#truth and justice 16

[daydreamerwonderkid]

Big bird protecting his baby bird :3

[koetjingwarrd]

You're my baby, say it to me...

[tom4jc]

Zechariah 8:16 Speak Truth

These are the things you shall do: Speak each man the truth to his neighbor; give judgement in your gates for truth, justice, and peace; Zechariah 8:16 Talking is something that occurs all the time every day. It can occur in person, physically talking, but can also occur online with chats, posts, over the phone, in writing and other ways. Most people love to make their opinion known to others,…

[jayflrt]

yours forever in 786

PAIRING ▸ private investigator!jay park x fem!reader

GENRES ▸ social media au (smau), smut, fluff, angst, mystery, drama, enemies to lovers au, college au, rich kid au

SUMMARY ▸ after being blackmailed into accepting an assignment, jay park, a young private detective, is thrown back into college. this time, though, he’s at an ivy league and tasked to follow you to uncover what dark secrets your old money family is hiding. in doing this, jay must fraternize with your inner circle by joining a secret society called the "order of kryptos.” what he doesn’t realize is that the deeper he gets into his mission, the more he starts to lose himself.

WARNINGS ▸ profanity, slowburn, alcohol/drug consumption, portrayals of addiction, sexual jokes, sexual content, betrayals!! backstabbing!!, toxic relationships, order of kryptos isn’t a real secret society but heavily inspired by the ivy league secret societies, emotional cheating (BOOOO! not from mc or jay tho), jay and mc have a small age gap (2 years), most of the characters are pretty toxic so please note that this is not attune to their real life personalities at ALL

UPDATE SCHEDULE ▸ every day

PLAYLIST ▸ fatal trouble by enhypen • still sane by lorde • this is what makes us girls by lana del rey • too good by troye sivan • paparazzi by lady gaga • old money by lana del rey • i was never there by the weeknd, gesaffelstein • prisoner by the weeknd, lana del rey

AUTHOR’S NOTE ▸ hello !! i’m back with another smau but this one’s less lighthearted and more heavy ? sort of an experiment let's see how it goes, but hope u enjoy and lmk what u think !! ♡

CHATROOMS !

TEASER

PROFILES ONE | TWO

ACT ONE: THE TRANSFER

01. skip tracer to millionaire pipeline

02. besties with testes

03. who the fuck is princessyuna

04. the world of the elite

05. please don't the tom nook

06. standing on business (vlog boycott)

07. friend (noun.) not heeseung

08. boo boo the fool

09. professional haters debut

10. 21 jump street for nepo babies

11. how to not bleed to death

12. jay/n train

13. leather jacket

14. no goodbye sucks or fucks

15. ugly truths

16. girlfriend but the girl is silent

17. justice for stress shitters

18. alcohol shortage when

ACT TWO: THE INVITATION

19. attention seeker

20. and there was one bed

21. every boy for himself

22. rhymes with loona

23. out-testosteroned

24. white lies

25. heart-to-heart

26. the athenaeum

27. sock sock shoe shoe

28. group ass fucking

29. post defamation dinner date

30. final verdict

31. do you have time to talk about our lord and savior

32. tap to get tapped back

33. mad as fuck (the remix)

34. in too deep

35. change my world

36. provisional fight club

37. go piss girl

38. girlhood won

39. we can't do this

40. pledge week

41. babygirls with daddy issues

42. they must be really good friends

43. hot jay summer

44. dangerous entanglements

45. the fifth interview candidate

UNCUTS !

TBD.

ONGOING 7/29/24

[luna-azzurra]

Character motivations for fictional characters

1. Revenge: Seeking vengeance for a past wrong or harm.

2. Power: Craving dominance and control over others.

3. Love and Relationships: Longing for love, companionship, and emotional connection.

4. Redemption: Seeking to atone for past mistakes and find forgiveness.

5. Survival: Striving to stay alive in dangerous or challenging circumstances.

6. Justice: Fighting against injustice and upholding fairness.

7. Exploration: Satisfying curiosity and a desire for discovery.

8. Ambition: Relentlessly pursuing success and achievement.

9. Freedom: Seeking liberation from oppression and constraints.

10. Knowledge and Wisdom: Thirsting for knowledge, understanding, and wisdom.

11. Family: Protecting and nurturing one's family and loved ones.

12. Acceptance: Craving acceptance and validation from others.

13. Friendship: Building and maintaining meaningful friendships.

14. Escape: Seeking to break free from a stifling or undesirable situation.

15. Truth: Uncovering the truth and exposing lies or deceit.

16. Creativity: Expressing oneself and bringing imagination to life.

17. Competition: Striving to be the best and outperform others.

18. Self-Discovery: Embarking on a journey to understand oneself better.

19. Healing: Seeking emotional, physical, or spiritual healing.

20. Faith and Belief: Holding strong religious or spiritual convictions.

21. Mentorship: Guiding and inspiring others to reach their potential.

22. Revolution: Fighting against oppressive systems and advocating for change.

23. Sacrifice: Putting others' needs above one's own and making difficult choices.

24. Fear: Overcoming fears and finding strength in the face of adversity.

25. Fame: Desiring recognition, acclaim, and celebrity status.

26. Identity: Discovering and understanding one's true self.

27. Empathy: Understanding and connecting with others' emotions and experiences.

28. Tradition: Upholding cultural or familial traditions and values.

29. Rebellion: Resisting authority and challenging the status quo.

[kleopatra45]

Degrees of Sun in the Natal Chart

Sun in Aries Degrees (1°, 13°, 25°)

These degrees indicate a dynamic and assertive personality. Individuals with the Sun at these degrees are natural leaders, embodying courage, determination, and an entrepreneurial spirit. They are enthusiastic and ready to take the initiative, often blazing new trails and thriving in competitive environments. Their energy is bold, direct, and driven by a strong sense of self.

Sun in Taurus Degrees (2°, 14°, 26°)

These degrees suggest a steady and resilient character. Those with the Sun at these degrees value stability, security, and the finer things in life. They are persistent, reliable, and have a strong connection to the material world. Their approach to life is practical, with a deep appreciation for beauty, comfort, and sensual pleasures. They excel in situations that require patience and a grounded perspective.

Sun in Gemini Degrees (3°, 15°, 27°)

These degrees indicate a curious and adaptable nature. Individuals with the Sun at these degrees are quick-witted, communicative, and enjoy mental stimulation. They thrive in environments that offer variety and the opportunity to learn. Their approach to life is versatile, and they often excel in fields related to communication, writing, or social interaction. Their energy is lively, and they enjoy exploring new ideas and experiences.

Sun in Cancer Degrees (4°, 16°, 28°)

These degrees suggest a nurturing and protective personality. Those with the Sun at these degrees are deeply connected to their emotions, family, and home. They are compassionate, empathetic, and often take on the role of caretaker. Their approach to life is guided by intuition and a desire to create a safe and supportive environment. They find strength in their emotional connections and have a strong sense of loyalty and tradition.

Sun in Leo Degrees (5°, 17°, 29°)

These degrees indicate a vibrant and expressive character. Individuals with the Sun at these degrees are confident, creative, and enjoy being in the spotlight. They have a natural charisma and are often drawn to roles where they can lead, perform, or inspire others. Their approach to life is bold, and they seek recognition and appreciation for their talents and efforts. They are generous and thrive in environments that allow them to shine.

Sun in Virgo Degrees (6°, 18°)

These degrees suggest a meticulous and service-oriented personality. Those with the Sun at these degrees are analytical, practical, and focused on improving themselves and their surroundings. They have a strong attention to detail and are often driven by a desire to help others. Their approach to life is methodical, and they excel in situations that require organization, efficiency, and a critical eye. They value hard work and strive for perfection in their endeavors.

Sun in Libra Degrees (7°, 19°)

These degrees indicate a harmonious and diplomatic nature. Individuals with the Sun at these degrees value balance, fairness, and beauty in all aspects of life. They are skilled in relationships and social interactions, often seeking to create peace and understanding in their environments. Their approach to life is cooperative, and they are drawn to roles that involve partnership, collaboration, and a sense of justice. They have a refined sense of aesthetics and appreciate the finer things in life.

Sun in Scorpio Degrees (8°, 20°)

These degrees suggest an intense and transformative personality. Those with the Sun at these degrees are deeply passionate, resourceful, and driven by a desire to uncover the truth. They have a powerful presence and are often drawn to experiences that involve change, rebirth, and deep emotional connections. Their approach to life is fearless, and they excel in situations that require focus, determination, and the ability to navigate complex or hidden aspects of life.

Sun in Sagittarius Degrees (9°, 21°)

These degrees indicate an adventurous and optimistic character. Individuals with the Sun at these degrees are driven by a desire for exploration, knowledge, and freedom. They have a strong sense of curiosity and a love for travel, philosophy, and new experiences. Their approach to life is enthusiastic and open-minded, often seeking to expand their horizons and share their insights with others. They are idealistic and enjoy pursuing their passions with a sense of purpose.

Sun in Capricorn Degrees (10°, 22°)

These degrees suggest a disciplined and ambitious personality. Those with the Sun at these degrees are focused, practical, and determined to achieve their goals. They value hard work, responsibility, and long-term success. Their approach to life is strategic, and they often excel in roles that require leadership, organization, and a strong sense of duty. They are patient and willing to make sacrifices to secure their future and achieve their ambitions.

Sun in Aquarius Degrees (11°, 23°)

These degrees indicate an innovative and independent nature. Individuals with the Sun at these degrees are forward-thinking, unconventional, and motivated by a desire to bring about change. They are often drawn to social causes, technology, or areas that involve creativity and originality. Their approach to life is progressive, and they enjoy challenging the status quo and exploring new ideas. They are humanitarian at heart and value freedom and individuality.

Sun in Pisces Degrees (12°, 24°)

These degrees suggest a compassionate and intuitive personality. Those with the Sun at these degrees are empathetic, imaginative, and deeply connected to their inner world. They are often drawn to artistic, spiritual, or healing pursuits. Their approach to life is guided by their emotions and intuition, and they have a strong sense of empathy for others. They excel in roles that allow them to express their creativity and connect with the deeper, more mystical aspects of life.

[mawvax]

tf:one observations and rambling (spoilers!) - cave scenes

just going through the movie again for references and noticing random things

1. D-16; top of his sector

D-16's badge having 6 notches (assuming it showcases excellence, hard work/rank) and Orion only having 1 (troublemaker.) -- which is why D-16 stomps on it out of frustration; it's the symbol of his devotion to Sentinel Prime.

