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passable-talent · 4 years ago

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okok so imagine growing up/ training with Anakin as kids in the Jedi temple?? and when he turns to the dark side, you join him and rule by his side???? I- asdfghjjfksa

how did u know that I’m a slut for this kinda shit

i’m not even 100% sure this was meant as a request but anon, you’re in luck, BECAUSE YOU’RE GETTING AN ENTIRE FUCKING FIC OUT OF THAT SHIT

make an entire 70 song playlist just to write this? yes. yes i did.

As a Jedi Knight, you had been assigned to protect Padme Amidala. Such an assignment had been decided by the chancellor himself- he did so adore Padme, and could not stand the thought of her coming to harm.

Darth Sidious, you see, had assumed that Anakin Skywalker cared for her deeply, and so needed her alive, for his plan concerning Anakin to come to fruition. He made a single, harmless mistake, one that had managed not at all to affect his plan.

All that time that Anakin spent with Padme was indeed because he cared for her. She was his best friend- and it was you that he had married in secret some years ago. He did care deeply for Padme Amidala, but not in the same way he felt for his oldest friend in the Jedi Order, besides Obi-Wan. The one he’d grown up with, trained with.

She was your best friend, and his. The three of you were an unstoppable trio (people notice when three of incredible beauty and power like the three of you enter a room), and you trusted each other with everything. She knew and helped hide your relationship with him, she was the only human at your wedding.

And when the Republic was remade into the Empire, you sat in her apartment in Coruscant, her loyal bodyguard and best friend. As you always did when you had much to consider, you rolled a ring around your finger. Anakin had given it to you at your wedding. It wasn’t a wedding band, just a simple ring, one that wasn’t too far out of place for a Jedi to wear. But it was your wedding ring, all the same.

Obi-Wan knew that if anyone would know where Anakin was, it was one of the two of you. And he knew that you’d be together.

“When was the last time you saw him?”

“Yesterday,” you answered, as you often did for the senator. It helped give her that aire of superiority that served her well.

“And do you know where he is now?” He pressed, and you looked to Padme. She shook her head.

“No,” you answered for her again, leaning still against one of the columns of her apartment. You knew she was safe with Obi-Wan, and your guard was as low as it had been in weeks.

“I need your help,” Obi-Wan said, to the both of you. “He is in grave danger.” You stood up straight, surprised.

“From the Sith?” You asked.

“No,” Obi-Wan said, “from himself.” You approached Obi-Wan slowly, until you stood side by side with Padme. “I’m afraid...” Obi-Wan looked to the side, full of sorrow. “Anakin has turned to the Dark Side.”

It felt as though a hole opened up in the floor beneath you, and you could do nothing but fall.

“You’re wrong,” Padme said, conviction in her voice, “How could you even say that?”

You turned your face to the side, eyes cast to the floor, and murmured only a single ‘no’.

Obi-Wan pushed between the two of you, still pain in his voice, and you didn’t know how this could get any worse.

“I-I have seen a security hologram,” he stuttered, voice soft, and you turned toward him. “Of him...” he trailed away as his footsteps stopped, and he brought his hand to his mouth. “Killing younglings.”

“Not Anakin,” Padme said, “he couldn’t!”

“It can’t be true,” you murmured, shutting your eyes briefly against it all, as though you could block it away. Your thumb went to the ring on your fourth finger, just to feel the metal, and to remember who it represented.

“He was deceived by a lie, we all were.” Obi-Wan turned, and now his face was hard. “It appears the chancellor is behind everything, including the war.”

“The Emperor,” you corrected, anger coiling between your ribs, and now you had someone to blame. The same man who had shown so much kindness to you, and your two best friends. And he’d done this.

“Palpatine is the Sith Lord we’ve been looking for,” Obi-Wan told you both, and you flicked your eyes for just a moment to Padme- she looked surprised, and hurt. As were you all. “After the death of Count Dooku, Anakin became his new apprentice.” She paused, taking it all in, and in her strife took a seat on the nearby couch.

“Anakin isn’t a Sith,” you said, under your breath, wishing you could convince yourself of it.

“I must find him,” Obi-Wan said, and your gaze snapped to him.

“And kill him?" You accused, “He’s been deceived, just like the rest of us. You said it yourself!”

“He has become a very great threat,” Obi-Wan insisted, and you shook your head, taking a step in his direction.

“And he can be lead back to the light!” You said, astounded that Obi-Wan could even consider harming him. “Obi-Wan, don’t you see? If you turn on him, it’ll only push him further toward the dark! You, Obi-Wan Kenobi, his master!” You noticed the briefest expression of guilt cross Obi-Wan’s face, and you thought you might convince him to reconsider.

His eyes flicked downward to the ring, and his resolve hardened, and he stepped back toward the balcony, and his ship. He paused, just outside the walls of the apartment.

“(Y/N),” he said, and you lifted your chin toward him. “You’ve married him, haven’t you?”

You kept his gaze, and did not deny it.

“I’m so sorry,” he said, turning from you and boarding his ship.

“Remember what I said, Obi-Wan,” you said, and the conviction in your voice was almost a threat, “If you find him. If he thinks you’ve turned on him, we’ll never get him back.” Obi-Wan nodded, slightly, and left the balcony.

You turned back to Padme with sadness in your eyes.

“You know where he is, don’t you?” She asked, and you reached with your right hand to fiddle with the ring on your left.

“Of course I do,” you admitted, and she walked to you.

“Let me come with.”

“Padme, love,” you said, “if what Obi-Wan said is true, and he has turned to the dark, I want to keep you as far away as possible. I’ll send Captain Typho down, he’ll watch over you while I’m gone.” Padme nodded, pulling you into a hug.

“Take my ship,” she said, “so he’ll know it’s you.”

“Thank you,” you breathed, and when you parted, you felt her run her thumb over your wedding ring. “I promise I’ll bring him back.”

Mustafar- that’s where he was. You flew there, alone with your thoughts for the entire ride, but you knew that it would be your husband waiting for you when you arrived.

You touched down on the landing dock, and for a moment, stared across the fiery landscape, wondering if this was your own, personal hell. To lose Anakin, to stand opposite Obi-Wan, to abandon Padme.

A figure appeared, and dropped his hood, and you’d recognize him anywhere. He ran- and you did the same, opening the hatch so you could meet him. He opened his arms to you, and you fell into them, and if you hadn’t known, you wouldn’t have thought that anything changed.

“Padme’s ship,” he said, posing a question, and you shook your head.

“She’s on Coruscant,” you said, resting your forehead against his shoulder. “It’s just me.”

“What are you doing out here?” He asked, and you swallowed hard.

“I was worried about you,” you said, holding onto his arms. “Obi-Wan...” you trailed off, and thought of your own advice. If there was any chance that the two of them would ever reconcile, it would be affected by your words in this moment.

“We’ve been told terrible things,” you said, and you saw concern in his eyes. How this loving man before you could have done what Obi-Wan said... it didn’t make sense.

“What things?”

“They said you’ve turned to the dark side,” you said, nearly in a whimper, but you chose not to specify who ‘they’ where that told you this rumor. He lowered his gaze, and pressed his forehead to yours, and it almost helped. “That you killed younglings.”

“They’re trying to turn you against me,” Anakin said, holding you gently, and you shut your eyes. Obi-Wan was right, and Sidious had manipulated Anakin. You just had to get him back.

“Anakin, I want to help you,” you said, and you felt him pull from your grip, slowly.

“And I want to protect you,” he said, and his voice was so calm, like he didn’t realize the meaning that was behind them. “Only my new powers can do that.”

As a Jedi, you excelled in decision making. You had strong instincts, and you had been praised in the past that any decision you made was likely the right one.

So here, you needed to make a choice. A choice as to how you would bring Anakin back to the light. You could push, now, and make him feel betrayed. Or you could wait, and tug him slowly.

The problem with the plan, the kink in the line, was that Obi-Wan was on his way, searching for Anakin. Sidious likely was, too. If you didn’t pull him to the light now, things would get worse.

But you were willing to do whatever it took to keep Anakin alive.

You pulled him against you again, in another hug, and wished that you could spend forever here, wrapped within him.

“I am becoming more powerful than any Jedi has ever dreamed of,” he said, fingers slipping through your hair the way he would calm you of a nightmare. If only this were another nightmare, and you would wake up, and all would be right again. “And I’m doing it for you. To protect you.”

You were sure, now, that Obi-Wan was right. Anakin had been taken to the dark side, but you knew he had not yet been lost. You knew you could bring him back.

“We could leave,” you suggested quietly, fingers knotting into his robes. “Leave it all behind. We don’t have to be Jedi, we can just be together, far away from here.”

“Don’t you see?” he asked, and as you pulled away, you saw a smile on his face. “We don’t have to run away anymore. I have brought peace to the Republic! Now we can be safe, Padme can be safe, the Separatists are gone. I’m even more powerful than the chancellor, (Y/N), I-I can overthrow him, if that’s what you want.”

You had to make a decision. You had to choose.

“And together, you and I can rule the galaxy! Make things the way we want them to be, the way they should be!”

Choose- choose between the Jedi way that you’d been taught all your life, or Anakin.

You brought your hands to his face, letting your fingertips settle in his hair.

“Promise me,” you whispered, and your eyes lifted to his. “Promise me that when the day comes, you’ll overthrow the chancellor. Promise me that you’ll choose me over him.”

“Of course,” he insisted, putting his flesh hand over yours, “It’s all for you, (Y/N).”

“Anakin,” said a voice behind you, and you whirled from his arms to see Obi-Wan, standing at the hatch of Padme’s ship.

“No, no!” You said, throwing up a hand toward him, your other to your side as though you were protecting Anakin from him. “No, Obi-Wan, you’ll only push him away! I can handle this!”

“He’s endangering himself, (Y/N),” Obi-Wan said, stepping down the ramp.

“You brought him here?”

“No!” you shouted over your shoulder, “I didn’t know he was on the ship!” Turning back to Obi-Wan, you brought your hand up higher, and you’d force him back, if you needed to.

“Obi-Wan, trust me. He’s fine, he’ll be okay, I need you to go.” Obi-Wan looked at you for a moment, and you saw no trust in his eyes. Your right hand, which once kept Anakin back, slowly rounded to your saber where it hung on your back.

“Obi-Wan, please. We don’t need to fight.”

You expected, though, that you would have to.

But Obi-Wan let out a breath, and conceded, stepping away.

“Listen to me, both of you,” you said, turning your shoulders just so that you could refer to both of them, but still stand between them.

“Obi-Wan, you need to be far from here. Far from Coruscant. Take Padme, too- far away. I don’t trust the emperor not to harm either of you.” You made a small motion to Anakin.

“We’ll take care of Sidious. He trusts Anakin, we can remove him. When it’s safe, I’ll let you know, and you can come home.” You could feel the way the air between them bristled, but it seemed Obi-Wan trusted you enough to heed your words.

“Take Padme’s ship. Fly to Coruscant, then go, as far away as you can.”

“Tatooine,” Anakin suggested, voice dark.

“Yes, go to Tatooine, and hide, please, Obi-Wan.”

Without a word, Obi-Wan nodded, and turned back to the ship. You watched as it lifted off, and you didn’t look away until it had gone. You could feel Anakin simmering behind you.

“Did he come to kill me?” He asked, and you reached for him.

“No, no,” you soothed, hating yourself with every lie you told him. You knew it was for the best. “He was worried, worried for you, worried that he would have to kill you because of your loyalty to Sidious.” You pet his hair back, holding his face. “But you aren’t loyal to Sidious, see? And now that he knows that, we can all work together. He’ll keep Padme safe until we rule the galaxy.” Anakin nodded, resting his forehead against yours again.

“When the time is right, (Y/N), I’ll do it. I’ll kill Palpatine.”

