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#I realize that the story is unclear in places
arolesbianism ยท 6 days
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Every now and then I remember that oni in fact will eventually have more lore added and I get so excited and scared for a moment and then I remember that it could take months until we see any of that and I proceed to forget abt it again and the cycle repeats
#rat rambles#oni posting#now it does sadden me a smidge that itll probably be in paid dlc but thats a problem for future me#the bright side of new lore is new lore#the downside of new lore is the eternal fear of canon jackie and olivia designs#not because Im opposed to them getting canon designs its just so scary#like what if klei made them white how would I move forward from that#and its not even a situation where I can say with any level of confidence if they would or not because god if I fucking know#like they have until very recently seemingly deliberately avoided including anything Too lore relevant in any animated trailers#but that can kind of just be explained by well. the fact that most of those updates didn't include any lore.#and those that do involve it stay strictly in the dupes perspective#so I can't rly use that as any sign that theyre deliberately avoiding giving olivia and jackie canon designs#I would highly prefer they dont get designs even without fear of designs I dislike mostly because narratively it just works better that way#but hey its not up to me so whatever happens happens#I mostly assume future lore is going to mostly relate to the dupe donors we havent met yet and elaborating on some of the ones we have seen#but dont see a lot of if anything at all#I hope they dont mess with jackie and olivia too much but I do think itd be nice to give jackie just a smidge more like Ive talked abt#and other than that I could see them adding maybe new story traits and if they're feeling real generous more dupe lore#oh and if we're mega lucky we could get a dr.holland first name#honestly I hope that for dr.holland specifically they either just do a hard name drop and move on or just dont touch him#rly my main concern with any added oni lore is I Really dont want them to start telling us too much#I really really like all of our information being very fragmented and unclear as it adds to the post end of the world vibe rly well#and this is in fact a problem that they had in older versions of the story that they seemingly went out of their way to solve#so I rly want to have faith that they wont fuck it up but I have been burned before and oni has yet to have fully earn my trust#its not far off tho just the scrapped logs themselves give me faith that they are aware what story theyre writing and what needs done#again the scrapped logs are cool but would have dampened the narrative quite significantly from how straight forward they are#so them being full one scrapped early on makes me hopeful that they realized that too#rly I just dont want too much expansion on the stuff we already know#some names and work ids would be splendid and Im all for new fragments to try to place in the timeline#I just dont want a log where nikola stares at the camera and monologues abt the duplicant project or smth
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groguspicklejar ยท 3 months
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I love your mafia!141. Its so interesting and realistic at the same time, its just wonderful. But what if... someone tried to frame the reader and succeed. The reader was just at the right places at the right time and some uses it against them and with the tention between the reader and mafia!141, it was so easy to belive they betrayed them. So they interrogate the reader and hurt them to get answers that dont exist. And by the time they realize what they did, it's too late. They go looking for they were they last left ( unceremoniously dumped) them and find nothing. The reader gone in the wind as if they never existed. The reader however was surprisingly help by someone passing by that just happens to be an agent of some sort and gets put under witness protection. Now its been six /seven years later, the boys think the reader is dead and the reader is living a life somewere new with her twins ( heteropaternal superfecundation), a pale skined,blue eyed and brown haired boy and a chocolate skined, hazel-eyed and curly haired girl. And one day the boys have to do business in a different city and see the reader somewhere with the twins. The guys are shocked to say the least and think they mite have seen a ghost, till they see them again one morning as the reader is taking the twins to school. And thus they realize they have kids with a woman they thought they killed... And so i leave the rest to you if you do deside to use any of this.
your mind is so wrinkly but i kinda hate you for putting this in my head because this trope is my weakness๐Ÿ‘ฝ I've only seen one reference of heteropaternal superfecundation in mainstream media, which was from s1 of American Horror story and it's a nice touch to bring the idea here๐Ÿ‘Œ๐Ÿฝ not going into the canon timeline of mafia!141 but i'm leaving this here for all to see because it's just too good to leave rotting in my inbox๐Ÿซ ๐Ÿซ ๐Ÿซ  warnings: dark themes, stalking, mentions of torture, elements of ptsd, unconventional parenting schedule/custody arrangements, a looot of guilt.
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it's unclear whether they're devastated, relieved or just in pure shock upon seeing you after all these years. and with two boys too, aged eight now.
eight years. eight fucking years since they last saw you. that can't be a coincidence.
they kept a close eye on you, so they don't lose you again. kept your movements tracked, learned where you live, where you work, where your kids go to school, who you and your kids hang out with, the whole nine yards and more.
they don't approach you for a good while, at least a few months. too afraid that they might spook you. too afraid that you might take off and leave without a trace. this time with your childrenโ€” their children.
but eventually, due to your past trauma, you catch on to the fact that you're being followed. that unnerving itch at the back of your head, a quiet whisper telling you that you're being watched. it nags at you, makes you fearful that you're in danger, that your boys are in danger.
so you quietly pack up all the necessities you need to get out in case things turn sideways fast. and your sons have already made aware that they're going on a trip, but they're smart, as kids are. they notice that something's wrong and it's making their mom worried.
but the second you try to run, they're already at your doorstep because, again, they've been watching you closely.
you're not surprised when you opened the door to find Price standing there.
"can i come in?"
if he's here, then no doubt the others are too. watching. waiting for you to make the wrong move. you have no doubt that the house is surrounded. that even if, by some miracle, you get through Price, either Soap or Ghost will be waiting for you and Gaz is somewhere on higher ground, watching through the scope of a rifle.
no way out. just like last time.
you don't look away from Price as you call out, "boys, go to your room."
their footsteps quickly patter down the hall and you hear the door close. you step back to let Price in and close the door behind him. you don't offer him a drink, don't offer him a seat. nothing. he deserves nothing from you.
"beautiful home." he muses, glancing around the cosy interior of your house. he turns to look at you with a wry smile. "beautiful children."
you can't think of anything worse than him getting his hands on your sons. what they put you through was bad enough. in fact, it should've killed you.
you would rather go through all of it again than let them harm a single hair on your children's heads.
"keep them out of this." you spoke too sharply. the words cut through the air.
you think maybe it's not such a good idea to speak like that to someone who holds your life in the palm of his hands.
"please..." it's a whisper this time, a plea. "please keep them out of this."
something crumples in his eyes. a flash of heartbreak, of a devastation that will take an eternity to heal. but it's fleeting. gone as quickly as the wind. what's left is something somber.
