#v. then we fight together [divergent]

[stellarstolen]

-- tag drop.

[ghostieblr]

ok so i kind of want a canon divergent fic where Stiles & Derek know each other from their childhood (Derek is like 3-4 years older than him and used to pick up Cora from the same daycare maybe?)

the plot doesn't change till s3's finale, minus some of the character's deaths. Boyd, Erica, Allison — they all live. except, see, except stiles knows derek.

and derek knows stiles.

so post nogitsune arc where everyone can finally breathe, there is no other danger that is incoming, stiles pesters derek to call a "pack night" and derek begrudgingly texts so in the group named "awooo plus others." everyone's first thought is that derek has been possessed, or something, but then stiles records a video of derek saying it too and sends it via derek's phone. nobody questions who took the video, and they all come together for the pack night.

on the day of, everyone trickles in slowly, except stiles who was literally the first to arrive. he had derek go with him to buy snacks and groceries, and then they both come back to the loft to make food for everyone else. they have a mini food fight, and stiles' white shirt is littered with all sorts of condiments and food, so derek lends him one of his henley's.

"Dude, doesn't this hurt your werewolf sensibility?" Stiles asks, the henley in his hands. Derek rolls his eyes.

"Shut up, Stiles."

(he'll not admit it for a long while, but derek loves stiles' scent clinging to his own).

and then once everyone is there, derek and stiles realize simultaneously that there's not enough room for everyone to sit around, even if some people sit down on the floor. there's only one big couch, one armchair, and the rest is carpet around the sitting area, which isn't too big. which means that lydia, allison, scott, and jackson have taken the couch; peter has taken the armchair; isaac, boyd, erica, kira, and cora have taken the space on the floor in a way that there is literally only one person's space left, and that too is a squeeze. it's clear that scott was gonna ask stiles to squeeze on the couch with them, and that the floor space, beside cora, is meant for derek.

what happens is derek picks up the tv remote and stiles hands everyone their snacks and puts the rest on the coffee table, and then derek sits down on the floor, and stiles, without a single thought and without a single glance at scott, who is trying to motion for stiles to come sit on the couch, sits in the v of derek's legs. derek, of course, puts his arm around stiles' waist and pulls him closer, so that stiles is sitting on his lap, and they have one (1) bowl of popcorn between them that is half salt, half tomato. derek gives the remote to stiles and takes the bowl.

stiles is muttering about choosing a film. he insists, "since i called this pack meeting, i'll choose the film," to which erica says:

"batman, you called the meeting?"

derek scoffs when stiles puts on star wars. neither of them is paying any attention to the others, and cora and peter are enjoying the not-so-silent freak out from the others.

derek says, "not again, stiles."

"inflection, derbear, inflection! it is the soul—"

"—soul of language. yes, i know, stiles. but i fight—"

"—against the periods and commas because it's entertaining to see you squirm. i mean me. it's funny to you to see me squirm, you asshole!"

derek just smirks, and snatches the remote to fast-forward the beginning credits, to which stiles sings holy murder and snatches it back and rewinds to the beginning.

"great, now we have to watch it again. why do you never learn, derek?" cora gripes, and peter is just watching in amazement as lydia's eyes go big with the new information. she's getting it.

the movie starts, but nobody but derek and stiles are actually watching it. cora is sort of into it, but she's not into rewatching, so she's on her phone. peter is into watching and betting who will break first. the others are entirely focused on how derek and stiles are interacting, like stiles isn't fucking afraid of derek (at this point derek is still the angry, will break your hand in training if you piss me off alpha; at least to them), and that derek isn't fucking annoyed by stiles.

stiles and derek are just. chilling. throughout the movie, stiles settles into derek, and derek wraps his arms around stiles, and they're cuddling.

derek feeds stiles once every five minutes, because stiles just turns his head and says softly, "der." after the first 2 times, stiles doesn't even have to turn. once their popcorn is over, stiles reaches over and takes the hot dogs — nobody says anything about him taking four of it (one by one, not all at once) because duh — and eats one bite, then leans back to feed it to derek, and then just stays there while alternating the bites.

stiles is super engrossed in watching so he's 1000% oblivious to his surroundings, but derek isn't, and he's just fucking proud of providing for stiles and having him in his arms, showing stiles off as his.

he just doesn't give a shit to answer the other's questions.

so just. yeah. this. where derek and stiles are childhood friends, true mates, and nobody knows how close they are until they do, and they're like "wtf???" while derek is just super duper possessive and proud and stiles is oblivious until comments from the pack members makes him rethink things and he like stops doing the things he normal does with derek (scenting, cuddling, touching derek every chance he gets, spending all of his free time with derek... yeah). day 1 has stiles antsy. day 2 has derek angry at his pack because of course they're behind his stiles-starvation. day 3 has stiles having an epiphany and derek whining outside stiles' window until stiles lets him in and says, "how long have i been stupid?"

"this is the 3rd day."

"not — no. i mean like... how long have we been dating without dating?"

derek's eyes widen. heartbeat is going crazy. "you don't mind?"

"you have literally been treating out interactions as if we are mated, dude. i don't think that question has any merit now."

"don't call me dude."

"can i call you mine, then?"

and he goes to kiss derek when derek just smiles, this bashful little small smile, but derek backs off.

stiles sighs. "we are engaged to be mated, huh?"

"engaged to be engaged to be mated, actually."

"you mean to say you've basically pre-ordered me?!"

derek is horrified. "no! what the hell, stiles?"

"NOW you use inflection? wow."

they go back to cuddling like crazy, except now derek kisses stiles on the head, forehead, and knuckles, and stiles combusts every time because that is so sweet.

the pack never do get over this development. they get over stiles having magic in a week, tops, but derek and stiles? as alpha and future alpha mate? yeah no. impossible. still unbelievable. every pack night they watch these two instead of the movies, because it is one of the few times derek actually lets his guard down and acts non-asshole-ish to them.

[typingcorgi]

unexpected (part i of a two-part series)

rating: e (minors, please shoo. you will be blocked) word count: 1.7k+ pairing: joel miller x f!reader warnings: pre-outbreak timeline, canon divergent timeline, hint of vague age difference (if he's 36 I'm thinking like the reader is 5-10 years younger but honestly insert whatever age you want), tipsy sex, fingering, creampie, protected p in v sex (yay for responsible joel), praise kink makes brain go brrr, porn with plot, quasi-public sex, soft-ish!joel, no use of y/n story summary: a one-night stand with a handsome stranger doesn't go as planned. chapter summary: you and joel meet at a bar and fuck in the bathroom. author's notes: no apocalypse, yay! this is part one of a multi-part series. excited to get this new ball rolling. this is just going to be a fun romp away from the mushroom zombies, okay? have fun getting yours ;) and as always, please feel free to reblog or leave a comment! your feedback is so very appreciated.

“I don’t normally do this.”

You admit it through a panting breath, during the one rare moments in which this perfect stranger isn’t capturing your lips against his. In a languid motion, he turns the lock of the door behind your head, ensuring your stolen moment won’t be sorely interrupted.

You’re not so drunk that you don’t remember his name: Joel. Of course, he hadn’t shared his daughter’s name, but just hearing that he had one to take care of at home—and she seemed reasonably responsible, attesting to her father’s clear grip on parenthood—caused something to stir beneath your navel.

“That makes two of us,” he rumbles against the shell of your ear. His fingers press against the flesh of your hips, and he adjusts his stance so that one of his feet stands between either of yours. He hitches up his knee against the locked door, encouraging you to ride it if you want to.

And holy fuck, you want to.

You’d met the guy at the bar a couple of hours ago. He’d been moving past you and nearly spilled your drink right out of your hand. He apologized profusely and chalked it up to not having been thrown into Austin nightlife in a while, but then he also mentioned he got nervous around pretty women, and you were sort of a goner.

You didn’t want to show your hand so readily, though. “Uh-huh,” you nodded, arching a brow. “How many girls have you tried that line on tonight?”

“None,” he shouted over the thrumming guitar of some country band playing over the bar speakers. “Just you. I’ve been out of the game for so long, I figured I’d try my luck. How’d I do?”

He was grinning, the smile beneath an unkept and patchy beard wide and almost cheeky, meeting the edges of his tired eyes. You couldn’t fight him on his charm, but you’d challenge him on being a good conversationalist.

He bought you your next drink. He told you his name: Joel, and that damn knucklehead over there that I came with is named Tommy. Joel explained his situation: his brother tricked him into enjoying a rare guys’ night out. He worked like a dog all damn week, and the week before that, and the one before that, too. And even though his preferred Saturday nights comprised of passing out to late-night Simpsons reruns, his daughter had been babysitting a neighbor’s kid before heading off to a sleepover with her friends. It seemed as though a night out had fallen into his lap, and he wouldn’t have heard the end of it from Tommy had he passed on such a perfect opportunity.

You people watch together, guessing what conversations were shared between the obvious first-daters or commiserating coworkers. You’d started out the night as one of them: two of your friends from work joined you for dinner and drinks, but once they’d realized your attention was occupied elsewhere, they gracefully whispered their goodbyes into your ear as they headed out for the evening.

“Who’re they?” Joel asked over the edge of his Corona bottle.

“My colleagues,” you said. “Friends. We got dinner next door earlier tonight at that little Italian place.”

Joel hummed as he took a swig of his beer. “Yeah, and what is it the three of you do? You supermodels or somethin’?”

You tried not to giggle at the obvious line. “No, we’re teachers. I teach English. High school.”

Joel gave an appreciative whistle. “God bless you,” he commented, shaking his head. “Never had the patience for kids to deal with them in mass numbers. Thank god mine is a good one, otherwise, I’d be in real trouble.”

It wasn’t one singular moment that called on you to beckon Joel into the single ladies' bathroom at twelve-thirty in the morning, but instead a compilation of smaller ones. It was the way he caught eye contact with you once or twice when he thought you weren’t looking. It was the way his flirting caught you off guard, because he didn’t strike you as a player, a serial dater, but fuck, he was good at keeping your attention. It was the way he continued to ask you about your career, and if you liked it, and what you liked about it. It was the way he asked you what you did for fun, and if you ever got your thrill from kissing older guys in crowded bars. It was the way he kissed you when you said you didn’t.

“Come with me,” you cooed into his ear, tugging the shirt collar of his plaid button-down. He was helpless.

And now you’re here, beneath the dim lighting of this bar’s bathroom. Joel’s tongue sweeps against yours as you ride his thigh. You revel in the friction of your panties against your clit, the path of his free hand, sliding up the hem of your dress before kneading the meat of your ass. He moans against your lips, removing them from yours if only to catch his breath and praise you for being such a goddamn good girl.

He calls you that and you nearly melt. He calls you that and you wonder where in the hell he learned game like that, if what he says is true; he’s been out of the game for quite some time.

“Fuckin’ perfect,” he drawls. The hand massaging your ass now slides toward your front, slipping beneath your underwear. Two thick fingers tease your entrance, and while you’d normally feel a little pathetic for getting so wet for a perfect stranger so damn fast, Joel doesn’t seem to mind at all. He groans as he slips one finger in, curling and releasing it against your walls while your hips begin to buck in time with his motions.

Joel chuckles darkly at your obvious enthusiasm. “That’s right. You like that? You like ridin’ my hand underneath this pretty dress?”

You groan a yes as slips a second finger into you, and you’re damn near ready to come, but as you feel your upward crest begin to settle beneath your skin, Joel retreats.

“Wh—what are you doing?” You ask, chasing his kiss while your hand finds his wrist. “No, you need to keep going, keep go—”

“Greedy,” Joel hums, the smile on his face one of unbridled satisfaction. “Yeah, I will, but unfortunately for us, we don’t exactly have the luxury of time.”

You notice him palm the back pocket of his raw denim, pulling out a worn leather wallet. And from there, you want to laugh at him for still being the sort of man that carries condoms around in his wallet, as if sex could happen at any of life’s junctures, but instead, you silently thank god that he has one, because you don’t, and holy fucking shit, you need him to fill you up right now.

The drinks you’ve had in his presence give you an unusual sort of confidence. You normally wouldn’t be the type of woman to ask a guy to fuck you in a public bathroom, nor are you the type to get your fingers on his belt buckle and help him slide his jeans down his legs. You aren’t the type to hold onto the edge of the bathroom sink while the guy at the bar fucks you from behind, filling you up to near pain, causing tears to form along the corners of your eyes.

“Holy—holy shit, Joel,” you pant. “You’re s—so, so fucking—”

“Take it,” Joel grunts, his pace punishing, sweat forming along his furrowed brow. “I wanna see the way you look when you’re freshly fucked.”

You gasp, careful not to give away your delicate position to anyone who might be waiting outside the locked door (although the music is so damn loud, you’re fairly confident they’d be none the wiser).

He collects your hair in a gentle fist, planting a kiss against the hot skin of your neck. Your fingertips are bone-white from their grip on the edge of the sink, and Joel continues to fuck into you, steady and sure with every thrust that he makes to the hilt.

Your vision damn near blurs when your walls clench. It’s enough of a signal for Joel to move a little faster, bring you to your climax sooner because he can’t get enough of your body, and he can’t fathom you leaving this little space without you singing his name.

“J—Joel,” you stammer. “I’m gonna—”

“Me too,” he interrupts you, and you know it through the nearly pained tone that falls from his lips. His fingers on your hips draw tight, pressing each digit into your flesh as he groans into the back of your shoulder, meeting his own edge.

And then, in the midst of the comedown, in between his heavy breaths beneath his broad chest, Joel retreats from his goddamn spectacular space inside of you. Joel retreats, and turns you around, and kisses you.

“Fuck, that was hot,” he admits, clammy forehead pressed along yours. “I don’t—I don’t mean to presume or anythin’ like that, but—could I see you again? Another night?”

You’re shocked.

You’re fucking shocked.

This had all of the makings of a one-night stand: two strangers drunkenly crossing paths on a busy Saturday night, they meet, they flirt, they fuck, they go home. Why the hell would Joel want to see you again? Sex, obviously. Sure. But couldn’t he do this again with another nameless woman, another pretty face he meets in a different bar on Main Street?

Your surprise must be evident because Joel quickly backpedals. “Forget it,” he says, suddenly sheepish. “Was a risk, I know. This was probably just a one-off for you, too, I get it. I just—”

You’d interrupt him with words, but kissing him is so much hotter.

“You’re thinking too much,” you whisper with a sincere smile. It’s only then you give yourself a minute to straighten yourself up, pulling your panties back over your hipbones and turning to unzip the tote bag you’d discarded onto the tile floor earlier.

Of course you come prepared. Of course you have a pen. You grab a paper towel from the stack resting at the edge of the counter, scribbling your phone number in crisp purple ink.

“Call me the next time you’re looking for a night out,” you say, offering up the napkin to him. And holy fucking shit, you feel so fucking cool, because this doesn’t happen in real life. Women like you don’t meet hot strangers in dimly lit bars and let them fuck you in the bathroom.

Except, now you do. Joel’s smile is awkward and shy when you kiss him on the cheek right before you leave.

[bostrichidae]

screaming without the v.

so. guess who just watched my adventures with superman season 2.

AUUUUUUGUAUGHHGH (/POS????? I THINK??????)

