out of—which is probable, as he is scheduled to present his research soon—or he does not realize that you want to spend time with him. I would think it is most likely both.”

Nico frowned at her. “How would he not know? I have asked.”

Hestia chuckled. “Will can be rather oblivious, Nico, and you often do not make your motives clear. He thinks you ask if he has time to spare only out of obligation and that you are in Venadica for diplomatic purposes.”

“I am here for diplomatic purposes,” Nico protested.

Hestia raised an eyebrow. “Are you?” she asked.

Nico opened his mouth to answer in the affirmative, but no sound came out. He sipped his tea instead.

“Lord William does not realize you are here to see him,” Hestia went on. “He never once considered that you would want to spend time with him, other than a few obligatory conversations. However, he would very much like to spend time with you.” Hestia took a sip from her teacup before setting it on the table beside her and folding her hands on her lap. “Aside from his scheduling issues, are you happy with Lord William?”

“Yes,” Nico answered. “He’s very kind and he always smiles. I thought that was only in an effort to be respectful, but he really is like that all the time, isn’t he?”

“Undoubtedly.”

“I like reading his letters,” Nico went on. “I’m glad to know he hasn’t forgotten me. He’s always the same—always polite, always kind. He writes about his family and peers, his schooling, and Expo preparations. It’s like writing to a friend. Like writing to you, Hestia—which, by the way, you ought to do more often—except Will....”

“Except Will’s more charming?”

“Well, yes, but don’t think that you aren’t charming, as well; I only mean that with Will, it’s....”

“He’s courting you,” Hestia finished with a knowing smile.

“He’s...yes. Yes, he is.” Nico frowned in thought. “I’ve never been courted before.”

Hestia continued to give him that same smile. “Well, he’s never courted anyone the way he tries to court you.”

“So then he truly does think highly of me?”

“Yes, very much so. You are on his mind all the time.”

Nico blushed, tightly gripping his teacup. Will was on his mind quite often, as well, if he were honest. He was always anxious for Will’s next letter. Every time he went to the stables, he thought about how he could take Will out for rides the next time he came to visit, or perhaps after their wedding. He had shyly asked Persephone a few questions about southern Jupiter, which had led to one or two conversations about things that might make Will feel more at home in Divitia. Nico even kept Will’s letters, and every so often, late at night when he couldn’t sleep, he’d reread them by candlelight until he was too tired to hold his eyes open.

“He will be a good husband,” Nico said.

“I agree,” Hestia said. “I know I can trust him to care for you. No one deserves to be cared for as much as you, Nico.”

True to her word, Reyna was waiting patiently outside when Nico entered the hallway after wishing Hestia goodnight. He was quiet while Reyna led him back to his room, lost in his own thoughts until Reyna asked, “Did you enjoy your talk with Lady Hestia?”

“Yes, I did,” Nico said. “Truly, Lady Reyna, thank you for arranging that for me. I...I didn’t even ask for it.”

“You can always ask, Your Highness,” Reyna said. “I know what she means to you. I do not want you to worry about asking.”

Nico took a deep breath. Despite what Reyna had said earlier, Nico still felt like he had to explain himself. And, after all, hadn’t Reyna been honest with him about Jason earlier that evening? “Lady Reyna, you know that Lady Hestia and I...well, I’ve told you about what happened,” he said. “You know that I have a special relationship with her. So when I requested her, it was because I already felt comfortable around her, but that request was several years ago. In that time I’ve also developed a relationship with you and I hate to think that you feel uncomfortable about Hestia because I am very happy with you.”

Reyna shook her head and slowed to a halt as they reached Nico’s room. “As I said before, Your Highness, there has never been an issue. Perhaps at first, I worried that I was not what you wanted, but that was long ago. Lady Hestia and I have different relationships with you; she is your friend and I am your adviser.”

Nico frowned. “But you are my friend, as well, are you not?”

Reyna gave Nico a barely perceptible smile. “Yes. I like to believe that I am.”

“Good. I’m glad.”

“As am I. Sleep well, Your Highness.”

