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chibimyumi · 5 years ago

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Redesign Prompt RESULTS!

Alright, thank you everyone who has voted, the results are now in! Overwhelmingly our winner is Ranmao 🐈!

First of all, I need to insert a few caveats here. Unlike with Victorian fashion, I do not have years and years of studying of Qing dynasty-fashion behind me. So whatever results I show here are the product of a fortnight of reading up and meticulous studying of contemporary photographs. a.k.a. I am merely scraping the surface here. But! I do promise that everything shown here is done to the best of my ability to be responsible as a content provider.

Now without further ado, let us dive into Ranmao’s current design, the blatantly obvious inaccuracies, and how I propose to redes...ign... her outfit while keeping the original intact as much.... as possible???? Heck, this is not even worthy of being called a ‘redesign’, this is straight up designing from scratch!

Hair

Let us start with her bangs. Her bangs are in fact surprisingly accurate, as late Qing dynasty women would wear their bangs in a variety of Bettie bangs trimmed well above the eyebrows. Having sides of the bangs growing longer framing the face was usual too, though they would be cut slightly thicker than Ranmao’s. Though, we don’t know how much hair Ranmao has, so I see no reason to alter it.

Twin braids are very much associated with the “China doll look”, but they seem to have been branded into our image of the “Chinese Girl” because it was the go-to look for unmarried women in Republic China (which is many years later than Ranmao’s time, and also has more surviving images.)

In Ranmao’s time, unmarried girls would either wear the bottom part of their hair down, or have everything tied into a single braid behind them. Girls who preferred a more feminine look would often decorate the sides or the top with flowers or other ornaments depending on their wealth.

Yana’s notes say that the flower in Ranmao’s hair is a Chinese peony, which is also called the Empress of Flowers in Chinese as well as Japanese culture. I could find sources on how the peony was the symbol of the Empress of China, and how one better avoid wearing any type of peonies around the Empress herself for fear of being suspected of disrespect. But I could not find any evidence of such flowers being banned for other people, so presumably it was more an ‘unwritten code of politeness’ rather than fashion law.

Hence, I kept the pink peony design for Ranmao, and decorated them in the way Qing women would have.

Neckline

By far the most interesting thing I learned from this redesign attempt was that the “mandarin collar” - the thing that pops up first in most people’s minds when thinking about Chinese fashion - was in fact not at all common.

In this academic work on Chinese fashion history, Finnane writes that the ‘high collar’ was “not a common feature of costume before the twentieth century.” Instead, most costumes would have had a round neckline.

Finnane, Antonia. Changing Clothes in China : Fashion, History, Nation. New York: Columbia University Press, 2008. p. 93

The ‘high collar’ gained popularity in early 1900s in China after the Europeans brought with them the beauty standard for high collars, as well as slim-fitted silhouettes. The Chinese increasingly adopted this type of collar and the slim silhouette (the well known ‘china dress/qipao/cheongsam’), and the relatively many early photos that survived helped engrave this stereotype into our minds.

Sleeves

I do not think it requires any mention, but 19th century Chinese fashion did not include boleros... For many of the original designs of Ranmao I can sort of see where Yana got that image from, but this bolero-look truly beats me.

The sleeves worn in the late Qing period were relatively wide, though they were starting to slim down over time. Late Qing women enjoyed much more flexible clothing rules than earlier Qing women, and the width of the sleeves was in great part determined by personal preference, season, but mostly one’s wealth.

Needless to say, the larger the sleeves the more fabric and embroidery it would require, and thus more expensive. Also, the wider the more it would get into the wearer’s way.

I don’t know how much thought Yana put into Ranmao’s original design in relation to her function as elite bodyguard, but considering how the original has zero practicality and only serves to maximise Ranmao’s attractiveness, I have no qualms about giving Ranmao fairly large sleeves too. Besides, let us assume that Lau is responsible for providing Ranmao with clothes. Illegal money tends to fill the pockets quite deeply, I don’t think he can’t spare a few pounds for big sleeves.

Wider sleeves would expose much of ‘a lady’s precious skin’, as such a more fitted layer would have been worn underneath. (The sleeves under the wider sleeves obviously did not have to be orange-ish. This was merely coincidence that both my redesign and the visual source have this colour.)

Silhouette

The figure hugging silhouette x Chinese clothes was - as mentioned above - not at all a thing in Ranmao’s time. In fact, the accentuation of the “female curves” was considered very inappropriate if not downright ugly in the Qing dynasty.

Finnane, Antonia. Changing Clothes in China : Fashion, History, Nation. New York: Columbia University Press, 2008. p. 94

Yana’s notes mention that the thing Ranmao wears is just an European corset and that that is the only thing ‘English’ about her attire.

Well... I don’t know where the idea that Victorians wore corsets on the outside comes from, but I myself admittedly was fooled by this a few years ago too... I promise you all now however, Victorians decidedly did not wear their ‘bras’ on the outside. I think even now this look is considered rather ‘questionable’ by most people.

Instead, Qing dynasty clothes were mostly cut wide and straight, loosely dangling around their bodies offering maximum comfort and space. You feared Ranmao killing you in her corset? Now tremble before her now blessed with maximised agility.

Trousers

Well... I considered ‘translating’ Ranmao’s attire to 2020 standard like I did for O!Ciel, but that would not be Tumblr-filter approved. Skirts so short they could be mistaken for a belt are nothing too surprising today, but wearing one with a split that deep is probably a bit too revealing even by today’s standards.

By the late Qing dynasty, men and women, rich and poor alike predominantly wore trousers. Long robes (skirts) were definitely in fashion too, but they were reserved for those who could afford to not have much agility. If you were a farmer, robes would not have been your first option. Perhaps the way long skirts were viewed by the Qing Chinese was not unlike the way we see them now; ‘more classy’ ‘more feminine’ and ‘less convenient’, but not the only way to express femininity.

In these pictures below we can see relatively rich women, married and unmarried alike, all wearing trousers.

Ranmao is predominantly a fighter, and as trousers are plenty feminine in Chinese fashion culture, I don’t see why she would not choose to wear trousers instead of a restricting long skirt. Hence I gave her a pair of trousers.

Shoes

Like I said before, “the shoes are correct...” But the anklets definitely are not!

Golden or silver anklets are something that are worn by very, VERY young children in China. Even to this day it is customary among many Chinese people to gift newborn children at least one piece of pendant, bracelet or anklet, for it is believed to bring the child luck. More practically, this piece of jewellery will become the child’s first piece of property then, which can be sold later SHOULD they ever run into a financially difficult situation.

These anklets or bracelets would not be removed from the child unless they have outgrown them, which happens fairly quick. Ranmao who is probably full grown should have outgrown them at least ten years ago. Hence, seeing these things on Ranmao would probably make it look like she is still wearing diapers or bibs.

Chinese people would likewise not have worn shoes barefoot. Instead, they would have worn cotton socks which were mostly white.

DOUBLE HAMMERS

HERE COME THE WEAPONS! Luckily Yana wrote the following note or I would never have guessed what they are for my knowledge about Chinese weapons is next to nothing.

“These are【SUPER】heavy. They are weapons called 双錘 (double hammers) and they in fact exist. I heard these were used by power-type warriors.”

So, I googled 双錘 and it turns out that the type Ranmao is holding do indeed exist! But... only in fiction and theatre.

The hammers that were used in actual combat were either very thin and long, or short and plump. Such hammers were one of the most primitive metal weapons in China, and quickly fell out of favour among Chinese warriors when more practical weapons such as the metal spear, sword and bows were invented. The hammers mostly retained their value because of their weight in heroic tales and myths about legendary warriors and deities.

I don’t have the full details, but apparently according to some legends or myths, one of such big-ass hammers could deal a force of 200kg, and thus 400kg combined. Regardless of this being realistic or not, it sure does sound very cool! It is therefore no wonder this primitive weapon retains its popularity even today.

Nowadays when these hammers are used, they are either the blown up theatrical versions, or the smaller versions for the sake of preserving martial arts.

I had a bit of a dilemma as to which version to give Ranmao, but in the end I settled with the short and heavy ones because I wanted to keep the idea of this small and innocent looking girl wielding solid metal balls. Two cheer-leading sticks would simply not have the same weight, figuratively and literally.

Alright everyone! Did you enjoy my response to your votes? I hope you did ^^ Non-European fashion history really is not my strong suit, so my deepest apologies if I messed anything up.

Pray tell if I did, I am always happy to learn ^^

#Ran mao #ranmao #ran-mao #redesign #redesign prompt #art #my art #fan art #fanart #fan-art #Chinese clothes #UGGHGHHGHG non-European fashion REALLY is not my strong suit #BUT I learned a lot and I had fun!

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streetlight11 · 4 years ago

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Nets and Bandaids | pt 1

Summary: They were the strongest members in their respective teams and everyone looked up to them. Except, they could never seem to get along. One day when an incident happened during the seasonal championship, that changed everything between them.