SPOILERS BELOW CUT

i love kara. i love the way her character was handled, i love her realistic mix of naivety and maturity beyond her years. i'll talk a bit more about her later.

the representation of krypton is beautiful. from kara's point of view, she sees the kryptonian empire as this utopian place where all was well in the world, but clark knows better. he's seen the truth of krypton from a mostly unbiased perspective, and could probably make the connections between krypton and similar empires on earth. he understands that the beauty of a so-called perfect world comes at a devastating price. of course kara didn't know about the destroyed planets due to her brainwashing, but even after she found out she denied it because krypton is perfect, because why would the planets have to get destroyed in the first place? why wouldn't they want to become part of this perfect world?

and clark. aurgh, clark. i stand by my belief that this is the best characterization of superman. his fear of hurting others, his fear of being a weapon, his constant fighting to protect the world from devastation and to unite all peoples within our nation even if the powers of that world reject him for existing. and when he became his worst fear, when his body became a weapon turned against earth, he still fought. he fought to protect his family, his friends, his home. he fought against himself, his origins, and everything he was supposed to be. by breaking free of brainiac's control, both kara and clark claimed their own identities. they separated themselves from their predecessors and ancestors, allowing the kryptonian empire to truly fall without the pillars of the next generation holding it up. i have so many fucking thoughts about the generational trauma of krypton but i won't get into that right now.

now back to kara and her relationship with brainiac. she was a sheltered, manipulated child, and her situation absolutely reeks of stockholm syndrome. she's aware that brainiac isn't her biological father, but he raised her. he saved her from that escape pod, she taught him to be strong. every time he called her weak, beat her, scolded her over small mistakes, he was only helping her get stronger! her father was never wrong, when he called her weak it's because it was true and he wanted to help her be a warrior!

right?

clark is an outside influence, a foreign entity, an unpredictable variable getting in the way of their relationship and helping her to open her eyes. but after everything, after brainiac is revealed to be the kryptonians' murderer, she still despairs when he dies. she feels sorrow for the man who nearly killed her cousin, who wiped out her people, who brainwashed her into acts of genocide. who raised her, who cherished her as a daughter, who shaped her into the warrior she is today. i think it will be fascinating to see how she copes with brainiac's death and her different environment in season 3, especially because we saw she kept part of her father abuser with her. she's a wonderful character they could never make me hate you kara from my adventures with superman. i think rät by penelope scott really works well for her and her life with brainiac, give it a listen if you haven't before.

other stuff i really liked about this season:

lois and sam, how their past together is revealed as their future together constantly shifts trajectories. two lanes diverged, amiright fellas... hahah... yeah. i love how lois still carries her father's lessons with her, even after everything he did. how yes, he was a shitty father, but he truly did care about keeping her safe. that he's a flawed character with problems of his own- and she acknowledges that, and recognizes why he does what he does. but still doesn't forgive him. this show is SO FUCKING GOOD at complicated relationships i swear

livewire and heatwave power couple? fuck yeah. monsieur mallah and the brain returning? hell yes. STEEL??? HELL FUCKING YES.

silas stone cameo and somewhat important role in the first half of the season, hopefully we'll see more of him soon... (hopefully we see victor. im a little bit not normal about victor stone. in a non simp way.)

kara and james is so cute... love me some healthy straight ships in my silly show about a himbo and his emotional support goblins. clois and jara double date RIGHT THIS INSTANT I DEMAND OF YOU

the alternate world where clark was raised on krypton... i kind of want to see more of that. like a short episode released independent from the storyline showing a bit more of kryptonian culture and what it would've been like to grow up there. i just think it'd be really neat

lex. calm down buddy. ur like 12. you don't need to go bald yet. sees season 3 first images LEX. PUT THE WEAVE BACK ON THIS INSTANT.

speaking of season 3... KON EL!!! HE'S ARRIVED!!! i'm actually tweaking out rn i need season 3 to be released. i need to know!!! fanfiction will only indulge my fantasies for so long.

clark and kara doing spiderman kisses with lois and jimmy thank you for coming to my ted talk.

cat grant is such a theater kid... she definitely played patty in a production of grease at some point.

if you've made it all the way to here then thank you for reading my essay(?) on why maws s2 is peak superhero media. and thanks for listening to me as i scream without the v anyways go watch this wonderful show

[boxboxblog]

Rivals: Gilles Villeneuve v Didier Pironi

Hello, this is part of my series on F1 rivalries throughout history. Enjoy!

(Pironi on left, Villeneuve on right)

This rivalry is perhaps the most tragic one in F1 history, and our first pair of teammate rivals that we are discussing. It was a fierce, and highly personal one, and deviated away strongly from the typical respect based rivalries of the past. It is also one of the first one that began with friendship and ended with betrayal and heartbreak.

Villeneuve was a gutsy, aggressive, and instinctive driver. His fist races in the 1977 season were with McLaren, part of the way through the season. and he was quickly signed to Ferrari for the 1978 season. Pironi, on the other hand, was strategic and calculating. He joined a lower level teams (Tyrrell and Ligier) in 1978 and stayed with them until 1980, when he sparked Ferrari interest for the 1981 season. It was the typical story of the slow and steady tortoise (Pironi) versus the bombastic and speedy hare (Villeneuve). They were also contrasting personalities; Villeneuve rather naive and casual, Pironi much more focused on politics. This is the kind of tale we have seen before with F1 rivals, but this is really where the story diverges.

(1981)

Because come 1981, Pironi and Villeneuve were teammates. Villeneuve, the driver who had been with Ferrari longer, was the senior drivers, and viewed as the first, although officially there was no number one at Ferrari. They started a friendship based on mutual respect and appreciation of the other, and worked brilliantly together. However, as Pironi became more competitive in his new seat, tension started to rise and their contrasting styles would reach a head soon.

Throughout the 1982 year the two Ferrari's had been increasingly competitive with one another. It was at this point a healthy rivalry, and the two still were friends more than anything. People enjoyed seeing the two Ferrari's battle it out, and it was one of the most popular rivalries at the time.

But the turning point in this rivalry came in 1982, in Imola. This race was set to be a Ferrari 1-2, with Villeneuve in the front and Pironi behind. Up until this point Pironi had lagged behind his teammate, and played the partner game rather well. But this season had seen a slow rise in results for Pironi. Perhaps this is why when Ferrari ordered Pironi to back off and hold position (with a SLOW sign), Pironi ignored them.

(1982 Imola GP)

Instead, he decided to battle with Villeneuve for the lead, and what could have been a very calm ending for Ferrari turned into a nail biting fight. They swapped positions back and forth, pushing their car's to the limit, but ultimately Pironi made a very bold move to pass his teammate and take the win. Villeneuve did not take this very well, expressing a feeling of betrayal. He felt that Pironi had broken his trust, and was furious about his 'stolen' victory. He stated in the aftermath "I haven’t said a word to him and I’m not going to again – ever! I have declared war. I’ll do my own thing in the future. It’s war. Absolutely war."

(Imola podium 1982)

Two weeks later, still irate at his teammate for Imola, Villeneuve was chasing a time at the Belgian GP qualifying. It was his final attempt at a lap to beat the one his teammate had set. Then, while attempting to overtake on a slow car and keep his flying lap going, he struck the back tire, and launched into the air. Villeneuve was killed instantly. Pironi was devastated, and blamed himself for Villeneuve's death in the aftermath, believing that he had driven Villeneuve to take unnecessary risks. This is a sentiment echoed by many, especially Villeneuve's family, who still believe the betrayal in Imola led to Villeneuve's crash.

(the 1982 crash)

Months later Pironi also crashed, not fatal, but career ending. It was horrifically similar to Villeneuve's crash, and many were surprised that Pironi survived “Destiny wanted this. Destiny led them to have the same accident,” are the words hauntingly said by Pironi's mechanic after his accident. Thus ended the careers of two bright stars, and one of the most emotional and short-lived rivalries in F1.

(Aftermath of Pironi's crash)

This rivalry in perhaps the most controversial in F1 history, as the F1 community mostly paints Pironi as a villain for his actions in Imola. It still sparks massive emotions in fans, and highlighted this new type of intra-team competition that seemed to be on the rise. Whatever you personally believe, there is no doubt that Villeneuve was forever remembered as a Ferrari hero, and Pironi as the ultimate villain.

I hope this was informative and interesting for everyone. It really is one of the more tragic rivalries.

Cheers,

-B

[demifiendrsa]

ATLUS has moved up Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance from its previously planned June 21, 2024 release date to June 14, 2024.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance will be available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC via Steam and Microsoft Store.

Latest details

■ What is Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance?

Released in 2021, ATLUS’s renowned RPG Shin Megami Tensei V has sold more than 1 million copies worldwide.

This highly acclaimed title has evolved in every aspect, including the system and scenario, and will be available on multiple modern platforms!

At the beginning of the story, the player is presented between two routes. The story told in Shin Megami Tensei V, the Canon of Creation, and a brand-new route, Canon of Vengeance, a dramatic tale of revenge by the fallen.

The Canon of Vengeance follows the scenario of Shin Megami Tensei V, but changes drastically from the latter half of the game. The outcome will be completely different. Enjoy the two divergent stories to your heart’s content.

The battle system, demon fusion, and field exploration have also evolved in depth with the addition of new elements. We are excited to deliver a full-fledged RPG that can be enjoyed by those who have already played Shin Megami Tensei V, as well as those who are playing this series for the first time.

■ Story

Thou shalt be God—

When a grisly murder scene in modern-day Tokyo blocks our protagonist’s walk home, an unplanned detour leaves him buried and unconscious. He awakens in a new Tokyo, a wasteland ravaged by apocalypse now called Da’at… but before bloodthirsty demons can claim his life, a savior emerges, and the two of them unite to become a mighty being, neither human nor demon: a Nahobino.

Revenge Awaits

Demons attack humans and seek to create a world of chaos. Bethel, an organization that seeks to protect God’s order. Caught up in the conflict between the two, while exploring Da’at, the protagonist meets and starts traveling with Yoko Hiromine. Using magic, Yoko and the main character stand together on the front line.

The Qadistu, four female Demons stand in their way. “Found it, the Key of Resurrection……” A member of the Qadistu, Lilith, calls protagonist the Key of Resurrection, and herself The Oppressed. What is their purpose? A tale of revenge by the oppressed begins.

■ Characters

Tao Isonogami (voiced by Jeanine Tirado in English, Hayami Saori in Japanese)

“You were ready to do whatever it took to protect someone you care about. I know exactly how that feels.”

Tao is a classmate of the protagonist and a member of the high school lacrosse club. Friendly and caring.

She has possessed a strong spiritual sense since when she was young and has been assisting Bethel Japan as their “saint.” She supports the protagonist once he joins Bethel.

In combat, Bethel Japan as their “saint”, she specializes in healing and support skills.

Yuzuru Atsuta (voiced by Mark Whitten in English, Kaito Ishikawa in Japanese)

“Innocent people get born into pain they can’t escape and don’t deserve. What do you call that but proof that our world’s fundamentally broken?”

Yuzuru is a friend of the protagonist.

Holding a strong sense of justice, he joins Bethel as a temporary unit to fight demons and protect his sister Miyazu.

He gains more power after visiting Da’at with the protagonist, reaffirming his commitment to fight for peace in Tokyo.

In battles, he wields the Demon Summoning Program to summon his loyal demon partner Hayataro as his demon partner.

Ichiro Dazai (voiced by Stuart Allan in English, Kishou Taniyama in Japanese)

“That angel taught me something truly important: you can’t rely on others to carry out your justice.”

Ichiro is a classmate of the protagonist. He has a cheerful personality but can often be rather tactless.

His grades are poor and often seen as “useless” at school.

As he livestreams himself as a hobby, he is dragged to Da’at after a tunnel collapse incident. Bethel recruits him to fight demons, to which he agrees as he believes that it’s for a noble cause. In battles, he uses unique demons such as Aitvaras and Mokoi as his demon partners.

Miyazu Atsuta (voiced by Ashlyn Madden in English, Ryou Hirohashi in Japanese)

“I refuse to hurt Tao anymore!”

Yuzuru’s younger sister and only relative. Shy and physically weak, she is a frequent visitor to the school nurse’s office.

She respects her brother and is worried about his involvement in Bethel.

Sahori Itsukishima (voiced by Erica Lindbeck in English, Lynn in Japanese)

“Demons are just like people too. There are good types and bad…”

Tao’s best friend and a former member of the lacrosse club.

A victim of bullying by her teammates, leaving her a vulnerable target for the demon Lahmu.

■ Demons

Naahmah (voiced by Kari Wahlgren in English, Shizuka Ito in Japanese)

“Now wail and lament! Your anguish shall become the Magatsuhi that I seek!”

One of the four female demons of the Qadistu, also known as the “Mother of Demons”. She is the most sensual and seductive of the four Qadistu, and her beauty is said to charm not only humans, but even Angels and Demons.

Eisheth Zenunim (voiced by Allegra Clark in English, Kimiko Saitou in Japanese)

“Now, tell me… what part of yourselves do you hate the most?”

One of the demons of the Qadistu, who seduces humans and leads them to their demise. In Jewish mythology, she is said to eat the souls of the fallen. Under the guise of salvation, she attacks humans and steals their souls.

Agrat bat Mahlat (voiced by Cherami Leigh in English, Reina Ueda in Japanese)

“So I shall dispense a punishment. May your existence be lost to darkness.”

A member of the Qadistu, she is also the “Queen of Demons.” Also known as “the demon who dances on the roof” and is said to wander through the air with her chariot and her train of messengers of destruction.

Glasya-Labolas

One of the 72 demons of King Solomon’s “Ars Goetia.” His form is that of a dog with griffin-wings. Bloodshed and murder, and can predict the future and make people invisible.

■ Gameplay

Press Turn Battle

The battles in this title features a command-based Press Turn Battle.

The Press Turn System rewards the player for exploiting the weaknesses of enemies. If you successfully hit an enemy with the skill type they are weak to, your party will gain an extra turn. The simple, yet tactically challenging battle system is still in place.

This title also offers various new skills and elements that expand the strategic nature of battles.

Striking an enemy’s weak point increases the number of Press Turn icons in the upper right corner of the screen, allowing additional actions! If you keep targeting the weak points well, you can take up to 8 actions, for an unscathed victory.

A number of exclusive skills available only to certain demons have also been added!

■ Systems

Magatsuhi Skill

As the battle progresses, your actions will fill the Magatsuhi gauge. Once the Magatsuhi gauge is capped, you can use the special technique Magatsuhi skill.

Magatsuhi Skills have a variety of effects, including damaging enemies and support and healing skills. This title features more than 50 Magatsuhi skills, including more than 20 newly added to the game, such as ones only usable with certain demons.

Each skill has powerful abilities, so keep an eye out for opportunities to activate them in battle.

In addition to the Magatsuhi skills previously introduced in Shin Megami Tensei V, there are now skills that can be activated when there is a strong mythological relationship between two demons or when there are demons with the same alignment in the party!

Unique Skills

In this title, every demon has their own special passive skill, called Unique Skills.

Unique Skills may include those that increase the power of attack skills, provide powerful effects when a particular demon is present, or ones that are useful for demon conversation.

The combination of the demons allows the player to experience more tactical battles.

—Blessed Melody When active, your team’s power is enhanced when all allies exploit the target’s weakness with Light Skills.

—Four Heavenly Kings When summoned with a demon who has the Unique Skill “Four Heavenly Kings” as active, it will enhance its own abilities.

—Demonic Mediator When active and if a demon negotiation goes sour, your partner demon will intervene to mediate the conversation.

Demon Conversation

When attacked by a demon, you may be able to talk with them and potentially recruit them as an ally.

Each demon has a different personality and preference. In this title, more variations in the conversation are added, deepening the interaction.

Demons vary in temper and personality. If you can negotiate with them skillfully, they will become a supportive companion.

Certain negotiations may be interrupted by an ally demon in your party, triggering a unique interaction. Enjoy the special conversation between the related demons! You can enjoy conversations related to the relationship between the demons.

Sometimes, a demon may surprise you with a pop quiz! Show off your knowledge to impress them!

Guest Characters

As the story progresses, human guest characters may join the party and participate in battles. They can fight and use items in the same manner as demon allies. Use your companions and your demons to your advantage in battle.

Consecutive Encounters

After defeating an enemy demon, a new demon may appear and continue the battle. Although it will be a series of battles, winning may generate bonuses in Macca, EXP, and items earned.

The more demons that discover the protagonist, the more likely it is that a serial encounter will occur. It is also a good idea to aim for a large bonus by engaging in combat with enemies that are densely packed together.