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survivorarabia · 8 years ago

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EPISODE 9 “"Welcome to Survivor: Arabia Where Everyone's Super Paranoid" - Ruthie

Ruthie

I take back every negative thing I've said about Emmott, Aren and Issy I AM LIVING! OH MY GOD, BYE JAY! I AM SO HAPPY RIGHT NOW I AM ABOUT TO PEE MY PANTS, MY FOUR ARE SAFE AND I'VE NEVER FELT SO GOOD AND NICOLE WILL BE BACK SOON AND THIS IS THE FUCKING LIFE RIGHT HERE! <3

Ci’ere

“Lord. Jesus. Hallelujah. So, Jay and I were blindsided last tribal council and for a second there I thought I was actually being voted out. It ended up tying between us and everyone was telling me that I wasn’t the target. Aren, Emmott and Issy decided to flip because Jay was too much of a threat to them apparently. No one informed me about this plan and I even told Aren earlier that I would have done it, but it was too soon to make that move. All it did was give the other side power and puts us 4 in the minority, that is unless they already made deals with old Khiana. I may be at the bottom but I still have a lot of fight left in me and I’m going to do everything in my power to make it through this round. I told them all that I’m playing as a free agent now because obviously no one has my back.”

Richie

IM NEVER LISTENING TO MY SUPEREGO AGAIN!!!!! the plan was that issy/emmott/aren were voting for jay and then alex/lena/ruthie wanted to vote for ciere just in case one of them were lying and the inner me was like GO ROGUE VOTE FOR JAY BE A MESSY BITCH TAKE THIS SHOT AT JAY!!!!!!!! but then i was like hm.... maybe i should be a good alliance member bc even if my gut is right i dont want my alliance to realize how crazy i am because they might want to take me out for being unreliable (which would be smart bc im fucking CRACKED but i dont want them to know how cracked just yet) so i was like fiiiiiine i'll vote ciere BUT THEN JAY GETS RID OF ALEX'S VOTE AND ITS A 3-3 TIE AND IF I HAD JUST VOTED FOR JAY LIKE MY INNER BITCH WANTED TO I WOULDNT HAVE TO BACKTRACK AND EXPLAIN TO ISSY/EMMOTT/AREN WHY I DIDNT VOTE FOR JAY LIKE I SAID I WOULD AND JAY WOULD BE GONE WITHOUT THE REVOTE UGHHHHHHH.......... literally when will the world realize that im always right and stop making me doubt my true powers????

Jay

I'm fucked.

Ci’ere

“Oh and if you’re reading this Lena, I’m sorry about what I said for your vote asdfghjkl; I honestly don’t think you’re of use to my game though and that is the reason why I was okay with voting you out. Plus, I’m kind of jelly you got Kelley Wentworth as your icon. :<”

Alex

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA I CAN'T STOP LAUGHING

JAY'S VOTE NULLIFER IS GONNA TAKE HIM OUT OF THE GAME

AHAHAHAHAH THIS IS THE GREATEST DAY OF MY ENTIRE LIFE

I CAN'T STOP BREAKING INTO SONG, I'M FILLED WITH SUCH GLEE

That plan worked....perfectly. And yes, Richie gets to “I told you so!” me forever, but, like, fine. I'll take that! Because Jay's gonna be the second juror, and for the first time in this game, I feel comfortable in my position oh gods I'm going out next aren't I

Julia

DONT YOU DARE TOUCH MY JAY YOU FUCKERS HE IS MENT TO AVENGE ME!! AND CIERE TOO1?!?! MAN MAN OH MAN SLAY THE BEAST SLAY THE BEAST!!!!

Ci’ere

“I feel absolutely alone, as if it’s truly Ci’ere against the world right now. I have tried talking to everyone, but they’re not giving me anything to work with and I feel like I’m still the target. I flopped very hard in the challenge and I’m basically just a sitting duck at this point. I’m not really sure what to say anymore because whenever I try speaking they subtly shut me down. Why wouldn’t you use me, someone with no allies, to make a big move? Alex lost the challenge so why isn’t he being targeted? I’m going to try to get them to make a move. They’re all having a holly jolly time and I’m a snake ready to slither my way through the cracks. I’m not going to give up.”

Alex

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Aren

MWAAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA! PISS OFF JAY!!! AND THE BEAUTY OF THAT TRIBAL? I WAS THE PERSON THAT ORCHESTRATED THAT WHOLE BOOT! IT WAS ALL ME! THE REASON JAY'S ASS IS SITTING IN PONDY AND MY BOOTY IS STILL IN THIS GAME IS BECAUSE I'M A SMART-BOOTY AND HE'S A DUMB-ASS. LOL K, so, the world's my oyster now -- I'm in the majority, we're gonna send Ci'ere ass home next, then I'm gonna try to make a move on big boi Alex from there. I'm really enjoying this game that I'm playing. I'm going completely CHAOTIC, and I'm lovin' it. I'm just doing whatever the fuck I want, no matter how self-destructive my moves might appear. I'm not here to play the best game (although I am doing that too), I'm just here to reek havoc on these sons-of-bitches that I'm playing with and to shake this bitch of a game up to a whole new level, like a milkshake! Now it's time to dominate immunity and get this done with.