2. D-16's first reaction to everything: >:[

there's a certain point - namely when they reach the cave - where D-16 is clearly at the end of his rope. His first reaction to every single event is anger; which is not wrong!

It's just in sharp contrast to Orion who doesn't hold the same devotion he did, therefore isn't taking events quite as personal as D-16.

Sees dead Megatronus > Angry at whoever did this (assuming Quints at this point)

Alpha Trion declares that Sentinel is a false Prime - Angry and defensive (that's his idol and cybertron's savior)

World View falling apart > Angry at Orion for leading him off protocol that led to these events. Angry at Sentinel who should be executed and paraded for his betrayal.

Even his first instinct is to Fight when the Quints arrive. He's ready to stand up and not take things lying down anymore. He's ready to take charge of things - to set them right.

Unfortunately, to D-16 - that means disregarding what anyone else says too, including Orion who led him previously.

3. Orion

D-16 in the midst of all the unfolding events, finds blame in Orion for leading him to these life-shattering painful truths being unfolded before them.

Which is contradictory to the praise he was giving Orion for leading them to the surface previously when it was seemingly beneficial at the time; it's realistic - but still sad.

As D-16 lets out at Orion how he truly feels - being dragged around by Orion; Orion's first reaction is to reflect. "am i truly at fault?" - and later on after Airachnid attacks the High Guard, he clearly believes what D-16 said as well. That this was all his fault. (Even though it really is Sentinels'. And a friendship is not a one way street.)

When Orion learns about Sentinel's betrayal he's shocked; but his mind immediately goes: How do we stop him? How do we help the people suffering under Sentinel? How do we show others the monster he truly is?

Both D-16 and Orion want justice but prioritize different things. It's about revenge and the righteous killing of a false prophet for D-16. For Optimistic Orion, Sentinel should be exposed, to face his crimes and be judged fairly. The less bloodshed, the better a new age for Cybertron can begin.

Let it not begin in a bloody execution fueled by hatred. Let them not be like Sentinel who took the future of Cybertron forcefully into his own hands through blood. Who brutally ripped Megatronus's cog out from his corpse.

("Don't be like Sentinel.")

4. You're still the most important person in my life

Even right after the argument when they get their cogs, the first thing they do is look at each other.

God. They are heartbreaking.

5. This shot.

Right after they return from seeing Sentinel collude with the Quintessons.

The line of shadow drawn between D-16 and the rest as he is faced away... A visual way to represent the fracture forming in between them...

I love this movie so much.

Gonna end my ramble here for now - and this is just from the cave - there's SO MANY things to just go on and on about this film.

peekaboo

[moonkissedvisions]

Pick an image tarot reading: Your natural gifts 🎀🍓🧁

Important: 16+. This is a general tarot card reading. Take what resonates and leave the rest. Tarot readings are not meant to be a replacement for any professional advice. I use the Rider-Waite deck. Take a deep breath, think about the theme/question of the reading and pick an image. Let your intuition guide you and HAVE FUN!

🎀 First picture

cards: 6 of Cups, King of Pentacles, 5 of Swords.

🎀 Multitalented

🎀 Inner child

🎀Generosity

🎀 Compassion

🎀 Playfulness

🎀 Creating a beautiful atmosphere

🎀 Cooking

🎀 Decorating

🎀 Jewelry

🎀 Retailer

🎀 Drawing

🎀 Painting

🎀 Collecting

🎀 Servicial

🎀 Money

🎀 Finances

🎀 Comedy

🎀 Working with kids

🎀 Poetry

🎀 Charity

🎀 Imagination

🎀 Instruments

🎀 Memory

🎀 Discipline

🎀 Self control

🎀 Material world

🎀 Counseling

🎀 Security

🎀 Self esteem

🎀 Humility

🎀 Crafting

🎀 Asking questions

🎀 History

🎀 Adaptation

🎀 Inspiring

🎀 Fashion

🎀 Philosophy

🎀 Speech

🎀 Abundance

🎀 Nourishing

🎀 Assertiveness

🎀 Therapy

additional notes: you may be childlike and/or have a baby face. you are forever young. you are outgoing. you like presents. you like learning about the past/your ancestors. you may have melancholic and nostalgic thoughts and emotions. you have a lot of energy. you are caring. you like a bit of destruction and mess (whatever that means for you). you may like wearing adornments. you may have an abundance mindset. people may feel comfortable and happy around you. you may have a hard time letting go of stuff. you may like self-care. Leave a 🎀 if you picked this reading!

🍓 Second picture

cards: The Devil, The Lovers, Wheel of Fortune.

🍓 You could be a 6 in numerology, since you got both 6 life path number cards (The Lovers VI, The Devil XV). 6 may be a significant number to you, or you embody 6 number codes and energy.

🍓 Strong sexual and personal magnetism

🍓 Attracting people

🍓 Sensuality

🍓 Dealing with taboo and dark themes

🍓 Loving

🍓 Generous

🍓 Business

🍓 Tempting

🍓 Unmasking the truth

🍓 Strong intuition

🍓 Designing

🍓 Passionate

🍓 Psychology

🍓 Making love

🍓 Holistic medicine

🍓 Dominance

🍓 Beauty

🍓 Decision-making

🍓 Devoted/devotion

🍓 Romance

🍓 Surrender

🍓 Acceptance

🍓 Wisdom

🍓 Good luck

🍓 Deep understanding

🍓 Manifesting

🍓 Communication

🍓 Effortless persona

🍓 Relationships

🍓 Good lover

🍓 Family oriented

🍓 Artistic

🍓 Beautiful

🍓 Considerate

🍓 Appreciative

🍓 Magic

🍓 Aware

🍓 Psychic

🍓 Occult/hidden

additional notes: you may be considered sexy or conventionally attractive. people are curious about you. people tell you their secrets. you go through a lot of changes in your life/identity. you may be multi-talented like the first pic people. you are considered an open-minded person but at the same time you may be a conventional/traditional or conservative person. you like having a healthy lifestyle. you may not like sharing many stuff about yourself and that could make you a mysterious person. you like witchy stuff/ are open about witchcraft. you may get obsessed easily. you may have a lot of secrets. you may have to deal with self-pity. Leave a 🍓 if you picked this reading!

🧁 Third picture

cards: King of Swords, Strength, Justice.

🧁 Compassion

🧁 Determination

🧁 Integrity

🧁 Power of thoughts

🧁 Power of the unconscious

🧁 Focus

🧁 Respect for life, its cycles and the natural order

🧁 Caring

🧁 Harmonious

🧁 Patience

🧁 Control

🧁 Veterinary

🧁 Taming

🧁 Problem solving

🧁 Wildness

🧁 Royalty

🧁 Law

🧁 Sharpness

🧁 Command

🧁 Good balance of feminine and masculine energies. ☯️ There is an overall balance in you.

🧁 Judge

🧁 Popular

🧁 Honesty

🧁 Impartiality

🧁 Rationality

🧁 Incredible logic

🧁Intellectual

🧁 Unbiased

🧁 Fatherly

🧁 Authority

🧁 Intelligent

🧁 Discernment

🧁 Writing

🧁 Sense of justice

🧁 Giving and gaining respect

🧁 Political/good at politics

🧁 Hierarchy

🧁 Leader

additional notes: you may be a control freak. you deal with emotions harmoniously but you could also seem cold or may dislike emotionality. you are deeply spiritual though. you may be or come across as judgemental to some people but you have a fair judgement. people come to you for advice and help because of your perspectives. you sense when things aren't right or something is unfair. you may love animals and nature. maybe you have a lot of pets or you fight for animal rights. you may be bookish. you like power/feeling powerful and strong and being in high positions. you may have a clean style or like neatness. Leave a 🧁 if you picked this reading!

Thank you for reading my post! I hope you loved it.

[angelremnants]

A TALES OF.. l Trickery, Disguise and Daggers

OR.. You have no choice but to disguise yourself as Loki to gain the upper hand in battle. But seeing you dressed in his signature green and gold, with his dagger in hand and embodying him so convincingly leaves him wondering why he can’t decide if he’s furious, fascinated, or entirely undone by the sight, and why was it so distracting and far more intoxicating than he could have anticipated.

pairing : Loki Laufeyson x f!reader

warnings : Mature themes (16+), flirtation and teasing, mild violence references, suggestive content. Proceed with caution if you're sensitive to such material.

word count : 7k

author's notes : All I heard while I was writing this was "I'm a diva". God, do I love writing about a down bad Loki. I know this man goes feral at the idea of someone impersonating him and making it look so good. Then again, it might just be my ovulation talking.

Also, literally writing this one hour before my exam. Wish me luck :(

(ao3 version)

The happy-go-lucky trio reached the outskirts of Dredheim, a desolate land marked by jagged cliffs and a blood-red sky. The atmosphere felt as if it could swallow them whole—ominous and suffocating, as though the earth resented their presence. It wasn’t just the eerie landscape that made Dredheim dangerous—it was the Ironclad Order. This ruthless faction had marked Loki as their top priority for capture, allegedly for breaching a binding contract centuries ago. Their fortresses were well-guarded, and their soldiers were more than capable of recognizing even the slightest shape-shift Loki might attempt.

Retrieving the next chipped piece of Yggdrasil was essential, but unfortunately, it meant infiltrating their most sacred vault—an impenetrable labyrinth-like temple protected by wards and magic so strong even Loki couldn’t easily bypass them. As the trio debated their options, Loki stood at the base of a jagged cliff, arms crossed over his chest, his face impassive. There was a cocky grin playing on his lips, but it didn’t quite mask the calculation in his eyes.

“Why is it always me who gets chased by petty mortals with grudges?” Loki drawled, clearly unperturbed by their dire situation. “Do they not have hobbies? Crops to tend to? A goat to milk?”

Thor groaned beside him, pinching the bridge of his nose. “You broke their blood oath, Loki. It’s not petty.”

Loki’s smirk deepened, and he glanced over at his brother. “They were foolish to make a deal with me in the first place.”

Thor sighed, rubbing his temples. “Well, whatever it is, we need a plan. They’ll recognize you on sight. What do we do?”

“We could just storm the place and—” [Y/N] began, raising an eyebrow, but was immediately cut off by Loki’s sharp, mocking gesture.

“Yes, excellent idea,” he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Let’s storm the stronghold of a group that specializes in binding deities. I’m sure that’ll end well for me.”

[Y/N] shot him a withering look. “You’re no fun,” she muttered. “Okay, seriously though, we can’t brute force our way in.”