Theme: University au, volleyball players au, enemies to lovers

Warning: very mild swearing

Genre: angst, fluff

WC: 2.1k

Pairing: Lee Minho x Reader

a/n: btw, Y/F/N stands for 'Your Full Name'! :)

~~~

Hankuk University has two of the most powerful team players in their Volleyball school team for both girls and boys. Their names were Y/F/N and Lee Minho. There were 8 members in each team. The girls volleyball team consists of Y/N who is the Team Captain and she is able to play any positions but her main position is a Setter.

Chungha who is the Co-Captain and also a Libero. Jennie who was a Setter. Jihyo and Yeri who were the Right Side also known as an Outside Hitter. Mina and Jisoo who were the Left Side also known as a Wing Spiker. And last but not least, Lisa who was a Middle Blocker.

The boys volleyball team consists of Minho who is the Team Captain and just like Y/N, he is able to play any position but his main position is a Setter. Chan who is the Co-Captain and also a Setter.

Changbin who was a Libero. Hyunjin who was a Middle Blocker. Jisung and Seungmin who were the Right Side also known as Outside Hitter. And lastly, Felix and Jeongin who were the Left Side also known as Wing Spiker.

Their volleyball training was every Tuesday and Thursdays from 6pm to 8pm.

Today was no different as they had training later on since it was a Tuesday. Y/N was just listening to her lecture class when she received a text from her volleyball coach.

She noticed that Coach Kwon mentioned “captains” which means he probably texted that same message to Minho as well and he did. But their group chat was oddly silent so she texted in the group chat to inform the rest.

Just 4 seconds after she sent her text, Minho sent his. She frowned as she rolled her eyes to no one in particular.

“Did that jerk really just wait for me to send the text first?” She locked her phone screen and soon refocused on her lecture.

Two and a half dreadful hours later, they were now dismissed from the class. Y/N left the hall only to get a text from Chungha, asking her to meet them at the rooftop garden where students tend to sit down in the wooden tables to do their school work. She arrived at the rooftop, only to find half of the girls volleyball team and half of the boys volleyball team.

“Unnie!” Yeri called excitedly as she waved excitedly to Y/N, making the elder girl laugh. The minute Y/N arrived beside the wooden table, Jihyo spoke up.

“How was your lecture?”

“I don’t think anything got into my head to be honest.” Y/N said as the rest of them began to laugh. They spent the next 2 hours doing their assignments while the rest of the team members slowly began to appear as they waited for the training time to start.

Y/N was just standing behind Seungmin, leaning over him to check his coding since he too was a CS student when a familiar voice called out from behind them.

“In case you haven’t noticed, there’s plenty of space on the right instead of leaning over him like that.” Y/N glanced over her shoulders while Seungmin peeked past her arm to see Minho approaching them with one hand clutching loosely on the strap of his cross body bag while the other was tucked in the pocket of his jeans.

She rolled her eyes as she ignored him, only to pat Seungmin’s shoulder and began to explain to him where he went wrong.

Minho scoffed, walking over to stand opposite her just behind Chan and Hyunjin. He stared at her with no particular expression on his face. Seungmin and her seemed like they were in their own little bubble. Seungmin’s lips tugged into a smile, thanking her for her help.

Training was about to start so they all made their way to the indoor sports hall together. They were walking in small groups with mixed genders where Y/N was walking with Changbin, Felix and Seungmin. She was just talking about baking with Felix when Changbin suddenly spoke up.

“The only thing you will bake is your hatred for Lee Minho.”

“You, come here.” Y/N said in a stern voice as Changbin began to sprint down the path screaming at the top of his lungs.

She chased after him, running past their other friends only for Changbin to almost run into the glass door. Y/N jolted to a stop behind him, she couldn’t stop laughing. Changbin growled as he got her in a chokehold.

Training soon began and it was back to square one where the captains would supervise their team according to what their coach told them to do. They were all taking a break when Coach Kwon called all of them to gather around.

“Okay, as you may know, the annual Volleyball Championships will be held in 2 months time and our school will be taking part in it. However, I was told by the official management of this championship that they will be having a special round for the final game. They want the two schools who qualify for the finals to participate in a mixed game.”

With that being said, they were all curious as to what that means, only for Coach Kwon to further explain his announcement.

“The two schools would have to team up both genders for the final round.” He said, making them gasp. Upon hearing this, both the Team Captains turned their heads to their Coach who was standing right beside them.

“Both genders?” Y/N asked.

“You mean…?” Minho said as he dragged his words, unsure if he likes where this was going.

“Yes. Both teams will have to take part in the finals together.” Coach Kwon said, noticing the two Captains frowned. He seemed to sense the thick tension lingering in the air so he chose to acknowledge it.

“With that being said, I will need you two to work together and put your differences aside. Can you do that for your teammates?” Coach Kwon asked, glancing over to Y/N and Minho who were standing in their spots, stiff.

Both of them nodded even though everyone knew it was a forced reaction so as to not disappoint their coach.

With that, Coach Kwon took 2 sets of 6, of two coloured vests to divide them into two teams equally. Since Y/N and Minho were the Team Captains, Coach Kwon gave Y/N the blue vest and Minho the purple vest before asking them to choose their team members.

So each team would have a total of four girls and four boys. Y/N and Minho played a round of rock paper scissors to see who gets to choose first, only for her to win.

The final teams were Y/N, Lisa, Yeri, Jisoo, Chan, Changbin, Felix and Seungmin. Minho, Hyunjin, Jisung, Jeongin, Chungha, Jennie, Mina and Jihyo. The practice games soon started as the ones on the bench were Felix, Jisoo, Jeongin and Mina.

And immediately off the bat, the opposite gender team members could already see the huge difference in their Team Captain’s attitude during a game.

Minho tends to scold his teammates if they weren’t fast enough or if they didn’t move according to how he likes it. Meanwhile, Y/N, on the other hand, encourages her team by giving tips and pointers on how to win a game or to perfect their moves during an attack or defense.

So when they finished their first practice round, Y/N couldn’t help but speak up after witnessing just how much he scolded the girls and even the boys about their speed and techniques.

“Don’t you think you’re being too harsh on them?” She asked with a disapproval on her face.

“This is my way of leading them. If they’re too slow, then what’s the point of being on the court?” Minho said with a sharp tone in his voice. By now, Y/N was already on the other side of the net, standing in front of Minho. She looked slightly smaller than him but she definitely had a more intimidating aura on her at the moment.

“And what makes you think they’ll get any better with you screaming at them all the time? As their Captain, you’re supposed to guide them not criticize them.” Y/N said firmly, causing Minho to take a step closer only to tower over her.

“Don’t tell me what to do.” Minho said.

“You’re not the alpha here. We all listen to Coach Kwon. We’re both here to supervise. But if you can’t do it right, that’s when your team crashes.”

“I don’t need a big shot like you telling me what I should or should not do.”

“This is exactly why your team lost the last championship because you don’t have faith in them. Not everything in volleyball is about speed, you arrogant jerk.” Y/N said as Minho was about to lunge forward but Chan and Hyunjin stopped him right on time, sliding their bodies in between the two captains.

“That’s enough. We’re supposed to work together, not argue.” Chan said firmly while Chungha held Y/N back.

“There’s a reason why I appointed you two as the captains. And that is because I have faith in the two of you to lead your respective teams into being the best players in Hankuk U. But if both of you can’t work together, I can’t do anything to make things better.” Coach Kwon said, making them fall silent.

The two captains soon apologized to Coach Kwon who then told them to swap teams and also substitute the members on the bench for those playing in the same position.

With that being said, Y/N and Minho swapped places so that both teams will get to experience their way of leading them. During that second game, Minho kept cursing at Yeri whenever she missed the ball or for when she accidentally hit the ball out of line.

So right after the game, Y/N called out to Minho again when she saw Yeri looking down as she walked to the bench.

“Yah, Lee Minho, is that how you lead your team? By cursing at them?” She asked in a slightly sarcastic tone.

“If she was faster and more focused, she wouldn’t have missed the fucking ball thrice.”

“Just because she’s not as fast as you doesn’t mean she’s bad at playing the sport.” She said, only for him to growl at her in anger, shoving her shoulders now.

“Why does it matter so much to you?! I’ve been doing this with the boys for the past 2 years and they’ve only gotten better!”

“That’s because they want to avoid being screamed at by your petty little ass!” She yelled, and while most of the guys slightly agreed with what she said when she defended his teammates, they hated seeing the two fight.

“Y/N, let’s stop here. Hmm?” Chan said softly as he carefully wraps his arm around her shoulder to push her back but she didn’t want to move.

“What can we do to break that thick fucking ego of yours to make you realize that volleyball isn’t a goddamn war.” She said, making Minho glare at her. His anger slowly built up, only for Coach Kwon to speak up.

“I think we shall end early for today. Go home, get some rest. I hope to not see any of these tensions on Thursday. Do I make myself clear?” Coach said as they responded a “yes” in unison before they began to clear the hall of their volleyball equipment.

Y/N was just pushing the pole to the back of the sports hall when a soft voice spoke up from behind her, and it was Jeongin.

“Noona, I’m thankful that you stood up for us. I don’t know if you even want to hear this, but Minho hyung isn’t always like this with us. Sometimes he does give us good advice and he even helped us with techniques we could use during games and so far, they’re all really useful…” Jeongin paused as they stacked the poles at the back of the hall.

“Then why does he act so harshly to my members? To show that he has power?” Y/N asked, resting her hand against the pole only to lean her body weight on it. Jeongin laughed before he spoke up.

“Honestly, I think he was just doing it out of stress. I mean, we’ve never played a game together with both teams involved so I guess he was just confused on how he should lead them. Trust me noona, hyung can be really tough sometimes but he’s probably one of the best Team Captain anyone could have alongside Chan hyung.”

With that, she let out a heavy sigh as she ruffled Jeongin’s hair gently before walking back to the main hall with him, not realizing that someone was eavesdropping.

#stray kids #stray kids scenarios #skz scenarios #lee minho scenarios #skz lee know #lee know #lee know scenarios #skz minho #skz minho fluff #lee minho fluff

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superman86to99 · 3 years ago

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Superman #85 (January 1994)

Cat Grant in... "DARK RETRIBUTION"! Which is like normal retribution, but somehow darker. On the receiving end of Cat's darktribution is Winslow Schott, the Toyman, who suddenly changed his MO from "pestering Superman with wacky robots" to "murdering children" back on Superman #84, with one of his victims being Cat's young son Adam. Now Cat has a gun and intends to sneak it into prison to use it on Toyman. She's also pretty pissed at Superman for taking so long to find Toyman after Adam’s death (to be fair, Superman did lose several days being frozen in time by an S&M demon, as seen in Man of Steel #29).

So how did Superman find Toyman anyway? Basically, by spying on like 25% of Metropolis. After finding out from Inspector Turpin that the kids were killed near the docks, Superman goes there and focuses all of his super-senses to get "a quick glimpse of every person" until he sees a bald, robed man sitting on a giant crib, and goes "hmmm, yeah, that looks like someone who murders children." At first, Superman doesn't understand why Toyman would do such a horrible thing, but then Schott starts talking to his mommy in his head and the answer becomes clear: he watched Psycho too many times (or Dan Jurgens did, anyway).

Immediately after wondering why no one buys his toys, Toyman makes some machine guns spring out of his giant crib. I don't know, man, maybe it's because they're all full of explosives and stuff? Anyway, Toyman throws a bunch of exploding toys at Superman, including a robot duplicate of himself, but of course they do nothing. Superman takes him to jail so he can get the help he needs -- which, according to Cat, is a bullet to the face. Or so it seems, until she gets in front of him, pulls the trigger, and...

PSYCHE! It was one of those classic joke guns I’ve only ever seen in comics! Cat says she DID plan to bring a real gun, but then she saw one of these at a toy store and just couldn't resist. Superman, who was watching the whole thing, tells Cat she could get in trouble for this stunt, but he won't tell anyone because she's already been through enough. Then he asks her if she needs help getting home and she says no, because she wants to be more self-sufficient.

I think that's supposed to be an inspiring ending, but I don't know... Adam's eerie face floating in the background there makes me think she's gonna shave her head and climb into a giant crib any day, too. THE END!

Character-Watch:

Cat did become more self-sufficient after this, though. Up to now, all of her storylines seemed to revolve around other people: her ex-husband, Morgan Edge, José Delgado, Vinnie Edge, and finally Toyman. After this, I feel like there was a clear effort to turn her into a character that works by herself. I actually like what they did with Cat in the coming years, though I still don’t think they had to kill her poor kid to do that -- they could have sent him off to boarding school, or maybe to live with his dad. Or with José Delgado, over at Power of Shazam! I bet Jerry Ordway would have taken good care of him.

Plotline-Watch:

Wait, so can Superman just find anyone in Metropolis any time he wants? Not really: this is part of the ongoing storyline about his powers getting boosted after he came back from the dead, which sounds pretty useful now but is about to get very inconvenient.

Don Sparrow points out: "It is interesting that as Superman tries to capture Schott, he at one point instead captures a robot decoy, particularly knowing what Geoff Johns will retroactively do to this storyline in years to come, in Action Comics #865, as we mentioned in our review of Superman #84." Johns also explained that the robot thought he was hearing his mother's voice due to the real Toyman trying to contact him via radio, which I prefer to the "psycho talks to his dead mom" cliche.

Superman says "I never thought he'd get to the point where he'd KILL anyone -- especially children!" Agreed about the children part but, uh, did Superman already forget that Toyman murdered a whole bunch people on his very first appearance, in Superman #13? Or does Superman not count greedy toy company owners as people? Understandable, I guess.

There's a sequence about Cat starting a fire in a paper basket at the prison to sneak past the metal detector, but why do that if she had a toy gun all long? Other than to prevent smartass readers like us from saying "How did she get the gun into the prison?!" before the plot twist, that is.

Patreon-Watch:

Shout out to our patient Patreon patrons, Aaron, Murray Qualie, Chris “Ace” Hendrix, britneyspearsatemyshorts, Patrick D. Ryall, Bheki Latha, Mark Syp, Ryan Bush, Raphael Fischer, Dave Shevlin, and Kit! The latest Patreon-only article was about another episode of the 1988 Superman cartoon written by Marv Wolfman, this one co-starring Wonder Woman (to Lois' frustration).

Another Patreon perk is getting to read Don Sparrow's section early, because he usually finishes his side of these posts long before I do (he ALREADY finished the next one, for instance). But now this one can be posted in public! Take it away, Don:

Art-Watch (by @donsparrow):

We begin with the cover, and it’s a good one— an ultra tight close up for Cat Grant firing a .38 calibre gun, with the titular Superman soaring in, perhaps too late. An interesting thing to notice in this issue (and especially on the cover) is that the paper stock that DC used for their comics changed, so slightly more realistic shading was possible. While it’s nowhere near the sophistication or gloss of the Image Comics stock of the time, there is an attempt at more realistic, airbrushy type shading in the colour. It works well in places, like the muzzle flash, on on Cat Grant’s cheeks and knuckles, but less so in her hair, where the shadow looks a browny green on my copy.

The interior pages open with a pretty good bit of near-silent storytelling. We are deftly shown, and not told the story—there are condolence cards and headlines, and the looming presence of a liquor bottle, until we are shown on the next page splash the real heart of the story, a revolver held aloft by Catherine Grant, bereaved mother, with her targeting in her mind the grim visage of the Toyman.

While their first few issues together meshed pretty well, it’s around this issue that the pencil/inks team of Jurgens and Rubinstein starts to look a little rushed in places. A few inkers who worked with Jurgens that I’ve spoken to have hinted that his pencils can vary in their level of detail, from very finished to pretty loose, and in the latter case, it’s up to the inker to embellish where there’s a lack of detail. Some inkers, like Brett Breeding, really lay down a heavier hand, where there’s quite a bit of actual drawing work in addition to adding value and weight to the lines. I suspect some of the looseness in the figures, as well as empty backgrounds reveals that these pencils were less detailed than we often see from Jurgens.

There’s some weird body language in the tense exchange between Superman and Cat as she angrily confronts him about his lack of progress in capturing her son’s killer—Superman looks a little too dynamic and pleased with himself for someone ostensibly apologizing. Superman taking flight to hunt down Toyman is classic Jurgens, though.

Another example of art weirdness comes on page 7, where Superman gets filled in on the progress of the Adam Morgan investigation. Apparently Suicide Slum has some San Francisco-like hills, as that is one very steep sidewalk separating Superman and Turpin from some central-casting looking punks.

The sequence of Superman concentrating his sight and hearing on the waterfront area is well-drawn, and it’s always nice to see novel uses of his powers. Tyler Hoechlin’s Superman does a similar trick quite often on the excellent first season of Superman & Lois. The full-bleed splash of Superman breaking through the wall to capture Toyman is definitely panel-of-the-week material, as we really feel Superman’s rage and desperation to catch this child-killer.

Pretty much all the pages with Cat Grant confronting Winslow Schott are well-done and tensely paced. While sometimes I think the pupil-less flare of the eye-glasses is a cop-out, it does lend an opaqueness and mystery to what Toyman is thinking. Speaking of cop-outs, the gag gun twist ending really didn’t work for me. I was glad that Cat didn’t lower herself to Schott’s level and become a killer, even for revenge, but the prank gun just felt too silly of a tonal shift for a storyline with this much gravitas. The breakneck denouement that Cat is now depending only on herself didn’t get quite enough breathing room either.

While I appreciated that the ending of this issue avoided an overly simplistic, Death Wish style of justice, this issue extends this troubling but brief era of Superman comics. The casual chalk outlines of yet two more dead children continues the high body count of the previous handful of issues, and the tone remains jarring to me. The issue is also self-aware enough to point out, again, that Schott is generally an ally of children, and not someone who historically wishes them harm, but that doesn’t stop the story from going there, in the most violent of terms. In addition to being a radical change to the Toyman character, it’s handled in a fashion more glib than we’re used to seeing in these pages. The mental health cliché of a matriarchal obsession, a la Norman Bates doesn’t elevate it either. So, another rare misstep from Jurgens the writer, in my opinion. STRAY OBSERVATIONS:

I had thought for sure that Romanove Vodka was a sly reference to a certain Russian Spy turned Marvel superhero, but it turns out there actually is a Russian Vodka called that, minus the “E”, produced not in Russia, as one might think from the Czarist name, but rather, India.

While it made for an awkward exchange, I was glad that Cat pointed out how her tragedy more or less sat on the shelf while Superman dealt with the "Spilled Blood" storyline. A lesser book might not have acknowledged any time had passed. Though I did find it odd for Superman to opine that he wanted to find her son’s murderer even more than she wanted him to. Huh? How so?

I love the detail that Toyman hears the noise of Superman soaring to capture him, likening it to a train coming.

I quibble, but there’s so much I don’t understand about the “new” Toyman. If he’s truly regressing mentally, to an infant-like state, why does he wear this phantom of the opera style long cloak while he sits in his baby crib? Why not go all the way, and wear footie pajamas, like the lost souls on TLC specials about “adult babies”?

I get that Cat Grant is in steely determination mode, but it seemed a little out of place that she had almost no reaction to the taunting she faced from her child’s killer. She doesn’t shed a single tear in the entire issue, and no matter how focused she is on vengeance, that doesn’t seem realistic to me. [Max: That's because this is not just retribution, Don. It's dark retribution. We’ve been over this!]

#superman #dan jurgens #joe rubinstein #cat grant #adam morgan #toyman #dan turpin #joke guns that only exist in comics #cat grant the dark retributor #coming soon to image comics

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border-spam · 4 years ago

Text

Leech Lord - Nobody loves me like you

It was so late it felt like time itself had passed out, that void somewhere in the AM between being tired enough to fall asleep where you stand and feeling the nervous energy of dawn approaching.

The air in the Mechanicum was crisp with night chill when the E-Dev in her pocket vibrated, and Saint Ur-Machina's heart sunk in her chest as she grimaced under her welding mask. No need to check who it was, she'd known before he'd even sent the message.

The God-King was angry.

She sighed, rubbing oily hands into oilier overalls, and frowned at how pointless a gesture trying to clean them had been at all, picking bits of filth out from under her nails as she leaned against the rough wall of the hangar. Pointless maybe, but a distraction, and Seifa needed one of those right now.

The God-King was angry with himself, and that meant the people he cared about the most would take the rage.

The workfloor clock read 3:56AM where it hung from the rafter above her station, clunky ticking echoing across the empty bay. No one but her still working, and she shouldn't really have been there either considering the hour, but that had stopped feeling like it mattered a long time ago. She was always there now. Always working, like she haunted the place. Funny, she used to be so good about managing her time...

The welding mask threw a cloud of sawdust as it bounced across the floor towards the machine she'd kicked it at. She didn't even know what to call the horrible thing that loomed in front of her, some juggernaut of sleek metal she'd been ordered to run performance checks on, jagged lines illuminated by the sickly floor lamps she'd arranged around its skeleton.

Warmachines. Unnamed projects with stacks of paperwork marking them as highly classified, Troy's insignia and the same word she kept seeing over and over in confidential documentation - Uroboros. Tasted like a bad idea, reeked of poor decisions, and she'd always sniffed those out like a Skag.

What the hell did Seifa A'Rosk know about warmachines anyway? They used to build Technicals here, outriders. COV custom Cyclones for stream events, this wasn't what she signed up for, none of it was. Managing the engineering crew should never have shifted into whatever the fuck THIS was.

The steel monster in front of her bled oil silently into the sawdust, refusing to give an answer. Whatever this was, it was for Gods and Sirens, and that was a world she wasn't part of, not really. She wasn't a Saint, she was just a ghost, caught repeating the same mistakes over and over till she faded away.

The E-Dev in her pocket vibrated again, and she tapped the back of her head against the plate steel wall, trying to convince herself she wasn't ready to vomit as she squinted up towards the hangar's ceiling, lost to the night murk the lights around her couldn't quite cut through.

She figured she should answer, making him wait was just going to make this worse.

Jak-Knife had already warned her, a curt ping earlier today to "sstay ou t of his way it s bad seiifa". Ven too when he'd dropped by in the afternoon with the excuse of worrying about if she'd eaten yet and half a bag of something spicy and dripping in grease. He'd said the Cathedral staff were noose tight and whispering nervously about an incident a few hours before, something had gone wrong in a talk with visiting sponsors - with the twins. Word on the rumour mill was it had nearly turned vicious, the suits looking ready to brick themselves as they'd all but ran through the meeting room's doors after Troy had flung them open hard enough to unhinge one, and according to priests who'd been on hand? Tyreen had really embarrassed him.

Sei had winced as Ven explained, both painfully aware of this behaviour pattern and what it meant for everyone he was close to. Why the God Queen had been going out of her way to put her brother down in front of high-value clients recently was impossible to guess - no one could really get into her head or understand her decisions lately, but this wasn't the first time, and if anything it was getting worse. Little insults. Little knife-sharp jokes that weren't jokes at all, and mockeries masked behind a paper thin smile like it made them less deadly. She'd imply he was a burden, or undermine his expertise in ways so cleverly worded that the officials would have no choice but to laugh awkwardly as Troy seethed while his twin continued with negotiations.

Today she'd apparently told him to make himself actually useful and fetch their guests some drinks, right in front of servant crew and moments after he'd finished a grueling breakdown of growth projections and profit expectations for this quarter to a rapt audience. It's hard to tell if him snapping had actually surprised her or had been exactly what she wanted, but the staff who'd been there were terrified, and insisted the Vault Mother had looked genuinely shocked when the desk he threw had missed her head by barely a few inches.