“I know,” you breathed, and it almost seemed like everything would be okay.

~~~

He didn’t kill Palpatine.

Sidious trusted him, and so did what Anakin asked, keeping you alive and nearby. He called you a Sith, and fashioned a saber for you, its color autumn red, with just the slightest reminder of your former orange. You were allowed to be on his left, when Anakin was on his right.

In his office at the senate, he was in the midst of a meeting when you ran him through.

It had been two months since that day on Mustafar. Obi-Wan reported that Yoda had disappeared, and most other Jedi had scattered throughout the system. Padme was safe. And you loved Anakin, but he was taking his time to remove Sidious.

You wondered if it was because of Sidious’ control over him. Possibly, Sidious could sense his intentions. You doubted he could sense yours.

So, from behind him, beside your husband, you ignited your saber, running straight through his stomach.

He fell to the floor, and the members of his cabinet looked at you, stunned.

“Leave,” Anakin ordered, and they immediately obeyed. With Palpatine dead, the empire fell to Anakin.

When the room was empty, you looked down at the monster on the floor. He was wheezing, and bleeding rapidly.

With hands almost tender, you sat him up, and rested his head against the desk.

“With your remaining breath, my master,” you said, sitting back onto the floor, “tell me your plan. Tell me how you pulled Anakin to the dark side. And I’ll tell you why you failed.” He glared at you.

“I could kill you now,” you offered, auburn saber still in your hand. “But I want to know how to do what you’ve done. To pass on the way of the Sith.”

“Anakin Skywalker loved Padme Amidala,” Palpatine wheezed, and you raised your chin. “I promised him that I could save the one he loved from certain death. And when she disappeared, he held loyalty to no one but me.”

“You didn’t count on me,” you continued for him, “If it weren’t for me, it would have worked.”

“Yes,” Palpatine growled. You smiled, wickedly, and collected your legs underneath you as though you were meditating.

“You failed,” you said, holding up your end of the bargain, “because while Anakin loves Padme, he married me.” Sidious’ eyes went wide. How he had managed to discuss Padme with Anakin and it never somehow came up that he hadn’t married Padme, you didn’t want to know.

“His loyalty is to me. And to Padme- who is right now on Tatooine, in the care of Obi-Wan Kenobi.” You lifted your saber, pointing it to him casually, like one might gesture with a pen.

“It seems, Sidious, I never discussed with you my true feelings for Anakin.” You pressed the saber forward to his stab wound, and the blood around it began to boil and sizzle. You went in slowly, making him groan, having not enough energy to scream.

“I love him,” you explained, “I would do anything for him.” You slid the saber up toward his chest, and began the same slow press, this time toward his heart, through healthy flesh.

“And I’ve got to say,” you began, readying to shove the saber forward and stop his miserable, shriveled heart, “I don’t think I appreciate how you’ve treated him.”

One thrust forward, and Emperor Palpatine was no more.

With his lungs empty of their final breaths, you snuffed your saber, and turned back to Anakin. He was still sitting in the chair he’d had beside Palpatine, eyes trained to you, shining in intensity.

“You’re in my seat,” you said as you stood. You approached him and grabbed him by the shirt, pulling him against you. “I’m afraid I’ve taken your place as right hand to the emperor.”

“Is that so?” he teased, his hands on your lower back.

“I believe it is,” you breathed, “Emperor Skywalker.”

No one in the galaxy had ever shared a sweeter kiss.

-🦌 Roe

#reader insert #angst #imagines #star wars anakin #star wars self insert #star wars prequels #Star Wars #star wars reader insert #anakin x reader insert #anakin imagine #poor anakin #anakin x reader #anakin skywalker imagine #anakin skywalker #darth vader #anakin skywalker x Jedi reader #anakin x Jedi reader #darth Vader x Jedi reader #fics

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hellothirteenhere · 4 years ago

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Jujutsu Kaisen x Harry Potter

I feel as though every fandom has that obligatory multichapter Harry Potter!AU. Of course, that’s not to say that our amazing writers hadn’t been writing fic within this universe. (For example, check out seadawnn’s ‘Conquest of Hearts’ - Wholesome™ Itafushi that makes me smile every time I read it.) But I’m interested in seeing how a full-blown Jujutsu Kaisen universe would be like in an alternate Harry Potter-setting. So! I’ve been thinking long and hard about how it would play out and here are my headcanons for our very own Golden Trio! Couldn’t quite place them definitively in their Hogwarts Houses, so I would love to hear your opinions on where each of them should go, as well as your own personal headcanons.

Yuuji Itadori | Gryffindor/Hufflepuff (5th Year)

Ok, so here's the thing: typical shonen protagonist conventions tells me to put Yuuji Itadori in Gryffindor. And it makes complete sense! We see that he's brave - fucking demon possesses you and all you say is "What are you doing with my body?"?. But he's also willing to admit when he gets scared, like when he first faced a Special Grade. GryffindorJock!Itadori who is the captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch Team is a mental image I'm not willing to let go of anytime soon. However, Yuuji is also an incredibly kind individual who just wants to save other people. Hufflepuff!Yuuji is that guy who is popular with everyone at Hogwarts, he cooks meatballs in the kitchens at midnight as he talks to the house elves as though they were close friends, and he would definitely take a curse or two in order to save his friends if the situation calls for it.

Background

Yuuji grew up as a mostly normal kid. Sure, there had been strange (almost magical, somehow) instances here or there but he was an energetic enough child that it never really occurred to him to dwell on them for too long.

As long as he could remember, it was just him and his grandfather. Supposedly, Yuuji had an older brother. But for some reasons that his grandfather refuse to tell him; he had to go away when Yuuji had been very young. He doesn’t even remember what his older brother looked like. But then again, Yuuji can’t even remember what their parents had been like - so he doesn’t really feel as though there was anything lacking in his upbringing. After all, how can you miss something you never had?

On his eleventh birthday, his grandfather solemnly sits Yuuji down and tells him that he was a wizard. He was a “Pureblood” - and potentially very powerful - wizard. His grandfather had been born a squib but he had known enough to explain to Yuuji the basics of the world that his parents had once belonged to.

Imagine: “Yer a wizard, Yuuji.” “….Sweet.”

His grandfather then hands him two things:

First, a letter from some Hog-Wash-Hagwarts?? Warthog? School of Witchcraft and Wizardry that he was to attend. His parents had gone there as well to learn magic.

Second, a long, sturdy piece of polished wood. When grandfather had taken it out of its box, Yuuji had looked at the wand skeptically - almost a hundred percent sure that the entire thing was one huge joke. But his grandfather was no prankster, after all, because as soon as his fingertips touched its surface, he felt a warm glow rush into his fingertips.

According to his grandfather, the wand had been his mother’s, passed on to his grandfather for safekeeping after she had died all those years ago.

When asked about the whereabouts of his father’s wand, his grandfather’s face turned dark. It was with Yuuji’s older brother, he said. His older brother who had also been attending the same school that he would be.

Headcanons

Itadori is one of the best Defense Against the Dark Arts students of their year. He also gets great grades for Charms and, much to everyone’s surprise, Potions. A Chaotic Good™ through-and-through, Itadori tends to forget to follow the very strict instructions that Potions Master Kento Nanami wrote at the blackboard, and yet despite eyeballing the ingredients, his Potion turns out great every time. HOW? No one knows.

His dorm room is filled with Muggle posters - it just feels too weird to have a magical poster of a tall woman with a big ass greeting him every time he woke up or entered his dorm room. He learned the hard way that there is such a thing as too much of a good thing when Todo gifted him a moving poster of Jennifer Lawrence.

He tries his best to collect Chocolate Frog cards, bless his heart - but he always tend to lose them in the journey between Hogwarts and his home every summer. Little does he know that Kugisaki and Toge pilfer the ultra-rare ones that he somehow manages to pull in a semi-regular basis.

Megumi Fushiguro | Hufflepuff/Ravenclaw (5th Year)

Primarily, I want Ravenclaw!Megumi Fushiguro as an aesthetic. We already know that he likes to read non-fiction books in his spare time (babes, i love you but that is nerd behavior), and he's shown that he's very sharp and intuitive when it comes to battles. He is also very knowledgeable about the Jujutsu World. Also, pretty boy looks damn good in blue. I can just imagine Megumi as the quiet, brooding Ravenclaw who is somehow friends with every insane person in Hogwarts. However, Hufflepuff!Megumi embodies who he is as a character. He's loyal to his friends and family, selfless when it comes to protecting the others, and he's willing to work hard behind the scenes even if he doesn't get recognition for it. We also saw how Megumi was willing to be the sacrifice bunt if it meant that Kugisaki had the chance to move forward during the baseball scene.

Background

Megumi came from an aristocratic Pureblood family, the Ancient and Most Noble House of Zenin. An extremely powerful wizarding family rumored to be distant relatives of Salazar Slytherin himself. Only - his father Toji had been born a Squib who married his mother just to spite his conservative family. Much to his surprise, however, Megumi was born not only an incredibly talented wizard but also the first parseltongue of the Zenin family in years.

Professor Gojo - back when he was still an Auror and not the DADA instructor at Hogwarts - came to the Fushiguro family household after he had apprehended Fushiguro Toji or, as the wizarding world commonly knows him as: the Sorcerer Killer. Much to his surprise, he doesn't find Toji's wife nor his stepdaughter - instead, he finds tiny Megumi talking to his pet garden snake, Orochi. He ended up taking Megumi under his wing, letting him live at the Gojo family’s home and later taking him to Diagon Alley a week before he started in Hogwarts.

Gojo buying Megumi his pet owl, Nue.

No, YOU’RE crying.

Of course, the Zenin family kick up a fuss about custody. It's only Gojo's status as the strongest wizard alive - as well as his well-placed threat to make the knowledge that the notorious Sorcerer Killer had once been a Zenin known to the wizarding world - that keeps them quiet.

Headcanons

Megumi's best subject is Care of Magical Creatures - though he’s also great at Defense Against the Dark Arts and Transfiguration. Students are, by school regulations, only really allowed one (1) pet (an owl/cat/toad). And legally, Megumi has his horned owl, Nue. It is, however, an open secret within the Hogwarts community that Megumi Fushiguro walks around the castle with his pet snake Orochi wrapped around his wrist under his cloak. No one questions that Megumi arrives at Hogsmeade, conveniently trailed by the same black and white dogs every weekend. His roommates learn to turn their heads the other way when the bunnies under Megumi’s bed escape their cage.

He used the expansion charm in order to house his ever-growing collection of pets. Imagine Newt Scamander’s suitcase but, instead of a large sprawling space, it’s a cozy room filled with books and pets and pet paraphernalia.

He’s not competitive enough to play Quidditch, but he attends every game to support his friends. He also attends their practices sometimes but just sits at the pitch to read his book, do homework, or take a nap.

Half-Veela!Megumi make brain go brrrrr

Kugisaki Nobara| Slytherin/Gryffindor (5th Year)

Out of everyone, I had the hardest time placing the Kugisaki. I feel as though Slytherin!Kugisaki is the girl who dropped everything in order to go live in the city - the girl who was willing to do anything, even join a career with a high possibility of dying, just to follow her dreams. She is unapologetic about being herself, highly resourceful, and is one luxurious queen. But Kugisaki is also incredibly brave - unafraid to stand up for the girl who was being ostracized by everyone in their part of the countryside. I implore you to imagine Gryffindor!Kugisaki pulling the Sword of Gryffindor out of the Sorting Hat in order to save other people.

Background

Kugisaki is a Muggleborn who used to live in the quiet countryside. She’s an incredibly talented witch who started showing signs of magic at an early age - something that had frightened her, especially because it was clear that it also frightened her parents. She tried to suppress her abilities, trying to fit into society for a while - that is, until a girl named Saori moved in from the city.

Saori had been a Pureblood witch who had grown up in the Wizarding World. She had been the first person told Kugisaki that her magic was a blessing instead of a freak of nature or something that she had to hide. Saori talked to Kugisaki about the wonders of their world that she would one day get to take part in. She told Kugisaki about Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, and all these wonderful places that she would get to go to.

However, because they were a Pureblood family, Saori and her family did not know how to integrate within the Muggle community. Not too long after their arrival, horrible rumors about their family started spreading - that they were cultists, satan worshippers, etc. Eventually, they decided to move away from the country. Before leaving, Saori made Kugisaki promise to find each other one day and to never turn back on who she truly is.

When Kugisaki first received her letter from Professor Shoko Ieiri who mysteriously appeared in their doorstop the night of her eleventh birthday, the professor explained to her parents about magic and the wizarding - only, Kugisaki was only half listening.

Unlike her parents, she wasn’t surprised one bit - it was only a matter of time, after all, and she was finally going to get to go to Hogwarts. Surely, Saori had already graduated by the time she entered but it was definitely one step closer to finding her childhood friend.

Headcanons

Kugisaki has pretty good grades all around - but she is definitely known as the best in their year at Charms. She also has great grades at Defense Against the Dark Arts. She and Yuuji definitely almost failed History of Magic, though. They have too much energy to just sit quietly and take notes in class - especially one taught by a ghost.

Every store owner in Hogsmeade knows Kugisaki by name - and by extention, they know Yuuji and Megumi too. She has long since mastered the art of dragging her friends all around the shops and still not paying a single Knut by the end of their Hogsmeade visit. At the end of every visit, Yuuji and Megumi swears that it would be the last time and yet, every visit, she still manages to wrangle both of them into coming with her

In Potions, Kugisaki is a force to be reckoned with. Her cauldron always appeared to be on the verge of exploding and yet, somehow, a supernatural force (or by the sheer strength of her own willpower) seem to keep her from completely fucking up every time.

BeaterNobaraBeaterNobaraBeaterNobaraBeaterNobara

COMING UP

Slytherin!Sukuna Ryoumen

Ex-Auror-turned-DADA-Professor!Gojo

Potions-Master-not-Professor!Nanami

Slytherin!Maki Zenin

Ravenclaw!Inumaki Toge

Hufflepuff!Panda

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honalele · 3 years ago

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For Blood

The dull sound of rain and thunder kept Techno awake. He stared up at the cave’s ceiling from his cot and counted the amount of times the water droplets fell from its cracks. He held a pocket knife in his right hand and rolled it between his fingers in heavy contemplation, trying to keep the voices in his head calm and quiet. However he couldn’t help but catch the whispers of a few distinct voices that had been with him for as long as he’d known blood.

Danger. Escape. Run.

He knew they were speaking about the raid on Saint Charity’s tomorrow. It had been pushed back a couple times this week, but Captain Peirce said that tomorrow morning was the official day. It would be simple. Sneak into town, attack the withers, save the village. They’d done it over a thousand times before, but something about the night was causing the voices in Techno’s head to go berserk.

He twisted the pocket knife and gave it a toss, but before he could catch it himself a hand from out the shadows intercepted it. Techno looked to his right to see his friend’s smile glowing in the shadows of the den.

“Can’t sleep?” Phil asked with a knowing smile. Techno paused, then threw his legs over the side of the cot and gave Phil some room to sit down next to him. Phil pulled his wings in and took the seat. “What’s wrong?” He sighed. Techno wasn’t too sure how to voice his concerns. There was no reason for him to be worried about tomorrow. Their company had delt with many wither hoards before. Each soldier had memorized their fighting patterns and the stats on villager casualties had been going down for weeks. Still, he couldn’t brush off the feeling that something was wrong.

Blood for the Blood god.

A child’s voice rose above the rest. The voice of a small boy that had been stuck with Techno for as long as he could remember. He was becoming louder and more thirsty for fresh blood. Human blood. With Phil’s help, Techno managed to keep the voices quieter than they’d been in years, but during the past few weeks, they’d been growing noisy and difficult to ignore.

“It’s the rain. It’s keeping me up.” He said. Phil let out a snort.

“Afraid of a little thunderstorm are we?” He shouldered Techno playfully. Techno grinned in response and turned his gaze to the cave floor. In all honesty, Phil should’ve been more worried about the rain than Techno considering he couldn’t fly in it. Then again, the guy was like a one man army on his own, so a bit of bad weather wasn’t going to stop him from doing what needed to be done.

Techno also knew that Phil wasn’t one to prod. From the day they first met at the Eastern front, they had a connection. Phil actually saved Techno from being discharged where he would have been sent back home and hung for his crimes. Luckily, the “Angel of Death” held a decent amount of authority when it came to influencing the general’s decisions. Techno would always remember the first thing Phil ever said to him.

“Never in the thousands of years I’ve been alive have I seen a reflection such as yours.”

From that day on, the two became inseparable. They understood each other in ways that few people could. They were both outcasts. Phil belonged to a rare and elusive class known as elytra. A nation that had crumbled centuries ago. The few that survived were either hunted down and killed, or captured and used as weapons in the King’s army. While he was technically immortal, Phil was lucky to have survived for as long as he did. As for Techno, the military was his last resort. He was born cursed.

Blood for the Blood god.

“You know, I gave Will a pocket knife like this one. Before we were separated.” Phil said, interrupting Techno’s thoughts. Techno turned to see Phil looking at the pocket knife with a soft and sentimental expression on his face. “I told him that if I wasn’t going to be there to protect him, he’d have to do it himself.” His voice was low and quiet as he flipped the knife open, looking deeply into its reflective surface.

Phil often spoke highly of his son Wilbur. The guy was leading some sort of revolution in the Dream Kingdom. A project he called “L’Manburg”. Phil would sometimes share the letters they sent to one another with Techno, but recently the messenger crows were coming back empty handed.

“Have you heard from him at all this week?” Techno asked. Phil shook his head.

“Not since he wrote to me about his new project, Pogtopia. He sounded so optimistic, but it’s been weeks since I last heard from him. I’m beginning to worry…” Phil’s voice trailed off and his brows furrowed with worry. He was silent for a few moments before closing the knife and handing it back to Techno. “I’m sure he’s just busy leading his countries.” Phil was usually hard to read, but he had a huge blind spot when it came to his son. Techno took it upon himself to make sure that no one ever took advantage of that blind spot.

Techno fiddled with the knife for a bit. He glanced at Phil who reached up and tucked a piece of his blonde hair behind his ear revealing a small brown feather that was tied into a braid. Techno lowered his gaze and thought about his next words carefully.

“You’ve already told me the pocket knife story and it doesn’t end with your last words to Will. It ends with that feather in your hair.” Phil shot Techno a look of warning. Techno knew it was a sensitive topic, but he persisted. “You told him to protect himself, and that’s what he did. Those wings that he sent you all those years ago, they were proof of your son’s strength. Wilbur is capable of handling anything the world throws at him. I believe he’ll write again soon, and the crows will sing when he does.” Phil’s gaze melted into sentiment, and even though Techno could see the uncertainty in his eyes, Phil nodded in agreement.

The two fell into silence for a while longer before Phil patted Techno’s shoulder and suggested that they both get some sleep before the raid. Techno nodded and watched as Phil walked back to his cot. Techno looked up at the ceiling of the cave once again. It was still raining and thundering outside. He reckoned it was only a few hours before the raid. A voice from the back of his mind rose just above the waterfall of water droplets outside,

No mercy.

Techno silently got up from the cot. He turned around and knelt so that his elbows were rested on the bed. He pulled a medallion out from under his shirt. It was engraved with the symbols of the gods. One side was etched with a pyre, the symbol for life. The other, a skull, the symbol for death. It was his only token from home. Techno rubbed the medallion between his fingers before letting it hang from his neck and lifting his hands up towards the sky to pray for sleep. Phil wasn’t the religious type, but Techno strongly believed in the works of ancient gods. They came through for him more often than not, and for a man living his life on the run, he needed as much help as he could get.

As Techno went over the prayer in his mind, the voices started to fade into a distant echo along with the flooding rains. His senses grew intimate with the near surroundings, allowing his mind to settle in the comfortable darkness of the cave. After the prayer was finished he stuffed the medallion back under his shirt and quietly climbed into bed. He pulled himself under the covers and focused on the warmth and security that the old sheets brought him. He closed his eyes and was finally able to drift into a deep dreamless sleep.

…

“… bastards we have… get up mongrels.” The noise of the Captain’s voice fell in and out of Techno’s mind as he slowly woke up. Then, his eyes snapped open at a clash of thunder and sound of rushing rain. It was still incredibly dark and he could see from the entrance of the cave that the moon was far from setting.

Techno forced himself to sit upright. He spotted the Captain three cots down ripping the blankets off some poor sap’s bed.

“Children, the lot of you. Up.” His voice was like nails on a chalk board, giving Techno a head ache. He was almost worse than the voices that already occupied Techno’s mind.

Techno glanced in the direction of Phil’s cot. Phil was putting his boots on and also watching the Captain’s display of morning furry. Phil turned to Techno and smiled. They shared a moment of silent amusement from across the room before continuing to prepare for the raid.

“Those skeletons aren’t going to slaughter themselves. You’d all better be at your posts within the hour.” The Captain fixed the cuff of his jacket before turning to leave. Techno noticed how the man side-eyed Phil, but it was only for a split second before he left the cave. Techno wondered what interest the Captain had in one of his oldest and most loyal soldiers. However, he decided that it must’ve just been his imagination and put the odd gesture out of his mind as he slid on his heavy-weighted chest plate.

