#vote for only brooches please

[sofiasfanartcollection]

Quick little sketches for @olliethescribe ’s Only Brooches au!

(sketches inspired by what’s been going on in the tmnt au competition)

The chance to vote is almost up—go vote for No Crime Only Brooches!!!

[olliethescribe]

god damn it - well, it’s now an internal debate made external - we’ve hit that point in the writer’s spiral

[sareenawails]

ROBIN HOOD HOBIE

YIPPEE OCTOBIE WEEK 3!!

I wanted to make something that looked more realistic and colorful

I'm really proud of myself for this one!

Here's his full outfit

I think I did an ok job at making it feel medieval but I didn't want to lose Hobie's punkness

References

octobie event by @the-kr8tor

banners by @mushroom-graphics-allotment

Robin Hood au

-I voted for medieval theme just cuz I wanted the excuse to draw this lol

-Anyways here’s very bad and lazy plot summary of this hobie au

-English is not my first language so if this is bad please bear with me I'm not a writer for a reason.

-Like the original folklore tale, this is set in medieval England

-Hobie is an outlaw, who with a group of other outlaws called the Merry Band ( originally called merry men but I don't like that soo), steals from the wealthy and gives back to the poor

-He goes by the name Robin Hood to hide his identity( so he’s less easy to track idk)

-Anyways, in this universe Y/N (or an OC whatever you prefer) is part of the royal family or a wealthy noble family.

-They are very sheltered due to the death of loved one (probably their mom or sister)- left their father very emotionally scarred, so he’s very overprotective of them

-for whatever reason, y/n and hobie run in into each other and hobie steals an expensive piece of jewelry from them(necklace, bracelet, brooch, whatever doesn’t really matter)

-This piece of jewelry however holds a lot of emotional value to them because it was given to them by their aforementioned deceased loved one.

-They manage to run into hobie again ( probably because they were trying to track him down and he catches on to what they were doing and decided to confront them) and tries to get their heirloom back

-He tells Y/N that he’ll give them their heirloom back if and only if they become a sort of spy for him. Someone who spends time around nobles and wealthy merchants and can give him insider information ( Who has the most money, whos an easy target, where and when would he be able to find them, etc useful info)

-Y/N is obviously very put off by this offer, after all their whole life they’ve been raised to be a respectable figure in their kingdom. Working with one of the kingdom’s most wanted criminals would be a dangerous, bizzare thing to do; It could get them in serious trouble with the law, bring shame to their family’s name, get them disowned all together.

-The risk is big but their desire to get their heirloom back is even bigger, so reluctantly they agree.

-From them their odd relationship begins. It’s a very enemies to friends to lovers kind of thing (I'm basic I know)

- Y/N sees hobie as a dirty criminal who wants to take advantage of them and would throw them under the bus if the need arises

-Hobie sees them as nothing more than another pompous noble who doesn’t care about anyone but themselves.

-It’s a very “strictly business” relationship due to their refusal to get along with each other.

-The longer they spend working together the more they get to know more about the other's side of the story.

-Hobie learns about how sheltered Y/N is, how they have a double life as commoner and royal, and how much they yearn for a more independent life. He learns that y/n is not as selfish and heartless as he thought they were, they’re just naive about a lot of things.

-Y/N learns about what hobie’s life was like growing up as one of the many unfortunate people in the kingdom. Having to scrounge and steal in order to survive, having to go on days on an empty stomach in order to save what little he had. They learn why he chose to do the things he does and that he and his crew are purposefully painted in bad light as criminals for doing what the rich aren’t willing to do.

-As they get closer they start looking out for each other more

-Y/N helps him cover up his tracks, using their high status to get him out of sticky situations. Sometimes they even help him patch up his wounds.

-In turn, hobie gives them a taste of that freedom they’ve always wanted. Going out and showing them parts of the kingdom they never seen before

Anyways that's all I really have I thought of this at like 2 am so it's not really that good.

If any actual writers feel inspired by this and want to write a better, more well thought out version then be my guest ( plz tag me i'd love to read it!)

HAPPY OCTOBIE EVERYONE!!

[ultimate-character-design]

The 3rd Character Design Tournament

Please remember to vote for characters solely based on their design, rather than which character you are more familiar with or like more! Reblogs for more reach are much appreciated as well.

Violet Evergarden | Violet Evergarden

“Other than looking insanely pretty and having a great colour combination, pretty much nothing in Violet's design was done just because. She looks like a doll with very blue eyes and velvety hair. The doll look is also achieved through the way she's dressed, but especially through her very neutral facial expression. When she finally starts expressing herself through smiling and crying, she starts to look a little less doll-like and more human, which perfectly mirrors her personal evolution from being just a tool to becoming a girl with wants and needs. Her prosthetic arms are just really fucking cool, but are also a physical representation of Violet as a person. Something that is cold and heavy and is capable of destruction, is now used for the beautiful art of writing letters. It's also kinda cool how she got her arm prosthetics after her final battle and now has to get used to the new unfamiliar arms same with her new unfamiliar emotions. Her taking of her gloves and revealing her prosthetics is something that never gets old, no matter how many times she does it. Then there is her outfit itself. The emerald brooch, a key and center piece of her design, has the color of her deceased love's eyes. The cravat thingy it is usually attached to is on one hand again very doll like, but due to the imperfections/the holes in it, it's also a nod to her not so perfect doll-like past in the military and also reminds me of her military clothes. Her whole outfit is a perfect mix of pretty and functional, combining a subtle military vibe with the mailman uniform of her new work place and the pretty attire of the automemory dolls. I just love her whole design and how much it represents her.”

Loop | In Stars and Time

“They are a star person! When they get angry their face sparks, and when they get upset they lose some of the sparkles around them! Also their eyes are different shades!

Even without a mouth, their expressions are portrayed perfectly through the above and body language!”

“Loop’s design works extremely well with their overall role in the story and personality. The game has a (very much purposeful) kinda “saccharine Tumblr found family” vibe with the rest of the (human) main cast, but Loop’s amps that vibe up so much that it becomes obvious condescension which is visually seen by their blindingly white star head, which is usually all you can you see of them.

At the same time, later in the story Loop becomes the only actual calming presence in the cast, as the protagonist not having to pretend that he is doing well mentally in front of them, in part due to Loop’s hostility not giving them any reason to. As such the calming starry black void represents this part of their role in the story!”

[rainyraisin]

Hi! I’m the creator of No Crime Only Brooches - wanna go for a tie? I think your iteration is really lovely and I would love for us to both advance 🫶

Hope you have a lovely day!

(And here are my boys! This piece was commissioned from my fiancé @wispy-ispy 💕)

Ahhhh omigosh ofc!!! The concept of a Hypno and Warren cloaking broach au is gen so so cute!!! And the fact that Hypno mentors Leo in magic jgcvjgxkbgcv AHHHHHH I LOVE IT‼️‼️‼️💖💖💖🫶🫶🫶🫶

No crime only broaches is a little bit behind Reticent so please go vote for it if you haven't voted on the poll already!! It doesn't need to be a perfect 50/50 ofc, I think within 2% is fine, but NCOB still needs that little push to get within that threshold!!! You can go vote on the poll here!!

(Also that art is so pretty yfhjgxvj WHAT‼️‼️‼️)

@tmntausummit

[the-rapture-historian]

The BioSurvey, a BioShock Series Survey

Hello, everyone! This is a fun little general survey I've thought about doing out of curiosity, to see what aspects of the series people liked the most across all three main titles so far and their respective DLCs.

This is the main post for the survey, and I'll be releasing the polls as separate polls to link back to here later, as well as link this post to each of them. The polls will be about 3-4 released each week, and will all last about a week to get as many votes possible hopefully from as many people on here as my current following can get.

As with Tumblr's poll settings, voting is anonymous and results can only be seen either once you vote or the polls end. There are no wrong answers to this poll and this isn't a competition between games, so please feel free to vote for whichever option you like!

Once the survey finishes, I'll be making some charts to show the final data, and maybe I'll make a few fun-jokey polls afterwards. If you have any suggestions for polls in the survey, send me an ask!

The polls are listed below:

4th February Polls: Franchise Overview

Question 1: Favourite Main Title

Question 2: Favourite Side Content

Question 3: Have you read the novel?

Question 3.1: How do you view it?

