#what do you /mean/ I won’t get to see what my ancestors are doing in 3025????

[sugarcoatednightshade]

No nuance, just answers. If your comfortable, please put your answer and religion in the tags, I’m curious to see if there’s any correlation.

Ok some nuance:

This is not a vampire situation. You do not directly gain life through others’ life/death. You do not get any superpowers. You can still get hungry and tired and physically uncomfortable. You just can’t die.

[stardustedreams222]

Communicating with Your Ancestors

Something they’ve been trying to tell you but you’ve been ignoring

Samhain Edition

This is a collective reading, meaning there won’t be as much detail as if it’s a personal reading, so take what resonates and leave what doesn’t 🩷 If you’d like a personal reading on this, you can purchase a reading on my Ko-Fi Shop {You’ll need to be a Moon Member for $5 a month in order to purchase it 🩷}

Samhain is the perfect time to reach out and hear what your Ancestors have to say, with the veil between worlds being so thin. Today, the dead walk among the living. I wanted to do a Pick a Pile for everyone who wasn’t able to do the divination themselves during Samhain this year.

Close your eyes, Take a deep breath, and Pick the Pile{s} you’re most drawn to, to hear what your Ancestors want to tell you.

Pick a Pile

1 ➸ 2 ➸ 3

Content Warning: These are hard-to-hear messages and your Ancestors aren't holding anything back in this! Expect swear words and brief mentions of their time in slavery.

{I don’t know how but every pile has Ancestors from the East coast or South in the USA 🙈 and I feel a bit rude cos I didn’t expect this reading to just be for Americans but I think that’s just who wanted to come out in this reading. However they do wanna clarify that even though these are the places they’re showing me, there are people in this collective who are outside of the USA! But these are just the states with most relevance to the collective piles 🩷}

𐐪𐑂 𐐪𐑂 𐐪𐑂 𐐪𐑂

𝑃𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝑂𝑛𝑒 ~ 𝐶𝑜𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑒

Your Cards: Empress. Page of Wands, King of Wands, Ace of Swords, The Magician, 4 of Cups, 10 of Wands, Lovers Reversed, Ace of Wands, Death

About Your Ancestors:

They have a southern U.S. accent, {Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama} and the one Ancestor that’s most prominent in this reading is of Creole ancestry, others are Black and Hispanic and a small few, {one or two} are white.

Your Message:

You have something inside you that you’ve been wanting to create and some of you’ve been putting in the work to create it but it’s still in the planning process.

This is an opportunity of some kind either an entrepreneurship or a non profit organization. It’s something so close to your heart that you feel so deeply connected to it.

It’s your baby, you can see it being your life’s work, but there’s been some issues in this. Things feeling too complicated, like there's too much on your plate to fully enjoy this. Lately, you’ve been feeling like “Is this even worth all this?” while you work on it.

You've been dragging your feet, not wanting to get out of bed. Feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, depressed or just indifferent to the work now. But there will be a breakthrough soon, where you’ll feel free again. Happy and excited again for this.

This breakthrough is something that will remind you why you started this in the first place. It’ll ignite that spark in your heart again. And it’ll wash away all the burdened, overwhelming apathy and hatred that’s been growing towards this. It’ll be the push and the change in your mindset that’s needed in order to help you fully create this in all its glory. 

The Channeled message as I heard it:

“It’s worth it. I know you can’t see that right now and you havent been able to for a while now, but child it’s worth it. Change is coming, breakthrough is coming. Don’t throw in the towel just yet. Give it some more time.

In the meantime, while you wait for the breakthrough, the ‘Aha’ moment, I want you to rest, relax. Act like you’re 7 months pregnant and your back is aching, your feet are swollen and your belly is rumbling.

Get a massage, take a bubble bath, put up your feet, take that nap, eat more and fuel up. Get your mind off this as much as you can.

You clock out of work, stop thinking about it. You’re home— act like it.

In this rest and relaxation you’ll come back to yourself. And at the end of it you’ll remember why you started this in the first place. You started to help people. You started to help yourself. So why are you forgetting to take care of yourself right now?

Because you don’t think you deserve it?

Bullshit!

The very reason for why you’re doing this makes you worthy of taking a break every now and again and I’m not talking a 5 minute break or a ‘30 second alarm on your phone’ break where you reward yourself with chocolate and a happy jazz hands dance and then get back to work. I’m talking about a real vacation kind of break.

A weekend, a week, a couple of weeks. You deserve time off to rest your body and especially your mind.

Now, I know this sounds harsh, I don’t mean it to come across that way, Child, I just want what's best for you, and working yourself into the ground like you are now, is not that. So do us all a favor and take a break. Drink your water too and start listening to us. We know you can hear us, it just pisses us off more when you act like you don’t or can’t. Yeah, we see you… and we know you see us too."

That was all they wanted to say... They do love you they just really feel like calling you out right now 🙈 So I’ma ask them for a nice message now cos I don’t like ending readings on a sour note 🩷

New Cards: World Reversed, 7 of Pentacles, High Priestess, Hermit, Sun, 3 of Pentacles, Empress

They didn’t wanna give this lol, and it took a while for any cards to come out.

Their Comforting Message:

“Fiine… Here. We know life hasn’t been easy.

The world wasn’t handed to you as a child, you’ve had to work for everything you have including the respect of other people. You know this, I don’t know why you need me to say it. But you’re also highly aware of what’s going on beneath the surface.

Call it the years of isolation, dark night of the souls, all the shadow work you’ve been doing. You’ve been doing good. Working up to your happiness and that’s where you are now: Working to make this dream come true.

We are proud of you… we’d just like some recognition for all we’ve done to help you through this shit hole too. A cookie would be nice, you know. Or some water at the least. All I feel is like we’re yapping up a storm, drying our mouths, and all you hear is the charlie brown teachers spewing nonsense ‘cause you don’t wanna hear us!

{I asked them to redirect and actually give comforting messages lol}

We’re proud of you for all the hard work you’ve put in. Digging up the weeds and breaking the foundations of concrete just to plant some pretty flowers isn’t easy to do. God knows I know that… You’re intuitive, child, you know you don’t have to keep doubting whether you heard correctly or not… or saw correctly. We admire how far you’ve developed your clairs and psychic abilities in such a short life.

It didn’t come easy and we know that.

We saw all the work you put in, we saw the isolation periods and we’re proud of you for sticking with it and getting through it. I’m sorry we’re a bit bitter… but a cookie or an offering would go a long way I’m just sayin’… {They held their hands up in innocence, lol}

Know that our hands are on this project of yours too, we’re looking out for it, just like we’re looking out for you too. But we are serious about you needing to rest.

Even we needed to rest when we were out in the fields. {She means when they were enslaved, working the fields. Others are talking about being immigrants and working on farms with horrible pay "slaving away."}

So you gotta rest too, even moreso because what you’re making is gonna help a lot of people, which means this is just the beginning of the hard work.

You gotta find the balance between working hard and fully shutting off your work brain. You gotta find that balance now, before things take off and you end up dropping the ball down the road when you get burnt out from running around like a headless chicken.

We love you, We’re proud of you. Now get some rest, there’s nothing you have to prove by working so damn hard.”

All right 🩷 Well, you definitely have some vocal and stubborn ancestors 😂 They seem sweet though, even through the harsh message and cussing, I could tell they really love you, they just feel ignored and neglected.

Some of them also really want a cookie!

I heard “A raisin cookie tell ‘em I want raisin!” 😂🙈 Yall have some really adorable ancestors! Overall, their message is to take a break.

You’ve deserved a nice long break for a while now. I know it can be tough setting your work down for a day or two… or even 15 minutes. I struggle with the same thing but rest is essential. Rest is necessary. And your ancestors see it as beneficial for you and your business / project.

I think if it’s really hard to let go of your “work mode” maybe do it in increments. It doesn't have to be a hard clean break from today to tomorrow where you take two weeks off. You can start small, take an hour off. Turn your phone on dnd, grab a face mask, hot tea {or hot cocoa with the colder months here now!} just do what you can with what you have right now.

Try to see it as a meditative practice, as time goes by it’ll get easier to add more time to your breaks 🩷

Also… they’re really adamant about that cookie 🙈 Maybe look into doing some homemade cookie recipes, taking the time to make them could count as your break from work 🩷 {And they really like the idea of a homemade offering.}

That's all for this pile, thank you for sticking around and hearing your ancestors out! They really appreciate you wanting to hear them out right now 🩷🫂

If you’d like a personal reading on this, to elaborate or ask them more questions, you can purchase a reading on my Ko-Fi Shop {You’ll need to be a Moon Member for $5 a month in order to purchase it 🩷 The reading itself is One Call Away for $8 or Family Meeting for $15}

Happy Samhain! 🎃

𐐪𐑂 𐐪𐑂 𐐪𐑂 𐐪𐑂

𝑃𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝑇𝑤𝑜 ~ 𝐶𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘

Pile two is interesting because two sets of messages and Ancestors came out with the same cards 🙈 While they’re both essentially the same message they have enough of a nuance to them that I wanted to split them into groups to fully allow each set of Ancestors to be heard. So Pile 2 you’ve been split into Group A and Group B

please pick an emoji for your reading 🩷

🍯 Group A 🍯 🐝 Group B 🐝

Thank you 🩷 Please proceed accordingly 🥰

🍯 Group A 🍯

Your Cards: 4 of Swords, King of Pentacles Reversed, Page of Swords, Knight of Wands, 6 of Pentacles

About Your Ancestors:

They were really eager to talk. Their ethnicities are kinda hazy, I think this might be because it’s a collective reading and yall don’t share the same ancestry as the other members in this pile. Some are from New Jersey, may have moved to or from New York. Italian is prominent, but so is German.

Then some are venturing into Connecticut, Vermont, Maryland, Illinois, and Virginia. Michigan too but that's a small few.

Some of you are POC, Black and Asian being the most common after Italians and Germans. Some of you are really proud {as you should be 🩷} to have made it this far in an unfair world, not only for the discrimination against you but also because some of you have grown up on stories of what it was like in slavery. And a super small amount of you are born from a Freed Slave in the 1840's-1860’s who had a really rough time. I think they moved from the southern states to New York, and that’s where you grew up but now that you’re well established you moved down to the state they’re from in a way to prove your worth to everyone there. They’re really proud of you for that 🩷🫂 as am I ‘cause I don’t think I’d have the courage to do that especially with the Election coming up 🙈 

Your Message:

You’ve been searching for happiness when it comes to your wealth. You’re actually really wealthy this could be from your hard work or things have just gone really easy for you or a mix of both. For most of you, this is your hard work. 

Even though you’re rich and you can buy things that make you really happy you haven’t felt fulfilled. So you keep buying more and more in hopes it’ll satisfy that feeling, and it does for a little while but then that feeling fades again.

Your Ancestors are saying you have to start letting down your walls. You’ve been guarding your wealth as it grew {which is really wise!} but now that it’s fully grown and sustainable, you need to start leaving behind that mindset that this is only *your* money to spend. It’s not just yours, because your ancestors helped you reach this height of your wealth, they’ve been cultivating it too and the reason why is because they want to soften your heart towards the less fortunate. I know this is really hard for you to hear but you should look for places— credible organizations, shelters, charities— to donate to. Your ancestors are saying once you do you’ll find that satisfaction you’ve been looking for with your wealth.

However, there’s more. You should really do your research, go in person, and talk to the community and organization leaders to really understand their story and the cause you’re donating to before you donate because in this meet and greet you’ll actually learn the lesson your ancestors want you to.

Otherwise, you’ll just be giving money to different organizations still feeling unfulfilled and still searching for happiness and purpose.

Your Channeled Message:

“Let me- Lemme speak first! I can speak for all of us when I say: We know the hard work that went into you getting your bank account where it is now. It was hard work we won’t diminish that! But you gotta stop thinking that everyone everywhere can get where you are now by just putting in the hours and hard work. Some people can, but others just really can’t and they need a helping hand. And I know you wanna roll your eyes and huff but you didn’t do this alone either.

We all helped you. You put in the hard work, but we supplied the opportunities, sprinkling the good luck— {another ancestor interrupted} Dumped! We Dumped the good luck!! Don’t *sugarcoat* it.— That money isn’t just yours and I know, I know you hate this but you know deep down it’s true.

That’s why you’re not happy because you’re *meant* to be sharing that money with people. Spreading the joy and the serenity that that money can bring. We blessed you so you could bless others. But this will only work if you do this out of compassion, being truly moved by the causes you’re giving to. So you gotta go out there get your hands dirty and look into the organizations yourself, don’t get someone else to do it for you ‘cause that won’t work for you.

You’ll still be bitter and feeling lonely in that big house {They showed a mansion with a stone driveway and a cute cultivated garden with columnar shrubs, square bushes and a sculpted bush} with that fancy car {They showed a Porsche and a BMW and they said Lincoln too} because you need human connections and a real purpose to back yourself up in your happiness.

We know how you feel about sharing your money… but you have to let go of thinking ‘I worked hard for this life, for this money! Why should I have to share it with people who can’t even balance their checkbook!?’

You also gotta give people a chance to surprise you, not every poor person with a sob story is just out for a good con. Not all of them are.

You did good, making good on the opportunities we sent you and— I know that struck a nerve but calm down. We sent them so give us some credit.— working hard to get where you are now. And you don’t have to listen to us, but we’re just telling you what will make you happy and fill that hole in your heart and life. You can take our advice or not, it’s up to you. When you’re ready, though, we’ll help you find the right places to send money.”

They care about you, they definitely have a hand in your life even though that seems to upset you but they don’t mean for it to be an insult, instead a testament to how much they care and look after you. I think they’re really sweet for not wanting to push you to do things their way, some Ancestors I’ve met before have been really stubborn and persistent so I think yours are really level headed and kind for this.

I also get the sense that they were business folks when they were on Earth too, in law firms, stock brokerages, and corporations, {whether that job went anywhere or not for them is unclear.} because of how well they worked around the business side of things to help you land deals, get promotions, and i also saw they helped you get your first big job interview.

They also know the lingo for businesses but they have a somewhat informal way of talking to you, {or to me to talk to you.}

Overall, it was a hard pill to swallow but they just wanted to say they’re proud of you but if you wanna stop searching for happiness, this is a surefire way to do that and they’re highly encouraging it. Of course, the decision is yours to make.

That's all for this pile, thank you for sticking around and hearing your ancestors out! I know it wasn’t easy 🩷🫂

If you’d like a personal reading on this, to elaborate or ask them more questions, you can purchase a reading on my Ko-Fi Shop {You’ll need to be a Moon Member for $5 a month in order to purchase it 🩷 The reading itself is One Call Away for $8 or Family Meeting for $15}

🐝 Group B 🐝

Your Cards: 9 of Wands Reversed, 8 of Cups, Queen of Cups, Knight of Pentacles

About Your Ancestors:

I smelled the ocean and then a chlorine pool. I think you or some of your ancestors may have been avid swimmers, swimming competitions seem relevant but also summers and holidays at a lake or beach. 

Indiana and Kentucky are prominent along with West Virginia. You may be from there or live there now, or your ancestors are from there/lived most of their lives there. You have some red haired ancestors, fair skin that burns easily. Blue eyes are common but there’s one Ancestor with Green eyes that’s really important here. Like piercing green emerald eyes.

It feels like you were born into wealth but that you also take your work seriously or enjoy working hard, to maintain that wealth, but that money also isn't "everything" to you.