He'd stalked out of the meeting and vanished into the upper cloister, and now it was the middle of the night and her E-Dev pinged for a third time.

She closed her eyes and tried to breathe out the fear coiling through her ribs in a shaky exhale. She knew exactly what was happening, it was the same as always with him. Enraged, dripping with self-loathing, and lost somewhere in that toxic mood somewhere between vicious and pitiful - looking for something to hurt, looking for a way to vent the pain as he paced like a snarling monster, muttering like he was arguing something with himself, a back and forth of accusations and desperate apologies to something no one else could see.

Tyreen couldn't eat him alive with her powers but she could do it with her words... and maybe that's what had changed. Maybe she'd realised a new way to control her twin with manipulations that left him so emasculated and damaged in confidence that he wanted to tear something he loved apart just so he could turn the hatred on himself after.

Of course it was going to be her.

The same dance every time now, the same frustrating steps that she'd memorised by this point, trying to break him out of his deadly spiral as he'd rant at rave at her, till he'd attack her somehow, then skulk into the shadows when he was done foaming at the mouth, leaving her to carry everything he'd piled onto her shoulders - the threats, the hate, the aggression, only to beg for her forgiveness the next day and be ignored.

He'd spend a week desperately apologising, showing how much he understood how pathetically wrong what he had done had been, sending ridiculous gifts to the mechanicum where he knew they'd have to be accepted under his sigil, reassure over and over in messages that it wouldn't happen again, that he'd just been under so much pressure, that he'd just snapped, that it wasn't right and she hadn't deserved it and how much her friendship mattered.

The E-Dev pinged one last time, and Seifa straightened, dusting off her overalls and adjusting the toolbelt slung around her waist.

God-King Calypso demanded a sacrifice - self harm masked as a blade he'd lash at someone he loved so it would cut him all the deeper. She'd take it, better her than someone else. She could handle him.

She always had.

It was raining again, felt like that hadn't stopped at all this month. Pandora had wet seasons, it's just that the water never seemed to go anywhere. The acrid dust absorbed it almost as fast as it could fall, but in the city it flooded the streets as it rushed down gutters. Neon light reflected from gaudy signs in pools of colour that swam across the uneven paving stones as she slowly made her way towards the Cathedral, a waterproof canvas thrown around her shoulders protecting from the downpour.

Even at this time of night, the city was still alive. It never really stilled anymore, too many deals going down in alleys and money changing hands in clubs for it to ever actually sleep, and as she picked her way past huddled locals far too engrossed in their own business to pay her any mind, Seifa wondered when it was things had changed like this.

This place had been a shanty town, hadn't it? When she'd arrived to take over the engineering division there had been maybe one, two thousand COV followers camped around the cathedral in rickety shelters. Bandits mostly, erecting camps and functional living quarters with expertise alien to any outsider. It was a city now, fuck, it was a metropolis. She'd overseen the building of half of the major apartment systems in the inner ring around the holy quarter, so how did it still feel like it had grown of out nowhere?

Sei huffed out a steamy breath into the chill night air as the cathedral began to come into view, bass music and laughter fading as it was swallowed into the drumming of the rain on the buildings she left behind her.

She used to be so proud when she saw it, the awesome majesty of its twisted spires and jutting angles framed against the rocky outcrop that loomed behind it. Nowadays it just looked like something grotesque, a mirror of what it contained maybe. The COV was rotting from within, and everyone knew the source.

She'd been warned by friends more willing to face the harsh realities of the twin's decline that time was running out.

Tonight, tomorrow, a week from now, it didn't matter why it was going to happen, just that it would, and as much as she hated admitting it to anyone, Seifa knew she wasn't strong enough to do this much longer.

He was killing her.

Anything could set him off now, it was constant. Numbers under-performing this week, an underhanded comment from Tyreen that tipped the balance, not enough sleep, too many stims, not gaining weight, an article mocking his appearance, anything. It could have been any of them he had summoned, her, Ven, JK, the why or who was inconsequential because the desired outcome was always the same.

Troy wanted to hurt himself, not them, but he didn’t know how. The pressure would build and build till he broke down, lost logic, went wild-eyed and shaking in barely controlled rage. He hated being Troy Calypso so much there were times he wanted to tear his own skin off, he'd told her as much on nights alone and open in shared sadness, but there was no escape. It was this, or starving in a manner she couldn’t even comprehend, and when he'd asked before if maybe that would be the better option?

...She'd not known what to say. She'd failed him then, tripping over the words catching in her lungs as he desperately waited for an answer that would make sense of things, and she'd never been able to give one. Just sat next to him as they both sank deeper into the trap of their titles and the horrible reality that there was no clear way out.

He was waiting in the throne room for her, just like she'd imagined. Pacing back and forth across the dias as the city light streamed through the stained glass windows, glinting sharply off the rattling gold spines his ritual gear was decorated with as he moved.

She'd stood in silence, watching, trying to catch what he was asking himself as he'd snap a muttered retort in spite, but not able to ever make out the questions. Like an animal snared in gilded chains she figured, or something else maybe - an idol pretending to be something living? A shiver had ran through her as she waited for him to turn his frantic attention to her, quietly waiting for the blow to come. No one had even been there to greet her or open the doors to the throne room, they were ajar, the staff knowing better than to risk being in his presence when he was like this... she smirked, knowing better than her, anyway.

He'd shifted attention to her so smoothly it felt like the rant he'd been hissing to himself just continued directly into her as he'd turned, beckoning her closer with a quirk of those horrible claws. She'd bit her lip and swallowed down how much that enraged her, being summoned like a fucking dog when this man so often made clear he viewed himself as dirt in comparison to her, but months of dealing with him had tempered the reaction. Easier to go along with it, placate him, nod and let him vent out the bile till he realised how much of a fucking asshole he was and came crawling back later.

It was the same dance as usual, the exact same steps. She could feel where he was going with each shift in direction, jumping topic to topic in an attempt to place blame and becoming more enraged with each simple refute she could offer. She never made it easy, that wasn't her nature in the end, she'd calmly reply back to each accusation with logic that left him shaking harder as the fury built, like a caged predator or roid-mad Psycho desperate to attack but not getting the opening. She could play this game for hours, long enough to make sure he worked for the satisfaction, even if it left her exhausted.

She'd always been petty, after all.

He threw snarled jabs at Mechanicum performance, raised complaints that she knew weren't true, accused "concerns" about output she could disarm easily, the same as always, till suddenly he shifted.. and everything went wrong.

She could handle him with spines raised and teeth bared, she could stand unflinching as he aimed blows that he never really landed, but she hadn't been prepared for him to suddenly relax. He'd stood straight, rolling the weight of the prosthetic on a shoulder all casual and friendly like suddenly he wasn't seething under the grin his snarl melted into, and she'd felt a jolt of fear. This was something new, this was something... worse, she could feel it like electricity crackling up her spine, and for the first time that night her heart began to pick up a stuttered pounding as cool sweat beaded down her back. He took a step closer, and for just a second, there was a question flittering across the back of her mind that screamed something she couldn't ignore before it vanished into her practiced calm.

For a split second, Seifa questioned if this was Troy.

"You know, it's funny, Sei..."

She opened her mouth to warn him to stop, the atmosphere was at fever point, he was going to go too far, something in how terrified his eyes looked against he vicious curve of his smile sent panic through her chest.

"Troy" her voice cracked "Come on, Troy you know you shouldn't keep going, this is -"

He cut her off with a tsk and raise of a bladed finger, bending to lower his face closer to hers from where he towered above her.

"Rude Seifa, I was talking."

He was near enough to feel the body heat glowing from his chest, and her voice choked in her throat as the point of a talon tapped gently against her nose as if he was chiding some kid.

"Funny isn't it?" He cooed, and it wasn't.

"You used to have so much time for me, didn't you. We used to really spend time together..." the lack of his stutter was a warning she knew him too well to ignore.

"... but nowadays you're so desperate to get out of my presence that I can literally see your skin crawl while you're forced to be around me. It's happening right now Sei... ain't it."

That was a lie, and she wanted to slap his hand away from where it pointed towards her chest, push him back towards the throne behind him and tell him how stupid an attack that was. She's always had time for him, she gave him infinite time, she gave him so much of herself that she'd been crumbling, she wanted to tell him the truth of it, that how much she gave him had been killing her, but she couldn't, he didn't give her the chance.

"You've got allllll the energy in the world for your little friends though, don't you. You've got laughter and happiness to pour all over them, fill them up with, show them how much you care, but not me, not anymore. And you know, that's got me thinking recently!"

The smile was fake but the monster behind it wasn't. He may as well have been snarling, and she was fully aware he wasn't really attempting to hide that at all.

He stepped a fraction closer again, close enough for her to reach and press a warning hand against his chest as he leaned further down to meet her eyes, the veneer of his calm cracking under the weight of the now haggard, panting breathes he whistled through that vicious smile, the terror in his eyes. She didn't understand any of this, why was he so afraid when it was him pressing this onwards, why was he so panicked when the act was so calm? His skin was like fucking fire under her hand and the push she gave to try and move him back did nothing.

"Made me realise, maybe I was never your friend really - maybe I was just something you held onto like a lifeline in the storm of your shitty life choices, huh?" She felt tears rise, this wasn't fair, this was too real now, this was being aimed at his friend not his employee, but he wouldn't stop.

"Taken for a ride while you lead me on all these years. That would explain it, right? How much you got for them, how much you'll give them, when I'm just a burden to you. Or..."

His mouth was next to her ear and she wanted to beg him to stop before it was too late, before he did what she knew he was about to do. To stop before he decimated everything, but the words were caught behind the sob she refused to let spill as he drove the knife home with one last twist.

"Maybe the real problem here Seifa, is they are more than friends, hmm? Because that's your real operation method, isn't it. That's how you get what you want, everyone knows it. Maybe they met your standards, but you just never saw me as good enough to fuck."

The crack of his jaw against her fist echoed through the stone throne room for long enough to make the silence that came after all the more horrible.

She remembers that, that noise and the pain ripping through her hand in burning waves, but she doesn't really remember the rest.

She doesn't fully remember what she saw, the flash of those glaring, monstrous eyes that burned down on them both as Troy reeled in horrified shock, cradling his face in confusion like he couldn't understand why she'd just hit him, she doesn't remember the flicker of Siren wings or the laughter that echoed somewhere in the back of her mind but made no sound.

It's a daze. Whatever he whispered pleadingly after, teary-eyed and shaking, she didn't hear.

She doesn't remember leaving and how she stormed down the Cathedral halls and into the freezing night air, doesn't remember who saw her or if clergy had been there. Doesn't remember the way she'd mindlessly picked towards the hi-rise Ven's quarters were in before realising she was walking the wrong way, or how effortlessly she'd flipped the ignition in her ship, or how prepped she'd been to jump out of Pandora's orbit soon as she hit safe distance, doesn't remember any of it.

But the pain in her hand and the look in his eyes after, she fucking remembers that.

#borderlands #borderlands 3 #bl3 #troy calypso #tyreen calypso #calypso twins #seifa #leech lord #sbsart

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courage-a-word-of-justice · 4 years ago

Text

Moriarty 8 - 11 (FINAL) | HypMic 12 - 13 (FINAL) | Taiso Samurai 7 - 9 | Akudama 9 - 12 (FINAL)

Hopefully I’ll be able to get on to all that backlog soon, because...I don’t want it to keep accumulating and Skate-Leading Stars (first winter 2021 anime) already has an advance 1st ep. up...

Moriarty 8

(Moriarty 8 notes deleted accidentally…)

Moriarty 9

If you want a modern equivalent to the Baker Street Irregulars, then I’d suggest you look this way *jabs finger at Odd Jobs Yamada (from HypMic)*.

These CGI background horse and carriages are…kind of distracting…

I’m guessing back in those days, the Irregulars were better than Google at finding info…because Google didn’t exist until the internet did.

Moriarty 10

Just this ep and one more until the end…at least, until spring 2021.

Wow, the use of colour here is really striking!

White lilies mean…purity/chastity…?

I’ve never heard of “bending someone’s ear” until now. It means to talk to someone, especially to ask a favour or to talk at length.

Probatio diabolica: the devil’s proof. I didn’t even know that was a concept until now…(I never once studied law, as you can tell.)

“William” isn’t normally shortened to “Liam”…It’s normally “Will”…also, notice all the footprints on the floor…

Moriarty 11 (FINAL)

Last ep. before spring 2021.

LOL, kabedon.

The fishy thing about Brits is that they’ve named things across the world names from Britain. I know there’s a Doncaster which isn’t anywhere near Britain, for one thing…

Observe the weird finger-like marking made by one of the bloodstains and the scratches on the suitcase. The latter was probably forced open.

Considering the number of signs the killer left, he was clearly in a hurry…

Well, based on that shoeprint we can find the killer if we can find traces of blood on his shoe.

“Duram” (sic).

Ah! If it was raining in Durham, then there would be traces of mud on the killer’s shoes. I remember early on in Detective Conan Shinichi, then newly shrunk, deduced Agasa was running in the rain based on the mud on his pants…this is similar.

Chloral (hydrate…?).

The “washroom” (apparently a Canadian term, the British term is “water closet”) has privacy and a place to get rid of the evidence, to some extent.

What about the rest of Eddie’s clothes?

Considering there are still 5 minutes of the ep. left…there’s going to be some kind of stinger for the next season. I can feel it.

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaait…Director Holmes??? Y’mean, Mycroft?! That is a good stinger! See you next time.

HypMic 12

“Ever since I was born, there was never a time I’d felt I’d accomplished something.” – Aw, Doppo, sweetpea (<- this blogger calls people “sweetpea” when they’re feeling lots of moe feels for them). Please don’t say that. You’ve accomplished more than enough in your life!

…Oh, almost didn’t notice it until Hifumi hid behind Doppo and the angle changed to confirm the jacket was on the bed, but Hifumi doesn’t have his jacket on.

I think I saw a tweet that said something about a wall being wrecked (specifically “Wall: Ow…”) but I wasn’t sure of the context, so I saved it in my bookmarks…LOL, so that’s what it means?

Samatoki, I know you don’t like Ichiro…but please stop trying to preach what his 2nd character song says in the title…(i.e. Break the Wall, LOL)

Jyuto’s very much a “I’ll leave this problem to the other guy” guy.

When the Funi subs say “dame”, I think Samatoki is just referring to an “onna” (woman). It’s a bit of an odd choice, really…although I can’t go and interrogate whoever was responsible for it. I don’t have the authority or the contacts that will allow me to.

This is not the time for fighting one another!!!

Notably, in the manga, Jakurai was going to chaffeur Hifumi and Doppo to their place, but then he had to go to work and so they rode the train with their prize money. This “run from Special Forces” ending is better, I think, since people got grumpy at Jakurai for having to abandon them with the money.

“…permission to cover a story.” - Permission from…who?

*screams* I was thinking Tom, Rex and Iris worked for a foreign government! They work for Ichijiku – why didn’t I think of that?!

LOL, I couldn’t even tell what Tom was saying until I played it back…it’s English, just…said in a spot where you don’t expect it.

“…that scares me.” – This may be nitpicky of me, but osoreru is actually a derivative of osore (fear), so “it strikes fear in me”…? “It strikes fear in my heart”? What would sound right…?

Go, host mode Hifumi! (...but does that imply host mode Hifumi is the only “version” of Hifumi able to rap? Certainly, he was able to do Wrap and Rap without his jacket, right…?)

You can tell Tom still respects Jakurai after all this time because he (the former) calls him (the latter) “Sensei”. Also, this’ll be interesting, we haven’t seen many mics and speakers beyond the standard bad guy ones (depicted in both the anime and the manga).

My gosh! All I knew of this song was that m-flo, also responsible for Human Lost’s theme song (and notably they’re a hip hop group with techno influences), was responsible for this song. Man, this s*** slaps! It’s great! (Sorry, I’ve just never really had the chance to capitalise on all the info I gathered on EDM DJs when talking in terms of things from Japan…m-flo is basically the only act I know which does that, so I’m really excited…can’t you tell from how verbose I’m getting in this note?)

That’s interesting that Matenrou won and Tom still took the gold chair symbolism to represent him and the Secret Aliens as the victor instead.

Iris’s parts are awesome. M-flo has a female vocalist and so I’d assume Iris takes on Lisa’s (m-flo’s vocalist’s) parts.

…Hmm, Gentaro’s made a reference to the track “Me Against the World”, has he?...Maybe.

I’m not quite sure, but I think Ramuda said “majo” (witch) when he was referring to Beauty and the Beast in the English subs.

…gosh, what is up with that airhorn…? Still, next time is the last time. See you on Christmas…no, Boxing Day.

HypMic 13 (FINAL)

This is the beginning of the end and the end of the beginning…y’know, considering how stuff trended on Twitter, I’d say this anime’s gonna get a 2nd season, but you can’t really say that until it actually happens. I mean, Boueibu is much less popular than HypMic and that got a 2nd season…

This is the 1st episode where I woke up early enough to watch without spoilers and had no obligations to place over it, so…this is exciting, in its own sense, but in a sense, it could also be called “profoundly disappointing” because this experience is only available to me as of the final episode.

One of the tweets I saw a few weeks back came to mind – someone became interested in sakuga houkai (terrible animation, literally “animation collapse”) because of HypMic…I don’t know if that’s a good or a bad thing…

…Dude, you probably shouldn’t answer a call from someone who just revealed themselves to be a traitor last episode…*sweatdrops*

(Spoiler for rest of franchise) Hmm…Dice’s face is pretty straight. Assuming at this point we knew Dice was Otome’s son, this is a good poker face from him…!

This thing about gangs was mentioned in their profiles (although the words used implies they “went delinquent”), so it actually doesn’t surprise me.

I wonder if this subway exists in the mainline story…?

According to the next ep. preview I saw on Twitter, TDD will reform to take down the Secret Aliens. I’m not sure if that was a guess or whether that’s true, so I’m waiting for the shoe to drop on it.

Samatoki-san, not -sama. Hmm…

There was definitely the word “team” in Dice’s line, so it’s “what the legendary team was made of”.

…oh gosh…they’re still using that airhorn…?

Again with the play on “lonely thunder”. It’s a really fun pun, but one I’d like to see in the rest of the series more.

Notably, Iris’s rap in English missed the word “charisma” where it could have fit (unless I missed reading it the first time).

Note Samatoki does actually use the word “shinsensa” (freshness), so there’s no lie there.

I still love how much they went in on Rex’s theme, even in his raps.

Huh, that’s new. Never seen a tag team like this before.

It seems Tom’s signature is using a lot of English, which makes it easy for us English/Japanese pair translators.

Saburo didn’t actually say “Ichi-nii”, did he…?

…based on the rock intro, this is Rhyme Anima, the OP, or something that sounds similar. What I’d need to confirm this is the “nautilus” line and the “ends corruption” line, which are the OP’s two biggest tells for AMQ.

“rainmaking” – Hmm, another link from Gentaro to Rei. This might be a different part of Rhyme Anima (OP) that wasn’t used as the OP proper.

“this white light invites and heals” (<- paraphrased) – Sounds like Sensei, alright!

…now that (rainbow bit). That’s sakuga!

*a silhouette appears* - Oh nooooooooooooooo! Now they‘ve done it! They’ve included Rei! That’s more than enough spoilers to last a lifetime for y’all anime-onlys!

I wish someone would work on this collaboration between Saburo and Riou…

Hmm…what is the series endgame? Putting in Dice as the new ruler??? I mean, Dice is the worst possible politician ever. He’s far too lax about things.

*Nemu enters* - No! Nemu!

Not only is Iris a “ramen shop owner”, it’s Tom’s favourite food…No wonder ramen has significance to her.

…ooh! A new song! Update: I don’t know what this song’s name is, although it probably will become clear what its name is on the 13th. I’ll keep my eye on Twitter in case the answer is there.

…I knew it was far too early to say if there was an s2 – the DVD’s live events go until September 5th and the 2nd DRB finishes in March. That almost felt like a stinger right there. Oh well, I’m more than happy to call this anime a success, even if I would call it the worst of the arms of the franchise. All HypMic’s anime had to do was deliver fun, before anything else, and it delivered on that front. See you around!

Taiso Samurai 7

Anime burnout means I’m coming back to the anime after the day it finishes.

This dancing scene is kind of like the one at the start of ep. 2 of IWGP, except it has the owl to represent the setting as well as the dance stage.

Leo doesn’t seem to know kanji or katakana, only hiragana.

Even though this part of the anime is set in London, the characters are still speaking Japanese (lel…?).

LOL, Edward Scissorhands much?

LOL, these background gossips are like the Plastics from Mean Girls…haha.

…LOL, that’s not one of those dismounting moves, is it? It’s just kind of…jumping off the bar.

Lookit how Leo’s sticker is 90 deg. sideways from what it should be, haha.

I don’t think it’s true that Olympic gymnasts have never failed. Like other people at the top of their game, they’re probably failed millions of times, but only outside the view of most of the world. Persistence and passion are what’s key to becoming the best at what you are, no matter what field you’re in.

Now Aragaki’s what I call a “determinator” (see TV Tropes on what that is).

Taiso Samurai 8

Notably, the word used for “clothes” is specifically for Western clothing, like dresses.

Well, now we know why Leo can do those stretches…

They’ve clearly sped up the dance here, but…it’s basically the same sort of movements Yuri on Ice used to suck me in. I’m here for it!

Leo seems to be the type who tries to push away his worries by distracting people (including himself) with other things…I see. I didn’t have much of a grasp of his character beforehand.

Britney! F*** you, Britney!

Ah, that must be the (a?) fabled owl of Ikebukuro. I’ve never actually been to Ikebukuro…the closest I got was Akihabara (to memory) and even then, that was for electronics, not anime…so I’ve never seen the owl statue I’ve been talking about close up.

Rei does kind of look like her mother like this.

Ah! Rei and Kitty have a pair look now! “Twinsies”, they call it.

Amakusa’s head is located right next to Leo’s butt, so I end up staring at it…LOL.

The Hoover mission.

“I <3 Ninja”, LOL.

LOL, “Nyapoo!”

*sighs* The problem with being multi-talented is that you’re going to be told to one day put one passion above the others, even if you don’t want that.

LOL, you can be a ninja with this WikiHow article. (I was looking for Kitty’s quote, but found that instead. It seems to be a quote from one of Tomoyo’s movies.) Update: I was right.

There’s a movie in the back where the title is “Black Rainmaker”. (Tomoyo, I presume) Mifune is the 1st person credited.

Considering this is 2003…you won’t be on Mars in 2013, Kitty.

Wow, a tape! That brings me back to 2003, indeed.

Charlie’s Angels…so that’s what the tape was.

LOL, a shoebill.

“blade in your heart” – That would refer to the character for “ninja”, which has a blade over a heart. Y’know Kiss Shot Acerola Heart-Under-Blade (from Monogatari), yeah? Like that.

…you might think emails were out of place in 2003, but a virus from an email caused me to be an avid reader and that virus was unleashed around the late 90s – early 2000s.

LOL, Kitty’s cat belt buckle.

You said it, Rei. You said it.

Taiso Samurai 9

Lausanne, Switzerland.

I noticed one of the boxes at the start of the OP says “Horizontal Bars”, rather than some random name to make the boxes look like they were discarded.

Someone encoded the video funny…

LOL, BB’s getting possessive of his territory.

Fuku-chan the fukurou (owl) in Ikebukuro…LOL.

LOL, randomly there’s a skeleton with a hat in the background of Britney’s clinic.

Notably, one of the wall hangings says “heart” on it – alternatively, “soul”.

Notably, Atlanta was the 1996 Summer Olympics…there is no 1997 Lausanne Olympics, as far as I know.

Akudama 9

I watched the part where it glitches twice and I can’t quite figure out what that circular symbol is…maybe it’s Hacker’s symbol…?

Ah! Only now they properly confirm Swindler used to work in the Seal centre.

“Life that never dies is defective.” – Doctor