Question 3.2: How canon do you view it?

11th February Polls: Gameplay & Combat

Question 4: Favourite Gameplay Experience

Question 5: Most Useful BioShock Weapon

Question 6: Most Useful BioShock 2 Weapon

Question 7: Most Useful BioShock Infinite Weapon

Question 8: Preferred Hacking System

Question 9: Most Useful Plasmid (Offence)

Question 10: Most Useful Plasmid (Support)

Question 11: Most Useful Vigor

18th February Polls: Art, Design & Environment

Question 12: Favourite Art Style

Question 13: Most Interesting Environment

Question 14: Favourite BioShock Area

Question 15: Favourite BioShock 2 Area

Question 16: Favourite BioShock Infinite Area

Question 17: The BioShock Art Books

Question 18: Preferred Character & Enemy Design

Question 19: Most Interesting Cut Concepts

4th March Polls: Music & Score

Question 20: Do you listen to the OST(s)?

Question 21: Most Effective Soundtrack

Question 22: 'Nostalgic' Licensed Music

Question 23: Favourite Anachronistic Cover

Question 24: Favourite Recurring Theme/Leitmotif

11th March Polls: Cast & Characters

Question 25: Strongest Cast

Question 26: Best Voice Direction

*Question 27: Most Liked Major Character (BioShock)

Question 28: Most Liked Minor Character (BioShock)

Question 29: Most Liked Enemy Character (BioShock)

*Question 30: Most Liked Major Character (BioShock 2)

Question 31: Most Liked Minor Character (BioShock 2)

Question 32: Most Liked Enemy Character (BioShock 2)

Question 33: Favourite Big Daddy Type

Question 34: Most Enjoyable Playable Character

Question 35: Most Liked Major Character (BioShock Infinite)

Question 36: Most Liked Minor Character (BioShock Infinite)

Question 37: Most Liked Enemy Character (BioShock Infinite)

2nd April Polls: Story & Narrative

Question 38: Most Enjoyed Storyline/Narrative

*Question 39: Fate of Little Sisters (BioShock)

*Question 40: Preferred Ending (BioShock)

*Question 41: Fate of Little Sisters (BioShock 2)

*Question 42: Gathering with Little Sisters (BioShock 2)

*Question 43: Fate of Lamb's Governors (BioShock 2)

*Question 44: Fate of Sofia Lamb (BioShock 2)

*Question 45: Preferred Ending (BioShock 2)

*Question 46: Raffle Throw Choice (BioShock Infinite)

*Question 47: Elizabeth's Brooch Choice (BioShock Infinite)

*Question 48: Ticket Office Ambush Choice (BioShock Infinite)

*Question 49: Fate of Cornelius Slate (BioShock Infinite)

*Question 50: BioShock Infinite's Ending

*Question 51: Most Enjoyed Audio Diaries

Polls will be released each Saturday at 17:00 EST, each having an overall connecting theme or aspect of the franchise.

*These polls have been tagged for spoilers as they spoil certain elements of the plots of their respective games.

This post will be pinned on my blog so be sure to check back for updates if you don't find the polls in the tags!

[splendidbadger]

HEY ALL MUTINIS IS IN TOMORROWS PRELIMS!!

Please consider voting!!

Also!!

Please vote for my friend @olliethescribes No crime only Brooches au! If either us makes it into the main bracket I’ll draw some hippoworm content and drop two mutini designs early!

Part 1 for everyone who’s up tomorrow for prelims! Again, damn you tumblr image limit!

Thank you @allyssl for getting links for every AU in the prelims!

Links to all the competitors!

[sofiasfanartcollection]

Here’s some propaganda art for @rottmnt-au-summit ’s event

Please vote for my friend @olliethescribe ’s AU!

It’s called No Crime, Only Brooches and focuses on Hypno and Warren. They find cloaking brooches and each other early on and don’t become villains. They have to navigate the world with the huge secret of being mutants, and they are very much in love. They meet and are starting to befriend the turtles. Hypno also starts mentoring Leo! (Leo loves magic after all.)

Ollie is a wonderful writer <3 <3 Go give them some support!

(Also, Hypno’s top hat is inspired by @wispy-ispy ’s design. Go check out his page too!)

(Here are some close-ups and a textless version)

[olliethescribe]

Hi! My name is Ollie and I’m the creator of No Crime Only Brooches AU (I usually just call it Only Brooches)! I am the only person in this competition with a Hypnowarren/hippoworm AU and I’m probably gonna lose! But we’re here to have a fun time. Here’s why you should vote for Only Brooches:

It explores Warren and Ron (Hypno) and their relationship! These two are in a canonical (possible queerplatonic but just as likely) romantic relationship and it always bugged me that they only got one episode that focused on it. They mean the world to me (see my other work for more details - yes, I also wrote Nice Day For A Fight Wedding :) - hello leosagi fans!) and I wanted to get into the intricacies of dealing with life as a mutant while constantly cloaking. (Highly recommend chapter four if you wanna see Warren Stone have a gender crisis thanks to being a worm!)

This AU also explores Leo’s interest in magic! He should’ve hung out with Hypno in canon and now he’s the guy’s magical assistant and biggest fan! Leo and the rest of turtles become major parts of Warren and Ron’s lives as time goes on. We’re currently in the middle of the arc that explores that (and Donnie has just sent Warren into a midlife emo phase, whoops)! Leo needed a uncle/mentor figure that would tell him it’s okay to fail and he’s finally getting it.

Lastly, Only Brooches has so much art made by some of the most talented individuals I’ve ever had the chance to speak to and befriend. There’s art in the fic itself (@wispy-ispy has made art for chapter four (love you darling), and @urboned has made art for chapters 8, 10, and possibly more for a future chapter called Blitz! (Love you too Comic /p). Can’t forget the fan art too!

These were made for chapter 10 (the first by the extraordinary @sofiasfanartcollection and the other by my amazing and ever talented kiddo @warrenstonehead) (love you both dearly /p)

So yeah, please vote for Only Brooches! It would mean the world to me and the rest of the hippoworm community - all 12 of us /hj!

If Only Brooches makes it past the preliminary round I’ll post art I commissioned from Ozzy that offers an alternate take on chapter three! That’s a promise!

@rottmnt-au-summit

[aimee-maroux]

Flash Fic: Freyja and Sif

When I did a Poll back in November, Norse mythology and Egyptian mythology shared second place. So I thought winter time was perfect to write some cosy Norse mythology erotica. The majority wanted to read Freya and Sif, so here you go :-D Enjoy!  

Freyja and Sif

Sif was surprised when her servant told her there was someone at the door. The snow came down in gales and even the gods of Asgard, used to ice and freezing weather, preferred to stay at home on a night like this.

She got up from her loom and made her way to the door of her and Thor's palace, that was just as enormous as he was. Alas, he had gone away to Jötunheimr, like he so often did. Her bed was cold and on a night like this it seemed particularly frigid and lonely. Sif pulled her cloak tighter around her until she approached her visitor.

It would be hard to recognise anyone in their thick winter clothes, man or woman merely suggested by the height of the heavily cloaked figures. But Sif knew instantly who her visitor was. The falcon feathers on her cloak unambiguously revealed her as Freyja, goddess of love and war.

"Freyja! What lucky gale blew you to my door?"

She greeted her friend and kissed her welcome.

"I've been looking for my husband."

Freyja's face was hardly visible underneath her woolen hat, thick feather cloak and fur-lined mittens.

"In this ghastly weather?!" Sif shook her head. Freyja was wet to the bone. Óðr, her husband, often went away travelling, leaving Freyja crying golden tears all alone. Thor went away too, bringing thunder and fighting jotuns. But he was never away for long. "Come, dear friend, let's get you out of these wet clothes and warm you up by the fire!"

Sif ordered her servants to take off Freyja's snowy falcon cloak and boots and led her to the great hall where a warm fire was burning. Sif pulled the mittens from Freyja's clammy hands and the woolen cap from her thick, wet hair.

"Thank you for welcoming me, Sif." the love goddess said. "I just... I just can't stand being alone right now. You are a true friend."

"You are always welcome in my home!" Sif kissed her cold skin. Snowflakes slowly began melting in her friend's long red hair. "You need to warm up, Freyja! Inge, bring us some warm mead and blankets."

Sif's servant nodded and scurried away.