Your Message:

They see that you want to be charitable but that you’re not sure who or what to give your money to. They suggest talking to more people and taking an active part in looking for causes or people in need. Researching charities online, going in person to local shelters and children’s organizations, you’ll find a place/cause/person to donate to really soon after doing this. Being in person will help you gauge the intentions of the organization and bring clarity on where you should share your money 🩷

Your Channeled Message:

“We know you’re bored, and looking for something fun to do. We’ve talked it over and we agree that donating to a good cause will benefit you. That being hands-on will be what you need to feel alive and excited and fill that need to be involved in something worth a damn.

There’s a few good ones but you’ll need to do your research, call them up, email them, set up a meeting with the campaign organizers and really ask them why they do this and how they use the money.

You’ll be able to gauge— we’ll help you to know— who is right for you and who is shoveling bullshit into your ears. There’ll be some that excite you and they look perfect from the outside but once you sit down and talk to them you’ll see they aren’t what they appear to be.

Be prepared to get your hopes crushed with the ones you think are good. It’ll be one of the places you didnt think twice about that will actually be the right fit for you. So just be prepared to be disappointed a lot before you find that one that lights your soul up.

Also be smart when you do find them, don’t write them a big check right away, do smaller donations first.

{I asked them why.}

Because you’ll be the first {or one of the first} to believe in them and their cause and a large donation will inflate their egos making them veer off course.

You gotta be subtle with your support— and ask to be part of the overseeing committe to track how they use the money. It sounds harsh but they’ll need you to keep them honest and on track. It’s not that they’re a bad organization, it's just that they live in the real world. Where bills and unexpected expenses pop up and they are just starting out so they kinda have their thoughts all over the place. They’re focus is on 20-50 years from now when it should be on this month, next month, this year.

With a large donation they’ll get ahead of themselves and start working on projects that shouldn’t and can’t be supported right now. Just stick to the plan and help them stick to it too. Small donations, regularly sent until we tell you to go bigger.

We love your heart. How much you want to give money away and share it with the world. We wish we were more like you when we were there {on Earth.}

We’re proud that you abandoned our thick skulled ideas and we’re proud to call you our grandson/granddaughter. {Most of you are male but a few are female so they said both 🩷}

We’re sorry we weren’t more supportive of you before, but we see the truth now and we’re here to support you in whatever you need now. And excuse our language some of us are still learning to behave more politely.

We love you. Ask for our help, we’ll do it. We really want you to talk to us more, and we wanna talk to you more. Bridge this gap that’s here ‘cause of me. {some mean from being in the Otherworld and some mean from their “bitter stubborn pig-headedness” —their words lol— while they were here on Earth.} I hope that we can make some kind of arrangement for that. Maybe go out for some tea or something.”

Overall you’re very pure hearted when it comes to your wealth. You don’t take it for granted and you love helping people but your Ancestors are concerned about you giving money to the wrong people. Almost like naivety but it’s just optimism and they understand that 🩷

They aren’t concerned because they think you can’t handle money on your own they just know that if you give money to people who misuse it and you find out down the road you’ll be heartbroken and it could lead to you putting your guard up when it comes to donating later, and they don’t want that.

To protect you, they’re recommending that you become mentally and physically invested in the organizations you support financially.

And they do have deep regrets for how they behaved here with you in the past. Some of you have ancestors that you knew here before they ascended, others only know stories— especially from the people in your hometown, they hold “grudges” towards your Ancestors because of how they behaved. So this could also be a small town thing 🩷

That's all for this pile, thank you for sticking around and hearing your ancestors out! 🩷🫂

If you’d like a personal reading on this, to elaborate or ask them more questions, you can purchase a reading on my Ko-Fi Shop {You’ll need to be a Moon Member for $5 a month in order to purchase it 🩷 The reading itself is One Call Away for $8 or Family Meeting for $15}

Happy Samhain! 🎃✨

𐐪𐑂 𐐪𐑂 𐐪𐑂 𐐪𐑂

𝑃𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝑇ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑒 ~ 𝑇𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑝ℎ𝑜𝑛𝑒

Your Cards: Hanged man Reversed, Queen of Wands, Ace of Pentacles, Heirophant, Emperor, 9 of Cups, Strength, Justice Reversed, Death Reversed, 10 of Wands Reversed, 4 of Cups Reversed, 2 of Cups, 6 of Wands, Knight of Wands, King of Swords Reversed, 7 of Cups Reversed

About Your Ancestors:

Your Ancestors couldn’t wait to speak! The cards just started flying out so they definitely feel passionate about this.

Delaware is prominent. Appalachian is also important. Then it’s Missouri, Iowa, Ohio, North Dakota, Arkansas.

The Ancestor that was most prominent was an older lady, she was sitting in a dining hall or an old tea house {where they serve tea and cucumber sandwiches and the ladies dress up in vintage attire and hats.} She is white but the other Ancestors here are not. She was just the one that felt more confident speaking. She isn’t someone you’ve met in this life, she’s either an Ancestor from centuries ago or she ascended while you were too young to remember her. There are Hispanics here, Indians as well, a few Blacks, a handful of Natives from both America and Canada. 🩷

Your Message:

You’re avoiding an opportunity here because you’re afraid of the responsibility that will come from it and you’re afraid of being seen in a public way. Some of you feel like imposters and like if you become famous you’ll end up in lawsuits because you’ve seen it happen to people you adored and your role models ended up being problematic later on and you’re afraid of that happening to you.

{Can I just say Ditto!! 🙋🏻‍♀️ So I totally understand where you’re coming from!}

However, your Ancestors are saying that will never happen to you! You are the embodiment of pure love, kindness and compassion, even if you do have anger and hate towards some things or some people, you are still pure at heart and this is your reward.

This is your prize for being an amazing and beautifully kind person. It’s time for you to stop being afraid of being seen and being famous. It’s time for you to see yourself as you are and not who you’ve been telling yourself you are all these years.

This opportunity for you is something you will use to influence necessary change in this world. Laying down foundations and tearing up outdated ideas to build a more stable, respectful and focused world. This is something you’ll be partnering up with the Divine to create. It’s an incredible thing and they don’t want you to be afraid of it.

You’re worried you’ll lead in a cruel and ruthless, judgmental way but you won’t. You’ll lead with a vision for a better future for everyone, and people will see that 🩷

As for feeling overwhelmed and like there will be too much to carry, you’ll have help. From the Divine and in people, you’ll have the ability to share the load with others so even though you are the “face” of this and the leader, you won’t be leading alone 🩷🫂

Channeled Messages as I heard it:

“Child, you’re wonderful. Incredible, beautiful and kind. Why are you so worried about this turning out badly for yourself? You’re your own worst enemy, you know that, right?

Overthinking and worrying about what people will think of you, worrying about how you’ll mess something up unintentionally. Stop that! {She smacked your hand away from your mouth as you went to bite your nails lol}

Grab some tea {others said water} and pull yourself together. We didn’t raise you to be like this, worried and insecure about your self.

So look in the proverbial mirror and fix your hair and makeup {this is still a genderless reading but this Ancestor is prominent right now and speaking to a makeup wearer 🩷} Stand up straighter, keep your chin up and know who you are. You’re {They said some names lol like actually first middle and last names of people so for privacy reasons I won’t be sharing those.} for christ’s sake!

You are kind, compassionate, intelligent and meant to be seen as a leader in this world!

Don’t shy away from it because of other people’s missteps. I don’t care who your role model was, and quite frankly I do nOt care what they did to screw up my child’s view of themselves but you do not get to shy away from what this world has to offer you, what *I am* offering you, just because of someone else’s dirty laundry getting waved around in town square! {She huffs and straightens herself out as she pulls on the hem of her fitted blouse as she reins in her frustration.}

Now… I don’t mean to be rude, but I’m sick and tired of saying this to you and me not being heard. So pardon my lashing out but this had to be said because you my dear, are wonderful and you deserve every good thing this life has to offer you and I will make damn sure that you get it!

So get off your damn tush and start putting yourself out there because not only is it good for the world but it’s good for you and your happiness. And after all the hell you’ve been through, you deserve a bit of happiness in your life. So take it. ‘Cause it’s right there for the taking.”

She’s definitely passionate about this and I think her swearing is adorable, it made me laugh a lot during the channel 🩷

Although she was the most prominent Ancestor to come through, the others all agreed with her. It felt like when I asked for them to speak they all looked at her and she knew she got appointed with the job to speak for everyone.

I think she also might be the oldest of the group of Ancestors to come through but as I typed that they corrected me 🙈 There are older ones in the group, they appointed her because she has been around long enough to feel their frustration and hope for all of you to “get your act together and put on the best show of your lives” {their words} so they let her speak for all of them.

Plus they knew I’d enjoy her company and energy 😂🩷 They’re all so adorable. This is definitely my favorite pile for this reading because of her!

As for her message, I think it’s definitely something I relate to so I can understand the fear and holding yourself back to protect yourself but the cards and the Ancestors were very clear and adamant that you will not fail.

Something that might help is knowing that: your Ancestors and the Divine will not give you something amazing and push you to do it if it led to your humiliation or detriment when they know it’s something you’re genuinely terrified of.

I know it can be scary, I dealt with it when my spirit team told me to start doing readings online, I’ll prolly share my story later but it was really tough to push through that fear.

I recommend learning about and healing your solar plexus, heart, root, and crown centers {also inappropriately called Chakras} because that’ll help you open up to the possibility of entering the public eye and help nurture and solidify your perspective of yourself.

It might not be an easy road to heal these but if you need help, my asks and DMs are always open!! 🩷 And your Ancestors are also very willing to help you themselves so if you feel comfortable talking to them and asking them directly for help I definitely see that as a great option for you in your journey! 🩷✨

That’s all for this reading 🩷

I really enjoyed doing this!! It did take a lot longer to do this pick a pile because of all the different Ancestors in each pile but it was genuinely so much fun!

If you’d like a personal reading on this, to elaborate or ask them more questions, you can purchase a reading on my Ko-Fi Shop {You’ll need to be a Moon Member for $5 a month in order to purchase it 🩷 The reading itself is One Call Away for $8 or Family Meeting for $15}

𐐪𐑂 𐐪𐑂 𐐪𐑂 𐐪𐑂

If you have any questions or want me to elaborate on something in this post please reach out, either with my “Pigeon Messenger 🕊️”, comments or DMs. 🩷

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With Love, Astrid 🩷✨

[karasukarei]

Wind Breaker Special Stage Event - Tonpuu-machi Halloween Matsuri Afternoon Show Special Reading Drama (part 1)

I originally didn't plan to translate this event because it's not exactly publicly available, but some of the stuff in the drama is just COMEDY GOLD and it seems that there are people who are interested in seeing the script, so here it is! Do note that for some of Nirei's lines when he's describing the outfits, I didn't really manage to translate the full thing because my 日本語 is not 上手 enough to keep up with him ;-;

You can check out the rest of my translations here!

*PA announcement starting tune*

💙Umemiya💙(over the PA system): Ah ah, A I U E O, I U E O, A U E O A I! (t/n: This is just him testing the mic) To everyone in Tonpu-machi Shopping Street, this is Fuurin High School’s 3rd year Umemiya! Thanks for taking part in Tonpu-machi Shopping Street’s Halloween celebrations today! This year, us Boufuurin will be here to hype things up, so make sure you have lots of fun! Alright everyone, HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Yosh, alright Hiiragi, time for us to get changed too~

Hiiragi: You idiot, it’s still on!

💙Umemiya💙: (very apologetically but not really) oops my bad ^^;

*PA announcement ending tune*

*The sound of wind chimes ringing*

Suo: As usual, Umemiya-san is so full of energy today!

Sakura: That guy is as noisy as ever.

Nirei: Let’s try our best today too, and have fun at the party! (t/n: Just a note that Chiba Shoya was the MC for the whole event, and he STILL had so much energy doing this segment ;-; what a ray of sunshine)

Suo: Nirei-kun, you look like you’re having lots of fun!

Nirei: Yes! I love Halloween! It’s just so fun!

Sakura: Speaking of, what are we doing today?

Nirei: What we’re doing? “The shopping street’s Halloween Party is being hosted by Boufuurin this year, so you guys should help out too,” that’s what Umemiya-san told us!

Sakura: Halloween, huh?

Suo: Sakura-kun, you do know what Halloween is, right?

Sakura: *splutters and blushes* Don’t take me for an idiot! It’s the day you eat pumpkins right?!

Suo: That’s the winter solstice! (t/n: Winter solstice = 冬至 = “toji”)

Sakura: T,To-Toji, who’s that?! (t/n: if you watch JJK, you will understand why this joke goes so hard on so many levels 😩)

Nirei: No, that’s not a person’s name…

Sakura: Huh?!

Nirei: Halloween is a fun event where you eat candy and dress up!

Suo: Its original meaning is as a harvest festival, or the western equivalent of Obon (t/n: Obon is the period of time in August when people visit their ancestors’ graves to pay respects to them), it had several different meanings!

Sakura: Hmmm…

Nirei: Oh, Sakura-san, do you know what is “trick or treat”?

Sakura: Trick or… treat? What’s that?

Nirei: It’s a phrase that’s associated with Halloween!

Suo: If you don’t give me candy… I’m gonna prank you.

Sakura: Eeek! D, d, d, don’t whisper into my ear!!!

Nirei: *laughs at Sakura* Anyway, when someone tells you “trick or treat”, you give candy to them so that you won’t get pranked.

Sakura: *Gasp* Extortion??

Nirei: Why are you going down such a violent route…!

Hiiragi: Oi, Sakura, Nirei, Suo.

Suo: Hiiragi-san, thank you for the hard work.

Nirei: Wowowowowwhawahaahahwhawha!!!

Sakura: You, what’s up with your outfit?!

Hiiragi: What do you mean “what’s up”? This is my halloween costume.

Suo: That’s… the grim reaper, right?

Hiiragi: Yup. You know it well, huh?

Nirei: C-

Sakura: Huh?

Nirei: COOOOOOOL!!! 

Sakura: *sounds of shock and surprise*

Nirei: A coordinated outfit all in black, it’s perfect for the calm and collected Hiiragi-san! With the hood (???? I couldn’t catch everything cos he was speaking so fast x_x), he looks all ready to start reaping souls! It’s a sure kill!!!! (t/n: sorry about this part I am not good with compound sentences ;-;)

Hiiragi: Nirei? What’s up?

Nirei: TO BE ABLE TO SEE TAMONSHUU’S HIIRAGI, DRESSED LIKE THIS, I AM OVERJOYED. (t/n: yes Nirei is shouting REALLY LOUDLY)

Hiiragi: (very hesitantly) Y, yes, t-thanks a lot. Thanks to you the mood is a bit lighter now.

Suo: Your face seems rather gloomy, did something happen?

Hiiragi: *sigh* Just now, I wanted to give out some candy to a kid, and when they saw me they started crying. (sounds of gastric ulcers forming) That’s all…

💙Umemiya💙: Oi Hiiragi, don’t look so down!

Nirei: OHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

Sakura: Umemiya and… Sugishita…

Sugishita: That’s Umemiya-SAN, HUUUH?

💙Umemiya💙: Now now, don’t fight ^_^

Suo: Umemiya-san is a pirate right?

💙Umemiya💙: Yup! How is it? Does it fit me?

Nirei: It doesn’t just more than fit you! That hat is proof that you’re the captain, no, admiral! (he mentions something about Boufuurin as a pirate party???) It’s the most fitting costume for the head of Boufuurin! THERE’S NOTHING ELSE THAT’S MORE FITTING FOR UMEMIYA-SAN!!! (t/n: Nirei please slow down and use simpler sentences 僕の日本語は上手じゃない;-;)

💙Umemiya💙: Hehehe, if you praise me like that I’m gonna get embarrassed!

Sugishita: Oi!