"i just want to talk." he finally says.
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the boys stick close to you. naturally, they feed off of your energy. they watch you closely, see how you react to things and follow your lead. rightfully so; after all, mother knows best.
you hardly go anywhere far when 141 is around them. always ready to step in if you feel that your sons need you. always beckoning them when you can't see them for more than a few minutes.
Gaz and Soap might be fathers to each boy, but that doesn't change how unsafe you feel around them.
the fact weighs heavily on all four of them.
Price and his boys don't uproot you and your children. not this time. they learned the hard way that doing so will only make you more fearful and by extension, making the boys less trusting of them.
instead, it's better to work around your already established life and schedule. even if it means moving 141 headquarters to an entirely new city, they'll do it. they'll do whatever you want, as long as you keep them involved in your and your sons' lives.
Ghost and Price are good to your kids. Price adores listening to them talk about school and Ghost sort of treats them like mini-adults because he feels sort of out of his element when it comes to children.
but they can't help but think that you're only allowing Soap and Gaz supervised visitations to keep some semblance of peace. because deep down, they know you feel as though you don't have a choice, that things will be worse if you don't give them something to work with.
deep down, they know that if you had the power, your sons would be kept as far away from their fathers as possible. and not out of spite, it's out of fear. you're terribly afraid that they'll hurt your children.
yet, that's not even the worst part.
slowly, with time, the boys become a little more open towards their dads and their uncles. they smile more, they're more playful, more talkative. but you remain steadfast in your cold demeanour.
if the boys need new clothes, you remain afar while Soap and Gaz take their pick from the clothing aisles and do their shopping. you hardly say a word during the process. you treat it more as a tedious task, rather than a bonding ritual. and you don't accept any gifts from Soap and Gaz either.
any stray dresses or accessories that don't look like they're for kids that wind up in the shopping basket are promptly taken out and put back where they were found when your sons aren't looking. you either claimed that you didn't like them or don't have anywhere you'd like to wear them to.
which, technically, isn't a lie. you hardly have any friends. you just don't trust people nowadays.
you keep yourself seperate from them, aside from the supervised visits. you don't allow for them to get close too you because you don't want to have to go through the same heartbreak before if someone betrays them and thinks you did it again.
and they hate themselves for it. it's not your fault you're so aloof with them. not allowing them to touch you, to hold you, even for just a few seconds. refusing dates, refusing gifts, not using their cards for your own stuff like treating yourself with a spa day or a shopping spree.
the only notifications that come onto their phones are food and stuff you bought for the boys. that's it. nothing else. and it hurts because they adore spoiling you rotten and you won't let them like before.
it's their own personal hell. being so close, yet so far from you. held at arm's length as if they were mere strangers.
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banners by @cafekitsune mafia!141 masterlist offer a note in the picklejar
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heart-of-the-morningstar ยท 5 months
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Iโ€™m gonna write this down now so I can look like an absolute genius later (or look like a clown, but at least I said it with my full chest!)
โŒ Spoilers for the FNAF Movie below! โŒ
Ok, I might be huffing hopium here, but in my heart of hearts I STILL think Mike Schmidt is Mike Afton. If (or when) they make a sequel, thereโ€™s a way they can reveal this
So the most obvious thing from this movie is when Mike is in โ€œSteveโ€™sโ€ office, and when โ€œSteveโ€ is reading Mikeโ€™s name out loud from his rรฉsumรฉ, he stops mid-sentence. He looks at Mike for a weird amount of time, almost studying him, before completely changing the subject. Thereโ€™s no way in hell โ€œSteveโ€ recognizes Mike from when he saw him as a kid when he kidnapped his brother Garrett 10+ ago, no chance. Also why would he go to Nebraska (unclear where the movie takes place, but letโ€™s assume Utah because of the books) to kidnap a random kid and just drive off? Hereโ€™s what I think is going onโ€ฆ(also Iโ€™m gonna call him William from now on cuz we all know lol)
William fingered out that Mike is his son during that interview. My theory is that at some point, William was married and him and his wife have a son named Mike. And for one reason or another, they got divorced. This is when Mike was too young to really remember which is why he doesnโ€™t recognize William during their meeting. Mikeโ€™s mom gains custody of Mike and remarries, she marries Mr. Schmidt. They have a child together, Garrett. Sometime after the divorce, William adopts a child, trying to cope after losing his only son. He adopts Vanessa.
William finds out about his ex-wife having another kid. He wants to cause her pain and suffering for leaving him. He follows the Schmidtโ€™s and takes Garrett during the camping trip. Unable to handle the pain, Mikeโ€™s mom takes her own life, leaving Mike and his stepdad. Mr. Schmidt marries a little later to another woman, and she has a daughter named Abby. Sometime after this, both Mr. Schmidt and his new wife die, leaving Mike to care for Abby.
Vanessa owed William so much, he had adopted her while she had suffered in an orphanage for years. She would do anything he told her, even if it meant covering up his crimes. Years later, realizing what she was doing was wrong, she left her father and became a police officer, hoping to stop people like her father as she had failed to stop him.
Hereโ€™s another thing. Scott Cawthon knows that the fans are obsessed with the lore of FNAF. I think he knew he could make more movies, this isnโ€™t going to be a one and done deal. Plus, he had his hand on this project every step of the way, he wouldnโ€™t agree to anything that he didnโ€™t want to happen in the story. Mike being Williamโ€™s some is CRUCIAL to the story of FNAF (at least in the games). I think heโ€™s trying to fake us out, you know how he loves to troll the fans!
Again, this is just a theory (A GAME THEORY lol), but I donโ€™t think the idea of Mike being an Afton is dead just yet. Hoping and praying so I can look incredibly smart if or when the sequel drops ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป
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shebunie ยท 3 months
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could you write about a reader who helps run an underground black market? while others are specialized in murder and money, her trade centers around secrets, blackmail, and information. she likes to see justice being served and will only give information if she feels the personโ€™s reasons are honorable.
mizu came to her once to learn more about violet. there, mizu is forced to share her story with the reader. the reader feels that mizuโ€™s revenge will bring justice and she told her some really helpful information. because of this good interaction, mizu decides to come back to learn more about fawler.
when she comes back, she realizes that the reader got into some trouble (maybe with shindo) because their reasons were not reasonable and they resorted to kidnapping and torturing her to get information. mizu decided to go rescue her, but itโ€™s unclear whether or not sheโ€™s doing it out of affection or purely for the information.