"We need to get you out of these clothes."

"You seem quite determined."

Freyja's eyes gleamed. The goddess of the harvest opened the golden oval brooches that held up her friend's beautiful dark green overdress. She put them away and got rid of the soaked garment. The second layer was a fiery red dress, equally soggy. Sif pulled the heavy fabric over Freyja's head, tossing it away. Now the only piece of clothing left was the linen undergarment. Even this one was wet and it clung to the goddess' body. Sif could even see her nipples poking against the cloth, stiff from the cold. She opened the fibula that held the dress together at the neck and removed the drenched, cream-coloured linen. Freyja now stood before her in nothing but her woolen stockings.

Sif's cheeks blushed slightly as she took in Freyja's beautiful feminine shape. Her firm breasts were neither small nor particularily big. They looked just right on her hardened body, fit for a warrior. Freyja combined the fierceness of battle with the softness of first love. Sif was completely in awe. She had never looked at another woman this way. Freyja's beauty stirred something in her, especially the sensual movement with which the goddess took off her wet stockings.

They hung them by the fire and sat down on the warm bearskin rug in front of it. Inge brought the warm mead Sif had ordered and the blankets. Sif wrapped her friend tenderly in the cosy cloth, feeling every little rise and fall of her body even through the fabric. She kept her arms slung about the goddess of love, rubbing gently to warm her up. At least that's what Sif kept telling herself.

"Why don't you come join me underneath the blanket? Warm me with your body heat..."

Freyja's voice was low, with a seductive edge to it.

"I wouldn't have you freeze and shiver."

Sif crawled to Freyja's side and the love goddess slung one edge of the woolen blanket around her shoulders. Her body felt cold as a block of ice. How long had she been searching, soaked to the bone and freezing? Were she a mortal woman, no doubt she would find herself at Helheimr's gate soon enough!

Sif embraced her fiercely, pressing her warm body against her friend, trying to touch as much of her as she could. She felt her muscular thighs, the firmness of her breasts, the strength of her arms. The heartbeat of a woman determined to travel to the ends of the world. She admired her greatly.

"You are amazing." she whispered against Freyja's thick red hair.

"You don't realise how amazing you are." Freyja's grey eyes were soft as she pressed a tender kiss on Sif's lips. The golden-haired goddess felt her stomach flutter. This was different from any other kiss they had shared in the past. It was full of longing and desire. She responded in kind, kissing back wildly. Her arms pulled the other woman into a tight embrace. Freyja's chilly hands ran over Sif's white shoulders, grazing the soft skin on her back and turning her skin into gooseflesh. The love goddess probed her friend's lips with soft flicks of her tongue and Sif opened her mouth, inviting her in. Freyja was a force of nature, like the snow storm outside. Sif felt utterly defenseless against her - she would surrender happily. Her cunt was getting slippery from Freyja's touch, her scent and the aggressive licks of her tongue. Freyja smelled of Spring, of the wild, untamed outdoors and the meadows where young couples made love. Sif would love nothing more than rolling around the green grass with Freyja herself. Her desire felt close to overpowering her. The love goddess caressed her arse cheeks, close, too close to her opening.

"May I touch the treasure you hold between your thighs?"

"Please!"

Sif surprised herself with the loud moan from her own throat when Freyja entered her wet, warm womanhood. Her fingers teased and rubbed at her walls before she turned towards the pearl atop her opened conch.

"Oh Freyja!" she cried when the other goddess tugged at its little hood.

"Neither of our beds will be cold tonight!" Freyja looked at her with a sudden fire in her eyes. Desire gleamed there, defiance and determination. She intensified her caress and Sif couldn't help but moan and squirm at her touch. Longing, to give something back, she closed both hands around the breasts of her unexpected lover and massaged them gently. Freyja pushed heavily against her, sweeping her up in another hungry kiss. Sif forgot everything around her, the tender caress of her friend filling her whole world at this point. Her dripping cunt clenched around Freyja's fingers and she shuddered at the soft stimulation of her pearl. She cried out loudly as the love goddess gave her a climax so powerful, she felt as if the storm had blown away the house over their heads!

She panted heavily, but Freyja wasn't done. She gently pushed her onto the soft bearskin and ran her hand along her friend's white thighs. Then Freyja's face disappeared between her legs and Sif made a sound of surprise when she felt the woman's tongue against her thick, swollen lips.

"Oh Freyja!" she cried again.

The soft licks gave her pure bliss and she shook with another climax after only few short moments. Freyja worked her relentlessly and Sif was pushed from one orgasmic high into the next, until her body was too overwhelmed with pleasure and she pleaded for the love goddess to stop.

As she sat up, she saw the red on Freyja's cheeks, the warm, flushed skin and lively colour returned to her friend's body. It radiated heat, the only traces of her former frozen state the wet hair where the snowflakes had melted.

Sif herself was feeling hot and sweaty and the freezing world outside seemed nothing more than a myth at this moment.

"Come on, sweet friend," she said, "Let's go to bed, shall we? I promise you I shall return the favour."

Freyja gave her a look that would have drenched her cunt, were she not soaking wet already.

"What are we waiting for, then?"

THE END

If you enjoyed this story, check out my Greek mythology series 'Taken by the Greek Gods'. Or find more free shorts here.

Should I write more Norse mythology erotica? Let me know in the comments!

Join my Patreon to make flash fic requests and vote for your favourite prompts.

[dpimagines]

Softer; Wade Wilson feat. Vanessa Carlysle

warnings & details: reader is photokinetic! This means they can manipulate light waves. My version of photokinesis includes being able to absorb light, sometimes unintentionally. Wade and reader both devalue themselves to sex objects at certain points due to low self-confidence. F/S = Favorite Show.  

Wade bursts the door open with excitement, but before shouting “Honeys, I’m home!” he realizes the TV is on. You didn’t stir at the loud door, but he recognizes your favorite show on the TV.

It was something that you and Vanessa watched together, she’d gotten you a box set of the complete series, for your birthday last year. He wonders if that’s what made it your favorite. Either way, you were curled up on the couch, snuggled in a blanket. He was about to get closer to you, to kiss your forehead and tell you he was finally home.

“You know, she stayed up waiting for you. Again.” Vanessa comes out on the bedroom in a robe, looking over you, sadly.

“She should be used to me being late.”

“But she shouldn’t be so goddamn used to you breaking promises,” Vanessa disagrees.

“Promises?”

“It’s her birthday.” She looks at the clock. “Or it was, about three hours ago. Cake’s on the table if you want some, asshole.”

Wade shakes his head, the rare feeling of being ashamed washing over him.

“She begged me to wait, but once it became obvious you weren’t gonna make it… She said we’d eat the cake, but she’d wait to open her present from me, in case you got her anything. Did you?” She nearly snarls the words.

“Yeah, totally, I got her… A gun!” He lifts one from one of his holsters excitedly.

Vanessa presses a finger to her lips, before telling him:

“Y/N’s a dagger person, remember?”

“I take you two for granted,” he sighs.

“Especially her,” she adds bitterly. Vanessa had been the one to introduce you to the relationship, and while Wade definitely loves you just as much, it feels like she’s the only one who shows it, at least to you.

He smooths your hair back, away from your perfect face. Wade looks like he does, and he has the audacity to not only not show up to your mini birthday celebration as he promised, but to forget it as well! You hadn’t even wanted a party. He’d offered, like he was actually gonna make it, but you said you just wanted to spend your special day with the people who mattered.

Maybe this was his subconscious telling him he didn’t.

“What a piece of shit I am…” He mumbles. “I’ll go get her something. Something nice, that she’ll like.”

You begin to stir, sleepy little moans coming from your lips as you try to wake up. You rub at an itchy eye, and that’s when you notice the tall red figure at the end of the couch, the one you’d been waiting for since forever.

“Wade!” You cheer, immediately scrambling to get up and hug him. You wrap your arms tightly around him, so excited. “I’m so glad you’re back, V told me you weren’t gonna make it, but you did, you did, you… Didn’t.” He watches your heart break as you look at the clock, next to the door. “Oh. Well, that’s okay. The cake doesn’t disappear. Neither do- does the present.”

Vanessa usually enjoyed telling people “I told you so.”

She silently hands you the small box, heart in her throat, and you unwrap it, opening the velvet box that was hidden in the paper.