The group left the cave in cautious pairs. No one wanted to give away the location of the entire fleet, so going in pairs was the stealthiest and most strategic move.

“Ya ready?” Phil asked in a much too cheerful tone. Techno finished tying his sword’s sheath to his belt and nodded. The two of them headed out of the cave and into the waterlogged fields of the Eastern front. The dark morning was made even darker with rainclouds covering almost every inch of a still starred sky. The mud was heavy and wet under his boots. Techno felt the sinking squish with every step. Perhaps instead of sleep, he should have prayed for better weather.

It wasn’t too long into their journey that the village of Saint Charity’s started coming into view. Though the heavy rain made it difficult to see, Techno sensed an eerie silence around the village, as if a witch had come and enchanted it with a mystical sleeping spell. He would have dismissed it for the lingering’s of a fearful evacuation, but something felt out of the ordinary about the place.

“Be careful now.” Phil spoke just loud enough for Techno to hear him over the downpour. “The wither skeletons could be anywhere.” Techno nodded and fell in step with Phil as they closed in on the first building at the edge of Saint Charity’s.

It was a shabby little stable that was barely even attached to the main road. There was only one horse tied up to a post that stood underneath a depressingly drooped awning. It looked like it was asleep, so Techno and Phil made sure not to disturb it as they snuck past and onto the main road into town.

The deeper they ventured into the village, the more houses there were, each bigger than the last. They’d eventually make it to the heart of Saint Charity’s where they spotted a large water fountain dressed in alters of soul sand. Techno and Phil shared a worried glance. They’d come across villages in the past that had taken on an almost cult-like belief in the so called “godliness” of withers. Some would even go as far as using alters to summon “the supreme”. Unlike the state, those people didn’t see these creatures as dangerous weapons. Instead they viewed the wither species as something celestial, given to earth by the gods.

Phil and Techno kept moving through the creepy abandoned streets of Saint Charity’s. There were no signs of life, nothing human, nor wither. The only sounds they heard besides the cascade of rain was the occasional slam of a pair of shutters from somewhere off in the distance.

“This is getting a bit creepy.” Phil commented. Techno remained silent and tried his best to take in his water-soaked surroundings.

Suddenly Techno caught a whiff of something stale, almost metallic. He shifted his gaze towards the ground which was a mixture of cobblestone and mud, but he noticed that there were quite a few dark puddles that speckled the area. Techno bent down and dipped his fingers into one. It was blood. Human blood.

Blood for the Blood god!

The voices in his head started to scream. He could hear Phil asking him what was wrong, but his friend was quickly becoming muffled and distant.

Human sacrifice! No mercy! Let us have blood!

The voices were cheering as loud as a stadium. Techno pulled his hands up to his ears and begged them to stop. He could already feel the blood rushing and pumping through his veins as the memories of those children in the orphanage came rushing back.

You can never go back! Blood god needs blood!

They shouted in chorus, as loud as a bell bouncing around the inside of his mind. They infected his thoughts and bit his brain like snakes and spiders. Their venom seeped into his mind causing him to go blind and deaf to all of his surroundings. Everything was red and hot. Techno himself was rage filled. He hadn’t felt motivation like this in years.

Blood for the Blood god! Blood for the Blood god! Kill! Kill! Kill!

Suddenly his back was slammed against a wall and his throat was being crushed. Techno’s vision faded from blood red to a grey reality. Phil was holding him against a wall. His sword was unsheathed and so was Techno’s. They were both breathing heavily and Phil’s right cheek was bleeding from a fresh cut. Techno dropped his sword and clung to the hand that was clenching his neck.

“Phil-” was the only word he could manage. Phil’s furious gaze was unwavering.

“You said it was under control.” He said through gritted teeth. Techno looked down at the sword and then back at Phil. He did have it under control. He’d been around human blood before and was able to keep the voices down. Why now? Why was it happening again now?

The fire in Phil’s eyes shrunk to a smaller flame, but his grip on Techno’s neck tightened. He quickly leaned into Techno’s right ear and whispered, don’t attack me again, before letting him go. Techno allowed for his knees to buckle as he gulped down the humid air. He wasn’t sure of what he did, but if it gave away their location or threatened Phil in any way, Phil had every right to be this upset.

As Techno reached for his sword, he heard shouting from a few houses down. Despite the sudden tension between the two of them, Phil gestured for Techno to stay close, and together they made their way towards the screaming.

When they came up to the house, Phil tried to open the door, but it was locked. Without hesitation he broke the door down and headed inside with Techno on his heels. They quickly took in the scene. There were six wither skeletons. Four of them were running rampant while the other two tormented a women who was hiding for her life inside a closet with it’s door nearly ripped to shreds.

Phil pulled a knife from his belt and threw it straight into the back of the first wither’s head, then sprinted forward and took on the second one with his sword. Techno took this as a sign to go after the other four on his own, or at least distract them long enough for Phil’s assistance. He raced to one side of the room and sliced a skull off the first wither he came into contact with. It’s glossy tar-like eye sockets faded into empty black pools as it tumbled to the floor. The other three hissed at him violently. Techno plunged his sword into the exposed ribcage of the one to his right and kicked the one coming to his left. He tried to pull his sword out of the skeleton on his right, but it was jammed. The fourth skeleton was coming straight for him, so he decided to abandon the sword and shove his full bodyweight onto the menacing creature. It bit at his arm, but his armor kept it from puncturing his skin. He threw the beast off him and ran into the kitchen. He picked up one of the chairs and threw it at the wither with so much force that it broke on impact, leaving the skeleton in a hissing mess on the floor.

Techno reach for his short sword with one hand, and pulled out his pocket knife with the other as one of the remaining withers collected itself and came charging towards him. Techno caught it by the throat with his short sword and shoved it up against a nearby pantry. He stabbed its skull with his pocket knife and watched as the life drained out of its eye sockets along with one final hissing breath.

Then, searing pain exploded from his back side, causing him to drop his weapons. Techno turned to see one of the withers blasting its hot ash on him. He tried blocking it from his face with his arm, but the smoldering black dust tore at his armor and burned the tips of his ears. He tried reaching for his weapons, but couldn’t manage under the creature’s broiling breath. Suddenly, an arrow from the living room zipped into the wither’s skull. Its breath of hot ash died with a searing hiss and its towering body of black bones crumbled to the floor. Techno turned to see Phil in the living room standing over two more dead withers, his eyes bright with the excitement of death and war.

There was one final wither left. The one Techno had tried to stabbed in the heart. Phil was about to shoot the pitiful creature as it rolled on the floor in agony, but Techno ran out in front of it and put a hand up to Phil’s loaded bow. He turned to the creature and kicked it over so that its ribcage was exposed. The wither hissed at him and tried to breathe hot ash in defense, but it was far too wounded, and the ash fell out of its jaw like black foamy sand.

Techno reached down and pulled his sword out of its ribcage in one mighty heave. Then, he leaned in closely and spotted from within the thicket of ribs, a black heart, bleeding purple from the small cut he made earlier. Now that he had clear aim, Techno shoved his sword back into the skeleton and properly stabbed its heart. The wither coughed and hissed, and the light died from its skull just like it had the others. Then the creature went still. Techno pulled his sword from its chest and sheathed it as the wither’s body dissolved into a waterfall of dust before his eyes.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a white cotton pouch he’d made from an old shirt. He bent over to the pile of black dust and sifted through it until he found the wither’s skull, completely undamaged. He placed it in the pouch and then stood up and tied it to his belt before turning around to see Phil helping the woman and her child out of the closet.

The child must’ve been no more than ten years old. Her light brown hair was mangled and she clung a small teddy bear close to her chest. She spotted Techno, her eyes wide and gawking. She shuffled close to the mother and clung tightly to her leg.

“Do you know what happened here?” Phil asked the mother in a soft tone. He made sure to only speak just above a whisper. “Everyone in this village should have been evacuated and yet here you are, and there are puddles of human blood outside.” He said quietly.

“I don’t know. We were here, and there was screaming outside, and they came in, and I don’t know.” The woman was on the brink of tears.

“Please, you must know something, anything?” Phil’s voice remained gentle and quiet.

“I’m sorry. We hid as soon as we heard them.” The woman pulled her child in close and leaned forward to whisper something to Phil that Techno could just barely make out. “My husband was out there.” The room went silent as quiet tears fell from the woman’s face. Techno watched as Phil looked down at the child and then crouched so that he was at her eyelevel.

“You were very brave. How old are you?” Phil asked, and the girl silently held out eight fingers. “Eight? That’s a big number.” Phil said in feign shock. The girl squeezed her bear and pointed at Phil’s wings. Phil smiled. “Do you like them?” He asked. The girl let go of her mother’s leg for a moment and stepped forward. She slowly reached out and gently stroked Phil’s right wing. Techno noticed Phil trying his best to remain as still as possible, probably an attempt to avoid startling the girl. When she’d finished petting his wings, the girl smiled brightly and then ran back to her mother. Phil tipped his helmet to her and stood up to face the mother again.

Techno was glad that Phil was here to talk to the villagers. He’d seen the way people looked at Phil, as if he were an angel sent from the heavens to save them from the hellish withers. But for Techno, it didn’t matter what he did or who he saved, people always flinched when he walked by. They didn’t even try to hide their fear from him, children especially. As Techno passed the group and headed to the kitchen to gather his weapons, the little girl gawked at him again, not with the look of amazement and wonder she’d given Phil, but also not with a look of blatant fear. She looked at him with intrigue which was a first. It through him off.

Techno looked away and gathered his belongings. The pocket knife was lodged deep in the wither’s skull. He had to pull extra hard to get it out. Black sand flowed out of the wound and onto the floor. Techno looked into the reflective surface of the knife and was met with the harsh stare of his own monstrous red eyes staring back at him. He quickly closed it and shoved it into the palm of his hand.

When he looked back over at the mother and daughter, they were finishing up their conversation with Phil. He got up and walked over to them.

“…that’s why I think you’ll be safe here. Withers refuse to go near dead things, especially if the dead things in question are its own kind.” Techno came into earshot as Phil explained. Phil gave him an apologetic glance. He knew that Techno didn’t enjoy speaking to villagers for longer than they needed to.

“Anyway, we’d better get going.” Phil said. Then he reached for the woman’s shoulder in consolation and urged her to stay safe before leaving. Techno paused before following. He looked to the woman who’s expression was defensive and carrying subtle tones of horror. Then he looked down at the child whose expression hadn’t changed at all. He decided to copy what Phil had done and crouch down so that he was at her eye level.

She had such a young face of pure mind and imaginative thought. Blood so untainted, the gods could feed off it for months.

Blood for the Blood god.

The child’s voice whispered in his brain. Techno snapped open the blade of his pocket knife. He sensed the mother’s muscles tense, but the child remained still. A little girl whose father was out there, dead, or worse. Techno looked into the reflection of the blade one final time before closing it and handing it to the girl.

“For protection.” He said. The girl’s wide eyes stayed on Techno’s face as she carefully set her teddy bear on the floor near her feet. Then, she looked at the gift and cautiously took it into her small hands. Techno prayed that she would never have to use it. He looked up at the mother whose expression had changed from fear to plain confusion. Perhaps she wasn’t sure what to make of the creature before her. Was he a man, or just another exploitable weapon of the King’s army? Techno stood, and left the house without another word.

…

“Took you long enough.” Techno nearly jumped at Phil’s voice. He turned around to see his friend leaned up against the front of the house. Phil was giving him that horrible sympathetic smile.

“She needs it.”

“She’s eight.”

“And Will was how old in that story?” Techno smiled as Phil chuckled.

“Well, at least you’re admitting that you copied me back there.” Phil said with a sarcastic smirk. Techno looked down at the ground and smiled. This is how their friendship was. They kept each other in check when things got ugly, but they’d always have hope for one another. Phil was the only home that Techno had ever known. He was only good thing to come out of enlisting.

Danger. Quick. Leave.

Techno lifted his head and looked off to the center of town. The voices were telling him that something was wrong. They tried telling him last night, but he didn’t listen. He was beginning to believe them.

“We’ve been following the hoard of withers closely. Charting their movements and predicting their attacks. This village should’ve been on the evac list.” He said.

“It is weird. I wouldn’t be surprised if Captain douche fucked it up though. I have about as much trust in that man as I have in god.” Under any other circumstance, Techno would have at least snorted at the joke, but he couldn’t shake the unsettling feeling that something bad was about to happen. Phil shifted from his relaxed position on the side of the house.

“Come on. It’s bad to stand in one place for too long, especially in a downpour like this.” He said as he walked past Techno and headed into the center of town. Techno hesitated before following. He looked down at the mud soaked cobblestone path.

Run. Danger. Run!

Techno pushed the voices aside. If they were in some sort of danger, he needed to stay with Phil. They were meant to protect each other. He quickly caught up with his friend and together they fell in step. He noticed Phil eyeing Techno’s pouch.

“You shouldn’t have to go through all that trouble, and for what? Brownie points?” Phil said.

“I need the brownie points, you of all people should know that.” Techno replied.

“Yeah, but you still shouldn’t have to.” Techno wasn’t too sure he believed that. He’d done terrible things. He ran away from the consequences. He saved his tail and was now living with all of the guilt. Besides, his past made him reek of desperation. One false step and he could be court-martialed and killed.

You will die.

Techno shivered at the voice. It knew him too well. It knew his deepest secret and darkest fear. The fear that kept him up at night. The fear that motivated him to become a warrior in the first place. The fear of those dark angelic wings willing to carry him to the afterworld. Getting ‘brownie points’ was the least of his worries.

“It doesn’t matter.” Techno brushed off Phil’s statements. “You could help if you wanted you know? You’re a great shot.” He said, changing the subject. Phil snickered.

“Are you saying that I’m such a good shot, I could aim for the heart of a wither, one of the hardest shots in the history of combat, and make it?” Phil said in a greatly exaggerated tone of arrogance.

“No, you’re right. No one’s that good a shot.”

“Really?” Phil asked. Techno stopped walking and Phil stopped with him. Techno watched as Phil pulled his own white cotton pouch out from the cover of his wing and tossed it to Techno.

“There were seven withers total. This one was hiding in the bathroom. Shot it from behind.” He said pridefully. Techno could hardly believe it. He wanted to thank Phil, but he was at a loss for words. As he stood there in shock, Phil casually nodded towards the creepy water fountain at the center of town.

“Let’s see if we can get a whole set, shall we?” He said with a malicious grin before running off in that direction. Techno doubted that they’d find anything, but if the raid was a bust and the only withers left were stragglers, he didn’t see the harm in taking time to collect one more wither skulls.

He tied the second pouch to his belt and raced after Phil towards the fountain. It seemed like they were the only ones in the area, and despite the blood on the ground, there were no bodies. It wasn’t Techno’s job to play detective, but a part of him wished he could investigate Saint Charity’s further to figure out what had actually happened.

The fountain was even bigger up close. The base of it had to be at least eight feet tall. The sides of it were painted with odd creatures and strange words, each contributing to some sort of violent scene. One of the paintings showed a man stabbing an animal that resembled a cat, then underneath it was a strange word, written in a language Techno couldn’t understand.

⍀⟒⎐⟟⎐⟒.

The next image below was of the same man walking his cat on a leash. Perhaps Techno was reading it backwards.

“This village is so weird.” Phil mumbled uncomfortably at the graphic image of the cat being stabbed to death. Techno nodded in agreement, but kept the fact that he’d stabbed a cat before to himself.

After a bit of sightseeing, the two started searching the ground for abandoned wither skulls. They walked all the way around the fountain, but came up empty-handed. Then, Phil climbed up onto one of the alters.

“What are you doing?” Techno asked.

“Getting a better look.” Phil said as he peeked over the side of the fountain. “Oh my god.” Phil’s face darkened and his eyes grew serious.

“What is it?” Techno called from the ground.

“I, uh, I found another wither skull.” Phil replied, his voice strained. Then, he pulled whatever he’d found floating in the fountain to its edge. “Look out.” He warned as a person fell to the ground. It was a man, dressed in robes like some sort of monk or priest. He was dead. His entire body was limp, and he smelled of piss and wounded flesh. The man wore a cord that went around his waist and was tied into a knot on his side. The wither skull was tied at the end of the cord and dangled just below the religious man’s knee.

Phil climbed down from the alter and placed the priest so that he was facing the sky. The man’s face was bloody and there was something sticking out of his eye.

Blood for the Blood god.

The voices whispered to Techno, but he was far too confused to pay them any mind.

“See this?” Phil said, pointing to the thing sticking out of the dead man’s eye. “That’s a piece of arrow. The rest must’ve snapped off when he fell from the top of the fountain I suppose.”

“What do you mean?” Techno asked. Phil looked up and pointed to the top of the fountain.

“There’s an alter up there.” He said, then turned around and nodded to one of the nearby houses. “Someone could’ve easily shot him from that roof.” Techno looked from the house to the alter on the fountain. It was possible.

“Why would someone shoot him?” He asked, but Phil had no time to respond as an arrow zipped six inches past his face and into the side of the fountain. Phil and Techno turned to see Captain Peirce along with a group of about thirty soldiers, standing before them, armed and on the offense.

“Because harboring weapons of mass destruction is considered treason.” The Captain called. Phil raised his hands up in surrender and slowly stood from his crouched position by the dead man. Techno was about to do the same, but decided to wait for an explanation.

“What is this?” Phil asked.

“King’s orders.” The Captain responded and fired another shot. He was either firing warning shots, or the heavy rain was ruining his aim. Based on the Captain’s scowl, Techno assumed the latter.

“What have I done?”

“I’m only taking orders elytra.” Peirce shouted over the roaring thunder. “But if you really must know, there are certain things you’ve forced your hand on.” The Captain flashed a quick glance at Techno before swiftly returning his focus onto Phil. “Such an unbalance of authority in the camps cannot exist. Besides, you and your kin have made your use, and now you must die.” Techno flinched at the Captain’s final statement.

You must die.

He fought the urge to jump up and rip the Captain apart with his bare hands. That bastard had it coming. He knew that Phil was the most powerful asset of the battalion, and yet he chose to do something as stupid as pull an arrow on him. Then Phil took a step forward.

“Stay where you are.” The Captain warned, but Phil kept moving. Techno watched as he slowly made his way to a nearby alter.

“Don’t I get a trial?” Phil asked.

“I suggest you yield.” The Captain responded in a firm tone and fired another failed shot.

Techno stayed near the body. None of the soldiers seemed to have an eye on him. He watched as Phil casually hopped up on the alter as if he were choosing to sit there with his arms in the air.

“Please Captain, don’t make me beg for my life. Doing so will only incur my wrath upon you.” It was difficult to make out the Captain’s face what with the dark morning sky and dreadful downpour, but Techno swore he saw the man smile.

“What wrath? You’re out numbered, bird.”

Techno finally understood what Phil was doing. He’d been stalling for time. Techno looked down at the wither skull attached to the Priest’s robes. He cautiously reached for it and undid the knots. Somehow, Phil had made him completely invisible to the other soldiers.

With all three wither skulls in hand, Techno slowly started making his way to the back side of the fountain. Once he was out of sight, he took each of the skulls and placed them gently on the soul-sand alter. A horrible hissing noise erupted as he placed the final skull. Techno quickly backed away and watched as a tornado of soul sand and dark ash tore through the air and spun around the wither skulls.

Techno had seen these kinds of withers summoned before, but he’d never done it himself or been so up close. Muffled voices of confusion and concern floated around the town center as the shrieking wither came to life before him. It was big, and much more frightening to look at than the ordinary wither skeletons. Its ribcage was mangled with an overabundance of bones that connected to a singular spine. Its ability to fly made up for its lack of limbs. Two of the wither skulls had been pressed and warped into the creature’s broad shoulders, and the third sat on its neck. Its body emitted a hot purple light from every pore and instead of plain dark pools of tar, each set of eyes glowed the ominous color.

Techno backed up and watched as the massive creature slowly turned around and came upon the small army. It made a horrifying screaming noise and the started blasting vast amounts of hot ash out of each of its three skulls.

“Stand your ground! Don’t-” the Captain was cut off by the wither’s attack. Techno watched as he pulled up his shield and tried to shout orders, but the other soldiers had already descended into panic.

Techno searched the chaos, trying to find Phil, but he failed to concentrate as he watched all of the soldiers, men whom he’d fought alongside for many months, some for years, being burned to death in front of his eyes.