๐–๐ก๐ข๐ฌ๐ฉ๐ž๐ซ๐ฌ ๐ข๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐’๐ก๐š๐๐จ๐ฐ๐ฌ
๐— ๐—ถ๐˜‡๐˜‚ ๐˜… ๐—œ๐—ป๐—ณ๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—บ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐˜! ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—ฑ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ
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๐–๐š๐ซ๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฌ: ๐˜€๐—ต๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ฑ๐—ผ, ๐˜ƒ๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—น๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ฐ๐—ฒ, ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ด๐—ฒ, ๐—ฑ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐—ธ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ๐—บ๐—ฒ๐˜€, ๐—ถ๐—บ๐—ฝ๐—น๐—ถ๐—ฒ๐—ฑ ๐˜๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐˜๐˜‚๐—ฟ๐—ฒ, ๐—บ๐—ฎ๐˜๐˜‚๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ๐—บ๐—ฒ๐˜€, ๐—ฒ๐—บ๐—ผ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ฎ๐—น ๐—ฑ๐—ถ๐˜€๐˜๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐˜€๐˜€ ๐–๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐œ๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ญ: ๐Ÿฎ.๐Ÿฑ๐—ธ ๐€/๐: ๐—›๐—ฒ๐—น๐—น๐—ผ! ๐—ฆ๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ฟ๐˜† ๐—ณ๐—ผ๐—ฟ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐—น๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ด ๐˜„๐—ฎ๐—ถ๐˜, ๐—œ'๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ ๐—ฏ๐—ฒ๐—ฒ๐—ป ๐—ฏ๐˜‚๐˜€๐˜† ๐—ฝ๐—ฎ๐—ฐ๐—ธ๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด ๐—ฐ๐˜‚๐˜‡ ๐˜„๐—ฒ'๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐—ด๐—ผ๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด ๐˜€๐—ผ๐—บ๐—ฒ๐˜„๐—ต๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ, ๐˜€๐—ผ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐˜‚๐—ฝ๐—ฑ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ฒ๐˜€ ๐˜„๐—ถ๐—น๐—น ๐—ฏ๐—ฒ ๐—ฑ๐—ฒ๐—น๐—ฎ๐˜†๐—ฒ๐—ฑ. ๐—Ÿ๐—ผ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐—ถ๐—ฑ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ ๐—ผ๐—ณ ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—ฑ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ ๐—ฏ๐—ฒ๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด ๐—ฎ ๐—ฑ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—น๐—ฒ๐—ฟ ๐—ผ๐—ณ ๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ณ๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—บ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป, ๐—พ๐˜‚๐—ถ๐˜๐—ฒ ๐—ฎ ๐—ฝ๐—ผ๐˜„๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ณ๐˜‚๐—น ๐—ฝ๐—ผ๐˜€๐—ถ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป <๐Ÿฏ๐Ÿฏ
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In the shadowed heart of the city, where the lights whispered secrets and the night held its breath, there existed an underground black market that thrived on the currency of secrets, blackmail, and information. In this clandestine realm, enigmatic and veiled in the shadows, you reigned as the orchestrator of whispers and dealer of knowledge.
A master of intrigue and keeper of delicate truths, you believed in a peculiar sense of justice. Only those with honourable intentions could pry open the sealed envelopes that held the city's darkest truths. For you, it was not about the money or the power, but the satisfaction of seeing justice served.
On a fateful night, as the moon hung low in the inky sky, a figure cloaked in mystery and determination stepped into your dimly lit sanctuary.ย 
โ€œA newcomer, what business do you have to visit me at this hour?โ€ You spoke, eyes never leaving the inked stained paper, with each brush stroke holding grace and poise.
The stranger, behind those orange-tinted glasses, were piercing eyes that seemed to carry the weight of unspoken stories, stepped further into the dimly lit room. Their voice, like a carefully orchestrated melody, cut through the silence. "I seek truths that have eluded the grasp of justice, and whispers that dance on the fringes of the consciousness."
You looked up from your work, a subtle curiosity in your eyes. "Not many dare to tread into these shadows without a clear purpose. What truth do you chase, and what drives you to seek it in the obscurity of this place?"
โ€œIโ€™ve come to fulfil a vow, revenge, Iโ€™ve come to know the whereabouts of a white man.โ€
Your keen eyes studied the stranger, gauging the sincerity in their words. The air seemed to thicken with the weight of their purpose. The inked quill paused on the paper as you leaned back, shrouded in the ambience of secrets.
"Revenge, in pursuit of a white man. Such tales often unravel threads that bind destinies," you mused, the subtle glow of your lamp casting flickering shadows on the walls. "But before I delve into the shadows of information, I must know more. Who is this white man, and why does he stir the flames of revenge in your heart?"
The stranger hesitated for a moment, as if deciding how much of their truth to reveal. Finally, they spoke with a mixture of determination and sorrow. "His name is Violet. He is a man of influence, a puppeteer in the daylight, orchestrating schemes that ruin lives. I've sworn to kill all four white men that resided in Japan, for cursing me with the blood of impurity, a demon."
Your expression remained unchanged, but a glimmer of sympathy flashed in your eyes. The pen resumed its dance across the parchment as you spoke, "Revenge can be a treacherous path, often blinding the seeker to the consequences. What do you seek from me? Information, evidence, or perhaps a way to dismantle this puppeteer?"
The stranger's eyes bore into yours, reflecting a mix of determination and desperation. "I seek all that you can provide. Names, connections, his hidden lairs, and the strings he pulls. I want to expose him for what he is and make him pay for the lives he's ruined, including my own."
Nodding slowly, you set aside the parchment and ink, the tools of your trade, and leaned forward. "A perilous journey, but I understand the weight of injustice and the burning desire to right the wrongs. I will help you, but you must understand the rules of this realm. The information I provide comes with a price, not in currency, but in actions. You must be prepared to navigate the shadows with precision and, if needed, dance on the edge of morality."
The stranger's gaze remained steadfast, a silent agreement passing between you. "I accept the terms. I will do whatever it takes to bring Violet and every white man in this forsaken place to justice and end their reign of manipulation."
"Good," you responded, a sense of purpose resonating in your voice. As the stranger rose to leave, the room seemed to absorb them into its shadowy embrace. The lights outside flickered, casting an ethereal glow on the figure disappearing into the night. The underground market, fueled by the currency of secrets, had found a new player in this unfolding tale of revenge and justice.