Loki folded his arms across his chest, his expression still cool, but now interested. “Well, then, what’s your brilliant suggestion, [Y/N]?”

She paced a little, clearly deep in thought, her boots clicking against the stony ground. “So… you can’t walk in there without getting swarmed by a thousand warriors, right? But what you trick them into thinking you are walking in there?”

Thor gave a confused glance at both of them. “Trick them?” he echoed, his voice filled with disbelief. “They’re trained to spot deceit. You’re talking about outwitting the masters of seeking truth and justice themselves.”

[Y/N] paused, her gaze shifting to Loki. “Exactly. We don’t need brute force; we need Loki at his most… Loki.”

Loki tilted his head, intrigued but still skeptical. “Go on.”

[Y/N] hesitated for just a moment, then her grin stretched wider. “Since it’s a piece of Jotunheim we’re talking about, you’re needed inside to retrieve the piece.” She said, keeping her tone casual, “But if you walk in there, they’ll have you chained up before you can even take a breath. So, we need something or someone to look like you and act like you. A diversion that’ll keep them distracted while you slip in unnoticed.”

Thor furrowed his brow. “I don’t think we have anyone who could pretend to be you, Loki. Who could possibly pull that off?”

Loki’s sharp eyes flickered over [Y/N], who had been silently considering something. “I’m not so sure about that.” Loki’s lips curled into a slow, dangerous smile as the idea began to form in his mind. He paced around her, his eyes scanning her from head to toe as if mentally measuring her up. He stopped in front of her, his gaze intense. “I think you’ll do.”

[Y/N]’s eyes widened slightly, and she opened her mouth to protest, but Loki held up a hand to stop her.

“You’ll dress like me. You’ll wear the costume, the green, the curls,” he said, his voice low and full of cunning. “And you’ll do it perfectly.”

Thor frowned. “Are you serious, Loki? You want her to pretend to be you? I mean no offense my lady, but you’re hardly—”

“Hardly what?” [Y/N] interrupted, crossing her arms.

“Scheming, deceitful, or arrogant,” Thor replied bluntly.

Loki grinned. “I don’t know, brother. She might just surprise us.” He turned to [Y/N], not taking his eyes off of her, his tone turning darker with amusement. “You’ve seen how adept she is at adopting the essence of someone else. With the right illusion, she could pass for me. And when she makes her entrance—our entrance—the Order won’t know what hit them.”

She considered the idea, then sighed with a wry grin. “I’ll admit, I have a bit of flair when it comes to trickery. But what do you mean by ‘make my entrance’? I’m guessing ‘subtle’ isn’t the point.”

Loki’s eyes sparkled with approval. “Indeed. We need chaos. A dramatic entrance to make them believe they’ve caught me in the act.”

Thor shook his head, still unconvinced. “This feels like a terrible idea.”

[Y/N] glanced at him, a half-smile playing at her lips. “You got any better ones, big guy?”

Loki walked over to a pile of supplies they’d gathered and began rifling through it. He emerged with a small, enchanted pouch. “I’ll provide the illusion,” he said, already looking at [Y/N] as if she were his next grand project. “you'll just have to wear this. Since your abilities grant you the possibility of making mirages and contains a color similar to my seidr, you’ll just have to imitate it and maintain a monochromatic tone. It’ll mask your scent, your aura. It will be me—and they’ll never know the difference.”

[Y/N] took the pouch, inspecting it carefully, then met Loki’s gaze. “Fine,” she said, eyes narrowing in mock suspicion. “But if I have to wear your ridiculous green costume and pretend to be you, I’m going to need a lot of space for the theatrics.” Loki’s grin was practically predatory now. “Of course, darling. You’ll be magnificent.”

Standing in their tent, [Y/N] stared at herself in the mirror Loki had conjured. She smoothed the green leather tunic over her hips, standing straight as Loki adjusted the high collar and the flowing cape. The outfit clung to her in a way that was both empowering and deeply uncomfortable, made worse by the heavy cape tugging at her shoulders. Loki was standing close—too close—and she could practically feel his smirk boring into her. The infamous horned circlet sat precariously atop her head, the weight making her neck ache.

“Is this thing necessary?” she grumbled, adjusting the horns.

“It’s iconic,” Loki said, lounging nearby with his usual air of nonchalance. “You can’t impersonate me without it.”

[Y/N] stood tall, draped in his usual flair, the oversized horns slightly tilting to one side. She was doing her best to maintain a haughty expression, but the glimmer of nervousness in her eyes gave her away.

“Well?” she asked, spinning on her heel. “How do I look?”

Thor snorted. “Ridiculous.”

“Thank you for the confidence boost, Thor,” [Y/N] deadpanned.

Loki, however, was silent. His eyes roamed over her—taking in how she carried herself in his colors, his armor. There was a hint of amusement in his smirk, but there was also something else. Was it delight? Admiration? Something a little darker and more thrilling that made his heart race.

“The dagger,” he said, holding out the gleaming blade.

[Y/N] took it, the hilt cool and unfamiliar in her palm. She twirled it clumsily, making Loki wince.

“No, no, no,” he groaned, grabbing her hand and positioning it correctly. His voice dropped into that soft, low cadence he used when he was serious, the sound sending a shiver down her spine. “If you’re going to impersonate me, you need to own this. The blade isn’t just a weapon—it’s an extension of you. Watch.”

He took the dagger, spinning it fluidly through his fingers with practiced ease before pressing the flat of the blade lightly against his lips. His gaze flicked to [Y/N] briefly before he pulled it away and ran the blade along his forearm, the motion smooth and deliberate. The silver edge glinted in the low light, catching her attention.

[Y/N] hesitated, her fingers tightening on the hilt. “I don’t see how this helps with looking like you,” she muttered, though she mimicked his motions—pressing the cold metal to her lips for a fleeting moment before sliding it across her wrist and down her arm. It felt strange, foreign even, but it carried a weight of power, a piece of Loki’s essence she couldn’t quite explain.

“That’s better,” Loki murmured, his tone quieter now, almost approving. He stepped back, crossing his arms. “You’re learning. Slowly.”

[Y/N] raised an eyebrow but said nothing, spinning the dagger again.

“And now for your magic,” Loki added, his voice sharper. “You’re relying on your auroras, aren’t you?”

[Y/N] blinked. “That’s my power.”

“Yes, but if you’re going to pass as me, you need precision,” Loki chided, pacing a small circle around her. “The Ironclad Order will notice the smallest flaw. If your aura flickers even slightly—if there’s a hint of your charming little rainbow glow—you’ll give us all away.”

[Y/N] sighed, holding up her hand as tendrils of her magic began to swirl around her fingers. The shades of green and pink danced together in their usual chaotic display. Loki watched, unimpressed.

“Focus,” he barked, stepping closer. “None of this whimsical, northern lights nonsense. Pure green. My green. Do it again.”

She shot him a glare but bit back her retort. She closed her eyes, exhaling slowly as she tried to force her magic into submission. The colors swirled violently at first, as if rebelling against her will, but she pushed harder. The pinks dimmed, the blues faded, until only streaks of green remained. It wasn’t perfect—the edges flickered—but it was closer.

When she opened her eyes, she caught the faintest flicker of approval in Loki’s expression.

“Almost passable,” he said, though his tone lacked its usual bite. “You’re getting there. But remember, darling, this is more than just about your magic or how you hold a dagger. It’s about presence.”

He moved to adjust her shoulders, his hands firm but not harsh. “When I walk into a room, people don’t just see me—they feel me. They know I’m better than them.”

[Y/N] rolled her eyes. “Oh, please.”

Loki ignored her, tilting her chin up with two fingers. “Confidence,” he said, his voice low. “It’s all in the smirk.”

She huffed but followed his lead, letting her lips curl into a half-smile.

“Better,” Loki said, stepping back to admire his work. His smirk turned mischievous. “I might even be a little impressed.”

Later on, with a swirl of emerald smoke, she emerged—just as Loki had done countless times before. She wore the illusion well, slipping into his skin like it was her own. She made sure her steps were slow and deliberate, as she presented herself to the darkened world beyond. She was no longer [Y/N]; she was Loki—every inch of him—his confidence, his arrogance, his power. The moment she stood before Loki, his jaw tightened, though his lips curved upwards in approval.

She looked… perfect.

His gaze darkened as he absorbed the sight of her. His heart thudded harder in his chest, even as his mind tried to rein in the flutter of something far too dangerous for his liking. The way she moved, the way she owned the space around her… she had embraced his persona so fully that it was as though he were looking at his reflection.

Thor, standing next to him, grumbled under his breath, clearly uneasy. “By Odin’s beard, this is better than I thought.”

Loki couldn’t take his eyes off her. “Let’s hope she’s as good at escaping as she is at pretending to be me.”

[Y/N], still fully immersed in the role, caught Loki’s gaze from across the distance. The glint in her eyes was unmistakable—an unspoken challenge.

Loki’s lips curled into a smirk. This mission was about to get much more interesting.

The courtyard of Dredheim was swarming with guards, their weapons gleaming ominously in the dim light. For a moment, silence hung heavy in the air, broken only by the clinking of armor. Then, a sudden burst of green smoke exploded in the center, the sound sharp enough to make even the most stoic guards flinch.

“Really?” came a familiar voice, dripping with disdain. As the smoke cleared, a figure in green and gold emerged, arms spread wide and posture exuding arrogance. “Is this how you greet an old friend? By pointing your little sticks at me?”

The guards froze, their confusion evident, as [Y/N]—disguised in Loki’s likeness—strutted forward. She carried herself with the same calculated bravado Loki had perfected over centuries, her cape billowing behind her and her lips curling into a smirk.

“Ah, Dredheim,” she began, her voice smooth and sharp. “Still as dreary as I remember. You’d think with all the contracts you uphold, you’d have better taste in décor.” She let her gaze sweep over the guards, her disdainful tone forcing a few to shift uncomfortably.

One of them, braver than the rest, stepped forward, his spear raised. “You’ve breached the conditions of your exile, Loki,” he said firmly. “Surrender now, and the Order may grant you leniency.”

[Y/N] tilted her head, twirling the dagger she held around her fingers with casual precision. “Leniency? How generous,” she drawled. “But tell me, what exactly do you plan to do if I don’t surrender? Throw me in your dungeon? Bind me with your shiny chains?” Her voice dropped to a deadly whisper as she stepped closer. “I’ve already escaped you once before. Do you think you can hold me now?”