Nirei: Eeek! I’m sorry I got carried away…

Sugishita: You understood it well. (t/n: AS EXPECTED OF UMEMIYA’S BIGGEST SIMP. ALSO THE AUDIENCE LAUGHING HERE IS SUPER LOUD LMAO)

Nirei: Eh?

Hiiragi: Ohh, Sugishita praised Nirei.

Suo: That’s great, Nirei-kun!

Nirei: A ha ha ha ha ha… (very robotically)

Sakura: Speaking of, is what you’re wearing your costume?

Sugishita: Huuuuuuh?

Suo: Sugishita-kun is… a ghost?

💙Umemiya💙: Oh! You’ve got it right, Suo! Sugishita is wearing the sheet ghost that I produced! (t/n: please go back to gardening Umemiya this is not your forte)

Sakura: Sheet ghost… Isn’t that just a piece of cloth? *snickering very loudly*

Sugishita: Huh?!

💙Umemiya💙: Eh? Look carefully! It has a face!

Nirei: Yes, you can definitely see something that looks like eyes there!

Sugishita: What’s strange?!

Nirei: Eek!! Nothing is strange at all! The costume created by Umemiya-san is amazing I’m sorryyyyyyy.

💙Umemiya💙: Come on Sugishita! Play nice! (t/n: he’s whispering this part like he’s speaking to his pet dog www) Oh, for the rest of you guys, we’ve prepared costumes too, so don’t worry!

Sakura: Huh?!

Nirei: Is it ok if we dress up too?

💙Umemiya💙: Of course! There’s costumes and sweets and delicious food, that’s what Halloween is about!

Hiiragi: The last one isn’t part of it though. (t/n: this might be a mistranslation, do feel free to let me know if this is wrong)

Sakura: Why do I need to dress up too?! I’m not doing it!! (t/n: you are so going to do it)

[lovelyyandereaddictionpoint]

Can you please do this but with Ruggie and Leona?

Courting Rituals w/ Fem Reader | Yandere Twisted Wonderland

Ruggie Bucci

Mating rituals for hyenas are very…tense

Females are aggressive and violent

For males there's a lot of submission and fear that goes into the mating process

Naturally he’s not supposed to be all that dominant when dating anyway

But you’re so clueless and totally unaware he might have to help you get the hint

There are three things male hyenas typically do

The cautious steps forward and cautious steps back

Spotted hyena males often do something of a nervous start toward the female before running back 

Kind of like a nervous jig that’s a sure fire sign of their intentions

Whether or not the females actually see it they do it

Which rings just as true for Ruggie 

“Oh wow, Ruggie your sharing with me?”

“Yeah don’t get to hung up on it. I’m just being a good senpai.” No he’s not

Or when Ruggie unexpectedly shares some of his food with you

And right after that he doesn’t talk to you for the longest time

Those are his steps but you won’t notice

You’ve got so many friends 

He hates it really

Next is another round of testing the waters

Now this testing of the waters–or more accurately your boundaries

Starts with crossing his legs in front of you

Something he does casually while speaking to you 

Next is the scratching the ground in front of you

Again you just casually brush off the extra time he spends down there tying your shoe

But now that he’s tested the waters he can finally commence with his final act

Presenting and you accepting

Now this wasn’t the olden days unfortunately

Even without your proper knowledge flashing you wasn’t the right display

So he’d take something close to it 

“Ruggie I really appreciate you inviting me to come swimming with you.”

“Nishishishi it’s no problem! You scratch my back I’ll scratch yours.”

And scratch his you will since he’s wearing a tight speedo

And he purposely planned for this after all

Made sure grim and company we’re too busy 

And Leona away on some trip 

Now for your acceptance

Again he has to be slick you’re so far from a typical hyena beast woman 

You just don’t know that bending over and parting your legs is the ultimate sign

The go ahead he needs

“Hey (Y/n), I need your help with something! My goggles fell into this rabbit hole.”

“What why don’t you do it?”

“Heh? I thought you were nice!” 

“Fine fine. Just make sure I don’t fall in the ground looks pretty unstable.”

“But of course!"

He’s holding your waist tight as you  bend over

Its the way it will be from now on

Your his mate now 

And any violence he does in your name is completely justified 

Leona Kingscholar

Lion’s have very basic mating rituals 

That aren’t really worried heavily on being impressive or not 

Its snuffing out competition 

Yes, powerful roars and a large dark mane is just as alluring

But it means nothing if your intended mate is occupied

Like with another male or with a child of another

So that’s what Leona’s worried about

Worried about the way you so easily interrupt your time together to deal with Grim

“Sorry Leona, if I don’t go home now the rest of the night is going to be a nightmare!”

“Then why don’t you stay here, then.”

“Thanks but Grim gets fussy if I'm not there.”

The urge to revert to his ancestor’s behavior is strong

But he’d rather not deal with you fighting him so he’ll invest in making Grim a little ally speedbump

A few plates of gourmet fish and suddenly Grim is willing to mess up any other rivals of his 

And that pleases him….for awhile

But you still mention Grim when you two are talking or cuddling 

It makes him sick

So a deal with Azul or paid underhanded deal and suddenly Grim’s not your problem anymore

And when you come crying to him he’ll soothe you but he won’t feel remorseful

You won’t feel to bad if he gives you a cub or two of your own

[breathlesswordsbloodyknees]

Narrative Doom

Introduction

I've been playing around in and exploring this space where Sauron as Halbrand was genuinely seeking redemption, trying not to manipulate events but merely nudge them.

In my view, at this point he's in survivalist bed-rotting mode post-goo-form when he meets Galadriel. (I think he's more of an opportunist than a schemer in this era. Not that he doesn't have those schemes, but I think he's pushing those bad bad urges down. I have a web of scenes that I consider in this view for some other day)

I’m building much of this piece on these previous work: (link) (link) (link)

It's led me down some interesting philosophical rabbitholes, and I'd like to share.

Now, important to note, Sauron is a Maia—not a 'human' by any means. He's an ancient spiritual being who doesn’t feel the way us teeny tiny mortals do.

But on a broader scale: Tolkien’s work, like fiction as a whole, reflects and explores the human experience, so we’re riding that train.

All this with the framework of not absolving him for anything that came before or comes after. I plan on expanding into his evil alongside Morgoth and his actions in Season 2 at a later date.

But right now, we’re just exploring this blip of a moment where I consider Sauron could be genuine in repentance.

This is more an analysis of Sauron, but I feel like it has a lot to explore for Haladriel fans. There's some critique of Galadriel's choices here, but I want to make it clear: I'm not assigning blame. More just digging into the complexities.

And, well, I don't think this ship would be as compelling if it didn't have complexities.

Spoilers:

All of TROP S1

Vague themes/lines in TROP S2, mostly from S2E1.

The Good Place spoilers for overall theme and a few season 4 lines, but nothing outright about the plot.

Trigger Warning:

Be warned, I’m going to delve into some dark themes in a very personal way. Including but not limited to abuse cycles, personal trauma, harmful behaviors, and empathy within all of that.

I won’t lie, this work was hard for me. Painful to untangle. I would encourage you to have empathy and compassion for yourself, as well as me, while you read. I tried to put warnings before I go into these themes. Please take care of yourself.

---

To start

Sauron’s narrative, at its simplest, is a cautionary tale: If you let your ambition and drive for power go too far, you turn to evil. Higher values over sinful pleasures. Pride goeth before the fall.

But on a deeper level, being solely a cautionary tale, an overarching villain, a lesson to learn, what does that mean for the complexities of Sauron in The Rings of Power?

Charlie Vickers puts so many layers and so much emotion into his character. Yet he keeps it to a lot of imperceptible movements that, I found out last night, get almost completely lost in low resolution. I can see that being a part of some of the stricter interpretations of Vickers' Sauron. But there’s a vulnerability there that touches on some deeply raw thoughts.

—

So the relentless question in fandom: Does he mean any of it with Galadriel or is he just the Great Deceiver?

I'd like to ask, how much of it is just some deeply relatable ‘human’ behavior? Deflection, defensiveness. Half-truths, twisted truths, fibs.

Because as he says on the raft, he did tell her the truth, that he had done great evil in service of Morgoth. He never lied to her.

(An aside: I personally don’t give the “my ancestor” thing much weight as a true lie, I mean it’s his backstory and he had more reason for it than the Darkling did imho)

But really, who doesn’t try to hide and smooth over the worst ugly evil nasty bits of themselves and their past? We want to shine in the eyes of others—it's a fundamental desire to most.

—

On the other side, touching on influence and ambition:

Aren’t we all trying to sway events and leave an impact in whatever way we’re capable? Don’t we all attempt to sculpt the world like clay? Isn’t that really all we can do in this world?

And don't we often tell ourselves that we’re doing it for a better outcome? Even actions deemed ‘good’ and ‘heroic’ create ripples that have negative impacts, if only just for the orc babies.

I’ve been thinking a lot about orc babies.

—

Galadriel, from their first conversation on the raft in S1E2, backs him into a corner. She’s relentless in her quest for revenge against him and he’s whoops—sitting right there, doing the side eye meme. He’s gotta be self-preservational. And that rings true to me more than outright deceit. (At this point)

But I think over the course of the season, playing as Halbrand, “Lost King of the Southlands”, he’s trying. Trying to be “the hero she seeks”. Trying in the only way he knows how, which is…well, not great, he really toes the line. But he’s trying to ‘choose good every day and choose it again tomorrow’, while he’s on the path she set him on. So it’s a step by step journey towards the light, but the path is ever slippery.

And inevitably, as we know, he fails.

—

TW

So what does that mean for those of us who feel like we’re trapped in the narrative, hurtling toward a doomed end through harmful behaviors we can’t escape? Tied onto the train tracks, staring down what feels like an inevitable fate.

When all you’ve known for ages is subjugation and torment and abuse, what do you become? (Which makes Mairon even more painful, with his origin of beauty and light. Like a whisper of I was once admirable too)

I keep coming back to the image of grooves, well worn. And well, under the influence of an abuser and beyond, I too have done evil.

Holding the good you’ve aspired to and the evil you’ve done in one space; it’s a sharp, heavy feeling like holding coals, like touching a hot pan, something to run and hide from. And looking at my deeply ingrained behaviors from childhood, along with trauma that’s happened throughout my life...I see those grooves echoing in jagged bloody ways that feel comforting, even natural.

For a long while, it’s been the only way I knew how to self-soothe, these behaviors that can cause harm to myself and others. So I’ve been twisting around the question: Can we ever truly be free of the evil we’ve done? If it’s all we’ve ever known, baked and beaten into our bone marrow?

In Sauron’s case, the answer is no. His story unfolds the way it was written. The bad guys perish, the good guys win.

(though there’s the “they meet in Valinor” after canon theory, hope ever shines through)

—

That all brings me into The Good Place and that show’s moral thesis.

Spoilers for The Good Place:

More or less, the show states “people improve when they get external love and support. How can we hold it against them when they don't?” and “What matters isn't if people are good or bad. What matters is if they're trying to be better today than they were yesterday.” (S4E8)

Scanlons’ What We Owe to Each Other and the rabbithole of contractualism that I haven’t fully delved into.

I resonate deeply with what The Good Place says. All with the understanding that you have to put on your own air mask before you help others, don’t set yourself on fire to keep other people warm.

But I do believe we should help each other in what ways we can, rather than writing people off entirely.

So, I struggle with Galadriel’s moments of “shutting the door” being considered wholly empowering. Light prevailing, resisting the allure of darkness and the draw of power. It is indeed all those things, especially for her journey. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t blame her.

But there’s an itching here for me and I have to scratch it.

—

In S1E8, if we’re assuming he’s genuine, he put it all out there in the raft illusion. It was his biggest, his all, his hope. A leap of faith. Real vulnerability with an internal truth that was like holding coals.

He did what was ‘right’. He reached for support, for understanding, for community, What We Owe to Each Other.

(though we can’t ignore the scene before that where he’s wearing Finrod’s face. But I haven’t followed that thread yet).

He made a play for a better future.

And she—light and goodness and holiness in her hair, denied him.

“You are Morgoth’s friend”, “There is no such future.” Boiling him down to his worst parts, reinforcing his worst fears.

Is that all we ever can be?

---

TW

When do we write off people like Sauron, with all his history of wrongdoing? People like my abusers or even myself? When does the potential for redemption become irrevocably lost?

How much empathy should we show, and what are we obligated to offer? What do we owe to each other? All of this while carefully balancing the line of not condoning or becoming an apologist, along with taking care of yourself first.

It’s mind-boggling.

---

The answers are out there: self-compassion, self-forgiveness. Change comes from within. Balance. But it's the same way people say go outside, exercise more, drink more water to fix depression. When you're in the throes of darkness, those words feel hollow, trite. And that glossy sunlit path is more than treacherous when you walk it, especially alone.

So again, I say, I scream: Should we not still help each other?

It's not just internal and external separately, we need both. I have to believe that. Internal change and external support.

—

Conclusion

In the end, I'm really only left with more questions. This barely scratches the surface of what I've been brewing on, I could go round and round for days. I mean, that’s what I’ve been doing this week.

Regardless, all the typical takeaways feel hollow. Choose light, choose hope, every single step, no matter how hard.

It’s never quite that simple, on a very visceral level. And for some of us, like Sauron, it never materializes.

It all just eats and scratches and twists inside me. Ultimately though, I think Caitlin Seida said it best about hope and redemption and the struggle in her poem, Hope is Not A Bird, Emily, It’s a Sewer Rat. Which I greatly hope you’ll read and find what I have in it. (link)

So I guess we keep being scrabbly little sewer rats, hoping to claw our way out of the dank dark cave. And y’know, it may not mean much, but I’ll be here, down in the muck. Right there with you.

Maybe that’s all we owe to each other.

Follow-up

[cassandraclare]

hiii cassie 💛 i hope you’ve been enjoying your time away writing, your locations are always beautiful per usual and you deserve it so much, question regarding a certain tween blondie that loves potato chips (yes, tis’ kit)

i’ve found myself struggling resonate fully with kits character due to the fact that in tda it seemed he was set up as “the new jace” yet..during my current tmi re read, i’m just NOW realizing how completely (emphasis on completely) different they are from eachother. and i also find myself struggling because he’s made to seem like he has an “uncanny resemblance” to jace yet so many of us readers know they aren’t from the same line of herondales at all. i’d figure jace gets his incredibly good looks from stephen, james, cordelia, will etc. HIS ancestors. while kit has completely different ancestors, along with johnny rooks genes.

i fear that if he’s referred to anymore as a “mini jace” that i won’t ever be able to fully resonate w him due to that lack of logic taking me out of the book 🥹 sorry to point this all out i tried to ignore it but im just like “will i have to read about him being jaces twin despite the lack of genetic sense it makes all of..twp?”

Hmm. I mean, I don't think there's anything indicating he's Jace's twin — otherwise people would be constantly mixing them up and Clary, upon seeing him, would be staggered rather than curious. :)

I think you have to decide, a bit, what really bothers you re: longstanding tropes and science in fantasy — after all, the way the Herondale mark is passed down makes no sense genetically. Neither does their ability to see ghosts. None of it has anything to do with genetics, because it is about magic, and so is Jace and Kit's resemblance. The idea that people who have ancestors in common long ago have a sort of ineffable resemblance goes way back to the origins of fantasy. It's about pointing out a preternatural connection, not about common genes. It exists as a mythic trope that isn't connected to science in the same way the mythic trope exists that you can inherit not just, say, eye color, but also personality quirks like loyalty or evilness. (See: TV Tropes page "In the Blood.")

For what it's worth, I don't think of Jace and Kit as characters who are particularly similar, personality-wise or in any other way, really. They both had traumatic childhoods, and were later adopted into new families, and that makes for some points in common, but I have never thought of Kit as a new Jace (we still have the OG Jace, so he doesn't need replacing!) or a mini Jace or anything like that, so anything that seems otherwise is unintentional or open to interpretation.