[kanmom51]

Firstly, I wanted to say I love your page and appreciate your honest perspective when it comes to BTS and jikook in particular. I am an “older” Army and can appreciate the viewpoint of someone who’s lived life a little and has seen many types of relationships. It’s very hard to not realize there’s something between JK and Jimin when you’ve seen examples of it time and time again in your own life or those around you. So thank you for making me feel less crazy!

I haven’t followed your page for very long and realize you may have touched on this in the past, but I was wondering what your thoughts are on this: Could V sometimes bringing up Jungkook/Jimin together or separately (usually Jungkook…let’s be real) and mentioning that they’ve hung out with him or seemingly being “encouraging” of a certain ship, possibly be his odd way of trying to distract from the real relationship he knows exists between jikook? Like in his own special Teahyung way be trying to help? For a long time, there has always been something that didn’t quite sit right with me when it came to V. I think it was his constant need for attention….don’t get me wrong, I love many things about him as well and know he can’t be very sweet and thoughtful and funny and endearing. I love them all very much. But am wondering what you think about V sounding like he sometimes encourages a taekook ship (ie, the last surprise live at JKs house or the live where he mentioned gaming with JK) because maybe in his own special way, he’s trying to protect? He does tend to do things in a very unique way. I don’t know! Let me know what you think!

Hey @sweetbslm108, welcome and thank you.

And hi @nut2019 😊

Now, I know both of these asks are kind of on the different sides of the spectrum, but I kind of felt like they can be answered together, because of the one communality, and that's, but of course, Tae THE MAN.

Also, before starting I need to say this is all my opinion. Take it or leave it.

I think I kinda talked about this here a bit too:

Let me just clarify what Tae shared in his IG story yesterday @nut 2019. It was a photo and a clip taken on the night after the movie premiere that JK and Tae went to, which was the 24-25 April 2023 - which as of today is 3 weeks ago. It's clearly that night and it's also clear it's not a date or an outing of the two alone, but a group outing with Tae and his friends (a couple from the Wooga squad and a couple I personally do not recognize). Yes, he posted it on Yellow day, but clearly has zero to do with that day.

I don't think Tae is encouraging the ship, but as an agent of chaos, he might be enjoying the aftermath of his handy work, maybe a little too much, lol.

Look, let's get serious here for a sec.

I love Tae to bits. I think it was even in one of the comments to the post I linked that someone mentioned thinking he's neuro divergent, and I was going "YES, FINALLY", because I've been saying this since forever. I'm no psychiatrist, so obviously I won't be handing out a diagnosis here, but, that said, his behavior, his quirkiness, his lack of understanding social queues and others emotions at times. The way he just says what pops to head, no matter if it has anything to do with the subject, and no matter what the consequences might be (take his 2015 radio interview fiasco literally outing JM on live air).

Tae is who he is. Always has been. And we all need to remember that the others all love him. All of them (including those we tend to champion). They might be frustrated with him at times. Angry with him. Might want to end him at times (from what JK spilled about the dumpling fight I kind of feel that was one of those times, lol), but you know, we all have those days with our loved ones too, so yeah.

In any case, whatever it may be, since the hiatus Tae has started to move in a certain recognized pattern that many Jikookers aren't happy with.

I understand the frustration that not only Jikookers have with him when it comes to that (and I'm saying that Tae stans are also feeling it). It feels like he lacks the energy to give to the fandom, interact with them, and maybe he feels that by dropping JK's name or posting a pic or clip with him he's making them happy (obviously aware of how much JK is loved), all while he obviously also is well aware of the chaos he's creating by doing so (claiming that he doesn't is a little naïve). It's kind of a minimum work maximum impact situation.

You are right @sweetbslm108 about Tae's mind being different to ours, it feels like his thought process is on a different parallel level. It's not by chance that JM called him his alien, lol. But saying that, I really don't think that this is his twisted way of going about protecting Jikook. I, personally, have no issues with him mentioning JK if it's part of the natural development of the conversation, kind of like he did during his live a few weeks back in the car. Doing so while talking about this and that, maybe also mentioning the others. They are good friends and clearly have gotten closer over the last few months (I'd say them being left for last and JM being MIA for JK did that), and it's natural they spend time together and it's great if he let's us know about it. But why only JK lately? That's what I keep asking myself, because he's not the only member he's in touch with or spent time with in the past few months. And coming live for a few minutes and dropping JK's name for what seems so purposeful, so much so that I've seen several Tae stans complaining about it. Because it doesn't feel natural. It doesn't feel like he's coming to talk to army or update them.

And I feel like it's ok to criticize him, criticize his behavior.

JK himself (there I go name dropping) said they are only human, which they are.

I keep saying it too, human beings with feelings and wants and needs, not 2 dimensional characters like many fans see them as.

And as such, they are not infallible. And they are definitely not beyond reproach.

And saying out loud, sounding said criticism, it doesn't make you a hater.

We criticize our loved ones, reprimand them when we feel they are doing wrong, and we do it out of love. So what's the difference here?

It should be part of the open discussion. Those who think it's wrong, those who don't, all respectful, no hate.

NO HATE!!

We don't do hate!!!

We love all 7 members.

We might feel more of an emotional connection with some rather than others, but we love them all, each in their own way.

And if I wasn't clear about it, then that includes Tae, even if sometimes he does things that might be infuriating.

My daughters can infuriate me at times, doesn't make me love them any less. Also doesn't stop me from letting them know I don't agree with their behavior.

I will end this by saying that we are all different people, we come from different backgrounds, different places in the world, different professions or schooling, different upbringings, different cultures, different life experiences, just different. All those are our baselines. The things that make us who we are, what we think, what we do.

And being different, all gathering here, voicing our opinions, talking to each other, hearing each other out, that will, at the end of the day make us better people. I do believe that. Being able to listen to one another and at times allow ourselves to be convinced one way or another, that makes us better.

Bottom line:

Tae is an agent of chaos. We love him, even when said chaos he is causing can be infuriating (and the thing is, all he's doing is mentioning his friend or posting a pic of them together, but it's what transpires from that due to mainly I-army that irks us so much).

We are also allowed to call him out on it.

No hate. Period.

Have a civil discussion.

You can voice your opinions here, as long as it's respectful and without hate. Not towards the members and not towards each other.

[badassbutterfly1987]

Fandom Growth Exchange Letter/Prompts

Opt-ins: I am fine with pretty much anything. If you feel like taking a prompt in a dark direction (and there are certainly pairings here that would fit) then I am more than okay with it. Not picky when it comes to smut, no hard DNWs.

The Death Gate Cycle - Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman

Haplo & Xar, Haplo/Xar

I am fascinated by the bits we see of their relationship, how it isn't especially healthy but is still very genuine (he considers Xar an adoptive father but also consistently thinks of him as his lord and master). That Haplo becomes a better person at the same time Xar becomes more villainous. That they still deeply care about each other even as they fight.

Prompts: an early look at their relationship after Haplo is brought out of the Labyrinth. A deeper look at their feelings when they turn against each other. A dark au where Xar tries to forcefully get Haplo back on his side. Or maybe an au where Xar survives the last book and they struggle to lead their people after the harm done between them (mostly on Xar's end, honestly).

2. Dresden Files

Bianca St. Claire/Rachel: poor tragic toxic lesbians. a deeper look at what their relationship was like before and after Rachel's death.

Inari Raith & Thomas Raith, Lara Raith & Lord Raith, Lara Raith & Thomas Raith, Lord Raith & Thomas Raith: twisted unhealthy family dynamics! Thomas trying so hard to keep Inari safe and wanting her to feel loved. the centuries of manipulative affection between Lara and Lord Raith. Lara and Thomas love each other but they're trapped in an abusive family and power structure, more codependent siblings, fighting together or with each other, Lara trying to protect him from Lord Raith, or hurting him at their father's command. I am deeply fascinated by the fact that Lord Raith apparently raised Thomas and allowed him to reach adulthood despite it being much more convenient to get rid of him early which suggests a lot more complexity than is portrayed.

Lara Raith/Lord Raith, Lara Raith/Thomas Raith, Lord Raith/Thomas Raith: similar to above but leaning into the canonical incest and sexual abuse. doesn't have to be smut but I would be intrigued how having that be both so prevalent and accepted would affect how the younger members view the world.

Karrin Murphy & Susan Rodriguez, Maggie Dresden & Susan Rodriguez: would love anything with Susan, there's so much left unexplored with her character. maybe she had a casual friendship with Murphy where they would have lunch and complain about Harry, magic, and monsters. maybe a look at her difficult decisions regarding Maggie from her perspective, loving her daughter and trying to keep her safe but also making the admittedly selfish decision to not tell Harry about her at first.

Margaret Lefay/Lord Raith: toxic trash couple that I adore, intrigued that canon suggests it started as a genuine connection before it went bad, will accept weird fluff or creepy dark.

3. Popsy - Stephen King

Dwight Renfield & Popsy's Grandson

okay so Dwight Renfield from Night Flier is indicated to be the same as the old vampire we meet in Popsy, where there is also a vampire kid that is referred to as his grandson

so what's the story there? is there a biological link? did the vampire adopt a young child and turn him out of loneliness? is this a one-off or a pattern of behavior?

4. Shades of Magic - V. E. Schwab

Astrid Dane/Athos Dane/Holland Vosijk, Athos Dane/Holland Vosijk: we know the Danes tortured and used him. just how far did it go when Kell wasn't there?

Osaron/Holland Vosijk: maybe a deeper look at the deal they made?

Ros Vortalis & Holland Vosijk, Ros Vortalis/Holland Vosijk: These two fascinate and make me sad. Either platonic or romantic or something vague in between. Can be pre-canon stuff or a happier canon divergence.

5. Spares - Michael Marshall Smith

I came so close to adoring this book. so maybe a look at stuff that wasn't explored enough?

David & Suej: treated as the most mature well-balanced of the kids and indicated to be close to each other. how do they take care of the younger kids? what are they up to post-canon?

Jack Randall & David, Jack Randall & Suej: Jack accidentally adopted these kids and is definitely making it up as he goes along.

Jack Randall/Nearly: they're implied to get together in the epilogue. what does their new life look like?

6. American Assassin (2017)

Annika/Mitch Rapp: so the movie seemed to be setting them up as a couple before she was killed off, so maybe a closer look at that? maybe they officially get together or it sticks to light flirting? post-canon AU where they're loyal to different factions but also still care about each other?

Mitch Rapp & Ronnie | Ghost, Mitch Rapp/Ronnie | Ghost: a closer look at how these two parallel each other. maybe Mitch joins Ghost? maybe Ghost is instead captured and imprisoned/team tries to rehabilitate him?

Mitch Rapp/Victor: there was so much potential for these two, like there was definitely setup for a rivals-to-teammates-to-friends story. a snapshot of training together and grudging friendship? an AU where Victor doesn't die in the first mission and helps take down Ghost? post-canon AU where they're still a team and have to address the growing tension between them?

7. Ninja (Florentine Movies)

Casey Bowman/Masazuka: they had vibes in movie 1 and I'm convinced there was something going on beyond just student rivalry. like Masazuka is clearly resentful that this outsider was brought in and is treated as one of the best students (think a GI Joe Snake-Eyes situation), something Casey is aware of and seems to feel a little bad when he indirectly gets Masazuka kicked out. Add in the nearly 15 year age gap between them and there's potential for a lot of spiciness. did Casey ever look up to him as a mentor, and did Masazuka ever try to take advantage of that?

Casey Bowman/Nakabara: Casey clearly looked up to Nakabara and it's indicated they trained together. teen crush/secret dating? whatever Nakabara's thinking when he decides to manipulate Casey into killing a rival in movie 2? AU where Casey doesn't realize the truth and stays with Nakabara?

Casey Bowman/Namiko Takeda: these two are just very sweet, lots of lady+knight vibes but ninja flavored. a look at when they officially got together? movie 2 AU where she doesn't die and joins his vengeance quest? happy AU where they get to live and have their family?

8. Scream of the Wolf (1974)

Byron Douglas/John Weatherby

What I call the "intriguingly homoerotic werewolf thriller from the 70s". The full movie is on youtube.

ex-boyfriends? pre-canon hunt? AU where Byron is an actual werewolf? John chooses to accept his ex's murderous urges and agrees to hunt with him again?

9. Universal Soldier (Movies)

John: Day of Reckoning's tragic lead. thinks he's a human avenging his murdered family but nope he's a brainwashed UniSol manipulated into destroying the UniSol revolution. a look at his mental state as he realizes the truth? a look at the previous John clone who didn't go after Luc but didn't stay with the revolution either, trying to settle down with a regular job and girlfriend? an AU where our John joins the revolution? whatever he's up to post-canon with taking over the revolution?

Luc Deveraux/Andrew Scott: you can't tell me these two aren't ex-boyfriends in movie 1. just a couple army guys fooling around in secret? when they're brainwashed UniSols who work together and don't yet remember each other? Regeneration AU where Luc recruits the Andrew clone instead of killing him? a closer look at whatever their deal was in Day of Reckoning, how they managed to recruit an army of UniSols together?

10. Killer7

Coyote Smith/Dan Smith: enemies to rivals to lovers vibes.

Coyote Smith/Dan Smith/Garcian Smith/Kaede Smith/Kevin Smith/Mask de Smith: weird family polycule dynamics. so much potential with their implied backstories, where Garcian fits in as a later addition who became their leader. can include Con in a more platonic part of the dynamic.

Curtis Blackburn/Dan Smith: so we have Curtis, pure evil individual, and Dan, who is Complicated; what did that mentorship look like before it turned sour? considering Curtis'... private hobby, it isn't out of the realm of possibility he took advantage of Dan's loyalty. and after breaking away, is Dan ever haunted by their relationship/his own actions?

Dan Smith & Harman Smith: Dan's second mentor that he also once tried to kill. does he ever regret not killing him? does Harman ever struggle to keep him under control?

[maybefran]

So many feelings about JJK ending but less about the series itself and more the time spend with it. I had Lost in Paradise on repeat during my two hour train commute to my internship in 35°C heat during the summer two years ago. Had a good time writing canon divergent fanfic that's never gonna see the light of day just for myself when uni got too stressful. My roommate at the hospital had JJK themed tattoos on their arms (their favourite character was Megumi) and we were really hyped for season 2 together. The Gojo v. Sukuna fight then happened during my next inpatient stay and while it was a shitty time, Thursday mornings I was up and ready. Looking for the new chapters on tumblr made me find some really cool blogs. It's just been nice over here (especially with my social incompetence that leads me to just not pick up on any drama).