The guard faltered, his grip on the spear tightening, but his resolve clearly wavering. [Y/N] seized the moment, tossing her dagger lightly into the air and catching it by the blade without looking.

“Now, now,” she purred, her voice deceptively sweet. “I’m here to talk, not fight. But if you’d prefer the latter...” She pointed the dagger toward the guards, her smirk widening into a alarming grin as they exchanged uneasy glances.

Just as she prepared to press further, a deafening horn blared through the fortress. The sound was followed by the clattering of gates as reinforcements poured into the courtyard, their spears crackling with enchanted energy. [Y/N]’s eyes flicked to the commotion, though she maintained her composure. “Oh, good,” she said dryly. “I was worried this would be too easy.”

While [Y/N] commanded the scene, the two brothers watched from the shadows behind a crumbled wall while dismantling the blood oath.  Their task was delicate and swift—breaking an oath that had bound them in the past required finesse and precision. In a quiet, hidden chamber, Loki worked his magic, weaving the words of old with a power that was both subtle and devastating. Thor, ever the steadfast warrior, kept watch, ensuring that no unexpected interruptions would hinder their mission.

But Loki’s eyes couldn’t help but be locked on her every move, his breath caught in his throat. The way she moved, the way she wielded his persona with such ease—it was uncanny. She wasn’t just copying him; she was becoming him, in a way that both impressed and unnerved him.

“She’s quite the performer,” Thor remarked, his tone laced with amusement.

“She’s reckless,” Loki snapped, though his gaze never left her. “One mistake, and the entire plan falls apart.”

Thor chuckled softly. “She reminds me of someone.”

Loki shot him a glare. “Do me a favor and save your observations for later.”

But even as he spoke, he couldn’t deny the pang of pride—and something deeper—that stirred in his chest. [Y/N] wasn’t just holding her own; she was dominating the stage.

It should have infuriated him. Instead, it unsettled him in ways he didn’t care to examine.

“She’s being brazen. If she slips up, they’ll know it’s not me.” Loki hissed.

“And yet,” Thor said, glancing at his brother, “you can’t take your eyes off her. You’ve been staring at her like a wolf eyeing its next meal.”

Loki shot him a glare. “I thought I made it clear that it wasn’t the time for your ridiculous observations, Thor.”

Thor smirked, leaning in closer. “Just admit it. You’re impressed. And something else, too, if I’m not mistaken.”

Loki clenched his jaw, unwilling to give Thor the satisfaction of an answer. But he couldn’t deny it—[Y/N]’s boldness, her defiance, the way she had stepped into his role so seamlessly—it was maddeningly alluring. She was leading the scene in a way that even he had to admit was impressive. But admiration wasn’t the only thing stirring in his chest—it was something deeper, something he wasn’t ready to confront.

The Oath finally unraveled in a strident sound, its bindings dissolving into particles in the ether, leaving their enemies weaker and more vulnerable than they realized. With the soldiers distracted, [Y/N] led the way into the inner sanctum, where the Warden awaited them. The chamber was vast, lit by a flickering green flame, and the air was heavy with magic. The green flame in the chamber flickered ominously as she stepped forward, her every move exuding the kind of confidence Loki himself had perfected over centuries. Said Warden of the Pact stepped forward, his voice booming over the chaos. “Loki, surrender now, and we may grant you a swift end. Resist, and you will face the wrath of the Order.”

She twirled the dagger deftly in her hand, pressing it against the smirk curling on her lips, and Loki watched from the shadows, frozen. She felt like him—sharp, unpredictable, and utterly commanding yet in her own unique way.

She tilted her head, the light catching the intricate detailing of her "Loki" armor. She let out a low, mocking laugh, the sound reverberating through the chamber. “Oh, do you? How delightful,” she purred. Her dagger was gleaming as she pointed it lazily at him. “Do tell me, Warden, have you ever stopped to wonder what it must feel like to stand before a Goddess? You should count yourself lucky—I’m feeling particularly magnanimous today.”

Loki’s breath hitched as shivers traveled down his spine. The words hung in the air, heavier than the tension crackling between the Warden and [Y/N]. She wasn’t just putting on an act anymore. She was the role she played, and it sent a strange ache through Loki’s chest.

Magnanimous. A Goddess.

It wasn’t just the defiance in her voice—it was the conviction behind it. For a fleeting moment, Loki wondered if she actually believed it, and if she did…why did it stir something in him that he wouldn't want to name?

The Warden’s face darkened, and the soldiers shifted nervously. [Y/N] took a step forward, her cape sweeping behind her as she raised her chin. “You forget who you’re dealing with. I am Loki, Goddess of Mischief, rightful heir to Asgard’s throne and master of chaos. Your threats mean nothing to me.”

She flicked the dagger toward the ground, green reflecting in her eyes and her magic sparkling as it landed, creating a sharp crack that sent the soldiers reeling. “Now,” she continued, her voice colder, “get out of my way before I show you what a God can do.”

More soldiers lunged forward, spears glowing with enchanted energy. [Y/N] spun, dodging the first strike and grabbing one soldier by the arm, twisting him into his comrades. She moved fluidly, the dagger an extension of her, just as Loki had taught her.

“You’re persistent, I’ll give you that,” the Warden said, his voice echoing through the room. “But your tricks end here.”

[Y/N] stepped forward, still holding the illusion of Loki. “Oh, please,” she said, rolling her eyes. “Your bravado is tiresome. You think you can stand against me? A Goddess doesn’t kneel to the likes of you.”

The Warden raised his staff, magic crackling at its tip. “You’re no goddess, Loki. You’re a fraud.”

The woman smiled, a dangerous glint in her eye. “Then prove it.”

The Warden launched a bolt of glowing energy toward her, but [Y/N] sidestepped gracefully, her smirk widening. “Is that all you’ve got?” she taunted, throwing the dagger upward and catching it without looking.

The soldiers surrounding the Warden hesitated, glancing nervously at each other. She took the opportunity to close the distance, her steps unhurried, her voice sharp and cutting.

“Let me tell you something about power,” she said, her tone icy. “It’s not just about strength or fear. True power is about control. And right now, I’m in control. You? You’re just another footnote in the stories they’ll tell about me.”

Her words were pure Loki—sharp-edged and brimming with arrogance—but the way she delivered them was all her own. She radiated an unshakable certainty that made even the Warden falter.

But the Warden’s forces returned faster than expected. As [Y/N] lowered the illusion of green smoke, the sound of clanging armor and rushed footsteps filled the air. Loki’s eyes darted to the corridor behind her, where armored guards poured in like a flood, each carrying weapons glowing with runes.

As the guards surged forward in greater numbers, Loki knew the ruse wouldn’t hold much longer. With a flick of his wrist, he conjured an illusion of himself appearing on the far side of the courtyard, drawing half the guards away. Then, with a burst of green energy, he stepped into the fray, his daggers materializing in his hands.

“Time to move,” he muttered to Thor, who grinned and charged in with Mjolnir, scattering soldiers like leaves in a storm.

[Y/N] caught sight of Loki and shouted over the din, “What happened to waiting for my diversion?”

“Reinforcements,” Loki hissed, gripping her wrist and yanking her back. “They must have alerted the higher ranks. It’s a full ambush!”

“So much for hiding,” she quipped, dodging a spear and slashing through the advancing guards with practiced precision.

“I gave you your moment,” Loki retorted, sending a wave of green energy toward a cluster of enemies. “But now it’s my turn.”

[Y/N] smirked, twisting away from an attacker and sending a spark of her own magic into his chest, knocking him backward. “Try to keep up, then.”

Loki paused mid-strike, his eyes narrowing. Her movements—sharp, deliberate—bore the mark of his training, but there was something uniquely hers in the way she fought, a fluidity and confidence that made her impossible to ignore.

The Asgardians surged forward together into the battle, a synchronized force of magic and might. Loki’s conjured daggers struck first, precise and lethal, while Thor’s hammer crashed into the advancing line like a battering ram.

But it was [Y/N] who turned the tide.

When a spear-wielding guard broke through the brothers’ defenses, she stepped into his path, her movements fluid and calculated. She caught the spear’s shaft mid-thrust, twisted her body, and redirected its momentum, throwing the guard off balance. Then, with a flick of her wrist, she sent her dagger slicing across his armor, leaving him crumpled on the floor.

Loki, mid-spin as he conjured a wall of green flames to block incoming archers, caught sight of her. She didn’t just fight—she owned the battlefield. Her movements were sharp and deliberate, her confidence radiating like a beacon. For a moment, he forgot the chaos around him.

“Focus, brother!” Thor’s voice snapped him back to reality as he swung Mjolnir into another advancing guard.

[Y/N] noticed Loki staring and smirked. “What’s the matter, Mischief? You didn’t think I’d let you have all the fun, did you?”

Loki blinked, caught off guard by the smirk she shot his way. He straightened, forcing his usual arrogance to cover his momentary slip. “Hardly,” he quipped, twirling a dagger with flair as he blocked another guard’s strike. “I’m merely appraising my work. It seems you’ve learned a thing or two from the master.”

[Y/N] arched an eyebrow as she parried a blow and dispatched her opponent with a graceful spin. “Master? How kinky. But for your information, I think I’ve refined your sloppy technique.”

Loki sputtered, dodging an axe swing with dramatic flair. “Sloppy? I’ll have you know my form is flawless.”

The impersonator chuckled, sidestepping to fight alongside him. “Sure it is, Mischief. Now less talking, more fighting!”

“I’m multitasking, thank you very much,” Loki grumbled, though the faint flush on his cheeks betrayed the effect her teasing had on him.

As the guards thinned, [Y/N] spotted the Warden retreating into the fortress. Her heart pounded, adrenaline coursing through her veins. “There he is!” she shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos.

“We need him alive,” Loki reminded her sharply, blocking an incoming strike. “The fragment is within his grasp.”

“Then stop stalling,” [Y/N] shot back, already sprinting as her gaze darted between the remaining guards and the Warden’s retreating figure. Her heart pounded, adrenaline surging through her veins. “I’ll handle him. You two deal with the rest.”

“[Y/N], no!” Loki yelled, but she was already sprinting toward the Warden, her dagger gleaming in her hand. 

The inner sanctum was vast and foreboding, its walls lined with glowing green runes. The Warden stood at its center, his staff crackling with power. [Y/N] entered cautiously, her steps echoing in the eerie silence.

“You think you can outmatch me?” he sneered as she approached, her pace slow and deliberate.