Ruthie

So, today was an interesting day. It started the same way most days do out here on the Island, and okay, just let me get to everything. Alex and I talk everyday, we get each other and I trust him as much as I can trust anyone and I really think he trusts me that way too. In Survivor World we're pretty much married, his thoughts are my thoughts and visa versa. This morning I didn't start out with a "Hey, Good morning!" Or anything even remotely polite, instead I started out with... "This is going to sound super bitchy and may not be the best move with Richie/Lena but I definitely want to take you if I win [the step immunity challenge] and my second will be Nicole since she used an idol on me. I have no idea how many we get to take though. Is that completely dumb?" Then Alex stated in reply. "I was actually gonna suggest exactly the opposite, I would rather you NOT take me and vice versa. If I get the clue I'll tell you & vice versa so I'd rather we try & win points with the people we trust a bit less, personally. Nicole is a fine choice though, I agree with that." That sparked a little something in my brain. I really want to get to the end with Nicole and Alex but I'm not sure how much they actually trust one another, so then my brain had an excellent thought and of course, I told Alex. "THAT IS PERFECT! I may try to take Nicole/Lena and tell them one on one I want an all girls alliance or something." I could tell that he thought this was a good idea. It distanced us and would keep us both safe for weeks to come. His exact reply was, "Fuckin' do it girl." He also had some eggs to cook today in the form of Richie and whoever else, I honestly have no idea who he's going to talk to or form something with but I know he has me and I got him! As the day went on I went about my business but then decided, hey, maybe I should go ahead and try to get something cooking BEFORE we get the results in the event that I win, then I can take Nicole and Lena if I get to take 2 or more people with me on reward. So I decided to send a message to Lena, probably the sweetest person on the entire tribe. "Leeeeena, I kind of have an idea and please tell me if it's dumb or whatever, I've been thinking about it and I want your opinion on it." Lena replied a few moments later saying, "Hey! What's going on?" Then I launched into my story about wanting to start a side alliance with her and Nicole and maybe Issy and I admit, I felt nervous that she was going to go back to Richie and Alex and tell them something but THANKFULLY she did not. She was totally down because she thought that Nicole seemed super loyal. I asked if she wanted to include Issy and she wasn't sure, so I agreed that it probably wasn't our best move right now and that I trusted the two of them way more than I did Issy... which I do. Then I went to Nicole and she was so up for it so fast and agreed although I think she was in the middle of her Immunity Challenge, so whew, I feel so accomplished today. Anyway, I told Alex about my new alliance and I think that this is a GREAT move for the two of us as we try to dwindle down everyone else. <3 He also told Aren that he doesn't want to go to the end with me, so we'll see when or if Aren tells me anything... dun dun dunnnnnn. I once again LOVE where I'm sitting!

Ci’ere

“I literally ask the OG Fawz alliance if we can stick together for this vote because there have been glimmers of hope throughout the day and maybe we can pull something off. Apparently Richie was on the verge of wanting to flip, Alex and Ruthie want each other out, and Emmott mentions Nicole doesn’t hate me lol. Issy was the only person to actually talk to me today and she disagreed with the Jay move that Aren and Emmott pulled. She kept it real with me and said that it seemed like no one wanted to make a move and I definitely respect her for telling me this. Ruthie and Nicole tell me they’re gonna vote for Issy and while I don’t think they’re telling the truth, I don’t have very many options so I’m just gonna go with that.”

Lena

so.... i got the idol..... I'm shaking. I cannot believe this. I haven't told anyone yet and I'm REALLY nervous to. I want to tell my alliance of Ruthie, Richie, and Alex but.. I'm really nervous to do that. That's like half of the people who are still in the game. I'm not going against them any time soon but.. I just don't know right now. I'm really glad I found it though. and obviously I'm really glad I got immunity and reward this time too

Aren

Y'know what I'm really, really bloody enjoying? The view. The picturesque, almost artistic viewpoint from the top of my palace as I watch all of my pathetic tribemates battle it out like peasants after the aftermath of my big move on Jay last vote... It's quite wonderful, really. It just proves how much these people are maggots whilst I'm sitting here like total royalty.