Does that mean Doctor is actually older than she looks, due to plastic surgery…?

Marker? What marker?

Apparently that flower is a cherry blossom…according to Detective Conan.

…I know this anime wasn’t made in America (it wouldn’t be “anime” otherwise), but Anime Feminist is going to have a field day with this one…if they haven’t abandoned it already due to their idea of morals.

…now I can even see parallels between HypMic’s authorities and Akudama’s. Not sure if that’s a good thing or not.

“Why did this have to happen when I’m chief?” – Sounds like…basically every authority during COVID and BLM, to be honest.

See? Akudama likes the S word. I told you.

I haven’t watched The Shining, but reading the synopsis, you can figure out why Cutthroat is the way he is…sort of.

How does the iconic quote go? “Heeeeeeeeeeeere’s Danny!” (or something…?)

They even copied the iconic eye shot! There you go!

Way to take a guy out (with the door, LOL).

…with all this killing, I can see why Akudama Drive was only in one magazine now. (Then again, HypMic was in basically all of them and that also has a tonne of problems…)

Akudama 10

万死 literally means “10000 deaths”.

Babel.

That police chief is such a mood, LOL.

I can see why people didn’t recognise Swindler, but Courier never changes his look, so…uh…

You can’t become a police chief without a sense of justice, no?

“Since when did you know that I’m not-“ - *facepalms*

Is this what they call an “ass-kickin’ Christmas”? (LOL)

Y’know, Sister, you could just do the whole “wherever you are, I’m also seeing the same sky as you” thing some other anime do.

Notably, there are shide (the paper strips) and a rope over the vault…they really do treat the shinkansen and its immortal children as a single god, huh?

Hmm? They don’t care about Sister anymore? Just Brother? (Somewhere along the way, the priorities must have shifted.)

In the end, the best ship is Brawler and Hoodlum (lel).

Akudama 11

One more ep after this. I’m gonna miss this anime, even if it was crazy over-the-top and I didn’t finish it until after the day it ended.

I think the scariest scene in all of Akudama Drive is the one where the “cleaner” tosses the girl aside.

“This nowhere place!” – Around this time, the bunny and shark’s shirts say “morning”/”afternoon” (shark) and “evening” (bunny).

The blue bird of happiness…literally. That character on the birds is the one for “happy”.

…LOL, that one glitched Courier looks more like Cutthroat.

Hacker’s drone matches Courier’s head angles, LOL.

I guess if you think you’re falling in Kanto, you’re falling in Kanto and if you think you’re floating (like Courier did), you float. I always liked that concept.

War Games. Now the title makes sense!

…but they can be together if they stay here in Kanto as vessels for the citizens? (That sounds mighty antagonistic of me, but…that logic does compute.)

Maybe swindlers play games with the truth…? (What an interesting concept.)

“Just fine.” – I think Hacker needs a “This is fine” meme.

“We can hear your heart talking.” – It means something like “We can hear you spouting your true intentions.”

“…worth every last penny…” – That’s a weird thing to say for someone whose life got changed by 500 yen…Just goes to tell you how American the subbers can be sometimes.

Swindler’s smug face is so good, LOL.

Akudama 12 (FINAL)

This episode isn’t named after a movie. It’s named after the anime itself.

The TV says “Please watch away from the TV”, i.e. stand back from the TV while you watch.

“They came and stole the offerings…” – At this point, bunny’s shirt says “freedom” and shark’s says honpou, meaning “wild, uninhibited, rampant, extravagant”.

…where did Shikoku come from? Is that where Swindler and Sister landed after they tried going to the moon?

Ohh! That Christian imagery! That’s scary!

Is Akudama Drive a tragedy? No, I think…on the contrary, it’s a story of hope.

LOL, “s*** guy”.

I thought the girl had a bomb. Turns out she has a gun, which is…far worse, come to think of it.

Instead of red characters which say things about the situation, now Shark and Bunny have Hacker’s symbol on them.

There’s no way anyone who wasn’t immortal would survive the attack Courier took…

…why is it that falling over represents vulnerability in children in all of these stores where a war has happened and/or there’s a chase? Hmm?

Wow, Sister did everything with heels on…?!

Anyways, that was a fun time. See you next time!

#simulcast commentary #akudama drive #Chesarka watches Akudama Drive #taiso samurai #Gymnastics Samurai #HypMic #Hypnosis Mic #Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle - Rhyme Anima #moriarty the patriot #yuukoku no moriarty #Chesarka watches Yuukoku no Moriarty #Chesarka watches HypMic #Chesarka watches Taiso Samurai

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katherinewilliams221b · 4 years ago

Text

For A Greater Good 10/18

not my gif just the text (Feels Like Home)

Summary: Kate Williams, young healer and member of the Order, joins Durmstrang’s staff at Dumbledore’s request. Her mission? Find a Death Eater and survive long enough to tell the story. Set in 1996.

Pairing: Charlie Weasley x ofc/mc

Masterlist

[Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4] [Part 5]

[Part 6] [Part 7] [Part 8] [Part 9]

“I snuck out some tea from the kitchens.”

Kate left two teacups and a teapot on a small table in a corner of the first floor of the library.

Corentin raised an eyebrow.

“It’s not my first time.” She sat down in front of him with a small smile and nodded, letting Corentin serve the tea.

“Well... how’s life as a librarian?”

“Busier than it might seem. I’m constantly learning. So, I hear you’re a teacher now.”

Kate wrinkled her nose and took a sip of her drink.

“Attempt to be... with poor results. Let’s change the subject, I need to think about something else. Tell me about yourself.”

Corentin drank from his cup and looked up, pretending to think.

“Let’s see, I have a sister, Arlette, who lives in Lyon. She is an artist. That painting over there is hers.”

Kate turned and twisted her neck to see the painting hanging on the wall. It was a tree among mountains of snowy peaks with long branches that, instead of leaves, hung tiny books that opened and closed.

“The landscape changes with the seasons and the books come and go from the canvas according to the flow of the library books.

“Your sister is a genius.” She commented, admiring the painting.

“I will make sure she never hears that; we must not feed her ego.”

Amidst her laughter, Kate gasped and Corentin silently admonished her for being too loud.

She reached inside the cape and took out the copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard.

“At last. Something more suitable for your age next time, perhaps?

“It took me a long time, I know, I didn’t have time. But I think I’ve understood. You told me that the key to Grindelwald’s power was in this book. And one of the stories caught my attention.”

“Well?”

“The fountain of fair fortune. Three witches and a knight are chosen to make a wish to the fountain of good fortune. On the way, they encounter different challenges. They must deliver three things: the proof of their pain, the fruit of their efforts, and the treasure of their past.

The librarian patiently drank his tea while Kate spoke.

“Leaving aside the moral, if that fountain were to come into existence, did Grindelwald manage to find it to ask for power? And the experiments he was doing here in Durmstrang, were those sacrifices?”

Kate stared at Corentin, excited by her reasoning and waiting for his approval.

“I like the way your mind works, but you’ve got the wrong tale.” Kate deflated and finished what was left of her tea in the cup.

Corentin raised an arm and a scroll and a quill flew at them. With graceful fingers, he drew a circle on the paper.

“The resurrection stone.” With three lines, he wrapped the circle. “The cloak of invisibility.” And finally, a single straight line crossed both figures. “The Elder Wand. They are called: the Deathly Hallows.”

Kate’s brow jumped to her hairline thinking about the column in the courtyard, but then she looked at Corentin in confusion. “Do they exist?”

“You were willing to believe that there was a fountain that grants wishes, weren’t you?” Kate shrugged her head in agreement.

“I know that Gellert believed in them and that he spent the time here in Durmstrang looking for them. And I have the impression that, some time later, he found at least one.”

“The older brother’s wand.” Corentin nodded.

“The mark on that column has nothing to do with him. People began to associate him with it, and he never denied it.”

She sighed and looked up at the centre of the tower where the enormous chandelier hanging high in the air sparkled.

“Williams. You must understand that if you tell this to anyone, you will look like a fool. No one believes that they exist because they have never been found.”

“Then why are you telling me?”

“Because you asked me and I’m telling you what I believe.”

They continued to drink tea in pleasant silence while Kate thought about the importance of this new information.

Nothing that Corentin was telling her served her well in her mission and, although it was true that curiosity got the better of her, the whole thing was a dead end.

Just before she was about to return the tea set to the kitchens, Corentin stopped her.

“I don’t know if you know this already, but there’s a greenhouse behind the castle.” Kate’s eyes rounded. “Flavia wasn’t using it, but you might be interested.”

“Corentin, you don’t know how happy you’ve just made me now.”

“And Kate... do you want another piece of advice?" She nodded, "be the teacher you wish you had.”

A greenhouse. A greenhouse that no one had told her about. It was a mistake on her part not to have insisted on it.

This was exactly what she needed: having something to put a little green in her life, to feel the earth in her hands, to water flowers and to see them grow.

After sneaking back into the kitchens to return the teapot, she went to the place Corentin had indicated to her right by the lake.

It was quite far from the castle and it was abandoned, Professor Hodges didn’t use it for her classes, and that showed in the students’ knowledge.

With a look full of hope, she ventured inside the building.

She walked through the rubble, full of broken pots and dry leaves. The plants that were there were dead except for the ivy that had worked its way through the broken glass on the roof.

“I must cut that down.” She muttered to herself.

She ran her hand over the wooden table. It was in good condition, not a single splinter, and the varnish was practically intact. It was big enough to teach all the children at once.

She inspected every cabinet and drawer, taking inventory of the material and equipment she had. She could give a decent lesson with those instruments and was looking forward to that.

She looked around once more and, filled with joy, she was soon trying to put on one overall she found over the dress. Luckily, it was loose enough.

After making a bun with a rubber band, she armed herself with a pair of pruning shears and a ladder and climbed up to the glass roof to get rid of the ivy which covered the inside of the building.

The hours passed, and the morning turned into evening faster than she would have wished. For the first time since she had been at Durmstrang, she felt at home.

From the top of the dome and with her wand between her teeth, she admired the colours of the sky. It looked like a freshly painted canvas, one of Badeea’s paintings.

She was mesmerised for a few minutes, during which she began to feel the effects of a whole day’s hard work. She massaged her thighs and threw away the last branch of ivy she had in her hand before going back down into the greenhouse.

She picked up her wand and with a wave of the hand all the crushed glass on the floor flew to their rightful place, recomposing the roof and walls.

The broom that she had bewitched a few hours ago rested beside the mountain of leaves and dust that waited to be picked up by the door.

Kate looked at her work with satisfaction, and though it might have taken much less time to restore the building completely with magic, the manual labour also restored her spirit and soul.

She circled the centre table and headed for the flowerpots in the closet at the end of the room.

She decided that removing weeds and changing the soil was part of the experience of learning herbology, so she just removed the dust and cobwebs to save her students some work.

Her students. It was a curious phrase. She had never seen herself as a teacher. It was Rowan who did that work, not her. After seeing the essays that they had done, she had no hope of improving her teaching skills until that point.

The opportunity to be able to interact with the plants they had been studying would perhaps make them all less miserable and might even get them to learn something. Getting them to be interested in the subject was going to be a more laborious task.

Charlie would be a brilliant teacher, with that infinite patience he has, she thought.

A wave of melancholy washed over her unexpectedly.

Oh, how she missed him. It was usual to go for an entire day without seeing each other, or speaking, each one busy with their respective work, but both knew that the time would come to meet for dinner and share their day amidst laughter and kisses.

Now that was impossible.

As she let her mind torture her, she had not realised that she had begun to stir the soil with her fingers and that in turn, all those thoughts were channelled into the pot, making a small orange flower grow. She was startled to feel the warmth of magic in her fingers reaching the flower.

Her eyes suddenly blurred, and without being able to avoid it, one tear after another ran down her cheeks and made their way down her throat.

She sniffled and then grunted, feeling stupid. She wiped her tears with her sleeve and with a sad smile, picked up the flower that had reminded her of Charlie to keep it between the pages of her journal.

Just as she was picking up her coat to leave, the door to the greenhouse opened.

Too early for the moon to appear, the light coming from the castle was not strong enough to identify the figure that had just entered, so she approached the table with a quick ‘Lumos’.

“Professor Angelov!”

The secretive transfigurations teacher was startled to hear his name. It was clear he didn’t expect to find anyone there.

“What happened here?” he sounded strangely offended, even though Kate had done in one day the work that should have been done in months.

“I repaired the building. I plan to use it for my classes,” she hesitated to criticise Durmstrang’s teaching system to a professor, but her mouth went ahead of her brain and she wasn’t quick enough to stop it. “as it should have been done.”

Angry eyes shone in the light of her wand.

Kate put aside the reason for Leron’s visit to the greenhouse and focused on deciphering his anger. Even her legilimens skills couldn’t figure out its origin. She could only pick up confusion and... fear?

Angelov did not bother to say another word to her and with a movement of his cloak, which reminded Kate of her former potions teacher, he strode out into the night.

The next day, Kate decided to put to good use the new and improved greenhouse and took her students through the grounds of Durmstrang.

“I think you’re going to love this. Well, at least I’m excited.”

She waved her wand to keep all fifteen books in the air as she walked down the path to her students.

There was a lot of grunting and snorting when Kate told them they would not be in the classroom that day, but she was convinced that a little natural light and playing with dirt would change their mood.

“We’re almost there. I know you were bored the other day, and so was I, so...”

Kate stopped in front of the glass building and showed it off with her arm outstretched.

Several students exchanged glances, others stared at her, waiting for instructions.

“Well? What do you think?”

“Are we going to have a class here?” asked one girl.

“Indeed, Dana, we’ll do three hours a week here: one on Wednesday and two on Friday, what do you think?”

“That this place is dangerous.” Said Jon Hopkins.

“Ah, but that’s not true anymore. Come on, let’s go inside.” The sparkle in her eyes went unnoticed by the students who, skeptical of the change of scenery, entered behind her.

Kate surrounded the long central table where she left her books and headed for the end of the room. She waited for everyone to finish looking around and pile in with her.

“Lesson number one: safety. In that cupboard over there there are overalls for everyone, I’ve washed them, of course, so take one all and put it on over your uniform. There are also protective gloves. Take a pair too.”

Michael Angelov went to the table and took out a scroll to write something down. One of his companions looked at his writing and began to laugh.

“Are you going to write down everything she says?” The others laughed with him.

“Who knows, it might be an exam question. I recommend that you do the same. Memory can be treacherous.”

As they reluctantly left their bags and backpacks, the speech continued.

“You are responsible for your new work clothes. We will use potions, spells and dangerous plants, the suit will protect you and it is vital that you wear it. If someone is not wearing the suit, they cannot enter; if someone is not wearing gloves, they cannot enter and I will be very strict about this”.

She indicated that they should sit around the table, each on a stool.

“Lesson number two: know what materials are available. In the drawer in front of your seat there are: a small shovel, tweezers, garden shears, a spray and a brush”.

She left a moment for everyone to rummage through their drawers and continued.

“You are also responsible for the material. Before and after a class everyone should check that they have everything and put them in the drawer. I want you to write down the date and the list of your material.”

Everyone was silent, clearly confused about what they were doing. Kate went around the table, giving some directions and helping those who seemed to need it.

“Lesson number three: know what you are going to do.” As she waved her wand, the books placed on the table flew to each student.

“Today we’ll focus on the first part of Lesson Five: recognising soil types. This was part of the last test, and it’s clear that I didn’t prepare you enough for it. It’s important that you know how to do this because it’s fundamental. Make a note of the purpose of this practical class. I would have liked to do this earlier, but... that’s the way it is.”

As the children opened their books and whispered to each other, Kate handed out a tray with three small pots of different types of soil. Each with a label with a letter: A, B and C.

“Try to identify the three pots with the help of the book.” She said when she finished.

“Ah!” a little girl, Greta Eberhardt exclaimed. “There’s something in my pot!”

“It’s called earth, silly.” Replied her partner.

Kate came over to inspect Greta’s tray. Something bright blue was buried. She took one of the tweezers from the table and pulled it out.

“It’s a billywig. See the wings coming out of its head? Don’t worry; it’s dead.”

Not only did the wings catch the children’s attention but also the long, pointed sting of the torso.

She stared at the insect for a long time and looked up when it became silent in the greenhouse. Such discipline cannot be healthy, she thought, as she saw them reading or sticking their fingers in the pots without looking up.

“How quiet you are... I never said that you cannot work as a team.”

That evening Kate sat in her room drowned in pieces of parchment, both her students’ work and her notes from her mission.

She returned her attention to Vivien Argar, the name that was written on top of the paper, and sighed when she noticed that her assignment was two parchments longer than it should have been.

Kate put her quill down and pinched her nose, her thoughts returning to the Order. She considered Kent Jorgensen and wondered what kind of business he had going on with Leron Angelov.

Perhaps she was jumping to conclusions, letting her suspicions cloud the logic, but she could have sworn that they left the Great Hall together when Astrid Rhode was giving her speech. She never confirmed it.

Several taps on a glass caught her attention.

A red bird was standing outside the window and demanded to enter the room.

“Fawkes?” She hurried to the window and opened it, allowing the phoenix to enter. He circled her and screeched while she closed the window again.

“I know, I know! How demanding…” Kate grabbed a blank piece of parchment off the floor, made a ball with it and set it on fire before conjuring it to be suspended in the air at ground level.

Fawkes cuddled up near it and let out a grateful tweet.

“What do you have in there?” She said, noticing the roll of paper that Fawkes guarded in his claws. She tried to grab it but Fawkes hid it between his feathers, opened his beak and stayed that way for a while.

Kate rolled her eyes and walked to the closet to look for the small bowl where she kept a roll of spellotape and some quill tips.

She emptied it and conjured some water before bringing it to an impatient Fawkes. He lowered his head in a small reverence and extended his open claw for Kate to inspect.

“Always want something in return, huh? It is true that pets are like their masters…” Fawkes huffed and sipped from his water, ignoring her.

She unrolled the tube to find two pieces of parchment. The first one had a short sentence.

Trust him in the woods.

“Great. I didn’t have enough with what I had.” she complained out loud.

She unrolled the second paper, but to her disappointment it was blank.

She left the parchments on the bed and sat down at her desk again, trying to resume her work, but Fawkes got up and flew to her shoulder. He bit a strand of her hair and tugged.

“I don’t have anything for you to eat, Fawkes.” The phoenix ignored her comment and kept on pulling at her hair until she turned around.

“Alright, that’s quite enough!” Fawkes flew to the bed and stood on the blank parchment, tapping it several times with his beak.

Kate took a deep breath before approaching the bird.

She grabbed her wand and pointed at the paper before murmuring ‘Revelio’.

A black line started to appear, drawing an uneven path that rounded the parchment and ended in the same spot that started. A cross appeared in the upper corner of the deformed oval. It wasn’t a circle or any geometrical figure; it looked like…

“A map.” she whispered. The question was, a map of what? The figure consisted in a single contorted line. There was nothing inside of it, just a cross. She turned around again and winced at the sight of her desk. With a flick of the wrist, all the pieces of parchment of the table flew around to settle down in tidy piles on one side of the desk.

She let herself fall backwards onto the bed and stared at the ceiling.

With only one candle flickering in the room, the darkened atmosphere made her want to close her eyes, and she did, letting her exhaustion take over her.

[Part 11]

Tag List: @eldritchscreech @meteora-fc @cazreadsstuff

#charlie weasley #mc #charlie weasley x mc #charlie weasley x ofc #hphm #charlie x jacob's sibling #charlie weasley fanfiction #kate williams #durmstrang

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chaoswillfallrpg · 4 years ago

Photo

ORLAITH MACMILLAN is TWENTY-TWO YEARS OLD and a MAKEUP ARTIST AND BEAUTY ADVISER for the FASHION AND EVENTS COLUMN at WITCH WEEKLY. She looks remarkably like JOSEFINE FRIDA PETTERSEN and considers herself NEUTRAL. She is currently OPEN.

→ OVERVIEW:

Strong willed yet naive, Orlaith MacMillan is the brash brush of paint scrawling across a canvas, girlish giggles echoing down a chandelier lit marble corridor and the crackle of a sparkler in the dim of the night; beautiful yet longing for attention. With a name meaning ‘golden princess’, Orla fittingly lives up to the title. Born to PATRICK MACMILLAN and FIONA O’HARE on the coast of Ireland in County Wicklow, Orla grew with primroses adorning her hair chasing fire flies that whispered tales of romance. Longing to be a princess of her own happily ever after, creativity exuding from her fingers. Primping dolls with her mother’s beauty potions, to scrawling hearts of fuchsia lipstick across walls and tying ribbons into the stray cats tail, everyday she decorated the world to make it just as beautiful as she dreamed. While members of the Sacred Twenty Eight, the MacMillans were deemed blood traitors by many in Wizarding society due to Fiona’s liberal views. A reputation salvaged only by the lingering respect gained from the union of MELANIA MACMILLAN to ARCTURUS BLACK. Today, the MacMillan name lingers in fields rather than the grand manors Orla’s grandmother KATHLEEN spoke of that their ancestors once frolloced. Money dwindling in comparison to many other Pure-Blood families with their father abroad studying magical creatures, the family secluded themselves to a quaint cottage with crawling vines. Living a charmed life, there was never a moment that the home wasn’t filled with laughter, warmth and starlight found not from magic but in the love that they all shared.

Adored as the baby of the family, Orla grew spoiled. Attention seeking, she graved affection like oxygen; leaving sunken features and wails of tears for those that didn’t comply. Batting eyelashes and pouting lips gained sympathy from her mother and siblings MARIANNE and FIONN who were quick to smother the girl in adoration. Equally as stubborn as her sister SAOIRSE, while her family dotted around her, Sersh was left exasperated at how easily people fell to Orla’s feet. Similar in more ways than one, the sisters were equally passionate and hardheaded. While Sersh dreamed in ink swirls, Orla longed for a spotlight; pleading to play fairies dressed in shimmering golds in Sersh’s tales that they performed. While the two girls fought, Fionn and Marianne grew exasperated from pulling their siblings aside to make amends. Despite their differences, the four loved each other dearly. From rolling down hills to whispering secrets under blanket forts, they shared a golden childhood. While content in their little group, none knew they were waiting for the last missing piece. Handsome with a boyish charm, the day she caught the boy next door AUGUSTUS ABBOTT’S eyes Oralith swore her heart skipped a beat. Falling deeply, she’d spend nights scribbling their names in locked hearts with her pink feathered quill and hiding scarlet blushes of embarrassment behind soft giggles. Eventually it became difficult to remember life before Gus’ laughter and music filled their lives. An honorary MacMillan, the five dreamed in childhood nostalgia of ghost stories around campfires, ice skating on frozen lakes and whispering dreams to fireflies.

When it came Oralith’s time to join Hogwarts, it was of surprise to none that as the sorting hat graced her blonde locks, she’d too find a home amongst intellectuals joining her sister Marianne. Akin souls and the sibling she was closest to, Orla was overwhelmed with relief to share the experience with Maria who was more a secondary mother figure in many ways. Though it wasn’t long before she found chosen family. A charismatic girl, HEATHER BROWN was a fellow Ravenclaw with starry eyes, an affection for rabbits and natural gift for divination. Dorm mates since their first year, the pair joined arms and quickly became best friends. Whispering over boys, adorning their nails in glitter and gossiping about the latest Hogwarts love stories, Orlaith confided in Heather as she pined after Augustus who only grew more captivated by her sister daily. Left with fleeting jealousy, as she watched forlorn as Gus’ grew captivated by Saoirse, Orla grew green with envy at being second yet again; particularly when Sersh showed such little interest in the notion of love. Left aching in the knowledge she was begging for attention from someone who could not return it, instead of growing sour in her misplaced affection Orla turned her hand to playing popular politics longing to bask in the same glory as the elder witches she admired. Aspirational and powerful, GENEVIEVE AVERY, ANASTASIA DUPONT, ANDRESSA PARKINSON and CAMILLE ROWLE were renowned fashion icons all who easily commanded a room with a poised beauty and grace. Watching with astonishment, Orla dreamed of shining in the same light as the magnetic women; knowing even then that she was destined to befall the same glory.