As the door closed, leaving only a faint echo in the quiet room, you returned to your desk, resuming your work with renewed purpose. The city's secrets were about to unfold, and justice, like a silent guardian, awaited its cue in the heart of the shadows.
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In gratitude for your assistance, Mizu vowed to return, her purpose now intertwined with the unseen threads of fate that bound them. Time passed, like the silent footfalls of a forgotten melody, until Mizu returned, seeking enlightenment about another elusive figureโ€”Fowler.
โ€œI canโ€™t help but notice your business, dear orchestrator,โ€ Your sanctuary has been disturbed. Trouble had come knocking in the form of Shindo, a ruthless force that recognized no boundaries in its pursuit of information. You decide to humour him.
"Shindo, my old acquaintance," you replied with a calm demeanour, though a spark of caution glinted in your eyes. "What brings you to the heart of secrets? Your reputation precedes you, and I have no doubt that your visit is not a mere social call."
Shindo, a towering figure with a cold gaze, smirked as he approached your desk. The dim light reflected off the polished surface of his leather coat, giving him an air of calculated menace. "Cut the pleasantries. I hear you've been delving into matters that don't concern you. Secrets that dance on the edge of my territory."
You leaned back, steepling your fingers, your expression unreadable. "I simply provide a service, Shindo. Information flows like a river, and I merely guide its course. What concerns you is not my concern unless it becomes a transaction."
Shindo's eyes narrowed, and he leaned in, his voice a low growl. "There's a name echoing in the cityโ€” a samurai. What do you know about him?"
You hesitated for a moment, carefully choosing your words, "I've heard murmurs of a shadow in the night, a samurai navigating each crevice to find your white devil," you replied, keeping your tone measured. "But as you know, my dear Shindo, information is a delicate currency. If you seek to exchange, you must bring something of value to the table.โ€
Shindo's gaze intensified, and a sinister smile played on his lips. "I don't play games, woman. Give me what I want, and you may continue your little charade in the shadows."
Your response carried a subtle defiance, "Information is not a commodity to be demanded, Shindo. It's earned. If you wish to dance in the realm of secrets, you must learn the steps." The tension in the room thickened, a silent standoff in the theatre of whispers.
โ€œThen you leave me no choiceโ€”" With a mere tilt of his head, a large man came into view "Take her," closing in you swiftly, you tried to pry yourself away from his grasp.ย 
Assessing the giant's imposing presence, you quickly analyze potential weak points and notice a subtle hesitation in his movements. Without revealing fear, you calmly address Shindo, "Physical force may bend the body, but the mind remains unbroken. We can find a more civilized resolution, gentlemen."
Shindo's icy gaze meets yours, contemplating your words. The room hangs in suspense, the shadows concealing the unfolding drama as the dance between power and subtlety continues.
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Mizu, arriving at the dimly lit hideaway, to question you about Fowler's location, sensed the shift in the winds, the discord that had disrupted your sanctuary.
The wielder's eyes narrowed as she surveyed the aftermath, her fingers brushing against the ink-stained remnants of your meticulous work. The once-calm hideaway now bore the scars of a struggle, a battle waged in the name of hidden truths.
Determined, Mizu traced the whispers of witnesses until Shindo's name echoed through the clandestine passages. Fueled by a blend of concern and determination, she sought answers, discovering the brutality that had unfolded within the walls of your secret refuge.
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โ€œYou're a stubborn one, all bloodied up and you won't even say a single thing.โ€ Shindo snickered as he watched your shackled self breathe heavily, crimson red flowing down your body.ย 
Shindo's taunting words echoed in the hushed air, you spat at him, โ€œI'd rather dwell in despair than give you what is not meant to be.โ€ย 
โ€œHe will cut you with a knife.โ€ย 
Mizu's eyes flashed with a mix of fury and concern as she stepped forward, her presence a force to be reckoned with. "Shindo, this violence serves no purpose. If you seek information, there are other ways to obtain it."
Shindo chuckled, seemingly amused by Mizu's defiance. "This one," he gestured towards you, "holds the key to the knowledge I desire. A stubborn whore who values secrets over their own well-being."
Mizu's gaze shifted between you and Shindo, her resolve unwavering. "Release them. I won't stand idly by while you desecrate the pursuit of truth."
Shindo, unfazed, signalled to his henchmen to loosen their grip slightly. As the pressure on your shackles eased, Mizu's,ย  eyes locked onto yours. As the room fell into a tense silence, the weight of the unspoken negotiations hung thick in the air.ย 
In that precarious moment, Mizu's motives blurred like reflections in rippling water. Was it affection that spurred her into action, or merely the pragmatic pursuit of information?
Mizu's gaze remained locked with yours, a silent exchange of understanding passing between you. Her motives were a complex dance of affection and pragmatism, each step carefully measured in the shadows of the dimly lit room.
Shindo, still revelling in the perceived power dynamic, grinned wickedly. "Well, Mizu, if you're so eager to play the hero, let's make a deal. I'll release this one," he gestured towards you, "if you come join me for tea."
Mizu's jaw tightened at Shindo's proposition, her eyes narrowing in a blend of defiance and calculation. She considered the implications of Shindo's twisted offer. "Tea?" She scoffed, her voice cutting through the silence. "You mistake me for a fool. Release them, and we can talk about information. But I won't indulge in your sick games."
Shindo's laughter echoed in the room, the sound sending shivers down your spine. "Ah, Mizu, always so serious. But you see, this isn't just any tea. It's a meeting of minds, an opportunity for understanding. And if you refuse, well," he trailed off, his gaze lingering on you.
You felt the weight of the unspoken threat in his words, and a flicker of concern passed through Mizu's eyes. The delicate balance between affection and pragmatism teetered on the edge, the room holding its breath in anticipation.
Mizu's voice, calm yet laced with determination, sliced through the tension. "We can discuss what you want to know. But know this, harm them, and youโ€™re dead."
Shindo's smirk faltered for a moment, the first crack in his confident facade. He glanced between you and Mizu, weighing his options. The room seemed suspended in a fragile standoff, the outcome uncertain.
After a tense pause, Shindo nodded to his henchmen. The pressure on your shackles eased further, and Mizu's eyes never wavered from Shindo's gaze. As your shackles fell away, the samurai stepped forward, shielding you from Shindo's view. The room breathed a collective sigh of relief.