[tw1l1te]

The Final Promise₊˚✩⊹

Chapter 14

Linked Universe x reader

Warnings: Fluff, Angst, some dark themes

₊˚✩⊹

You slept like a baby after your… encounter last night. You were surprised to see Time asleep just a foot away from you, deep in slumber. You almost never saw him sleep, so this was a priceless moment. You noticed that the seemingly permanent crease in his brows had disappeared, meaning he was dreaming or sleeping without a worry. His lips were the tiniest bit parted, somehow soft and pillowy despite the harsh conditions of constantly being on the run.

His bangs were covering part of his face, so you lightly brushed them away, seeing his full face now. The moment didn’t last long, as Time was woken up by your physical touch.

“Mornin’.”

“Hey yourself. Sleep ok?”

“Jus’ fine. Surprised I slept at all.”

You chuckled, his accent was so much thicker when he was just woken up.

“What?”

“Oh nothing, you’re just cute.”

Sitting up, you notice a note on your right, written by Zelda.

Good morning, Y/n!

I’m terribly sorry we didn’t have the time to catch up yesterday, it’s been too long! I dragged Link away yesterday to talk about a particular discovery, not knowing it tied to yours as well. I was hoping you’d like to meet me for breakfast so we can catch each other up on what we found, in hopes of progressing our findings. Link knows where to find me, so he can show you around the castle so you won’t get lost. See you soon!

~Princess Zelda

So she did find something. Interesting.

Folding up the note, you placed it in your back pocket. Wild is hunched over the fireplace, seemingly cooking up some fruit and mushrooms for breakfast.

“You even make the simplest ingredients look and smell good.”

He slightly jumps at that, not hearing you approach. He gives you a small smile.

“You boost my ego way too much.”

“It’s true.”

He shrugs. He pokes the mushrooms around, making sure they get cooked evenly.

“Once you’re done with this, do you mind leading me to the princess? She left me a note saying you could lead me to her.”

“Of course. Let me just plate these really quick and we can go.”

~

“Where’d you go last night?”

Time blinks at his descendant, “What?”

“You weren’t here for a few hours last night. Y/n was gone too for a bit. You two ok?”

Time sighs, not particularly keen on talking about last night’s situation. Twilight, hell each one of them, was good at detecting lies. Hero’s spirit, he thinks.

“I couldn’t sleep, neither could they.”

“You do know my sense of smell and hearing is really good though, right?”

“I’m aware.”

“I know it's none of my business and all… but I care about them too, yeah? Just be careful with them, ancestor.”

“You sound like me, Pup.”

“I learned from my mentor, what can I say?”

They both return to checking on their drying clothing in front of the fireplace, a silence settling upon them.

~

Walking into Zelda’s study, you awe at the hundreds of books and scrolls that lined the shelves. Sheikah tech and parts were strewn about the room in boxes, some on the table as well. Zelda was looking at a map, Sheikah Slate in hand.

“You look busy, Princess.”

“It’s just busy work. I’m trying to map out a path for a possible expedition in the future.”

“Oh? Where to?”

She sets the Slate down, sighing. She points at the castle, circling the territory. “I’m trying to get underneath Hyrule Castle. When the Calamity fell, it unearthed a small opening to the corridors underneath the castle, which strangely enough, weren’t marked on the interior maps of the castle.”

That was strange.

“Do you think…. They may have left it out on purpose? In case they didn’t want the map to fall into the wrong hands? It would make sense.”

“I…. suppose, though, not even my Father or the Hylian Council ever talked about it. It’s strange.”

Zelda seems to snap out of her thoughts, focusing back on you.

“Ah, right! We’re here to corroborate our findings. Link mentioned something about hooded figures and a “Twilight Mirror”? I believe I’ve read about the era of Twilight during my studies, though hardly any in-depth information was written about the mirror. I’m surprised you found a piece.”

“Well, we technically didn’t find it, Riju and her research team did. But, yes, it does seem like the real thing and not a replica. I… don’t have it on me right now, but I did bring the Historia and a direct transfer drawing that I did.”

You hand her the two items, waiting for her response.

“This is… truly incredible! This next to the Sheikah technology are amongst the most life-changing of discoveries! Tell me, Y/n, have you found any other information relevant to the Twilight Mirror? Link mentioned something about the Yiga…” she trailed off realizing she rambled.

You smiled solemnly at her, not particularly keen on recollecting the traumatic events that occured at the hideout or in Malon’s home. 

“Well, you see, I was captured by the Yiga when Link and I visited Chief Riju. It was completely unexpected, as we thought the Clan had calmed a bit since Kohga’s defeat, but it appears we were wrong. They… wanted me for an ulterior motive, for someone else rather, but that’s all I can really remember.”

She nods, letting the words sink in.

“I’m terribly sorry that happened to you, Y/n. Link is more than capable of protecting you, me, or anyone for that matter, so it must have really been something he’d never expect.”

You nod, grateful that the princess didn’t put down Li- Wild any further. Hylia knows he’s been through enough pressure and divine expectation as it was.

“…Link also mentioned something about hooded figures… do you have any information on them? Should I be worried for my kingdom?”

“No, Princess, this seems more… personal, for them at least. It seems they want nothing to do with the kingdom itself or you, but more so with me and the other heroes. I don’t have any idea about who they are and where they come from, but I can assure you me, Link, and the others will put a stop to it, regardless of how long it takes.”

She smiles sadly, looking out the window. It was already past midday, the time you spent with her flying by.

“It’s a shame it always has to come to the hero protecting everyone else. I wish I could help more.”

“You’re already helping by restoring Hyrule and not putting yourself in danger. Trust me, Princess.”

She turns back to you, the light in her eyes returning.

“Goddesses, such formalities! Please, call me Zelda.”

~

You and Zelda spent the rest of the day nose deep in books, textbooks, everything and anything that connected to the past few weeks. Your hands cramped from how many notes you took, giving you not so pleasant reminders of your younger years in grade school, slaving away at an essay that meant nothing to you now.

Zelda closed the book she was currently reading and stood up, “Well! I think that’s enough for today. I truly appreciate the help, Y/n, it really wasn’t expected of you.”

“Of course. After all, it is my quest, so it only seems fit that I put in high effort.”

She smiles, nodding at you.

“Well then, I’ll be heading out to prepare for the night. I most likely won’t see you until tomorrow, but please don’t leave yourself cooped up in here much longer, trust me, it gets to you.”

You nod, waving her off. You sigh, slumping against the chair. How long were you even here? Wind must be bored out of his mind. Shaking your head out of your thoughts, you continue back on your research, taking the book from the top of the stack for you to look through.

Before you could put in a decent dent in your work, the door knocked.

“Come in!”

You thought that it was Wild, surprised to see the Captain walking into the room.

“Still in here? I’m amazed at your skill of concentration. Hylia knows some of the others need it.”

“I’m finishing up, I can’t feel my hand anyways. I just want to finish this last book and then I’ll come join y'all.”

“I’ll stay with you, it’s not like I have anything better to do. I left the others behind anyways to find their away around the castle.”

“That’s mean.”

“They’re fine, they have Wild with them. Plus, I wanted to spend time with you, even for a few moments.”

You hum, satisfied with his answer. You weren’t happy about the fact he left everyone behind, but you did like his company, as awkward as you got.

You continued flipping through the pages, your fingers fumbling with the corners. At a certain point, Wars was sitting next to you, your knee brushing against his, faltering your focus.

“...I’m sorry for what happened back in the desert. I should’ve come sooner.”

You lifted your head, turning to him.

“That wasn’t your fault, Wars. It wasn’t anyone’s fault, besides the Yiga Clan and… whoever our little friends are.”

“But still I-”

“You are all so stubborn. I’m gonna say this once, and one time only: it wasn’t your fault. You had nothing to do with it, Link.”

He stayed silent at your demand, searching your face for any hesitation in your words or flickers of uncertainty. Something took over his psyche and decided to lean in closer, your noses bumping against each other.

“You’re too…fuck-”

You pull him in, impatient with his indecisiveness. He grunted lightly, clearly not expecting the sudden confidence from you. He brings his hand to the base of your head, lightly pulling you in. He’d been waiting and waiting, waiting to show what you meant to him. He promised himself that after the recent incident and the too-close call, he needed to tell you, show you.

He pulled away reluctantly, not wanting to end this sacred moment, but he needed to breathe. You placed your forehead against his, catching up on your breath. He tucked away the couple strands of hair framing your face, looking at your eyes. He could get lost in them.

“H-hah, you’re terrible with feelings, Wars.”

He chuckles, placing a kiss on your forehead, “What can I say, it’s the hero’s spirit.”

You roll your eyes, but you both laugh. You could feel the pressure of the past few weeks leaving your body, even just temporarily.

Closing the book, you get up and hold out your hand to him, “I think that’s enough reading for today. You coming with me?”

“Always.”

~

“There is absolutely no way you used to look like that.”

“Speak for yourself! You’re practically showing off your ass in those tiny shorts!”

“Oh wouldn’t you like to know-”

You and Wars enter the gallery hall to find the rest of the group laughing and bickering over their paintings. You avert your eyes from Time, remembering the events that took place in the very same hallway. Luckily, he was preoccupied with looking at the paintings to notice your presence yet.

“Y/n, they’re making fun of me ‘cause I’m shorter than Zelda!!”

You chuckle, running up to Wind to look at his painting. Your lips twitch as you cough in your palm, trying to mask the laugh bubbling up your throat.

“I mean….”

Wind just throws up his hands in defeat, “Ugh!!”

Wild walks up to you, standing on your left. He leans into you a bit, asking “I take the meeting with Zelda went well?”

You nod, “Yeah, we got a lot done. Can’t say I found anything extremely helpful, but maybe some leads we could follow.”

“Oh? Who or where?”

“Hmmm… I think the nearest would be Kakariko Village, possibly Robbie and Purah in Hateno, and Lurelin Village, as it says they have a piece as well.”

“Did any of the texts mention how many pieces there were?”

“No, but if I had to guess based on patterns and the size of the piece we have, I’d say anywhere from three to seven. It’ll be easier to tell once we see the other in Lurelin.”

He nods, deep in thought.

“I’ll mention it to Twi and Time, they might have an idea on how to split up the work or what leads should take priority.”

You nod, thanking him. You weren’t sure how Twilight was taking to the journey to assemble the Twilight Mirror, as he seems… distant. Not necessarily upset, but almost hazy in thought or… memories. 

You hoped you could find some time tonight to talk to him and see his perspective on your current journey, give him space to be vulnerable if need be.

You just hoped your efforts weren’t in vain.

The goddesses above tended to do that.

₊˚✩⊹

[rosyjn]

JAKE X READER SMUT!!!👇 MDNI

prompt 92 from the smut list I posted…

HERE WE GOOOO…

You knew what you were doing before you took Jake to see the tree of voices. You put on a small loincloth and an ornate, beaded top for him. Your hair was down and flowed onto your back, except for the front strands, which you tied up behind your head with a flower.

Just the day before this, you helped him thread his songcord. His first bead was meeting you. It was a medium teardrop shaped blue bead, that came right after the verse. The chorus came after that, which was symbolized with small brown and grey beads. Every moment on his short songcord, every bead, you were there for. That is why you planned to take him to Utraya Mokri today.

“Ma’Jake! Come on!” you giggled and jumped over plants and rocks as he eagerly followed, reaching to tickle your tail.

“This is Utraya Mokri, or the Tree Of Voices. We can hear our ancestors here.” your hand reaches for his braid and you lift it towards the glowing queue of the tree. You take a second, holding his braid in your hand, admiring the small beads in it.

Jake reaches out and holds your other hand.

“Tiyawne-“ he begins. Before he could continue, you giggle at his pronunciation. His American accent was thick through the foreign language. He smiles and takes his braid out of your hand. Then, he grabs yours.

“Jake!” your eyes widen as you see the tendrils so close to each other. They were moving in place, so desperate to connect with each other.

“We will be mated for life-“ you begin as you try to pull away.

“Good.” he holds you. “Can I marry us now?” he has an impatient tone in his voice. It shocks you, how casual he seems about making a lifelong bond. You nod your head, and Jake connects your queues.

The second they meet each other, Jake hungrily kisses you and you two sit on the ground in each others embrace. A searing pleasure runs through your bodies, you grow wetter and wetter and Jake’s erection pokes through his loincloth.

“You wanna take my cock hmm? You want me inside you while we’re bonding?” he roughly pushes you down and pulls your ass up towards him.

“Goddamn loincloth is so small, you do that on purpose?” he asks as he tears it away.

“Yes, Jake” you back up and turn over, so your face is against the ground and your ass is in front of him. He leans back and gets on his knees to position his cock with your entrance.

“This pussy is so goddamn wet, you want me so bad hmm??” you start to notice Jake has a habit of asking degrading questions. Your pussy clenches around nothing and you squirm.

“Yes!” you whine.

“Okay then, tell me if it hurts,” The feeling of him pushing his cock into you and stretching you out makes you bite the ground beneath you. He slowly makes his way in further. Tears fill your eyes and you whimper.

“You alright, honey?” Jake bottoms out and you feel his balls touching your clit, and he stays there like that, waiting for your response.

“Yeah- ah-“ you stutter and make incoherent noises.

“Does it hurt? I won’t fuck you until you tell me it’s okay.” he’s still balls deep in your cunt, and his voice is stern.

“Please.. fuck me…” you could barely talk, a quiet whisper comes out.

“Say it louder. Say it like you mean it.”

“Fuck me please Jake!!” you moan and push your face into the ground further. Jake nods, and then groans as he mercilessly thrusts into you, and he can feel your pleasure through the bond. He can feel that you like how he stretches you out and how his hips slam into your ass.

You, on the other hand, are so cock-drunk with all the pleasure in your body. You’ve forgotten that you’ve just gotten married for life with an alien. You’ve forgotten that you’ll have to tell the rest of the clan this. You’ve forgotten that you’ve only known this boy for about 3 months, and he probably doesn’t understand what he got himself into.

But that doesn’t matter right now. All that matters is Jake’s cock slamming into you and how you can feel how close he is through the bond and the way his cock is twitching.

“I feel it, you can finish, finish inside me,” you beg him, plead him. Beads of sweat are developing on Jake’s forehead and his balls are coated with slick and pre-cum. He groans and drags his thrusts out. His deep groans turn into whimpers as he fills you up with his semen.

“Goddamn, Jesus Christ,” he groans as he sits back and spreads your folds with his fingers. You’re covered in arousal and still haven’t came yet.

“Who?” you ask. “Who is Jesus Christ? What is goddamn?”

“We say it on earth, sweetheart. Sky people saying.” he replies as he admires your pussy. You pick your face up from the ground and turn to lay on your back.

You look up at the queues of Utraya Mokri, along with the stars above it. You focus in to Jake through the bond. You feel his heritage and his life. You understand what he means now when he calls you by one of his human nicknames. Like “babe”, “honey”, “doll”, the list goes on. Now, the endearment from him calling you “sweetheart” was even stronger.

You drape your feet over Jake’s shoulder, initiating more sex. He smirks as he lines his cock up again with your entrance. This time, when he pushes himself in, it doesn’t hurt as bad, but it feels just as good.

“Oh! Yes Jake!” the new position allows Jake to hit your sweet spots even better. His tip kisses your cervix as your eyes roll back.

“You’re so good, you’re so good for me, angel,”

You feel deeper pleasure when he calls you that word, while at the same time, fucking you dumb. Your stomach tightens and your pussy contracts.

“You’re gonna come, mm?” Jake shares your pleasure, as his second orgasm approaches him.