Attentive when it suited her, while Orla held great intellect, she instead spent her time swooning over the handsome features behind THE WEIRD SISTERS with MARY MACDONALD. Paying little mind to PROFESSOR MCGONAGAL who scorned them both, warnings that boys would hold little value if they held no convictions. While most professors deemed her gossiping a bother, one teacher who took a shine to Orla was PROFESSOR SLUGHORN who eagerly welcomed her into Slug Club for her renowned excellence in potions. While a sought after talent; it was her skills outside of the classroom that set her apart. Brewing beauty potions that outshined those on the commercial market, Orla became known for her craftsmanship of colour, shimmer and pigment. Once the protesgue of FLORENCE JONES, the older witch had acted as a mentor, showing with a gentle hand how to achieve the perfect potion that shined like star light. Highlight that sparkled like the sun, lipsticks that never faded unless willed and eye shadow changing according to mood, sorcerers begged Orla for her secrets and paid in sums for even a glimmer of the beauty she bottled. While her business had started small, it wasn’t long before her name was praised around the school for her creative hand not seen since the likes of SACHARISSA TUGWOOD. Decorating features with a golden shine, Orlaith basked in the praise she received as lines of witches pleaded with her to decorate their features to attend infamous parties hosted by the Marauders; JAMES, SIRIUS, REMUS and PETER. Twirling hand in hand with Heather, Mary and MAREN LINWOOD, Orla danced into the night decorated in tulle and shining like a rare gem with the rest of those adored in her makeup.

A rare beauty, Orla’s delicate features and warmth wasn’t lost by the likes of best friend DEMETRIUS MCLAGGEN who looked upon with a longing wishful eye unbeknownst to her. A ravenclaw who held a similar need for attention as she, GILDEROY LOCKHEART was a handsome charismatic boy who had an affinity for the ladies. Free with his compliments of others and himself, while at first his flirtatious advances were met with dismissal, over time his propositions began to get her attention. Catching Orlaith’s eyes following Gus, he teased that getting under someone was the best medicine to get over a broken heart. While she sneered at first, a drunken night led to interlocked lips. While popularity hindered their love affair a secret, they quickly became the aspirational couple; leaving them both basking in the attention they acquired. Though nothing was ever so simple for the MacMillan women. A wealthy ambitious widow, Orla’s grandmother, while once wished Marianne would become the adored actress she’d once dreamed, she knew the likelihood of that was slim and with Sersh a lost cause entirely, she turned to Orla; looking upon her to raise the family name high. Explaining how she’d seen the MacMillan name turn to disarray at her mother’s hand, Kathleen praised Orla as the last hope for the MacMillan name; a responsibility she took onto delicate shoulders driven by need to protect her family like they had her for so many years. Growing to believe she holds power over who she loves, marriage is more of an economic proposition than ever before in Orla’s eyes. With Kathleen insisting there would be little the family could do if Orlaith is unable to secure herself highly within society and establish strong connections.

With a growing obstinate desire to be great or nothing, Orlaith is evolving out of her once foolish ways to become a valued member amongst the elite. A sought after witch, her talents were quickly scouted by founding editor of Witch Weekly TOBIAS MISSLETHORPE who’d seen her artist hand adored the features of none other than famed actress RUBY GOLDSTEIN. An esteemed makeup artist, Orla takes deep pride in her work and excels across the covers of her favourite magazine. Approached by the famed Tugwood family to launch her very own line of beauty products to run alongside her once idol Sacharissa, Orla is working tirelessly to secure her name in shining lights. Booked solidly by sorcerers as they prepare for the parties of the season, though her name isn’t the only thing people are whispering about as her relationships reigns public gossip thanks to RITA SKEETER’S column. While Orlaith and Gilderoy play the adoring couple to the masses, behind closed doors tell a different tale. With her widely adored boyfriend’s fleeting attention, their ‘relationship’ has come under large public speculation; claiming they are simply using their love as a means to fame. Aware that the rumor could tarnish what she’s so diligently built, Orlaith is trying earnestly to tame a free willed male with little success. Openly scorned with boiled anger by Demetrius for her frivolous love, he pronounced claims that she deserved better than someone who holds such fleeting disinterest. Followed by - to her shock - frustrated harboured words of love. Caught between Demetrius and Gilderoy, Orla is left desperately trying to find an answer to what matters most; a legacy, family security and her dream or the possibility of happily ever after if only she let it in.

→ ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Blood Status → Pure-Blood

Pronouns → She/Her

Identification → Cis Female

Sexuality → Sexually Fluid (closeted/yet to understand in self)

Relationship Status → In a relationship with Gilderoy Lockheart

Previous Education → Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (Ravenclaw)

Family → Fiona MacMillan (mother), Patrick MacMillan (father), Marianne MacMillan (sister), Fionn MacMillan (brother) Saoirse MacMillan (sister), Kathleen MacMillan (grandmother)

Connections → Heather Brown (best friend/room-mate/potential love interest), Demetrius McLaggen (best friend/potential love interest), Augustus Abbott (close friend/past object of affection), Mary MacDonald (close friend), Kirley Duke (object of affection), Camille Rowle (idol/work colleague), Florence Jones (close friend/past mentor), Felicitania Tugwood (friend/work colleague), Maren Linwood (friend), Gilderoy Lockheart (close friend/romantic liaison/potential love interest), Sacharissa Tugwood (idol), Cassiopeia Kim (friend), Emilia Grey (friend), Cressida Abercrombie (friend)

Future Information → Aunt of Ernest MacMillan, adopted mother of Lavender Brown (subject to change), Wife of Heather Brown (subject to change)

ORLAITH MACMILLAN IS A LEVEL 5 WITCH.

#orlaith macmillan #josefine frida pettersen #marauders rp #marauders rpg #hp rpg #open #open neutral #neutral #open witch #witch weekly #magic #open lgbtqia+

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gumnut-logic · 5 years ago

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When the World Goes Boom (Part 8B)

Here is the rest of Part 8. This fic definitely has a life of its own. I was seriously stuck this morning but with a pile of help from Bri, I managed to get writing again. So much for a quick fic for Alan’s birthday on 12 March. It is a matter of an hour before 12 April at the moment and every brother has his finger in the pie now ::sigh:: I hope you enjoy whatever this is ::hugs::

Spoilers & Warnings: Spoilers for season three, angst, hurt/comfort, brothers and family, 4007 words.

Many thanks to @scribbles97 @onereyofstarlight and @i-am-chidorixblossom for putting up with my crazy and reading this at random moments. Also the extra plot help from @onereyofstarlight when I was all wibbly and stuck earlier today ::hugs you all::

-o-o-o-

Jeff continued to stroke his eldest son’s back, ever aware of the tense muscles there. Those shoulders supported so much. So much he should have been here for.

Scott’s head rested on the edge of Virgil’s bed. His breathing was quiet, but his face held a frown, even in sleep. Jeff hadn’t missed the grey hairs at Scott’s temples, or the worry lines faintly creasing his forehead. The last eight years had been the worst in Jeff’s life, but the worst of it was what he had done to his sons.

Scott’s fingers lay intertwined with Virgil’s.

He couldn’t think too hard about Virgil. Dark hair, pale bruised skin, white sheets.

Life support machinery.

If he thought too hard, he would lose it.

From the moment he had stepped foot on Thunderbird Two in the depths of space, Virgil had been there, hovering and worrying.

His engineer, medic, musical and artistic son.

One hand on Scott’s back, Jeff reached out his other and lay it gently on Virgil’s leg.

Please.

He closed his eyes.

Only to fling them open again as the door was thrown open. A doctor and nurse burst into the room, urgency in their expressions. Jeremy and Brie followed them in.

The room was suddenly crowded.

Jeff pushed himself to his feet, both hands suddenly signalling quiet. Scott’s sleep was precious.

Both of the medical professionals eyed the sleeping pilot. The doctor’s lips thinned, but her voice was quiet as she spoke. “Mr Tracy, we’ve identified the drug that your son was attacked with. We have an antidote. We would like your permission to administer it.”

The woman was virtually bouncing.

Jeff’s eyes darted to Jeremy. The security guard nodded just once.

Oh, thank god.

He turned back to the doctor. “You have it.”

“Thank you.” The woman moved over to Virgil and began running a series of obs. “Mr Tracy, according to your son’s medical records, he has a medication sensitivity.”

Jeff nodded.

The doctor fiddled with Virgil’s IV. “The dosage currently in his blood stream is a large dose, but a man of his size should not have reacted in the way he has. Consequently, we have minimised the antidote and will increase the dose if necessary. The last thing we want to do is overdose him on another drug.”

Jeff nodded again mutely.

Scott shifted where he sat and Jeff reached out to resume the circles on his son’s back. The nurse glanced at their interaction, but Jeff ignored her.

The doctor administered a hypodermic to the IV and took a step back.

The room fell silent and the tension climbed.

“How soon?” The words fell from his lips unbidden.

“Response times vary, but we should see a change very soon.”

As she said it, the heart monitor beeped quietly several times in a row and he watched as his son’s heart beat flickered a moment before switching from stimulated to self-sustained.

He sucked in a breath.

Virgil’s heart rhythm held strong, the pattern regular and a wonderful sight.

Oh, thank god.

It wasn’t everything, but it was a step in the right direction. Jeff’s sight blurred.

“Mr Tracy?” The doctor’s voice was gentle. “We will be monitoring Virgil’s progress closely, but you should know that the prognosis is good. The antidote is a proven foil for the drug your son was attacked with and your son received excellent first aid.” A glance in Jeremy’s direction. “The prognosis is good.” Her lips curved in a small encouraging smile.

Jeff straightened his spine. “Yes, yes, thank you, Doctor Harris.”

She held his eyes a moment longer before backing up a little and gathering her equipment. A glance and the two medical professionals slipped out of the room.

Jeremy stayed.

Jeff’s eyes flickered to the man.

A worried frown as he stared down at his gravely ill charge.

“Thank you, Jeremy.” Jeff’s voice was rough. “You saved his life.”

The man swallowed and continued to stare at Virgil. “Shouldn’t have had to.”

Jeff had no answer to that. His soul was baked dry. He had no comfort left.

Instead he sat down again beside Scott, a hand falling gently to each of his sons.

He would call his mother shortly. His sons.

The heart monitor’s quiet beep echoed his own heart as if it was keeping him alive.

He waited.

-o-o-o-

Gordon found John on the roof exactly as Eos had told him, Tane standing beside him. What she hadn’t told him was what his astronaut brother was doing.

Still wearing his tan-coloured gravity support shirt...and people claimed Gordon had a bad taste in clothing, John took the cake...his red-haired brother’s head was buried in guts of the hospital’s communication satellite dish.

“John, what are you doing?”

His tall brother startled and whacked his head on an overhead metal bar. “Ah! Gordon?”

“Sorry.” But Gordon wasn’t feeling too gracious at the moment. “What are you doing?”

“Tracing communications.” He pulled out his tablet and tapped it repeatedly. “Eos needs a little more bandwidth than this ancient piece of tech can provide. I’m providing it.” Red brows frowned at his tablet screen. “I haven’t been able to identify how our suspect was receiving information.”

“You reckon this will help.”

More taps of his fingers. “Definitely.”

The big question. “Authorised?”

Turquoise flickered in his direction. Hmm, obviously not.

“Scott?”

“With Virgil...injured...command is left to me.”

“What about Dad?” It was a question that had to be asked.

John didn’t look at him, continuing to stab his tablet. “Dad authorised GDF access to our files. Virgil was almost killed within hours. I don’t believe he has the knowledge required in this instance.”

“It was Dad?” Gordon’s shoulders tensed.

With that John did straighten up. A sigh. “My fault. I didn’t give him the information he needed to make the correct decision.”

“But he knows of our history with the GDF, the spy?”

John turned away, but shook his head.

“What? Johnny, he needs to know.”

“I told him and he didn’t give it the credit it was due.”

Gordon frowned. “When?”

“The day Virgil was injured.”

“What? That recently?”

“It was just...he isn’t long out of recovery and we thought a gradual re-introduction to International Rescue was warranted. I was forced to tell him without preparation and I didn’t have time to follow it up with a situational report. Aunt Val was demanding information and Dad made the decision.” His brother turned back to the dish and dove in head first again.

“So, what are we going to do?” Gordon was sure he knew the answer. John wasn’t one to beat around the bush. The astronaut, if anything, was direct and to the point.

“We…” His brother emerged and grabbed his tablet again. “…are going to find who did this to our family and…prevent…them from hurting us any further.”

Gordon held his brother’s gaze. There was so much unsaid in those eyes. Calm though John appeared, he was anything but, and while Gordon might scream at the nearest target, John would simply act.

Lips thinned, Gordon straightened his shoulders. “Count me in.”

-o-o-o-

Someone was stroking his cheek.

Sensation.

Followed by pain.

He groaned.

His throat screamed at him.

“C’mon, honey, I know you’re in there.” The stroking continued and he became vaguely aware of someone holding his hand.

“Virgil, c’mon, bro, you can do it.”

He frowned and found his face aching almost as much as his chest and throat.

Another groan.

Ow, shit.

“Virgil?”

Dad. That was Dad. They had found Dad and he was safe and home and, thank, god.

“Open your eyes, Virgil.”

Scott.

His big brother.

Augh, his face hurt.

“Hurts.”

Shit, that was his voice? He coughed and everything flared up in pain.

The hand on his cheek moved to his hair, fingers combing through it. “Virgil, dear, let us see those gorgeous eyes of yours.”

Hurts.

But he was always one to do what his grandmother asked of him.

He found his eyelids and forced them open.

They dropped immediately, the blur and the glare, harsh and painful.

“Shut off the lights, please Jeff.”

His eyelids grew dark and he relaxed a little. Sleep would be nice.

“No, Virgil, you need to wake up, dear.”

Don’t want to. Tired.

“I know it is hard, but open your eyes for us.”

He gave it another go and the darkness became a dim blur. He blinked and the blur sharpened into his family.

Grandma stood beside his head and was the one responsible for the hand in his hair. Scott sat beside her and was holding Virgil’s hand. Allie was on his own bed and at an angle to the bed Virgil was lying on so he could see clearly. Blue eyes sparkled and grinned at him. “Virgil!”

Allie.

Allie was being attacked.

“Al-an!”

“No, you stay put, young man.” His grandmother was holding his shoulder. “Alan is safe. You saved him. He is safe.”

Safe.

Allie was safe.

Oh, thank god. Memories flickered in and out and his right hand clenched.

And screamed at him.

The sound that issued from his throat wasn’t remotely English, but it said everything he felt.

And there was Dad, worried grey eyes staring down at him. “Dad…”

A hand gripped his leg gently. “You’re safe, Virgil.”

“Alan…”

“I’m here, bro, thanks to you.”

Thanks to him. Memories swirled again as his arm throbbed in complaint at the movement. His eyes closed involuntarily and he found he had no strength to open them again.

-o-o-o-

Scott’s vision blurred as Virgil slipped back into sleep and he had to blink his eyes to clear it. His fingers spasmed just a little tighter around his brother’s hand, ever grateful for the warmth there.

“He needs his rest.” Grandma reached an arm around Scott’s shoulders and squeezed gently. “He’s going to be okay, Scotty.”

All eyes in the room immediately turned to him and he swallowed. His voice failed him, but he sat straighter.

“Now I want you back in bed. You’ve been sitting here for hours and you have your own recovery to consider.”

“Yes, Grandma.” He didn’t have the energy to protest. Virgil was going to get better.

His eyes didn’t leave the bruises on his brother’s pale face.

“C’mon, honey.” She helped him to his feet and he stumbled, turning and reaching for his bed. “You need rest almost as much as Virgil. Sleep is the only thing that is going to fix your head, so give it all it needs.”

“Yes, Grandma.” The bed felt lovely to roll into as gravity took its pressure off his weary body. Sitting hunched in a chair for hours wasn’t good for anything.

He rolled onto his side so he could see Virgil.

But he wanted to see Alan as well. His little brother was having a rather intense discussion with their father as to whether he needed more sleep.

“But Dad, I’ve been asleep for ages.”

“You need rest, Alan.”

“I am resting!”

“Alan.” Scott’s voice cut across the room. “Do as you are told.”

Blue eyes glared at him for a moment before dissolving into a more familiar pout.

Their father frowned at Scott.

“Dad? Can we leave Alan over there? Allie, can you stay there?” He wanted to keep his two injured brothers in sight.

Alan’s eyes narrowed. “So, you can keep an eye on me.”

“Yes, for that very reason. Do as you are told, Alan.” But the message was there, he could see the vulnerability in his little brother’s eyes.

“Fine. But only because I want to be able to see Virgil as well and if I’m stuck in the corner, I can’t see beyond your big head.”

“Alan.” Their father’s voice was full of warning.

“He’s bossing me around, Dad!”

“Because apparently you need it. Now, I’ve asked you to rest and so has Scott. Do I need to wake up Virgil and get him to nag you as well or should your grandmother come over here?”

Alan opened his mouth, but nothing came out.

Wow, Dad. Scott just stared.

Alan may be an adult, but he was still technically a teenager and every now and again he regressed.

Said teenager glared and with an exaggerated pout, curled up in the bed on his uninjured side. Their father reached over and squeezed an ankle. “Rest, son. You’ll feel better for it.”

Alan’s expression just grew grumpier.

“Virgil is getting better.”

And that hit the nail on the head. Alan relaxed just a little bit more and the frown lessened. Another squeeze of his son’s ankle and their father pushed the bed gently into dock on the other side of the room, opposite from Virgil’s bed. Alan stared at his sleeping brother, still attached to monitors and multiple IVs.

“He’s getting better.”

Dad’s voice was reassurance itself.

Grandma, who had obviously elected to stay out of it, brushed Scott’s hair off his face. “Go to sleep, Scotty. You need it.”

A sudden thought. “What about John and Gordon?”

She snorted. “You let your father and I worry about the vigilante brothers. You worry about yourself.”

Vigilante? “What?”

His grandmother sighed. “Relax, Scott.” She began stroking his hair.

He couldn’t remember the last time he combed his hair. He probably looked awful.

But that one word stuck in his head.

Vigilante.

What the hell were his brothers up to?

-o-o-o-

Gordon had to admit that having Eos on the team was a great advantage despite the situations that resulted.

He could almost hear Virgil’s snort at that comment, followed by the inevitable ‘situations you create, Gordon’.

God, he missed his brother.

But Virgil was improving. His dad had been adamant and Gordon clung to that. Apparently, he had even woken briefly. He wished he had been there, but this was important.

Tin walked beside him, her pace one he had to keep up with. She was not happy. But then neither was Gordon.

Using the wider bandwidth John had jimmied into the system, Eos had been able to swoop into the network and gather information much faster. She dove straight through protected systems like a phantom. Or so John described the process. How she did it, Gordon did not have a clue, but he was ever so grateful she could.

She was able to crunch all the communications data that had occurred in and around the building for the entire time the Tracys had been resident. It had been a massive task, but one she was uniquely suited to. The majority was civilian comms traffic hooking into the hospital network due to the communications restrictions around medical equipment, but there was a small portion that was GDF flagged. None of that had appeared suspicious, but John as particularly interested in the traffic around the time Aunt Val had been in the building.

One anomaly had been found.

Aunt Val entered the hospital with Foster and two aides.

She left with Foster and only one aide.

Tracking down what had become of the second aide had proven difficult. Hallway security cameras located Foster speaking to the missing aide and that aide leaving the corridor outside the Tracys’ hospital room, but from there the aide vanished.

She did not exist the building.

Both John and Gordon agreed that it was likely this person was the person who attacked Alan and Virgil.

The question was did Aunt Val know?

“I’ve called in Jack Dunning. We may need a lawyer to keep Virgil’s attacker out of the hands of the GDF.” Tin’s voice was matter of fact, but underneath he could hear the boiling pot of anger she was keeping under control.

Gordon grunted. His anger was much closer to the surface. It was cold and it made him sharper. The perpetrator – his mind spat the word – was currently being held by New Zealand police, but Aunt Val was moving for global extradition due to the Tracys being the Tracys.

They couldn’t let that happen.

John had called the elevator down and taken off for Five. He wanted to be hands on hunting down the details of the explosion, even if that called for shifting Five into an orbital path contradictory to GDF directives.

If there was a way to discover what had actually happened up there to injure their brothers, John would find it.

Ignoring the GDF was quite liberating.

Until they found out.

Jack Dunning was good. Gordon hoped they didn’t have to find out how good.

Aunt Val had retreated to the local GDF base after his ‘words’. So, this time he had to go to her for a meeting.

Iz hovered as they crossed the gardens at the entrance to the building.

It was always amusing to flip out his International Rescue ID. The expressions on the face of security was always worth it and these guys were no different. Yep, there was the surprise, followed by the starstruck expression.

“Thank you for your service, sir.”

Gordon blinked. Wow, a devotee. He nodded once. “You’re welcome. We’re here to see Colonel Casey.”

The guard was still staring at his ID. “Gordon Tracy…so you fly Thunderbird Two?”

Blink. “Sometimes.” He wasn’t in the mood to elaborate.

“Aw, great. Thunderbird Two is the coolest Thunderbird.”

Gordon’s flat-eyed stare at that comment got a confused reaction.

“Excuse me, we are in a hurry.” Tin’s cold voice cut across the silent conversation. “Colonel Casey’s office?”

The guard jumped and hurried to lead them where they needed to go.

The colonel lacked her usual smile when they entered and Gordon wondered how many bridges he had permanently burnt.

At this point he didn’t care.

“Kayo, Gordon, what can I do for you?” Her tone was cool and curt and she eyed Iz as she slunk in behind them.

Tin didn’t waste one moment, deploying an electronic security net with one hand. The subtle hum was unnerving, but it created a bubble around them that secured all transmissions in and out of the room and blocked all audio-visual equipment.

Casey eyed the gadget, but didn’t comment as Tin slapped it down on her desk.

“Colonel, we would like your assistance in identifying this person.” Tin’s phone flickered up a hologram of the missing aide.

They had already identified the woman as Brede Williams, a New Zealand born GDF administrative aide. John had even located her address in Auckland. Eos had infiltrated the apartment block and found her room’s electronics undisturbed, including the locks, for several days.

John feared for her safety.

The perpetrator in custody was definitely not Brede Williams.

The colonel eyed the hologram with an arched eyebrow. “That is Corporal Brede Williams, one of my executive assistants.”

Tin didn’t react. “When did you last see her?”

“She called in ill a few days ago and has been on personal leave since.”

Tin took a step forward, her entire body whip sharp with potential energy. “Colonel, when was the last time you saw her.”

Aunt Val blinked and frowned. “She was with me at the hospital, but had to leave due to a family…what are you implying?”

Tin switched the view to the incriminating scene where Captain Foster spoke to the woman outside the Tracy’s hospital room. They watched as she walked off.

“She never left the hospital.”

Aunt Val’s mouth was open but nothing was coming out.

Gordon took the opportunity to state the obvious. “We believe she wasn’t who she appeared to be. That she was in fact the person who attacked Alan and Virgil.” He drew in a breath. “You brought a killer into the hospital and Virgil nearly died.”

The strict military officer he expected to turn around and rip him a new one melted in front of him. Aunt Val sat down hard on her desk chair, shock on her face.

Still nothing came out of her mouth.

Gordon was caught between distress at the devastation in her expression and anger that she had been so easily fooled.

“We advised you that you had a spy in your ranks quite some time ago. What has been done to identify the person or persons responsible?” Tin was sharp and no nonsense.

Aunt Val found her voice, but it was uncharacteristically uncertain. “I reported the issue to my superiors. There was some shuffling of staff and I was assured the problem had been negated.”

“Assured.” The word fell from Gordon’s lips with a snarl.

Dark eyes glared up at Gordon. “I had no reason to disbelieve the assertion.”

“Colonel, you were once disposed by those superiors and an infiltrator replaced you. The result of those actions nearly cost us Thunderbird Two and several innocent lives at Saad Madina. Yet you’re telling me that you trust them?”

She stared up at Gordon and some of the more familiar steel returned to her expression. “Not all of us have the luxury of complete trust, Lieutenant. As you should well know.”

His eyes narrowed at the barb obviously referring to his past in WASP and the end of that career. He ignored it. “You can trust family, Colonel.”