"Very well, We shall discuss matters over tea, and perhaps you'll see the wisdom in cooperation."ย 
Mizu, her eyes never leaving Shindo until he disappeared from sight, leaving you two alone in the empty, cold dungeon. The sword-wielder waited for a moment to confirm he had left before turning her attention to you.
Concern etched on her face. Gently, she examined the wounds that adorned your battered form. The faint rays of the moonlight cast a soft glow on her features, revealing a mix of emotions that played out in the depths of her eyes.
She approached you. With gentle hands, cupping your face as she assessed the damage, the cold metal of the shackles leaving angry imprints on your wrists.
"Are you alright?" she asked, her voice a low murmur in the dimly lit dungeon. You managed a weak nod, vision blurry as you couldnโ€™t handle the pain any more, passing out in her hold.
Time blurred in the darkness, and when you awoke, the dim glow of the moon had given way to the soft hues of dawn that shone through the cracks of the cabin. Mizu, ever watchful, was seated by your side. As your eyes fluttered open, she met your gaze with a mixture of relief and concern.
"You're awake," she said, her voice a gentle whisper. "How do you feel?"
The pain lingered, but it was bearable. Mizu's care had brought a measure of comfort, and you managed a faint smile in response. Her hand found yours, a silent reassurance.
"What happened with Shindo?" you asked, the events in the dungeon still a fragmented memory.
Mizu's expression hardened as she recounted the negotiations. "He wanted information, and he thought he could use you as leverage. But we made a deal. We'll talk, share what we know, but no more than that. If he harms you, he's signing his own death."
A flicker of embarrassment passed through your eyes, realizing the gravity of the situation. Cerulean eyes softened as she sensed your vulnerability, her thumb gently tracing soothing circles on the back of your hand.
"Don't blame yourself," she reassured. "I won't let anything happen to you."
โ€œIโ€” I know.โ€ You held your gaze, as the dawn's light painted a soft glow on your features, and for a moment, in the swordswoman's eyes, the weight of the world seemed to fade. โ€œBut you did not have to go through all that hassle to save me.โ€
Mizu felt a warmth within her that transcended the dimly lit surroundings. Tilting her head down while she turned around so that her back faced you.
"It wasn't a hassle, and you're worth every risk," she said over her shoulder, her tone carrying a sincerity that echoed through the quiet cabin.
As the dawn's light continued to filter through the cracks of the cabin, a newfound closeness enveloped the two of you. The air seemed to hold a lingering tenderness, and Mizu's words hung in the quiet space like a promise.
Silence settled between you, broken only by the distant sounds of the waking world outside.ย 
"I meant what I said," she spoke, her voice a soft murmur. "I won't let anything happen to you. We're in this together."
A gentle smile graced your lips, as you scooted closer to the samurai, leaning to place a light peck on their cold-tinted cheek โ€œI appreciate everything youโ€™ve done, Thank you.โ€ย 
Mizu's cheeks warmed at the unexpected gesture, hand adjusting the kasa on their head down to block your view from her flushed face. Letting out a low hum of agreement.ย 
"I'm just glad you're safe," She admitted, her voice a soft murmur.
A soft giggle left your lips, placing your head on their shoulder as you embraced the warmth of the moment.ย 
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suuuupernovaaa ยท 1 year
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nรฌmal
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nรฌmalย [nษช.หˆmal]ย adv.ย trustingly, without hesitation
Anonymous Request: Can we have one where Neteyam and Omaticayan reader love each other very much. But a guy likes the reader and tries to break them up by making neteyam think that the reader is cheating on him. He gets really angry and accuses the reader of cheating. Like there's a big fight. But later he learns the truth and tries to make it up to her and she doesn't make it easy on him.
Neteyam believes a rumor about you, and when he finds out the truth, you're reluctant to forgive him for his bad behavior.
932 words
Your bag is so full of fish that you aren't sure you're going to be able to carry it back home, but you can't stop.
Throwing the spear, hearing that satisfying thwack when it connects, getting to put your body to use, it's easing some of the tension you're carrying.
"Idiot!" you exclaim, though whether you're directing that at the fish or not, is unclear.
How could Neteyam believe you would even consider betraying him? Have you not been loyal to him, promised to him, in love with him completely? Does he know so little of your character that he is willing to believe you would give your body to another - to someone you are not mated to?
Just the thought of it disgusts you. His confrontation yesterday has left a sour taste in your mouth, and you feel so angry and hurt, you don't know how to release these emotions.
Kiri assured you she would fix it, but it's been an entire day, and you haven't seen Neteyam. Plus, you aren't sure if she can fix it - even when Neteyam realizes he was wrong, some damage has been done.
You catch another fish, add it to your bag, and decide to head home. This isn't helping anything.
Neteyam arrives just as you try to hoist the bag over your shoulder, and you freeze when you see him.
--
He watches her from behind the trees for a while, listening to her cursing at the fish she's killing, knowing she's picturing him in their place.
He winces with every kill.
He deserves it. He will curse himself until the day he dies for what he's done.
It's hard to explain it, even to himself. He just hopes she'll listen.
The glare she gives him when he approaches is almost lethal. "Can I carry this for you?" he asks, and the bag thuds to the ground again.
"No," she replies, spitting venom through her perfect teeth.
"Okay... can I explain myself?" He lifts his hands up, palm out, surrendering to her.
Not only is Y/N beautiful, but she is lethal. Most of the Omaticayan women are fierce, but something about Y/N gives her an extra edge. She is quiet, thoughtful, and dangerous. He's almost a little scared, which is part of why he's always been so attracted to her.
"You can apologize," she replies, standing straight, arms crossed over her chest, waiting.
"I am sorry, Y/N. Not only did Marek confess to me what... he said happened, but many confirmed it. It seems, you made some enemies, and one um, admirer. They were all too willing to confirm his story for him."
"None of that should have convinced you, Neteyam," she replied, so evenly and calmly that a chill ran up his spine. "You should have trusted me. You should have trusted how I feel about you."
"But you, Y/N," he rubbed his forehead. "You almost never tell me how you feel about me. You're very hard to read."
Her back stiffened, and her mouth opened a little as if to speak, and then closed again.
"Oh..."
--
That wasn't at all what I had expected Neteyam to say.
Though I felt very sure of my love for him - had I not done a good enough job ensuring he was sure of it, as well?