So it's not been forever, but it's been a while, I have many feelings and should just go to bed because I have work tomorrow and it's getting late

[outoforderaro]

ok like. (edit: ok im v frustrated about this actually. like fuck. i really like these games and id hate to think ppl think this is representative of them, mainly of their political nature) @grammarpedant

its a bad adaptation imo, bc it changes the license, which whatever thats adaptation gripe 101, but a) why and b) it makes things confusing. why set it on the west coast, but then change up the brotherhood of steel (theyre far more catholic which is odd and just makes them v space marine, but they dont use energy weapons but those don't seem to exist anyhow and they have no motivations or purpose. or women.) they blow up shady sands and get rid of the ncr (kinda?), theres no super mutants. they bring up new vegas at the end but like. theres no ncr, is there caesar's legion? a battle for hoover dam? and these things are important like a main character blew up shady sands to prevent factions but then how does new vegas fit into this. why didnt he blow up definitely-not-megaton filly. theres lots of things that arent clear bc theres canon divergences around them. the timing of when shady sands was bombed for example, at times seems like it's bc theyre throwing the timeline around.

also its characters are bad. like. characters change their minds in the middle of scenes. like one character comes with another to a vault, thinks its creepy. they talk to a guy with one eye in the center of his face and are weirded out. second character is like "ok yeah now i think this *is* weird" and first char is like "thats not weird" and is now ok?? or hey same character, that makes an arc defining choice to let a guy die bc a knight should have better morals and make the world a better place a) treats the guy who comes in as "his" new squire the same shitty way he was mad about, and b) steals the power source from the vault and is reluctant to give it back. characters just go to the right places bc thats where theyre needed. lucy is just ok with things after objecting once, mainly. lucy at one point asks max a question about the bos and he's like ha yeah that is silly instead of having an actual answer like someone that effectively grew up in it and reveres it would have. bc its a bad show, and the bos doesnt have the reason they do it bc that prewar tech doesnt exist!

i think the action is bad. mainly its ok just loves being gory, but i hate that the ghoul character's fight scenes are entirely "everyone lines up to get killed" type. even when he's fighting a bunch of army dudes they cant touch him its just uninteresting for the show to be like. "he has plot armor. he's fine" like make ppl worry about that! will he be?

the effects are generally v good, but the cgi deaging they use for a guy at one point is so horrendously bad. they shouldve just gave him a shave and a wig and itve been a thousand times better, just get the point across that its the same guy. also same character gets into a power armor and it looks ridiculous idk how they fucked that up

none of the stuff that happens matters. they set up the premises, establish the players and the macguffin (solely as a mystery item of value. it doesnt make any sense when you learn what it is) the dog doesnt matter besides referencing a dog from one of the games. ok. nothing a character does effects their arc besides making the next part happen. theres no arcs bc like. does lucy start to do things "the wasteland way"? ig but its just she needs to do the next thing in the script really. and thats a fucking shame bc itd be a great dynamic. fuck! you can do the games pacifist! talk people down or reason with them to get what you want. itd be a great angle for the show. max has nothing going on really. cooper's just doing a murder tour ultimately and we dont find out he wants anything until the v end. what if he'd talked about knowing the maclean name. or anything. max and lucy have what i call static cling romance, where they just rub two characters together and now theyre in love. nothing happens in this show bc theres no point in anything, and they refuse to get into anything bc theres nothing there. hollow show!

the worst part, that actually has me mad tho is the politics of it. it really is what puts me off the most, why id say not to watch this. the vaults are "stupid liberals" type things. like "oh we'll rehabilitate these raiders that tried to kill them by teaching them Kant and calculus" type jokes, where no the "right thing" to do should be to kill them. there's this weird element to the casting where its like "everyone is welcome in the american fascism" its odd. lucy's kindness is naivete and must (will) be driven out, the right courses of action are to shoot first and take. she never gets to solve things non-violently. they make the ghouls reliant on a drug, but its just to have people act like theyre either having withdrawals or an episode, after which they become violent and must be put down. vault-tec is an exceedingly rich company that owns most things, but the show is being produced by amazon so ofc they can only be cartoonishly evil, really. evil bc they love being evil like a captain planet villain dumping poison in the river. its toothless. the "good man (gone to far)" is the cigarette smoking whiskey drinking manly dog having actor thats not here for this commie horseshit, becomes the too cool cowboy that solves his problems with the gun. nobody in the wasteland matters and these strangers are dangerous. the games are really political, and like how the racism and nationalism of the prewar us led to this. how war, war never changes, that despite technological advancement wars are still fought over resources and propagandized through fear, etc. and they drop that line twice and its bullshit each time.

the fallout tv show is really bad, and not in a fun way, but its getting good reviews apparently, and im kinda mad about it honestly

[wing-ed-thing]

Foul Creature (Tobirama x Uchiha!Reader) Part I

Synopsis: You would say that you grew up together. From children, to teenagers, to young leaders, you did nothing but be who you were and Tobirama would forever name his love for you as the reason he hated the Uchiha.

Word Count: 1.8k

Tags/Warnings: @brokennerdalert​ Young!Tobirama, Young!Reader, Uchiha!Reader, Fem!Reader, Ancient Warrior Society, Canon Typical Violence, Child Soldiers/Violence Involving Children, Timeline Divergence, Canon Typical Politics, Dark Themes Ahead

Part I Part II Part III Part IV Part V Part VI Part VII Part VIII Part IX Part X Part XI

Notes: Are we really back to our regularly scheduled programming?

Battle among the clans in the Great Nations had raged on for so long, that it was all the children truly knew, including Tobirama.

He trudged through the forest, kicking leaves and twigs as he made his way towards his makeshift training ground. His modest, blue robes stuck to his skin. A sack of practice weapons sat in a sack across his shoulder, mostly consisting of small weapons stolen off the bodies of rival Uchiha warriors.

Tobirama exhaled, but even his own breath felt hot against the skin of his face. The heat and humidity were suffocating, even under the shade of the vast trees.

He made his way into the small clearing. The ground had been flattened from years of use. The nearby trees were marred by scratches and kunai markings. Tobirama unpacked his bag, his prized kunai among his collection. He took it in his hands, inspecting it.

It had been his grandfather’s, the one he used to kill his first Uchiha. His father trained with that same kunai and since he had been of age, Tobirama had also trained with it. Hashirama had been less than eager to carry on the clan’s generational fight and Itama was borderline resistant, so Tobirama took it upon himself to care for the family heirloom as his brothers focused on their own studies. Batsuma began training for each of his sons around age five (with Tobirama’s starting about six years prior to his current age, the year Kawarama was killed). The Uchiha were relentless, and with every bloody interaction, both sides grew a bit more desperate.

Tobirama huffed, sweat dribbling down his face as he practiced his forms. Despite his rigorous training, his arms remained scrawny (although that wasn’t atypical for his age). His eyes narrowed in concentration as his mouth formed a severe pout. And with a flick of his wrist, he launched his prized kunai at an adjacent tree.

Tobirama watched as it sailed through the air, headed straight towards the crudely painted bullseye before the nose of the weapon took a turn downward. He frowned as it sailed past his target and through the brush. It landed somewhere past the tree, making a quiet, brushing noise among the leaves.

“Hehehe hahaha!” Tobirama glanced upwards, trying to pinpoint the noise.

Tentatively, he approached the spot where he lost his kunai, attention still cast towards the canopy. He bent down, head still swiveling as he picked up a tantō knife from the collection scattered on the dirt. More laughter erupted from the area his kunai flew as he continued his approach. Tobirama couldn’t help but consider that the laugh sounded something akin to the cackle of a fox, although there weren’t many foxes living in the Land of Fire. At least where the Senju were currently settled.

The Senju had a myth about laughter in the forest. That the sound of foxes were the giggles of forest spirits, amused by the misfortunes of those who wandered into the forest. But he felt his certainty in his core; this was not a fox nor any mythical spirit. He cut through the brush, the sound of giggling growing louder. And as he cleared another bundle of leaves, he soon found himself face to face with a pair of bright, red eyes. Tobirama took a half step back. He knew those eyes anywhere.

“You have the eyes of an Uchiha, and yet you throw like a Senju!” You hung upside down, the backs of your knees wrapped around a tree branch above. You studied him as he studied you, wondering who was going to move next. You grinned, snickering behind closed teeth. Tobirama scrowled, but not before noticing his prized kunai in your hands. He made a swipe for it, but you were far too quick. You swung up and perched yourself on the branch, twirling the end of the knife around your finger as Tobirama seethed on the ground below. “What is your name?”

“Give that back!” Tobirama barked, although the intimidating edge was taken off by the crack in his pre-pubescent voice. You snickered again and red rose to Tobirama’s cheeks. His pale complexion gave away his fluster and he knew it. He cleared his throat. You let your legs dangle, leaning against the trunk of the tree with your shoulder. Clearly, despite generations of violence, you didn’t take the young Senju seriously. “Give that back!”

“If it were not for the hair, I would say that you have a sharingan waiting to be awoken.” You made a gesture towards your own head, before slipping down onto the ground in front of him. With a slight beat of hesitation, Tobirama took another swing at you with his tantō. You swiftly maneuvered out of the way, seeming not to pay any mind. You stared back at the kunai in your hand, more interested in that than the boy attempting to murder you. “This looks like Uchiha craftsmanship too.”

You had stopped, your attention on the details of the blade, and this time, without a moment to think, Tobirama lunged forward. He swung his arm, his fingers tightening around the grip of his sword. Time seemed to slow down in the seconds the blade took to reach your skin.

He never believed he’d have such an opportunity. He always wondered how his first kill would go, and while this certainly wasn’t what he expected, he could already see the pride he would bring his clan. Only so old, and he would have already killed an Uchiha. An Uchiha girl, but a young Uchiha who would never go on to kill a member of the Senju. Surely, he would be celebrated as a hero!

But as the tantō made contact, you wisped away. Your colors remained in the air in front of him, the blacks of your robes leaving behind only a dusk fog which Tobirama could not touch. He stopped and his hand gingerly reached into the smoke. The darkness dissipated into the air, unlike anything Tobirama had ever seen before. He growled in defeat and picked his grandfather’s kunai off the ground. But even as your genjutsu wore off of him, he still heard your laughter.

***

Tobirama returned to the training ground about the same time the next day, tentative and alert. He brandished his treasured kunai in his fist, crouching lowly as he scanned the surrounding undergrowth. Instead of his usual sack of practice weapons, he carried only what he thought he needed. His tantō lay sheathed, strapped to his left thigh and a set of assorted kunai lay strapped to his right. Tobirama, in the hubris of his youth, thought himself a hunter. If you dared show yourself to him for a second time, he surely would take your precious sharingan as a prize to show his father.

Tobirama made his way along the perimeter of his usual training area when a patch of darkness caught his eye. The small slot underneath the vegetation was just enough for a child of your size to lurk under. He could practically see it: your sinister, red eyes flickering in the dimness. He made his way across the dirt, knife in his dominant hand as he scrutinized the dark area under a canopy of vines. He bent down, slowly examining the potential hiding place and ready to kill at any moment.

Tobirama felt a tapping on his shoulder he jerked around, kunai already in trajectory to strike. But once again, as he swung directly though you, you melted into a wisp of colors and slowly disappeared into the wind. He glared at the smoke in fiery disappointment. However, this time you did not vanish for good.

“What are you looking for?” Your voice came from behind him and Tobirama took another swing. You avoided his attack and stepped to the side, eyes wide and more curious than anything. And as you fell out of Tobirama’s range, he couldn’t help but wonder why you weren’t afraid.

He recentered himself, closing his eyes as he made hand signs taught to him by his father. Tobirama himself had never fought off a genjutsu before (he never had the opportunity to), but the techniques were passed on to Senju for generations. He focused, eyes closed. In hindsight, closing his eyes in front of an opponent was likely not the best idea, but you didn’t move from your position a few feet in front of him. You watched him intently until his lids snapped open as he finished his jutsu release. Tobirama once again readied himself, adjusting his position and tensing his muscles as he prepared for another strike.

He ran at you with another wide swipe, but rather than disappearing as you had before, you struck the inner part of his elbow with the heel of your palm. Tobirama’s prized kunai went flying, but that did not stop his onslaught. You exchanged blows back and forth, dancing around each other in a series of hits and blocks. His teeth clenched, his pride reinvigorated by your willingness to fight back.

You caught his arm. Your knees bent, ready to flip him over your shoulder. But as you went to make the final blow, the momentum to finish him off escaped you. The muscles in your arms ached as you realized too late; he was large, just barely, for that maneuver to work. Tobirama immediately swept your feet out from under you. The motion knocked his fallen kunai back towards you, and scooping it up in his hand, he grabbed the front of your robes as he wielded it in his fist over you.

“I will kill you, Uchiha!” he screamed in your face, accenting his words with a tug to the fabric bunched up in his palm. Your hands flew up to cover his, your back off the ground. You flinched and looked up into his angry eyes. Tobirama huffed over you, chest heaving with every labored breath. The forest stood still as Tobirama’s hand shook. “I will carve out your sharingan and take them back to my father! As revenge for my brother! Killing you shall be an honor!” He spoke through gritted teeth, as his breathing began to slow.

You stared up at him. Your eyes bore no tears, but fear swam in your pupils. And something else. Tobirama saw your reds and the black patterns that danced within them. They fluttered closed and your head turned to the side as you braced yourself. And Tobirama didn't know what it was. Perhaps it was his own fear. The softness and youth in your face. The way your hair fanned out across the dirt ground.

He let go.

Tobirama scrambled up, taking a few steps back as you sat up.

Your gazes locked, red looking into red.

And then you disappeared.

Thank you to all who liked, reblogged, followed and otherwise supported. Your support means so much and is greatly appreciated.

Part I Part II Part III Part IV Part V Part VI Part VII Part VIII Part IX Part X Part XI

[getoutofmyjaneway]

Beta Cannon: the Pre Voyager Era of Kathryn Janeway | Mosaic v The Autobiography of Kathryn Janeway

This weekend, I got a copy of the Autobiography of Kathryn Janeway from a local book store. For how frequently we speak about Mosaic in the community (despite having some flaws) I was shocked that I had not heard a lot about this book and assumed it was a bad thing. And yeah in some regards it was (see @mia-cooper’s post on the subject). I have a lot of feelings (I’ll post a proper review at a later point) but one thing that did stick out to me is the divergence from what we have considered Beta Canon, aka, the extended universe of Star Treks told through novels, short stories, video games, etc. After completing the novel, I jumped right into my old standby copy of Mosaic, which has dictated a lot of Janeway’s back story since 96. Both of these novels cover the beginnings of Janeway’s life and how she was shaped into the woman we know. 

TLDR The Autobiography of Kathryn Janeway changes a lot of things for no reason. Some of these are for the good. Some for the bad. And some, for like no good reason at all, like it was fine as it was, and was accepted cannon for like 25 years, but sure fine whatever.

I will mention that, as Mosaic has been a book in my library and I have read it too many times, so of course, I do have a bias toward it. Additionally, I feel like it is fair to mention here that authors of Fanfiction have leaned on this as their bibles since 1996 as Mosaic is written by Jeri Taylor, one of the show-runners for Voyager. Because of its connection with a showrunner, Mosaic is also integrated into the canon of the show. It seems that most points that are taken from Mosaic in the Autobiography are only included because of their existence in cannon material.

Anyway, this review is going to focus on the characters that shape Kathryn and I will end with my final thoughts. This is long so to respect your dash, you are going to have to click keep reading. You’re welcome.

Obligatory Spoiler Warning for ALL of Mosaic, chapter 13 of Pathways, and chapters 1-7 of The Autobiography of Kathryn Janeway

Edward Janeway

In all media, I feel like we can safely say that Kathryn Janeway is in fact a daddy’s girl. Her relationship with her father is very important to her, so it is interesting to see how it is portrayed very differently in both novels. In Mosaic, a lot of the highlights of Janeway’s earlier years revolve around time spent with him. From giving her special attention after ‘Your Sister’ was born, to consoling her after her losing tennis match and subsequent walk home in the rain, and trips to Mars, Kathryn mentions great fondness of quality time spent. In the Autobiography of Kathryn Janeway he is more described as an absent father, one that she always wanted to see and please. When he was home, she wanted all of his attention and to impress him greatly. She wished to follow in his footsteps after gaining a love of flight and the stars with a plane ride and a telescope he gave her. He tried to prepare her by detaining the events of the current conflict with Cardassia and inviting Starfleet brass over for dinner. Overall, in her early childhood, it makes more sense for Edward to not be around often. There is not a lot of conflict between the sources, other than the details of the aforementioned tennis match and different childhood nicknames.  

Edward is in a crash aboard an experimental ship on Tau Ceti Prime which leads to his death. This is where the big differences begin. In Mosaic, Kathryn and her fiancé are also on board. In  Autobiography of Kathryn Janeway, Kathryn is still on the Al-Batani. The fall out of this event has a great effect on Kathryn of course in both novels. As this is a missive shaping event of Kathryn’s life, I felt it very jarring to be changed. This moment shaped Janeway and gives us good context for why she handles situations the way she does. I see this trauma and I understand her character better, for dealing with the loss of two of the most important people in her life all at once.