Join. Kill. Blood for the Blood god.

Techno stumbled back as the voices attempted to take over his mind. He needed to find Phil.

Blood!

The voices only came back with a more vicious attack. All had joined in. His head was full of the noise, just like it had been that day back at the orphanage. All those years ago. He’d only been a child, but that was no excuse. Not for him. Because it happened again, and again; and it would’ve kept happening if he hadn’t joined the military. It would keep happening if he didn’t find Phil.

Blood god!

Techno placed a hand on the hilt of his sword and took a step forward as he felt himself get lost in the wave of a thousand voices. No one had seen him yet, they were all still busy fighting the wither. Very few of them would survive. Though men sodden in sin weren’t the gods’ preferred sacrifice, their blood would taste just as sweet. Techno let the voices boil over in his mind and unsheathed his sword. He gave into the anger that had been rotting deep in his belly for far too long. His muscles tensed in hot furry as he started making his way towards his first victim, the Captain himself.

Then, someone took his hand from behind. Techno twisted around and pulled his sword up to the man’s neck. It was Phil. His eyes were steady and his grip remained firm on Techno’s hand.

“Not now.” He said. Techno fought the fire inside, but his blade stayed on Phil’s neck. He could cut it open in one smooth movement and watch the blood flow like a red river down Phil’s chest. He would watch the pyre dim from his friend’s eyes and his body become cold and blue in a breathless death.

Conquer death. Kill the angel.

Techno remained still with his sword held on Phil’s neck. A glimpse of fear crossed Phil’s gaze that made Techno want to go for the kill, but it was gone in a blink and replaced with a warm and steady stare. Phil was no Angel of Death. He was a skilled fighter, a caring father, and a good friend. Techno fought hard to take the sword down, but eventually he was able to overcome the wave of voices and pull it away, placing it back in its sheath.

Phil didn’t waste any time. He quickly took Techno by the hand and lead him back into the shadows of a dark alley, away from the hectic sounds of death. The voices in Techno’s mind screamed in protest, but he forced them down and tried to focus on what needed to be done.

“Follow me.” Phil whispered, and the two of them raced into a maze of dark streets and black alleyways. They sprinted through the mud and rain, taking lefts and rights, trying to find the quickest way out of town. Then Techno started to recognize some of the houses. Phil was leading him back the way they’d come.

Run! Run! Run!

The voices screamed in Techno’s mind, and for once he agreed. Neither Phil, nor Techno could go back to the base. It was too dangerous. Techno wasn’t sure if Phil had a plan, but he trusted his old friend enough to continue following him.

As the two escaped the village and entered out onto the main road, Techno noticed the small stable from before. He smiled to himself as they ran. Phil planned for them to take the horse and outrun the tropes. They could be able to find another nearby village for supplies and then go from there.

As they came up to the stable, Techno looked for a saddle, but all he found was a dusty tarp. He accidentally startled the horse awake when he tossed it onto its back. He untied the horse’s lead and brought it out from under the awning. Phil helped boost Techno on first, then Techno lent out a hand to help Phil, but Phil didn’t take it.

“I can’t go with you.” He said shaking his head.

“What?”

“I’ll only slow you down.”

“Phil, they are going kill you.” Techno replied. “If you’re staying, I’m staying.”

“No.” Phil grabbed Techno’s hand and placed something inside. “They will kill us both. This is your way out.” Phil said. Techno couldn’t believe what he was hearing. After everything they’d been through.

“You need to come with me.” Techno insisted. Phil shook his head and tightened his grasp on Techno’s hand.

“No, you need to find Will.” Techno was taken aback by the sudden mention of Will. “They’re not going to kill me, not yet. But you are not going to get another opportunity like this. I can make them think you’re dead.” Phil’s tone was intense and his eyes were desperate. There was no reason for Phil to be this confident. He had to be keeping something from Techno. “Trust me.” Phil pleaded. Techno held Phil’s gaze. He couldn’t abandon him. Phil had been his best friend, his only friend for years. He was all Techno had. He was Techno’s home. Techno couldn’t let this be the last time they ever saw each other, but as he stared into the pleading eyes of the only man he trusted, he had faith that it wouldn’t be.

Techno swallowed the emotion lumping in his throat. He reached under his chest plate and tugged the medallion out from underneath. He pulled it over his head and handed it to Phil who took it carefully into his free hand. Phil let the skull and the pyre spin in the rain as it dangle from his fingertips. He knew how important it was to Techno.

“For protection.” Techno said. Phil’s eyes softened for a moment before growing serious again. “You can give it back to me when we see each other again, in L’Manburg.” Techno prompted. Phil placed the medallion around his neck and gripped it tightly. He nodded silently to Techno, his eyes bloodshot from holding back tears. Techno gave Phil’s hand one final squeeze before letting go. What Phil had given him was one of Will’s letters. Techno made sure that it was put safely away in his belt before commanding the horse forward, then he turned one last time and pointed at the medallion.

“I better get that back.” He said, and then galloped away, shoving the guilt and worry down with the cheering voices.

…

Status Report Full Report Eastern Front: Company #008 Company arrived in Saint Chastity’s at an estimated time of 0400hrs led by troop Captain Edgar Peirce. Company was attacked by class 1A wither. Company contained a total of 119 soldiers. Company left Saint Chastity’s with a total of fifty-six soldiers presuming a death toll of sixty-three. Eleven identifiable bodies, eleven unidentifiable bodies, forty-one missing bodies presumed burned to ash. No witnesses.

Presumed dead: Captain Edgar Peirce, Lieutenant Tate Tapia, Sargent Aran Curran, Privet Brogan Spencer, Privet Bryce Carson, Kyran Nichols, Reo Bone, Brendan Lin, Laith Dunkley, Kris Garner, Daryl Bowes, Vincenzo Montgomery, Shaan Ward, Presley Olson, Harlee Derrick, Winston Schmitt, Kohen Ewing, Cai Thomas, Andy Stott, Denny Harmon, Ammar Strickland, Charles Muntz, Mike Rudd, Luka Kaur, Technoblade, Paolo Laing, Joe Berg, Russell Chan, Peter Frazier, Torin Kelly, Martyn Collins, Harlow Bowers, Buddy Guerrero, Kiki Trejo, Timur Stewart, Jack Glover, Evan Marsden, Olly Avery, Amir Russo, Raj Miles, Eddy Moreno, Thomas Webster, Shelly Franco, Yaseen Acevedo, Seren Mclellan, Kynan Ferguson, Roma Park, Nola Mcgowan, Eesa Williams, Wasim Mcfarlane, Leon Randall, Joe Mama, Kit Holding, Gordon Ramsey, Pawel Bostock, Sylvester Nixon, Karl Simons, Shayne Mckinney, Aneurin Mckenzie, Robson Myers, Michael Finche, Sam Osborn, Philza Minecraft.

…

My dearest Will,

I’m not even sure you still read these.

I’ve sent someone to you. Perhaps he can help with whatever’s been keeping you from my letters. It’s my friend Technoblade. Yes, “the blade�� as Tommy once wrote me, (thank you for restricting his writing privileges by the way).

I wanted to make sure that you received this letter before hearing the false news that Techno and I are dead. It was the only way out of the military, and if I can be honest with you, I didn’t expect to make it. I asked Techno to trust me, but I didn’t even trust myself. I thought I was going to die. I thought that sending Techno to you was the last thing I’d ever do. I’ve wanted for you two to meet for so long and I couldn’t risk Techno’s life with the bounty on mine.

Somehow, I made it. I did terrible things to get myself here, but I made it. And I’m coming to see you. I can’t wait to meet all of your friends and tour L’Manburg and Pogtopia. I’m sure you’ve done a wonderful job.

Please write back soon.

With love, Phil

#dream smp #dream smp fanfiction #technoblade #technoblade fanfiction #philza #philza minecraft #philza fanfiction #philza minecraft fanfic #long post #dream smp headcannon #wilbur soot #wilbur mcyt #emerald twt #emerald duo #dream smp angst #minecraft fanfiction #mcyt fanfiction #long reads #longpost

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houndsharkk · 4 years ago

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alright alright, do yall want my dreamSMP headcanons?? keep in mind that i only watch a few of them

/dsmp

Possible TW's: trauma, manipulation, death, suicide, overdose; the basic dreamSMP stuff, unfortunately.

ok here we go:

Dream - a separate entity from DreamXD, though they are related; perhaps XD is from another universe? anyways, Dream was possessed by a 'Dreamon' at a young age, making him think that things like manipulation are ok simply because he didn't know any better. he says he's trying to get better, but is he? no. this is just another trick to make Tommy think he can change. Jacob Sheep horns are slowly growing (sheep-hybrid thanks to his mother, Cpt. Puffy). Him becoming family with George and Sapnap made him realize that he can make his own family, an idea which he twisted and turned into manipulation. In his words, paraphrased, he "did a bad thing but for good reasons" which were "bringing the server together"; he wanted to be a family with him in control, a dictatorship, a hivemind.

Drista - Dream's sister, more related to XD than Dream is. somewhat OP but has morals unlike her brother.

George - Mooshroom hybrid!! Has a little mushroom crown and cape because he thinks of himself as royalty (he isn't) - has little horns and a little tail. Misses Dream the most out of the Dream Team, but somewhat afraid of him. Wants 'the old dream' back, which was partly a persona and partly Dream learning about found family. He tries not to get involved with politics or the server after the events of the first wars, because he's scared. Sleeps through things as an excuse. Awesamdude's kid - doesn't tell anyone.

Sapnap - Dragon hybrid - has small horns and a tail, with burn marks at the base of them. His hands and feet are clawed and burnt. He also wants their Dream back, but understands that he was always corrupt and has mostly gotten over it. Wants to help with the Egg but, like George, doesn't like getting involved with big things on the server. He's ashamed of his dragon heritage, covering up his head burns with a headband and covering his horns with his hair; he hides his tail under a cape and wears gloves as well. Sapnap has unnaturally orange eyes, which he would change with contacts, if they didn't melt anytime he tried. Battle-scarred and hungry to start fights and sever friendships out of boredom. Badboyhalo's child.

Callahan - Cervitaur (deer-centaur). Distantly related to Puffy, Captain Sparklez, and Schlatt. I will admit, I have never watched him, and I don't think he's ever been too involved in server politics? Just a simple deer man trying to live his life.

Awesamdude - Creeper centaur thing (he and Callahan are... cousins? i guess?). Incredibly insecure about his morality and the fact that George doesn't talk to him much. Thinks he's a bad person. He becomes a father figure to Tommy through his Sam Nook persona - slowly gaining his confidence back through his real estate and his (illegal) adoption of the gremlin. Badass. Runs the prison by himself because he feels the need to prove himself, and he doesn't know anyone that would be up to the job.

Alyssa - inactive :[ probably human

Ponk - Human!! One of the few humans on this server, actually! He quite likes building and terraforming; he makes very aesthetic builds (see; war campsite). He and Sam are close friends. Ponk is also a parental figure to Tommy, but is closer to the fun uncle. The three of them steal together and then Ponk and Sam cover for Tommy because who could accuse them of lying?? Hesitant to join in with politics.

BadBoyHalo - Demon. Very, very tall demon. Large. Pretty wholesome. I honestly don't know what else to say about him lmao I haven't been paying attention to the Egg much. He and Skeppy are a thing though. Wishes his son would stop killing people's pets to start wars.

TommyInnit - He doesn't know what kind of hybrid he his, but he isn't human. His eyes change color with mood, going from a light grey to an extremely vibrant cobalt blue. He believes he may be part raccoon, or part bird(?) on Philza's side. Phil wasn't around during his childhood; Tommy only knew him as the hero from the strories that his older brother Wilbur told him. Philza killing Villain!Bur cemented his heroship, which is why Tommy sees him as a father figure. Wilbur never told him that he (Phil) was their father. Tommy is actually part siren, but his gills and fins haven't appeared yet. His PTSD is triggered by Dream, blackstone, tnt, people asking for his armor, and a few other things. An extremely traumatized kid. Best friends with Tubbo.

Tubbo - Sheep hybrid. His horns started coming in during Schlatt's presidentship, making him think he was a goat and following in his footsteps. In reality, he's Captain Sparklez's son; related to Schlatt yes, but not at all like him. He likes headbutting the people he loves, including his best friend Tommy. Wholesome, but still a chaotic being of destruction. He and Ranboo are also very good friends!

Fundy - Fox shifter; unlike most of the other hybrids on this server (other than Techno), he can turn into an anthro fox. Canonically transgender! Son to WilburSoot and Sally the Salmon (another shifter). Wilbur was an amazing father while Fundy was small, but started neglecting him during the Presidency, when he really needed a father. The two grew apart further during Pogtopia, and Fundy still tries to refuse his father's attempts at redemption. Despite this, Fundy and Ghostbur, even though they've had arguments, have a better relationship. Fundy is even one of the people who are attempting to bring back Wilbur. He sees Phil as a somewhat father figure despite him trying to be bitter towards him. Very involved with L'manburg and DreamSMP poilitics, but has taken a step back since his dad's death. Fundy also canonically misses Schlatt and wants him to be proud of him. He picked up smoking from him.

Punz - gonna be honest, I have never watched Punz.

Purpled - Enderdragon hybrid. Like Sapnap, but purple lol. Use to have a healthy rivalry with Technoblade, but doesn't talk to him anymore. A bit reserved. I don't watch him either idk if you could tell.

Wilbur - Bird hybrid, like Philza; his wings were clipped by Dream when he first began fighting for independence. Good friends with Technoblade. Wilbur was an idealistic person, and he was probably the most loyal member of L'manburg. He was so upset about the betrayals, he thought of them not as betrayals to the country, but to himself. When Schlatt took over, he began to panic. His perfect nation was being ruined, his nation, HIS nation. He thought of it as his and his alone; all those other people? They were side characters. L'manburg his unfinished symphony wasn't his anymore. It scared him. He began planning to take the country out because, well, if he can't have him, then no one can. He manipulated Tommy, making him go along with his plan, slowly becoming more insane and destructive. Deep down, Wil still loved his family, and his country, and his lost lover, but that didn't matter to him anymore. After blowing up L'manburg (the first explosion), Wilbur broke down. He realized what he had done, he'd become a bad guy; he'd worked with Dream. He asked his father to kill him. And so Philza did.

Ghostbur - Wings work again. Ghostbur pretends not to remember, he pretends that he's changed in death, but he remembers all of it. The bad memories hurt him now, more than ever, and he just can't deal with it; so he doesn't. Water makes him melt, and that includes tears. He's trying so hard to be a good person, he's trying so hard to be a good father, a good brother, a good friend. But it isn't working. He's still, though unintentionally, hurting people, and he feels so bad about it.

Schlatt - Ram hybrid. Brother to Puffy and Jordan (Sparklez). Schlatt is a smoker and an alcoholic, and a power hungry dictator. Or well, that's the persona he puts on. Schlatt, in reality (still /dsmp) genuinely does not give a fuck. He didn't care what happened, because he knew that people disliked him. He knew for a fact that he would be killed. This is why I believe he offed himself. He planned his stroke, or heart attack, the fandom doesn't seem to know which. He probably ingested some bad protein powder or poison or something, maybe he drank himself to death, maybe he OD'd and then drank, we don't know. But it seems unlikely that someone like him would let his body give out like that without a reason. Oh yeah, and he and Quackity were married at some point, but it was too short to really mean anything.

Ghlatt - Ghlatt, though still addicted to alcohol and various drugs, feels bad about being a bad person in his life. He thinks that it's a good thing he died, that the server benefited from his death, and that he shouldn't have become a ghost. He's right, of course, but I like to think that he's regained morality. Maybe now, in the afterlife, he can work on himself. Ghlatt isn't strong enough to take a physical form, so he borrows Ghostbur's occasionally.

Skeppy - Some sort of Diamond Ore man?? I think he's human. He and BBH have a thing. I don't think I've ever watched a Skeppy DreamSMP stream. Uhh Egg?? Egg. Badlands boys woo.

Eret - Herobrine is his cousin. Like. Yeah. That Herobrine. Anyways, they're a king, and they're more of an Awesomedude morally grey type character. Her only interest is survival, and I respect that. I haven't really paid much attention to him though. Their crown has bi flag colored gems on it :]

Jack Manifold - Jack Manifol! Jack Manifall~~ Jack Manifall.. off bridge!! Jack Manidrown :} OH SHIT- (i dont watch him)

Niki - Human. Wears Wilbur's old coat. Though she did go through a tough spot after Wilbur's death, she now runs a flower shop with Puffy. Dyes her hair often. I don't watch her either.

Quackity - Duck hybrid; wings were clipped upon his joining the server. His face scar was canonized :] Alex genuinely liked Schlatt, but realized he was being mistreated so he joined Pogtopia. He felt bad about it though. I don't have many headcanons for him to be honest.

Mexican Dream - ok am i the only one that wasn't into this arc?? i didn't even watch any of it. i saw him like once and was like "oh this is just a bit" and left wtf. was he important???

Karl Jacobs - Time Traveler man; human. Karl is slowly losing his memory due to his travel between timelines. The more he does it, the more he loses. I look forward to seeing this progress. Are he, Sapnap, and uhhh someone else actually engaged?? I like that headcanons :] I don't remember who the other person is though.

HBomb - Cat maid.

Technoblade - Piglin shifter. Techno is softer than he seems, and he genuinely enjoys the company of Ranboo and his friend Philza. Technoblade met Phil after saving him from wither skeletons in the Nether, making short visits to the Overworld until he built up an immunity. He likes the cold because it's the opposite of his terrible home dimension. Techno really did want to help Tommy, but their ideals clashed too much for it to work out. Very destructive anarchist. Though, he is pretty chill nowadays.

Antfrost - Cat shifter. So I lied, there are three. Uhh wizard!! I like that HC!! Wizard catboy go brrrr. In reality, I don't watch the Badland Boys often and I haven't seen any of the Egg plot so idk what's up with him lol. I like to think that before the Egg, he and Fundy were friends.

Philza - Wings were beat up during the explosion; he tried to protect Wilbur with them, but still ended up failing. He's the father to Wilbur and Tommy, with Techno being an old friend of his. He canonically really likes cobblestone. Phil tries his best to be the dad, but his morals are all over the place. Lately, he's unofficially adopted Ranboo, helping him with his uh. Issues.

Connor - Human in a Sonic onesie idk i dont watch him

Puffy - Sheep Hybrid. Sister to Schlatt and Jordan, mother to Dream. I really don't know tbh; she's everyone's adoptive mom. She's what Philza and Awesamdude wish they could be.

Vikkstar - Human. Has he?? Done anything?? Ever??

Lazarbeam - Isn't he a gingerbread man or something.

Ranboo - Half Enderman Half [REDACTED]. I dont have headcanons for him tbh I just accept his canon. May be related to XD?

Foolish Gamers - A literal god. He can revive people, but it takes one of his lives. Uhhh he's really good at building what.

Hannahxxrose - I don't watch her :[ I should though

Slimecicle - CHARLIE SLIMECICLE. Slime hybrid obviously. New to the server, very scared [/j] and confused. Doesn't know what's going on and that's ok because he's funny I like him

I got really tired of this towards the end oops

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link-is-a-dork · 3 years ago

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You know something, you've had a love of the Zelda series since you were a little girl, ever since Ocarina of Time came out, but I don't think I've ever asked you why you, specifically, love it so much. Like, what made this your lifelong obsession when it comes to gaming? I guess it just never occurred to me because when we were kids, it was just as much a part of my life as it was yours, so it's like one of those "it's all I've known" kind of things.

Rose you opened up a can of worms that even I wasn't ready for. You expected a few sentences? Nah you get an essay with more effort put into than anything I've ever done in school.

I don't even think I covered it all.

Your interests as a kid can heavily influence your interests as an adult. I grew up with Ocarina and Majora and just kept following the series.

I don't know I guess it is a "it's all I've known" thing for me as well but it's one of those VERY few game series I follow adamantly. Kingdom Hearts is another one I love for the characters and their personalities and connections, but that was part of my life into my mid teen years, not since I was 5 like LoZ (and Resident Evil).

I don't know. I just really enjoy playing them, the simple stories with a random gut punch of depth here and there, the characters, the familiar gameplay with a fun gimmick (let's stop pretending gimmicks are inherently bad).

Link may be a blank slate of a character but sometimes he shows his own personality, while subtle at times. Link is a hero you can't help but admire. He's diligent in some games, but a goofball in others. He's a loving brother and grandson, embarking on a personal journey to save his sister and he finds himself on a quest to save the world as well. Or he may be skilled yet gentle warrior with a soft spot for children and animals, a farm boy chosen by the gods, destined for greatness.

The Hero of Time, a young, lonely hero with many faces who can't save everyone no matter how hard he tries. Forgoing his own happiness, he carries the burden of the dead to bring happiness where he can and prevent the end of the world after already doing it once.

A lazy schoolboy with impeccable skill at swordplay and lofting flight, dealing with everything from school bullies to the embodiment of evil itself. His love for his best friend being his motivation.

A teenager who just wants to go home, shipwrecked on an island that only exists in the dreams of a god. His desire to leave supersedes the lives of people who weren't even real but the bonds he made with them were.

An amnesic who's either a trash gremlin who eats dirt and frogs, running through a thunderstorm buck naked, or a stoic knight, set on sealing the great evil away alongside the princess, as is his duty. His personality is truly your personal choice.

In several cases, Link's motivation is saving someone he loves, be it family or friends, but fate and circumstances have something more in mind for this young man with humble beginnings.

Zelda herself is so different each game as well. She may be a dainty princess who seeks help, using what power she can to call to you in the dead of night. A young woman hidden in plain sight, guiding you through your journey even if it isn't obvious to some. A respected child pirate who's got a heart of gold, and captain of a loyal crew at her beck and call. Your best childhood friend who just wants to go to the fair and maybe see a magic rodent.