“It’s the brooch from the other day! Oh, Ness, I can’t believe you! How did you even- I don’t wanna know. Thank you! Right now, I just wanna cuddle with my two favorite people in the world.”

That breaks him. No matter how he screws up, you never make him face any real consequences. The relationship doesn’t even need him, not in his head. There’s already a strap-on available to you both, and all he’s good for is that. He’s just a detriment.

“Why don’t you hate me?” He asks.

“Huh? Why would I hate you?” You wonder. Sure, he’s late, but it wasn’t for nothing. He has other, more important responsibilities. It doesn’t matter how you feel, not to you. Besides, you’re just the addition. They’re the real couple.

“I promised I’d be here, Y/N. And I let you down. I always let you down.”

“You were just busy,” you reassure. “Your job is way more important than m-“

“Don’t. Don’t you dare fucking say that,” Vanessa cuts you off, her heart breaking for you. There was no malice in your tone, you’ve just learned the lesson Wade’s taught you and it kills the both of them that they didn’t stop it.

“It’s true?” You say, but it comes out more like a question. “Having your priorities in order isn’t a bad thing.”

“But they weren’t in order, Y/N. I love you, and it’s- It was your birthday. I missed it, I didn’t see you the entire day. I completely forgot. Doesn’t that feel like shit?” He asks.

“Yeah,” you admit, and, finally, a bit of sadness shows in your expression. “It does. But that doesn’t matter, you had more important things to do and that’s okay.” The sadness dissipates from your face, but Wade and Vanessa both know it lingers inside of you.

“But it isn’t!”  Vanessa insists.

“Baby…” Wade croons. “You gotta believe me when I say I’m sorry. But, being sorry doesn’t mean the way I’ve treated you is okay. Okay?”

“Okay,” you reply.

“I’m gonna try to work on it, but can you please call me out on my bullshit more?”

“I guess…” you say. “I just wanna go to bed, why can’t we go to bed? We can make a ‘Nessa sandwich!”

“What about a Y/N sandwich? It’s- It was your birthday, after all,” Wade offers. You shake your head, rapid and insistent. They both sigh sadly, but you just wanna cuddle Vanessa and go back to sleep.

The three of you make your way to the bedroom, performing your nighttime routines before cozying up in bed. Vanessa lays down between you two, opening her arms to you. You’d typically latch onto her for comfort, but this time you just shake your head and turn over.

You don’t see the hurt expression on her face, or how she silently denies Wade the right to touch her.

Once you’re confident they’re both asleep, hearing Wade’s steady breathing and Vanessa’s soft snores, you enact your plan. You can’t stay here anymore. You care for them both so much, but you see now that you’re just a strain on the relationship, a guest star whose role had become too big because of poor writing.

You’re already partially packed, you’ve been subtly putting your clean clothes from the laundry into your suitcase. You lived at Xavier’s before this, it was how you met Wade and Vanessa. You still work there now, you’d started teaching the kids music after you finished your bachelor’s degree. Your birthday was the last chance you’d given yourself to get him to care. You know Vanessa does, but now you know for sure that all he sees you as is someone who can give Vanessa something he can’t, just another woman to touch with the lights off.

There’s no way he’s really sorry, is there? He always does this, no matter how it affects you. You know you don’t deserve better, but you’d rather just be alone than deal with this or worse.

You quietly sob as you stuff your things into various bags, an Uber already ordered. You leave the box set of F/S, but not a note. You leave the apartment complex, and don’t look back.

When you arrive at the school, you know it’s late, but don’t care. You enter. Logan’s standing watch. You’ve always liked him, even if he doesn’t seem to like anyone but his adorable daughter, much less you.

“My old room still available?” you ask, biting your lip to hold back the tears you had to hold in once you got in the Uber.

“Yeah, kid,” he says. “Go on.”

“Thanks,” you tell him, trudging up the stairs with all your bags hanging from you. You know you look like shit, and you don’t even care anymore. You’re almost relieved to be alone. That, or you’re just relieved that you don’t have to address your own issues anymore because they don’t affect anyone else but you.

You drop your various bags on the floor, flopping into your old bed and rolling yourself into a poorly-constructed burrito before crashing.

The next morning, you wake up on time. You open your eyes, expecting to be safe in Vanessa’s arms before remembering yesterday.

Worst.

Birthday.

Ever.

You untangle yourself from the comforter and top sheet, getting dressed and ready for breakfast, grabbing something small before heading to your classroom to get set up for the day. You know that Wade and Vanessa probably aren’t even awake yet. They don’t even know you’re gone. That ties your stomach in a knot, wondering how they’ll react. Will they not even care, or worse, will they try to contact you in some way? You just want a clean break.

Your first two periods are elementary schoolers, then you’d have two periods of middle schoolers, with a lunch break in the middle, and the last two periods would be the highschoolers. You had it pretty easy.

The kids giggle amongst each other this morning, as they grab their clickers on the way to their spots on the rug. You arch an eyebrow at all of them.

“Okay, kids, you know how it goes. Vote for your favorite color based on the choices, and the votes’ll go to my laptop. First place and second place will be used to show high and low notes, respectively.”

“What’s respectively mean, again?” Leah asks.

“Well, in what I was saying it means that first place will be high notes, and second place will be low notes.”

The girl nods in acknowledgement, and you notice that all the votes are in.

“You all voted for… Red,” you realize, looking at the computer screen. Your heart hurts a little bit at the thought of the color, but you know they’re just playing a practical joke, and it is pretty amusing. “I see. Well, whatever shall I do?” You play along, before taking some light produced by the ceiling light and creating a gradient from medium to dark red.

“Wow…” the kids ooh and ah at the sparkling thing, as they typically do.

“Alrighty, let’s do solfège  as a warm-up. Do, re, mi, fa, so…” you continue the scale, heading to the piano while your students sing along. “Now, we need to practice. The school concert is soon, and all the choirs are going to perform. That means I get to steal you guys from your second period teacher a few days next week so you can practice as a group with the other kids from your level. But that also means we need to practice hard! Stand in your positions, please, everyone,” you request, like you’re commandeering twenty kids as opposed to ten, because that’s what you’re practicing for.

You move the light so that it’s above the piano, and begin to play. You play the background music as well as the notes the kids are supposed to sing, letting the light gradient glow brighter at the high and low ends to remind them where their voices should be.

“I'll stand by you / Take me in, into your darkest hour / And I'll never desert you / I'll stand by you / I'll stand by you / Won't let nobody hurt you / I'll stand by you / Won't let nobody hurt you / I'll stand by you…” the kids finish the song, and you stand from the piano bench, applauding.

“That was amazing, you guys! I’m so proud!” You find yourself wiping away a couple tears, impressed with how far they’ve come.

“Don’t cry, Miss L/N!” Adam says, running over and slamming you with a hug. He’s a small, sensitive boy, but with super strength. “I’m sorry we made you sad.”

“I’m not sad, I promise,” you technically lie. “Sometimes, when someone is really happy, they’re so happy that it overwhelms them and they cry. You kids make me that happy with how hard you work. I’m really proud of every single one of you.” Adam goes back to his position, and you begin the next song: True Colors by Cyndi Lauper.

After a few rounds of both songs, a bathroom break, and some constructive criticism (as well as praise,) the kids head on to their next class.

“Lather, rinse, repeat,” you tell yourself, and you do.

Until your lunch break.

The kids leave for lunch, but you find that you just can’t.

You think about yesterday, how everything’s over. You probably should’ve said something before going, but you just couldn’t bring yourself to. You look to the velvet box holding the brooch on your desk and think that maybe you should call Vanessa now, but the lump from last night returns to your throat and your eyes water up. You realize you’re going to be alone forever, and the waterworks start up again, choking sobs overtaking you. You hide your face in your hands, elbows supporting you on your desk.

There’s a pounding on the door.

“Go on to lunch, third period isn’t for another half hour!” you weakly tell the student or teacher that’s trying to bother you on your break, before dissolving into tears again.

The door opens, and you scramble for a tissue, dabbing at tears and hoping you don’t look like you’ve been sobbing your heart out.

“Oh, love, you look like you’ve been sobbing your heart out,” Vanessa sympathetically says as she enters behind Wade, hurrying towards you.

Wade beats her to you, though, practically yanking you out of your chair and into his arms.