Gretchen Janeway

The Autobiography of Kathryn Janeway was good to Gretchen Janeway as her character is basically a blank slate. We know little about her from Mosaic as it mostly focuses on Kathryn’s relationship with her father (and other male influences in her life). It is nice to learn more things about Grechen as with Edward’s job, it is likely that Kathryn was mainly raised by her. Other than being an artist, she also wrote some of the Flotter holos and wrote a number of children’s stories about the people of Bajor during the occupation. She does a lot of humanitarian work with the refugees from Bajor during the occupation. She loves to garden and get her daughters involved. She has a close bond with Phoebe due to their overlapping interests, but you can tell that she strives to support her in what she does. Overall, I like getting know Gretchen to be someone of than Kathryn’s mother.

Phoebe Janeway

 I was shocked when researching Memory Alpha for this review, Phoebe is never named in any Cannon media up to this point (Star Trek Prodigy could very well change this). We know Janeway has a sister and she is an artist, but that is it. Both novels keep her very similar personality-wise. In both stories, Kathryn is not looking forward to being a big sister. They also both mourn the loss of their father together. In Mosaic, she is not mentioned much. Kathryn tells her she is not old enough on an off planet trip and Phoebe plays pranks on her. The Autobiography of Kathryn Janeway goes much more into depth. They don’t get along when they are younger. They fight a lot. I feel this is a very realistic portrayal of real siblings, vying for attention and approval, snapping when they don’t get their way.  They both excel at what they do, Kathryn in her studies and Phoebe through her art. They seem to need to one-up each other at every turn.  As they grow up, they grow closer together, as many siblings do. Points added for giving Phoebe a wife, something which has been included in a lot of fanfiction. Overall, there are no big conflicting points.

Mark Johnson

Kathryn’s fiance at the time of the Voyager’s disappearance, Mark is a very different part of Kathryn’s life in both novels. In Mosaic, he is a childhood friend and went by his middle name Hobbs. Seemingly always two steps behind Kathryn, he did a lot of the same activities that she did, tennis and swimming in the underground cave systems. He did these poorly, and this makes Kathryn always look down upon him. They reconnected after her father’s death and she fell head-over-heels for him. Personally, I always felt this was a little uncharacteristic of Kathryn, to run away from her responsibilities to be with a man. It just seems very out of character and has always bothered me. The  Autobiography of Kathryn Janeway takes a completely different approach. She meets Mark as a friend of Pheobe and her wife as a widower. They hit it off and they fall hard. You can see the conflict in Kathryn as she debates how to move forward with a relationship as they have different outlooks on life. She has a drive to explore but does not want to be an absent parent. She debates quitting, which I don’t think is something Janeway would have ever done. Overall she decides to accept Mark’s proposal just before taking command of Voyager. This makes the Dear John situation a lot more believable as it makes sense that he would want to move on with his life much quicker. Overall, I have to just ask, why? I know Mark doesn’t have a lot of character, but why change basically their whole relationship dynamic? 

Justin Tighe

Justin is a character I actually like for selfish reasons. This explains why I was very miffed that he was nowhere to be seen in the Autobiography of Kathryn Janeway. Justin is Kathryn’s first love, they were coworkers, engaged and in love, and dies in the same accident that takes her father. As a person who always wanted Chakotay and Janeway to get together, this incident perfectly gives the reason. She is afraid to get romantically involved with a crew member because of the nature of the job. This dynamic is seen between Picard and Nella Daren in TNG very well. Kathryn has learned the hard way that she can lose a person under her command and how it feels when you are in love with that person. In early Voyager, you can see she isolates herself from the crew and it takes time for her to get comfortable. And during Night she relapses to her old ways. This is the way I have always justified Janeway’s reluctance to have a romantic relationship during their time in the Delta Quadrant. By understanding her background, I have a lot of respect for that choice. Her relationship with Justin really shaped how she handles relationships and without the impact he had on her life, it actually makes her character weaker.

Owen Paris

Owen is Kathryn’s mentor. In Mosaic, they meet as he is reviewing her junior honors thesis advisor on massive compact halo objects. From here they gained a relationship built on respect and learning. It makes sense that, as he was her personal mentor, that she would be close with his family, and why she would seek out Tom as a person to bring with her to the Badlands mission. In the Autobiography of Kathryn Janeway, she does not meet him until she is on the Al-Batani. This doesn’t only weaken her relationship with Admiral Paris, but moreover weakens her relationship with Tom. If he was her superior officer, why would she develop such a ‘big sister’ mentality to Tom if she didn’t have as many opportunities to meet him?

Tuvok

Mosaic does not go too much in depth with Tuvok and Janeway’s relationship, but its sister novel Pathways does. In Pathways, Tuvok meets Janeway when he is an ensign under her command of the USS Bonestell. The Bonestell and the Billings, two ships that Janeway served on, tend to get confused a lot. Most sources have Janeway’s first command as the Voyager, Including Voyager itself -  “It doesn't seem like my first command is shaping up the way I expected,” Janeway Shattered. The Autobiography of Kathryn Janeway has her and Tuvok meet on the Al-Batani. I actually really like the dynamic between them, as they grow to respect each other over a much longer period of time. I also like that, though Janeway climbs through the ranks, it does not change their relationship dynamic as she still relies on him and asks him advice as if they were equals. I think giving them a longer time to build their relationship. Also would like to note that Janeway and Tuvok also had a friendship with the original CMO of Voyager, Dr. Fitzgerald. I always wanted to know more about the Pre-Caretaker crew and I would have loved to see this dynamic and how the grief of losing a close personal friend in the Caretaker incident would impact them both.

Also I feel obligated to shout out the Janeway and Tuvok story in Star Trek Waypoint One-Shot. I need to get around to doing a series retrospective, but this short story I have not seen anyone talk about and I love it so much. Please read Waypoint. Okay next.

Other characters

Cheb - Janeway’s boyfriend in Mosaic. He was kind of an asshole and got her into trouble. He is not in the Autobiography of Kathryn Janeway and I see no problem with this.

Boothby - “[he is the] head groundskeeper at Starfleet Academy. When I was a cadet, he used to give me fresh roses for my quarters,” Janeway Revulsion. Boothby is not in Mosaic. In the Autobiography of Kathryn Janeway, it is explained that her mother loved to garden and this was something that Boothby did as a gradian figure to make her feel at home and destress. Makes sense.

Aisha - A childhood friend of Katheryn’s. Only in the Autobiography of Kathryn Janeway. Mosaic has this weird thing about highlighting the relationships with only the men in her life, so it is nice to see her have some other female friends.

Nexa - Katheryn’s roommate at the Academy.  Only in the Autobiography of Kathryn Janeway. Nexa helps broaden Kathryn’s horizons by helping to learn about Exoliguisticts, first contact, and the Betazoid culture. Again nice to see her have other female friends.

Riker - Yes they go on a date in Mosaic. He is not mentioned in the  Autobiography of Kathryn Janeway. I know he is a gag character but I still liked it.

-----------------------

Final Thoughts

A lot of characters were changed between these two novels. There is a lot to like and a lot to hate. I really like what the Autobiography of Kathryn Janeway did with characters like Tuvok and Gretchen Janeway. Other characters were not so lucky (Justin, sweetie I’m so sorry that they would erase you like that, oh my god). It’s a mixed bag, but one thing I need say is... why?

We have had a good thing going here with the established canon as is. Mosaic (and Pathways) is the foundation of which the last 25 years of fanworks and the relaunch novels are based on. Why change history when it is already written?

Always, would love to hear your thoughts and thank you for reading my novel of a post. I will see you in the full review.

[missmonsters2]

Between the Lines || XI

PAIRING: Steve Rogers & Fem!Reader (Platonic) / Natasha Romanoff x Fem!Reader / Wanda Maximoff x Fem!Reader / Natasha Romanoff x Fem!Reader x Wanda Maximoff

Summary: Vampire AU. Life has changed drastically since the 1600s. Things are always on the move, and you’ve been very careful to not get on SHIELDs radar. Living on the down-low owning a café, you’re content to live out a quiet existence. That is until the Avengers enter your life.

[Set after the New York Invasion, in CAWS, and goes up to AoU. Canon divergent after.]

Warnings: This series will contain smut(**), poly-relationship, and dark themes.

Note: Hiatus is over hopefully and we’re on the last arc! Shit is gon’ happen so strap yourselves in and enjoy the ride 👏🏻👏🏻

PART I || PART II || PART III || PART IV || PART V || PART VI || PART VII || PART VIII || PART IX || PART X

PART XI of XX

Count: 5,532

⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⋆⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷

Hot. 

Your body felt hot, and there was something deliciously thick going down your throat.

Blood. 

You could taste it so very clearly. 

You could feel your body healing, the bullet holes mending themselves until there was nothing left, and your body in pristine condition. 

Thumping.

You could hear a pounding in your ears and then a soft, breathy moan. 

You wanted to be closer. 

Your hand presses against the wall as your other hand presses the warmth closer to you.

God, you could get lost in this forever as you swallow a mouthful of blood. 

"Ah..."

The sound is both melodic and also a warning bell to you. 

You need to stop.

You have to stop.

Your hand presses against the wall harshly as you feel it break as you curl your hand in an attempt to pull yourself away. 

The tight grip of Wanda's legs around your waist starts to loosen as you pull your mouth away from her neck. She's still holding you close, and you don't move your head too far from her neck. 

The thumping of her heart feels weaker, and you purse your lips, disappointed with yourself. You clean the drip of blood trailing down her throat, ignoring the way Wanda's breath still hitches before your lick at the bite wounds at her neck. 

Soon enough, the bite marks begin to disappear, leaving Wanda's neck bare and unblemished, but a slight red overtone stain from her blood. 

When you pull back enough to see her face, Wanda looks drowsy.

"I'm sorry," you swallow. "I went overboard."

Wanda shakes her head lightly, feeling dizzy from just the motion. 

"It's fine," she says, "I didn't mind."

Wanda tries to stand up, but it's too much as her legs give way, and she falls. You catch her before her knees hit the ground. 

You purse your lips before you hook your arm under the back of Wanda's legs, pulling her up to carry her.

Wanda rests her head against your shoulder as you carry her out. When the door opens, you're met with everyone waiting outside to see if you were okay.

You see Natasha standing there, looking at the two of you, and you feel like you've been punched in the stomach. But you don't get much time to dwell on it when Pietro comes up to you, worry all over his face when he looks at his sister.

He squints his eyes at you, and it doesn't faze you as you are to blame for her state.

"She's okay," you tell him quietly. "She just needs some rest and lots of fluids."

"I'll get her some juice. We should be landing soon, so I'll whip up something for her to help," David offers as he takes off. 

Pietro looks like he wants to take Wanda from your arms, but you cock your brow at him.

"You'll drop her in your state if you try to carry her," you tell him, looking at his bullet wound specifically and how he was hunched over slightly. 

Pietro scowls but relents as he follows you to the room next door as you set Wanda down gently. Your hand moves to gently get her to let go of your jacket, and you set the blanket over her.

As you get up to leave, Pietro stops you.

He presses his lips together, frowning initially before he lets out a sigh. "Thank you."

You merely nod, patting his shoulder gently before you leave him alone with his sister. 

When you leave, you're on a one-track mission to talk to Natasha, but before you can even reach her, Maria intercepts. It seemed Fury was looking for you to get some details regarding the mission and had some questions. 

You scrunch your nose as you look at Natasha. 

"We can talk later," Natasha says quietly so only you can hear as she nods. 

You sigh, looking at her forlornly before you follow Maria.

⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⋆⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷

There's a wave of peace when you arrive back in New York. You never thought you would feel this way about a place. A part of you thinks that maybe it's not the place, but the fact that you're here with all the people you care about.

Your family.

Talking with Fury had taken longer than you wanted, giving you no chance to speak with Natasha. 

Everyone heads back to the Stark Tower. At first, you were going to follow along with them, but Natasha holds your hand, drawing you back while shaking her head.

"Let's head back to your place," Natasha says quietly.

You gulp.

"Okay."

You feel it must be a good sign still with Natasha holding your hand as she leads you away to her car, though she's quiet the entire ride, making no move to talk. So, you also sit quietly as you watch the scenery out the window. 

Natasha walks herself straight to your bathroom when she enters your home. You feel grimy yourself and head to a different washroom yourself to clean up. 

You finish before Natasha, and you head over to the kitchen to make her a drink. Unsure of what Natasha wanted to say or how she would react, you didn't think it would hurt to try to bribe her with a drink. It has turned quite late into the night, so you decide to make her a tea instead of coffee.

You go to sit on the sofa, quietly putting soft music in the background in an attempt to soothe yourself as you idly feel the soft fabric underneath your fingers. 

Soon enough, you hear the water turn off in the washroom, and Natasha comes out, fresh and clean, with a towel around her neck as she dries her hair. 

Warmth spreads over your chest as Natasha comes to sit on the sofa, right next to you. You hand her the drink, and she quirks her brow at you with a slight curve in her lip as she takes it.

Humming after she takes a sip, she sets the drink down, towel discarded to the side as she looks at you. 

You purse your lips.

"I--"

You're cut off when Natasha launches herself at you, her lips hitting yours roughly as she slides her fingers across your jaws. 

Surprise takes over you as you automatically reach over to wrap your arms around Natasha's waist. She bites your lower lip, rather hard, and you wonder if this is a punishment. 

When she pulls back, the two of you are a little breathless. 

"Are you...upset?" You ask slowly, scrunching your brow and licking your bottom lip to soothe the pain Natasha inflicted.

Natasha leans back, settling to rest her head between your shoulder and neck as she sighs deeply and heavily. 

"Yes, and no," she answers after moments of silence. Your arms are still wrapped around her as your fingers slide down her arm. You place your hand gently atop of Natasha's. 

You don't say anything because it seems like Natasha is still putting her thoughts together. 

"I'm not mad," Natasha decides. "I know that what you did was out of necessity. You were severely injured, and the only person who could help you was Wanda."

You could sense the lingering at the end of her sentence. 

"But...I don't know. Seeing you with her, so...lost within her...it was different. I understand it, I really do, and on top of that, Wanda is a beautiful girl," Natasha sighs.

You nod, knowing Natasha could feel it. 

"I'm not mad," Natasha repeats.

"Then?" You lick your bottom lip.

Natasha turns her hand around to lace her fingers with yours, pursing her lips, annoyed by how she's unable to describe how she feels.

"I don't know."

⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⋆⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷

You were miffed.

With David specifically.

The offender was aware since you've ignored him for a couple days now and haven't looked once in his direction.

You stood with everyone at the Stark Towers as they talked casually. The place is currently being repaired right now after all the damage done by Ultron, but it was still standing for the most part.

Tony talked about how he wanted to build a new compound for the Avengers and was considering either selling the Stark Tower or just taking it back for his company. 

You were standing at the side, between Steve and Natasha, as you tap your foot idly. 

David stood across from you, staring at you while you pointedly didn't look at him, mouth pressed in a firm line. 

A part of you wanted to be rational.

It's not like you were unaware of the circumstances. Drink from Wanda or risk killing everyone on the helicarrier, and also killing yourself in the process. 

And by God knows, no one would've been able to stop you.  

But...you were still so angry.

David knew the consequences of this, and he took it, and you could not blame him for it.

"You can't ignore me forever," David says quietly, moving his mouth so quickly, no one can hear but you. 

You don't say anything.

"Ignoring me isn't going to solve anything, and you know it," David continues on. "We need to talk now, and I'll make a scene if I have to."

You pause for a moment, eyes flittering over to Wanda, who is standing next to David along with Pietro. She's got her brow raised as if she could hear the conversation between the two of you. You don't doubt the possibility that she could.

You look at David, who is staring at you challengingly. Making a scene would be awkward, but you felt childish, wanting to ignore David a little more.

So, you called his bluff. 

And he proved you wrong. 