She stood up slowly. “Easy when you have choice.”

“There is always a choice.” A huff of exasperation. “C’mon, Aunt Val, dump this outfit and come work with us.”

Brown eyes flickered with the briefest of fondness and his heart clenched.

“You know I can’t do that, Gordon.”

“Why not?”

“I can do more here.”

“The system is corrupt!”

“And it is one person less corrupt as long as I’m here to fight it! Do you think International Rescue would last very long without me here, Lieutenant? I stay for Lucille, for her family, for you and for the smallest chance that I can do some good and prevent this damned organisation from taking the world with it!”

It was Gordon’s turn to have his mouth drop open and nothing come out of it.

The anguish returned to his aunt’s face. “I’m sorry Virgil…I didn’t think we were that vulnerable. I thought my office was secure. Please, I would never want to hurt any of you. How is he?” The plea was an honest one.

It was Tin who answered. “An antidote has been found and he is recovering slowly.”

“Oh, thank god.” The woman wilted. “Scott and Alan?”

“Also recovering.”

Alan might have nightmares for the rest of his life, but Gordon kept that to himself.

Tin straightened. “We believe Alan was the target of the attack. Virgil got in the way.”

Aunt Val frowned. “They think he remembers something.”

A single nod was all Tin was willing to give her.

“So, if you find who was responsible for the explosion, you’ll find who ordered the attack.”

“That is the plan.” A considered gaze. “We need everything you have on the incident.” Tin threw a drive onto the desk.

The colonel eyed them a moment before reaching down and picking up the drive with the IR logo wrapped around its edges and plugging it into her terminal. A flick of her fingers, a breath, and she unplugged it again. “It’s not much, but if there is a mole in my staff, the data may not be comprehensive.”

“We are aware of that.” Tin slipped the drive back into her pocket. “Thank you for your assistance.” She turned to leave and Gordon took a step to follow.

“Gordon. Kayo. Be careful.” She knew they weren’t going to play by the rules, he could see it in her eyes. “And give my love to your family…and my sincerest apologies.”

Gordon found he couldn’t answer. The Colonel he could yell at, but Aunt Val had always been a part of his life, a cherished reminder of the mother they had lost.

Tin answered for him. “Yes, Colonel.”

The use of her rank struck hard and her shoulders bowed just a little.

Gordon said nothing. He grabbed the electronic net and turning, followed Tin out the door.

It hurt, but GDF and International Rescue relations could never be the same.

-o-o-o-

End Part Eight

#thunderbirds are go #thunderbirds #thunderbirds fanfiction #Virgil Tracy #Scott Tracy #Jeff Tracy #Gordon Tracy #Kayo Kyrano #colonel casey #Val Casey #John Tracy #Grandma Tracy #Sally Tracy #Alan Tracy

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hoodedsuns · 5 years ago

Text

Spring Bloom | Lee Felix

Genre: Artist!AU, Fluff

Summary: A continuation of Dead Leaves

Word Count: 1.6K

Spring is without a doubt Felix's favourite season of the year. It is afterall, the season of new beginnings. Gazing at the vast blue sky through the open window, he followed the slow moving clouds on their journey, allowing his mind to wander wherever it pleased as he entertained the childish thought of sitting on one. With the weather steadily heating up and the playful but tenacious stalks of daisies sprouting up in the most unlikely of locations, the air comes alive with bubbly chatter and a welcomed sense of newfound motivation. He could almost smell the distinct scent of grass wafting through the air even though the nearest park was at least half an hour away.

Who on earth wouldn't like spring?

Felix's attentive eyes flickered back over to where you laid haphazardly on the floor in a shirt that you had stolen from him, ignoring the way the thin cotton fabric had ridden up and was exposing your stomach in favour of lazily scrolling through twitter in search of something that could cure your boredom. It was a common sight to see on these lazy sunday mornings where neither of you felt the need to exert more energy than what was needed, completely satisfied with just basking in each other’s presence.

Bringing his legs further into himself so as to create a stabler surface atop the chair he sat on, Felix re-balanced his sketchbook onto his bent knees, left hand grabbing onto the side tightly. And with careful strokes, he filled yet another page of his sketchbook with random drawings of your figure and features as he sketched out the final curve of your pursed lips – a habit of yours that appears whenever you were focused on something. He sometimes affectionately refers to you as his little duckling because of it, although you would often just reply with an amused “I’m older than you”.

"I miss autumn," you announced to no one in particular, causing Felix's heart to skip a beat.

You always had a knack for reading his mind. It was something which Felix took great joy in adding to his ever growing list of 'evidence we're soulmates' that he kept track of in his phone. Or maybe it was just pure coincidence, nothing more than a mere product of him over analyzing anything that had to do with you. Even so, he'd much rather choose to believe that it was the former reason.

Stretching your limbs out wide like a starfish, you let out a loud groan before heaving yourself up into a sitting position, a dumb smile present on your face. "You know that I can hear your pencil strokes right?" You turned your head to face a flustered Felix who immediately started busying himself by babbling and stammering out excuses of how he definitely wasn't sketching you.

You smirked, having successfully caught Felix in your childish trap. "All I said was that I can hear you drawing, I never said that it was me you're sketching." Aside from the muted hum of the traffic outside, it was dead silent for a moment before Felix realised his mistake.

"You just love teasing me, don't you." He gave a resigned sigh at your amused chuckle. Felix wasn’t sure why but despite having been caught drawing you numerous times, it still made him nervous when you called him out. Perhaps it had something to do with how much of his emotions would bleed into the lines, leaving the most vulnerable parts of himself open for anyone to see as long as they had possession of his sketchbook. But regardless, he was more than used to dealing with the cheeky side of you and the first lesson he learned was that it’s much easier to just give in than try to fight a battle that already had a predetermined winner.

Felix cringed at the way your joints popped audibly as you got up from the hard wooden floor and walked behind his chair, resting your chin on his shoulders to get a good look at his creation while your fingers ran themselves through his dark brown hair that was still a little damaged from its previous bleaching.

Despite your outward confidence, you were still slightly nervous on the inside considering how the sketch was basically a testament as to the way you appeared through Felix's eyes. Your insecurities were unfounded however, as proven by the instantaneous fluttering of butterflies in your stomach the moment your gaze met the drawing. You were never one to put yourself down but you really couldn’t help but wonder how it was possible for you to still look so effortlessly breathtaking to him even in all your messy and makeup-less glory, feeling as though you were unworthy of how much love and awe you could feel in the simple graphite lines. He even scattered random tiny stars and hearts across the page.

Clearing your throat, you quickly grabbed the sketchbook out of his hands when he had turned his head around to glance at your reaction, using it as a shield to hide the remnants of your lovestruck expression while hastily flipping the book to a random page in an effort to distract yourself from the warm feeling that was growing in your chest.

"Hey, that's the cafe!" Your hands stopped their movements as your eyes widened in excitement, lips quirking upwards just from the sight of that familiar and homey building.

After your initial recommendation, the pair of you would frequent the quaint little shop together with Felix having fallen head over heels with the heavenly pastries and cozy atmosphere, an exact mirror image of your own self when you had first discovered that small haven. It was the place that nurtured the shy and uncertain connection between the two of you into something more unequivocal as Chan, the owner of said cafe that both you and Felix had formed a close friendship with, would smuggly remind his employees everytime you two visited. And in a way, it wasn’t that far from the truth. It not only provided you with a safe and comfortable environment to be in when you were first getting to know Felix better, it was also where you two made it official thanks to everyone’s gentle nudges whenever you guys got stuck or too afraid to pursue something more. But Chan’s ego was already big enough without you openly agreeing with him.

"Is this the reason why you were so late that one time?" Your eyes latched onto the grey figure of yourself smiling softly, attention completely taken by whatever nonsense Chan was spewing as he cleared the tables near you of their empty dishes and cups, before looking at Felix with a deadpan expression.

He could only smile sheepishly, giving you the answer to your question.

In his defense, his original plan was to meet you inside immediately but he got sidetracked when he spotted you through the large windows of the cafe. You looked so happy and at peace that Felix immediately felt his heart swell with love, completely awestruck by how innocent and seemingly angelic you appeared in that moment. Which of course, led him to immediately scrambling for his sketchbook and a pencil. Felix would never forget the strange stares he got from the people who walked by him, both concerned and disturbed by the sight of him furiously sketching while sitting down on the hot pavement in the middle of nowhere.

It was through things like this that reassured you of Felix’s affection, although he is also very vocal about it. He’s always so hellbent on capturing the little moments of you that you would personally find insignificant, encapsulating those emotions of his that no words could fully describe. You shook your head, smiling in disbelief before flipping to yet another random page.

"Oh, is this your childhood house or something?" You brushed your fingers across the page without actually making contact with the paper, marvelling at how detailed the drawing was as your eyes travelled from the creeping butterfly pea vines to the obedient golden retriever that sat on the front porch, tail wagging in excitement.

Confused by the lack of a reply, you lifted your head up only to be met with Felix's cherry red ears, his face being completely covered by his hands. Your tongue darted out to wet your lips and you ended up choosing to stay silent and allowing Felix the time to find his words as you could sense a slight change in the playful atmosphere that previously filled the air.

Seconds ticked by before Felix opened his mouth, "It's the house that I want to live in with you in the future." He lowered his hands, voice trailing off at the end. Your mouth formed a perfect ‘o’ at his response. Neither of you had really talked about the future of your relationship before. But despite the vulnerability that was clear in his tone, his gaze was filled with nothing but pure determination, steady onyx coloured eyes boring into yours with the intensity of fiery embers. You felt shivers run down your back, having been reminded of when you had first met Felix. It was that same look of absolute confidence in his eyes, a stark contrast to his fumbling hands, that intrigued you in the first place.

Brushing your lips lightly across his, you resisted the urge to peck every single one of his little freckles when he unconsciously leaned forward in chase of more, hands reaching out to grab onto the hem of your shirt on its own accord.

"I'm looking forward to it."

#lee felix #stray kids #stray kids fanfic #stray kids scenarios #stray kids imagines #stray kids x reader #stray kids fluff #felix fanfic #felix scenarios #felix imagines #felix x reader

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youtiaoshutiao · 5 years ago

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translation: Young Blood/大宋少年志 bonus epilogue scene script

The open ending for Young Blood / 大宋少年志, while befitting of a drama about a group of passionate, young teenagers dedicated to each other and to fighting forces that threaten the peace of Northern Song, threw many for a loop when the drama finished airing last summer. Amidst much talk and excitement among both audiences and the production crew/main cast about a potential season two, Wang Juan, the scriptwriter, posted a bonus script of an epilogue scene on his weibo on 20/7/2019. According to him, if there is to be a season two, this would be the opening scene. :)

I have translated the script as well as subbed a short 30-second video of Zhou Yutong and Zhang Xincheng acting out some lines from this script in their interview with ChicBanana last year (embedded it below at the end of the post). :D Enjoy!!

original text by: Wang Juan 王倦 on weibo [LINK]

translated by: yt st / youtiaoshutiao @ tumblr

Scene Title: The End Yet The Beginning

Timing: Daytime

Location: Desolate Outskirts, Outdoors Scene

Characters: Entire Seventh Lodge, Miqin Mubei

---

▲ In a desolate open field by the mountains, two horses trot along in line. Miqin Mubei, bound by a few rounds of metal chains is in front, and Zhao Jian is behind him.

▲ The horses are not moving quickly, and are leisurely moving ahead.

Miqin Mubei can't help but sound out: "I am willing to go for a spring walk alone with you, but we do have an important job on our shoulders, perhaps we can be faster."

▲ Zhao Jian casts him an indifferent glance, lazy to reply him.

▲ The clip-clop of galloping horses behind them grow louder as they near, the colour on Miqin Mubei's face changes, he turns his head.

▲ The other five persons of Seventh Lodge are catching up.

Miqin Mubei furrows his brow: "You were waiting for them?"

▲ The rest of Seventh Lodge stops far away, only Yuan Zhongxin, riding his horse, continues forward.

▲ Zhao Jian has already stopped her house, she turns around, and sees Yuan Zhongxin alone on horseback approaching her, while Wang Kuan and the rest wait from afar.

Yuan Zhongxin has a smile on his face: "Don't say that you let him go to rescue my father-in-law, this sort of thing, you aren't able to do it. With your personality, you would have directly taken him as hostage, and go to Western Xia to exchange him for Father-in-Law. Anyway this chap can't be killed, you might as well use him as a bargaining chip."

Miqin Mubei: "How can you loosely use the term 'Father-in-law'."

▲ Yuan Zhongxin ignores him, and continues looking at Zhao Jian.

Yuan Zhongxin: "There's a mission?"

Miqin Mubei: "Zhao Jian! This is a huge matter, you have to keep it a secret!"

Yuan Zhongxin to Zhao Jian: "Wait a moment."

▲ Yuan Zhongxin steers his horse towards Miqin Mubei, as he moves slightly closer, he leaps up and kicks Miqin Mubei off his horse. Yuan Zhongxin having conveniently gotten off his horse, walks in front of Miqin Mubei, and glares at him unwaveringly.

Yuan Zhongxin: "I won't forget to seek revenge for my brother. Do you believe, you will eventually die by my hands."

Miqin Mubei sneers: "I really don't believe it."

Yuan Zhongxin: "How about I be the banker, and you lay down a bet?"

Miqin Mubei returns Yuan Zhongxin's stare: "(My) life is the wager."

Yuan Zhongxin sighs: "You shouldn't have let me be the banker."

▲ Yuan Zhongxin once again turns his head to look at Zhao Jian. Ever since Yuan Zhongxin appeared, Zhao Jian has not said a single sentence. Instead, she just kept on watching him quietly, watching him as he rode his horse nearer, watching him as he leapt up and kicked Miqin Mubei, never stopping him, her eyes never leaving him.

Yuan Zhongxin: "Why are you looking at me like this?"

Zhao Jian: "I miss you a little."

▲ Yuan Zhongxin beams as he walks nearer, he stands next to his horse, holding on to the horse lead. Him and Zhao Jian look at each other, one looking up, the other looking down.

Yuan Zhongxin: "We've only been separated for just over a day but you already miss me, am I that great?"

Zhao Jian is still not at all bashful: "Mm."

Yuan Zhongxin's smile however disappears: "Then why did you leave?"

Zhao Jian: "Miqin Mubei suggested to work together with Da Song."

Yuan Zhongxin frowns: "Who agreed to it?!"

Zhao Jian: "Both the Emperor and the Bureau of Military Affairs thought it can work."

Yuan Zhongxin: "How would we work together?"

Miqin Mubei: "Zhao Jian!!"

▲ Zhao Jian doesn't even cast a glance in that direction, instead she continues gazing at Yuan Zhongxin, and opens her mouth to speak calmly.

Zhao Jian: "Assist Ning Lingge in killing Li Yuanhao."

▲ Yuan Zhongxin is slightly shocked, Miqin Mubei sighs resignedly.

Zhao Jian: "The emergency reports from the borders have come in, The Liao Emperor directed the Third Army of Liao with a hundred thousand skilled soldiers and invaded Western Xia. In this battle at Hequ, the Liao were totally defeated by Li Yuanhao. After defeat, the Emperor Liao almost became a prisoner. Ever since Li Yuanhao established his name, he has not had any losses at wars, if anyone can be considered as unrivalled in this era, it probably would be him. Everyone knows that Li Yuanhao's peace treaty this time is just for him to conserve energy and build up strength to make a comeback. When that time comes, Da Song won't be able to stop him, the Liao empire too. He is the most terrifying and scariest enemy, his lone shadow is enough to cover everyone else. Only by him dying would we be able to avoid future wars."

▲ Yuan Zhongxin thinks about it, and looks at Miqin Mubei.

Yuan Zhongxin: "We can trust him?"

Miqin Mubei: "Yuan Zhongxin, on the battleground, I've killed countless people, including your older brother."

▲ Flames of fire dance in Yuan Zhongxin's eyes.

Miqin Mubei: "But I am also prepared to die on the battleground, I am a soldier after all, it is my destiny to kill my enemies. But I've never hated any of my opponents, in fact on the contrary, I even respect your older brother quite a fair bit."

Yuan Zhongxin: "Alright, in the future I'll personally kill you myself, so that you can go and respect him in person."

Miqin Mubei: "The only people I truly hate, are my father and Li Yuanhao, if it weren't for the Crown Prince, I'd have died many times over... If I, MiqinMubei, can assist the Crown Prince in killing Li Yuanhao, and gaining solitary dominion over Da Xia, even if they strip me of my clan name, and I lose all my reputation and good standing, and die with no burial place, I'd endure it gladly."

▲ Miqin Mubei's eyes are filled with crazedness and sincerity.

Miqin Mubei: "Only with regards to this matter, I definitely will not lie to you all."

▲ Yuan Zhongxin stared at Miqin Mubei for a while, then turned his gaze to Zhao Jian.

Yuan Zhongxin: "Why did the Bureau of Military Affairs chose you to send him back to Western Xia?"

Zhao Jian: "My dad is in his hands, it's understandable that I'd rescue him and send him back, Western Xia wouldn't have suspicions."

Yuan Zhongxin: "Why didn't you tell us?"

Zhao Jian: "If the Seventh Lodge went together, it wouldn't be understandable or reasonable at all. Plus, killing Li Yuanhao, it's ten deaths with no chance of survival, what need is there to implicate you guys.

Yuan Zhongxin draws out the letter left behind that was tucked in his bosom: "If you really didn't want us to follow you here, you wouldn't have left this letter, and wouldn't have walked so slowly......"

Zhao Jian: "Because I remembered, back then when you were afraid of implicating me, you always did not dare to draw near to me. During those days, my heart was very pained. Back then, how I wished that you would tell me about all your troubles. The sky and earth turning upside down, the impermanence of life, I'm not afraid of all of these, I was only afraid of you avoiding me and not coming forward to approach me."

Yuan Zhongxin: "I'm sorry......"

Zhao Jian: "Hence I left behind this letter, hence I waited for you to chase after me, so that I can tell you everything, the suffering that I went through, I can't bear to let you taste it too......"

▲ Even though she is saying such words, Zhao Jian still speaks them calmly, her eyes still gazing at Yuan Zhongxin gently, almost as if she couldn't bear to blink at all.

Zhao Jian: "Wait for me to come back, okay."

Yuan Zhongxin: "Not okay. You just said that it's ten deaths with no chance of survival, how would you come back."

Zhao Jian: "If I think of you waiting for me, I will have the courage to tear open a pathway for survival."

Yuan Zhongxin: "You won't be able to chase me away anymore."

Zhao Jian sighs rather resignedly: "Yuan Zhongxin~~"

Yuan Zhongxin: “If it really is a path leading to death, and we don't die together, how regretful that would be.”

▲ Zhao Jian is stunned for a moment, but no longer opened her mouth to stop him.

Yuan Zhongxin: "In the past, I caused you to feel aggrieved and to suffer, this is what I owe you. I've only accompanied you for one day, how can I repay my debts fully." (stretches out his hand to hold Zhao Jian's hand) "Let's go together."

Zhao Jian: "Then how long would you take to repay it fully?"

Yuan Zhongxin: "This lifetime is definitely not enough......"

▲ The two of them gaze at each other, Miqin Mubei heaves a long sigh.

Miqin Mubei: "I feel that my own journey to getting married has many obstacles."

▲ Yuan Zhongxin and Zhao Jian have no spare time to look at him, they are fully focused on looking at each other.

▲ Seeing the two of them together and holding hands, the other four who were waiting far away slowly approach them on horseback.

Zhao Jian: "We must at least advise them to head back...... Eh?? Is Wang Kuan holding on to Xiaojing's hand?”

▲ Wang Kuan's and Xiaojing's two horses are shoulder-to-shoulder, very close to each other, steps in synch. Their two hands are linked together too.

Zhao Jian: "They're holding hands even while riding their horses?"

Yuan Zhongxin: "This entire journey, even if it meant that his horse's speed would slow, this chap refused to let go."

Zhao Jian: "Journeying together on horseback, it's not easy."

Wang Kuan is already close enough: "My horseriding skills are quite alright."

▲ Yuan Zhongxin and Zhao Jian glance at each other.

Yuan Zhongxin: "Everyone listen to me, the situation is actually like this......"

Wang Kuan: "I won't believe anything you say."

Yuan Zhongxin is speechless: "Wang Kuan......"

Wang Kuan: "The Seventh Lodge is one body, we won't abandon each other in life nor in death."

Xue Ying: "Wang Kuan made a guess just now, no matter for what reason, you two are definitely set on going to Western Xia, without my skills, what would you guys do."

Wei Yanei: "And me too, perhaps my smarts and my martial arts abilities lag slightly behind , but I'm so handsome, I'll definitely be greatly useful!"

▲ After he is done speaking, he discovers Xiaojing's expression of shock.

Wei Yanei: "Xiaojing, what expression is this, do you have doubts about me being handsome?"

▲ Xiaojing chooses to avoid the question and instead directly turns to Yuan Zhongxin.

Xiaojing: "Yuan Dage, Zhao Jiejie, Wang Dage said just now, if you don't agree, we will tie you up and leave, it's a four versus two situation, we are bound to win."

▲ Yuan Zhongxin looks helplessly towards Wang Kuan.

Yuan Zhongxin: "Wang Kuan, are you my fated nemesis in my life?"

Wang Kuan: "That would be an overkill/That would be using a person of great talent in an insignificant position."

Yuan Zhongxin looks to Zhao Jian: "He insults people without a single dirty word."

Zhao Jian to Wang Kuan: "You can bear to let Xiaojing face danger together with you?"

Wang Kuan looks at Xiaojing: "I can't bear it, but she wants to go. Even though I like her, I cannot act on my own initiative and make decisions on her behalf. No matter what the result is, I will always accompany her, if it really is the end, at least I will collapse in front of her."

Yuan Zhongxin looks at Zhao Jian: "There's no more room for discussion. Don't worry, as to what reason there is for us to journey west, we can definitely come up with a plan on the way there."

Zhao Jian smiles: "The Seventh Lodge is one body, we won't abandon each other in life nor in death............ Everyone, the path ahead of us, is really a path leading to death, then may I invite everyone to meet our deaths together with me."

▲ The next frame shows everyone's silhouettes as they head forward, Yuan Zhongxin and Zhao Jian are sharing one horse.

Zhao Jian's voiceover: "What about your own horse!"

Yuan Zhongxin's voiceover: "We'll share one horse."

Zhao Jian's voiceover: "Why!"

Yuan Zhongxin's voiceover: "I'm afraid you'll run off again."

Wei Yanei's voiceover: "Xiao Xue, are we really going to die, can we not die."

Xue Ying's voiceover: "Don't be a coward."

Wei Yanei's voiceover: "Let's be more auspicious, and strive to live."

Xue Ying's voiceover: "If I don't die, you won't die too."

Wei Yanei's voiceover: "Then you musn't die......"

Yuan Zhongxin's voiceover: "Heading towards death to live, for Zhao Jian, even if it's Western Xia, I'll trod and flatten it for you all to see."

Everyone: "Oh~~~~~~~~~~"

▲ Yuan Zhongxin cracks his whip, the horses start off.

Yuan Zhongxin: "Western Xia! Ning Lingge! Li Yuanhao! We're coming~~~~~~"

▲ Everyone's horses fly into a gallop as they rush off towards the horizon, heading directly towards the far distance, none of them turning their heads back.

youtube

#young blood #大宋少年志 #cdramanet #zhang xincheng #zhou yutong #张新成 #周雨彤 #mine #translations #apologise if the translations are clunky anywhere i was doing this while bored out of my mind listening to zoom lectures #but the gist should be understandable #i hopeeeeee there will be a season 2!!!!! plsplsplspls

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dylan-o-yumm · 6 years ago

Note

do you think the sparda boys have a mating season? like, in the search for the 'one'? if yes, do you think their position in the relationship (like being a sub or dom) change something?

(Again, sorry that this is only Nero, but I’m not taking requests for the other boys yet. When I get through these last few requests I’m gonna write the Abc’s of Vergil and V, but then probably open requests again for my bby) This is also the first time I’ve written about a mating season so don’t be too harsh on me lol

Nero’s mating season is a little hectic. There are two to three weeks, once every year (sometimes twice) when he gets really needy and basically turns into a whining mess. His bottom lip always ends up red and swollen because he bites it, desperately trying to keep his groans and growls to a minimum. He tries to control himself the best he can, not wanting to scare you or even accidentally hurt you since he’s so desperate to be near you and touching you. You’d think that with having less demon blood in him than Dante and Vergil do, he’d be able to control himself better, but it completely the other way around.

Whenever other people are around you, he gets VERY overprotective and will practically cling to you while glaring and sometimes even growling at whomever is near you. He gets the most riled up when Dante is near you, constantly ready to fight him, even if the older devil hunter is being on his best behaviour. Either way, you told Dante it was best to just stay away during these times. But that is only when Nero doesn’t keep the both of you locked up in a room for the majority of his mating season. Hope your like your room, cause thats where you will be spending at least two weeks held up in. You wont get to leave, Nero will bring you food. If you need to go to the bathroom, expect to have a shadow following you closely. His protectiveness defiantly gets heightened in his mating season.