“Oh, thank god, you’re okay. I thought someone took you,” Wade sighs.

“Why would they take me?”

“To get to me or V,” Wade says, like it’s the most obvious thing. “But if no one took you, why were you gone? Why are you crying?”

“I told you, she left. Her stuff is all gone,” Vanessa reminds him. “Tell him, Y/N. And make it clear why.”

“I just don’t belong. I wanted a clean break, because I got too attached to you both, had my expectations too high, considering what I am,” you tell him, avoiding the whites of the mask. Since you couldn’t see him blinking, or any indication of emotion in his eyes, it just felt like an unwavering burn of a gaze. You shrink back, leaning against your desk.

“W-What do you mean, what you are?” Wade stutters.

“I’m just someone who can give Vanessa something you can’t. Just another woman to touch in the dark. I know that’s all it is for you, and that’s okay, because I was the one who built it up to be something it wasn’t in my head. You won’t even let me see your face, and she can. I don’t know why I thought there wasn’t a difference between us.”

“But you didn’t make it up, it evolved from the fling into that. You’re right, originally it was just meant to be a fling, but- But I thought we all loved each other. You- You love me, too, don’t you?”

“Of course I love you, but that doesn’t mean- What?”

“Why do you think yesterday was so upsetting, Y/N?” Vanessa asks you, and you look to her. That’s much easier. She has the softest brown eyes you’ve ever seen and the sweetest smile no matter what emotion it’s conveying. “Tell her, Wade.”

“V and I got a divorce,” he says.

“W-what? I didn’t think they could finalize them that quickly, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to cause so much trouble, you two should really go, this is exactly why I wanted a clean break, I-”

“No, babe, not today, and it’s not because of you. Well, not like that,” he reassures, cupping your face in one of his gloved hands. “You see, we decided we didn’t want to be married anymore if we couldn’t be married to the one we both love. So, we got a no-fault divorce, it was finalized about a week ago. We just couldn’t find the right time to tell you.”

“Y-you… You don’t mean…”

“We do,” Vanessa confirms, putting a hand over yours where they rest of the desk. Wade removes his hand from your face, putting it on top of hers.

“But I’m just…”

“Just what? Just as important as us?” Wade tells you, and V nods.

“Quite the opposite,” you reply, looking down at your shoes. Wade tilts your chin up with his free hand, seeming to be searching your face for something. “What?”

“I just- You’re so beautiful compared to me, and I still managed to take you so far for granted that you ran away from home. I’ll do anything if it means you’ll come home to us. Anything,” Wade insists.

It’s so tempting to ask him, but you know it’s wrong to pressure him that way. He seems to get it, though, from your poorly-hidden longing stare. He peels the mask off, and you can’t help but literally glow when you see him. He smiles at your reaction, and the next thing you can’t help is the big kiss you give him, arms flinging themselves around his neck while he hoists you onto the desk. When you break for air, he looks down at you, and you’re happy to look back into his eyes.

“Whoa there, Ms. L/N, we’re at school,” Wade jokes.

“No, I’m not going to spank you with a yardstick,” you joke back, and he and Vanessa both laugh. “I have more classes in a little while, but I promise I’ll come back home after school.”

“Good,.” Wade pulls his mask back on. “See you later, I love you!” he sing-songs, skipping out of the class and down the hall.

Vanessa gives you a long, sweet kiss, admiring your eyes with her own afterwards, and you realize that despite loving both sets, that Wade’s eyes are even softer.

[rainyraisin]

GOTTA RUN TO DRESS REHERSAL SO THIS IS MY FINAL PUSH FOR YOU TO TIE TMNT RETICENT AND NO CRIME ONLY BROOCHES IN THE @tmntausummit ‼️‼️‼️💪💪💪

If you tie us, I'll release shell refs along with the season 2 part 2 designs (along with the design/ref for Donnie's battle shell... 👁👁) and I'll also draw all our goobers together!!!

@olliethescribe 's au is genuinely so so cool and I'm super glad Reticent has been able to go up against it in the first round because it means I've been introduced to a super awesome au that I can't wait to delve more into!!!! It would be super fun to go through the competition with them so please go vote for No Crime Only Brooches!!! It's at 45% so it just needs a few more votes to get within tie threshold!!!!

If all the stuff we've been offering doesn't convince you to tie us, here's this as well: I do not give my kids a decent parental figure until Season 4. We are currently in Early Season 1. Please, if you don't do this for us, do it for them. Give them two awesome dads you know you want to‼️‼️‼️💪💪💪💪💪

TIE US HERE‼️‼️

[mutiniau]

hey guys! please consider voting for my friends au no crime, only brooches

TMNT Shen and the League of Lesbians - genderfluid-envy No Crime only Brooches - Olliethescribe (+ao3) (art by wispy-ispy)

Good luck to all!

[athyrabunlord]

LLSHP AU (S) - First Task

Main Story: [LLSHP AU - Yoshiko Tsushima and the Fallen Angel]

[Brief note about School Term] [other LLSHP AU stuff] [YohaMaRuby concept arts] [ChikaYouRiko concept arts] [KanaDiaMari concept arts] [Hogwarts Staff]

[FFN link] [Pixiv Link] [Translated to Chinese by plin2290]

Sequel blips: TriWizard Tournament series- [First Task] [Yule Ball]

A/N: As per twitter vote from a while ago, I’m starting with a blip in the SequelTimeline (hence the (S) behind the usual tag of LLSHP AU). This is part of the TriWizard Tournament series. I’ll try to keep them as consequential as possible, but the blips’ might be all over the place depending on my muse. We’ll see XD;

Note: This blip takes place a year after ch21 of the MainStory, meaning chikayouriko are FifthYears and yoshimaruby are ThirdYears.

“The Beauxbaton champion has drawn the Ukrainian Ironbelly.”

Ruby Kurosawa could barely hear the noise outside the tent. Everything is muffled except for the pounding of her terrified heart. The Hogwarts uniform has never felt so heavy, so suffocating on her body, and she has to loosen her scarf a bit just to breathe a little better.

Shizuku Osaka gives them a graceful courtesy and holds up the miniature Dragon for the officials’ view one more time. Before it could breathe fire like its real-life counterpart, a swift but powerful Freezing Charm tames the replica, which she then affixes onto her brooch like an ornament.

Composed and elegant, the black-haired Beauxbaton champion is just as what her school is known for.

“Please proceed.”

Leah Kazuno calmly takes a step forward and reaches into the bag to draw her opponent. The petite but imposing Durmstrang champion remains unfazed even as she reveals the miniature creature in her palm for the officials to see. The leopard-like beast has a body full of spikes akin to a cactus, and it is growling warily with its intelligent eyes glancing at its surroundings.

“The Durmstrang champion has drawn the Nundu.”

Ruby swallows hard. That’s another dangerous level-5 magical creature, one that requires teams of highly qualified wizards and witches to subdue! Just how insane is this TriWizard Tournament?!

While she is on the verge of hyperventilating, Leah taps the replica with her wand, stilling its movement through a non-verbal petrificus totalus. Scoffing, she coolly gives it back to one of the officials before smoothly healing her prickled hand.

Fearless and professional, the sharp-eyed Durmstrang champion is every inch the representative of her school.

“Please proceed.”

Ruby tries not to flinch as she places her hand on the hilt of the Kurosawa heirloom, desperate to rein in her composure. After one deep breath, she approaches the official and shakily reaches into the bag. A sharp sting almost makes her drop the miniature beast but she perseveres and holds it up high.

She blanches at the growling replica in her palm.

A human-like head, a lion’s body and a scorpion’s tail. It’s unmistakable what she has to face in the First Task of the TriWizard Tournament.

“The Hogwarts champion has drawn the Manticore.”

Her heart plummets and with it, strangely, so does her fear. A peculiar sense of numbness washes over her, a resigned sort of acceptance that this is her fate and she must overcome it. She glances down at her hand, where the miniature Manticore’s stinger had pierced her palm. The sight of blood, no matter how little, still makes her stomach churn, though it also boosts her confidence.

She had bled way more before, and she lived. She can and will do this. As if sensing her grim resolve, the replica grins up at her before hopping back into the bag.