This vote can really go one of two ways. It can either go the easy, obvious way -- and Ci'ere can be sent home. Or, we can take a more unconventional route to this tribal-council and make an effort to blindside Alex instead. It's ultimately looking like Ci'ere, but... Mmm, I truly am craving that Alex blindside like he's a big, fat, tasty, tender slice of thick medium-rare steak. (I'm hungry right now, alright?)

Ruthie

youtube

I may deeply regret these when the episodes come out... bahahah. Especially filming these with no make up and my hair looking like I'm really living on an Island. Things are seeming quiet on and off for Arabia, I kind of wonder what's going on with everyone. I know we have some people sleeping but still, I don't like when I don't know what is happening!

youtube

Shouldn't Emmott know by now that Alex and I are solid and we tell one another everything? Maybe it's a good thing that he doesn't know and that we are trying to distance ourselves a bit, who knows. Anyway, Emmott showed me a screenshot of Alex agreeing with him that I was good at this game and just, how is that going to make me want Alex out? Alex warned me what he was telling Emmott before hand, and it doesn't surprise me that Emmott is weaseling around, playing every side. I've told him before I think he plays a good game that way and I really do, but everyone is cautious of him.

youtube

I just don't get good vibes from Aren, I don't at ALL. I think he's a little sneak that is going to win this entire game if he gets far enough. I do like him as a person but I just don't trust him at all but if Alex thinks they are solid then... whatever. I think our best bet is going to be pulling Ci'ere in and maybe putting up Emmott/Issy tonight but literally no one has been on and who even KNOWS what's going to happen tonight. I just hope that Alex, Nicole and I are safe so I can somehow manage to make it to final 3 if the other two don't try to take one another out of the game first!

youtube

Aren

OHMYGOD AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH THIS VOTE IS SO CHAOTIC AAA PLEASE HELP ME I'M ABOUT TO F A I N T SO LIKE ALEX's NAME CAME UP THEN RUTHIE'S THEN CI'ERE THEN ALEX WAS LIKE YO WE SHOULD SPLIT THE VOTES ON CI'ERE & ISSY THEN ISSY STARTED FREAKING OUT AND SLAPPING ON MY ASS FOR TAKING JAYO UT AND NOW IM CRYING A LOT WAHHH WAHH WAH

Ruthie

LENA AND NICOLE WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU GUYS SO YOU CAN AGREE TO VOTE ISSY WITH ME? If they don't show up for some reason we will probably all vote for Emmott real quick instead because who would play an idol on him? LOL. Watch someone play the idol on him now and me be voted out, but yeah. I'm nervous tonight, not for myself so much, but for Alex. I'm going to work on my speech again. <3

Alex

WHEW, so much has happened since we last spoke, where to begin Lena won Immunity, so that's great. She took Nicole and Ruthie, just as planned, and we got the Idol clue – no Idol, anywhere. We tried, nothing. Ugh. So we have to assume Issy or Ci'ere has it. So then, the vote discussion has to happen. Initially Aren is the only one to throw a name out, saying we should take out Ci'ere. I suspect this is because he has something going with Issy & Emmott, but whatever, I'll humor him, we'll see what people are doing. THEN I get word that Emmott, spastic little shit, is throwing MY name around, so we're gonna need to fix that. But.......nobody's biting. Weirdly so. Odd, but okay. If I can't get him out this time, at least I know where he stands. Plus, we engage in my favorite game of “bait people into giving up incriminating information,” using my usual mouthpiece, Ruthie. She plays along with Emmott, then goes to Aren and has a realtalk about if it's the right move for now. Luckily, Aren agrees it's not the right move THIS round without her even having to prompt him, so that's good. Of course, he's also not told me Ruthie “is after me,” so, hmm. But still, I trust him for this vote. Eventually we decide to split the votes 4-3, guys on Ci'ere, girls on Issy, so if she plays the Idol on Ci'ere, Issy goes home and we lol at two reward items taking out two players consecutively. But this is really the round where seeds of doubt are starting to take hold. Lena is agreed that Richie can't be trusted; Richie is starting to show signs of wavering against Ruthie, which is exactly what I want! I don't want this Family to be the final 4, but I also don't want to be the first one to make the move. So this is perfect for me. I'm taking out people I'm not close to, I'm starting to fracture the alliance without overtly being the one to do it, it's flawless. And, on top of that, Lena has the Idol after all! That's fantastic, so we're maneuvering the vote to land on Ci'ere anyway. Unless there's two Idols, we should be in the clear tonight, and then the sailing gets way smoother for Alex. Anyway I'm about to get voted out cause I just said all that, EL OH ELL!