She tilted her head, her voice dripping with mockery. “Oh, I don’t think—I know.”

The Warden struck first, sending a bolt of dark energy hurtling toward her. [Y/N] ducked and rolled, closing the distance between them with startling speed. She feinted to the left, forcing him to overextend, and then lashed out with her dagger, the blade slicing through the magic shield he had conjured.

He roared in frustration, his attacks growing more erratic as she dodged and countered with ease.

“You’re nothing but a cheap imitation of that Trickster,” the Warden spat.

[Y/N]’s grin widened, her voice low and dangerous. “Imitation? No, darling. I’m the upgrade.”

With a flick of her wrist, she unleashed a wave of shimmering energy that surged toward the Warden. Her magic crackled like lightning in a storm as it collided with his dark aura. The resulting explosion shook the chamber, sending fragments of stone and embers scattering through the air. Despite the force of the impact, [Y/N] stood firm, her feet planted and her expression unwavering as she deflected the Warden’s counterattacks with calculated precision.

Loki and Thor arrived at the entrance just in time to witness the spectacle. [Y/N]’s magic flared brilliantly, a kaleidoscope of colors twisting through the dimly lit space. Loki paused, his eyes narrowing as he watched her.

“Impressive,” he murmured, his voice carrying a note of reluctant admiration. But then, shaking himself free from the moment, he stepped forward, his hands alight with emerald energy. “Let’s end this quickly, shall we?”

As if on cue, the three of them moved in perfect tandem. [Y/N]’s radiant magic wove through the air like threads of fire and starlight, meeting Loki’s illusions and deadly blasts of energy in a breathtaking dance of light and shadow. Thor’s hammer crashed down with the force of a thunderclap, shattering the Warden’s defenses piece by piece. The chamber seemed to tremble under the onslaught, the oppressive energy of the Warden’s magic fading against their combined might.

When the smoke and debris finally cleared, the scene left Loki momentarily still. [Y/N] stood over the Warden while blocking his movements by pressing her heel on his chest, her own heaving as she caught her breath. In her hand, a dagger glinted ominously under the faint light, its blade pressed firmly against the Warden’s throat.

“Do you yield?” she demanded, her voice low, cold, and commanding enough to send a chill through the air.

The Warden’s glare was sharp, his jaw clenched in defiance, but after a long moment, his hands fell limp at his sides, and he gave a reluctant nod. [Y/N] stepped back without hesitation, her dagger still poised as she allowed Loki to approach.

Loki moved with a calculated elegance, his fingers glowing faintly as he began extracting the flaring piece of sacred wood. Thor, leaning casually on Mjolnir, let out a low whistle, breaking the tension in the room.

“Well then, brother,” Thor said with a smirk, “from what I just saw, I’d wager she might know you better than you know yourself.”

Loki didn’t answer immediately. His gaze lingered on [Y/N], who had turned her back to them and was meticulously wiping blood from her dagger with an almost unnerving calm. Her movements were deliberate, unhurried, and tinged with an air of indifference that only heightened her aura of command.

For the first time in what felt like ages, Loki found himself at a loss for words.

The air was cool and crisp as they emerged from the sanctum, carrying the faint metallic tang of the battle they had just left behind to regroup on a nearby hill under the fading light of the realm’s twin moons. [Y/N] stretched her arms above her head, rolling her shoulders with a slight wince.

Loki’s sharp eyes didn’t miss the motion. “You’re hurt,” he remarked, his voice uncharacteristically soft.

She shrugged, brushing him off. “It’s nothing,” she replied lightly. “Besides, I had fun. Honestly, being you isn’t so bad—minus the overwhelming arrogance, of course.”

Loki tilted his head, his lips curving into a faint, amused smile. “Overwhelming?” he repeated, his tone edged with mock offense.

[Y/N] raised an eyebrow, her smirk unwavering. “Oh, don’t look so surprised. You’ve practically made it an art form.”

Closing the distance between them, Loki’s expression shifted, his voice dropping to a low murmur. “And yet, you wore it so well. Perhaps a little too well.”

Her smirk faltered as their gazes locked, the air between them suddenly charged. [Y/N] caught the flicker of something unspoken in his eyes—something that made her pulse quicken despite herself. But before the moment could deepen, Thor’s booming laughter shattered the tension.

“Well done, my friend! Or should I say... sister?” Thor declared with a grin so wide it was almost comical. He jabbed an elbow toward Loki, wiggling his eyebrows with exaggerated suggestion.

Loki groaned, rolling his eyes. “You’re insufferable.”

“And you’re deflecting,” Thor countered with a hearty clap to his brother’s shoulder.

[Y/N] snorted, breaking the spell of whatever had passed between her and Loki. “I’m going to sleep,” she announced, brushing past them as she started down the hill. “You two can argue over titles and egos all you want.”

Thor watched her go, then leaned toward Loki with a sly grin. “You’re smitten.”

Loki stiffened, though the faint color that rose to his cheeks betrayed him. “Don’t be absurd,” he said, his voice clipped.

Thor chuckled, his laughter a low rumble in the quiet night. “Deny it all you like, brother, but I saw the way you looked at her back there. You’d better be careful—she might outshine even you.”Loki’s gaze followed [Y/N] as she disappeared into the shadows, her stride unbothered and confident, as though the weight of their recent battles hadn’t touched her. His lips pressed into a thin line as he muttered under his breath, almost too quiet for even Thor to hear: “She already has.”

The campfire crackled softly, its warm glow casting flickering shadows across the cluster of worn tents. Above, the stars hung like frozen whispers in a sea of black, the cool night air carrying the faint scent of pine and smoke. The serenity of the scene was broken only by Thor’s occasional snores from his nearby tent, deep and rhythmic, a stark contrast to the restless figure seated alone by the fire.

Loki perched on a log just beyond the firelight’s reach, his sharp profile illuminated faintly by the dying embers. His long fingers danced absently through the air, as though tracing the edges of invisible thoughts. He had excused himself from the evening earlier than usual, brushing off questions with a tired smirk and a dismissive wave. But solitude had done little to settle his mind.

He leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees, raking a hand through his dark hair. Sleep was elusive, chased away by the memory that had rooted itself firmly in his thoughts—[Y/N]. He hadn’t felt so unraveled in centuries. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw her.

[Y/N], wrapped in his colors, her every movement fluid, sharp, and commanding. The memory of her entrance was vivid: green smoke curling around her like tendrils of ivy, her voice low and laced with dangerous charm. She had moved with a confidence that burned, her posture radiating a power that rivaled his own.

His lips pressed into a thin line as he exhaled, a soft growl escaping his throat. Why does it bother me so much? He tried to dismiss the thought, to let it fade into the crackle of the fire, but it lingered, refusing to be ignored.

It wasn’t just her audacity to mimic him so perfectly—it was how seamlessly she had worn his essence, as if it were hers to claim. Her presence had been so arresting, so undeniably magnetic, that it left him breathless.

Gods, the way she moved…

Loki’s eyes fluttered closed, and his breath hitched as the memory overtook him again. [Y/N], draped in the leather of his garb, hugging her form as though it had been tailored for her. She had prowled across the battlefield like a queen surveying her kingdom, her every step exuding a quiet, dangerous authority. The way the fabric clung to her figure, the sway of her hips—it was maddening.

And that dagger. Oh, how she had wielded it.

The memory of her performance haunted Loki like a curse, one far too alluring to shake. He could see her even now, standing there with the confidence of a queen in emerald mist, holding his dagger like it had always belonged in her grasp.

She had held it like it belonged to her, the blade angled just enough to catch the dim light as she pressed the cool metal against her mouth—just as he had shown her. It wasn’t just a gesture of menace; it was seduction, power, and mockery all rolled into one. She had whispered something after that—he couldn’t remember the exact words, only that they had sounded like something he would say, dripping with charm and danger. The image of her smirking behind the blade had been enough to make his breath lost in a way he wasn’t prepared for.

Now, sitting alone by the fire, the memory wouldn’t leave him. His hand drifted to the very same dagger, still strapped to his side. He unsheathed it slowly, the metal gleaming faintly in the flickering firelight. His fingers tightened around the hilt as he turned the blade over, examining it like it held some forbidden secret.

Loki inhaled sharply as he slowly lifted the blade. The thought was ridiculous, absurd even, but he couldn’t resist. He pressed the same spot of the flat of the dagger against his lips that had once been on hers, the cool metal sending a shiver coursing down his spine. Would this count as an indirect kiss? His eyes fluttered closed, and for a fleeting moment, he could almost feel her there, could almost taste the ghost of her touch lingering on the steel.

But it wasn’t enough.

Loki drew the blade away, letting it glide down his neck, the metal cold against his skin. His breath deepened as he trailed it lower, dragging the flat side of the dagger along the curve of his chest, over the smooth fabric of his tunic. The sensation was grounding and electric all at once, the weight of the weapon pulling him back to the moment she had stood there, commanding the entire room with a confidence he didn’t think he’d ever find so maddeningly... enticing.

He couldn’t stop. The blade moved lower, over his abdomen, where his muscles tensed beneath the light pressure of the metal. He exhaled sharply, his hand trembling slightly as he finally pulled it away, holding the dagger tightly at his side.

The memory of [Y/N]’s smirk, her confidence, her fire—it consumed him.

“A goddess doesn’t kneel,” her voice echoed in his mind, low and dripping with defiance. The words struck him like a blade, sharp and unrelenting. He had wanted to laugh when she’d said it, to mock her audacity, but he hadn’t. Because in that moment, she had been a goddess—a force of nature, his equal in every way that mattered. And perhaps, in ways he didn’t yet understand, his superior.

Loki leaned back, letting his head fall against the rough bark of the log, his gaze drifting upward to the endless expanse of stars. “By the Norns,” he muttered under his breath, his voice a mix of frustration and awe.

From the corner of his eye, he could see the faint glow of her tent, her silhouette shifting as she settled for the night. He wondered if she was as restless as he was, if the memory of the day’s battle haunted her as it did him. Did she even realize the storm she had unleashed within him?

He clenched his jaw, his hands tightening around the hilt of the dagger. He tried to focus on her flaws, to remind himself why she infuriated him. She was impulsive, reckless, far too bold for her own good. But gods, wasn’t that what drew him to her? Her fire, her fearlessness, her refusal to yield?

“A goddess doesn’t kneel,” he repeated under his breath, the words tasting bitter and sweet all at once. Her voice returned to him, low and sultry, dripping with defiance. Loki exhaled shakingly, his hands curling into fists. Those words had pierced through him, striking a chord he hadn’t realized existed. 