David barrels into you, tackling you into the empty space as everyone gasps, tensing as they want to break up the fight but knowing they physically would be unable to do so. 

"Stop being so stubborn!" David yells at you, atop of you, and you bare your teeth at him.

Being older brings advantages; David knows that as you flip him over, toppling him underneath you.

"You know exactly why I'm pissed at you!" You snarl at him.

David goes limp in your hold, sighing as he does so.

"I know," he says quietly, "and I'm sorry, but there wasn't any other choice."

Hearing David apologize to you even though you knew it wasn't really his fault made you grimace.  

God, you were such an ass sometimes. 

You sigh, loosening your grip on David as you stand up, pulling him up with you. 

"What...the hell was that?" Tony says, staring in disbelief at you two. 

"Just a disagreement," you mutter as you rotate your shoulder to relocate it back into place. 

Natasha purses her lip at you as you walk back up to her.

You shrug at her, not really wanting to get into it again.

"We've got some things we have to discuss first, we'll meet up with you guys later," David announces, pulling you with him as you frown.

Everyone just blinks at the two of you exist the room, and head to the rooftop. Once up there, you feel a slight breeze and can smell how fall is approaching. 

"Are you done being pissed at me?" David asks as the two of you look over the railing at the city. 

You exhale heavily through your nose.

"I know it's not your fault," you tell David, "but I would have preferred it more if you took me and jumped off the helicarrier and have our bodies be obliterated when we hit the ground."

"I'll keep that in mind the next time we encounter this problem," David smiles wryly.

"You put me in a horribly awkward situation, David, nevermind the consequences of it," you sighed, pressing your temples with your hand before rubbing your face. 

"How did Natasha take it?" David asked. 

You shrug. "She didn't really take it any way at all. She said she doesn't know how she felt about it. She's neither upset nor okay with it, but she understands."

"That must be better than her being pissed at you," David shrugs. 

"I don't know," you say, "I know how to deal with pissed, I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do when even she doesn't know how she feels."

"And Wanda?" David probes.

You tense up immediately at her name, David catching it immediately.

"That bad or that good?" 

You turn to glare at him.

"Sorry."

You turn back to the city skyline. 

"I don't know," you tell him honestly, blinking slowly. "She looks incredibly so much like Tatyana, and yet, I know distinctly it's not her. She's both familiar and new to me. A part of me understands I'm the only link to explaining her family's past, but I feel like I need to keep my distance as well, even though I can't now."

"Why? Did you feel something for her?" David asks.

"A little too much,"  you wryly admit. "It was terrifying, honestly."

"But?" David probes some more.

You look at him. "But I am in love with Natasha."

⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⋆⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷

You and David stay on the rooftop for a while just to enjoy the quiet while you can before you head back to have the real serious talk.

When you come down, you see that everyone had still stayed in the room, loitering as if they weren't waiting for the two of you to go back.  

Natasha looks at you, and you nod, telling her that you and David were okay. David looks at Natasha and gives her his dashing smile that she returns in small. 

"We need to talk," you say in a sobering tone, looking at Wanda, while you make a move to grab Natasha's hand. 

Wanda stares at you, not saying anything as she tilts her head.

"About what?" Pietro cuts in, looking at you with a frown. 

"Пьетро," Wanda says, accent thick as she grabs his arm to calm him down. "About what?" Wanda asks as she turns her head back to you. 

You look around the room as if to tell everyone else this is a private matter.

"Oh no," Tony says, leaning against a counter. "We're all in this together now. Share with the class."

Steve was the only other person in the room, and he nodded his head firmly at you in more of a supportive way than Tony. 

You let out a long sigh as you turn back to Wanda.

"It's about...what happened when I fed on you," you say slowly and rather awkwardly, feeling Natasha's hand tighten around yours. 

Wanda licks her lips. 

"You've probably figured out by now that I know an ancestor of your guys'," you say.

"That woman I've seen in your head..." Wanda brings up, and you grimace.

"Yeah, her," you confirm. 

"Wait, what?" Pietro says, swerving back to look at his sister. "She knows someone in our family tree, and you didn't say anything?"

"I didn't know for sure," Wanda shrugs. 

"How did you know her? Was that why you were looking for us?" Pietro asked, narrowing his eyes in suspicion. 

"Her name was Tatyana. She was..." you clear your throat. "She was...my lover. But yes, she was partly why I was looking for the two of you. But the truth is, every time there is a new descendant, I always look for them. Although somewhere along the way, I lost track because your great-great-grandfather decided to have multiple children in secret."

"So, we actually have a big family we don't know about?" Pietro scrunches his eyebrows together.

You shake your head. "No, you two are the sole surviving people left in your family. Everyone else has rather lived short lives or died due to an accident or illness."

Pietro continues to stare at you suspiciously but moves on. "You say this Tatyana woman was our ancestor, but how did we come to be if she was your lover."

"Tatyana had a life before me," you shrug. "She never really talked about it, but she was in an arranged marriage when she was younger and had a child. Of course, her husband took on a second wife since it was common back in the day. It wasn't the life she wanted, and she had never been inclined to children. Leaving was easy for her."

"She was...a witch," Wanda says slowly as if to confirm with you.

"Yes," you nodded stiffly. "Her...powers is genetic."

"But I didn't have any powers when I was born. I was given it through the scepter," Wanda argued. 

You lick your lips. "Over the years, your bloodline was diluted. The powers are genetic, but with Tatyana, but since no one in the family ever married another witch or warlock, the powers became weaker and weaker every time until there was basically nothing. In this day and age, you would be so lucky to even find a true witch or warlock by blood because they're all in hiding, though the stake burning has stopped."

"Then...the scepter..." Wanda pondered.

"You may not have had obvious powers, but you probably experienced smaller things as a child. A feeling you couldn't ignore, a dream that came true, something buzzing at your fingertips, but you just couldn't explain it. The scepter unlocked that gene within you. It jumpstarted the powers you had inside all along," you theorize. 

Wanda looked at you in shock, confirming that she experienced those things in her youth. 

"Why didn't I get the same gift as Wanda then if I have the gene too?" Pietro asked.

You shrug. "I'm only guessing. I've never actually seen any males in your family tree display any inkling of a gift. I'm assuming the scepter had more of play in powers for you."

Pietro hums, looking at his sister before shrugging and moving on. 

"Well, a great history lesson. You slept with my ancestor, is that what you wanted to tell us?" Pietro cocked his brow with a smirk, and you roll your eyes.

"No, I wish it were just that," you sigh inaudibly, feeling your stomach drop as you looked back at Wanda.

"The day I fed from you...did you feel anything happen to your body after?"

Wanda cocked her brow at you, and you felt your cheeks warm and forced it down before it could physically show on your face.

"I mean, like, a burning...no, I mean...did you feel any pain afterward?" You stumbled over your words, not even daring to look at Natasha as you kept holding her hand. "Specifically, did any of your bones hurt?"

Wanda stares at you a moment longer before nodding slowly. "I did," she says. "I felt something here like it was on fire...I assumed it was because too much blood was taken." She points to her sternum.

You pursed your lips, feeling suspicion rise higher inside.

You turn to Tony. "Do you have an x-ray machine here?"

"I do," Tony raises one of his brows. 

"Why do you need an x-ray?" Pietro asked, mildly alarmed.

You didn't answer as Tony led everyone out of the room into the medical bay area where there were multiple body x-ray scanning machines, though many of the devices but two were crushed when Ultron attacked the tower. 

You had to let go of Natasha's hand as you walk up to Wanda, who is looking at your own sternum for a moment before looking back at you.

"I need to confirm if what I believe is true," you tell her softly, asking her to get onto the machine.

"I'll show you mine if you show me yours," Wanda says with a slight raise of her brow and a tiny quirk in her lips like she knows you're hiding something underneath. 

You purse your lips, not really wanting everyone to see what is in your body, but you know it's only fair if you're asking Wanda.

"Alright," you agree with a nod. 

"Are you serious?" David blinks in disbelief, and Natasha turns to him with curious eyes. 

You shrug.

"It was bound to come out at some point...I wanted to show Nat sometime anyways," you look over at your girlfriend with a smile, feeling slightly guilty about hiding things still. 

Both you and Wanda get onto the machine while Tony operates it to get a CT scan of the bones. 

The scan is over relatively quickly, doing the front and back as you both make it out of the room to join the crowd around the monitor. 

The images slowly load.

"Jesus Christ," Steve exclaims under his breath.

"What the fuck," Tony squints his eyes as if he doesn't believe what he's seeing. 

Though both pictures showed up, yours drew all the attention.

Marks and drawings were engraved into your bones everywhere on the front and back of your ribs like they were tattoos. 

"What are these?" Natasha asked as she leans in to take a closer look at the images. 

"They're searings from a priest," you tell them, turning your attention to Natasha.

"Leo?" She asks quietly. 

You nod your head, blinking languidly as you look at her face.

"What's it for?" Steve asked, squinting his eyes slightly.

You stand straighter as you readjust your jacket.  

"They're markings that allow me to go into the sun without being burnt alive," you say, watching as everyone just blink at you. "David has the same ones, though not done by the same priest."

"So, something does happen if you go into the sun!" Tony exclaims as if he was right all along.

"...Yes, but I don't sparkle. It's quite the opposite. It burns and rips at the flesh and smells exactly like what you think it would smell like," you tell him. Tony made a gagging face at the thought. 

"Wait, what is that?" Pietro says as he looked at Wanda's image, finding a scrawling in red burned into her sternum.

Everyone draws their attention over before looking back at yours.

You had an identical one in the same place. 

The searings on your rib were in black, while the one on your sternum was red in color.

"Oh, shit," David says, breaking the silence. "We activated the second part of your curse."

"Curse? What curse? What did you do to my sister?" Pietro pushes past everyone until he's standing in front of you, gripping the lapels of your jacket. 

"Пьетро!" Wanda calls after him, putting her hand on his arm to pull him back, but he doesn't budge.

You swallow.

"As I said," you put your hands around Pietro's, forcing him to let go. "I was involved with Tatyana, your ancestor, and it didn't end well."

"She cursed you because of a quarrel or a breakup?" Pietro snorted as if he didn't believe you.

You quirked your brow at him. "No, she cursed me because I killed her."

"You killed her?" Tony says in incredulity. "You killed your girlfriend." 

"I had to," you shift uncomfortably, the guilt rising up as Natasha moves to hold your hand. "She turned. Upset with how villages were hunting witches along with other horrible things, she was trying to create vampires using her magic to destroy the villages. She was murdering innocent people, and nothing I said reached her anymore. When I begged her to stop, she didn't. I did what I had to."

"Jesus fucking Christ," Tony blinked. "You know, I'm surprised you didn't become a villain; your origin story would've been so good."

You roll your eyes.

"What was the curse, and what does that have to do with my sister?" Pietro demanded.

"The curse was that I could never feed from a human being other than her. But because you are descendants from her, you share the same blood, which creates somewhat of a loophole." You sigh, pressing your lips together as you look at Wanda. "The reason I was actually looking for the two of you is that I always keep track of the descendants of Tatyana's. I do that so I know who I cannot ever risk of drinking their blood, even if you donated blood by chance, I wouldn't take your blood bag."

You look at Natasha, "I'm sorry, but I didn't tell you everything that night," you say softly. 

Natasha bit her tongue, "You said that you didn't want to find a cure to this curse...but you've actually had already tried to find one, haven't you?

You nodded, biting your bottom lip.

"Yes...Leo and I spent years trying to find the cure at first. At one point, I encountered one of Tatyana's grandchildren. I could smell the same blood of Tatyana's in her. At that time, I was living off of animal blood," you sighed. "I don't know, something came over me, and I jumped at her. I realized that I could drink from her...but that's when I realized the second part of this curse." 

You looked at Wanda apologetically. "I inflict this curse back on them."

"What?" Pietro bellowed.

"What happened to Tatyana's granddaughter?" Steve asked with arms crossed as he processed the information.

"Another vampire tried to feed on her and she died instantly," you frowned. "When Leo and I realized the intricacies of this, I stopped looking for the cure because it was clear there wasn't one without Tatyana being the one to remove it. On top of that, it kept my bloodlust in check. I had to be more conscious about it unless I wanted to die."

"Why didn't you just tell me?" Natasha asked quietly. 

"Because I'm not proud of it. Worse than killing Tatyana because I had to was awful. But then I went and tried to remove her curse," you frowned slightly. "I'm not like you, Nat. You deal with your ledger every day proudly and without hesitation."

You look away, ashamed of what you're admitting. "I couldn't. I wanted to get rid of the curse because even though it was what I deserved, it was just a daily reminder of Tatyana, and I didn't want to remember what I had done to her."

Fingers grip your chin, pulling you back, and you face Natasha.

"Hey, you are the bravest person I know," she says softly, and the words linger like she wants to say something else, but there's a crowd here. "We'll talk more later."

Natasha lifts your fingers to her lips and presses a soft kiss to them. The action brings a deep pit feeling in your stomach, and you feel something threatening to spill over, but you swallow it because now isn't the time. 

"So, what do we do now?" Pietro asks, bringing everyone back to the matter at hand.

You look solemnly at Pietro. "There's nothing I can do. I have to keep feeding from her regularly. Otherwise, she'll die."

"Why?" Pietro demanded, stress clear on his face. 

"This curse is a catch 22 situation. On the one hand, Wanda is the only person I can feed from. But on the other hand, now I'm the only vampire who can feed on her. If any other vampire tries to feed on her, it will react badly with my venom and kill her. If I don't regularly feed on her and inject new venom, her cells will slowly deteriorate and kill her. My venom is both a poison and a cure for her." Your expression was grim, and you looked over to Wanda, but the girl seemed to have no reaction at all to what you were saying, so you were unable to gauge how she was feeling. 

"And what?" Pietro pressed. "You'll do this to her forever? Because there's no fucking cure?"

You didn't really have an answer to that because it's not like you've encountered this situation. The last descendant you drank from died due to another vampire getting to her. You were sure as hell not going to let that happen this time, but you had a feeling Wanda could handle her own if someone tried to attack her. 

"No," you decided, exhaling softly. "I'm...going to try to find the cure again. If it was just me, that's one thing, but you're right; I can't let Wanda be affected forever too."

Natasha squeezed your hand, and you turned slightly to look at her, finding her giving you a small smile.

"How are you going to find a cure? I thought the only cure to this was if Tatyana reversed what she did, and she's no longer here," Steve asked.

You lick your lips as you lock eyes with David.

"It's been a while, but we're going to find Leo's descendent."

⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⋆⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷

The day comes to a quiet end, and you find yourself looking out the window. The city is still bustling, and it's a reminder that New York is a city that never sleeps, and you kind of miss the atmosphere out in the countryside where Clint lived.

Natasha left with David to help him try to track down Leo's descendent. Though, you know it will be relatively easy.

Steve had pulled you aside after asking you seriously if you wanted him to stay to help you with this matter, but you shook your head.

"You need to find Bucky," you tell him. "He's out there, waiting for you unconsciously, I bet."

Steve seems like he wants to stay still, but you smile as you pat his broad shoulder.

"David found a tip on Bucky for you, so you need to go because it's not looking hot for him," you pass him a folded piece of paper.

"What if you need me?" Steve frowned.

"You'll be the first I'll call, solider," you wink.

"I better be," he smiles back, pulling you into a hug before he left. 

A part of you wonders how things will play out like how you saw when you touched Tony's hand. Regardless, if you could get Tony to think the Accords was a horrible idea, then things would change.

But changing Tony's mind or trying to influence him was like trying to move a mountain.

"Hey."

You turn to see Wanda standing at the door, far from you. When you turn, she takes it as a sign to enter the room and approach you.

"Hey," you reply, feeling your body going stiff, the conversation with David fresh in your mind. 

Wanda stands next to you before turning her head to look at the view outside.

"The view is very different than what I'm used to," she tells you quietly. 

"Better or worse?" You ask in return.