Your tendrils grip each other tight as your bodies slap against each other.

“Come when I come, okay?” Jake asks of you.

“Yes, sir” you reply. His ears perk up with your use of that word and he spills his load out into your cunt while you contract and take it all in. Your legs shake from the pleasure. You’ve never felt anything like this before. Jake and you finishing at the same time while bonded, it was too much to process at once.

“I- I cant,” you whine under him. He quickly pulls out and leans in to you. He kisses your cheek and your neck and his pupils dilate with concern.

“I’m sorry, sweetie. Was I too rough? I’ll stop, okay? I’m sorry,” he desperately apologizes.

“No, don’t stop..” you whisper and your eyes travel downwards towards his chest.

“What?”

“Don’t stop,” you grab his face and look into his eyes. “Maybe.. maybe- I don’t know,” you smile at him, enamored. He just fucked your brains out but you’re just still in awe. “Maybe- let’s disconnect the bond, so I don’t get overwhelmed. Then, can we keep going? Please, Jake?”

Jake cannot say no to you. Your smile, your eyes, your beautiful voice and the desperate tone in it. But, he’s confused.

“You don’t want to? That’s okay,” you start to pick yourself up from the ground.

Jake pushes you right back down and stays on top of you.

“Sweetheart, it’s just that, we’ve been at it like rabbits, how are you still horny!?”

You smile and reach up to kiss his forehead.

“I don’t know the word, in English.” you trace patterns on his chest.

“Slut?” he asks.

“Yes, that’s it! I’m still horny because I’m your slut!” your face lights up. Jake finds it adorable.

He kisses you one more time before pulling your queues apart. Then, he kisses down your torso down to your cunt.

You moan and lean back. He puts his middle finger inside your pussy and stimulates your G-spot, while tonguing circles on your clit. You arch your back against his mouth, and when the pleasure becomes too much, you pull back. But Jake already has his arms wrapped tightly around your hips and you’re not able to go anywhere. You’re just forced to take his tongue and his finger.

“You wanted this, doll. Take it,” his arms hold your hips towards his mouth tighter as you moan and writhe.

“Jake, I’m gonna finish-“ that knot in your stomach comes back, so do the tears in your eyes.

As your second orgasm hits, your hands grab Jake’s hair and your back arches. Jake laps up your slick like he’s been starving. Your pussy clenches around his finger and your legs shake.

“You alright?” he unburies his face from in between your legs and licks his lips. As he stares down your sweaty body and your soaking cunt, a proud grin comes onto his face. You roll over and cup your sore pussy with your hands.

“Oww…” you whine. “I’m just sore,” you tell him. He pulls you into his arms and kisses you all over while massaging your legs and stomach.

“You did you good, I love you so much, tiyawne.” he whispers to you. This time, you don’t laugh.

THIS WAS SO BAD SORRY GUYS I WAS RUSHING

[big-ass-magnet]

Relatively Speaking, This Will Probably Be Fine (7/?)

Fandom: Girl Genius Rating: T Summary: Everyone knows Agatha Sannikova can't be a Heterodyne, even if she did arrive mysteriously one night to live with Lady Teodora and Lord Saturnus. She's got those headaches, and she's not too bright - she's not even a Spark! She does get along quite well with Lord Saturnus, which is a bit odd, but she's had a very good affect on his health. Lady Teodora doesn't like the kind of, er, "life lessons" he's tried to teach her, but Agatha hasn't set anyone on fire or unleashed any terrifying monstrosities on the town.

...what do you mean, tempting fate?

<Last Chapter | Chapter One | Next Chapter > AO3 Link

While Saturnus had made tremendous progress in the last month—and he would long treasure the look on Dr Sun’s face when he’d walked into the room of a dying man and had the corpse sit up and say hello—his body was not fully recovered and he still spent most of his time sleeping. But it was reparative sleep, that of a working mind, not the darkness of respite and the taunting death just beyond reach. Not anymore.

If you had asked Saturnus to name the force that could bring him back from the brink of death—that could make him want to return from the brink—it would take him a good thousand years before he ever guessed something so trite as the power of love.

And the source of that power, blazing like an invisible sun, stretched out on the rug, lying on her stomach, her legs kicked up behind her as she wrote industriously in her school workbook. He could not help but smile. If there was any part of Saturnus that had worried she might not enjoy being around him now that there was a him to be around, it had died quickly. Agatha spent more time with him than ever—but not always conversing. She would read or work or quietly fiddle with her clocks while he slept or did his own reading.

I enjoy his company, she’d told Teodora.

Saturnus knew she understood she’d had a hand in his recovery, but he wondered if she knew how much of a hand. He wondered if he'd ever have the words to tell her.

“What year was Bludtharst and Andronicus’ first battle?” Agatha asked, distracting him from his thoughts.

“I won’t tell you,” Saturnus said, not opening his eyes.

“He’s your ancestor, how can you not know?”

“Didn’t say can’t. Said won’t.” He cracked an eyelid open. “You won’t learn if I help you cheat on your homework.”

Agatha stuck her tongue out at him, and he chuckled.

“I can’t wait for us to be done learning about Andronicus. It’s so annoying. Everyone talks about him like he’s so wonderful, but I think he sounds like an idiot. What’s so great about a person that neglects their duties and lets everything fall apart just because their fiance goes missing? I wouldn’t do that, and I certainly wouldn’t want to marry anyone who would.”

“Attagirl,” Saturnus said, earning a puzzled look from Agatha. “Royalty rarely sees their people as people, just resources. Heterodynes know better. It’s what makes us good masters.”

“The Heterodynes killed plenty of their own people, and not always by accident.”

Saturnus waved a dismissive hand. Always fussy with the details, this one.

“Oh, sure, an individual or five, but we never watched our people starve after a bad harvest and called it God’s will. If we sent our soldiers into a meat grinder, you can be damn sure we were in there with them.”

Oh, but he did miss those days, when he had that fire in his blood. What he wouldn’t do for one last ride…

Suddenly Saturnus caught her eyes, speaking with a severity that startled her.

“Loyalty—true loyalty—is earned. You don’t demand it. You don’t build it in. You certainly don’t force it. The Heterodynes have always understood that, and that, my dear, is why we have ruled for thirty-five generations while these upstart Sparks barely manage two.”

He sighed.

“That Teuful had promise, though. Such a shame.”

Agatha sat up, tucking her legs beneath her.

“Why do you tell me this stuff that way?”

“I shall need at least one specific noun in that sentence.”

“Sometimes you tell me about what the Heterodynes are responsible for or what they shouldn’t do or what you think a proper ruler is supposed to be like. I think it’s interesting, but you always say it like I'm going to use it. You know I’m not a Heterodyne.”

I know you are my granddaughter, the Lady of Mechanicsburg, and if I can’t make you a proper Heterodyne at least I can try and get you to be better at it than your father.

The reflex came and went, as it always did. It had nearly given him another heart attack, the day she’d looked up from her book and he finally recognized his own eyes staring out at him from a girl who called him Lord Saturnus.

Fortunately, by the time he’d regained the ability to tell her, he’d realized why he shouldn’t—not that it galled him any less to keep secrets from his flesh and blood.

“Maybe so,” he said. “But these things are important. Better to know it and not need it, than need it and not know it.” 

Agatha snorted, derisively.

“Undignified,” Saturnus chided. “Listen, if nothing else, knowing what a good leader does will let you spot a bad one.” He nodded to her book. “How else would you be able to see him for the prat he was?”

“I guess,” Agatha said. “It’s still boring.”

“That’s just because you’re not learning the interesting parts. Our parts.”

Agatha had to agree with that.  

“None of them ever seem to mention what was going on inside Mechanicsburg.”

“Well, we were never particularly welcoming to outsiders wandering in and asking about what we were up to."

Depending on your definition of welcoming, anyway. A man appreciated a test subject who walked in of their own accord.

"These historians have only had access for a couple of decades, and now they need to dig through our records—and most of those were in the castle.”

“Don’t the Jägermonsters live a really long time? Why don’t the historians just ask them?”

Saturnus laughed so hard he started to cough and Agatha had to fetch him a glass of water from the pitcher on the bedside table. He pushed himself up into a sitting position, and Agatha helped adjust the pillows.

“A historian interviewing the Jägerkin,” Saturnus said, still wheezing, wiping tears from his eyes. “Red fire, I would pay to watch that.”

“What’s so funny about it?” Agatha asked.

“Oh, come on, you’ve met—” He stopped. His smile faded. “No, I suppose you probably haven’t. Unless you ever ran across them while you were out with your uncle?”

It was a weak and unlikely hope, but he was disappointed all the same when Agatha shook her head.

“No. Uncle Barry and I always hid if any Wulfenbach soldiers came into town. I think I saw one once, but I was too far away to get a good look.”

“Alright, then I’ll tell you this: one does not become a Jäger by possessing an abundance of mental acuity.”

“They can’t all be stupid.”

“Oh, they’re more clever than they let on, I’ll grant you, and the ones that survive to be generals are very smart, but on the whole...let us say it is not so much a lack of brains as an inability to put said brains to use." His voice was fond.

Ve couldn’t get the arrow out, so ve tought maybe ve could use anodder arrow to get it loose, und dot vun got stuck, so ve tried to get dot vun out vit—

Agatha resumed her seat on the floor.  

“You like them a lot.” 

“Of course I do! They were my Jägers! Every Heterodyne loves their Jӓgers.” He scowled and added in a mutter. “Every proper Heterodyne.”

“There’s a boy in one of the upper classes who says his great-great-grandfather is one,” Agatha said. Saturnus was fully aware she was changing the subject deliberately, but allowed it.  

“One of Ognian’s brood, no doubt.”

“You know him?”

“I know of the family. I don’t know Ognian personally—there’s far too many Jägers to know them all so well—but I don’t need to. There are horse breeders who pay less attention to bloodlines. He’s got scrapbooks.”

The sight of which were enough to send even the generals scampering for safety.

“What are they like? When I lived outside of Mechanicsburg, everyone was afraid of the Jägermonsters—”

He’d missed it last time, but this time he heard it, with a sting of anger. Not for her, it wasn’t her fault she didn't know, but the fact that she didn't know.

“Jägerkin,” Saturnus corrected, firmly. “Or Jägers. Only outsiders call them Jägermonsters. They are citizens of Mechanicsburg, the same as everyone else.”

“Oh. Right.”

Saturnus leaned back against the pillow, lacing his fingers together over his stomach and staring at the ceiling.

“What are they like…” he repeated to himself. “Well, they are all individuals with their own personalities, but on the whole...fun.”

“Fun?”

“Oh yes.” Saturnus grinned. “Boisterous. Excitable. And unbelievably loyal. Imagine growing up surrounded by a few hundred people who think everything you do is the greatest thing anyone has ever done.”

“It sounds nice,” Agatha said, in a wistful voice. The anger stirred in his guts again—she should know, know it so deep in her bones she couldn’t imagine not knowing.

But that wouldn’t help, now, so he brushed it away and put on a playful scowl.

“Alright, little miss, I see what you’re doing—getting me to distract you so you don’t have to do your homework.” He shook a finger at her, and Agatha stifled a giggle. “Go on, back to work. History is just as important as science. You have to know where you came from and what happened before. It tells you why things are happening now, and how to avoid making the same mistakes. Like why we don’t build time machines to go find out what we don’t know.”

“I bet kids outside of Mechanicsburg never had to spend a whole week learning about Robur Heterodyne,” Agatha muttered.

“And they’re the ones who get eaten by time monsters.”

Agatha flopped against the bed and groaned.

“Can’t you tell me a story from when you were young? That counts as history, right?”

Saturnus sputtered.

“History—how old do you think I am?”

“A million years,” Agatha said, promptly.

“Alright, smart mouth, one more story, and then you get back to work.”

Nodding obediently, Agatha settled in, wide-eyed.

“Let’s see…how about the time I beat an army of mutant frogs, twice?”

“Twice?”

“Twice.”  

Saturnus was going to get better, yes, and now he would fight tooth and nail to stay that way. No more wasting away, waiting for the final release of death. He would live to see his granddaughter take her rightful place in this world. Whether it be with a gentle touch or an iron fist, a Heterodyne would rule Mechanicsburg again.

And Saturnus would be there to make damn sure it happened.

[alasse-earfalas]

Hello yes I have been possessed by this theory and wrote a thing about it. Here's the ao3 link for those who want it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Hey, guys?” 

Everyone looked at the sailor. He was holding a tiny shield in his hands, the design facing him. 

“Um…” He looked down at the shield. How could he have missed this before? This was his family heirloom, a shield that had been placed on display for who knows how many generations, said to have been used by, “the hero himself”. But the Hero of Time used a different shield, so… “Whose shield is this?” He turned it around, eyes fixed on the man he’d heard so many legends and stories and tales about, around whom there was so much tradition and—

“That’s mine!” 

The sailor’s eyes jumped to—the smith? Who was hurrying towards him and did not look happy. “Oh, uh, here.” The sailor held out the shield. 

The smith snatched it from him. 

Okay, so… “Have any of the rest of you guys seen it before?” Again, his eyes remained on the Hero of Time. 

“I haven’t,” said the old man. 

“You… Are you sure?” That couldn’t be right, but… could it? 

The old man shook his head. As did, the sailor now realized, everyone else. 

Used by the hero himself… The sailor whipped around. The smith held the shield carefully, examining it with keen eyes. 

Could this… be…? “Hey…” The sailor walked over to him. 

The little guy gave him a side-glare. “Please don’t touch this without asking.” He crouched down to put it back with the others. “I know it doesn’t look like much, but it means a lot to me.” 

The sailor couldn’t believe his ears. “I won’t.” Could this really be…? He glanced over his shoulder at the Hero of Time, then turned back to the smith. “Um… Where did you get it?” Maybe it was a family heirloom for him, too? But the old man said that he hadn’t—

The smith was still crouched in front of the shield when he answered. “My Zelda gave it to me.” 

Wait… was this a royal family heirloom, then? “Where did she get it?” 

The little guy eyed him curiously and stood up. “She won it during the Picori Festival. Why? You seem very interested all of a sudden.” 

The sailor stammered a little. “Well I—I didn’t know it was—Your hood’s always draped over it, so I couldn’t see the design before.” 

The smith’s eyebrow rose. “Oh?” He looked back at the shield. “Why, do you recognize it?” 

The sailor’s stomach was all in knots. He looked at the Hero of Time—his predecessor, the hero he looked up to as the one who came before him, the one with whom he felt a special bond—once more. 

Then he looked at the smith. A hero he knew, comparatively, nothing about. Because there were no stories about him. No legends. No tales. Not even a title. 

Just a shield. A family heirloom. 

“Are you okay?” 

The sailor shook himself. “Yeah, I…” He glanced at the shield. How could his own family forget a hero in their ancestry? Why were there no bedtime stories other than what every child was told about the Hero of Time? “I just…” The sailor didn’t know what to say. Here was his ancestor, the hero this shield truly belonged to, and yet… the sailor knew nothing about him. 

How could he tell his own ancestor that his heroism had been forgotten? That his own legends had been superimposed by those of another hero? Who wasn’t even related to him? 

“That shield used to hang on my grandma’s wall,” he said at last. “It’s been passed down in my family for… a really really long time.” 

The smith’s face lit up in surprise. “You’re kidding!” 

“Yeah…” He rubbed his head and tried to smile. “I used it on my first adventure, ‘cause I needed it, and we didn’t have anything else—” 

The smith waved his hands. “Hey, that’s fine! I’m just tickled that it lasted that long.” 

“Yeah…” 

The little guy tilted his head. “Something wrong?” 