She had looked like a goddess—fierce, commanding, unyielding. It wasn’t just the way she moved or spoke; it was the fire in her eyes, the way she had stood her ground even when outnumbered. The way she had moved, the confidence in every gesture, the fire in her eyes—it had all felt so familiar and yet so wholly hers. And that smirk, the one she had thrown his way as if to say, See? I can be you—and better than you. It had undone him. Completely.

And the worst part? She hadn’t just acted like him—she had been better than him. He had spent centuries crafting his identity as a god of mischief and chaos, bending others to his will, proving his superiority over mortals and gods alike. And yet, in that one moment, she had made him feel... small.

And it terrified him.

She had worn the title like she was born to it, her defiance shining brighter than any crown. For the first time in a long time, Loki had been... mesmerized. Not just by her beauty, though that was undeniable, but by the sheer force of her will.

And then she had dared to mock him after it was all over. “Honestly, being you isn’t so bad... minus the overwhelming arrogance,” she had said with a grin, twirling the dagger like it was hers to manipulate.

Loki’s lips curved into a small, bitter smile. Arrogant? Yes, he was. Overwhelmingly so. But who wouldn’t be, after living centuries in a world that demanded nothing less? And yet, somehow, she had managed to turn it all back on him, stripping away the layers of his pride and leaving him exposed. Vulnerable.

He hated it. And he craved it.

The dagger still rested in his hand, the weight of it oddly comforting. He traced his thumb along the edge, his mind drifting back to her again. He could still see her standing there, the green smoke swirling around her like a crown, her voice laced with venom and allure. She had took over the reigns of the room, demanded their attention, and every part of him had wanted to watch her burn it all to the ground or make it burn for her—anything, if only to please her wrath.

The fire crackled louder, snapping Loki out of his reverie. He leaned back, his hands braced on the log, and let his head fall back to gaze at the stars.

He shouldn’t be thinking about her like this.

She was an ally, nothing more. A necessary piece in this grand game they were playing. And yet, when he closed his eyes, he didn’t see the mission or the stakes they faced. He saw her—flushed with triumph, her chest rising and falling as she caught her breath after the battle. He saw the curve of her lips as she smirked at him, the challenge in her eyes as she dared him to match her fire.

He swallowed hard, a bead of sweat trailing down his temple despite the cool night air.

Stop it, he told himself. Stop thinking about her like this.

The fire snapped loudly, pulling him from his thoughts. Loki rose from the log, sheathing the dagger with a flourish. His steps carried him toward the edge of the camp, where the shadows deepened and the night felt cooler against his flushed skin. He needed to distance himself, to clear his head, but her presence lingered like a phantom.

He had faced gods, monsters, and armies without flinching, yet one mortal woman had left him in such deplorable state. It was infuriating. It was exhilarating. 

And, the Norns help him, he wasn’t sure he wanted it to stop.

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[helldivers-2]

The truth is out there, Helldivers–get equipped with the tools to tell it!

The Truth Enforcers Warbond lands on October 31st!

Full Briefing.

The Truth Enforcers Warbond highlights include:

Primary

SG-20 Halt - pump action shotgun

SMG-32 Reprimand - heavy SMG ‌

Secondary

PLAS-15 Loyalist - Plasma pistol

Utilities

Dead Sprint booster - drains your health once your stamina hits zero, but it will enable you to outrun the enemy.

Armor

UF-16 Inspector (Light) & UF-50 Bloodhound (Medium)

We want our Helldivers to stand strong against all who oppose the truth, so both of these armors have the Unflinching passive, which reduces staggering when hit.

Patterns

Truth Enforcers also includes new cosmetic patterns for your hellpods, exosuits, and Pelican-1. The Inconspicuous Black Pattern looks as mysterious as it does ceremonial. Equip these and you’ll bring immediate order to the chaos of other divers in your squad.

Emotes & Victory Poses

You’ll also be able to secure the At Ease emote, giving your Helldiver a stoic, commanding, order-following vibe. This Enforcer isn’t the type to laugh at all these pull-my-finger emote jokesters on the squad. You know they need proper clearance and permits for that.

The spread of truth and justice across the galaxy is a big job, Helldiver, but a real Truth Enforcer has the tools and the talent to do it.

Releasing October 31st!

[quetzalpapalotl]

I like how TF One Orion is well-meaning but also ill-suited to deal with D-16's emotional needs despite them being such good, genuine friends. He is driven by a strong sense of justice and sees no reason why he shouldn't act to right the world, he's also very impulsive and has a bit of a one-mind-track, which leads him to push D into situations D doesn't want.

So when they find out about Sentinel's schemes, D who had a deep faith in the system (and some worrisome beliefs Orion also failed to question) experiences a lot of anger and turmoil for which he can't find a proper outlet and turns it onto Orion because from his emotional reasoning, is Orion's fault he is upset because Orion put him in a situation where he was made to learn the truth.

This sort of logic makes absolutely no sense to Orion, who is action/solutiom focused and for whom the Sentinel issue is still just a matter of righting a wrong. So he fails to provide proper emotional support for D who spirals down and by the end he's too tired of letting Orion push him around to listen to reason. I'm very pleased with this aspect, these are flaws that are very fitting for the character of Orion as presented.

[livingslime]

Please be patient ૮ ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶ ა💗

Please refrain from spamming my inbox asking me to reply, as this makes it harder to go through my inbox (´-﹏-` |||) 💔

As I develop this visual novel, sometimes I do not have the time to go though my inbox.

I hope everyone can be patient with me! 💗💗

Avoid stacked questions 💗

If you have already sent stacked questions, it would help me a lot if you could resend them individually! ദ്ദി ( ᵔ ᗜ ᵔ )

Sending multiple different questions is OK!

This just makes it easier for me and others to read 💗

Avoid mental illness/disorder questions 💗

I understand that mental health and related topics are really important, and they deserve accurate, thoughtful information.

Because these issues can be very personal and can vary a lot from person to person, I don’t feel fully equipped to provide answers that would do them justice.

Just know that no matter what, Anselm will love and care of you! 💕

Avoid questions that have already been answered 💗

Avoid overtly sexual questions 💗

Currently the game is 17+ rated. (It was 16+ rated before but I recently change it because I think this rating will fit the game better)

So unfortunately there will be no NSFW content.

I might think of having another social up for explicit content if there popular demand ──★ ˙ ̟🐇

Avoid future story spoiler questions 💗

This visual novel has mystery/horror elements, there wouldn’t be much of a story if I revealed everything outright (˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶)

I also feel it would be more entertaining for players to unravel the truth through storytelling 🌹

[scoonsalicious]

Unwanted: Chapter 16, Unaccompanied - Pt. 1

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Avenger!Fem!Reader

Summary: When your FWB relationship with your best friend Bucky Barnes turns into something more, you couldn’t be happier. That is, however, until a new Avenger sets her sights on your super soldier and he inadvertently breaks your heart. You take on a mission you might not be prepared for to put some distance between the two of you and open yourself up to past traumas. Too bad the only one who can help you heal is the one person you can no longer trust.

Warnings: (For this part only; see Story Masterlist for general Warnings) Language, Vomiting 🤮

Word Count: 1k

Previously On...: Jade's been trying to get into your head about Bucky, but he assured you she was just trying to cause trouble between the two of you.

A/N: We are officially half way through the story, lovelies! I'm so happy to be on this journey with all of you! NOTE! The tag list is a fickle bitch, so I'm not really going to be dealing with it anymore. If you want to be notified when I update, please enable notifications from my Blog page!

Banner By: The absolutely amazing @mrsbuckybarnes1917!

Thank you to all those who have been reading; if you like what you've read, likes, comments, and reblogs give me life, and I truly appreciate them, and you!

Taglist: (Sadly, tag list is closed; Tumblr will not let me add anyone new. If you want to be notified when I update, please Follow me for Notifications!) @jmeelee @cazellen @mrsbuckybarnes1917 @blackhawkfanatic @buckybarnessimpp @hayjat @capswife @itsteambarnes @marygoddessofmischief @sebastians-love @learisa @lethallyprotected @rabbitrabbit12321 @buckybarnesandmarvel @fanfictiongirl77 @calwitch @fantasyfootballchampion @selella @jackiehollanderr @wintercrows @sashaisready @missvelvetsstuff @angelbabyyy99 @keylimebeag @maybefoxysouls @vicmc624 @j23r23 @wintercrows @crist1216 @cjand10 @pattiemac1@les-sel @dottirose @winterslove1917 @harperkenobi @ivet4 @casey1-2007 @mrsevans90 @steeph-aniie @bean-bean2000 @beanbagbitch @peachiestevie @wintrsoldrluvr @shadowzena43

Tumblr will not let me directly tag the following: @marcswife21 @erelierraceala @jupiter-107 @doublejeon @hiqhkey @unaxv @brookeleclerc

The day you and Bucky were scheduled to leave for Moscow, you went to the dining room to say your goodbyes before boarding the Quinjet. The team was gathered around the large dining table when you walked in, plates of Thai food spread across the space. 

“You ordered Thai?” you moaned. “Knowing that I’m about to spend hours in a tin can, stuck eating MREs for who knows how long, risking my life for truth, justice, and freedom, and you order Thai just as I’m leaving? I thought you were my friends! My family! Do I mean nothing to the lot of you?!”

“Relax, drama queen,” Nat said. “I’ll fix you a to-go container.”

“Thank you, Natasha,” you said. “You are a true friend.” You glared around the room at everyone else, pointing an accusing finger. “The rest of you, however… I will remember this.”

Bucky wrapped an arm around you and squeezed your shoulders. “Maybe we can make a detour in Thailand and get it straight from the source, doll,” he said with a laugh.

“I like your way of thinking, Barnes,” you said. Natasha handed you the to-go container and you did a little happy dance. “Thank you, Natty!” you squealed, opening up the container to take a sniff of the deliciousness contained within. 

As soon as the scent of Khao Soi hit your nostrils, you were overcome with a wave of nausea. “Oh my God,” you groaned, shoving the container into Bucky’s arms and throwing your hands over your mouth. You sprinted toward the nearest bathroom and barely made it to the toilet before you were vomiting into the bowl.

As you heaved, you felt a cool, metal hand pull your hair away from your face and a warm flesh hand rubbing circles on your back. “You okay, doll?” Bucky asked, his voice full of concern as you heaved up the contents of your stomach. 