"Both. On the one hand, this is not the view of my homeland, but I suppose this is better than watching my country collapse."

You purse your lips at that, feeling sympathy for the girl before you.

"They will rebuild," you tell her softly, "and when you return, it will be a beautiful view once more."

Wanda gives you a small smile as she turns to face you. No one says anything, and the quiet settles over the two of you as you stare at each other. 

"I feel like you were meant to be in my life, and I'm meant to be in yours," Wanda tells you, blinking as if she's unsure if she should be saying so. 

"You feel something for me," Wanda states, and you immediately rush to deny it.

"Don't," Wanda warns you, and you press your lips together to hold the words back. "You do, and you can't lie to me about it. I...I feel confused around you. You and Natasha. I don't know what to make of any of it."

"There's so much history tied between us...I worry that your feelings are because of my ancestor--because you mistake me for her."

"I don't," you tell her immediately, not wanting her to feel like she was some replacement. "I admit you two are similar...in more ways than you know...but I know that you're not her."

"How?" Wanda smiles sardonically.

"Easiest explanation? Scent. Vampires are extremely sensitive to scent, and you have your own distinct smell. Long explanation? There's no one that could ever replace Tatyana to me, and I don't want anyone to. You are your own person, just as Natasha is. In my heart, Natasha is something new and cannot also ever be replaced," you say, wanting Wanda to understand, but also to draw a line. 

"And me?" Wanda pushes. "Where do you want me to stand in your heart?"

You clench your jaw, just about to answer when Natasha and David enter the room.

"We've found the descendent. He lives in Texas," David tells you. 

You take a step back from Wanda, clearing your throat quietly as you nod. 

Your girlfriend stares at you, her eyes shifting to Wanda for a microsecond before she looks back at you as if Natasha could tell she just walked into a tense moment.

"Good," you say. "We'll leave tomorrow morning. Everyone should get some rest."

You walk towards Natasha, grabbing her hand as you lead her out the room, only looking back once at Wanda, who stood there with her arms crossed over her chest as she looks at you with an expression you find yourself unable to decipher.

Nor forget.

PART XII

[fullmetalscullyy]

uncertainty

summary: Riza sustains her Promised Day injuries at the same time Roy is pinned by Pride in the transmutation circle

an: tldr i was consumed by this idea all evening. the narrator, probably: this is the darkest timeline

this was originally supposed to be “riza gets her promised day injuries AFTER roy goes blind” but it evolved, grew arms and legs, then ran away from me. but. i am still v invested in that original idea so. why not play about w and write the same thing/something similar twice right? yolo

also. its been like. 4 and a half hours of work so if u see any mistakes no u didn’t <3

shoutout to those who left encouragement/interest in this idea and to meg for spurring the bradley being Bad idea along <333

rating: t | words: 3262 | tags: graphic depictions of violence, angst, angst with a happy ending, promised day, canon divergence, royai

read on ao3 

“Let him go.”

Riza orders the Fuhrer to step down, to remove his swords from the Colonel’s hands, to stop piercing his flesh. Her gun is trained on him easily and Riza discovers she has no qualms about shooting the man in charge of the country. She will not hesitate to do so if he so much as breathes in the wrong way.

After his appearance, and his assault on the Colonel, Riza had watched the tips of Bradley’s swords pierce through the Colonel’s palms, had seen them bury themselves in the gaps in the stone beneath her commanding officer. With her heart in her throat, Riza had inhaled sharply and drawn her weapon without pause, training it on Bradley’s head.

Riza’s voice didn’t betray her raging emotions within. For years – over a decade – she’d kept them under wraps for a variety of reasons. And even now, faced with this horrifying scenario, she did not let them surface. As much as she wanted to, she wouldn’t do it again. Not after her confrontation with Lust. She’d made a promise to the Colonel, and separately, in private, to Roy, not to.

“You were always an exemplary soldier, Lieutenant Hawkeye, following every order without question or complaint,” Bradley remarks. His spine straightens but does not remove his swords from the ground beneath the Colonel’s palms. He does not stop from looming over Mustang but turns his head to look at her. It’s reminiscent of a shark swimming right towards its prey, going for the kill, but Riza does not let that analogy get to her. She strengthens her grip on her pistol instead. “What has changed now?”

He’s toying with her. If she argued against any of his orders while his hostage, he’d have her killed.

A memory suddenly pops into her mind.

“You could always court martial me, sir.”

Riza’s eyes flick to quickly look down at the Colonel, lying pinned, helpless, and watching her anxiously on the floor. Mustang never would, but she misses the days where she could argue lightly against his orders and do what she felt was right and just by him and others she cared about and supported.

The doctor with the gold tooth writhes in agony above the Colonel, Bradley, and Pride, trying to call out for help and salvation, but the homunculi ignore him. Unfortunately, Riza has to as well, for she has seen how quick Bradley is and has felt the terror and harshness of Selim’s shadows, so cannot let herself slip for a second. If she does, it may cost her life. Or the Colonel’s.

“Simply doing my duty to this country and it’s citizens, sir,” she replies evenly. She holds no remorse for her actions. Not after the Fuhrer took her hostage for so long and the team discovered he was part of a scheme to try and kill everybody.

“Your duties involve following my orders, Lieutenant.”

Bradley is reminding her of her position as he trains his single eye upon her, but Riza tries her best to ignore it. It’s unnerving how piercing his gaze is, but she holds steady. She will not give into him and his intimidation.

“I am the highest authority to you. At ease, soldier.” He bites out the words, forcing them out as he tries to keep a lid on his fury.

“Not this time, sir.” She will not blindly follow his orders. Images of the desert flash inside Riza’s mind. Not again.

It angers him, but before he can react properly, Pride quite possibly saves her hide.

“We don’t have time for this, Wrath,” Pride sneers suddenly. He glares at Riza and she stares back, unflinching. She’s an expert at this by now after so many months under their scrutiny. She will not fall now at the final hurdle.

In response to Pride, Bradley angles his head towards him, looking away from her, and Riza feels herself relax momentarily. She does not turn complacent. Far for it. She’s too wired and on edge with the Colonel pinned in a transmutation circle underneath a homunculus’ feet to be close to any semblance of calm. But with Bradley’s gaze no longer pinning her, it’s a welcome reprieve. Her shoulders relax and lower a fraction.

“Enough of this conversation,” Pride continues. “We’ve got more important things to do.”

“Of course.” Bradley sounds so calm that it causes the knot inside Riza’s stomach to tighten. It’s the same knot that’s filled with unease and uncertainty regarding their current situation. It trembles and contracts as she stabilises herself and recentres her weapon so it’s ready to make a kill shot if need be.

“We have more important things to do,” Bradley repeats quietly to himself. His voice is without emotion, completely different from the rage-tinged tone he’d used just moments ago. Under his moustache, Riza sees a small smirk. One corner of his mouth quirks upwards.

In a flash, he rips the swords out of the Colonel’s palms, causing him to cry out in pain. They must have snagged on his skin because his loud gasp was laced with anguish.

Riza fires unflinchingly as Bradley charges at her.

“Lieutenant!” The Colonel’s cry is a gasp. She knows he fears for her, but she cannot focus on that right now.

Her finger does not let up on the trigger and it is relentless. She doesn’t have time to pay attention to it, but behind Bradley, Pride’s shadows dance around the room and she cannot fathom why. If she could spare enough of her concentration and tear it away from the charging homunculus, she’d realise the shadows were protecting Pride’s main body from her bullets flying behind the Fuhrer.

Bradley is too fast. He ducks underneath her weapon and outstretched arms, swinging around to her back.

Before she can blink, Riza can feel the kiss of cold metal on her throat.

Shit.

Her eyes widen, and so does the Colonel’s. His teeth are gritted together as he’s trapped in the transmutation circle, but his eyes meet hers immediately. It’s interesting to note how her own gaze zoned in on his during her sudden moment of helplessness, but Riza knows exactly why. She does not deny it to her heart.

“You’re a pest,” Bradley hisses in her ear.

The metal moves easily against her skin, like a knife moving through butter, and she hears the Colonel yell. As her body crumples to the floor he calls to her. He barks her rank, pleading with her to stay with him and focus on him. Her head hits the ground hard, and she’s dazed for a second. Her vision turns grey, and she cannot focus on anything, but still hears the Colonel calling out to her.

“Hawkeye!”

The others try to surge forward to intervene, but Pride’s shadows lash out and keep them at bay, pushing them backwards towards the outer wall. The homunculus forces them away from the two on the ground, preventing them from helping.

This is it.

She’s lying on the floor, bleeding out, with no one to assist her, and the Colonel is going to be forced to open the portal against his will.

She was supposed to watch his back and protect him. She was supposed to make sure no harm came to the Colonel so he could forge ahead and set in motion the plans he’d voiced to her over a decade ago. This was not how this was supposed to happen. Things changed in nanosecond and Riza’s brain has whiplash from trying to keep up.

“Do it, Pride.” Bradley’s anger is back under control. The bout of rage he’d experienced while advancing on her is gone. Or, it is back underneath his mask, hidden out of sight but simmering just below the surface.

Riza’s eyes meet the Colonel’s – no, Roy’s. His eyes are wide and panicked. She watches him strain against the dark tendrils holding him in place, but his struggle is futile and probably harming him. Through blurring vision she can see the colour red around his hands and up his forearm. The restraints must be cutting into his skin. Her mouth opens, asking him to remain still and not hurt himself. To not harm himself trying to escape to try and help her.

Impossible, she thinks to herself. Roy Mustang would tear the world apart for you. And you, him.

“Colonel –!” She wants to cry out to him, but with her injury it’s just a croak. A strangled, garbled call that doesn’t sound much like anything.

“Lieutenant!”

The homunculi ignore Roy’s cry, filled with such helplessness and anxiety. His expression is one of horror as their predicament hits him full force. His fight abates slightly, it stutters as his chest heaves with panicked breaths while realisation settles upon both their bones simultaneously.

They’re stuck and completely at the mercy of their enemies, with no hope of escape. No hope at all.

“It’s a shame to waste a soul,” Pride remarks quietly, sounding as though he’s talking to himself as he stares at the struggling doctor. His eyes lower lazily and focus on Riza. “When we have a perfectly good one right there.”

“Do it, Pride,” Bradley repeats, snapping this time. His mask is slipping.

Pride’s gaze lingers on her for a fraction of a second longer before turning back to look at the Colonel. His expression is unbothered by what he’s about to do. The complete opposite to the terror Riza can feel building within her.

You’re going to die, and he’s going to be forced through the gate.

“What will be taken from you Colonel, I wonder?”

Roy’s pained scream fills the air and infiltrates the gaps between her ribs. The sound cuts through her painfully, rattling her bones and constricting around her heart. She was supposed to prevent something like this from happening, but she didn’t.

Her vision fades and blurs even more intensely than before as the blue light from the human transmutation turns almost white. She cannot breathe. She cannot think.

The light winks out, leaving nothingness. The doctor falls to the ground, rolling slightly from the impact but Riza can no longer focus enough to determine what has happened to him.

You’re dying and he’s gone.

There was still a chance… A toll must be paid to pass through the gate so he may return alive, able to press on forward and achieve their goals and beat the bastards who did this to them today…

But it will be without her.

As Riza lies there, in a pool of her own blood, hearing her comrades call desperately out to her, a tear escapes from her lids and runs down her temple. She’s breaking her promise to the Colonel, to Roy. She’s leaving him, but it’s against her will, just like he had been forced through the gate against his.

She doesn’t want to leave him.

Images are flashing through his mind as he travels to the gate. It’s too much to bear inside his head. It feels like information is being stuffed into his brain far too quickly, and there’s too much. It’s overflowing. He sees snippets of his life, his past, and perhaps, what is yet to come?

Then there’s Riza, lying on the ground, clutching at her neck and lying in a pool of her own blood, but Roy blinks and she’s gone.

“Riza,” he gasps, the memory of what was done to her penetrating the fog inside his brain. It consumes him and his eyes squeeze closed. It does nothing though, it’s all he can see. It’s seared into his brain. He cannot escape the image of her dying, and him unable to help her.

The white room he suddenly finds himself in is featureless and unforgiving in its brightness. It hurts his eyes. Roy is reeling from arriving in the sudden and jarring expanse of white nothingness he finds himself in after passing through the gate, but he still squints and looks around frantically, looking for Riza, for some familiarity, momentarily forgetting himself as he’s overcome with his grief.

“What happened to her?” He demands an answer from the white being with the chilling smile. “Where is she?”

His questions go unanswered. When Roy starts to advance on it, the being simply smiles at him. After he takes about five steps, something secures around his aching wrist and jerks him backwards. Looking frantically down, wondering what is halting his approach, he realises with horror that these… things look similar to what Pride had used to restrained him before within the circle.

Not again.

“Is she okay?” His frantic cries are ignored.

Roy fights the tiny hands but there is no use. He cannot best them and it's worthless to try, but he continues to shout, beg, and pressure the smiling being to tell him what happened to Riza. To ask if she’s all right and going to live.

He has to. He needs to know.

Roy is drawn backwards, through a towering doorway, and into an inky black existence. Just like before, the last image he sees before everything goes black is chills him to his core. That white thing is still smiling at him in the distance, and for the first time since arriving there, Roy’s hoarse voice falters.

He will not receive any answers. He can yell until he is blue in the face, but no one will tell him if she’s okay, if she’s alive, or what happened to her. Terror was a constant companion after seeing Bradley’s sword slice through Riza’s flesh, but now panic was threating to overcome him once again.

Roy cannot lose her. He can’t.

The doors slam with a finality, leaving him in complete darkness that Roy gets the feeling he will never be able to escape from.

He’s blind.

The last thing he saw was Truth’s unnerving smile, and before that it was Riza on the floor, bleeding out and dying in front of him. That image was the last thing he saw in this world and it’s burned into his mind forever. It will not leave him be in his sudden pitch-black world.

He hates it. Abhors it. He wants to escape it but can’t. It’s with him always. A companion that lays out all of his failings before him. Roy chokes when he thinks about how she was left lying there, alone, critically injured, and he did nothing, could do nothing, to help or ease her pain.

Father tosses him around like a ragdoll, but Roy is still trying to adjust to being blind. He’s blinking furiously, hoping it will all turn out to be a horrible nightmare, but it’s futile. No matter how many times he blinks he cannot shift that image of her.

Is she even still alive?

He will not accept anything less.

“Sir?”

His head whips up and swings around frantically in its search. Roy thinks he may have been mistaken but… It is entirely possible his mind is playing a cruel trick on him, but he would also recognise her voice anywhere.

There’s a pressure on his forearm that commandeers his attention.

“Roy?”

The voice sounds scratchy. It catches as it pronounces the ‘y’ in his name, but Roy is filled instantly with recognition. The muscles of his face go slack as he stares wide eyed, yet unseeing, at the person he knows is in front of him.

Relief explodes within him. Muscles all over his body quiver and shake with it, and Roy cannot help himself. Every consequence, and everyone else, be damned. He surges forwards and upwards to his knees to wrap his arms – albeit clumsily – around Riza Hawkeye’s shoulders tightly.

He doesn’t even need her to confirm it. He knows it’s her by the smell of her shampoo and the faint smell of her perfume. It’s barely there underneath the smell of blood and the day’s grime, but it’s there, with him. It anchors Roy completely and tears surge into his eyelids.

“You’re alive,” he whispers.

Hands clutch desperately at his back. “I’m alive,” she confirms quietly.

Roy doesn’t care. He buries his face in the crook of her neck, and as an afterthought he realises he was lucky. It was not her injured side his face happened upon. Underneath his lips her skin is smooth and unmarked by the homunculi’s cruelty.

Roy inhales deeply and his eyes squeeze tightly closed as he savours the feeling of holding her, of knowing she is alive.