His face scrunched up and his shoulders tensed. But he didn’t want to say it. 

“What’s wrong?” 

“It’s just…” His shoulders dropped. Then his face screwed up again and he blurted, “I don’t know anything about you! I thought—All this time I thought that shield belonged to the Hero of Time, because that’s the only Hero anyone ever remembers! But here you are, my own ancestor, and—” He rubbed his eyes with his sleeve. “If I hadn’t—If we hadn’t met like this—If I never saw your shield, I never would have…” 

“Hey, don’t stress about it!” His tiny ancestor waved his hands again. “That happens to all of us. No reason to get upset.” 

The sailor sniffled. “But it’s not right! You’re my ancestor, I should have known about you! I—” He stopped abruptly when a strong hand clasped his shoulder. 

The Ordonian—otherwise known as the Hero of Time’s true descendant—smiled warmly at him. “I didn’t grow up with any tales about heroes at all,” he said. He lost a little of his smile. “It’s a sadly common fate for us.” 

“That’s really strange.” 

Everyone turned to the Champion. 

“I don’t remember much,” he said with a shrug, “but I know, before the Calamity, we knew about a lot of you. Sure they were legends, and I don’t think we knew much, but what we did know, we took seriously. Like it was actual history, not just some fairytale or bedtime story.” 

“It’s always the worst record-keeping,” the veteran grumbled. 

The sailor felt a little better after hearing that. “Still…” He smiled at the smith. “I want to know more about your adventures! All this time I had a hero in my family tree and I didn’t even know it!” 

“I’d say that’s a fine idea,” said the old man with a smirk. 

The sailor beamed. “Well?” 

“Hm…” The smithy rubbed his chin. 

“Now I’m just wondering how many of us are related,” the traveler said behind his hand. 

Sky shrugged. 

“Well, there’s a lot I could say.” The littlest Link smiled at the sailor. “But why don’t we start on that tomorrow?” 

“Yeah, it’s getting late,” said the Captain. 

The sailor yawned just as he was about to argue. “Alright fine,” he said. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The smithy lay awake that night, eyes bright and heart full of wonder. A descendant? Not even something so convoluted as that—a direct descendant, marked by a family heirloom that he had already planned on treating as such. Who knew his beloved tiny shield would be of use again? That another hero—only slightly bigger than he was—would end up needing it? 

He thought of all the stories he could tell the sailor, of the Minish and the Four Sword and Vaati. There was so much to tell; would they even have time? 

A gentle boot tapped his side. “Get some sleep, little ancestor.” The old man’s voice was sparkling with quiet mirth. “You’ll need the rest if you hope to keep up with his questions tomorrow.” 

The smithy snorted. “Please, I’m not as old as you.” 

The old man laughed quietly at that, and said nothing more.

[mysticmonkeybusiness]

Prompt: something fluffy between ao lie and wukong (bonus if it could be paralleled with mk and mei) requested by @visionaryscribe

also @swkbiggestdefender bc you were screaming about ao lie and wukong a few days ago so i figured you would want to see it.

-

“Don’t you get tired of being stuck as a horse all the time?” Wukong asks, leaning against the stable entrance.

The White Dragon horse snorts in amusement, eyes twinkling with mirth. “You’re overthinking things. I find it rather peaceful.”

Wukong makes a face and pulls at the circlet. “I can hardly stand this thing and you’re saying you’re okay with changing forms entirely? I mean, come on! You’re a dragon!”

Ao Lie grins, which is unsettling on a horse’s face. “I know. My ancestors must be rolling in their graves, it’s the best.”

Huh. That’s… “You don’t like your family?”

Ao Lie pauses, clearly thinking it over. Slowly, he says, “It’s not that I don’t like them. Though they’re pretty stuffy. Break one itty bitty present from the Jade Emperor and suddenly you’re kicked out of your own home.”

Wukong has to hide his own grin of amusement at his friend’s predicament. Grumbling, the dragon-horse continues, “It’s more that I’m nothing like how they think I should be. I don’t see the point in fighting a lot of the time, and I hardly have any of that dragon pride my father keeps muttering about. Bit of a disappointment compared to my sister, really. But I do miss them.”

Sobering, Wukong’s mind flashes to Flower Fruit Mountain and the monkeys he left behind. He hopes Macaque hasn’t had too much trouble looking out for them on his own. He swallows and forces a smile. “Yeah? What do you miss the most?”

Ao Lie looks at him thoughtfully, tilting his head. “Hm. I would have to say, I miss badgering my sister until she agreed to sleep with me the most. She pretends she doesn’t like it, but she always agrees to my request in the end.”

Oh. Wukong looks around the stable lacking any other horses and glances back at the house that agreed to host them for the night. Eh, the others probably won’t miss him. Would be nice to get a night’s sleep without Bajie’s snoring in his ears. And the host family doesn’t have any young girls for the pig to harass. “Got room for one more then?”

Smiling softly, eyes brightening with fond warmth, Ao Lie says, “Of course.”

[reinersprozacbottle]

Porco Galliard Fluff alphabet ･ﾟ���(｡>ω<｡)･ﾟ･

This is my first official headcanon so I take recommendations/feedback by ask or dms if you’re nice lol. Keep in mind these are canon!verse headcanons. I feel like we don’t have enough of those. We love Porco over here so this was fun to make.

No warnings very sfw

Enjoy!🤍

A ctivities - What do they like to do with their s/o? How do they spend their free time with them?

So i def see Porco as a super romantic guy when he’s head over heals for his s/o. Not that he’s doesn’t put efforts on dates otherwise but if he IS he’ll organize walks around his city, picnics, restaurant dates, he’ll buy them flowers pretty much every time they hangout as if he’s on a first date trying to impress them

B eauty - What do they admire about their s/o? What do they think is beautiful about them?

He thinks that the way his s/o looks at him longingly is the most beautiful sight ever.

C omfort - How would they help their s/o when they feel down/have a panic attack etc.?

Realistically, during a panic attack, he wouldn’t know what to do or say in the beginning of the relationship. He would be so awkward and just hold them the entire time but as he gets to know them better and their relationship gets stronger, he starts to help them slow their breathing, help them focus on the present moment and give them reassuring words like : “There you go, baby.” “I’m so proud of you. You’re doing great.”

D reams - How do they picture their future with their s/o?

Ok so obviously canon!verse Porco sadly only sees the relationship as short term since he knows he won’t live for long. Part of him wishes there could be a cure or something just so he could live a long life with them but, hey…

E qual - Are they the dominant one in the relationship, or rather passive?

I picture Porco as rather passive because despite his tough/cocky exterior, when it comes to his lover he very much turns into a puddle. You’ll hear “yes ma’am 🙄” a lot if they’re a girl lol.

F ight - Would they be easy to forgive their s/o? How are they fighting?

Yes!! Because of what I said above. They would have to say something very insulting for him to have difficulty forgiving them. A scenario I imagine would tip him over is if his lover is not Eldian and shares how they are tired that the people of Paradis get treated as a punching bag and abruptly cuts him off when he tries to retort by asking him how he can speak about his own people that way. They call him a “self-hating Eldian” and he very much takes it the wrong way. It would take him a couple days before he forgives them but at least it would make him think. (Should I turn this into a fic?????)

G ratitude - How grateful are they in general? Are they aware of what their s/o is doing for them?

He is very grateful but honestly just for their existence??? For being his partner?? Having someone love him in that way and getting to have a passionate romantic relationship even tough he’s a warrior makes him feel really privileged. He legit worships his beloved because of that.

H onesty - Do they have secrets they hide from their s/o? Or do they share everything?

Not necessarily secrets but he has a hard time expressing/sharing his emotions and fears.

I nspiration - Did their s/o change them somehow, or the other way around? Like trying out new things or helped them overcome personal problems?

They made him better </3 He is clearly happier, let’s people into his life more, they’ve made him think about how he was groomed from a young age to pay for the sins of his ancestors and how messed up that is. But mostly, they made him feel like a human being.

J ealousy - Do they get jealous easily? How do they deal with it?

YEEEESS is that not obvious I mean look at him

It’s def so much fun to watch him try to hide it tho

K iss - Are they a good kisser? What was the first kiss like?

Yes, he’s a great kisser. The first kiss was very tender and sweet. He really couldn’t believe his life at that moment (lol) and wanted to savour every moment.

L ove Confession - How would they confess to their s/o?

“It’s hard for me to describe how I feel and I have no real future ahead of me, but you’re everything to me”.

M arriage - Do they want to get married? How do they propose? What would the marriage be like?

Yes!!!!!! He dreams of it. The wedding would be small with just his warrior friends and his closest family members but all he wants to do is to stare at the ring on his partner’s fingers at the end of the ceremony.

N icknames - What do they call their s/o?

“Babe”, “Baby”, “Beautiful” in the morning AaahHhGhh

O n Cloud Nine - What are they like when they are in love? Is it obvious for others? How do they express their feelings?

He tries to keep the relationship lowkey because… he is who he is BUT it’s actually hilarious how obvious it is to his friends and comrades that he’s head over heels in love.

He expresses his love physically the best because he lowkey hates how red and hot he gets when he has to tell his lover how much he adores them.

P DA - Are they upfront about their relationship? Do they brag with their s/o in front of others? Or are they rather shy to kiss etc. when others are watching?

Like I said earlier he is trying to keep things under the radar BUT he always compliments them whether they’re in the room or not to a point where Zeke rolls his eyes at the millionth mention of how “smart” and “brave” they are. So no PDA.

Q uirk - Some random ability they have that’s beneficial in a relationship

His commitment

R omance - How romantic are they? What would they do to make their s/o happy? Cliché or rather creative?

VERY, VERY cliché romantic guy think roses, cute nicknames, cooking, drawing a bath for you, foot massages😮‍💨❤️‍🔥

S upport - Are they helping their s/o achieve their goals? Do they believe in them?

He doesn’t really have the time to help them but is always supporting them and reminds them that they can achieve anything they put their heart into.

T hrill - Do they need to try out new things to spice out your relationship? Or do they prefer a certain routine?

Unfortunately, because of his lifestyle he cannot afford to “switch it up” here and there but he would definitely prefer to.

U nderstanding - How good do they know their partner? Are they empathetic?

He knows them better than anyone else whether they’re an open book or more reserved. He doesn’t even have to spend a lot of time with them, he just does.

V alue - How important is the relationship to them? What is it’s worth in comparison to other things in their life?

Warriors don’t have a lot going for them aside from shallow admiration from fellow Eldians, and the love from their family and friends (if they have any). That is the reason why after his relationship with his mother, his genuine, heart felt romantic relationship is the most important.

W ild Card - A random Fluff Headcanon.

So one time after a warrior mission, he came home very wounded to the point where he was healing very slowly and his titan scars were still on his face. Fortunately, his s/o was there and took care of him also drowning him in kisses. He was taken aback by the fact that despite his very hollow cheeks and overall scary titan-esque look, they still wanted to show him affection that way.

X OXO - Are they very affectionate? Do they love to kiss and cuddle?

Yes it’s his favorite thing to do he’s legit a teddy bear

Y earning - How will they cope when they’re missing their partner?

He will read the romantic letters they send him. He’s not really one to write letters but he will enjoy reading them before going to bed.

Z eal - Are they willing to go to great lenghts for the relationship? If so, what kind of?

Yes he will make sure by any means necessary that you work out what’s wrong in your relationship. Like that man would stop at nothing it’s kinda scary.

Thank you for reading!! Prompts by @/snk-warriors

[withloveastrid]

✨My Witchy Path✨

Hii 🩷 These are the paths/magical practices I resonate with and have adopted into my witchy practice!

{Something about me is: I don’t like being afraid of things so I rather educate myself on it than live in fear just to avoid it. This is how I’ve gotten into Witchcraft and why I have interests that might seem scary to new witches.}

c o n t e n t s

➸ Religion

➸ Philosophies

➸ Witchcraft

➸ Favourite Tools

➸ Paths I want to Dive into

➸ Conclusion

𐐪𐑂 Religion 𐐪𐑂

Reconstructed Hellenism— I look at Hellenism and figure out what the myths and Delphic maxims mean in today’s age and situations. It’s a mix of Reconstructionism and Reimaginism, I do this by taking into account the culture and context of Ancient Greece and what feels right to me to do in my modern practice.

𐐪𐑂 Philosophies 𐐪𐑂

Animism— I believe everything has a soul/consciousness including inanimate objects.

Omnisim— I believe that all religions and belief systems co-exist and can come into existence simply by having the belief that it does.

Agnosticism— I believe that while every belief exists, we won’t know for sure which interpretation of a myth is 100% true unless through either means of divination or ascension.

𐐪𐑂 Witchcraft 𐐪𐑂

Divination Witchcraft— I love divination! From Tarot to Pendulums to bone throwing to astrology. I see divination as one with my witchy journey, I wouldn’t imagine one without the other.

Green Witchcraft— Herbs, plant magic, nature walks and animal and plant spirits. Green witchcraft comes incredibly naturally to me.

Sea Witchcraft— Oceans, lakes, rivers, seashells and marine life feel like home to me. Sea witchery feels like home to me.

Storm Witchcraft— Rain, thunderstorms, hurricanes and tornadoes. I feel calm in the chaos. Storm witchcraft is fun for me but I don’t get storms often where I live so when I do I take advantage of it. Cleansing under rainfall is one of my favourite ways to cleanse.

Cosmic Witchcraft— Stars and Planets, space, astronomy and astrology. I love talking to the Moon, invoking the Moon in spells or tarot readings, but really I just spend most of my time jokingly blaming the Cosmos for my mood swings, hardships or transformational moments in my life. I mean, don’t we all?

Death Witchcraft— Death and the Afterlife used to scare me the most after the Trauma of the Church. Hades, Hecate and Persephone have helped me transmute that fear into peace. Things like visiting Cemeteries, learning about + honoring my ancestors, watching zombie movies or morgue scenes in tv crime shows are a few ways I dip my toes into Death magic.

Baneful Witchcraft— Curses, hexes, jinxes, spells that focus on showing a person their flaws, shadows and wounds in order to nudge them into healing themselves is my favourite kind of ✨revenge✨ {for anyone who’s never done shadow work, it can be emotional torture sometimes, but it’s all for healing and becoming a better version of yourself.}

Ancestral Witchcraft— Not really witchcraft but it’s on the same path 🩷 I honor my ancestors and do what I can to learn about their lives, heal their traumas and strengthen my connection to them. I do this with divination, offerings, and spells.

𐐪𐑂 Favourite Tools 𐐪𐑂

Candles— I love fire and scented candles! They make good offerings for my Deities as well as great for spells or simple meditation.

Tarot— I love using tarot to tune into my intuition. Sometimes when life gets a little chaotic and it’s difficult to determine if what im feeling is my intuition or just my anxiety, I like to grab the cards and shuffle. {If you try this, make sure you ground yourself before reading or it may make the confusion stronger🩷}

Notes App— My trusty notes app, where I journal, keep track of witchy correspondences and cast digital spells! It’s definitely become my go-to app since beginning this journey.

𐐪𐑂 Paths I Wanna Dive into 𐐪𐑂

Draconic Witchcraft— I have a dragon on my spirit team and I’d really like to work more closely with them but right now I’m just reading about it.

Demonolatry— Demons are something that still scare me and I want to learn more about them after I move out of my parents’ place. I also follow a few witches that work with Demons and i’m intrigued with the growth that working with them can bring.

Osteomancy— I’m really interested in bone throwing and imo it goes hand in hand with being a death witch but I wanna learn more before I get a set of bones for divination.

Kitchen Witchcraft— Cooking is something I find incredibly fun but it’s currently out of reach for me until I move out. Simmer pots and abundance stews might become my favourite!