“I think there’s something wrong with that Khao Soi,” you told him once your stomach muscles had stopped spasming. “Maybe the coconut was bad?”

Bucky grabbed a few squares of toilet paper and gently wiped at the sides of your mouth. “Gotta say, it smelled all right to me.” He placed a palm to your forehead. “You’re feeling a little warm. You sure you’re not comin’ down with something?”

“Maybe,” you said, giving it some thought. “I have been feeling really tired lately.” 

“If you’re sick, you know can’t I can’t let you go on this mission,” Steve’s voice came from where he was standing in the doorway. “It’s a liability.”

This was the first time Steve had spoken to you in ages, and you couldn’t help but wonder if it had something to do with the fact that you and Bucky weren’t technically in a relationship anymore. 

“I’m fine, Steve,” you said, but before you could further protest in favor of your good health, another wave of nausea overtook you and you were once again vomiting into the toilet bowl. 

“It’s alright, baby,” Bucky said. “I can do the mission solo. It’s more important for you to rest and get better.”

You nodded, feeling miserable and completely drained now. “Will you help me back to my room, Buck?”

“Of course, sweets.” You flushed the toilet and Bucky helped you stand up. In an instant, he’d scooped you up, carrying you, bridal-style, back down to your room. He deposited you gently on the edge of the tub in your bathroom and poured you a cup of water.

“Here, rinse your mouth,” he said, offering you the glass, and you accepted gratefully. You swished the liquid through your mouth, rinsing away the acidic taste of bile before you spat the water out in the sink. While you were doing that, Bucky brought you a change of clothes, helping you out of your tac-suit and into one of his tee shirts and a pair of pajama pants. 

“Better?” he asked as he tucked you into your bed. 

You nodded, burrowing down into your scarlet comforter. Wanda had been right– it had been permanent, and it was now your favorite bedding. “Thanks, Buck,” you murmured. “I’m sorry we won’t be going on the mission together. I was really looking forward to it.”

“Me, too.” He pressed a kiss to your forehead. “But you’ve got nothing to apologize for. I just want you gettin’ better.” You smiled at him as he grabbed your hand and kissed it. “I hate leaving you like this.”

You laughed. “It’s just a stomach bug, Buck,” you said, squeezing his hand in return. “I’ll be right as rain when you get back, promise. But you better go before Steve comes banging the door down for you.”

“Is there anything I can get you before I go?” he asked, brows furrowed with worry. “I could make you some tea.”

“No,” you stifled a yawn. “But thank you. I’m wiped; I think I’m just going to take a nap. Puking is exhausting. We gonna do our calls?” you asked him. Each time one of you was away on a mission, you would call the other once a day, a kind of proof-of-life to ensure to the other you were safe. If a call wasn’t possible, you’d make sure to at least send a text, never wanting the other to worry more than necessary.

“Of course,” he said. He leaned down to kiss you, but you pulled away.

“Buck,” you whined, “I just threw up. You don’t want to kiss me right now.”

“Always wanna kiss you, Pocket,” he said, leaning in again. This time you let him, though you kept it from getting too deep. Yes, you knew you were blurring the lines of the new parameters you had set up for your relationship, but successful missions were never something to be taken for granted, so you would never pass up the opportunity for what could possibly be a last kiss.

“Alright, Barnes,” you said when the kiss broke, “get outta here before Steve comes in and drags your ass out.”

With a final wave, Bucky departed, leaving you alone to drift off, the discomfort in your stomach temporarily forgotten.

<- Previous Part / Next Part ->

[batbabydamian]

MAY SOLICITATIONS SPOILERS BUT JUNI BA’S DAMIAN STORY PITCH IS COMING TRUE OH MY GOD

Juni Ba was the artist for Damian’s story in Truth & Justice (2021) #6 (#16-18 Digital Version)!! his art is so fun, and the story by Andrew Aydin is very cute too!!

[southtopaz]

PSYCHO KILLER - SCREAM

Summary: in which Iris Morris has to navigate her personal relationships while surviving a psycho.

Warnings: Fem!reader, angst, mention of violence, swearing, mention of death, Tara Carpenter x Fem reader, multiple parts.

Word count: +2,5k

A/n: this part will follow the events of Scream 6 but it will take place two years later from Scream 5. English is not my first language, so I apologize for any grammatical mistake. Anika is alive in this one, I liked her too much to let her die yall.

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12, Part 13, Part 14, Part 15, Part 16, Part 17

When the police and the ambulance arrived, the scene was already tinged with a palpable sense of loss. Ghostface had vanished into the night, leaving only echoes of terror behind. Anika, pale and shaken, was rushed to the hospital, her fate uncertain, while the rest of the group lingered outside their apartment complex.

The flashing lights cast eerie shadows on the pavement as the police worked. Sam and Tara stood close together, whispering in a corner, their faces etched with concern. Sam's brow furrowed as she glanced toward the scene where Quinn's body lay covered. Her boyfriend was being taken away as well, wrapped in a black sheet, a tragic reminder to the violence they had all barely escaped.

Mindy sat inside the ambulance with Chad, who wrapped his arm around her shoulders in a comforting embrace. She leaned into him, seeking solace in his presence. Despite the chaos outside, he whispered reassurances, trying to distract her from everything that happened that night.

Iris stood against a cold, brick wall, her back pressed against it as she swallowed a painkiller they had given her. Her arm throbbed beneath the fresh bandages, but the physical pain paled in comparison to the turmoil churning inside her. She replayed the events of the night in her mind: the laughter that had filled their apartment just hours before, the sudden intrusion of horror, and the loss of Quinn.

As she watched the police work, a fire ignited within her. The anger she felt was a bitter fuel, burning hot and bright. She needed justice—no, she needed vengeance. The thought of Ghostface escaping filled her with a desperate determination, that got her clenching her fists until her nails dug into her palm.

After a while, Iris spotted Tara making her way towards her. As she reached Iris, she drew in a deep breath, her words tumbling out. "They just told us that Anika is stable. It's not looking good, but she's alive."

Iris felt a wave of relief wash over her. "That's enough for now," she said, her voice shaking slightly as she tried to steady herself.

Tara hesitated for a moment, then pressed on. "Have you called your mom?"

Iris shook her head, her heart sinking. "She called me when she saw the news about Ghostface coming back."

"Did you tell her what happened?" Tara's eyes were sharp, searching for the truth.

"Absolutely not," Iris replied vehemently. "If I tell her we got chased by this psycho twice and that I climbed a fucking ladder with meters above me, she'll lose it."

Tara's expression softened, but the concern was still palpable. "You know you'll have to tell her someday."

"I will," Iris insisted, though the weight of that promise felt heavy on her shoulders. "When we kill this fucker. Honestly? I can't wait."

"Since when are you so sadistic?"

"I took a liking to knives"

"I can't tell if you're clinically insane or if you're just being annoying at this point."

"Probably both," Iris replied, managing a weak smile. But the truth was, a part of her was itching for Ghostface to chase them again just so that she could end him.

Some silence stretched between them, the weight of their fears settling in. For the first time, the usual banter and joking that had been their coping mechanism felt inadequate, leaving a palpable tension hanging in the air.

Finally, Iris broke the silence. "My mom wants me to go with her to Pennsylvania,". This was the first time she had voiced it aloud, hoping Tara would dismiss the idea as utterly ridiculous just like she had previously thought when her mother suggested it.

Tara's expression shifted, her brow furrowing slightly. "Your mom moving there was the best decision she ever made," she replied, her tone serious.

"It really is,"

"You should go with her," Tara urged, stepping closer, her voice filled with a mix of concern and urgency.

"Tara..." Iris began, but Tara interrupted her.

"I don't care about your martyr complex," Tara said sharply. "You should listen to your mom and get the fuck out of here. This isn't just about you anymore."

"I won't," Iris insisted, shaking her head defiantly. "I'm not going to run. I can't just abandon everything because of some psycho. If I leave, he wins."

Tara crossed her arms, frustration radiating from her. "You think that staying here makes you brave? He's only targeting you because of Sam and me. You don't have to die for us, Iris. You don't have to prove anything."

Iris felt her heart race, a feeling of anger swirling within her. "I'm not scared of him," her voice wavered although she wanted to appear as brave.

"Then you're an idiot". Tara shot back, her voice rising. "Cause I'm terrified and you seem to love getting yourself in danger"

"I don't love it"

"No? Sam filled me in on what went down," Tara said, stepping closer, her anger palpable. She jabbed a finger at her chest. "What you did back there was reckless, you could've died".

"It was the right choice,"

"Right choice? You were ready to stay there, knowing what could happen!" Tara's eyes burned with frustration. "We don't need you to sacrifice yourself".

"I had to make sure they were all safe," she insisted, her resolve hardening. "If I hadn't stayed, who knows what would've happened, someone had to stay to keep the door locked"

Tara shook her head, disbelief etched on her face. "And what about your safety? What if it had gone wrong? You can't just throw your life away like that."

Iris stood in silence, her heart racing.

"This is what I mean," Tara said, frustration lacing her words. "You want to keep everyone safe, even if it costs you everything in the end."

"You don't seem to realize that it would kill me if something happened to you" Tara pleaded, her voice breaking. "Please, just go with your mom."

"And leave you here alone? You've lost it," Iris shot back, shaking her head. "What if he goes after Mindy? Chad? Sam?"

Iris took a step closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "What if he goes after you? I would go insane if something happened to you".

Iris took a deep breath, gently cradling Tara's face in her hands. "I won't let anyone touch you even if it's the last thing I do"

"Iris, please," Tara said, her voice trembling. "You need to think about what really matters, your future, your family."

"All of you matter to me," Iris replied, rubbing Tara's cheek with her thumb as their eyes locked. "You matter."

"God, you're such a drama queen," Tara laughed through her tears, pressing her forehead against Iris's. "You're not going to leave, are you? It doesn't matter what I say."

"No," Iris said firmly. "You could tell me you hate me and never want to see me again, and I'd still stay."

"I hate you," Tara teased.

"I hate you too," Iris smiled softly, tucking a strand of Tara's hair behind her ear.

"If you die, I'll hunt you down just to kill you again, got it?"

"Yes, madam," Iris replied playfully. "But can you stop with the threats and just hug me? I really need it right now."

Tara wrapped her arms around Iris's neck, and Iris gently held her waist, both of them sinking into the comfort of one another.

Moments later, Tara walked away to join Mindy and Chad, leaving Iris standing alone. "I'll be there in a minute," she told Tara, her gaze fixed on Sam, who stood a few meters away, a cigarette in hand.