The Minister of Magic clears his throat, garnering everyone’s attention, though she has difficulty concentrating on his speech. Out of the corner of her eyes, she could see Professor Koizumi gazing at her with concern, and so she stands up a little straighter and holds up her chin high. She will do her Head of the House proud.

“... that said, we understand these three creatures are highly dangerous and could not be subdued even by teams of trained Hit-wizards under normal circumstances. Therefore, these beasts were specially selected by our Board and collaborators. A warrior from the Goblin Nation, Arkus, has graciously offered his help should it be necessary to stop the Ukrainian Ironbelly.”

At this, a scarred and bearded Goblin bows brusquely, his stance just as regal and intimidating as the massive battle axe he is holding. Perhaps it is ingrained in her upbringing through the Patriarch’s lectures, for Ruby innately feels respect as well as wariness towards the small humanoid.

“And Mr. Scamander will also be on the standby to tame his Nundu, which he has kindly provided for this Tournament.”

Ruby nods at the amiable wizard, whom she has met a few times at the Estate as the Patriarch’s valued guest. Kanan and Mari have talked about him as well, having traveled around the world with the famous Magizoologist a few times last year.

“Last but not least, Professor Toujou of Hogwarts has already negotiated with the chosen Manticore, and the beast has agreed to act only within the rules of this Tournament.”

The ever-enigmatic Head of Ravenclaw gives Ruby an encouraging wink then, prompting her to smile back in relief. Everything seems to be well under control. While the Tournament is known to have caused deaths in the past, surely this one would be all okay with the way the Board arranged for various scenarios.

The officials then exit the tent with the Beauxbaton champion to debrief her, and the remaining adults follow suit to prepare the arena as well. Ruby suddenly finds herself alone with the scowling Durmstrang champion.

“How fortunate you are, Kurosawa heiress. I bet your Professor has already made a special deal for you to win.”

Leah’s expression is blank, her eyes carefully guarded, but her voice is as vicious as poison. Ruby turns to face her peer and she is vaguely aware that her legs are no longer shaking.

“No. She trusts me, and I trust her. Hogwarts will never resort to cheating.”

“Then what was that look of relief on your face?”

“Knowing that there wouldn’t be any casualties among the bystanders.”

Leah’s expression darkens. “Is that all? Aren’t you scared? I saw you shivering like a pathetic rabbit since the moment you entered the tent. You don’t belong here. You should forfeit, for your own good.”

“I’m scared, very scared.” Ruby couldn’t help but smile at the tremor in her voice. She really hasn’t changed much over the years, but she is also proud to acknowledge that she has become stronger too. “But I will not run away. The Goblet of Fire chose me for a reason. Thanks for being worried about me though.”

“You wish. I just don’t want you to ruin the prestige of this Tournament.” Leah snarls, her stance rigid and proud. “Think of the mess if there’s already death in the First Task.”

“Of course, I don’t want to die either,” Ruby’s grip tightens on the hilt of the sabre. “I… I’m scared of pain, I can’t handle it, but I know I can face death if things were to reach that point.”

“Oh?” Leah’s demeanor loosens slightly, as if she hasn’t expected such response.

“I’ve already faced it before.” The faint pink scars from sectumsempra are visible reminders of what she had experienced on that terrible night, but compared to what her precious friends and family have endured back then, this Tournament should be within her ability to handle.

She, Ruby Kurosawa, is Hogwarts’ champion after all.

========================

Judging from all the gasps, cheers and applause outside the tent, Ruby is certain that Leah has succeeded in her Task just as Shizuku had. Both champions did not take more than ten minutes to achieve their objective, which is to retrieve a wooden box that their respective opponent is guarding. Each of them is only allowed to cast five spells, whether it be a Charm, Curse, Hex and so on, and the box can only be moved through actual contact, not by magic. It is meant to test the champion’s resourcefulness, wit and raw magical power, as well as their physical abilities.

Ruby has no plan whatsoever.

Her knowledge of the Manticore is limited to what she has studied in her family library. All those articles talk of how extremely dangerous the violent magical beast is, of how its magically resilient skin render wizards’ spells useless and thus there have only been one or two recorded triumphs against such creature. How is she, a mere Third-Year, supposed to get past the Manticore’s guard?

She stares hard at her wand, hoping to draw strength and guidance from the Holly and dragon heartstring core. She wishes for her friends and her sister to be with her right now, instead of being in this tent alone with her paranoid mind. To be fair for each school, no one is permitted to make contact with the champion, not even their respective Headmaster. Earlier, Chika and You have already tried to sneaked in but were quickly dragged away by their House Head before the officials noticed.

Ruby would have welcomed the Gryffindor duo’s presence. Her bravado earlier has faded enough for the small critter part to emerge, causing her thoughts to sink deeper to the pessimistic end as the clock ticks by. It’s not because she doesn’t believe in her own strength but more because of the countless scenarios against such a terrifying opponent.  She does enjoy the thrill of challenges to an extent, perhaps due to the duo’s influence over the years, so she tries to focus on that positive thought.

“Hogwarts’ champion, please enter the arena.”

Whimpering, Ruby wipes at her damp eyes one last time before standing up. With every step she takes, the fear is gradually left behind and that sense of numbness has returned once more. There is no running away now.

A thunderous cheer greets her as soon as she enters the Pit, which has been modified to accommodate the spectators and the Task. A quick glance reassures Ruby that various officials are stationed around the arena, especially for the guest section to ensure safety. Whatever happens between her and the Manticore will not affect the innocents.

When she walks past the student bleachers, she waves bashfully at the applauding Ravenclaws and searches the crowd for her future sister-in-law. She soon finds Riko and relaxes under her encouraging smile. The House of Hufflepuff is deafening in their cheers with, surprisingly, Professor Koizumi and Hanamaru being the loudest. Ruby could feel her ears burning, half embarrassed but half elated as well at such display of support from her best friend and Head of House.

As if not wanting to lose, Chika and You lead the Gryffindor section in the cheers with their flamboyant banners and Charmed fireworks. It’s over the top, really, but also so very like them. Ruby couldn’t but wave back just as energetically at the Head Girl and the Quidditch star. Passing shadows overhead prompt her to look up and smile at Pana and Lucifer. The two familiars are gliding and circling to keep with her pace, as if to act as her escorts. Fiery words of encouragement soar through the sky after them, providing entertainment for the onlookers. Ruby doesn’t have to glance at the Slytherin section to know that it is Yoshiko’s work, though her peers must have pitched in to help her control this Charm in order for it to work on such grand scale.

By the time Ruby reaches the Professors’ bleachers, she is smiling not just to reassure her friends but also out of genuine joy and love for them and her school. The Hogwarts staff are also clapping politely, some more exuberantly than the others. Dia looks tense but she is smiling as well, with a familiar golden cat draped on her shoulder and a large wolf head peering over the seat beside her. Kanan and Mari must have pretended to be Dia’s pets to sneak into this guest section. At Ruby’s hesitant wave, Kanan howls loudly and Mari swishes her tail like a flag, prompting Dia to frown and tug at her friends’ ears. Undeterred, the married couple continue to make a lot of noise and motions, making Dia sigh in exasperation.

The familiar comical interaction loosens Ruby enough for her to remember to bow in front of the Kurosawa Patriarch and her parents. The old austere wizard is not smiling and only gives her a brusque nod, but those who know him well can see the fierce pride in his eyes.

Shizuku seems amused at the lively display at her entrance, while Leah is wearing the darkest scowl ever. Both champions look disheveled, with Shizuku’s hair ribbon somewhat singed and Leah’s cloak having claw-shaped rips, but at least they appear mostly unharmed.

Ruby allows a quiet sigh of relief to slip past her lips. Her fellow champions made it through and there are no injured spectators. She nods at the panel of referees and the official standing just at the edge of the arena.

“Are you ready?”

With one brisk turn, she takes out her wand and takes one step inside the field of boulders and rocks. A cool brush of magic indicates that a powerful protective shroud must have been activated, keeping both combatants trapped within the arena as well as to shield the audience. At this point, all Ruby could hear are her quickened heartbeats and the sinister rumbling from the enormous beast at the other end of the modified Pit.

The Manticore is grisly to look at, like a creative project gone horribly wrong. Whereas the Sphinx appears majestic despite having a human head and the body of a lion, the Manticore is like a mutated and bloodthirsty version due to its wild mane and rows of sharp fangs. Its scorpion stinger tail is poised high in warning as it paces back and forth in front of the wooden box, her objective. Its powerful paws make heavy sounds on the gravel, its predatory eyes trained on her the moment she entered.