𐐪𐑂 c o n c l u s i o n 𐐪𐑂

Whew, that was long. If you made it through all of that, congratulations! 🥰✨

If you want to share what your path looks like or if you have questions about mine, please feel free to comment or use my “pigeon messenger 🕊️” I love having conversations with y’all 🩷

I’ll update this regularly as my path or interests changes.

𐐪𐑂 My Etsy Divination Shop

𐐪𐑂 Follow my Shop on Instagram and Tumblr

With love, Astrid 🩷✨

[feraliminal]

Just wondering, how do you think Skibidi Toilet will affect tech-head (camera, speakers and TV) character designs afterwards?

Would skibidi toilet popularity cause such character designs to be immediately reminding people of skibidi toilet? Mind you, I actually like skibidi toilet series. But the latest news about Michael Bay adapting it means it'll probably get a lot bigger in public consciousness, and I don't want to be seen as a rip-off.

Oh, that’s a super interesting question, and one of the first I’ve had! (Note to people in general, I have the “must be invited” vampire autism, so I’m not great at being outgoing, but I am friendly really, so feel free to ask stuff or say hi!) My first thought from a fandom anthropology perspective would be to check out if there’s any precedents and how that’s played out. Unfortunately nothing comes to mind about how to find that out.

So I think what I’d say is that some people who aren’t really familiar with object heads might assume that tech head characters are from Skibidi Toilet, but people who are actually interested in the character concepts won’t. And that spontaneously (or even not spontaneously) having the same ideas as other people is totally normal, and worrying about that is also totally normal, but you shouldn’t let it hold you back from sharing your creativity. You know that what you’re doing is yours, people who are genuinely interested in your character/s will love them, and people who are unfairly judging them at face value aren’t worth worrying about.

I expect that it might happen a little bit, because people do confuse similar-looking genres - like some people believe that all Western animation is Disney or all anime is naughty tentacles. But on the bright side, the Alliance factions do have a specific look - types of camera/speaker/TV, clothing styles, colour schemes, post-apocalyptic setting, etc. I’d expect that would probably continue into a film, and it would function similar to other genres of character - everyone knows about Dracula, but vampire characters aren’t considered rip-offs of Dracula unless they’ve got the cape, the widow’s peak, etc. And even if they are derivative, eg. Alucard from Hellsing, they can still be really original and fascinating characters in their own right.

Also, there’s the question of whether even it matters if something appears accidentally derivative. I’d very much like to say it absolutely shouldn’t. If you’ve had the idea, and you know it came from you, then it’s your idea, and it’s just one of those pranks that the universe plays if someone else had the same idea. Another point of view could be that there’s no original ideas - there’s a theory called “cultural universals” that says the same symbols keep showing up in different cultures because they mean something about how we understand the world.

“Human-shaped things with non-human heads”, for example, are a trope as old as human culture. Animal-headed people are the oldest. I’m including a pic of the Dancing Sorcerer, because I love them and have used their concept a ton in my non-fandom life even if they might not actually be that authentic an example of cave art (and actually a story about someone interpreting a smudgy sketch as a deer-person, and then as a sorcerer, is also interesting). The lion man is authentic. A pretty direct ancestor of today’s object heads could be Japanese tsukumogami from the 12th century or earlier. We obviously personify animals as being like us because we can see they behave a bit like us, but in the case of personified objects, the connection is that humans personify everything because we’re so good at spotting emotion - it’s so important for maintaining relationships with other humans to know that, for example, a person we treat badly will be upset that we also worry that a tool we mistreated won’t work because it’s upset too. That’s useful in itself because then we take better care of our stuff.

However, in reality, it’s hard to get over worrying about being derivative. I’m autistic and returning to fandom after a five-something year absence, so I’m still not comfortable with the unspoken social norms. Looking like I’ve swiped someone else’s idea is one of the (many haha) things that scares me, and I’ve abandoned unfinshed fic because someone else has written/drawn something that’s… kind of maybe the same if you peer between your legs and look at it upside down.

It actually annoys me how many ideas I’ve abandoned or haven’t been able to finish because I’m worried about people’s reactions - but no one’s actually reacted really badly at all. I wouldn’t want anyone else to have the same experience. And if I was advising someone else in the same situation as me, I’d say that it doesn’t matter if something is kind of similar at first, it’s how originally it’s used that matters. Anyone accusing someone of swiping an idea or being derivative or somesuch just because they happened to have the same idea at the same time (and aren’t actually, like, copy-and-pasting bits of someone’s fic or something) is just being a massive wanker. Even in the world of making media for money, people have the same ideas all the time - like schools where children learn magic, an impulsive character with a red colour theme and, probably one of the oldest themes, a hero maturing by going on a journey and facing a challenge. Check out the TV Tropes wiki for endless examples, because some of these themes really are older than dirt.

[clangenrising]

Month 5 - Greenleaf

Scorch huffed, scrabbling back up to her feet in what felt like the most undignified matter. Goldenstar stepped back, chuckling, and that chuckle made Scorch’s ears burn with embarrassment. 

“This is ridiculous!” she hissed irritably, “I know how to fight well enough, why do I need to do ‘battle training’?” 

Goldenstar, who had been trying to teach her for at least an hour to little avail, said, “Because I’m not even the best fighter in the Clan. If something happens, you at least have to be able to beat me.” 

Scorch straightened her posture, lifting her tail imperiously, in an attempt to claw back some of her dignity. “Then I just won’t fight. I’m a good enough hunter, I’ll feed your Clan,” there she noted with a twinge in her stomach that Goldenstar’s ear flicked, “and just… stay out of the fighting.” 

“I guess you could,” Goldenstar shrugged, sitting down in the little sandy patch where they had been training. Scorch took that as an invitation to sit as well and did so gratefully. She was exhausted. “There have been cats in Clan history who haven’t been able to fight for one reason or another, it’s not unheard of or unacceptable by any means.” 

I should hope not, thought Scorch, but she said nothing.

Goldenstar continued, “I just worry. Clan life is dangerous, there are foxes and things that come through. Sometimes the Clans go to war and it can get… bloody.” Scorch twitched her tail thoughtfully. 

“Have you ever thought about not doing that?” she asked with a slight scoff. 

Goldenstar laughed awkwardly and smoothed her chest fur down. “Mediators do try to keep it from getting that bad but at a certain point it’s not really up to me, if another Clan wants to fight we either stand our ground or leave our homes.”

“At least you’re alive,” Scorch countered. “Life as a wanderer isn’t that bad.” 

Goldenstar sighed and shrugged again. “For one cat, maybe but for a whole group? To leave the place they’ve always called home, the place their ancestors used to hunt? The stories say if we leave, StarClan has to follow us or we lose our connection to them.” Scorch pursed her lips even as Goldenstar added, “That’s another thing, the River of the Stars is in the mountains here. If we left we would lose our way to speak with them!” 

Scorch took a deep breath and tried to decide how to handle the situation. She took a bit too long, and Goldenstar’s face fell. 

“But you don’t think they exist either, so… I guess that’s not a big loss in your mind…”

Scorch swallowed. “I can understand why it’s important to you,” was all she said. 

Goldenstar shook her head a bit. “I honestly want to take you to see them. If you’d seen the place and talked to them, you would at least know I’m not crazy.” That made Scorch lean forward, brow furrowing with concern. 

“Goldenstar, I don’t think you’re crazy,” she said and genuinely meant it. “I think you’ve been lied to. There’s a difference.” 

The young leader made a frustrated noise in her throat, shifting her weight, and said, “I guess that’s better, but I’m serious, they’re real! I’ve seen them with my own two eyes, they gave me extra lives to protect my Clan with!” 

“Okay, okay,” Scorch said gently, fur starting to prickle uneasily, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. I forget myself.” 

Goldenstar frowned. “Hey…” she said, leaning forward to try and make eye contact with Scorch, “You don’t have to do that. You’re allowed to speak your mind. I want you to speak your mind. I’m sorry I’m so difficult.” 

“Let us forgive and forget,” Scorch said, waving a paw dismissively. “And let’s go get some food. I’m so tired of battle training.” 

“Okay,” Goldenstar nodded with a little smile. “Maybe Yarrowshade would have better luck teaching you.” 

“Yarrowshade?” Scorch laughed as they both stood. “He’s too busy fawning over your right-paw to teach me anything.” Goldenstar laughed too. 

“Yeah,” she shook her head, “he needs to stop messing around and just ask her to be his mate already.” 

“Would she say yes?” Scorch asked. Her ears perked curiously. 

“Who knows,” guffawed Goldenstar, “But at least he would stop dancing around the question.” Scorch chuckled and the two of them headed back to camp in good spirits.

[celestiall0tus]

Tales of Bloody Bug and Chat Noir - Chapter 12 - Pharoah

Beginning || Previous || Next

            Alix ran around the new Tutankhamun exhibit in the Louvre. Jalil followed her and explained each display. She took notes before he started in on his theories to the next. She made her way to Tutankhamun’s specter as their dad joined them.

            “How’s everything going, you two?” Alim asked.

            “Amazing. I’ll have the best project for History yet,” Alix beamed.

            “And you, Jalil?”

            “It’s unbelievable! You managed to get everything I need,” Jalil exclaimed.

            “Need for what?” Alim pressed.

            Alix rolled her eyes. “Oh, here we go.”

            “Indeed. I want to direct your attention to the scroll on this wall.”

            Alim and Alix followed Jalil as they approached an adjacent wall.

            “So, Dad, you know this, but for Alix, the one with the scepter is Tutankhamun the First. There, opposite, is Nefertiti, his princess. There are exactly one hundred mummies beside them. She died several years before him and the sun god, Ra, took her as his goddess.”

            “Get to the point,” Alix said.

            “I am. Tutankhamun wanted to bring his princess back to life by offering the sun god a new wife. The scene illustrates a ritual he devised. However, nobody has ever fully deciphered the hieroglyphics, but I have. It’s a magic chant that needs to be recited in order to complete the ritual. I’m sure of it. I just need the scepter and I can carry out the ritual.”

            “I mean, that’s cool and all, but it looks like you need a human sacrifice for the ritual. Aren’t we long past that?” Alix asked.

            Alim sighed. “Jalil, I love the interest you take in your study, but even if it were to work, I can’t allow you to do that.”

            “Yeah. And the human sacrifice thing again. Who would you even use for it? Did you even think of that?”

            “Indeed, I did. The lucky sacrifice I picked is none other than Chloe Bourgeois,” Jalil announced.

            Jalil pulled out a crudely drawn imitation of Chloe. Alix snickered while Alim scowled.

            “Alix, don’t laugh at that.”

            “I mean, it’s kinda funny,” Alix admitted.

            “No, it’s not, young lady,” Alim scolded.

            Alix pursed her lips as Alim stepped closer to Jalil.

            “As I’ve said, I admire your dedication and passion for history and the supernatural aspects of it, but I cannot allow this. Not only because I cannot stake my entire career and our livelihood on a potential legend, but I will not let you indulge in these murderous fantasies.”

            “Don’t you see it’s perfect? We could discover the secret to resurrection and keep Alix safe. No more anger, no more worries.”

            “How would this help her?”

            “Because Chloe is clearly a focal point for a lot of Alix’s anger and stress. We remove that and-.”

            “Absolutely not. Jalil, do you hear yourself? We should be helping Alix work through it to the point. Not eliminating the cause without knowing the reason why. Without getting rid of the roots, it will spread. If not Chloe, it’ll be someone or something else.”

            “But-!”

            “Enough! I won’t hear of this anymore. I want you to take the day off, Jalil. I need you to get your head on straight before you even consider coming back here.”

            Jalil opened his mouth but closed it and stormed off.

            “Dad, you’re not upset that we aren’t making progress on my�� issues, are you?” Alix asked.

            “Alix, honey, no. You are young and going through a lot of change in your life while dealing with a past trauma. It is a challenge, but we’ll handle it at the pace that you’re comfortable with. That is what matters most.”

            “But what if we never find out? What if I don’t get better?”

            “Sometimes that happens. Which, we just need to learn to adapt, just as our ancestors did. We are still human and capable of so much. Even if you never find the source of your anger and trauma, you’ll learn to adapt and live around it. Sometimes it’s all we can do. Much like your mother.”

            “Was she hurt?”

            “Well, let’s just say she didn’t have the upbringing you and Jalil have. Far from actually. It made her very slow to trust and guarded. I’m still amazed I got through her walls, but I’m glad I did. I got to be with the most amazing, flawed woman and human I’ve ever known. On top of that, we had two equally amazing and flawed children, just like we are.”

            “Is that why you push me to make friends?”

            “It is another reason, yes. I know it’s cliché to say love saved us, but it really did. I wasn’t half the man I was before I met your mom. She made sure to toughen me up and in return, I softened her. With me, she was able to open herself up, even if it was just a little.”

            “Did Mom have trouble too?”

            “Oh, yes. And I’d get to hear all about it, but that was all part of the process. It’s a slow and painful one, but one that must be taken at your own pace.”

            “Excuse me, but are you the Director of the museum?” Nathalie asked.

            Alim and Alix turned to the entrance where Adrien stood with Nathalie and Gorilla. Alim stepped forward.

            “I am. May I help you?”

            “My boss’s son heard about this exhibit arriving and wanted to visit it to gather information for a school project. Is it open?” Nathalie explained.

            “It may not be open just yet, but I can allow this. After all, my own daughter has been doing the same. Uh, Alix?”

            Alix stepped up beside Alim. “Yeah?”

            “Would you assist him while Jalil is out for the day?”

            “Do I have to?”

            “No, but I would appreciate it.”

            Alix considered, approached Adrien, and gave him her notes. “Give these back to me or you will hurt.”

            “That’s not what I exactly had in mind,” Alim remarked.

            “Sorry, Dad, but I do have to get to roller derby.”

            Alim’s eyes widened. “I forgot about roller derby! It’s not a match today, is it?”

            “No, just practice.”

            “Thank goodness. Do you need a ride?”

            “Nah, I’m good. Thanks though.”

            “Stay safe, Alix. See you for lunch!”

            Alix waved goodbye and headed for the museum exit. She stopped when a tall, muscular man with roseish black skin, blue glowing eyes, and decked out in gold Egyptian jewelry, shendyt, and mask. She eyed Jalil’s scarab necklace in the collection of jewelry.

            “Jalil?” Alix asked.

            “Jalil is gone. I’m the Pharoah!”

            Alix grimaced and ran. She headed back to the Tutankhamun exhibit. She made it down the steps when Pharoah blocked her path. She skidded to a stop and scrambled back.

            “You’re fast, Alix, but not fast enough.”

            “Enough, Jalil! Cut the fucking crap!” Alix roared.

            “Alix?” Alim called.

            Pharoah turned where Alim’s voice came from. Alix took the opportunity and ran to hide. She transformed into Bloody Bug and ran back to the exhibit. She spotted Pharoah approaching Alim while Adrien, Nathalie, and Gorilla made their escape. She chunked her yo-yo in, and it wrapped around Alim. She pulled him out of Pharoah’s path.

            “Go! I’ll keep him busy!” Bloody Bug yelled.

            Alim hesitated, then ran.

            Bloody Bug turned as Pharoah closed the gap. Her eyes widened to see his mask had shifted to a lion’s head. He landed a blow on her side and sent her into the wall. The impact created a crater with her plastered to the bottom of it. She took a sharp breath as she felt the pain through her suit. He reached in, grabbed her face, and lifted her up.

            “Fucking bastard! That hurt!” Bloody Bug roared.

            “Then let’s make this easy for both of us. Give me your earrings.”

            “Over my dead body! Lucky Charm!”

            Ladybugs swirled and created an unassuming box. Pharoah laughed and picked it up.