The last time he saw her, she was bleeding out. Dying. Chance, fate, or whoever, were smiling upon him today though, and Roy is grateful. He will take it. Roy doesn’t question her survival, just takes it at face value because that’s all he’s ever wanted in this last traumatic hour.

She’s alive.

Riza is alive.

His worst fear, his nightmare, had not come to pass after all, when it had seemed so likely before and he’d been left floundering, not knowing what the outcome would be.

The ‘how’ can come later. A tear escapes from beneath his closed lids and Roy simply rejoices in that fact while they have a quiet moment together. Another one follows suit when one of her hands lifts to rest upon the back of his head and pats it twice. It seems like a simple, friendly gesture, but he can feel the way the fingers of her other hand tighten their pressure upon his back. She’s still clinging to him and does not let up.

She’s alive. He can’t see her, but he can feel her touch and hear her breath.

“Are you okay?”

He wants to laugh. The joy bubbles up inside his chest when he hears the concern laced within her voice, simply because he is so happy to hear it.

Even if he cannot see her, this is enough for now.

“Are you?” He has no time to focus on himself. Not when the last time he saw her, she was so near death.

“Mei patched me up,” Riza explains, sounding hoarse.

Roy vows that owes that young alchemist a life debt. He will work until his dying breath to ensure it is paid for saving Riza’s life.

He pulls her in hurriedly for another embrace. It affirms that she is really there and breathing, and alive.

What he’s about to say is risky, but he’s in the mood for it. After what they’d just been through, Roy feeds the impulse because he needs her to know what he’s truly thinking.

Just in case.

When it came to Riza Hawkeye, his decisions always did have the tendency to be ruled by his heart, and while Riza still involved her heart completely, she was always the more level-headed and reasonable one, given their circumstances as subordinate and commanding officer.

Still, the situation called for it.

“I love you.” It’s whispered against the skin of her neck. Roy knows Riza hears him because her body stiffens with surprise.

Riza doesn’t respond until after a beat or two. It’s a simple nod, but it’s enough to know she acknowledges what he’s said. Roy doesn’t expect her to reply. They both know where they stand with one another and have done for years. The first time the sentiment had been expressed was after he returned from the academy, so this is not a shock revelation. It’s a means of comfort. A reassurance. And Roy feels it needs to be said. It’s also been a while since he’d last said those words to her, but right now it feels like it’s been too long. Another wrong in his book, but one he could correct immediately.

“I love you too, Roy.”

He blinks, surprised that she has said it back to him among the company of so many people, but they must not be paying attention to them.

Roy tightens his arms around her.

She’s alive, and she knows how he feels about her.

She knows.

They both do.

She’s okay.

That one thought eases all of his fears and leaves him feeling light, like he’s floating on air, so he buries his face into the crook of her neck once more to find an anchor.

[demifiendrsa]

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance - "The Sacrifice" Trailer

Japanese version

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance will launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC (Steam, Microsoft Store) on June 14, 2024 worldwide.

■ What is Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance?

Released in 2021, ATLUS’s renowned RPG Shin Megami Tensei V has sold more than one million copies worldwide.

This highly acclaimed title has evolved in every aspect, including the system and scenario, and will be available on multiple modern platforms!

At the beginning of the story, the player is presented with two divergent paths. The story told in Shin Megami Tensei V, the Canon of Creation, and a brand-new route, Canon of Vengeance, a dramatic tale of revenge by the fallen.

The Canon of Vengeance follows the scenario of Shin Megami Tensei V</em but changes drastically from the latter half of the game. The outcome will be completely different. Enjoy the two divergent stories to your heart’s content.

The battle system, demon fusion, and field exploration have also evolved in depth with the addition of new elements. We are excited to deliver a full-fledged RPG that can be enjoyed by those who have already played Shin Megami Tensei V</em, as well as those who are playing this series for the first time.

■ Story

Thou shalt be God—.

When a grisly murder scene in modern-day Tokyo blocks our protagonist’s walk home, an unplanned detour leaves him buried and unconscious. He awakens in a new Tokyo, a wasteland ravaged by apocalypse now called Da’at… but before bloodthirsty demons can claim his life, a savior emerges, and the two of them unite to become a mighty being, neither human nor demon: a Nahobino.

Revenge Awaits

Demons attack humans and seek to create a world of chaos. Defying them is Bethel, an organization seeking to protect God’s order. Caught up in the conflict between the two, while exploring Da’at, the protagonist meets and starts traveling with Yoko Hiromine. Using magic, Yoko and the protagonist stand together on the front line.

Four female Demons know as the Qadištu. “And so we have found it…The key to the resurrection…” A member of the Qadištu, Lilith, calls protagonist the Key of Resurrection, and herself The Oppressed. What is their purpose? A tale of revenge by the fallen begins.

■ Characters

Protagonist/Nahobino (voiced by Casey Mongillo in English, Kouhei Yanagi in Japanese)

An ordinary high school senior living in Tokyo. He transforms into a Nahobino, a powerful being capable of using supernatural powers to fight demons. Awaken an epic new form in Canon of Vengeance!

The protagonist has completely altered from his characteristic blue appearance. With a sickle-like blade, what is this form capable of?

Hayo Koshimizu (voiced by Sean Crisden in English, Kenjiro Tsuda in Japanese)

“To that end, I would like you to assist with the investigation and cessation of the current threat.”

Koshimizu is the Prime Minister of Japan, as well as head of Bethel’s Japan Branch. Calm, collected, and strategic.

Recruits Ichiro and others to Bethel’s cause, giving them the Demon Summoning Program to aid in the war against demons.

Abdiel (voiced by Cissy Jones in English, Romi Park in Japanese)

“As decreed by our lord, the Nahobino cannot be permitted to exist.”

An archangel and commander of the forces of Bethel.

Very strict and hard on herself and others, she will eliminate by force anyone who disturbs Bethel’s order.

Having absolute faith in God’s order, she is devoted to protecting and maintaining His will.

Shohei Yakumo (voiced by Ben Lepley in English, Tomokazu Sugita in Japanese)

“Humans need the will to survive at any cost. And those who lack that strength of will… no longer deserve to live.”

A mysterious man who stands in the way of the protagonist in Da’at.

A man of few words who calls himself the “exterminator of demons.”

His purpose and identity are unknown. He works with the demon Nuwa.

Nuwa (voiced by Laura Post in English, Ayana Taketatsu in Japanese)

“Whether I am there or not when Yakumo’s world comes to be is of no concern to me.”

Goddess in Chinese mythology. She has been working with Yakumo for unknown reasons since he was a child.

They arrive in the netherworld unexpectedly and confront the protagonist.

Mastema (voiced by Doug Erholtz in English, Wataru Takagi in Japanese)

“I am Mastema, an angel in service to the kingdom of light.”

A mysterious archangel and member of Bethel.

Says that he has received permission from God to tempt humans and test their faith.

He has come to Tokyo in pursuit of Qadištu, after they desecrated his own faraway jurisdiction. Could the strange incidents in Tokyo be related to his arrival…?

■ Demons

In addition to the demons that appeared in Shin Megami Tensei V, this title features more than 270 demons, including new demons newly drawn by character designer Masayuki Doi and demons from previous titles!

Nahobeeho (Fairy)

Jack Frost in a new form, resembling the Nahobino.

He loves snowy mornings and hopes to one day create a world made of silver.

Amabie (Enigma)

The game’s new demon.

A Japanese yokai that is said to have appeared in Higo Province during the Edo period, it is said to have emerged from the glowing sea and prophesized to the people.

■ System

The Parallel Ravaged Tokyo: Da’at

The story takes place in the Tokyo we know and the parallel world of Da’at. Demons roam in this vast netherworld, attacking the protagonist.

Da’at varies greatly in aspect from place to place, from desolate deserts and collapsed buildings, to areas lined with surreal geometric structures. Each location may contain different demons, often with tricky terrain that you’ll need to use your wits to navigate.

In Canon of Vengeance, Da’at includes a sprawling new area, Shinjuku ward will become available to explore.

—Various demons roam Da’at, blocking the hero’s way.

—Discover the mysteries of Shinjuku ward. A sacred atmosphere created by a huge object that resembles a great tree.

Netherword Exploration

Da’at is interspersed with a variety of elements, some of which will obstruct the hero’s path, while others provide advantages in his Da’at exploration and combat. Explore every corner of the vast netherworld by using these new features.

—Magatsuhi Crystal

Magatsuhi Crystals present in Da’at can be collected to provide various benefits. Green crystals recover HP, yellow crystals recover MP, and red crystals will increase the Magatsuhi Gauge.

—Magatsu Rail

This path formed of Magatsuhi connects and allows for travelling between the two locations in Da’at. Activating it not only provides a shortcut to a specific location, but also allows the user to navigate to hidden locations that are normally unreachable.

—Abscesses

Occasionally, there are large red obstacles growing in the path of the main character.

This obstacle is known as an Abscess. Powerful enemies appear in the vicinity and attack the protagonist. Defeating Abscesses will awaken new Miracles.

—Magatsuhi Demon

Demons cloaked in an aura of Magatsuhi will sometimes spawn in Da’at, called Magatsuhi Demons

Unlike normal demons, they are dangerous enemies with powerful skills, but may drop valuable items if defeated.

Da’at Exploration

Da’at is interspersed with a variety of elements, some of which will obstruct the hero’s path, while others provide advantages in his exploration and combat. Explore every corner of the vast netherworld by using these new features.

—Relics

Relics can be obtained from vending machines scattered throughout Da’at. Take them to Gustave, who will exchange them for Macca.

—Demon Navigator

Demons that accompany the main protagonist and support him in his exploration. They do not participate in combat, but will search for items, Magatsu Rails, and other useful items on the map and notify you.

—Treasure Chests and Amalgams

Yellow objects will give you items and Macca, and silver objects will give you Glory. Both are useful for adventures, so keep your eyes out.

—Aogami Husks

Aogami’s Essences can be obtained by examining the husks of Aogami scattered throughout Da’at. Once the husks has been examined, the Essence can be obtained again by after a certain time has passed.

—Demon Haunts

The Demon Haunts can be visited by accessing the leyline founts connecting the various regions of Da’at. In the Demon Haunts, the protagonist’s demons appear and gather, and the player can enjoy interacting with their allies by conversing with them and giving them gifts, as well as viewing them up close and taking photos.

In addition, special conversations may occur regarding game progressions, such as battles and field exploration, and these may offer rewards such as items or status enhancements of demons.

If you see a conversation notification in the menu, why not visit a demon haunt!

You can have conversations not only with your demons, but also with Aogami. Some of these conversations may lead to stat and ability bonuses for the Nahobino!

—Cadaver’s Hollow

The Cadaver’s Hollow shop is accessible via leyline founts. You can pay Macca to purchase items or sell Relics you have collected to Gustave.

Gustave (voiced by David Errigo Jr. in English, Yusaku Yara in Japanese)

The keeper of Cadaver’s Hollow with an interest in human-era items. He will buy any Relics found within the netherworld.

Gustave will reward you for locating Miman, his relic-seeking pawns, when you report back to him with the number you have found. The number of Miman determines the type of reward.

Discovering Miman will also help you obtain Glory, which is necessary to learn Miracles. Be on the lookout for hiding places throughout the netherworld.

World of Shadows and Demon Fusion

The World of Shadows can be accessed via the leyline founts.

With help from Sophia, the ruler of the World of Shadows, you can perform a Fusion to create stronger demons.

Aside from a two-demon fusion, there are fuse by result that allows you to choose a resultant demon, a special fusion that can be performed by choosing from two to four demons, or an Essence Fusion that utilizes Essences to lower or increase the ranks of the same race.

Most skills can be inherited by other demons through fusion, with the exception of a few select special skills.

Sophia (voiced by Erin Yvette in English, Sayaka Kinoshita in Japanese)

A mysterious being who rules of the World of Shadows. Her introduction states “I have come from a plane bar beyond this one to act as a guide to both the world and the Nahobino.”

There are multiple ways to create new and powerful demons: two-demon fusion merges two demons of your choice, fuse by result allows you to determine which demon you want first, a special fusion performed with up to four demons, and Essence Fusion, which uses a demon’s Essence to provide additional bonuses and skills.

■ Godhood Guild

Godhood awaits. Go and claim it! Become a Nahobino and sign up for SMT emails to join the Godhood Guild, a special club for Shin Megami Tensei fans!

By being part of the club, you’ll receive special perks such as getting a sneak peak of content drops, special surprises, and exciting news about Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance!

Join the Godhood Guild here!

[blazefire-engine]

The Deal (Part IV)

Summary:

Backed into a corner, Paradis is in need of advanced weaponry to go against Marley forces. Mikasa Ackerman understands this more than anyone. The Azumabito family complies with her request to share Hizuru’s technology with the island demons- in exchange for being “Hizuru’s hope.” A small price to pay, according to the ever loyal and self-sacrificing Mikasa.

Canon-divergence from chapter 107 to 132 (-ish). Which means spoilers until chapter 132.

Part: I  |  II  |  III  |  IV  |  V

----------

“No words are enough to describe your beauty.”

“Shikishima,” Kiyomi chastised softly, a hand to her mouth. “That is not the only reason for your visit.”

“Right, Okaasan.”

Mikasa visibly flinched from hearing the language of her mother tongue. An affectionate word she used to call her own mother by. The movement did not go unnoticed by everyone. 

“I am here to oversee the distribution and capabilities of the iceburst stones. Let’s all work together, shall we?”

---

“Mikasa, are you alright?” Armin asked as they fastened on their maneuvering gears.

“Yeah.” She sighed, still reeling from shock. She tried to focus on tying back her hair and preparing the saddle of her horse. 

After a few introductions, the plan now was to return to the walls, the Hizuru envoy will board the train while the rest of Levi’s squad will ride back on horse and in gear, increasing security from remaining, wandering titans.   

“Okaasan… isn’t that what you call your mom?” Eren placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. 

A tense silence filled the air. Everyone knew the fate of her parents. 

“Oi, brats.” Levi’s voice cut through. “It’s time.”

---

“I’m very intrigued on how you use your maneuvering gear.” Captain Azumabito smiled as he watched the green cloaked soldiers ride their horses alongside the train.

“We will be more than happy to demonstrate for you, Captain.” Hanji sat before him, pouring him a cup of tea. “I’ll have you know we go through rigorous training.”

“I can only imagine.” He took the cup with thanks.

Suddenly, the riders see a smoke of red from out the window.

“What is happening?” Lady Kiyomi asked as she felt a small quake from the earth. The tea from their cups splattering on the table. 

“Speak of the devil!” Hanji grinned.

---

With a hunter’s instinct, Sasha immediately fired a red smoke signal. “15 meter, moderate pace, northeast!”

Hearing the position, the soldier closest to the location was Mikasa and she readied her blades. “Captain!” A silent permission to pursue.

“Go.” He nodded.

Mikasa deviated from the group, approaching the running titan. Setting a steady gallop on her horse, she took her feet off the stirrups and unhanded the reins. With a balanced core, she slowly stood on the saddle, hands reaching for the piston handles of the blades. 

Timing the distance of the titan, she shot her grappling hook, aiming on embedding it on the titan’s shoulder. With a releasing burst of gas, she propelled herself off her horse, rounding behind the titan’s nape, and slicing the flesh cleanly with a single move. 

As the titan fell, Mikasa landed smoothly on the back of its head. She stared at the blond hair.

This used to be a fellow human. An Eldian. Someone’s father, mother, sibling, friend…

She shook the remaining blood off her blades and whistled for her horse’s return. 

Her resolve to fight only grew stronger and felt justified that the deal with Hizuru was a necessary call.

---

“Your demonstration arrived earlier than expected, Captain.” Hanji gave a sheepish smile. 

“She’s really something, isn’t she?” He stared in awe out the window, tea forgotten. “There’s a grace and fluidity in her movements and that killing intent…”

“Mikasa isn’t called the woman worth a hundred soldiers for nothing!”

----------

Badass Mikasa of course.