I tried to think... how many times had I told him I loved him? Not very many. But, how many times was I supposed to? Did he have a greater need to hear it than I realized?
"Still," I replied, still processing. "You wouldn't even listen to me, Neteyam."
He stepped forward. "That was wrong. I was wrong, and I should not have doubted you. It will never happen again."
You felt crushed by the look on his face. You tried to put yourself in his place; if he was feeling unsure of your affections, and so many people were lying to him, maybe it was easy to be confused?
"I would never want to be with any man, besides you," you said finally.
Neteyam stepped a little closer still, tentatively.
"I want to be your mate, Neteyam. It is all I have ever wanted. I am angry at you, very, very angry... but I see maybe I haven't made how I feel clear, to you. It all get stuck, up here." You point to your head, and you see Neteyam's expression relax.
He reaches out and takes your hand, and you allow him to pull you close.
"I'm sorry, Y/N. I trust you fully, and I will never doubt you again."
"I will... I will tell you how much I feel for you every day, if it helps."
He smiles, and squeezes your hand. "You don't have to say it every day... if you don't want to."
You reach out, running your fingers from his temple to his chin.
"I could show you, instead."
His brow perks up, and his smile grows.
"Yes, that could be good."
You lean in, pressing your lips gently to his, and he takes your face gently into his hands, and then wraps his arms around you as the kiss deepens.
When you pull apart, you are both breathless and smiling.
You bend down, picking up the bag of fish, and thrust it into his arms.
"You may carry this, and then consider yourself forgiven."
He bows under the weight of it, but dutifully carries it the long walk home for you.
Neteyam never doubts you again, and you show him just how much you love him every day.
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sphireath-wisp ยท 4 months
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Can you do Blue Lock Rin x female reader x Sae? The reader is a very sweet and kind girl. The Itoshi brothers are fighting for her love.
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Sypnosis: The ask above!!
Warnings: Love angle, unclear ending, all characters are aged-up, mild cursing, messy interchanging grammar
Notes: You didn't exactly specify how you wanted the story to end. Neither did you say whether you wanted Rin to get with the reader or Sae to get with the reader? Thus, I made it more of a big situationship. (I didn't have much to work with and I wanted to stay in bounds instead of straying further from your ask and making my own story)
Featuring: Rin x F! Reader x Sae
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"So, this is what you were up to, Sae?" Sae clicks his tongue at the sound of Rin's voice. He had hoped that dragging you alone with him to a booth near the back of the club would have let Rin off of his trail. This suffocating crowd wasn't doing him any good, especially when they failed to slow Rin down.
Rin, on the other hand, is irritated beyond words. Even with the bright lights in the club, he can still see the bright red flush of your cheeks and bare skin. You're wasted, drunk beyond comprehension and he can tell from your slurred speech.
You're on Sae's lap, forehead resting against his shoulder as his hands pretend to hold up upright - both Sae and Rin know Sae wants to hold you.
The sight alone causes Rin's hands to ball into fists. The blood in his veins feels like they've reached a boiling point, his gut churns uncomfortably when you give him that glazed-eye look. He's never wanted to be his brother so bad.
You feel a hand wrap around your wrist. "Come on, (Name). We're leaving." Rin declares.
"You're leaving. (Name)'s with me." Sae speaks up, hand holding your other wrist when Rin tugs you off of his lap. Sae's frown visibly deepens. He doesn't like you leaving - he realizes.
You stumble between the two. The world is spinning when you stand up and the ground looks distorted. The alcohol has its own strong effect on you, you can barely stand up and, unluckily or not, they take notice.
Rin takes action first, tugging you in his direction and allowing you to rest your head on his chest. His body has a mind of its own when his hand snakes around your waist. Sae, however, just had to intervene and pull you away from him just when he was getting comfortable.
"Fucking moron, can't you see she's wasted? I'm not leaving her like this. I'm bringing her home." Rin hasn't let go of your wrist.
"I know what I'm doing, Rin. Go home," Sae's words are firm, eyes narrowing at Rin and earning a glare from him. "Tugging her back and forth like a ragdoll, you don't know how to treat a girl right."
There's an almost deafening silence between you three. You're too disoriented to really hear the snarky comments exchanged except for the loud music blasting through the speakers. Chills shoot up your spine when Rin places his hand on the small of your back. Sae stands his ground and his hand find their space on your shoulder, fingers invasively going under the strap of your top.
"(Name)'s going home with me, Sae."
"You can't decide shit for her."
"What? You wanna ask her yourself?" Rin's tone is mocking, eyes rolling at his older brother. "If you have eyes, you can clearly see that she's drunk."
"She'd still want to stay with me, drunk or not." Sae's eye twitches. "Right, (Name)?"
You blink, dazed from the alcohol. Everything's a blur and you stagger back and forth. If it wasn't for them, you'd probably have fallen down by now.
"...Huh?" you blurt out after a moment.
"(Name)," Rin begins, speaking slowly so you can process things, "Do you want to go home with me or stay with Sae?"
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mountainsandmayhem ยท 23 days
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Wings. Fire. Magic. Part Three
Joel Miller x Female Reader - AU
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Masterlist || Part One || Part Two
Summary: After being stripped of your wings by The King, you see a new side of Joel, maybe a side that you might like a little too much. CW: I don't think any warnings are needed for this chapter, and I don't want to give any spoilers. 18+ due to talks of female pleasure. AN: Thank you @mermaidgirl30 for listening to me blab about this story, and being the first to encourage me writing it! So glad I slid into your DM's lol. Dragon graphics by @saradika-graphics WC: 4.1k
The sound of heavy footfalls stirs you from your sleep. It takes a few minutes for you to come too, groaning in pain as you try to get your bearings. Your body is being jolted around and when you crack an eyelid thereโ€™s nothing but a leather covered mass in front of you. You blink slowly a few times and see your arms dangling below you, possibly above you.ย 
Fuck, where I am?ย 
After a few more breaths you realize youโ€™re upside down, stomach folded over on a broad shoulder. You close your eyes and focus on the rest of your body. You can feel fur on your skin, and it comes flooding back.ย 
The guards stripping off your clothes, The Sorcerer and his mist. Fuck, if youโ€™re not dead then that meansโ€ฆbreeding camp.