            “Is this the best you can do, little bug?”

            Bloody Bug snarled and swung her legs up. She hit the corner of the box and it exploded. Pharoah yelled as she was propelled back. She rolled and staggered to her feet. She headed out of the museum as she heard his furious screams. She got as much distance between her and Louvre as possible. She slipped into an alleyway and de-transformed. She leaned against a wall and groaned.

            “That hurt.”

            “This is bad. We should go see Master,” Tikki said.

            “My thoughts too, Tikki. I think we should use elation. What do you think?”

            “Maybe call Bomb Bee back too?”

            Alix nodded. She stuck Tikki in her cap and headed for Wang Fu’s massage parlor. She headed in and found him finishing with a patient.

            “Ah, my next client. I’ll see you next week,” Wang Fu said to the patient.

            Alix slipped past the patient and shut the door. “I’m going to need help again.”

            “Twice in a row? It’s not that one girl again, is it?”

            “I’d rather that. No, my brother was akumatized into this demigod thing. He had a normal mask, then it was a lions, and then I was seismic punched into a wall with my own impact crater. Still feel the sting of it.”

            “Not to mention she blew up the exhibit and scepter that Jalil wanted to use to perform an ancient sacrificial ritual. So, he’s going to be coming right for her,” Tikki added.

            Wang Fu’s eyes widened. “That’s… concerning to say the least. Alright, one moment.”

            Alix took a seat while Wang Fu retrieved the Miraculous Box. She lifted her shirt to check for bruising, but didn’t’ see anything. She had expected to see a massive black bruise of Pharoah’s fist in her side.

            “Don’t worry. So long as you have me on, you won’t sustain any injuries, though you’ll feel the pain still,” Tikki reassured.

            “Fucking lovely,” Alix groaned.

            “Alright, here we are. Make your choices,” Wang Fu said.

            “How many am I allowed?” Alix asked.

            Wang Fu considered. “I’ll lend you three this time. Just as before, they are to be returned immediately after.”

            “Well, I know I want elation and action, but what would you suggest for a third?”

            Wang Fu considered, then took off the turtle shell bracelet he wore. “This belongs to the kwami of protection. I think you can guess what it does.”

            Alix snorted. “I don’t know. It might take a lot of guesses. Oh, you have anything I could give Tikki to recharge?”

            Wang Fu nodded. He left and returned shortly after with a plate of store-bought cookies. Tikki munched on a few before she flew up.

            “All good.”

            “Good. Saddle up, it’s going to be a long run,” Alix said.

            “We aren’t transforming?”

            “You said it yourself. He’s coming for Bloody Bug. It’d take longer, but we’d keep the others safe until we get the jewels to them. Now, in the cap.”

            Tikki giggled and hid under Alix’s cap. Alix messaged Marinette, asking where she and Alya were. She waited a minute when Marinette said she and Alya were at Places des Vosages. She put her phone away and headed to the location. She spotted them with Nino, sitting on the fountain. She slipped into an alleyway, transformed, and lassoed the three of them. She pulled them into the alley with her.

            “Woah! Bloody Bug? What’s up, dude?” Nino asked.

            “No time. I need help. I decided to pick a fight with a god and pissed them off. You three are going to help.”

            Alya squealed and jumped forward. Bloody Bug handed Alya the bee comb. Alya bounced, put the comb in her hair, and transformed into Bomb Bee.

            Nino’s jaw dropped as he pointed at Bomb Bee.

            “Surprised? You should be.”

            Bloody Bug snapped her fingers, getting Nino’s attention. She held up the panja bracelet for Marinette and the shell bracelet for Nino. “You two have the same deal as Alya. You get these for one time, help me, and give them back. Marinette, prove yourself strong and not too soft-hearted by accepting elation. Nino, you’re just here, so congratulations.”

            Marinette put on the panja bracelet while Nino put on the shell bracelet. Orbs shot out and circled them before they morphed into a magenta tiger kwami and a green turtle kwami.

            “Alright, make this snappy you two. We have a god hunting me,” Bloody Bug urged.

            “Oh my. Very well. I am Wayzz, kwami of protection. Pleasure to meet you, young man.

            “And I’m Roarr! Kwami of elation at your service, girlie!”

            “Tell them what they can do and how to transform,” Bloody Bug interjected.

            “Right. You can generate a shield saying ‘Shelter.’ To transform, say, ‘Wayzz, shell on.’ To de-transform, say, ‘Wayzz, shell off,’” Wayzz explained.

            “And for me, when you say ‘Clout,’ you can deliver a devastating sucker punch! Oh, and “Roarr, stripes on,’ to transform and ‘Roarr, stripes off,’ to de-transform,” Roarr yelled.

            “Be careful with these powers. One per transformation and then you have five minutes before you turn back. Now, suit up,” Bloody Bug ordered.

            “Wayzz, shell on!”

            “Roarr, stripes on!”

~~

            “Sekhmet, give me your strength!” Pharoah demanded.

            Chat Noir ran in as Pharoah’s mask shifted to a lion. Pharoah clapped his hands together that sent a shockwave that repelled Chat Noir. Chat Noir scrambled to his feet as Pharoah grabbed his face.

            “Where is that wretch, Bloody Bug?”

            “Couldn’t tell you even if I wanted to, which I don’t.”

            “You’ll soon change that tune when I-,” Pharoah started.

            “Hey, ugly!” Bloody Bug yelled.

            Pharoah turned to see Bloody Bug standing atop a nearby building. He laughed and dropped Chat Noir. He stepped forward when Bloody Bug jumped down and approached him.

            “Bug, what are you doing?” Chat Noir asked.

            “Oh, you know. The same thing as before.”

            Chat Noir raised a brow as Bloody Bug didn’t move. He stepped forward to intervene, but she held up a hand and counted down from five. He tilted his head when she got to one and used her Lucky Charm that created a simple book.

            “A book? That’s just as useless as your bomb,” Pharoah mocked.

            “See, that’s where you’re wrong. The book is a trident true that’s never failed me before.”

            “We’ll see about that.”

            Pharoah reached for Bloody Bug, but she jumped back. She hurled the book at his head that staggered him. Chat Noir jumped in and knocked Pharoah off his feet temporarily. Pharoah got back to his feet as a massive spinning top slammed into him. Bomb Bee and a cerise tiger heroine stood atop the spinning toy.

            Chat Noir’s jaw dropped, and eyes widened seeing the tiger girl. He was captivated by her simple, yet beautiful tiger-themed suit that was cerise, the perfect blend of red and pink, of femininity and aggression, accented elegantly with bronze stripes. Her deep magenta hair was pulled back into a pair of high pigtails that whipped wildly in the wind. All that paled in comparison to her savage, orange tiger eyes that shone with a wild delight.

            “Cowabunga, my dudes!”

            Chat Noir snapped out of his trace as a guy in a turtle themed superhero suit shield surfed past him, pulled along by Bomb Bee. He tilted his head at the nagging familiarity of the turtle hero’s voice.

            “Curse you, Bloody Bug! Too cowardly to face me alone?” Pharoah roared.

            “Aww, is the cowardly lion too scared to face us?” Bomb Bee mocked.

            “Excuse me?”

            “C’mon, meow meow. Let’s see how those tiny claws compare to a real wildcat.”

            Bomb Bee gestured to the tiger hero, who stood ready to fight. Pharoah shook his head and went for Bloody Bug, but the turtle hero cut him off as Pharoah’s attack bounced off the turtle shield.

            “I don’t think so, my dude. You want Bloody Bug, you’ll need to defeat me. Before you defeat me, you’ll need to beat them.”

            Pharoah roared and reared his arm back for another attack.

            “Shelter!”

            A dome-like turtle shield covered the turtle hero, Bloody Bug, and Chat Noir. Pharoah pounded on the barrier, but it wouldn’t relent.

            “Anyway, will he does that, name’s Carapace, dude Noir.”

            “You… seem familiar. Have we met?”

            “Can’t say we have. If we have, hit me up. I wouldn’t mind this hero gig again.”

            Chat Noir hummed as he looked back at the tiger hero. Pharoah finally turned away from them back to Bomb Bee and the tiger.

            “Fine. I’ll squish you two first.”

            “Let’s test the strength of your claws, kitten. Clout!” the tiger exclaimed.

            Chat Noir watched as the tiger and Pharoah’s fists connected that sent shockwaves out that ripped apart the street. They stood even for a brief second before the tiger pushed back against Pharoah. He struggled to fight against her when Bomb Bee snuck around and used Venom to paralyze him.

            Carapace dropped the shield, allowing Bloody Bug to take the necklace and break it. The Akuma flew up from the broken pendant. She caught and purified it, then grabbed her book and threw it up.

            “Miraculous!”

            The book burst into a swarm of ladybugs that repaired the damage done while Pharoah reverted to Jalil.

            “What happened? Where am I?” Jalil asked.

            “You were akumatized. I had destroyed the Tutankhamun exhibit and painted a target on myself. Now, any reason you went into that exhibit?” Bloody Bug asked.

            “I… wanted to used Tutankhamun’s scepter to perform a ritual. I hoped to prove one of my theories true, but also protect my little sister.”

            “Little sister?” the tiger asked.

            “Yeah. She had a foul run-in with that awful Chloe Bourgeois and was nearly consumed by her rage. It sent her spiraling and I just… I wanted to keep her from that happening. She was so scared of it and I hated seeing her so broken down. I felt like I couldn’t do anything when I should be able to. I’m her older brother, and I can’t do anything to help her. What good am I to her?”

            Bomb Bee started towards Jalil when Bloody Bug knelt.

            “Your sister sounds like a hard case to crack, which I can relate to. It’s not easy going through life with those challenges. She’s going to have her highs and lows as we all do, but the biggest thing you can do is just be there for her. As long as you do that, you’re doing great.”

            Jalil’s eyes widened as Bloody Bug saw a flash of recognition. He reached out and pulled her into his arms. “Thank you! Thank you so much! I promise I’ll be there, always!”

            Bloody Bug chuckled nervously. She patted Jalil’s head, then pushed him away as her earrings chirped.

            “Bug, you’re about to change back,” Chat Noir said.

            “Fuck. Cat, get this man back to his home. Carapace, Bomb Bee, and Lady Tigress, move it.”

            Chat Noir watched the four of them all head in different directions. He watched the tiger, Lady Tigress, vanish before he scooped up Jalil.

            “Where am I taking you?” Chat Noir asked.

            “Uh, the Louvre.”

            “Right-o! I’ll have you there faster than you can say ‘meow.’”

~~

            Alix returned home after she gave the miraculous jewels back to Wang Fu. She managed to swing by roller derby, but she had missed practice. Her coach would have laid into her, but she explained Jalil was akumatized and she didn’t want to put the team at risk, which shut her coach up. She had checked her phone periodically on her way home to see Chat Noir had eagerly messaged her, asking about Lady Tigress. She had put her phone on silent as she ignored him, not wanting to indulge his curosity.

            Alix headed for the stairs when Alim called to her. She turned as he grabbed her shoulders and looked her over.

   ��        “Are you ok? Are you hurt? Any injuries, bruises, or anything?” Alim asked.

            “I’m fine. It was just practice, Dad. We don’t actually hurt each other until match time.”

            “You’re talking about… derby? No, Alix, not that. I’m talking about your fight with Pharoah. You’re not hurt, are you? I saw the impact and the overall destruction of the exhibit, but-.”

            “Wait, Dad, you aren’t saying I’m Bloody Bug, are you?”

            “Alix, you can’t fool me. Well, maybe. I didn’t recognize you immediately. It was like I saw you, but it wasn’t you. It was… such a strange feeling not being able to recognize you from your face. As your father, I should, but I couldn’t. I likely wouldn’t have until you spoke. I didn’t place the voice immediately, but I know your tone and speech patterns. They’re just like your mother’s.”

            “Yeah, you can’t hide the truth from us, Alix!” Jalil yelled.

            Alix glanced over as Jalil ran down the stairs and joined the conversation.

            “I heard it too. It was harder for me to place, but I caught on once I recognized where I’ve heard such a tone before.”

            “Ah, fuck it. Fine, yes. I’m Bloody Bug,” Alix admitted.

            Jalil gasped. “We knew it! How do you do it? Did you gain them from some ancient ritual or a blessing from an old god?”

            Alix rolled her eyes and took off her cap. Jalil and Alim looked at Tikki, who was curled up taking a nap.

            “Interesting. Looks like Jalil’s theory of magic creatures might have some weight after all,” Alim mumbled.

            “Does that mean you’ll-,” Jalil started.

            “Absolutely not. Jalil, we have to keep this secret. That means no interrogating whatever this creature is or revealing any information regarding Alix’s superhero identity.”

            “So, wait, you’re not mad? And you’re not going to tell me to stop?”

            Alim sighed. “I would like to, but I know you. You listen when you want to but have developed a habit of disregarding the rules. Not all, but a lot of them. I know if I told you to stop, you’d just keep doing this. It’s how you are and how your mother was. You both are the types to learn by doing. It won’t matter how much I warn you otherwise, you’ll still do it to find out for yourself.”

            “That’s not always true. I listen to you sometimes.”

            “Yes, but would you listen to me on this?”

            “Probably not.”

            “Exactly. I don’t necessarily like it, but I can’t stop you. I want to keep you safe, but I can’t always. You’re in those stages where you are becoming your own person. As much as I’d rather shelter you, I know she wouldn’t want that. She’d have encouraged and supported you, so that’s what I’ll do. For you and for her.”

            Alix took a shaky breath. “I appreciate it, but you don’t have to do everything for her if you don’t want to.”

            Alim chuckled as a tear fell. “Well, maybe not, but it’s how I can honor her memory and wishes. To see you both happy and strong, just like she will have always wanted. For you both to live a life where you could be yourself. If being Bloody Bug is part of that for you, I will support it and you.”

            Tears fell from Alix’s eyes as she hugged Alim. “Thank you.”

            Tikki yawned and sat up. “What’s going on?”

            “Ah, she’s awake. Greetings, little creature. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Alim said.

            Tikki blinked. “Uh, Alix?”

            “They know. My voice gave it away,” Alix said.

            “Oh. Yeah, the glamor isn’t the best in this age, but we’re also not designed for this kind of environment. So, yeah,” Tikki remarked.

            “What’s the glamor do?” Jalil asked.

            “It masks our holder’s identity. The appearance is the big one, except it can’t mask the immutable like body mass and height. It can also hide the voice, but not necessarily the tone and speech. Which, I guess that’s how you figured it out, Mr. Kubdel?” Tikki asked.

            “Yes, but please, call me Alim.”

            “Well met, Alim. My name’s Tikki.”

            “Likewise, Tikki. Are you by chance hungry? Is that something you can do?” Alim asked.

            “She can and probably is. I didn’t have any extra snacks packed, so, yeah.”

            “Not to worry. I’ll help you with that. What do you eat, Tikki?”

            “Sugar. Preferably sweets.”

            “Well, that would explain the boxes I’ve been seeing from that one bakery run by Tom and Sabine.”

            “Yeah, I’ve been treating Tikki a little more. Plus, I had received a free box of macaroons from Tom last week for when Cat and I kept Marinette safe from Evillustrator.”

            “Treating me or yourself?” Tikki grumbled.

            “Hey! I get hungry too and they do have the best pastries in all of Paris. So, I’m allowed to indulge too,” Alix remarked.

            Alim chuckled. “Alright, you two. I can swing by and get some pastries for Tikki. Let you use your money on other things, Alix. Just make sure you’re still careful out there, ok?”

            “Always. Thank you, Dad.”

            Alim smiled and hugged Alix. “Always, Alix. I love you.”

            “I love you too, Dad.”