Your best friend and classmate who will ALWAYS be your Zelda even if she's a god.

A wise ruler who knows surrender will save her people if only for a time until someone on the outside can help, but she is also incredibly adept in battle in her own right, shooting Ganondorf while STANDING ON THE BACK OF A GALLOPING HORSE.

A young woman, pressured by her desperate father into unlocking a power she can't, anxious to help in any way she can. Starting off as an overwhelmed brat and growing closer to her appointed knight, finally unlocking her god given powers when it's seemingly too late. Zelda may not be in the spotlight most times, but she's important.

Your various companions, like them or hate them, are another thing that I like when they're there. Navi, the fairy assigned to guide the Kokiri who doesn't belong, is the only constant on Link's journey in Hyrule, wordlessly parting ways when her job is done. A powerful old man cursed by his own apprentice, Ezlo learns humility throughout your journey and leaves you with a parting gift to remind you of your time together.

A deposed princess angry at the world, Midna is cursed into the form on a catty imp by the very man who stole her rightful place on the throne. When kindness is given to her on her deathbed, her motivation is less about her and more about the lives of her own and Hyrule's people.

An emotionless android by design, Fi is knowledgeable on everything in the world, in the sky and below. During your journey, her stoic disposition is broken only once, as she tells you her understanding of happiness before saying the two words you've heard countless times on your journey, and hides away into the newly forged Master Sword one final time.

The antagonists have I less to say about but they're there. Disconnected from reality, Zant is a greedy, false king among a people who have been conditioned to have no selfish desires, only able to usurp the throne by using a power he didn't earn. Ghirahim is an eccentric leader of monsters, a dedicated tool to the evil demon king who started it all. He is a force to be reckoned with who relishes in the suffering of others.

Vaati is an arrogant mage who seeks a magical force to grow more powerful. Skull Kid felt abandoned and forgotten by his friends, so he made new ones and stole an evil relic with more power than he could handle. He had no idea what he was in for, in the end he was not wearing the mask, the mask was wearing him.

Ganondorf's motives for power and control are kind of the same in his every appearance but in Wind Waker at least his motive is understandable. Instead of power for the sake of it, he wanted to help his people, but it seems he approached it in the wrong way and went astray. His greed doomed his people and he was blind to the destruction he caused. My enjoyment of Ganondorf is surface level, not much depth for the most part.

I probably put more into this than necessary but my feelings and interpretations are why I love this series. I love the characters, companions, the settings. The game may primarily focus on swordplay but with all the fun tools at your disposal, you can play how you want.

#ask #answer #missroseyred #2021

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lilallama · 4 years ago

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(Sorry if I spell something wrongly lol) Idk, This is my opinion? Gryffindor, Jungkook. Hufflepuff, Taehyung & Yoongi. Ravenclaw, Namjoon & Jin. Slytherin, Jimin & Hobi??? I literally just searched the meaning of each house and just picked one based on the personality shown. Also, If you don't think this matches them, Sorry ;-;

[Don't worry, sweetie ^^. You don't have to apologise! 💕🍑]

Hoseok is a lot more two faced than I actually tend to show. The way he presents himself is mostly a mask. While he seems mostly calm on the outside, he's actually quite the opposite on the inside. Out of all the boys it'd be easiest for him to manipulate/influence Y/n (@bangtans-apollo Tae is quacking-) and he's aware of that. That's one of the reasons why they started the club 1. To protect Y/n, 2. The club concept came because it'd be easier to meet up and they would automatically get a clubroom and 3. Hoseok threatened to tell on them if they don't join, he'd make Y/n despise each one of them.

He is a strong leader (one of the Slytherin traits), I try to make him resourceful (but I am not myself so that might not shine through too much), he is definitely cunning. The whole ordeal with wanting to be with Y/n no matter what is pretty ambitious, I'd say. And lastly the traditionalism trait, he is very into tradition and has to keep his domestic fantasies with Y/n a secret. His parents raised him very traditional, he would hate it if (female) Y/n would ask him out first or would propose first and would at first frown upon his attention to (male or non binary) Y/n.

All in all Slytherin seems very accurate.

Now concerning Jimin; similar to Hoseok he too can be a two faced snake. He doesn't hide his true thoughts from Y/n or the boys, if anything he overshares sometimes (one time he started talking to Taehyung about some... rather inappropriate things concerning Y/n. That got his Y/n privilege taken away for a whole month). And despite practically pleading to be the "dumb bimbo" stereotype, he is surprisingly clever and intelligent. Before Highschool, before he made his first experiences with popular boys, he was a straight A's and B's student. Yet once he had his first boyfriend, he discovered that the people surrounding him typically preferred the dumb blondes. (He actually broke up with the captain of the football team for Y/n.)

He also sometimes displays ambitious, just in a whiney sort of way. Self preservation is definitely something. Unlike Taehyung, Yoongi, Namjoon or Jeongguk, he wouldn't let himself be killed for Y/n's sake. If Y/n were to be killed he would end up deluding himself into thinking a person who looks similar to them is them and would force Y/n's personality and style on them. Cunningness is 100% accurate. He's fake. He pretends to be a silly sweetheart who loves everyone but will spread rumours about you, blame things on you etc. and everyone believes him. His cunningness concerning Y/n is more whiney than anything.

So I do think Jimin fits Slytherin.

Namjoon was raised by strict parents who forbade him a tremendous amount of things and painted his world for him. It was engraved in his head, he was going to be the CEO of their company one day. Yet despite everything he still had a head of his own. Maye it was because if his high IQ that he understood that his parents weren't the only opinion in his life. Don't get me wrong, they still left him scarred (sadly literally, as his father once hit him bloody) and traumatised but not without a mind of his own. Ever since he was small creativity and originality was something he admired and loved. It was partly reason of why he fell for Y/n, their individuality, their mind, their heart, their soul.

We will not need to discuss intelligence, it's a trait he undoubtedly has. He is always willing to learn and showed interest in many different things before Y/n captured his focus. He is most likely one of the wisest members as he is aware of how twisted his love for them truly is (once again something I tend to fail at portraying) and tried to stop it when it started. But somehow that only made everything worse and by now he doesn't care anymore at all. When he was a child he used to be more openly curious than nowadays (as it caused him many punishments from his parents).

I feel that Namjoon would fit Ravenclaw.

Seokjin was spoiled all his life. His parents adored him, other kids adored him, everyone adored him. While he might've acted oblivious he knew that it's because of his money. Similar to Jimin, Seokjin changed when he entered high school. While he always was a pretty intelligent and well behaved student (still very arrogant though) he then became less concerned with studies and once made a teacher cry (that was before he met Y/n). He loves standing out as an individual, that includes making anyone change who crosses his path with the same outfit (not in school as they wear a school uniform. But outside, yes, he has that much power. Everyone knows Kim Seokjin).

As said before, Seokjin is far from stupid. He is a very intelligent individual but doesn't show the extent of his nolage. Instead aiming for a cool "Queen B" persona. He is witty with his comebacks (something I cannot write because I do not possess that superpower), he's quick with his words. He holds respect for people who are 60+ years old as he believes they've been through a lot in life already. These people have wisdom he could only gain by experience and that he respects (there is one very sweet lady that lives alone in a very big mansion a few streets away from his penthouse. He always visits her because he loves her genuine kindness. When he met Y/n she recently passed away and he saw a part of her in them).

Seokjin could qualify for a Ravenclaw.

Taehyung was raised by a very Christian family that he still cherishes very much. Because of their intense belief he was raised to worship. He never fell in love, so when Y/n crossed paths with his, he started showing love how he's used to it (Out of all the boys Taehyung is straight up insane. Something in his brain might be wired wrong, there is no explanation on why he likes them, on why he believed that's what love is because his parents treated him with normal, familiar love. So he is simply sick, there is no "saving" him. He's better of in a mental hospital). But he was always a very kind boy. Giving instead of taking, never wanting anything in return. Out of everyone, Taehyung was the one who welcomed new students and made tons of friends. But he grew out of it as his focus turned to art. He aimed to make his parents proud so he didn't have time for friends.

His loyalty is unlike any other. You could torture him half dead and he'd still forgive you, stay loyal to you, serve you. He is Y/n's servant. He works hard on improving his artistic abilities and also to maintain fairly good grades. For Y/n any labour he'd have to be put through would seem like a blessing. Another trait for Hufflepuff would be fairness and he surely is fair. As one of the least jealous members of the club he really only cares if Y/n's okay with what's happening or could get hurt (he always kets the other members have more privileges than he has because he believes it'd be not only greedy but prideful to want Y/n to hinself. He avoids any sin when it comes to Y/n, envy, wrath, pride, sloth, nothing will ever come near his modern day Jesus).

Taehyung definitely is a Hufflepuff.

If the boy who works two parttime jobs, to pay for rent, bills and food, cleans the shabby apartment by himself because his alcoholic mother is busy messing it up again, yet still treats his mother with kindness, only to be treated like trash by seven more powerful and successful guys in his school who all like the same person he does and still manages to maintain the position as intern and honour roll student at a prestigious school for roch people, isn't in Hufflepuff then I don't know what. This poor soul is incredibly sensitive and kind. He isn't judgemental (as he himself is used to people judging him). All round very sweet.

I think it's very clear that he's very diligent and hard working. He holds great passion for music and enjoys writing poetry, a very sensitive soul. Yoongi isn't someone to complain about something being unfair (cough cough Jimin cough cough) or try and steal Y/n away from them. His day dreams consist of imagining Y/n liking him back, but he is certain that would never happen (according to you guys, it seems a lot of you would pick Yoongi if you'd get to decide). Not only is Yoongi kind but loyal as well, he'd never imagine leaving anyone behind even his useless mother.

Yoongi is 1000% a Hufflepuff.

Jeongguk tends to be hot tempered, he goes from zero to a hundred in a matter of seconds. Everything in life seems like a challenge to prove he's better than others think (his father was a notorious serial killer who killed twenty one people yet got away with a ten year prison sentence and got released after six, ten months later Jeongguk was born). In truth he did not care for anyone else, only Y/n. So all tge chivalry he could muster was directed at them.

He is one brave guy who doesn't get easily scared (I guess living with as well as being a serial killer at sixteen years old desensitised him). Jeongguk is courageous just not in/for a positive way/purpose. He deluted himself into thinking that Y/n needs protection, HIS protection. He once attacked a teacher because they were helping Y/n with a question, that's very daring (more like stupid) just not in a good way. A (still not) more positive example of his daringness is when he wants to impress Y/n. He hung from a skyscraper for five minutes doing pullups, just to inpress them. One time he also jumped across his luxurious pool at home (and almost slipped, almost bashing his head in) just to prove that he can jump further than someone they talked about.

I could very much picture him as a Griffendor.

If you enjoyed reading my work, please consider reblogging it. Thank you for reading

#yandere bts #cooking club #hogwarts au #yandere jimin #yandere taehyung #yandere jungkook #yandere namjoon #yandere hoseok #yandere seokjin #yandere yoongi #harry potter au

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thebibliomancer · 4 years ago

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Song of the Dark Crystal liveblog pt 23

Song of the Dark Crystal by J.M. Lee because Tavra’s a spider now. It be like that sometimes.

Last times in book: On the way to Ha’rar after failing to retrieve the firca of Gyr the Song Teller from the Tomb of Relics, Kylan discovered Tavra was an imposter. He, Naia, and Amri manage to outsmart and trap her and discover that an angry spider called Krychk had taken control of Tavra’s body at the behest of the Skeksis. Kylan does a dream-stitching which puts Tavra’s mind in Krychk’s body and leaves Krychk to die in the mess it made of Tavra! He’s not sure how he did this actually!

Chapter 23

Tavra-Spider explains it all, the group turns around to go back to caves

Tavra-Spider gets right into it, no pausing to adjust to her new existential nightmare, and tells the group they’ve got to head back to the caves.

She jumps on Kylan, who understandably jumps at a spider crawling on his arm and has to fight the urge to swat her off.

“... but you’re a spider.”

Fully extended, her legs were almost the length of his fingers, but needle-thin and shining black. She easily climbed his sleeve to sit on his shoudler, wehre he could see eight faceted eyes in her tiny head, like miniature crystals set in the stone of a pendant. Her small voice was much more audible from there.

“And alive, thanks to you,” she replied. “It’s not ideal but it doesn’t matter.”

Its not ideal but it doesn’t matter

Tavra, you are killing me again!

She is taking this exceptionally well!

She’s got her duty to follow and dangit she’s gonna do it. If they don’t act, the Grottan could well be wiped out and she will not stand for that.

Tavra also mentions that Krychk had been using a Crystal shard to communicate with the Skeksis at the Castle.

The Skeksis have invented crystal cell phones and the best the Gelfling have is courier! Dangit!

Kylan, still having more trouble coming to terms with this than Tavra herself, asks Tavra what they should do with her body.

Tavra says that they’ll have to leave it (no time to pause and bury or cremate it) but to grab the Crystal shard (not that one) and a pearl amulet from within her cloak. The pearl is so that spider-she can prove her identity when they eventually reach Ha’rar. She has a lot more faith in this group’s ability to ever reach Ha’rar.

No one was eager to search the Silverling’s cloak, so Kylan did it. He found the shard and the amulet, a pearl drop on a silver chain. The pearl itself was shining, white and blue, wrapped in a silver cage shaped like tiny Vapra wings. The shard was small enough to hold in his hand, black as obsidian, though he sensed a flicker of energy from deep inside it, like the sound of voices just muffled enough to be incoherent. At first he was drawn to it, wanting to peer further into it to see what waited on the other side, but Tavra pricked him with her spider feet.

asdfsdf

She pricks him with her spider feet!

Oh my god. She’s a spider and she’s poking Kylan to stop him from looking into the crystal shard like a palantir.

Tavra tells them to destroy it AND NOT LOOK INTO IT so the three Gelfling smash the shard into dust with a large rock.

Naia thanks the finger-vines because she’s polite, they pay respects to Tavra’s body really quickly, and then they hurry back toward camp to retrieve the supplies they left there.

“I’m sorry,” [Kylan] said as they hurried back along the trail along camp. “I didn’t mean to... do whatever I did. I just didn’t want you to die. I hope you aren’t angry with me.”

“I’m not angry. My body will return to Thra. When my work is done, I will join it. Until then, I have no time to worry or complain. We need to go to the tunnels north of Domrak.”

Tavra is handling being a spider now REALLY WELL. She’s very philosophical about it.

Kylan also realizes that Krychk’s plan HAD BEEN to go to Ha’rar so it could spy on the Gelfling’s plans for the Skeksis. Which got completely upended by Kylan and Naia chasing sidequests ha ha. He also realizes that since he barely interacted with Tavra in Shadows and since Krychk was Tavra for most of Song, he doesn’t really know Tavra at all.

“Are you all right?” he asked, not knowing what else to say. He tried to imagine being in her predicament, but it was impossible. There was no way to know how Tavra felt, after the terror at the castle and being a prisoner in her own mind while Krychk controlled her withered body.

Despite all that, Tavra’s response was stoic and loyal.

“I will be all right when the Skeksis are stopped and our people are no longer living in their shadow.”

TAVRA PLS you’re too powerful! Are you the Gelfling Captain America??

They reach camp and retrieve their stuff and Tavra sets to Planning. She asks Amri what would be the fastest way to get to the tunnels that connect Domrak to the Grottan Sanctuary.

Amri isn’t much help since he’s not really familiar with the aboveground but Naia suggests Kylan check the Raunip book’s maps.

While Kylan gets out the book, Tavra decides to exposit and fill in some plot gaps.

Tavra couldn’t wrest control away for long but left the DO NOT TRUST HER message. It was vague because Krychk stopped her from finishing it. I’d guess that Tavra sensed she’d lose control so chose HER vs TAVRA because fewer letters. She also confirms that Krychk couldn’t read.

I SUSPECTED.

Tavra feels like crap for being too weak to not be body-jacked by spider but Naia tells her “Let’s agree to all be sorry and all forgiven. And then... move past this so we can stop them.”

Presumably except for Amri who might as well think ‘excuse you I’ve never done anything wrong in my life. I just got here.��

“The crystal spiders are an ancient race. I don’t know how long they have been working with the Skeksis, or how long they have been using weak and dying hosts to spy on the Gelfling. They are not under power, like the creatures that look upon the darkened Crystal or its veins. They are loyal to the Skeksis by will.”

So, yeah, like I mentioned last time. Seems like the spiders are just unapologetically evil in this take.

Also, any Gelfling could be under control of spider. The correct response is to be paranoid forever.

Kylan remembers that horner that attacked them back in Stone-in-the-Wood and wonders if that too was controlled by a spider. It did just pas out after Neech found a crunch snack in its fur.

Wow, there’s no unwoven plot beats in this book! The blue mouth tree that tried to eat Kylan and Naia inspired his trap against Tavra and the darkened Horner might have been controlled by a spider!

At the least, it demonstrates the amount of paranoia learning about the crystal-spiders would engender. Who knows whats secretly controlled by spider!

“Krychk called on the Skeksis while we were in the Tomb of Relics. When it confirmed that it had destroyed the firca, its spider brethren took Domrak by surprise. We were already headed away and in the opposite direction. The Grottan didn’t stand a chance in Domrak... Many fled north, toward the Sanctuary. That is the last I heard, this night when Krychk spoke to Lord skekLi through the Crystal shard.”

“skekLi!” Naia exclaimed. “A Skeksis... Could he be urLii’s other half?”

“I do not know. Krychk was in contact with many of the lords, but skekLi was its master so far as its mission to find you, Gurjin, and Rian. It was promised the Grottan caves as payment for its loyalty.”

SPIDER BROKE THE FIRCA I KNEW IT OR AT LEAST SUSPECTED

Also, I gotta say I love the incredibly blunt attempt to draw a connection between urLii and skekLi because I guess we’re too far into the book to set up another conspicuous injury for them to share.

And I love Tavra just brushing past the question.

Tavra-Spider says that if they can reach the Sanctuary before the spiders, they might be able to fight back. To Naia’s doubt. They almost got their asses kicked by a small swarm just now and the odds will be worse against more spiders and in tunnels.

Tavra asks if Amri knows anything about the Grottan Sanctuary but all he knows is that its one of the most ancient places in Thra, that it was entrusted to the Grottan, and that urLii travels there often to “commune with the singing mountains.”

Kylan gets excited because the singing mountains were supposedly formed by the bell-birds.

“The same,” Tavra said. “The Sanctuary was a nesting place of the bell-birds. When the spider destroyed the firca, I wanted to tell you that your plan was still a good one. There’s still hope. It is possible that there may be bones left of the bell-birds, though they died out many trine ago. If the Sanctuary has been untouched, and protected by the Grottan, then we may yet have a chance.”

May yet! Firca Quest is back on!

... I really want a point-and-click Dark Crystal adventure game. It feels made for the genre.

Amri points out that even if there is a bell-bird bone, that’s not the same as having a firca and making it into a firca doesn’t mean it’ll have the same power as Gyr’s.

But Naia just decides that Kylan can make a firca like that. Such faith in him!

And her confidence makes Kylan confident enough to want to try.

Best friends!

Kylan finally finds something on the map, an underground tributary to the Black River called the Tide Pass that’ll bring them close to the Sanctuary.

Amri warns them that its a mostly submerged underground channel. But its the only path that will get them to the Sanctuary in time. Going back through Domrak would put them in the highest concentration of spiders. Its the Tide Path or nothing, and at least Naia can breath underwater and Amri can see in the dark.

“What do you think, Amri?” Naia asked. “Is it possible, or will we die for sure?”

“You and I wouldn’t die for sure,” he replied, but his assurance ended there.

I mean that’s not funny but its not not funny and I laughed.

Amri does say that if the other two are willing to try, he’ll do whatever it takes to see all four of them through. But Tavra’s spider body doesn’t require a lot to live so she’s not in a lot of danger really either.

The person most at risk is going to be Kylan AND the one they most need to succeed.

So it has to be Kylan’s decision.

But Kylan would be blind in the Pass, half or more submerged in deep, dark cave water. He was tired of tunnels and being underground. In fact, there was nothing he wanted to avoid more than another crawl through the dark, needing help from the others just to move or breathe.

Despite her new arachnid form, he couldn’t help but imagine Tavra as she once had been, touching his cheek in the same way and saying the same words. He had not been able to do anything to help his own clan, but maybe there was something that could be done for Amri’s. For once, there was something only he could do, and that was what he had wanted all along.

He committed the map to memory and packed the book.

“Then what are we waiting for? To the Tide Pass we go.”

Heck yeah, Kylan

#dark crystal #the dark crystal #Song of the Dark Crystal #liveblog #Kylan #Naia #Amri #Tavra #but she's a spider

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totallyjazzed · 4 years ago

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Analysing Copaganda (or "I watched seven seasons of Brooklyn 99 so you don't have to")

Introduction:

Several months ago my parents approached me asking if I wanted to watch Brooklyn 99, not knowing anything about it, my first instinct was to say no, but then I thought it would be interesting, to watch it and write a proper analysis for exactly what makes it propaganda and why it gives liberals brain worms. If you've spent any amount of time engaging with politics online for the last few years, you've likely already heard of Brooklyn 99. It's a sitcom written by Michael Schur, who previously wrote The Office (I'll get to that later), Parks & Recreation, and The Good Place. The show follows the lives of a squad of police detectives in Brooklyn and the wacky hijinks they get up to.

Brooklyn 99 has become famous, or arguably infamous, on Tumblr (and potentially other social media websites too) for being used as a "retort" to anti-cop sentiments (namely ACAB and any variation thereof), mainly taking the form of "the only good cop is Raymond Holt". In this essay (to use a funny Tumblr meme phrase) I will provide a brief overview of the show and the main characters, and analyse how the show, and each character individually, is pro-cop propaganda (copaganda).

The Show:

Brooklyn 99 is The Office, at least from what I understand about The Office. It’s a sitcom based in a workplace in which characters often pull pranks on each other and have wacky adventures pertaining to their job. The main thing that sets it apart from The Office is that the workplace in question is a police station, this makes it a cop show too. However, unlike more “classic” cop shows like CSI, Law & Order, The Wire, and so on, B99 doesn’t seek to glorify it’s characters as action heroes, but rather paint them as normal people living normal lives. This is far more insidious than the picture of the gnarled man of action who doesn’t play by the book, and by making the characters relatable the show gives viewers people to project onto, making them more vulnerable to the propaganda of the show.

Occasionally, in a break from the antics of Relatable Immature Prankster Archetype and Funny Overly Attached Best Friend Archetype, the show will attempt to say something about racism, or homophobia, or misogyny, or something like that, and while it usually feels well-meaning it often falls flat as it’s a watered-down safe-for-TV version of whatever the issue du jour is.

In S4E16 (“Moo Moo”), Terry is harassed by a racist cop while he doesn’t have his badge, and is almost arrested until he manages to prove his cop status, the rest of the episode revolves around how racism is bad and that one singular racist cop is a problem, in the end Terry submits a complaint to the NYPD higher-ups and gets his job application denied, and the racist cop gets away with a slap on the wrist. Throughout the show, Captain Holt tells stories about how he suffered from racism and homophobia, and still does. Transphobia is mentioned once (presumably for brownie points) in a throwaway line about Ace Ventura.

At the end of Season 4, Jake and Rosa are framed for a series of bank robberies and sent to prison, and the first two episodes of Season 5 work to show that prison is bad and prisoners are mistreated, they also make abundantly clear that everyone in prison is a menace and deserves to be there (Jake’s cellmate is a literal cannibal and he’s shown to be one of the nice inmates), once the duo are released from jail, there are a few lines here and there about how prison is bad, but they’re only throwaways used to serve as one-off jokes and never again used as an actual critique of the prison system.

Police Brutality is never mentioned, the closest it comes to bringing it up is in S1E19 (“Tactical Village”), where Rosa is introduced to a sonic-blast weapon and aims it as Charles, this is clearly supposed to be a very harmful piece of equipment, but it's only appearance is treated as a joke.

There are also recurring gags about Defense Lawyers being “the enemy” because they only defend guilty parties (the show heavily implies that none of the squad has ever arrested the wrong person), which meshes with the harmful stereotype in cop shows of only guilty people saying for a lawyer or a warrant or whatever, which has been documented before by others.

The Characters:

Jake Peralta (played by Andy Samberg) is the Relatable Immature Prankster Archetype I mentioned before, he’s the office funnyman and usually responsible for the majority of the goings-on and goings-wrong in the show, while he does mature and evolve through the show he never grows out of this character. He’s the closest the show gets to the “gnarled man of action who doesn’t play by the book” character I mentioned before, not because he is that character but because he wants to be, his favourite movie is Die Hard and it’s the reason he joined the police, so he could be like the cool bruce willis man. He’s also the most unlawful character on the show, in S1E7 (“48 Hours”), he arrests a man with no evidence and the squad is essentially locked down until evidence can be found, in the end it turns out the man is guilty. Jake is scolded for this, not for essentially breaking the law, but for wasting everyone’s time when they had much better things to do that night. Jake’s character is propaganda because he’s the zany relatable one with a heart of gold.

Amy Santiago (played by Melissa Fumero) is the overly-organised hyper-nerd archetype, in direct opposition to Jake. Her dream is to be the NYPD’s youngest female captain, and she’s very “I want to keep the people safe” in her approach to policing. In S3E3 (“Boyle’s Hunch”), she is used as the face of the NYPD’s poster campaign, only to have her image vandalised, which is painted by the show as being very bad and sad. Amy’s character is propaganda because she’s the uptight peacekeeper who sticks to the rules.

Charles Boyle (played by Joe Lo Truglio) is the Funny Overly Attached Best Friend Archetype I mentioned before, often depicted as bumbling and naive, he’s an incredibly competent detective, arguably more so than Jake. He’s usually polite and friendly, and has moments of childishness that compliment Jake’s character. Charles’ character is propaganda because he’s the nice guy who just wants what’s best for everyone.

Raymond Holt (played by Andre Braugher) is probably the character most people are aware of, he’s a somewhat stuck-up man who embodies a lot of the same characteristics as Amy, he’s highly-educated, incredibly smart and quick-witted, and emotionally restrained. Originally presented as an outsider, being the new guy to the pre-existing friendgroup, he learns to relax and let go over the course of the show, and acts almost as a father figure to the other characters, primarily Jake and Amy. Raymond’s character is propaganda because he’s a black gay cop.

Rosa Diaz (played by Stephanie Beatriz) is tough, aloof, and often scary in the eyes of the other characters, she is shown to have problems with engaging with people socially, particularly romantically, and while her exterior is rough as uncaring, she’s shown to be fiercely loyal and have some not-so-tough secrets. In Season 5 she comes out to the squad as Bisexual. Rosa’s character is propaganda because she’s the no-nonsense tough cop who secretly has a heart of gold.

Terry Jeffords (played by Terry Crews) is a kind and caring man with a firm-but-fair attitude, acting as Holt’s second-in-command he also acts as a father figure to the other characters, he has two (eventually three) children which he is often seen gushing about. He is the most mature of the group, on-par with Holt in some respects but sometimes more so, refusing to take part in hijinks to focus on his job. Terry’s character is propaganda because he’s the physically strong and imposing, yet kind cop who just wants to provide for his family.

Michael Hitchcock (played by Dirk Blocker) and Norm Scully (played by Joel McKinnon Miller) are an inseparable pair of bumbling, lazy, oafs. Scully is fat, lazy, and old, Hitchcock is lecherous, lazy, and old. They’re propaganda because they’re the lazy incompetent cop archetype.

There are plenty of minor recurring characters, as well as Gina Linetti, a main character who left after Season 6, however as she’s a liaison and not a cop I won’t be analysing her in detail.

There’s a lot more I could have mentioned here, from the dirty cop that sense Jake and Rosa to jail, or the police commissioner who wants to spy on everyone’s phones all at once, Holt even says the line “I don’t want to live in a Police State”, but I’ve left them out for the sake of brevity.

Conclusion:

Brooklyn 99 is copaganda to it’s very core, this much everyone already knows, but unlike serious cop dramas and high-stakes high-action cop shows, Brooklyn 99 offers viewers an escape to a world where the police are the force for good that people want them to be. The premise of “The Office but police” suckers people in with nostalgia for the late 2000s/early 2010s back when things were “good”. Given Michael Schur’s previous work I imagine he and the other writers didn’t explicitly set out to make copaganda, but it’s undeniable that this is what was achieved. And now with the political climate being what it is and the threat of a potential Season 8 addressing this year’s BLM protests, it’s now more important than ever to be able to identify and root out police propaganda, no matter how unassuming, no matter the source.

#long post

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wutroows · 4 years ago

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lonesome town (the clones x reader)

pairing: basically all of the clones x reader. hints of reader being romantically attracted to jesse and/or rex, but it isn’t huge or anything warnings: order 66 aftermath, order 66 in general, death, crying (a lot of crying) a/n: this isn’t really super romantic. it’s intended to put pain in your heart. i listened to this version of lonesome town by ricky nelson while writing this. it just reminds me of standing in front of each of their graves and remembering everything about each of the clones. hopefully you enjoy this. get some tissues, it’s a bumpy ride.

the gravity of the moon felt terrifying to you.

it did then, and it did now.

even there, in space, you could see the remnants of the venator-class star destroyer you’d been on when order 66 was executed. when every single one of the clones had the barrel of their guns pointed between your eyes. when jesse put a bullet in your shoulder.

you wanted to save them all, so badly. the way his helmet shook in his hands before falling onto the floor, the jaig eyes you found yourself so familiar with seeming so far away. rex had stared at you desperately that day as you stood next to ahsoka on the bridge. he had one gun pointed at you, and the other at the togruta. “find him! fives!” the terrified voice of the captain in front of you spoke volumes, and he finally gave in to his command.

you didn’t know what to do then, but you deflected as many blaster shots as you could, and as each clone fell to the floor you felt the tears in your eyes continue to build. they weren’t themselves anymore, you told yourself.

you remembered rex’s form being carried by three droids, R7, G-G and cheep, down the hallways of the venator. you held your lightsabers out, walking backwards at his feet. you didn’t want to hurt them, but they all wanted to hurt you. the doors to the medical bay opened, and you immediately put rex’s arm around your shoulders to bring him onto the table. ahsoka ordered for a scan of his mind, trying to find the inhibitor chip. after multiple failed scans, you resorted to the force.

your hands fell to his cheeks, and you mumbled under your breath, “i am one with the force and the force is with me,” and soon, you heard him speak with you. “you found it?” R7 beeps and ahsoka commands the droids to get it out of him as fast as possible, as by then, there were dozens of clones standing just a door away from you.

you remembered the sound of his guns firing from behind you, and you turned, dropping your lightsabers on the ground as G-G was finally able to get the door closed. “rex, are you okay?” ahsoka said, and he nodded. you finally let your tears escape from your eyes, and your arms wrapped around his shoulders in the tightest hug you could muster. he was okay, and he was alive, and that’s all that mattered to you.

you hadn’t seen rex or ahsoka since order 66 was declared. you could only hope they were both okay. if you knew ahsoka, she would always find a way out of anything. you were more worried for rex, who’d known no life other than the republic. the republic was his life. the discrimination you knew he’d face as soon as the news of order 66 went out made your heart heavy. he was just as much of a criminal as you were now. it would be a change from his role as captain.

you remembered the barrel of rex’s gun pointed at your back, as he led you in front of the army of clone troopers. as he spoke with jesse, you couldn’t help but let your eyes wander across each of their helmets. some adorned with the markings that covered ahsoka’s face, and others still that same old blue and white you loved. every single one of them. all of them you loved, they had their guns pointed straight at you, and it took all of your might to not just kneel in front of them and tell them all you loved them one last time. as if rex could tell what you were thinking, he looked down at you and shook his head.

you couldn’t help but wonder what you would be doing now if this hadn’t happened. you would probably be with jesse, who’d quickly become one of the most important people to you. you hated seeing them like this. you knew under their helmets, their eyebrows would be furrowed and their eyes would be filled with fiery determination as they were on a mission. this was just a mission to them. they’d give their lives for this. they were soldiers, through and through. you were proud, even as they stared you down through the helmets you’d found yourself so acquainted with.

as you found yourself safe, squished between rex and ahsoka, you saw the venator crash on the moon below you.

that was it.

they were all gone. just like that.

“i need to go down there.”

ahsoka and rex eyed each other, but agreed with you after a moment. they needed closure just as much as you did. you couldn’t imagine how much the situation had been hurting rex. they were his brothers, his best friends. his everything. shooting them, even it was set on stun, was painful. you could see the pain lingering in his eyes then.

as the y-wing hit the ground, you opened the cockpit’s hatch and hopped out, ahsoka and rex quickly following after you. you searched through the debris, and you saw each and every one of them. you took their helmets off of their heads, and pressed kisses to each of their foreheads. you didn’t care if they spent their last moments being deceived. they were loyal soldiers, and they were your friends. your family.

ahsoka, rex, and you, all gathered each of the clones and buried them accordingly. you marked their graves with their helmets, sticking their guns into the ground to hold them up. jesse’s helmet was front and center, and you held it in your hands as you sat on the ground.

and then, you finally lost it.

now, you stood the same place you did then. you maneuvered your way through the graves you’d set up, and said your goodbyes to all of them again, picking up their helmets and guns occasionally as they’d fallen over from the weather.

“well, boys.” you let yourself speak, finding yourself standing right in front of where jesse laid, forever. “i missed you.” your voice was rough, not having the need to speak for years, but now, you wanted to tell them everything. “all of you. so much. i’m so sorry for what happened to you.” you apologized to them again, though you’d done that so many times. “hey, jess.” you sat on the ground, ignoring the cold that had begun to seep through your pants. you looked up at his helmet that sat in front of you, and you swore you could feel his presence standing there. the symbol of the republic had started to fade, but you could still make it out, and the paint had started chipping, but it was still his.

“i hope you’re okay, wherever you are.” you told him as if he were there in front of you, and you reached upwards, taking the helmet off of his gun. you stared down at it and looked right into it, where his eyes would be. “you were so special to me, jess.” your hands caressed the helmet, and you pressed your forehead against it. it was freezing, but you didn’t care. it was the closest you could be to him since he passed away.

his life was short lived, all of theirs were. they were born and bred for combat, and that was it. many thought of them as expendable, but you never did. you had bonded with jedi master plo koon over that. you felt him die then. you found he was shot down by his own troops over cato neimoidia. you planned on visiting his grave later on. you knew there was barely anything left of the kel dor since his ship blew up, but it was the thought that counts. maybe he would talk to you through the force. you could only hope.

your eyes poured into jesse’s helmet, and you softly pressed your lips to it. you loved him dearly, he was so kind to you. he was funny, talented. most days, he was glued to your side. “i love you, jesse. i’ll always remember you for who you were, i promise.” you spoke to him, and your eyes filled with tears as you placed his helmet back on his gun. it felt as if you were back burying him all over again. their faces were so different but so similar in terms of expression as you took their helmets off that day.

“i just.. i wish i could’ve helped you.” you told them, looking across their helmets as you finally stood up. “i should’ve listened to fives.” you closed your eyes, remembering the talented arc trooper who’d solved the mystery of the inhibitor chips that were in their heads. he’d figured it all out, and no one listened. not even you.

fives had come to you in a last stitch attempt to get someone to believe him, and he cried. he broke down in your arms and told you everything, but you believed the kaminoans. you should’ve took the word over one of your own friends. you regretted that. you could’ve stopped everything if you believed him then.

you pulled yourself out of your thoughts, eyes settling back on jesse’s helmet. he was always a leader, you thought to yourself seeing his helmet in front of everyone else’s. you were incredibly proud of all of them. they all died as soldiers do.

“should i sing you all a song?” you asked them, knowing full well you’d never get a response from any of them. you didn’t have any instruments with you, but you still were able to sing to them as if they were all just taking a nap, but they weren’t. they’d never wake up.

you cleared your throat, “there’s a place where lovers go, to cry their troubles away.” you sang, your eyes glancing at every single helmet and admiring each of their differences. the clones always put so much effort into their helmets. you truly did love them so much. you continued, “and they call it lonesome town, where the broken hearts stay.” your heart did feel broken. it did then, and it did now. every single man in the ground below you gave their lives for something against their will. you could only wish they were standing here before you, saluting you one last time. you wished you could hug them one last time.

“you can buy a dream or two, to last you all through the years and the only price you pay is a heart full of tears.” as you continued to sing, you wandered through their graves, running the tips of your fingers across each of their helmets. you felt the crevices and dips in between the cracked paint, and you felt yourself start to tear up. they deserved so much better than what they got.

“goin' down to lonesome town, where the broken hearts stay,” you felt a change in the force as you sang, as if hundreds if not thousands of soldiers were watching you, listening to your lullaby as if you were singing them to sleep.

“goin' down to lonesome town, to cry my troubles away,” your voice broke, and your pace slowed, truly taking the time to remember each of the clones that laid in the graves under you. “in the town of broken dreams, the streets are paved with regret. maybe down in lonesome town, i can learn to forget.” you looped around, now back in the front. you made sure to look at each helmet as you sang, feeling their presence in the force.

“maybe down in lonesome town,” you stopped in front of jesse’s grave, taking his helmet off of his gun, falling onto your knees, right back where you started. you pressed your forehead back to his helmet, wishing he were there in front of you.

“i can learn to forget.”

your eyes opened, staring right into the empty eyes of the helmet you held onto tightly in your grasp. you could nearly hear the clones singing along with you, their voices muffled and distant, but there, “i miss you guys.” you told them, sensing their presence in the force. “i wish.. i could’ve done better for you. i promise, i’ll always remember you as what you were to me. loyal soldiers.. and my best friends.” you took another look at jesse’s helmet that laid in your hands, thinking about how each of these graves belonged to real living people. you never understood how some thought they were lesser than you. “i promise, i’ll keep your memory alive.” you told them firmly, and you swore you could feel the aura around you warm on the desolate cold moon.

“i know you’re all here.” you looked in a circle, wishing to see at least one of them again. “i hope you know what happened wasn’t your fault. i should’ve listened to fives.” you repeated your statement from earlier, guilt filling your heart as you thought of him. “always remember i love you. all of you.” you spoke softly.

“i love you all so much.”

you fell to your knees, not being able to hold your tears in anymore. the memory of them seemed too much, and knowing they died wanting to hurt you made everything more painful. your throat closed and you found it hard to breathe, violent sobs racking through your body. “i’m so.. so sorry.” you cried out, hands desperately gripping at your hair. “i wish you could come back to me. i wish i could lead you into battle again. i wish i could hug you again, listen to your stories again. i wish i could do so much. i took you all for granted, and i’m sorry.” your tears streamed down your cheeks and onto your pants, “i love you all, so much. please forgive me.”

“i forgive you, y/n.”

the voice of a clone was always remembered in your mind, half expecting it to be nothing, you didn’t move. you thought it was only your mind begging for a response, but when you felt a hand on your shoulder, you knew someone was really there. his hand was familiar, and you turned. looking upwards, you saw the unforgettable face of rex.

the blonde sat on his knees next to you, and he looked over at you. “you don’t have to keep blaming yourself.” he whispered out. “rex..” you mumbled, turning to look at him. “i’m sorry.” your arms wrapped around his neck, and his embrace was warm. it felt like all of his brothers were hugging you through him. “y/n.. i knew my brothers well. they forgive you, and i know they want you to forgive them.”

your tears seeped onto his shoulder, “there’s nothing i need to forgive them for.” you told him, and you felt his head fall on top of yours. “it’s not their fault. it wasn’t your fault either.” you felt rex nod, and you could just barely make out his voice. “understand that it wasn’t your fault either.”

“you couldn’t have prevented this, y/n.”

his statement hit you hard, and after a minute of sitting in silence in his arms, you pulled away from the hug. “i should’ve listened to him, though, rex.” he knew who you were talking about automatically, and he shook his head. “fives.. he..” he struggled to put his sentence together for a moment, “we should’ve listened to him.” he concluded, and his eyes finally met yours.

he looked so much like all of them, and you felt yourself start to cry again. “you.. you look like them.. like all of them.” their faces haunted you every day. never did you think you would see another clone, “but you’re so different.” you told him, and his hands found yours, squeezing them for reassurance. the tears in his own eyes didn’t go unnoticed to you, but you didn’t point them out to him. “i could’ve.. i could’ve saved them all.”

“no, y/n. not alone.”

he was right and deep down you knew it. if you were going to be able to stop order 66, there would be no war for weeks and the separatists would’ve taken over the entire galaxy. he was right. you wouldn’t be able to stop it at all, but looking back at their graves, you felt a heaviness in your heart.

“i liked your song.”