He doesn’t like to leave you or the house when he’s in mating season, but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t happened before. One time he was out gonna mission for the whole first week of his cycle and according to Nico he was the most moody and aggressive he’s ever been, to the point that he was yelling at her to bring him home and he’ll just finish the mission later. Thankfully, he finished the mission quickly and got back to you before he almost killed the poor mechanic. That was when he was most intense with you in bed. Let’s just say you couldn’t walk for a week or two after he finally had you.

When he’s not in his mating season, he is a switch in bed, doesn’t really prefer to be a top or bottom, as long as he has you he’s happy. However, he is 100% a top when his demonic urges take over. He hates his mating season for this fact and much prefers “regular” sex with you rather than the possessive, needy and aggressive sex his heat brings on. Doesn’t mean he doesn’t enjoy the sex, in the moment he obviously can’t help himself and basically turns into a wild animal. You’re left trapped wherever he desires to have you: bed, wall, table, literally wherever he wants.

He nips and bites your neck, stomach, thighs, anywhere he can reach while trusts at a brutal pace. He likes to leave your body covered in hickeys and bites, marking his territory so that when he finally lets you out when his mating season is over, everyone knows you’re taken. And don’t get me started on the sounds. He will growl like a dog in your ear, sometimes whispering dirty praises as well or commanding you to do or say something while he destroys the bed sheets or the paint on the wall with his nails. He also swears A LOT. He’d usually hardly ever swear in front of you but thats just another thing he can’t control in mating season.

Hope you don’t shy away from his DT cause he can’t control when that happens either! All of a sudden you’ll hear him roar and his length will grow inside of you, then you see his face and how his skin has changed colour and how his eyes turned to slits. It took you by surprise the first couple of times, but you eventually get used it it and maybe even encourage it. However, when he triggers, it means he’s lost almost off of his control and will be a lot rougher. He’s never hurt you in an unpleasant way, never cut you with his claws, never gone too rough for you to tell him to stop. At the end of the day, his love and protectiveness will keep him from harming you.

With his demonic abilities and superhuman stamina, overstimulation is probably the only thing you find to be too much sometimes. He will have you shaking and whimpering when he keeps thrusting after you both climax, but he quickly pushes you to another… and then another. He stops when it besoms to be too much for you but only after he has released deep inside you. You both take a little break, but he’s ready for another round in no time, so he has to sit on his hands so he doesn’t touch you while you’re still calming down. You end up loosing count of how many times orgasms you have within the day… only to have another week ahead of the same activities.

You end up making a rule that weekends are off limit times, since your human body can’t physically handle two weeks of what seems like non-stop fucking. And while he agrees, he is a mess on those two days, pleading, begging and whining like a child, but you know it’s tough for him. He almost starts crying on day two of no touching, his body unbelievably hot and his manhood throbbing for attention. You can tell he’s in pain, and settle for wrapping him up in your arms, stroking his hair and talking about anything and everything to hopefully try and get his mind off it. It’s tough, but he manages. If he were around anyone but you, they would either be dead or very offended by his harsh words of aggression (like Nico was, but Nero apologised when his mating season was finally done) but luckily with you, he can’t get angry or heated towards his mate.

So when the weekend is finally up, he is back on you in an instant. As soon as he wakes up, he is on top of you and preparing you for him, which in turn wakes you up. You both have your first round of the day before having breakfast… then he comes back for more. It gets exhausting very quickly, but its never not pleasurable for you. He manages to make you a moaning mess every time.

He surprisingly doesn’t call you ‘mate’, but he is very fond of calling you his. He growls the small word harshly in your ear all throughout the day. “Mine.”

And then when he finally comes down and his mating season is done for the year, he is a bit shy for a few days. He apologises profusely. The two of you stay out of your room for a week at least, sleeping in the lounge room instead, while your room airs out and you fix the now broken furniture… Even though you are both exhausted now and a little sensitive in certain areas, he makes love to you on the couch. Nice and slow, lots of kisses and caresses and soft declarations of love for one another. And that small word he had growled at you for the past two weeks didn’t stop, but he said it in a soft and loving tone instead of proclaiming it.

“Mine.”

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victorious1956 · 4 years ago

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My RWBY Fic List

A quick recap of where we're at before IronQrow Week starts.

Here is my updated list. These are all Fair Game focused, unless otherwise indicated.

AO3 rating shown after each title.

Recently posted/updated:

Love, Betrayal, and All That Follows (M)

When your day job is trying to save the world, the idea of discovering love along the way doesn't enter your head. So when Qrow finds himself in Atlas, dealing with love is as unexpected as the betrayal that follows. Ongoing 26/? chapters 76,566 words

Love Enough For Three (M)

Qrow/Clover/James in various permutations Qrow blames both himself and James for Clover's situation. James blames himself too, for that and also for almost everything else that has happened. Maybe the three of them, together, can find the peace which they—and everyone else—deserve. Ongoing 6/? chapters 12,222 words

Numerically Speaking Series

A series of (mostly) unconnected short stories, prompted by the numbers 1 to 10. Ongoing Part Nine: Nine Visitors (G) Qrow and Clover invite family and friends to their home on Patch for a house-warming gathering. 1 chapter 4,032 words

Vicky's OT4 Story Series (T)

Five linked pieces for Iron Dragon's Charms Week. Or, how Qrow, Clover, James, and Taiyang got together. Completed

The Parent-Teacher Association (T)

Qrow/Taiyang When Yang is involved in yet another playground fight, her teacher has to deal with her equally combative parent. Can Qrow and Tai go beyond their mutual antipathy to reach a more harmonious association? 1 chapter 5,154 words

Northumbrian Treasure (T)

Qrow/Clover/James Earl Clover Ebisson was no stranger to the shores of Northumbria— he and his warriors had taken many slaves on their previous raids. This time, the treasure the earl seized would prove more precious than he realised. 1 chapter 4,159 words

Three Hot Men (T)

Qrow/Clover/James A house out in the country should be the perfect place for a short break from the rigours of work. If only they could get the heating to function properly... 1 chapter 2,068 words

Take My Hand (M)

Marrow/Jaune Marrow and Jaune know their relationship is something special... something more than either has known before. They decide they both want to take it further, but is it too soon for Jaune? 1 chapter 2,517 words

Better The Second Time (M)

The first time is special. The second, even more so. 1 chapter 2,552 words

The King, the Knight, and the Dragon (T)

Qrow/James/Taiyang Sir Qrow is the most accomplished knight at the court of King James. When he is sent to investigate reports of a dragon bothering some of the king's subjects, the unexpected outcome will touch the lives of several people at court. 1 chapter 7,567 words

Heal My Heart (T)

Qrow/Taiyang Qrow and Clover are getting on well, both at work and away from it. Each wonders where this slow dance might lead... until an accident sends Qrow away, to be healed in more ways than one. 1 chapter 6,246 words

Learn to Love Again (M)

As Qrow refuses to acknowledge he is struggling with the consequences of quitting drinking, his relationship with Clover begins to founder. When things are at their bleakest, James does what he can to help. 1 chapter 5,539 words

A Hope That Waits In The Dark (T)

Clover/James Everyone is beautiful in the dark. James knew the old saying well. He wondered if anyone could ever find him beautiful in the light of day. 1 chapter 1,339 words

Flightless (G)

The war is drawing to a close, and Qrow is flying back to Atlas after a successful mission. When his flight ends abruptly, little does Qrow know that one aspect of his life has now changed forever. 1 chapter 4,860 words

Older fics below cut

A Fair Game Rainbow Series

A series of eight unconnected short stories, prompted by the colours of the rainbow. Because why not 🌈🙂 Completed Part One: Red (G) As their first Valentine's Day approaches, Clover wants to surprise Qrow with a small, yet thoughtful, gesture. 1 chapter 1,201 words Part Two: Orange (T) Qrow and Clover finally get some time off work together, and decide to take a short vacation. 1 chapter 1,384 words Part Three: Yellow (T) Breaking the ice with a shared DIY task? It's more likely than you think. 1 chapter 1,220 words Part Four: Green (T) An unexpected visitor on board the United Star Ship Atlas proves unsettling for Lieutenant Clover Ebi. 1 chapter 2,806 words Part Five: Blue (G) It's Clover's birthday, and for the first year in a long time, he's going to celebrate. He just doesn't know it yet. 1 chapter 2,218 words Part Six: Indigo (T) All Qrow needs is a good night's sleep. All Clover wants is to help him get one. 1 chapter 1,697 words Part Seven: Violet (M) Qrow's misfortune makes itself felt at a most inopportune moment. 1 chapter 1,233 words Part Eight: Rainbow (G) If Qrow had been offered his heart's desire years ago, he doubts he would have thought of wishing for what he has now. 2 chapters 2,420 words

Clover Ebi: Ace Operative Series

A short series looking at how a Fair Game relationship might work, if Clover were asexual. Completed Part One: Best of Friends (T) Qrow and Clover find they have more in common than they first thought. 1 chapter 4,158 words Part Two: Lines of Communication (G) Clover can't help fretting, which almost spoils a special day. 1 chapter 2,971 words Part Three: Part of You (M) Being together for a year is a good reason to celebrate, but things don't quite go according to plan. 1 chapter 2,433 words Part Four: Now and Always (T) Qrow and Clover take the next step. 4 chapters 7,857 words

Early Days Series

A series of short fics which follow Qrow and Clover as they become more friendly, leading into the start of a deeper relationship. Completed Part One: Window 1, Bird 0 (T) Qrow has a spot of bad luck. Fortunately, someone is looking out for him and is able to help. 1 chapter 1,481 words Part Two: Iron, Qrow (G) Qrow gets some unexpected domestic advice. 1 chapter 1,118 words Part Three: Search and Retrieve Mission (T) Clover suffers a loss, but Qrow is able to help. 1 chapter 1,267 words Part Four: By the Book (G) Clover finds a way to say thank you. 1 chapter 1,462 words Part Five: A Bird in the Hand (G) An afternoon of avian exploits, and a reminder of Clover's past. 1 chapter 1,993 words Part Six: Good Hair, Bad News (T) Time to trim those untidy feathers. 1 chapter 1,702 words Part Seven: Enable Cookies (G) Qrow is in need of inspiration. Lucky for him, Clover is on hand to supply it. 1 chapter 1,959 words Part Eight: Fever Pitch (G) Qrow gets an opportunity to demonstrate his bedside manner. 1 chapter 1,859 words Part Nine: The Last Dance (T) A celebratory night out for everyone gives Qrow and Clover a chance to get closer. 1 chapter 1,633 words Part Ten: Reggie's Diner (G) Finally. A kiss. 1 chapter 1,674 words

Fair Game Weekend 2020 Series

3 fics for Fair Game Weekend, 2nd-4th October 2020. Completed Part One: Good For The Soul (G) After arriving in Atlas, Weiss initiates a plan to help the new hunters and the Ace Ops get to know each other better. The outcome, in one way at least, is more successful than even she expected. 1 chapter 4,075 words Part Two: Chasing This Starlight (T) After resolving their difficulties and deciding they want to be together, Qrow finally joins Clover on the USS Atlas. 1 chapter 2,046 words Part Three: Tantalised (T) Qrow normally has no interest in the festive season. This year he grudgingly agrees to participate, if only to keep Jimmy quiet. 1 chapter 3,260 words

Numerically Speaking Series

A series of (mostly) unconnected short stories, prompted by the numbers 1 to 10. Ongoing Part One: One Mistake (M) One mistake. One stupid mistake. And suddenly, everything was ruined. 1 chapter 1,947 words Part Two: Two Months (T) It is hard to see past the hurt. But to heal, that is what Qrow tries to do. 1 chapter 1,417 words Part Three: Three in the Morning (G) When Qrow can't get back to sleep, he hatches a plan. It doesn't quite work. 1 chapter 1,002 words Part Four: Four in the Family (T) Three become four as Qrow and Clover welcome a new member of their family. 1 chapter 1,667 words Part Five: Five Words (T) Qrow and Clover have a date, a meal at their favourite restaurant. But this time, something seems different. 1 chapter 1,393 words Part Six: Six Weeks (T) Qrow/Clover / Blake/Yang / Jaune/Marrow Yang is determined to keep working as long as she can. Luckily, when she unexpectedly goes into labour, she's with the right people. 1 chapter 3,128 words Part Seven: Seven Stars (G) An evil is rising, and the Captain of the Guard is sent from Minas Tirith to seek one who may be able to overcome it. 2 chapters 5,518 words Part Eight: Eight Days (T) Sometimes, the most trivial disagreement is all it takes. But if you care enough, there's usually a way back. 1 chapter 2,138 words

Qrowtober 2020 Series

Six separate fics for Qrowtober 2020. Completed Day Two: Flight Interrupted (T) Qrow is a bird on a mission. When he finds himself caught in a storm, it takes an unexpected turn. 4 chapters 8,432 words Day Seven: A Quiet Night In (G) Qrow & Yang & Ruby / Background Taiyang/Summer Taiyang and Summer have been married for three years, and Qrow agrees they deserve a night out to celebrate. 1 chapter 1,677 words Day Eight: Images of Yesterday (G) Qrow/Taiyang Taiyang has accumulated an attic full of memories stretching back many years. Some of them are inconsequential. Others, Qrow realises, mean so much more. 1 chapter 1,005 words Day Twenty-One: A Different Family (G) Qrow & Raven Family is very important to Qrow. He wants to belong, but he begins to realise, not all families are the same. 1 chapter 841 words Day Twenty-Four: Misplaced Trust (T) Qrow/James Qrow knows there are limitations to the intimacy he shares with James. Finally, he must question whether a relationship without trust is one worth having. 1 chapter 1,225 words Day Thirty-One: The Love That You Bring (G) Qrow has seen Remnant at its worst. With the war behind them, he and Clover can look to the future. Both men agree, the world is a better place now they are together. 1 chapter 1,675 words

Varin & Challance Series

Stories taking place throughout Qrow and Clover's life together. Ongoing Part One: A New Home (T) The war has been left behind, the personal difficulties surmounted. It's time for Qrow and Clover to finish preparing their new home on Patch, and Tai is happy to help where he can. 1 chapter 2,468 words Part Two: Four in the Family (T) Three become four as Qrow and Clover welcome a new member of their family. 1 chapter 1,667 words Part Three: Rainbow (G) If Qrow had been offered his heart's desire years ago, he doubts he would have thought of wishing for what he has now. 2 chapters 2,420 words Part Four: Till I Die (T) Qrow's final flight. 1 chapter 1,500 words

7-6 (M)

A quiet night in for Qrow and Clover ends in an unexpected battle for the two experienced fighters. 1 chapter 1,202 words

As Tears Go By (G)

Some painful memories never leave you, but if you have a sympathetic partner there for you, it helps. 1 chapter 1,257 words

Birth Day (T)

Qrow and Clover wait anxiously for a very special delivery. 1 chapter 1,491 words

Convergence (T)

Qrow and Clover are bound to get together. Eventually. 1 chapter 1,514 words

Deep (E)

Qrow sometimes teases Clover about the depth of feeling between them. But they both know that being in deep, is where they want to be. 1 chapter 1,396 words

Face the Rain (G)

Clover and Qrow have been together for some time now, but the cracks are starting to show. 1 chapter 2,324 words

Home Is In Your Arms (G)

Qrow has never known true love, and anyway, he's not sure if it's something he deserves. But maybe things are different now. 1 chapter 2,787 words

i'm dreaming 'bout those dreamy eyes (G)

The importance or otherwise of eye colour. 1 chapter 478 words

In Your Eyes (T)

Not everyone believes in the idea of a soulmate. And sometimes, you don't have to. 1 chapter 6,303 words

Instinctively Yours (T)

In Springtime, every bird's thoughts turn to finding a partner. Clover never expected it to be him. 1 chapter 2,016 words

It's Not Goodbye (G)

Jaune/Marrow In the escalating confusion after team RWBY fight with the Ace Ops, there is someone Jaune desperately wants to find. 1 chapter 647 words

Kiss Me, Kiss Me (T)

After the trials and tribulations in Atlas, Clover and Qrow enjoy some downtime in Patch. 1 chapter 1,635 words

Letting Go (G)

Qrow/Taiyang Qrow tries to help Taiyang move on. 1 chapter 948 words

The Monster I've Become (T)

James/Clover James had not expected love, or anything like it, to come calling. But it does, and for a while he can be happy. Life, however, has other plans for him. 1 chapter 4,928 words

The New Stable Master (G)

Captain Clover Ebi arrives at Faunus Hall, to take up a position as Stable Master. The estate Steward, Qrow Branwen, is unsure of his suitability for the role. In time, however, Qrow finds they have much in common. 1 chapter 4,925 words

The One Who Loved You So (G)

James/Qrow and Qrow/Clover James cares for Qrow. He sometimes wishes he didn't. 1 chapter 1,000 words

The Only One That Knows Me (G)

There are two Clover Ebis— one public, one private. Other than Clover himself, only one person knows them both. 1 chapter 1,686 words

Paradigm Shift (M)

Clover's life is settled in every way except one. As he searches for the right woman for him, fate takes a hand and sets him on an unexpected path. 10 chapters 19,360 words

a qrow came to me (G)

A short scene which could have happened, but sadly never did. 1 chapter 672 words

Reassurance (T)

Qrow always anticipates the worst outcome in any situation. Clover tries to reassure him, that isn't always how things turn out. 1 chapter 1,113 words

Regency Bees (G)

Blake/Yang and Qrow/Clover, but less so than usual! A desparate situation calls for a desperate remedy. Especially when you have been told you must marry a gentleman for whom you have no regard. 7 chapters 13,556 words

A Regency Qrow (M)

Qrow returns to England after an extended trip, to find society has changed considerably in his absence. 4 chapters 13,918 words

Room in Your Heart (T)

Clover would like to get to know Qrow better, but is there a place for him in Qrow's heart? 1 chapter 2,414 words

The Shape of You (T)

Qrow sees Clover in a new light. 1 chapter 900 words

Sharp Edges (T)

There is more than one way to hurt those you care about. 1 chapter 3,208 words

The Silver Lining (T)

When it seems there might be a repeat of the disastrous pandemic of two years ago, the government loses no time in declaring a lockdown of all households. For Qrow and Clover, this presents a problem. 1 chapter 3,162 words

Some Kind of Madness (E)

Clover enjoys the heady rush of a new relationship. But after the madness of the early, euphoric liaisons, is there anything more? 1 chapter 3,642 words

Storytime (E)

Clover is away, so he calls Qrow and tells him a bedtime story. 1 chapter 1,501 words

Straight From Your Heart (T)

Following the catastrophic fight on the tundra, Qrow and Clover try and come to terms with what happened. 4 chapters 4,049 words

A Thirty-Leaf Clover (T)

Various Clover-centric relationships One 100-word drabble chapter a day, for the month of Clovember 2020. 30 chapters 3,000 words

A Time To Hold On, A Time To Let Go (G)

Jaune/Marrow Sometimes it can take a long while to let go, but that's okay. 1 chapter 683 words

Two Hearts (G)

Two hearts, drawn together. A poem. 1 chapter 184 words

We Don't Have To Dance (M)

Neither Qrow nor Clover is looking for love— both are happy with casual encounters. A chance meeting might change their perspective. 3 chapters 7,555 words

Who Are You? (T)

Dreams are always open to interpretation, and Clover has no idea what his means. The answer, when it eventually comes, will change his life. 4 chapters 12,281 words

you know i can't love (T)

Loving someone is not always enough. 1 chapter 1,901 words

#rwby fanfiction #fair game #qrow branwen #clover ebi #guard dogs #ironluck #taiqrow #lucky ironqrow #taiyang xiao long #james ironwood #marrow amin #jaune arc #my posts

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wisdomrays · 5 years ago

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TAFAKKUR: Part 1

Biological Change

One argument advanced by those who accept (or, rather, who believe) the theory of evolution against those who believe in creation is this: ‘We put forward certain concepts related to evolution, right or wrong, for the sake of enabling and informing scientific understanding. But you merely refuse and refute this effort. You ignore a lot of biological facts, such as adaptation and natural selection, in order to deny evolution, but you can neither interpret those facts, nor offer any alternative ideas in a persuasively scientific manner.’

By answering this argument we shall show that we do indeed accept the same biological facts, but do not agree about the ‘laws’ which try to explain them, nor about the limits and qualifications for the operation of those ‘laws’.

Unlike other Scriptures which claim Divine authority, there is no proposition in the Qur’an which can be contradicted by established scientific knowledge as untrue. The Qur’an does not underestimate the importance of reflection and argument, but it does indicate that our suppositions about the origin of creation cannot explain the reality of it: we simply were not present there.

I called them not to witness the creation of the heavens and the earth, nor their own creation: Nor is it for Me to take as helpers such as lead (men) astray (al-Kahf 18.51).

This verse should not be interpreted to mean ‘Do not ask questions or do not research’, for the Qur’an encourages scientific research explicitly. It is, rather, a warning about those who vainly claim to explain the phenomena which happen outside the normal course of events and cannot be described in terms of material causes and effects. Since the creation is the great, inclusive miracle, human beings can neither imitate it (that is, they cannot create out of nothing) nor explain it. To attribute the creation to God makes everything plausible and saves scientific inquiry from fruitless uncertainties and insecure speculations. To understand the basic principles of the reality of creation is most important. If they are properly understood, useful and worthwhile aspects of the theory of evolution can be sifted out from pretentious and false interpretations of it. For, in every idea, even if it is against common sense in general, there are some elements of truth. The biological facts, rightly so called, such as variation, adaptation, natural selection and mutation, in evolution theory, should be differentiated from the ideological and metaphysical baggage they have accumulated.

In our approach, evolution may be described as the changes and variations in the form of creatures, especially in living beings, and the genetic and environmental factors associated with those changes. We do not assert that living beings are fixed and unchangeable in their forms. To claim that would imply a limitation upon the knowledge and power of God which is contradictory to His Names, the All-Knowing and the All-Powerful. The creation reflects His Names through its novelty within renewal, its prolific variety amid abundance. Individual diversity is programmed into the genetic mechanisms which, as they unfold and evolve under the prompting of environmental factors, display (for our admiration and understanding) the action in the world of Divine grace and power. The many hundreds of apples on a single tree are not identical, nor are they identical over different seasons-they are only similar. Thus, the first emphasis in our definition of the concept of evolution is change which is vital for the maintenance of ecological diversity and balance.

To paraphrase the Qur’an: God imposes the law of change and evolution as a basic principle in the universe. In the enforcement of this law, He creates pairs and opposites which, interacting according to subtle purposes, are placed in the core of every being. Thus, the change-dependent evolution and the dynamic balance in the universe, have been realized through the intersection of the opposites continually since the outset of creation. There are many verses in the Qur’an (for example in Chapter 55, al-Rahman) which indicate change and balance.

The ideologues of evolution theory, however, ignore the Divine wisdom, measure and purpose in the universe, claiming that the change they observe is an effect of coincidences-random variations, aimless mutations.

In the light of recent findings, we know the apparent causes of change to be mutations, which are the hereditary alternations in the genetic information; the differentiation of an isolated population from its ancestor through multiplying inside the population; adaptation and so-called ‘natural selection’, that is the decrease or extinction of generations which are weak and unable to reproduce in their immediate environment.

Believers in the One God affirm that everything, from subatomic particles to galaxies, is created by Him, that He is Omniscient and Omnipotent, and everything acts under His will and command. Causes are created by God in the appropriate time and space and the appropriate order and combination as a sort of veil for His dignity and might. He only says ‘Be!’, and all the material causes, such as heat, moisture, air, chemical elements, radiation, etc., are. If such causes are seen in this way, if their being brought together into an order is understood to be a response to their need (their prayer) to participate in a collaborative universe-and if their being causes is confirmed by observations and experiments-then, we may regard causes as a useful way to explain biological phenomena.

We know that diversity in a species is realized through mutations in the genetic program, arranged by Divine wisdom, not by coincidence. The evolutionist idea that the mutations are arbitrary, that useful changes can occur by sheer chance and lead to the development of a living being, or that a lot of random mutations can accumulate to enable a sudden leap from one species to another, has not been confirmed by experiments and observations. To accept that the mutations are arbitrary interferences in the genetic order is like accepting that a rocket can be generated out of a sound aircraft by raking it randomly with machine-gun fire. Certainly, computer-aided probability calculations show that it is impossible for thousands of random mutations to accumulate on a living being and change it into another species. Any such change is manifestly against that organism’s survival and would have to overwhelm it suddenly, not gradually.