You squeeze your fists tightly and begin pounding on the back of whoever is carrying you. โ€œLET ME GO!โ€ you yell as he starts ascending a winding stone staircase.ย 
When you reach the top, the man slides you off his shoulder and places you gently on your feet. Joel. His eyes look into yours gently as he adjusts the furs over your shoulders, tightening it around you to block out the cold night air.ย 
Four guards come up the stairs behind you. The biggest one says, โ€œyou have five days, Miller. Otherwise, weโ€™ll come for you.โ€ย 
Rem lands with a soft thump between you and the guards, letting out a menacing growling. Everything seems foggy and unclear, pain in your head pounds relentlessly behind your eyes. The last thing you remember was being placed on a table.ย 
How are you going with Joel?ย 
Whatโ€™s happening?ย 
You feel light headed and start to fall to the ground. Everything feels weak. Joel catches you before you fall and hoists you up to sit sideways in the saddle. Your clothes are gone, just furs to keep you covered. Joel doesnโ€™t say anything to the guards who are now cowering in fear. The long spikes that line the neck and back of Remmerโ€™s head are standing straight up, growling and huffing smoke at them as she waits for Joel.ย 
โ€œEasy girl,โ€ he says as he grabs the reins. With a small tug she stands up tall, stretching her massive wingspan before taking flight. Joel adjusts to control Remmer with one hand, wrapping the other arm around you and pulling you into his body. Your cheek lands on his collarbone and you relax into his pine and fresh grass scent.ย 
His lips brush the top of your head as he whispers, โ€œRest. Iโ€™ll explain everything when weโ€™re back.โ€ย 
โ€œBack?โ€ You croak. Your mouth is bone dry, how long have you been out for?
โ€œJust trust me.โ€ย 
The pain behind your eyes waves again, reminding you that this is his doing. Trust him? Not a fucking chance. You were stripped naked and poked at all because of him. You feel your wrist, no magic cuff. You lean deeper against Joel. Youโ€™re going to miss the way his eyes roam over your face, no one looks at you like that, but you canโ€™t stay with him. You have to play it cool, make him think youโ€™re relaxing and then make your escape. Rem wonโ€™t hurt you, she might try to chase you but youโ€™ll fly as fast as you can, youโ€™ll swoop into the thick forest and use the trees for cover, sheโ€™s too big to follow you in there.ย 
Donโ€™t move your wings, you tell yourself.ย 
โ€œJoel?โ€ You saw sweetly, looking up at him through your lashes.ย 
He grunts in acknowledgment, eyes fixed on the night sky. God he looks beautiful in the moonlight.
โ€œCan you move back for one second? I need to readjust.โ€ย 
Joel shuffles back, loosening his grip on your side. This is your chance, you slide off the saddle quickly, free falling to the ground. When Remmer and Joel are above you, you rip the blanket off and flex your back to open your wings.ย 
Only your wings donโ€™t open, and youโ€™re plummeting to the ground completely naked. You start to flail your limbs, looking back to see two gaping and scarred holes that are glowing blue where your wings should be.ย 
The ground is catching up to you quickly. Anger fills your chest. They took your wings. They took your wings. Your wings. Your magic. Youโ€™re essentially mortal now as you plunge to what will be your death.ย 
You let out a rage filled scream, just as Joel maneuvers Remmer gracefully underneath you and you fall completely bare onto Joelโ€™s lap.ย 
โ€œWhat the fuck did you do to me, Joel!!โ€ You demand, punching against his chest with your fists.ย 
Rem lands on the ground in the middle of a field of crops.ย 
โ€œI saved you.โ€ Joel states.ย 
โ€œThey mutilated me!โ€ย  Youโ€™re practically screaming at him, spinning around to show him. His eyes turn sad as he takes you in.ย 
โ€œSaved me? No - you,โ€œ it comes out thick with disgust, your finger pointing in his direction, โ€œyou let them mutilate me!โ€ย 
Joel slides off his jacket and then removes his grey shirt. Youโ€™re mad, but you canโ€™t stop yourself from taking in his naked upper half. Heโ€™s tanned and tattooed, markings of those who swear to protect the realm swirl down his arms. A large dragon across his abdomen and up the right side of his ribs. A tiny handprint over his heart. Before you can take in the rest he throws his jacket back on and holds his shirt out to you.ย 
You cross your arms in defiance so he takes it upon himself to slip it over your head, the hem stopping a few inches down your thighs. Your back hurts as you push your arms through the holes, you arenโ€™t sure how you hadnโ€™t noticed the searing pain before.
โ€œThey wanted to wake you, and torture you while they stole your wings.โ€ He says, zipping his jacket back up with his thick, strong fingers.ย 
โ€œYou should have let them,โ€ you say, fighting the tears that are building behind your eyes.ย 
โ€œYouโ€™d rather be tortured and killed than be near me? I saved you, I told them Iโ€™d take you as my slave.โ€ His voice is broken and pleading and it just makes you hate him more.
โ€œGo fuck yourself.โ€ You turn and start walking through the crops. Pushing thick stalks out of your way, not caring as they scratch at your entire body.ย 
โ€œStop. I donโ€™t intend to actually make you my slave.โ€ย 
โ€œOh jeez thank you so much,โ€ you snap over your shoulder. โ€œLet me gather the masses and throw you a goddamn parade.โ€ย 
โ€œStop,โ€ Joel is right on your heels, โ€œIโ€™m not - Iโ€™m not explaining this properly.โ€ย 
You continue walking, someone owns this farm. Youโ€™ll find the house and theyโ€™ll give you clothes and tell you where you are. Youโ€™re no longer in danger now that Joel has sacrificed your wings and magic to The King. Anger, confusion, sadness, it all swirls through your body. You donโ€™t know how to feel, but you do know that you DO NOT want to be around Joel โ€œI saved youโ€ Miller.
โ€œStop!โ€ Joel grabs your arm and turns you towards him.ย 
You glare up at him, wishing that looks could kill because he would cease to exist with the rage that twists in your face right now.ย 
โ€œThe King wanted to take your wings after The Sorcerer said you wouldnโ€™t be able to breed.โ€ Your hands come to subconsciously rest on your lower belly. Having children was never something you wanted. But you knowing that you canโ€™t is just another knife to the back.ย 
โ€œSo Iโ€ฆโ€ he pauses and runs his hand down his face, rubbing the hair that speckles his jaw.ย 
โ€œYou what?โ€ You demand.ย 
โ€œI offered The King dragons,โ€ he whispers.