you let out a soft chuckle at his words, “thank you, rex.” the two of you went into a comfortable silence, sitting next to each other as you looked at their graves both of you remembered making. “i didn’t think i’d see you again.” you broke the silence, “yeah. i didn’t think i’d see you again either, but i’m glad i have. it’s.. nice.”

you nodded, and the silence came back. “i love you, rex.” you spoke after a few minutes, “i love you too, y/n.” you offered him a smile, and he returned it. “i’ll have to be going.. hopefully i’ll see you again.” he saluted you, and you let out a soft sob. “at ease, soldier.”

you helplessly pulled him back into your arms. rex was all you had, and here he was, leaving again. “be safe, please.” he nodded, lips finding the crown of your head. “goodbye, commander.” with that, he was turning walking away from you. you faced the graves of the clones in front of you, again. “i love you guys. i will always be with you.”

you turned, following in rex’s footsteps.

with one last look across their graves, you sang the last line of their lullaby.

“maybe down in lonesome town, i can learn to forget.”

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sunsetcurve · 5 years ago

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THE POST FINALE HENRY DANGER OPINIONS TAG:

thank you for the tag @chenryhart , @ginger--binger , and @henryhearts ! (i used eliza’s version because it had more questions lol)

Who was your overall favourite member of Team Danger and why? i will never be able to decide between charlotte and henry (it’s called being bisexual). i relate to charlotte a lot, and she’s a role model for me; she’s smart, she’s bold, she knows what she wants and i really love her for it. henry, on the other hand—there are moments when i’ve disliked him but i’ve watched him grow up, i’ve watched him be a hero for so long and i do still admire him a lot. he’s brave and loyal and he cares so much about people, like i’ll honestly just be soft for him forever.

Who was your favourite non-team danger character and why? gonna have to go with bose and mika (who count, right?) because they’re both so pure and enthusiastic and i can’t wait to see more of them

Who was your favourite villain and why? definitely twitler. i think he was the only villain that had actual motivation, and he was definitely the least cringey of all of them. he set up high stakes and challenged team danger a lot.

What were your top five favourite Henry Danger episodes of all time and why? ooh, good one. okay i think the finale is my all-time favorite. it just really was the culmination of the core of this show and there were so many amazing moments between all the characters. the actors and writers delivered so hard. second would have to be back to the danger because that episode was solid start to finish. i love the high-stakes episodes, and the time travel was a really cool aspect. third would probably be the three-parter, because again, i love the high stakes episodes, and that one really brought it. fourth would be broken armed and dangerous because it was completely hilarious. and fifth would probably have to be either double o danger, because i loved getting to see them all dressed up and undercover and joss moss was awesome, or i dream of danger because it was charlotte centric and also chenry. honorable mention to danger games entirely because of that scene where all four game shakers fall in love with henry at once.

What were your top five least favourite Henry Danger episodes of all time and why? not a fan of henry’s birthday because i can’t watch it without getting incredibly pissed; like it’s a well-made episode i just get really upset while watching it. i hated man of the house because the whole ray trying to get with henry’s mom made me suuuper uncomfortable. i did not like one henry three girls because the cheating plot was not it for me, or sick and wired for the same reason as henry’s birthday, and also because that was definitely the episode where dad!ray started to disappear. and captain mom because...nope.

What was your favourite running gag and why? oh god i have so many that i made a full post about this. the hmm thing was awesome, especially the fact that they acknowledged it. i also love the “piper has a license—established” joke

What was your favourite one-off throw away gag and why? gonna steal @henryhearts answer here and say the cat universe that respected charlotte; also bringing back the bro song from the musical that one time.

What episode, which character and which duo made you laugh the most? episode would definitely be broken armed and dangerous. laugh after laugh. the arm fashion show? the part where henry’s like “i’m plum-tuckered!”? the sign language interpreter? peak. character would be henry because i LOVE the way he reacts to stuff, like when he does his little *hand clasp* “there is something wrong with you” or like “dude, dude, dude, dude, dude—”. duo would probably be ray and henry because bose was right, their banter is hilarious.

What episode, which character and which duo made you the most emotional? episode would be the finale, and i feel like i don’t have to explain myself there. character would also be henry, like, the whole “i was thirteen!” thing and the fact that he’s given so much to this makes me want to cry sometimes. duo would be chenry because they’ve been together since the beginning and i have way too many feelings about them.

How would you rank each season from 1 to 5, one being the best and five being the worst? this is difficult, because i think season 5 is my favorite overall because of it had so many solid episodes and high stakes and good plots, but there were also sooo many things i didn’t like. still! i think it takes the top spot. after that would be season 2, just because it was really fun and fresh and in that stage where they’d started to figure things out as a show but weren’t getting cocky just yet. then probably season 3, then 1, then 4, because that season didn’t really have anything that stood out to me besides back to the danger.

Who was your favourite duo in the show (romantic or non-romantic)? chenry, but hensper and chasper were both very close seconds

What was your favourite Henry and Ray moment/episode? blimp scene and i don’t think it’s necessary for me to elaborate

What was your favourite Chenry moment/episode? toss up between the lion scene in idod and the time jerker because of “this is for you, char” and the hug at the end

What was your favourite Hensper moment/episode? when jasper found out oh my god. that was SO good. also love muffin and “as henry’s best friend...and soulmate”

What was your favourite Chensper moment/episode? oh god The Scene in the finale when henry is telling char to get out of there and she’s not leaving him and jasper has to carry her out and it just shows how much they all care for each other. and the fact that they all went to dystopia together!

If you could go back and change one element of the show, what would it be? RESPECT. CHARLOTTE. PERIOD. (i would change a lot of ray’s character as a whole, especially season 4/5 tbh)

If you could say one thing to each main character in the pilot, what would it be? i would tell the trio to stick together, appreciate each other, and don’t forget to be kids. i would tell ray not to bring a 13 year old kid who doesn’t have powers into this.

If you could say one thing to each main character in the finale, what would it be? i’m proud of you

Were you satisfied with the finale? What part was your favourite and what part was your least favourite? yes. i think overall there are always going to be things they could have handled better. but i’m happy with the way it ended. i think it’s fitting and wonderful and i felt good. favorite part would be the entire part in the finale with henry arguing with ray about who’s going to go down and later with char and jasper for them to leave. partially because i’m a glutton for angst, but also because the actors put so much into it and it was a real display of emotion and feels, and it showed henry’s selflessness and heroic nature so plainly. least favorite was the fact that char never got an apology from ray.

What would your ideal Henry danger spin off look like? dystopia!!!!!!!! the trio fighting crime in dystopia but it’s pg-13 and also they’re falling in love. also they sometimes come back to visit ray and mentor the danger force kids.

Where do you personally see the characters 10 years from now? What are they doing, who are they with, where are they in their lives - what do you think happened to them? Most importantly, are they happy? i think the trio is going to be living and fighting crime together for a while. char runs a charity on the side, jasper does photography, and henry is a botanist. but they’re first and foremost a team. piper runs a media company and ray and schwoz are being parents to the DF kids. they all still have thanksgivings together and yes, they’re all very happy.

What was your favourite part of the show and why did it initially draw you in? so i watched the thundermans right before this, and the whole reason i got into it was because i love anything superhero related but i wanted something lighthearted instead of my usual gritty dctv shows. i stayed for the humor and because the kids were cute, and yeah i did develop a crush on henry as the seasons went on. sue me.

What was your favourite part of the fandom and why did it initially draw you in? the people are so! freaking! supportive! i made some really amazing friends through this fandom, and everyone is sooo talented and kind and just unproblematic as hell. i love it.

Describe your overall emotions/feelings regarding the show being over and the show in general, looking back on it as a whole, with one quote from the show. the iconic “feels good”

If you were able to add one scene in the finale, what would you add? charlotte getting a goddamn apology and some recognition. also i would’ve liked to see the in-between of the blimp crash and the funeral, aka henry reuniting with ray, jasper, and char after they all thought he was dead

Favorite outfit/hair style? i LOVED the trio’s looks in the epilogue. char’s outfits every single episode? their looks in double o danger. piper and henry’s sister twister outfits were also very cute. for each character: i like char’s braids, henry with the curly hair he had in the finale, jasper in a crop top, ray’s bangs and blazer, and that one time schwoz was in a leotard and tutu.

Least favorite character? mine would be jake hart, and i feel like that’s another one of those things that doesn’t need an explanation

one twist: add one question at the end for the next person to answer! tag at least two people so this spreads around!

i’m tagging @bitchmilsky @cactus-con @rorythevambire @bijerbear @mychenrymadness and anyone else who wants to do it!

#henry danger #hd spoilers #hd tag game #hd

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7deadlycinderellas · 5 years ago

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The Maiden of the Sea 1/5

(Companion to ‘At the end they formed a true lovers knot’ and ‘in the bleak midwinter, but can be read alone)

Ao3 link

Three years. That’s how long she’s been gone from Westeros when Arya leads the crew of the Nymeria to dock in the Stormlands, bids their farewell, and begins to make her way up the road to Storm’s End.

She’d sold the Nymeria to an older man who wanted another in his merchant fleet. She bid him to take good care of her. The last day, Arya had stood on deck, the winter sun strong on her back and taken a deep breath, of the smell of seaweed and damp wood and ocean breezes, and said goodbye again.

Some of the crew stay with her, say they’ll see her along her way, see her to the end. Arya had picked her crew carefully and her heart swelled at the loyalty she’d gained.

Merope had been a cook in the Red Keep when King’s Landing had been burned, killing her husband and all three of her children. When Arya had met her, she’d been only looking for passage. Desperate to get anywhere without cinders and ashes. She could make a meal out of nearly anything they fished out of the seawaters, and Arya credits her with the crew’s high spirits for nearly the entire three years.

Two of her seamen, Daron and Tim have been unfailing loyal to her the whole trip. She hadn’t given them much thought when she’d brought them aboard, other than musing that they seemed close already. That changed a few moons into the voyage when she’d stumbled onto them below deck one night with their hands down each other’s breeches.

Arya still remembers the look of terror of Daron’s face as he stood there, with Tim fumbling with his laces. It angers her honestly, that they thought they had to be that frightened.

She had sighed and put a hand to her forehead in exasperation.

“I don’t much care what you do with each others cocks so long as you don’t do it when you’re supposed to be working. Hurry up, you have to relieve first watch. And you better spend your time actually watching!”

Sadly, this loyalty did not remedy the fact that the two of them were absolute complete knuckleheads. They had both looked at her with empty faces when she tried to talk about the politics she’d witnessed in King’s Landing, and she was as likely to catch them having a spitting contest on watch as carrying on .

When Arya had raised an eyebrow that they were going to accompany her, they had shrugged.

“You’ve been good to us captain,” Daron had said. He was of Dornish descent, his parents having immigrated to King’s Landing before dying of the grippe, and he had the dark hair and olive skin expected. “Better than most would have.”

“And,” Tim adds, sparing a glance to their clasped hands, “We’ve heard tales of Renly Baratheon for years. Seems like if people in the Stormlands find out about us, they might at least be aware that we exist already.”

Jas was her boatswain. He was older than her, maybe thirty with sand colored hair and light eyes. He had been on and off of boats since he was thirteen and knew them inside and out. He was quiet, incredibly. It was moons into the voyage when Arya finally managed to pry his story from him.

He’d been shy, quiet for most of his life, he admitted. Girls never paid him any nevermind, and he’d nearly become accepting of his life of loneliness, when he’d met Kem.

Kem had been the daughter of a fishmonger, with dark curls and a smile that lit up the room. Jas had told Arya that she could talk enough for the both of them. He had loved her in an instant, and to his shock, she loved him too. They had been married only a year, during which he hadn’t gone back to sea for more than a few days at a time, when Danaerys had burned King’s Landing. Jas had been onboard when it happened, and it had taken him weeks of hunting through the ruins and smoke trying to find someone, anyone, who might know. Who eventually confirmed his worst nightmares.

He would never go back to King’s Landing, he told Arya, but he didn’t much mind where he was otherwise.

He had reached out and ruffled her hair.

“Besides, I’d like to see you through to wherever you end up.”

And so, once the ship has been sold and the crew set on their ways, Arya gives them all their pay, their share of the bounty they’ve gathered in their explorations, and the groups split.

Storm’s End looms in the distance, even when they’re still quite a bit away. It rises out of the landscape, calling the eye to it. It’s been storming for several days and the ground is wet and hard to ride on, so it’s slow going.

Long enough for Arya to dwell on how they parted.

“I will come back,” Arya promises, unprompted. She’s tucked under one arm, sweat drying and chest heaving. It must be a half dozen times they’ve ended up like this since the Long Night, since she refused his proposal, and they haven’t talked about it. She wishes they would. She loves the fucking, but she misses the talking.

Gendry grabs one of her hands and kisses each knuckle.

“I don’t know when, but I will, I swear it. I’m not saying you have to wait for me, Gods knows I have no right to tell you what to do with your own life, but I won’t be gone forever.”

He doesn’t say a word, and for a rare moment she can’t read his gaze.

“How long until you set sail?”

“A few hours.”

He doesn’t say another word, just rolls over and settles between her legs. He reaches under one knee, pressing it against her chest as he enters her. He fucks her rough, fast, pressing down with nearly all his weight, but his eyes never leave hers. Arya mewls and grunts and cries out, scratching at his shoulders. If she marks him, he doesn’t seem to mind.

After, she dresses, and leaves for parts unknown.

On the remaining ride to the gate of the keep, Arya tries to find her words. The words she couldn’t find before for what she needed to find. How she needed to fill up all of the bits of herself that had been hard and empty for far too long.

And tries to keep away her other thoughts.

The thought that he took her words to heart, and decided to find himself a nice, proper lady to rule by his side. She tries to fight off the spite she feels for this unnamed, as-so-far non-existent woman.

The thought that maybe his silence was actually hiding resentment. That maybe three years later she wouldn’t even be welcomed as a friend. She would deserve it, she thinks.

Arya’s so lost in her thoughts that she barely notices when Jas nudges her and points out that they’ve reached the gate.

She even stumbles over her words when they call out. She can’t remember ever doing that before.

But the gates open, and they are led in, and the man says he will retrieve Lord Baratheon shortly.

Lord Baratheon. Arya feels her tongue roll around the words. Part of her still expects to see fat, old Robert to come through the door.

Instead, she comes face to face with the same pair of blue eyes that have haunted her dreams for the past three years.

His hair has grown longer, she’s happy for that. He looks better fed, has more color to him. He’s dressed in clothes that are plain, but clearly well made and well fitted. He looks like he fits.

And upon seeing Gendry Baratheon again, Arya feels herself grin. And despite the fears in the pit of her stomach, he reaches and clasps one of her hands with a warm smile in return.

“Lady Arya,” he says, with a sparkle in his eye that tells her he is inviting mocking, “Welcome to Storm’s End.”

And suddenly Arya feels like things might just end up alright.

Gendry calls for an early supper. It’s a simple one, roast venison with root vegetables and an apple pudding. The group still tucks in, despite Merope’s skill, most of the meals for the voyage have come from a barrel. The Round table is large enough that they have some semblance of peace, and they may rest and tell their tales.

“So you made it all the way to Essos?”

Arya brightens.

“There’s a steady current out from King’s Landing that will take you the long way. We stopped at Oldstown to give the maesters the map we made of it along the way.”

Gendry frowns for a moment,

“So you sailed all that way and saw nothing but sea?”

Arya shakes her head, and Tim and Daron take turns interjecting.

“There’s a bunch of islands in between that no one from Westeros even knew about.”

“We anchored on one with these huge spiky fruits-”

“They make great weapons by the way-”

“When you crack them open they taste like sweet cream.”

Arya cuts them both off with a look.

“One at a time.”

But the rest of their stories spill out of their lips, well past when the rest of the household have left the hall. They tell him of the swirl’n’sea where crossing could result in your ship getting caught and turned around right back the same way you came.

Arya is deeply pleased by the look in his eyes when she produces a lump of the strange purplish metal they’d been given a sample of when they had reached Essos. They had called it iridium.

One by one, Arya’s crew asks to be dismissed, and Gendry summons a servant to show them to the guest chambers.

And it’s in the middle of her story about an island they had found that had the most heart achingly beautiful view of a waterfall that Arya suddenly realizes they’re completely alone.

She realizes this mid-sentence, and feels her face suddenly flush red.

Gendry notices, and his smirk makes her equal parts warm and indignant.

“Shall I show to your room milady?” He asks her, slowly, with words that seem far too careful. How on earth can he be so calm right now? Arya feels like she might be on fire.

She stands, wiggles her eyebrows and reaches for his hand.

“Only if it’s close.”

Arya’s heart is thumping all the way. She squeezes Gendry’s hand, in hopes of keeping herself upright. This keep has far too many stairs.

But sooner than she realizes, they’re at a door. Gendry hastily unbolts it, and lets them in. Arya doesn’t even get a chance to look at what the Lord’s chambers here look like before her back is pressed into the door and Gendry’s lips are upon hers.

When he pulls back to look at her again, Arya forces herself to raise an eyebrow. Attempting to retain some dignity from the stupid grin she can feel on her face.

“Arya,” Gendry whispers, “You’re smiling. I can’t remember the last time I saw you smile.”

He moves his lips to her neck. He’s so busy sucking a love bite onto her pulse point she barely realizes he’s untying her breeches until he’s shoved them to the ground and his fingers are working against her.

He makes her come like that, standing straight against the door, his mouth kissing her throat and whispering about how badly he’d missed her.

As she comes down, she can see the bulge against his own breeches and the blatant need on his face, and she wonders how she could ever worried that he might not still want her .

She puts her hands on either side of his face and kisses him tenderly, before taking pity on him and pushing him back towards the bed.

Gendry’s already got his own breeches undone when he hits the featherbed, but Arya’s too eager so she pushes his hands out of the way and shoves his breeches down with one hand and palms his cock with the other while he rids himself of his woolen doublet. She pulls her own tunic off in such a haste she thinks she might have torn it, and notes that he’s so hard she wonders if he might actually explode before she gets him inside her.

She straddles his lap like the first time, but this time he’s sitting straight up. She presses her knees neatly about his waist and sinks down onto him, and in that moment, she feels for the first time in ages like she’s home.

Gendry rests his hands on either side of her arse and squeezes. Arya can tell by his face that he’s not going to last, so she slows. Rather than raising and lowering, she simply grinds herself against him, hips rocking under his fingers, and though she doesn’t quite make it to a second climax when he spills inside her, she still feels so warm and tender all over she can’t quite make herself mind.

They both collapse back against the linens, and Arya feels the same stupid grin sprout on her face.

Gendry rubs the tip of his nose against hers. His eyes are drifting shut, and he’s smiling a slow, lazy grin that makes her feel less self conscious about her own.

He nuzzles her face, gently wrapping his arms around her shoulders and pulling her back towards him.

“I’m glad you’re home,” he whispers to her, thumbs making a series of small circles along her collarbone.

“You’re- are you, what I mean-”

Will you ask again? Is what she wants to say, but even these years later she can’t find the words. The words that brought up the panic within her, after being laid out, vulnerable, in the home where she had not been since she was a child.

Gendry runs a line of kisses down her sternum, before resting his face there, and gazing up at her.

“Details. We can work all of that out later. “

Arya’s heart swells. It feels like it’s grown so much it fills up every bit of her down to her toes, and threatens to spill out.

She grabs a hand to pull Gendry over on top of her, and kisses him, slowly, hoping some of her emotions will make themselves clear to him. With a wandering hand, she realizes he’s hard again.

“Already?” she asks, quirking an eyebrow.

Gendry laughs.

“It’s been three years. I’m eager.”

She wiggles a bit and he enters her smoothly. She had tried not to think about it, but it does make her feel honored that he’s spent the last three years as celibate as she has.

He thrusts into her slowly, occasionally pushing his hips in a circular motion, making her squeal and groan, and rise quickly to the near peak she’d been before. His fingers sneak down and find her nub and rub it until she comes not once but twice around him.

When they’re collapsed against the bed again after, Arya feels completely boneless. It feels like an hour before she can even summon the energy to stand and find a rag by the washbasin to clean the mess from between her thighs.

“Oh!” Arya suddenly hears from behind her and it makes her jump, “I didn’t even- should I have-”