Some bacteria can be given the ability to synthesize insulin by means of genetic engineering. This is a kind of planned mutation. Such a transfer of ability is, though remarkable, a relatively small change: it is, in any case, only possible because of the relevant ability being present in the genetic material being transferred. It is sheer arrogance to claim that living beings having millions of such able genes have evolved from each other by arbitrary, random mutations.

Adaptation is a biological manifestation of the flexibility coded into the genetic programs of living organisms; it carries the potential, within the limits of the species, for the organism to survive in changing conditions and to sustain that survival through reproduction.

When environmental conditions change, responsive adaptations occur- e.g. change of colour or density of hair, size of ears-in proportion to the flexibility of the organism’s genetic potential. If the organism cannot adapt adequately, the species does not mutate into some new species, it goes extinct. That is what happened, we presume, to dinosaurs and dodos.

The diversity of various human races can also be explained by the flexibility of their genetic potentials in response to different geographical, climatic and environmental conditions, provided, as before, that the changes are contained within species boundaries. Intermarriages between the various races add to the diversity within the species boundaries, they do not yield another species. The working of genetic potential can also be seen in the way that insects adapt to pesticides, and certain bacteria acquire a nearly invincible resistance to particular antibiotics. Insects or bacteria become more resistant, but they do not become different species. Their potential for adaptation is understood, by believers, as a power to survive given to them by Divine Wisdom.

We do not wholly reject the concept of natural selection. However, it is necessary to criticize the extreme interpretation evolutionists make of it. First of all, there is not an absolute ‘cruel competition’ in nature which the strong dominate absolutely, nor a pitiless ‘selection’ process of exterminating rivals in the struggle for food (survival). Rather, there is a dynamic balance among the great variety of creatures which is characterized, overall, by mutual collaboration and solidarity. The killing of weak creatures by the stronger ones is not random, nor characterized by a drive to exterminate and monopolize resources for survival. On the contrary, it is, overall, purposive and beneficial. Predators prey, generally, on weak and sick animals, and this ‘selects’ the fit and healthy for survival and, quite probably, prevents epidemics within and between species. Also, it is manifestly obvious that the apparent ‘competition’ in nature is the outward face of a subtle and complex feeding chain which is vital for the overall balance of the ecosystem, providing niches for great numbers of species, not least those which feed on the left-overs of others thus cleansing and purifying the food-chain.

Another factor affecting natural selection is the difference in rates of breeding. One bacterium multiplies by millions in one day, a fly by thousands in two days. Vertebrates, except fish and amphibians on the other hand, breed far more slowly. From the base of the food pyramid to the top, the production of food increases in quality but decreases in mass, and consequently a lot of tiny living organisms are the food of larger ones. The difference in breeding rates among members of the same species causes rapid multiplying of a certain group, but not the change of its species. An organism with many young has more opportunity to survive in changing environmental conditions, because when the number of its young increases, so too do the combinations of genetic characters. Even after drastic environmental changes, a few may survive.

The concepts used by evolutionists used to explain biological realities have a merely nominal reality, they are far from being ultimate causes. Attributing reality or, worse, Divine power to concepts which can be useful only for building mental models, and ignoring the knowledge, might and eternal wisdom of the Creator, means binding our hearts and minds to nature, like nature-worshippers and polytheists generally.

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strawbrymilkshake · 5 years ago

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the true gift...is my presence

Dad!Reigen Week 2019 Day 4: Gifts || Baking

AO3 Description: Tome enlists Mob to help show her appreciation for Reigen. (4.2k words)

Tome let out a heavy sigh, her breath bunching up, dancing around and eventually fading in the early morning air. “Boy, is it hot out here or is it just me?”

Mob cast her a glance. She was currently bundled up in a puffy, oversized down jacket, with a scarf wrapped around her neck and a garishly coloured beanie pulled down to cover her ears. He was in a similar state, hands buried deep in his pockets and shivering to try to keep warm. He had heard a newscaster somewhere say that this was one of the most severe winters Seasoning City had ever faced.

“Are you too hot in your jacket, Tome?”

She turned to him, and it was kind of awkward, her movements restricted. She chuckled dryly. “Ah, no. Nevermind.”

They went back to waiting in silence. Currently, they were in line outside of their local department store, bunched closely together between strangers, waiting for the doors to open at seven A.M. It was the second last weekend before Christmas, and Tome had insisted to Mob that they weren’t in any sort of hurry; they were waiting in line to mooch off the warmth of others more than anything else.

“This is the last gift I have to buy,” she told Mob. She kept glancing in the direction of the doors, then checking her phone for the time. 6:59. They would open any second now.

Pocketing the phone away, still awkward in figuring out the manoeuvre while wrapped in her many layers, she turned fully to Mob. Before he could figure out if she wanted him to contribute in any meaningful way to her offhand comment, she continued.

“I’ve already bought Serizawa’s gift,” she said. Her eyes were bright and her words were fast. “I got him a new pencil case and some stationery for the new school term. I think he’ll like it.” Mob smiled, amused at how Tome was now bouncing a little in her spot. “I got him this special pen that doubles as a highlighter. It’s really cool; I almost got one for myself. It’s in his favourite colour, too.”

Behind her, there was some commotion at the front doors. Mob looked over her shoulder to see that the line was now steadily streaming into the building, and that they would be swept up by the momentum any time soon.

“Ah, Tome—” he gestured behind her.

Tome looked back, and when she turned to Mob again, she had a wide, determined grin plastered across her face. “Alright, Mob! It’s time to do this!”

He nodded back, just as determined as she was, and together they marched squarely towards the doors.

The line wasn’t too long, and it wasn’t moving too quickly, either — Mob suspected that it would gradually grow bigger and more frantic as the days neared the twenty fifth, but for now it was mostly comprised of those just a bit too eager to wait until later in the day. He wouldn’t be surprised if many of the people there shared a similar personality to Tome’s. They were closer to the back of the line than the front, but in a few short moments they found themselves in the toasty, heated entrance of the store.

“It’s so nice in here,” he remarked to Tome. They had to hold their coats to adjust to the inside warmth, but it was worth it.

She nodded to him, her cheeks flush from the change in temperature. “Okay, first order of business.” At once she started down the pathway of the store, leading them further in between the items and aisles. Everything was decked out in golds, greens and reds, with tinsel glittering everywhere they looked. Mob followed close behind Tome. “If you were getting Reigen a gift, what would you buy him?”

Mob almost paused in his step, thrown off from the attention directed at him. He opened his mouth to give Tome a response, but quickly shut it when he realised that he had no real answer.

Following after her as they ambled through the store, he stopped paying attention to the countless goods, little trinkets and potential gifts lining the shelves either side of them. What would he get for Reigen? Surely, he’s gotten something for him in the past — he’s known him long enough. Although, Mob had never seen himself as one that was particularly good with gifts, so he feared that Tome may have made a mistake in bringing him along today for some help. Despite how well he knew Reigen, that didn’t make him any less unsure of what he would like to get during this season, if anything, he was more used to Reigen taking him on an ‘office holiday trip’ as an excuse to go out and eat dinner somewhere, rather than any sort of gift exchange. And besides, in the end did it really matter what Mob would hypothetically buy him? This gift was from Tome, wasn’t it? And wasn’t that the most important thing about gifts — who they came from and their own thoughts behind it?

Tome was getting impatient. “Well?”

Mob furrowed his brow. “Hm… I’m not sure.”

“What? How are you not sure? He was your master for so long!”

“Yeah, but we didn’t really do stuff like gifts. I guess he never expected me to give him one. I don’t think I ever have.”

“Not even for his birthday?”

The answer was no, but Mob hesitated to tell her that. Was it a bad thing that he never bought gifts for his master? “Uh…”

Tome huffed, but not out of annoyance. “Well, that’s fine, I guess.” Mob let out a small sigh. “You can still tell me what he likes, though, right?”

He nodded.

Mob thought it was a little fascinating that Tome could be working for Reigen for some eight months now and would still need to get his help on deciding what to buy for him. Reigen had been such an integral part of his life for so long now that he almost didn’t know how to flip that perspective, to see him through the eyes of someone new. Mob worked for him for years of his life, but he rarely saw him as often anymore; Tome hadn’t known him for as long, but she saw him just as regularly as Mob once used to. She saw what Reigen was like now, gaining access to any current changes and evolutions that Mob would no longer see as closely — he wondered, would either of them know Reigen better than the other? Was that a sort of thing you could properly judge?

He thought back to how well he knew Reigen when he was only eight months in. It seemed like ages ago; he was just a kid. Mob was so different to how he was now, too — back then, he never would have imagined that he’d have friends close enough to call him up like this out of the blue. He smiled to himself.

Over the next several minutes, the pair took to browsing throughout the store according to Mob’s suggestions and Tome’s insight on what would or wouldn’t make a good gift for Reigen. Mob didn’t know what he was expecting of the day when Tome called him up, but he found it was more of a relaxed, fun errand, or a conveniently situated catch up, rather than anything else. Tome was determined on making sure the gift for Reigen was just right, and Mob was more than happy to go along with the flow.

Eventually, conversation drifted outside of their primary mission.

“I’m not sure what to get Dimple,” Tome said once they made their way to the men’s clothes section. She was standing in front of a rack of ties, and picked up a brightly coloured, loud, green and red polka dot tie. She held it up to her neck as if to wear it. Mob snickered. “I don’t even think I’m supposed to get him something.” She walked up to a mirror, Mob by her side.

“It brings out your eyes,” he said.

Tome laughed, putting the tie away. “Should I get him something? Am I supposed to?”

Mob brought a hand to his chin, considering it. “Well…I think that if you really want to,” he started eventually, “you could get him some spirits to eat. Bring him to a place that’s really haunted.”

Tome’s eyes lit up. They started on their way from the clothes section, already having dismissed it without saying so out loud. They turned a corner. “Ohh, you’re right, Mob! That’s a really good idea!”

“What’s a good idea?” came a voice from in front of them.

Tome jumped, not just caught off guard, but completely startled. She didn’t quite scream from the surprise, but definitely yelped, before she took a second to calm down and realise who was standing in their way.

“Geez, Reigen,” she exhaled. “Don’t ever do that again.”

“Oh, sorry,” he said, but he was definitely smiling through it, “I didn’t know I’d scare you that much. Mob saw me, right?”

He hadn’t, but his reaction was much less dramatic than Tome’s had been. He blinked when he saw his old master, suddenly appearing right in the aisle where he and Tome had been searching for gifts for him, and panic rose slightly in him. Where did he come from? Were they caught? Was he going to find out what they were doing? Of course, Mob was happy to see Reigen again — it had been a while, after all — but showing up this unexpected, at this place, where Mob was certain he’d never seen Reigen before, was either some extremely apt or some extremely inappropriate timing.

“Hi, Master.”

“You can’t go around scaring people like that!” Tome chastised Reigen before Mob could speak any further.

“It’s nice to see you, too, Tome,” Reigen said, though he was putting his hands up in a show of mercy. Once he could tell that Tome was done with yelling at him, he slid his hands back in his pockets, taking in the two in front of him. “So, what’s up? What are you two doing here?”

Tome was suddenly ramrod straight in her posture. She turned to Mob silently. Mob looked at her. At that moment, all of her work into investigating telepathy started to gather in her head as she desperately tried to connect with Mob, trying to make sure he knew that Reigen was not to be privy of anything that occurred that day.

Mob stayed silent. Good.

“Are you guys on a date or something?”

Tome, her eyes still locked with Mob’s, winced a little bit.

“Uh…” Mob side-eyed Reigen.

“…Sure,” Tome finished. Hopefully, he wouldn’t question any further.

He didn’t, thankfully, nodding as if the information was just idle small talk. And it sort of was, anyway. “Have you guys been enjoying the season so far? Mob, I haven’t seen you in a while, how are you?”

“I’m doing well, Master.” And he really was. He had been wanting to catch up with Reigen, considering his school term was coming to a break soon and he’d have more time to relax before his final days at middle school kicked in — with all the stress of everything coming to an end, and the new start of high school looming in his sights, it was a sort of comfort to fall back on and talk things out with his master. Except, maybe not now, when he was technically supposed to be conspiring with Tome behind his back. “What brings you here?”

It was Reigen’s turn to be silent. He looked at them for maybe a second too long, as if his brain was dealing with low buffering speeds, before something seemed to click in his head.

“Oh! Ah, well. You know.”

Apparently that something wasn’t very eloquent or well thought out. Reigen was now surreptitiously trying to avoid eye contact, and sweat was beading across what looked like each and every single one of his pores.

“I’m, uh— It’s, nice, in here and the sales, you know, they’re starting, so…” Tome and Mob stared at him blankly. “It’s helpful for my… Groceries…”

“You’re grocery shopping here?” Tome raised an eyebrow. “This is a department store.”

Reigen didn’t have an answer for a moment or two, but he looked calm enough about it. “Yeah. You’ll, uh…you’ll understand when you’re older.”

No one said anything for a few long seconds.

“Well!” Reigen started, suddenly clapping his hands together. “It was nice seeing you two. Mob, you should come over sometime so we can catch up. Tome, I know you’re never gonna leave me alone, so I guess I’m seeing you next week?”

Tome nodded. “Sure thing, Boss!”

“Alright then. I’ll catch you guys later.” Reigen nodded to them as one final goodbye, and started heading off in the direction he’d originally been going. Tome and Mob watched him leave, until he was out of sight, off somewhere deeper in the store they couldn’t see.

They turned to each other.

“Oh, my god!” Tome bent over, resting her hands on her knees. “What’s he doing here?”

“Probably shopping.”

Tome didn’t have a response, just groaned at the general direction of the ground. “We have to make sure we don’t run into him again.”

“Are you sure?”

Tome took a deep breath as she stood up straight, placing her hands on Mob’s shoulders. “Yes. We can’t ruin the surprise. So.” She pulled him just a little bit closer. “Can you keep an eye on him for me?”

“I thought I was supposed to tell you what gift he would like?”

“The plan’s changed. You’re the lookout now. I’ll be there to help, of course; you can keep an eye on Reigen from afar, and while you’re doing that, I’ll be stealthily looking for the perfect gift. We just have to wait until he leaves before we go to buy it, or we could run into him again. Got it?”

Mob nodded.

“Okay, good. Let’s do this.”

They carried out the plan near perfectly; Mob quickly scouted out where Reigen was, and Tome made sure that he kept him in his sights at all times as they browsed the store from a distance. Any time it seemed that Reigen would spot them, they’d quickly turn and act like they couldn’t see him (“He’ll think it’s just coincidence that he can see us again. He won’t come over to talk to us. Let’s just…act natural… Oh, what a nice…fridge magnet… Is he still looking?”), but after five or six times of trying to look coincidentally busy, Mob wasn’t so sure on the plan anymore.

“Isn’t he going to get suspicious that he keeps seeing us? We’re always the same distance away, too.”

“It’s a small store, Mob. It’s not like we were never going to see each other again. We just have to wait him out.”

So, they did. Or, at least they tried to, since Reigen continued about the store for minutes upon minutes upon minutes more on end. Tome was browsing in the meantime, making use of Mob’s watching eye, but only really half-looking at the stock on the shelf. Nothing there seemed to be the right thing for Reigen. She’d have to come across something good eventually, right?

As the minutes dragged on, Mob’s certainty of the plan drew thinner. He gained Tome’s attention from where she was directing it at a pair of blue headphones decorated with stylised cat ears on top.

“Tome, it’s been almost twenty minutes. I don’t know if he’s leaving any time soon. And I’ve been watching him, he hasn’t picked up anything.”

“What?” Tome marched right up to Mob’s side, following his gaze to where Reigen was across the store. He was right; Reigen was empty handed. “Why didn’t you tell me that before?”

“Was I supposed to?”

Tome furrowed her brow and brought a hand to her chin. “No…but…”

Together they looked on at Reigen as he continued to idly browse. He wasn’t even really looking at anything; just strolling through the aisles and occasionally picking up something from a shelf before putting it back down. He did this for some time, wandering aimlessly through the store.

“Why’s he so weird?” Tome asked.

Mob didn’t have an answer.

“What is he doing?” Neither of them could make any sense of what Reigen’s main objective was, or if there even was one. “Okay, new plan,” Tome said. “Let’s just watch him for a bit and try to figure out what his deal is.”

Mob didn’t see how that was all too different from what they had just been doing, considering Tome hadn’t picked out anything they could even count as a gift. But he agreed anyway, and soon enough, the Let’s-Go-And-Find-Something-To-Buy-For-Reigen Plan turned into the Let’s-Spy-On-Reigen Plan.

A couple of minutes went by.

“He’s really not leaving, huh?” Tome deadpanned.

A couple more minutes went by, with Reigen getting no closer to the exit, and definitely getting no closer to making a purchase. Tome rubbed her temples.

“He’s not doing anything. He’s just…circling around the store,” she groaned.

“Isn’t that just what we’re doing?”

Tome’s shoulders dropped with a heavy sigh, and she stared off at some non-specific point on the ground, contemplating life. “Alright.” She snapped back upright. “I’ve had enough of this. We have to ask him what he’s doing.”

She was already marching off in his direction before Mob could agree.

They intercepted Reigen just as he was leaving the pet care section — who was he trying to fool with that? He didn’t even own a dog — and blocked him from going any further.

“Oh, hey again,” he started. “Fancy seeing you guys here.”

“Reigen,” Tome said, her tone more serious than it might have needed to be, “what are you doing?”

“Uh— What? What do you mean?”

“You know what I mean.”

“I don’t.”

“Yes, you do.”

“I assure you, I don’t.”

“I think you do know; perfectly well.”

“…Tome—”

“Master, why haven’t you bought anything yet?”

Reigen turned to Mob, dumb. He looked back to Tome, only to find her slowly narrowing her eyes, before turning back to Mob, who was waiting patiently for an answer. “Why do you want to know?”

“Hm,” Tome scoffed. “Suspicious answer.”

“Suspicious question!” Reigen rebutted. “Listen, what do you guys want? Do you want me to buy you something?”

“Oh, the opposite, actually—” Mob started, before being elbowed in the side.

“We want to know why you’re loitering in here!” Tome pointed an accusing finger at Reigen. “It’s been half an hour and all you’ve done is wander around the store.”

Reigen was quiet for some time, looking down on the two teenagers. For a second it seemed like he was going to play it off with some other quick remark, just to get these kids off his back from whatever weird scheme they’d been up to. But he was waiting too long, like he was going back over what the two had said, processing their words, their actions, their demeanours.

“Well,” he started, eyes dark — Mob recognised this expression from when they used to make house calls for exorcisms, when Reigen would give one last parting speech to whichever spirit in question. “If you really want to know why I haven’t bought anything, then why don’t you show me your purchases, huh? You’ve been here for the same amount of time I have, haven’t you? If not — longer.” He was now stepping closer to them, leaning down slightly to get in their faces — mostly Tome’s. “Because, I’m pretty sure the last I heard, browsing wasn’t a crime!”

“It is if you’re being super shady!”

“You don’t know how crime works!”

“Well, I do know how— that you have been acting weird since we ran into each other!”

“What, have you been watching me? And I’m the one who’s being super shady?”

“Um, guys?” Mob interjected.

“What?” Tome and Reigen snapped simultaneously, both turning their heads to face Mob at once.

He felt a bead of sweat forming on his forehead. “Just remember, we are in public…” He didn’t want them to disturb the other customers on their weekend morning shopping, some of whom were starting to cast glances over at the commotion.

Reigen stood up straight with a clearing of his throat. He looked down at Tome, who now had her arms crossed, looking off to the side. He wouldn’t be surprised if she was grumbling under her breath.

He clicked his tongue, then sighed, keeping himself restrained from rolling his eyes. “Tome, if it really means that much to you,” and he wasn’t sure why it did, anyway, “well… Here’s the thing.”

She was turned back towards him now, her interest piqued.

With one last sigh, he pinched the bridge of his nose. “It was supposed to be a surprise, but…”

“A surprise?” Well, at least it got Tome in a better mood.

“Yeah.” He paused again, considering his words. “So, Serizawa had the idea of throwing an office party for the holiday, and you could invite your friends, and everyone would come over and hang out…” He sucked in a breath between his teeth. “I was supposed to get the decorations, but I might have left it a little last minute? But not entirely last minute, because—! Wait, when does your break start?”

“Next week,” Tome said.

“Okay, so, it turns out I left it last minute, and I really only had time to get it done today, so… I was just kinda…hoping you guys would leave so I could buy this stuff without you noticing.”

“Oh! We were doing that, too,” Mob told Reigen.

Slowly, like she had rust in her joints, Tome pivoted in her spot to stare, eyes wide and mouth in a thin line, right into Mob’s soul. Panic dawned in his eyes. He began to mouth an apology, before Reigen spoke up.

“Is that why you guys have been acting so weird?”

Tome was still in ‘death glare’ mode as she looked at Reigen. “We haven’t been acting weird at all, Reigen. What’s happened here is that I also wanted to leave something a surprise,” she gave a look back at Mob who only grimaced, “but it seems I’ll have to play the hand I’ve been dealt.” She took a deep breath, as if steeling herself. “Mob and I came here today because I wanted to buy something — also last minute — to gift to you this season. I’ve already bought gifts for my friends at school, and for Serizawa, and I wanted to bring Mob along to help me buy something for you, too. To be honest, I had no idea what to get you. And, yeah, we were kinda spying on you… We wanted you to leave so you wouldn’t see the gift and ruin the surprise.”

“Ah,” Reigen said. His voice was a little soft. “I see.” He sniffled.

Tome was incredulous as she looked up at him. “Are…you okay?”

“Yep,” his voice cracked. He coughed. “Uh, Tome… You didn’t have to do that.”

“I wanted to, though.”

“That’s very sweet of you. Thank you, too, Mob.”

Mob was mostly watching this from the sidelines, wondering if Tome was still mad at him. He gave a small nod to Reigen.

“Honestly…the fact that you tried so hard to figure out what gift I would like is a gift enough, you know. I’m more than happy for that to be my present.”

“But—!” Tome protested. “I already bought gifts for everyone else! I can’t just exclude you from that!”

Reigen furrowed his brow, deep in thought. “Okay…how much money do you have? Oh, wait, I’m not supposed to ask that, am I? Okay, then…how long did you tell your parents that you were gonna be out?”

Tome and Mob looked at each other. “Uh…”

“At least before dark, I’m assuming?”

Tome shrugged yes.

Reigen brought his hands together. “Okay. So. Here’s what we’re gonna do. You two are gonna help me with these decorations, and make it look like I put more than just a week’s thought into them, and then after that…” He brought a hand to his chin, finalising his plan. “We can spend as long as you want in the mall, and do anything as long as it’s within my price range. How’s that for my gift?” He smirked, putting his hands in his pockets definitively.

“So,” Tome spoke with consideration, sounding everything out slowly, “your gift would just be us…saving your ass?” She turned to Mob. “Haven’t you got a little tired of that by now?”

Mob looked between Tome and Reigen, and smiled. “What’s wrong with one last time?”

Eventually, the three of them left the department store together, some many, many minutes after they had entered, arms all the more heavier from the bags swinging in their hands.

#mp100 #mob psycho 100 #dadreigenweek2019 #tome kurata #reigen arataka #smth a bit more lighthearted than yesterday's post uwu #my writing #and...with that.....ive officially written and completed three fics in a row for one fandom #oohhhhh man i usually never even finish fics for any fandom im in let alone MORE THAN ONE #LET ALONE IN A ROW #holy heck mob psycho has given me the gift of endless motivation

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