“So this is what I’m up against, a little rabbit,” the sentient creature’s voice sounds disturbingly human without any hint of a growl. “Ladies first then, so the show won’t be over too quickly.”

The insult almost makes Ruby smile in bittersweet nostalgia. Everyone tend to underestimate her and for the longest time, she had believed their evaluation to be true.

Not anymore. I’m not strong, but I’m not weak either. She could feel magic flowing steadily between her hand and her wand.

“I’m ready.” She tells the official without glancing at him. A hush falls over the arena but she could barely feel the eyes watching for. The Manticore is grinning at her, slowly licking its lips. A vague plan forms in her mind and she exhales deeply.

As soon as the wizard signals the start of her first Task, she raises her wand and shouts. “Expecto patronum!”

The amused beast barely moves even as the silver black jaguar snarls at it, an empty threat due to its intangible form. In spite of the confused murmurs in the background, Ruby finds herself smiling as the sight of her Patronus boosts her confidence. She is no longer alone in facing this terrifying monster.

“Wingardium leviosa!”

The huge boulders tremble from the Levitation Charm but only the medium-sized rocks actually float towards the center. The Manticore remains unfazed, even yawning tauntingly at the gradually increasing number of rocks gathering in the middle. Ruby keeps her arm steady in spite of the strain of such area spell and pours forth even more magic.

“Accio!”

Her third chosen spell summons the Kurosawa heirloom from outside the arena and she directs it towards the growing rock pile. The Manticore tenses at last, growling in anticipation and pawing at the ground. Just as the creature begins to run, Ruby yelps a string of incantations, moving her wand in sharp jabs.

The fourth and fifth spell is a combination of an advanced Transfiguration and a Charm, developed by You and herself under Professor Minami’s supervision. Ruby almost buckles from the strain of magical output but perseveres, willing and shaping the rocks into the image in her mind while the sabre acts as a focal point.

Rocks gather and morph around the the sabre, forming a long tail that eventually connects to a massive body with four limbs and an armored head.

Gasps and shouts could be heard from the audience and the Manticore stops abruptly, wary of the animated shape blocking its path. The grotesque replica raises its rocky tail, the sabre’s blade glinting under the sunlight, and lunges at its living counterpart.

Its movements are awkward and jerky but there is undeniable power behind each of its pounding footsteps. The real Manticore laughs haughtily when it tries to swerve around the slower clone and almost got slashed by its surprisingly fast tail. The two creatures crash into each other soon after, tearing and biting and gouging with the scorpion tail. The Manticore is undeterred by its opponent’s body of rocks, clawing and digging through the cracks, breaking the Transfigured creature from raw strength alone. For such a gigantic beast, it is nimble and agile, cleverly dodging the Kurosawa sabre instead of parrying it, knowing the blade would injure it whereas no magic could.

Ruby shivers instinctively from all that noise of the savage fight, though she manages to force her legs to move. She runs towards the boulders, ducking for cover when she hears a snarl rather close by. Worse comes to worst, she still has her wand to protect herself even though it meant being disqualified for using more than five spells. She could vaguely feel the tug of her magic animating the replica and, with a pained grunt, she increases the output towards her creation and wills it to endure the assault longer.

As soon as the boosted Transfigured beast collides against the Manticore, she dashes towards the end of the field. Many times she is tempted to look over the shoulder, to see if the monstrous creature is chasing her, to check if her creation is still standing, but flight mode is commanding her action and all she could to do is keep going.

Almost there.

Her lungs burn from the exertion and her throat aches from the screams she keeps fighting down.

Right there, on that patch of grass.

She almost stumbles at the abrupt cut of magic, indicating that her stone creation is no more.

She dives for the wooden box, tucking and rolling, just in time to dodge the Manticore’s tail slash. Panting, she glares up in defiance at the grinning beast. Its mane is wilder than before, covered in rubble that is doubtlessly from when it obliterated the replica, and its magically immune skin is unmarred by any of the replica’s attacks.

Ruby rolls to the side just as its massive paw comes down on her, sprinkling dust and causing the ground to quake under the force. Before it could pounce upon her though, a silver silhouette leaps in front of her protectively.

Startled, the Manticore could only stare at the proud black jaguar Patronus, which shimmers brightly under its caster’s fearless gaze. The stalemate lasts for a while but neither side relents. Ruby barely dares to breathe, her wand not raised but gripped tightly and ready for action.

“… it cannot attack me. I can just jump through it and rip your throat out,” the Manticore’s fanged grin widens when Ruby glares back even as her legs begin to tremble. “Yet, I find myself unable to move in awe of its power.”

From the corner of her vision, she notices the officials and Professor Toujou already on the standby. Ruby’s friends are all at the edge of the arena as well, blocked by the shield but their wands already poised for action.

The announcer takes a step forward and speaks firmly. “The champion has already acquired the wooden box.”

”Silence, human. You don’t look tasty, but you’ll do.” The Manticore sits down on its haunches and growls menacingly at the wizard who dares to point his wand at it. Professor Toujou clears her throat, prompting the Manticore to relax slightly and roll its eyes. “I know I know, don’t harangue me, Nozomi.”

Ruby blinks when the beast suddenly grins at her. “I concede, Kurosawa heiress.”

A deafening roar from the audience follows the Manticore’s words, drowning out even the official announcement of her victory. Tears well up in Ruby’s eyes but she barely feels them as she finds herself buried under her friend’s tackling hugs.

Miraculously, she has overcome the First Task.

============================

Ruby finds her mind drifting away to blissful peace as she licks at her lollipop. It’s one of her favorite snacks but it’s been a while since she’s indulged herself in the treat. As a Third-Year and a Prefect, she’s decided to cut down on her sweets intake in order to present a reliable, mature senpai image and so far it’s worked. She does miss being in the background though.

Ah, this tastes heavenly!

Smiling, she notices her steps are bouncier than usual as she walks down the empty hallway back to her Prefect dorm. Most of her Housemates are in the Great Hall, decorating the place for dinnertime, while her friends are preparing for the celebratory party later the night in Chika’s Head Girl dorm.

The Gryffindor duo had successfully rescued her from her peers, allowing her to take a little break in her dorm before having to socialize for the rest of the night. Indeed, Ruby isn’t fond of being under the spotlight even though her responsibilities nowadays require her to be. Thankfully, her friends are all very understanding of her, knowing that she needs a little breather. Chika and You claim that they’re going to raid the kitchen anyway, while Kanan and Mari must be catching up with Dia and most likely teasing her and Riko’s recent not-so-secret engagement.

As for Yoshiko and Hanamaru, well, hopefully they’re on speaking terms again. Ruby frowns at the thought of her best friends, wondering what the problem it is this time. They do argue from time to time, but those have all been harmless bickering, something Mari reassures her to be a form of flirting.

However, it feels like Yoshiko and Hanamaru have been keeping their distance, either avoiding each other or always sticking to Ruby so that they’re never alone by themselves. Just what had happened? Ruby would rather that they have heated arguments so at least she could play peacemaker, but this is something else entirely.  

Sighing, Ruby ponders for the umpteenth time about romantic relationships. She does get envious of that special closeness she’s witnessed in her friends, of how happy her sister is with Riko and so on, but she also finds it stressful. There are so many things to think about, and she is doing fine being the supportive role within their group of nine without being attached to anyone.

What’s more to ask for, if she already has her friends and family?

Suddenly, she couldn’t move her legs anymore and, with her feet stuck to the ground, the momentum makes her bend over awkwardly. Flailing her arms for balance, the lollipop falls to the ground and is kicked away by a dragon skin boot.

Ruby peers up to find Leah glaring at her.

“You didn’t even sense me coming.”

Though slightly irked by the loss of her snack, Ruby is more unsettled by how angry her fellow champion looks. “W-Why have you used partial petrificus on me?”

“To test you - just when I thought you to be a worthy opponent! But look at you, your guard is pathetic,” Leah snarls as she paces around Ruby. Since there is no wand in sight, it must have been a wandless, non-verbal petrificus, implying the witch’s skill and power. “Beside, what was with all that earlier?”

“What do you mean?”