Lena

I decided to tell Ruthie and Alex about the idol. I decided to not include Richie in on the news so far because he seems to be slipping away from us.. The old farts (myself, Ruthie, and Alex) are even tighter than before. But I also have this alliance going with Ruthie and Nicole and I'm really liking it with them too. So I have options. Alex is very threatening and could prevent me from winning though.. So we have to see

Ci’ere

“Right before tribal council, Alex of all people tells me that Aren had told him I was an immunity threat and I probably had an idol. He also says that if I actually have an idol that I should play it, WELL I DON’T HAVE ONE. Aren had brought up my past gameplay from an entirely different org and brought it to this one which is seriously upsetting when I’m trying to start fresh here. I confront Aren and he unsurprisingly ignores me. This kid is faker than my tits. I have been nothing but loyal to him this entire game and we’ve worked together on three tribes and then he decides to destroy the games of everyone he’s working with… I have no words.”

Richie

i feel so weird??? i feel like im playing such a different game than i expected myself to play???? my only real survivor org experience was kauai where i won the first 3 immunities in a row post merge and i always was in the know and plotting and being messy and playing hard and the target that i felt on me made me play even harder and messier and try and play proactive and be in control at all times........ but this time its not like that????? i'm not any more safe... i merged with minority numbers on my side so its not like im complacent and safe in a majority??? its just like i dont care??? okay its not that i dont care because i care a lot... but its just like i dont CARE about whats going on as long as i know i'm safe... its a lot more reactionary game and trying to play UTR, just forming social relationships with everyone in this game regardless of side (but not TOO strong bc i dont want people to feel like super betrayed when i vote them out or see me as this fake bitch (which i am lbr)) idk i just feel like i should be doing more for a resume at the end and bc i find joy out of PLAYING this game but for now the less i get involved the less mess is attached to my baggage with people in this game and thats what i'm hoping for right now..... i dont really know whats going on with this vote, my alliance is saying either vote out issy or ciere or split the votes and theres drama where alex told aren about the plan and aren told emmott so theres a mess of distrust so i guess i do know whats going on... i'd like to vote for ciere because thats what i told aren and issy i was doing and if he goes i want to not have a history of lying with them bc so far i've been playing the weak innocent middle man card with that side so i dont want to fuck that image up EVEN THO RUTHIEEEEEEEE TOLD ISSY THAT SHE WAS AFRIAD THE "KHIANA BOYS" WERE AFTER HER... SMH @RUTHIE I LOVE YOU BUT I HATE YOU FOR THAT!!!!! im trying to make it seem like im so beyond the khiana vs fawz lines and be like we're all one race, the human race <3 ynadfhajkdhfks anywayyyyyyys idk what i'm going to do tonight ill prob just vote ciere and hope for the best.... anyone but me right?

Aren

Welp... It's pretty fucking obvious at this point. I'm officially the unlucky dumbass that the Survivor Gods have elected as victim for tonight's tribal! The virgin sacrifice! It's a shame because for the whole day, it was just - Alex, Ci'ere, Alex, Ci'ere, Alex, Ci'ere. My name was still just a fart in the wind at that point... And THEN, all of a sudden in the last hour or so, BOOM! My name popped out like a surprise erection! It was crazy!!! But, YE lol I think I'm fucked lololloloollollololo its da aren is fukked parteh nd evry1 iz invytid!!!1111 lollolloollo

Ci’ere

“As far as I know, I’m unfortunately being voted out tonight and this will be my last confessional. :,( I didn’t want myself or my allies to go out in vain though so I made a cute little speech that will hopefully inspire people to make moves after I’m eliminated! Anyways, it’s been real Arabia~ This experience has been amazing and I’m so glad that I was able to meet all of you! Note: I just want you all to know that I did everything I could and even when it was 8 vs. 1 I didn’t give up. Bye <3”

#survivornightmare #masstag #confessionals

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