“It’s fine,” she tells Gendry, “I’ll go find the maester in the morning. And if it’s too late- well, it won’t be the worst thing ever.”

Arya feels a strange sense of calm. She feels like she should panic, but doesn’t. She never expected to take to this so easily. It’s with this peace that she lays and curls up on the bed.

The bed is less large and opulent than she had expected from one in the keep of a great house. When she tells Gendry this, he laughs.

“Wood ants got at the old one, no one had slept in it in so long. The steward was more upset than I was, he’d been in his position since my uncle ruled and he seemed to think it would make me think he was shirking his duties. I took the chance to replace it with something simple. Don’t want to be known as the upstart who got above himself.“

“That’s not who you are,” Arya insists, “And don’t let anyone tell you any different,” she rolls onto her side and nestles in his arms, “And don’t worry about me, you know I’m as happy on a pile of grain sacks as I am in a featherbed.”

She falls asleep like that, and stays quite comfortable the whole night.

Well, until she’s woken by Gendry kissing the back of her neck, his cock pressing against her arse and a whisper of “Wanna go again?”

Which, yes, they’ve got three whole years to make up for.

Arya’s woken in the morning by the sunlight coming through the windows, a crick in her shoulder, and a pleasant tenderness between her legs.

She rolls over to stretch out the crick and takes the time to take in the beauty that is Gendry, nude and unburdened. He's flat on his back, legs bent, cock rising from it's nest of curls and mouth hanging open.

It had made her sad at Winterfell, to discover that he didn’t sleep naked anymore. He had laughed at her, and told her it was too damn cold up north to do much of anything naked, and besides, he owned more than one set of clothes now.

One of the islands they Arya and her crew had visited on their journey had a waterfall that fed into a small lagoon. At twilight, the water caught the light just right and made a rainbow as the sun went down.

It was the second most beautiful thing Arya has ever seen, the winner being the man in front of her.

She decides to wake him by kissing his chin. He doesn’t quite have a beard, but the stubble on him is more than a few days worth. It’s a bit scratchy under her tongue, but she likes the feeling. By the time she’s turned her attention to his earlobes, the love bites she’d given his neck last night, and the little burn scars on his collarbone, he’s started moving underneath her, and gathers her up in his arms.

“Was a little worried I might wake up and you’d be gone,” Gendry murmurs in her ear, eyes still mostly shut with sleep.

Arya smiles ruefully, and kisses him, pinching his lower lip between her own and sucking a little.

“Never. Well, unless I have shit that needs doing. Which, I do, we both do, but it can wait.”

She pushes her hands against his chest, relishing feeling the smarting of dark hair across it.

“But it’s been three years, let me have at you a bit.”

She kisses him up and down his chest, down the smooth expanse of his stomach, sticking her tongue in his navel just to make him laugh. The sound Gendry makes when she reaches her destination and takes his hard cock in her mouth is one she will treasure the rest of her life.

Arya runs her lips along his length, sucking hard on the head, letting her tongue play with his foreskin. He’s got a hand buried in her hair, that pulls tight when she takes him as deep as she can and she reaches a steadying hand on his stomach before letting it out with a ‘pop’.

“No sudden movements ok?” she says, before sinking lower and gently sucking one of his balls into her mouth, and then other, soft brown hairs tickling her nose.

“You’re going to kill me Arya, I swear,” he tells her in a breathy, strained voice that makes her wet between the thighs.

She laughs around his cock, and the noises that drags from him are fucking incredible. She moves back to sucking on his shaft, feeling him the heat and weight of him between her lips, watching him get closer and closer to losing his mind.

She could stay here forever, she thinks. Warm and naked in the morning sun, loving on Gendry until they are both old and gray.

But alas, they are responsibilities to be had.

Jas leaves after another day, giving Arya a tight hug, telling her he’ll be finding work at the docks the next town over. Only the most foolhardy of sailors will risk the waters of Shipbreaker’s Bay in winter time, but plenty will get as close as they can.

Gendry shakes his hand before he goes.

“Thank you for being there for her,” he says, “She’s not the best at letting people do that.”

There are no guard positions open for Daron and Tim (a fact which makes Arya secretly grateful, for she’s not sure they could guard their own arses, much less a castle), but Gendry says the armory is in desperate need of a few extra men.

“Ignore noises from there,” she tells Gendry as they leave the armory behind, “It’s probably them bouncing swords off the suits of armor to try and play music.”

Arya doesn’t see Merope for a few days, and wonders if she’d left without saying goodbye until she bumps into her in the kitchen, having walked in and started working without a bye or a leave.

The former head cook had just shrugged, and told Arya she’d done a good job, so they let her stay.

The servants at Storm’s End listen to her and nod in her direction, but don’t call her anything other than “milady,” and Arya suddenly wonders if Gendry had told them about her before she’d arrived.

It’s an adjustment. Storm’s End isn’t much like Winterfell, where the buildings were all spread out and you had to walk to get between them. Nearly all of the keep here is contained in the single drum tower, and Arya hates to admit that after only a few days, she begins to feel a bit trapped.

She had loved the sea, loved the freedom to go wherever the wind took her. It was what she needed, to remember how to be Arya Stark.

And Arya Stark doesn’t want to leave the people she loves again, so she finds her space. She remembers Father years ago saying that the Godswood was where he liked to go to think, so she asks where the one here is.

It’s smaller than the one at Winterfell. Most of the trees are very young, having been replanted after Stannis had burned them. The heart tree, a weirwood cutting sent a year ago by Bran, had barely even begun to take root. But it’s quiet, and calm. The largest of the young trees is by a pool that’s closer to a pond, and it’s a fine place to sit.

Arya’s resting her head against the trunk, drifting off, when she hears footsteps.

“Can I join you?” Gendry asks, sitting beside her as she nods.

“I thought you had petitions?” she asks.

Gendry nods, “Davos offered to finish up for me since he’s leaving tomorrow. I told him he didn’t have to but he insists. I think he feels like he’s abandoning me, even though I told him I have you now and I’ve kept him from his own wife for long enough.”

Arya feels herself flush at the comparison. She doesn’t say much more before Gendry takes her face in his hands and kisses her.

As he unties the strings on her linen tunic and pulls it over her head, Gendry asks her, “I don’t know much about the old gods, doing this here isn’t blasphemy or something is it?”

“Fuck the old gods,” is Arya’s take, when Gendry flings her tunic aside, sheds his own, and begins to work on the ties of her breeches.

When she’s naked, he stops to imagine what he sees. It’s cool enough that her nipples are hard little pebbles. Most of her is quite pale, with jagged tan lines from the boat across her back and shoulders, along with the scars he’s traced with his hands and mouth.

When he finishes with her breeches, Gendry takes one of her knees in each hand, eyes intent on her cunt, soft brown curls surrounding her wet, pink folds, and fucking licks his lips.

He leans up to kiss her sweetly.

“You look like the girl from that song Tom O’Sevens used to sing, ‘The Maiden of the Tree’.”

Arya snorts, remembering. She used to think that song was talking about a girl like her ‘no featherbed for me’. Of course, it brushed over what being lost and dirty and hurt was really like. And a featherbed was quite nice if you were sharing it with the right person.

And then Gendry slides forward, and begins eating her cunt like a starving man, and she can’t think anymore.

After, sweaty and breathless, Arya squeaks out a “I guess I should thank whichever girl taught you that.”

She feels Gendry freeze and let out an “Erm…” and she raises an eyebrow.

He flops, and sits up beside her. His breeches are still on, but are untied from when he couldn’t help himself and had pulled out his cock and started stroking it even as he still had his tongue between her folds.

“Not a girl...Jon once told me that was how he won the heart of that wildling girl he loved, the one who died.”

Oh, as much as Arya really didn’t need the mental image of Jon doing that to anyone, it’s overshadowed by the sadness that they all have survived.

Gendry wraps an arm around her.

“The last time we were out in the woods like this was before we ran into the Brotherhood.”

Arya looks at him, wondering where this is going.

“After we left Harrenhal, it seemed like things might actually turn out for us all. I let myself drift off and imagine what I thought the world might let me have if it were kind. A little house, my own shop. The chance to distinguish my work, make something of myself. “

He reaches out and ruffles Arya’s hair, which has a stray stick stuck in it.

“And at some point, I realized that in all these fantasies, you were still there. It wasn’t like, well, this,” he says, gesturing at her nakedness, “That never even crossed my mind until years later when I wondered what you had grown up like...if you’d grown up at all…”

Arya snorts.

“I think that’s why I pushed back so hard when we met up with the Brotherhood. I realized what I imagined wasn’t possible at all. That even if my thoughts weren’t inappropriate, everyone would assume they were.”

Arya studies him. Gendry’s not a man of many words, and this may be the most of them she’s ever heard him string together.

“What are you trying to say?” she asks.

Gendry takes both of her hands in his.

“I know what I asked you before scared you. But that’s all I’ve ever wanted, was you with me, beside me. Just as you are.”

Arya feels a smile take over her face. She should have known better, he’d seen her at her worse. He’d never expect her to wear gowns, or hold her tongue, or remember her courtesies. It’s not like he was any good at any of that either.

“I still don’t want you to call me ‘My lady’,” she starts off, kissing one of his knuckles, “But I think I could handle other people calling me yours.”

As they kiss, quietly, Arya listens to the sounds of the quiet rain that’s begun to fall. It rains a lot here, and the sea swells, and the waves crash of the shore and the rocks, in their ageless battle against complacency. They should go inside soon, she thinks, but for now she’s content.

Maybe she’s not the maiden of the tree. Might be she’s a bit closer to the maiden of the sea.

#game of thrones #A Song of Ice and Fire #gendrya #fic

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sarah-wants-to-write · 4 years ago

Text

Searching My Dreams for a Lifetime; Chapter Two (Criminal Minds)

“Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.” -Abraham Lincoln

◊

“She did WHAT?” Rossi asked, surprise written all over his face.

“Wouldn’t have believed it if I didn’t see it myself,” Derek replied, folding his arms over his chest “just popped it right back in place like it was nothing.”

“Well it makes sense,” Reid declared, turning to see Shira talking to one of the detectives “people with EDS have problems keeping their joints in place all the time. Makes sense she’d know how to put them back where they need to be without medical help.”

“What was weirder was how much Hotch knew of her condition,” Emily added, voice quiet “rare enough that it doesn’t seem like something he’d need to know off-hand.”

“Maybe researching genetic conditions when Hayley was pregnant,” Rossi mused “and it stuck.”

“Well, no matter how you look at it, Hotch definitely gained her respect with showing he knew about it,” Derek said “starting to look more like you might be right, Rossi.”

Shira was tucked into her own corner of the conference room, where the team was set up to work. Sketching out the crime scene, with the sigils, and the distances, Shira couldn’t figure out what was going on. To the untrained eye, it seemed like a complex ritual layered with meaning. Yet to Shira, who had done her masters dissertation on ancient blood rituals with a focus on the Norse, she was just confused.

They didn’t mean anything. Not in context. Though the arrangement was definitely familiar.

Ehwaz, Othala, Ansuz, Gebo.

“Loyalty, home, communication, gift,” she muttered “nothing to do with…wait…”

She knew those positions anywhere. How hadn’t she seen it right away?

Getting up, she made her way to the white board, quickly mapping out the scene with the runes and positions.

“Make a connection there, doctor?” Rossi asked, watching her “what’s the meaning behind the symbols?”

“I still can’t figure out the one that’s directly ahead,” Shira replied “but the others I recognize. Looking at them by themselves, their meaning is totally unrelated, but together? It’s one of the interpretations of the runed Helm of Awe.”

“A Norse symbol that serves like a compass,” Reid added, looking at the board “not much is known about it.”

“In mythology, it’s also been known as a symbol of protection, for those who cause chaos,” Shira continued “in the Poetic Edda, the dragon Fafnir gave the Helm credit for his seemingly being invincible. 'The Helm of Awe I wore before the sons of men in defense of my treasure; amongst all, I alone was strong, I thought to myself, for I found no power a match for my own'.”

“So, he’s basing the staging off something that gives power to those who cause chaos,” Hotch mused “he’s declaring himself invincible to our efforts. Getting off on the torture and the lack of progress from the officials.”

“He likes watching the police squirm,” Shira muttered “hopefully you’ll find a pattern with the victims before the next abduction.”

“That’s something we needed to speak with you about,” Rossi declared, earning cautious attention from her “all the victims; they’re women in their early thirties, with dark brown hair and blue eyes.”

“You fit the victimology to the letter,” Hotch added “and with your involvement in the case, that makes you more of a prime target. Needless to say, if you’re leaving the station, it won’t be without one of us or a detective.”

“You’re telling me this like I didn’t make the connection already,” Shira told them, smiling to reassure, though the glint in her eyes was a bit cheeky “a woman sees six of her near-doppelgangers dead, she connects the dots.”

“This could also mean that you might be the intended target,” Hotch continued, watching her “if it comes to that, we’ll have to interview you, and ask you to step away from the case.”

“Then I best do as much as I can, shouldn’t I?” she countered “give you all the help I can. After all, he isn’t gonna wait. Though if my presence hasn’t been made public or obvious, then that might buy some time, or it might make him angry. Either way, he might slip up.”

Watching the two talk, Rossi was both impressed and amused. Shira didn’t seem at all fazed that she might be a target. More that it seemed like fuel for her work. With her knowledge of profiling, as well, she almost sounded just like Hotch when she was talking. A quiet authority that had people listening whenever she spoke.

“I’ll bet you’re a favorite among students,” Rossi declared, earning a pleasantly surprised smile from Shira “direct and personable. How quick do your classes fill up?”

“Don’t even make it to the end of the first day of enrollment,” she replied, straightening up in pride “most students love having a younger teacher, and I like to think that I’m quite good at what I do.”

Rossi smiled at that, catching a quick glance at Hotch as Shira spoke. The slight smile on the younger agent’s face was a surprise, gone just as quick as it was seen, but Rossi was certain he saw it.

Already Rossi knew one thing for sure, about those two; Hotch was doomed, in the best way.

It was late, and the team was taking a break for dinner before calling it a night. Still at the police station, in case a call came in, Chinese food and small talk were the order of the night, as a reprieve from the work throughout the day.

Most of the talk was directed at Shira, the team wanting to get to know their consultant better.

“One of the youngest professors at the University, huh?” Morgan huffed, smirking a bit “starting to give pretty-boy here a run for his money.”

“Ah, I couldn’t measure up to the famous Doctor Reid,” Shira laughed “not many people who could! I was lucky to be granted one PHD.”

“Those committees are vicious,” Reid agreed, laughing “makes staring down an unsub look like nothing, sometimes. Takes guts to stand in front of people and have them question everything about your work. Give yourself credit, Doctor Amell.”

Shira laughed at that, dipping her head a bit in thanks at the compliment.

“And how about your personal life?” Emily asked “any pets?”

“One, a dog, though I definitely want more,” Shira replied “his name’s Michael. He’s a retired MWD.”

“Adopted a military working dog?” Rossi mused “good on you. They’re loyal and incredibly smart. Malinois?”

“German Shepard,” she answered “poor thing’s still skittish sometimes, but it makes sense. Most loyal man in my life, being the only one.”

“No soul mate yet?” Morgan wondered, noticing Hotch starting to watch her more closely “someone as smart and pretty as you should have found him by now.”

“Been busy,” Shira replied “master’s thesis, doctoral dissertation, books, teaching, and guest lectures. I noticeably value and show my intelligence. Most men are intimidated by that, and even if they aren’t…”

She trailed off for a moment, sitting up and rolling her shoulder a bit, before it audibly popped. Her smile was sad as she looked to Morgan.

“Even if they aren’t,” she continued “who would want to be saddled with all this?”

She gestured to herself, her joints, and shrugged. Looking down as she continued eating, she missed the surprise on most everyone’s face, including Hotch.

How much had she been through?

It was early morning, and the team was preparing to leave the hotel and go back to the station. Wanting to get in some quiet time to eat and think, Hotch made his way down to the dining room for some breakfast. Not many people were there, and he knew it wouldn’t be that way for long. Going to the coffee pots and water kettles, Hotch poured himself a mug, as someone came up beside him. Glancing over, he saw the person was in a sling, and was forced to do a double-take when he realized who it was.

“Doctor Amell?” Hotch felt his eyebrows go into his hairline, seeing her turn to him with a confused look “your arm?”

“It’s my shoulder, actually,” she replied, smiling sheepishly “won’t stay in easily, and it hurts. Afraid I won’t be doing any hiking today.”

“Hopefully it won’t come to that,” he mused “I imagine it must hurt quite a bit.”

“Nothing more than I’m used to,” she promised, reaching with her left hand for a mug “though it sucks that it’s my right, being right-handed and all.”

Hotch watched as she grabbed the mug, reaching for a hot kettle as she picked out a tea bag. When she had the package open, and bag in the mug, he went and filled her mug for her.

“Oh, thank you,” Shira declared, smiling, as he finished “my arm definitely couldn’t support that for long.”

“Least I can do,” he replied “we should eat while we can, before the rest of the team wakes up.”

The way he said ‘rest of the team’ was something she definitely noticed, yet she didn't get her hopes up. Clearly, he was referring to his relationship with the team, and not her.

“Are you always up before the rest of them?” She asked “burden of leadership, I imagine, getting ahead of everyone so you can stay on top of your game.”

“Doesn't help that I don't sleep much,” Hotch replied, taking her mug as they went to a table “hard to sleep in new places.”

“Yet you're used to it, from how you're handling this,” she mused, smiling “not all professional experience, I think. Kids?”

“Pity you weren't able to join the Bureau,” he declared, amused “just one. My son, Jack.”

“You fight for justice and come home to your son,” Shira grinned, sitting and taking her mug with a grateful nod “a family man. Regular Captain America.”

“Just a man raising his son on his own, trying to make the world safer for him,” Hotch countered, sitting across from her “hardly have time for much superhero work.”

“Says the one who's basically a superhero,” she teased, smile widening as she saw him smile “your son has a wonderful role model to look up to, with you.”

“Thank you,” he replied, dipping his head slightly “it’s been tough, especially after his mother passed, but we have a good support network.”

“I’m sorry to hear she’s gone,” Shira declared, eyebrows knitting together as her heart went out to him “was she your…”

“No,” Hotch shook his head “but we both didn’t think our marks were the be all, end all. Love is love and can last a lifetime no matter what, or so we thought.”

“Nothing wrong with that,” she reassured him “I’m sure she’d be happy, when you do find the one.”

The silence wasn’t as tense as Shira expected, and she was surprised when Hotch straightened up and looked her in the eye.

“Doctor Amell,” he started “I wanted to apologize for my behavior back at Quantico, and on the plane. You’re here to help us, and I was disrespectful.”

“Believe it or not, I figured it might have been out of character for you,” she replied, smiling to try and comfort him “though I had chalked it up to how bad this case is. Besides, you came around eventually. In my mind, there’s nothing to forgive, but I know it helps to hear it, so I’ll say it; I forgive you, Agent Hotchner.”

Shira watched as his eyes softened, and a small smile came back to his face. A soft, vulnerable, almost happy glance that showed more than she was sure any of the team saw on a normal basis.

“And please,” she continued, smiling as a twinkle came to her eye “you can call me Shira. If you want to, that is.”

“And you can call me Hotch,” he replied, giving the smallest chuckle “the rest of the team does.”

“The way you keep saying that,” Shira mused, slightly hesitant “it’s a bit strange…”

“Because you feel like you’re not part of the team,” Hotch mused “that I’m just referring to their connection to me, but it’s entirely the opposite. It’s temporary and new, but you’re doing just as much work to solve this as we are. We brought you in. You’re just as much a part of the team.”

The way her heart fluttered made Shira blush, and she smiled for him.

“That’s sweet of you to say,” she replied “thank you, Hotch. We should probably eat something, before we head into the station. Don’t know about you, but a muffin of any kind sounds great.”

Hotch smiled, turning to look at the tray that he could see she’d been eyeing. Going over and grabbing two, he brought them back to their table. Shira smiled wider when she saw the flavor that he brought for her.

“Blueberry?” she asked, immediately taking the top off so she could enjoy it last.

“Fruit tends to go better with black tea, in my opinion,” he answered, watching her closely “balances it out.”

“Only someone who enjoys tea could come to that conclusion,” Shira laughed between bites, grinning “blueberry’s one of my favorites.”

When he came down for breakfast, Rossi was distracted by thinking on the case. Yet when he heard familiar voices engaged in conversation, he was jolted to clarity. Looking around, he saw Hotch and Shira tucked into a corner, deep in conversation. The smile on Hotch’s face brought one to Rossi’s, seeing the way that the two were relaxed around each other.

“Is that Hotch…smiling? And eating?”

Rossi turned to see Morgan and Reid behind him, both looking equally shocked.

“This whole case just got more interesting,” Rossi chuckled “but we’ve got work to focus on.”

As the rest of the team came down, and everyone was able to eat something, they were getting ready to head in before Hotch got a call. Watching as he took it, expression falling, they knew it was bad news.

“Unsub’s taken another woman,” he told them “let’s get going. We have work to do.”

◊

“A heart worth loving is one you understand, even in silence.” – Shannon L. Alder

∞

#criminal minds #criminal minds fanfiction #soul mark au #aaron hotchner fanfic #hotch fanfiction #searching my dreams for a lifetime

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