"Hey," Iris called out as she approached.

"Hey." Sam greeted her, taking a long drag before exhaling a cloud of smoke into the cool air. Their eyes were drawn to the scene unfolding nearby, where sirens wailed and police were interrogating people nearby.

"Do you think it will ever stop?" Iris's voice was laced with uncertainty.

"I don't know, Ris." Sam shook her head, the weight of despair etched on her face. "I truly don't know." Just then, they heard footsteps approaching, and they turned to find Danny, who wore a strained smile for Iris before directing his attention to Sam.

"Hey, are you okay?" he asked, concern flickering in his eyes. When Sam remained silent, he pressed on, "This isn't your fault, Sam."

"But it is," Sam whispered, her voice cracking slightly as she struggled with the guilt.

"Someone took our knives, so we couldn't fight back," she continued, her tone low and heavy with regret. Iris felt a chill run through her; she hadn't considered that before. Now, the thought gnawed at her, how vulnerable they had been, stripped of their defenses. There weren't much options and she couldn't help but glance at the man in front of them with suspicion even if she felt bad about it after he helped them.

"I don't know who I can trust," Sam admitted, glancing at Danny with doubt.

"Then don't trust anyone. Not your friends, not me, not anyone." Danny leaned in closer, his voice urgent. There was a flicker of something in his eyes, fear, perhaps, or a desperate need to protect. He turned away abruptly as police officers called out to him.

"He's right," Iris murmured, his words settling in. "We can't trust anyone."

"Just us," Sam replied firmly, her gaze steadying as she looked at Iris.

"Just us,"

They stood together in silence for a moment, each lost in their thoughts, the distant chaos of the day swirling around them. Sam flicked the remnants of her cigarette to the ground, the embers dying out as she turned to Iris.

"Promise me," Sam said, her voice intense, "if things get worse, if something happens to me, you'll protect Tara"

"Sam, nothing's going to happen to you" Iris reassured her.

"You don't know that" Sam replied, her voice tinged with anxiety. "Please Iris just promise me"

"You don't need a promise, you know I will always protect her"

"Thank you" Sam breathed out in relief.

Just then, Sam and Iris turned to see Chad walking towards Ethan, slamming him against a parked car. The metal thudded against Ethan's back, and the intensity in Chad's voice filled the air.

"Where were you?!" Chad shouted, his face flushed with anger. They weren't able to hear Ethan's answer but it didn't seem like it satisfied Chad.

"I don't trust him" Iris said as she stared intently at the boy.

"Ethan?" Sam asked, confusion flashing in her eyes.

"Yeah," Iris spat, her eyes narrowing. "He reminds me too much of Richie. I hope I'm wrong, but he's at the top of my list right now."

Sam frowned, her instincts kicking in. "You were right before, we should keep an eye on him. Just in case."

Suddenly, they spotted Detective Bailey emerging from the apartment complex. His face was a mask of grief, eyes red and swollen from tears, and he was sobbing violently, the raw pain of losing his daughter palpable in the air.

"I'm really sorry about Quinn," Tara said, her voice gentle as she stepped forward. Iris hadn't even noticed when Tara had approached them.

"Thank you," Wayne murmured, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand, but it did little to lessen his sorrow. "Both of my kids are gone. My whole family is gone..." His voice broke, and he seemed to crumble under the weight of his loss.

Iris felt a surge of compassion and instinctively placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'm really sorry, Wayne. Quinn was an amazing woman. She didn't deserve this." Her voice was steady, but her heart ached for him.

"She really was," Wayne sniffed, his body shaking as he struggled to compose himself. "She had so much life in her. She was going to do great things."

Tara stepped closer, her expression softening. "We'll remember her."

Wayne looked up, the faintest glimmer of appreciation in his eyes. "They took me off the case," he admitted bitterly, clenching his fists at his sides. "But I'm not gonna stop until I find him. You fuck with my family... you die."

"Agreed." Sam stepped forward, her eyes glowing with determination.

"Hey, are you okay?" Suddenly, Gale Weathers came sprinting toward them, her expression intense. "I came as soon as I heard."

"Gale, I swear to God..." Sam shot a warning glare at the journalist.

"Truce, okay?" Gale replied, her tone serious. "I'm here for whatever you need."

"I highly doubt that," Iris said, crossing her arms defiantly.

"I mean it," Gale insisted, her eyes locking onto Iris's.

"Yeah, nice try," Sam scoffed, not ready to trust her.

"Okay, fine. Off the record, all right?" Gale offered, her voice softening a bit.

"If you promise not to write a book about this later, I guess you're fine," Iris said. "Honestly, there's no one here who knows more about Ghostface than you. We're going to need that knowledge."

Gale shot Iris a grateful smile, then turned her attention to Tara, who had been listening intently. "I'm sorry I punched you," Tara blurted out.

"No, you're not," Gale replied dryly.

"I'm not," Tara grinned back, a hint of mischief in her eyes.

"Okay, let's focus," Gale said, refocusing the conversation. "You're the cop, right?" she asked, eyeing Wayne, who nodded in confirmation. "I did some digging on your first two victims, and I found something. I know where the masks are coming from."

"Show me," Wayne said, determination etched on his face.

Just then, the sound of police sirens pierced the air, followed by a door slamming shut. They turned to see Kirby making her way toward them, her expression steely.

"Ladies," the FBI agent greeted them.

"Kirby?" Gale echoed, surprised.

"Gale," Kirby affirmed, her gaze sharp.

"She's with the FBI," Sam explained, trying to bridge the gap.

"She's a child," Gale shot back, her tone dismissive as she studied Kirby. The smile faded from Kirby's face. "When did they start letting children into the FBI?"

"I'm 30," Kirby retorted, irritation creeping into her voice.

"Well, you look like a zygote," Gale said coolly, crossing her arms.

"I have a gun, Gale." Kirby said, placing her hand onto her waist to show it off.

"Can we not do this right now?" Iris replied, her frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "We have bigger problems."

"Okay fine," Gale sighed. "You're gonna want to see this too."

As they walked toward the cars, Kirby slowed her pace to match Iris's stride, her expression shifting to concern. "I heard what happened. Are you okay?"

"I'm dealing with it in the best way I can," Iris replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Is it true you made it to the other apartment using a ladder?"

"Yep," Iris said, a small smile breaking through. "We were lucky."

"Badass. You've got guts, Iris." Kirby grinned. "Have you ever thought about joining the FBI? We need people like you."

"I think I'm good with my psychology major," Iris replied, her tone light but uncertain.

"Yeah, well, keep it in mind," Kirby encouraged, glancing sideways at her. "You never know where life might take you."

"I don't know if I'm cut out for that. I just wanted to keep everyone safe," Iris admitted, her resolve softening.

Kirby looked at her, a small smile creeping onto her lips. "You know, I remember when you were little and would tell your sister and me that you were scared of the dark. Now look at you, so brave."

Iris smiled sheepishly, warmth spreading through her. "Thank you."

They walked in silence for a moment, lost in memories. "How was she? My sister," Iris asked, her voice quieter.

"God, she was so fun," Kirby said, her smile turning nostalgic. "She was amazing, the kind of person who always had a comment ready for anything."

"Sure, she could be annoying sometimes," Iris laughed at Kirby's comment, the memory bringing comfort. "But she was special."

"I think being annoying runs in the family," Iris joked, her eyes twinkling.

As they reached the cars, Iris was about to get in when Kirby gently stopped her. "When this is over, if you ever want to know more about your sister, just call me, okay?" She patted Iris's arm affectionately. "I'd love to tell you more about her."

"I would love that too," Iris replied, her heart feeling a little lighter. They shared a smile before Iris got into her car while Kirby walked to hers.

"Everything okay?" Tara asked, squeezing Iris's hand once they were inside.

"Yeah, everything's perfect," Iris replied, her voice filled with newfound hope.

[groove-on-boogie-down]

It’s not explicitly stated, but I do think in a way, Mae and Sol are both on journeys of redemption that are connected and opposite each other.

Mae had a crime pinned on her. The fire she started to figuratively burn Osha’s dreams became much worse than intended and added to chaos. In pursuing the jedi, she sought to clear her name, hoping for a rebirth that she thought her coven and sister would never witness.

Any guilt Mae possibly carried evolved into what the jedi actually did. She pleaded for help and didn’t get it. Instead she watched the “keepers of the peace” invade her home, attack and kill her family and leave her home in ruins. They left her alone and left her for dead.

Sol carried this lie with him for 16 years, and when he reunites with Osha and finds Mae alive he plans to confess the truth. BUT!! He also thinks proving a vergence will outweigh the harm he’s done. That’s why he’s so hellbent on getting both sisters. To clear his name.

Sol thinks that proving the vergence to the council with both twins will absolve him of the crime in interfering with the coven on Brendok in the first place.

So as this journey of retribution evolves into justice, Mae discovers Osha is alive, and she pivots. Being with her sister is more important now. Together, they are the last remnant of the life they had on Brendok. When Osha rejects her, she seeks a confession, through Sol.

When everything comes to a head, Mae prefers Sol tell the truth. But this is before he rambles about the origins of the twin’s birth. He’s telling Mae things she doesn’t care about, buying his time. But Osha overhears the most important detail, the truth that he killed their mother.

Sol spends more time justifying his actions as part of his plan. He wanted everything to go right in his mind, so he could prove everything had a purpose. He tells Osha he did it because he loved her. And he dies with no apology on his tongue. His redemption is not earned.

In the end, his words and actions are cut off, the same way he cut off Mother Aniseya. His reputation is ruined in his death—by a friend, on a large scale—the same way he helped ruin Mae’s reputation in life. It all comes back to bite him.

Mae witnesses the fallout and is freed from burden. She no longer carries her sister’s hate. Their coven lives through them. The Jedi who wronged her are dead. Under the bunta tree, the twins are reborn. Mae’s redemption is earned! But freedom is short lived.

In sacrificing her memories to protect Osha’s choice, Mae is re-traumatized with pain she just released. Back to a starting point we didn’t see on screen. Four jedi have wronged her but they are dead & she doesn’t remember their justice. She doesn’t remember a twin. It’s just her.

This is a death of sorts. She has lost everything. But she is not free like Qimir would suggest.

The Acolyte Season 1 gave us this tragic theme of things uncorrected & left unsaid. However, in Season 2, Mae deserves a healthy, clear mind. Let Mae-Ho Aniseya have the chance to pull the Thread of destiny so that she can be renewed and reborn, again!

End.