“That circus out there! All that cheering, even that dumb Manticore, being all buddy-buddy with one of your Professors! I knew it, there must’ve been a deal going on.”

Ruby says calmly. “I did not cheat, if that’s what you’re suggesting.”

Leah then aggressively enters her personal space, their faces now barely an inch apart. “The TriWizard Tournament is not a game.”

Even though the flight alarm is going off in her head, Ruby is able to keep her voice steady. “I know.”

“Then why do I feel like you’re holding back?”

“I’m not.”

Leah growls in frustration, this time taking out her wand and points it threateningly under Ruby’s chin. “My instincts have never proven me wrong, Kurosawa.”

Ruby winces at the derisive way the Durmstrang champion utters her surname but she maintains eye contact. The silent stalemate continues for a while, neither relenting. Ruby notices for the first time that Leah is actually shorter than her, despite the latter having such an intimidating aura that made her presence so much larger.

Leah suddenly whirls around to deflect a Jinx and easily parries another Hex. Without thinking, Ruby breaks free of the Body-Bind Curse and grips Leah’s wrist before the latter fires off an offensive spell.

“I’m okay, Hanamaru-chan, Yoshiko-chan, please put away your wands.”

Hanamaru looks wary while Yoshiko’s expression is dark, but both lower their wands as they briskly approach them.

“What did you think you were doing, to my friend?” Yoshiko’s husky and menacing tone jostles an unpleasant memory in the back of Ruby’s mind but she forces it away.

Leah ignores the newcomers and continues to glare at Ruby. “So, you can move. You dispelled my Curse non-verbally as well.”

Ruby neither admits nor refutes that statement. After that night at the Estate, they’ve all worked so hard on wandlessly countering Body-Binding Curses. She hasn’t encountered any situation she had to utilize this skill until now.

“Oi, I’m talking to you.” Yoshiko stomps forward and uses her superior height to glare down at Leah. A familiar Ashwinder slithers out from her sleeve and drapes around her neck like a scarf. Leah looks disgusted at the hissing snake and raises her wand the same time Yoshiko raises hers.

“Expelliarmus.”

Hanamaru now holds both of their wands, her expression shadowed by her glasses. “No fighting in the hallway, right, Ruby-chan?”

Ruby swallows hard. Her best friend is rarely upset but it is obvious that this is one such time. “R-Right. Guest or not, y-you’d have to follow the rules here, Kazuno-san. Yoshiko-chan, really, I’m okay.”

Yoshiko huffs and folds her arms, while Leah nods curtly, seemingly taken aback by the turn of events. If Ruby isn’t mistaken, she even looks somewhat impressed as Hanamaru returns her wand back to her.

“You got lucky, Kurosawa.” Leah yanks her hand out of Ruby’s grip, reminding the latter that she’s been holding it this whole time. “Heed my words - I will be the victor in the end.”

Ruby exhales tiredly, watching her fellow champion storming down the hallway with the fur cloak billowing behind her. Durmstrang seems like a stressful environment to study in, or is there more to Leah’s drive in winning the Cup?

“Are you okay, Ruby-chan?”

“Yeah, just surprised and exhausted,” she smiles weakly at Hanamaru, noting the deliberate space between her and Yoshiko. Her two friends aren’t looking at each other and the tension is thick. She also notices that Lucifer is nestled in Hanamaru’s hood instead of Yoshiko’s like usual. Seraph the Ashwinder flicks its tongue at Ruby’s questioning gaze and nods imperceptibly before hiding under its master’s sleeve once more.

Ruby sighs again. This is only the First Task, and there appears to be more to come, Tournament or otherwise.

[skillsfuturesg-blog]

The Forerunner Who Puts Her Team First

Growing up on a farm in Punggol, Koh Wei Lin’s childhood was filled with imaginary adventure hunts, assisting her ‘brother- knights’ in various quests. In her teens, this love of discovery took on a twist when her secondary school art teacher opened her eyes to design with a brooch design project.

Wei Lin’s jade and diamond humming bird design not only won her teacher’s heart. It also sparked her love for gems and brought her on a continuous pursuit of beautiful designs. This in turn led to a degree in jewellery design and a career as a jewellery designer at On Cheong Jewellery.

“Seeing beautiful ‘blings’ everyday is one of the perks of my job. Witnessing the birth of each creation and the customer’s delightful reaction is so satisfying,” said Wei Lin who thrives on working on new challenges.

In any assignment she undertakes, her love for gems keeps her on a constant high in search of design possibilities. More than that, her passion for exquisite design has been a ‘springboard’, pushing her further and higher at every stage of her career.

Not Afraid To Venture Further

Wei Lin’s first career ‘leap’ came during her first year when the company wanted someone with jewellery design background to assist in marketing projects. She opted to participate even though she had no formal training in marketing as she believed it would give her good exposure.

“A designer also has to master management skills, and marketing skill is very important for this trade,” commented Ho Nai Chuen, Managing Director of On Cheong. “Wei Lin is passionate and has a positive attitude towards whatever assignment given to her.”

Thus within a year of joining the company, Wei Lin’s performance left such a deep impression that On Cheong’s management offered to support her in the WSQ Diploma in Retail Management. Wei Lin gladly took up the offer as she knew she needed business management skills and knowledge to perform better.

“After applying the skills I learnt, I saw myself improving even at tasks I once dreaded,” she recalled. “I began to take on more roles and responsibilities. I also proposed some new marketing ideas. The management was quite pleased, and they offered to send me to the degree course in retail marketing as well.”

Balancing Work And Studies

The two years that Wei Lin took to attain her Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Retail Marketing were some of her most challenging and tiring years.

During the day, she continued to shoulder the assignments and responsibilities that came with her expanding role. Once work ended for the day, she rushed to attend lectures no matter how hectic her day had been. Then, her night continued with group discussions that often went past midnight. On reaching home, she worked on projects immediately lest ideas and momentum slipped away and went to bed only around 4am.

“Completing that daily portion of my school work ensured that I can dedicate myself fully in the office the next day. Time was so scarce I had to read journals and periodicals while commuting,” she shared.

With her punishing schedule, Wei Lin was very grateful to her colleagues and team members who were very understanding. She remembered a colleague who placed snacks and bottles of chicken essence on her table during the periods when she was drained and stressed. Their kind gestures kept her going, and the company’s willingness to grant study and examination leave allowed her to concentrate on her studies.

Putting Her Learning To Good Use

Fortunately, the hard work Wei Lin put into her studies have paid off. The skills gained have enabled her to develop an on-the-job training manual that allowed the company to conduct a more systematic training. The marketing methods she suggested have led to increased sales.

The customer service team and feedback system she put in place have helped to monitor and improve service levels. Above all, her growing knowledge has empowered her in sharing what she has learnt and in motivating her colleagues.

“One of the WSQ topics I often share with my colleagues is how to lead and manage the work team in setting attainable goals. This has helped me in many areas of my life, and it has motivated my colleagues too,” she said.

“In the coming years, I would like to help many more of my colleagues achieve their career goals and attain success greater than mine. I hope to contribute with even more exciting designs, and branding breakthrough. Last but not least, I want to help cultivate more service conscious individuals so that On Cheong can be a role model in service experience in the jewellery industry.” 

For her commitment in contributing to the business and dedication in nurturing her team, Wei Lin was promoted twice and is now an Assistant Operations Manager for marketing and promotions. Last year, she was further voted the company’s Best Employee, and this year she was recognized nationwide as the winner of the 2015 WSQ Outstanding Alumni Award.

“Being recognised by my company and the industry was an honour and definitely a milestone. Despite the win, I see myself continuing to learn and improve. As Ghandi said, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow, learn as if you were to live forever!”  

This article was first published on November 02, 2015 on the WDA Tumblr.

[rainyraisin]

OKAY IM IN INTERMISSION RN SO...

GO VOTE FOR NO CRIME ONLY BROOCHES

I actually gotta run to act 2 now DTGUGXVJ that was very short but PLEASE GO TIE US I WILL DO ANYTHING YALL WANT XTFHXFCH I GEN DONT KNOW WHAT ELSE TO OFFER BUT IF YOU DO TIE US ILL THINK OF SOME STUFF AND DO A POLL‼️‼️‼️💪💪💪

Also you'll make me and @olliethescribe really happy so like...you really shouldn't need any more reasons/lhj