Your jaw drops. โ€œYou what?โ€ You say softly.ย 
โ€œI offered him three eggs, we settled on five.โ€ His eyes are locked on yours, the moonlight reflecting on the warm brown flecks within them.ย 
โ€œFive? Joel, I was alive the last time a king had dragons,โ€ you shake your head and look up at the clear night sky. You remember the fire, the destruction. โ€œThis isnโ€™t going to go well.โ€
He steps towards you, โ€œI have a plan, but you need to come with me. Andโ€ฆโ€ he trails off, his eyes looking down at his boots.
โ€œAnd what?โ€ you ask, even though youโ€™re sure whatever heโ€™s about to say is going to piss you off.
โ€œIf, or when, we get a visit from The King or his guards, you need to pretend that you are my slave.โ€ He canโ€™t bring himself to look at you. First, he ignored your warning about The King, then he watched helplessly as The Sorcerer took your wings. You jumped from a fucking dragon to get away from him.
โ€œAnd my wings?โ€ you scoff.
โ€œWhen he gets his five eggs, you get your wings back.โ€ย 
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The next afternoon, Remmer lands down in front of a sleepy log cabin before flying off to the heavily wooded area behind the house. The same wooded area that you snuck into just days ago to steal that fiery orange egg. Joel wanders up the stairs to the front door, opens it and then gestures with one hand for you to go inside.ย 
The front door leads to a warm and cozy open concept living and kitchen area. Joel immediately heads to the large fireplace and lights a fire. You stand in the doorway, still in just his t-shirt, with your hands clasped in front of you. You rock on the balls of your feet and look around.ย 
A large brown worn leather sofa sits in the middle, flanked by two cozy chairs of the same beaten down leather. The coffee table has a few books scattered on it. Large windows let in lots of natural lighting, and as the sunsets it highlights everything in a warm amber glow. The kitchen has an island in the middle, surrounded by tall wooden chairs. Cast iron pots and pans hang from the ceiling above it. Along the back wall is a large gas stove with plenty of cupboards and counter space. A deep copper sink sits underneath another large window. Everything is hues of deep greens and browns. Itโ€™s cozy and homey. Itโ€™s Joel.ย 
โ€œBedrooms and bathrooms are that way.โ€ He says, pointing to the long hallway to your left before holding his large palms out to the heat of the fire. โ€œYou can come inโ€ฆโ€ย 
You pad across the hardwood floor in your bare feet and sit gently on the edge of one couch cushion. The books on the coffee table are all about dragons and their histories. You glance around for any pictures or signs of other life here but you donโ€™t see any. Does Joel not have a wife? Youโ€™ve deduced that heโ€™s probably in his forties, so one would think he was married or a father, but thereโ€™s no sign of other life here. Just him.
โ€œAre you hungry?โ€ he asks as he stands across the living from you.
You shake your head no, linking your fingers and placing them on your lap, you look down at your hands, pushing back one of your cuticles. Itโ€™s so quiet here, only the crackling of the fire to fill the quiet gaps between the minimal conversation of you and Joel.
โ€œThirsty?โ€ He asks sheepishly, โ€œI can make coffee or tea.โ€ย 
You shake your head again, eyes focused on the cuticle of your thumb. What you want is to go home, your family needs you, or needed you at least. You guess youโ€™re the same as them now that you have no magic and no wings, just the pointed ears of the Fae to show the world what you really are.ย ย 
Joel walks over and sits on the armchair closest to you, it groans beneath his weight, his leathers squeaking slightly against the lived-in leather of the chair. His expression is soft and kind, he takes a shaky breath before saying, โ€œI really am sorry. But Iโ€™m going to do everything to get your wings back.โ€ย 
You glance up at him, โ€œyou canโ€™t give him dragons, Joel. You canโ€™t.โ€ย 
โ€œJust trust me.โ€ He says it in the same pleading tone he did before you took your insane death fall to the ground.ย 
You shrug and then turn your eyes back to your hands, focusing on another cuticle. Joel stands and wanders down the hallway. You hear water running and then him moving around the rooms, opening and closing what you assume are closets and drawers. The water stops and Joel walks back out to you, holding out a hand.ย 
You grab it tentatively and he leads you down the hall. Heโ€™s changed into loose black cotton pants and a fitted white t-shirt. He pulls you into the bathroom, soapy bubbles that smell like lavender and sea salt foam over the tub.ย 
โ€œThereโ€™s a towel there,โ€ he says, pointing to a small stool by the end of the tub, โ€œand some clothes. Theyโ€™re mine, Iโ€™ll get you something better tomorrow.โ€ย 
He turns and leaves, the door clicking softly behind him. As you lift your arms up to remove the shirt, the glowing scars on your back send sharp hot pain throughout your back and down your arms. You let out a gasp of pain, clamping your arms back to your side and you contemplate how youโ€™re going to get out of this shirt. You glance down and thank your lucky stars that the shirt has a few buttons from the neck to the chest. Your fingers work to undo the buttons before you slip the shirt over your shoulders and down your body, then you slowly slide into the warmth of the tub thatโ€™s large enough for two. You close your eyes and breath in the calming aroma. Silence surrounds you, you canโ€™t remember the last time you relaxed like this, where you didnโ€™t have a laundry list of things to do and only you to do them. The salts in the bath start to dissolve, they feel like champagne bubbling along your sore muscles, relaxing them into pure bliss. You let out a content hum, sinking deeper into the hot water.
You feel like youโ€™ve been soaking for hours when a small knock on the door catches your attention.ย 
โ€œYa?โ€ You say quietly.ย 
Joel cracks the door, keeping himself on the other side, โ€œare you doing ok?โ€ย 
โ€œUmm, ya.โ€ Truthfully, you were doing ok but you know you wonโ€™t be able to lift your arms to wash your hair.ย 
โ€œAre you sure?โ€ He asks through the little crack in the door.ย 
โ€œUmm, wellโ€ฆ.I canโ€™t exactly,โ€ youโ€™ve never had to ask for help in your life, and you realize at this moment that itโ€™s not because you didnโ€™t want help, itโ€™s because there was no one to ask. But now, well now you do have someone you could ask, so why canโ€™t you find the words. โ€œNo, never mind. Iโ€™m fine.โ€
โ€œCan I come in?โ€ He asks. After you sink into the bath so only your head is visible you give a shy yes. Joel has seen you naked before, just yesterday in fact, but something about him seeing you like this feels more intimate and vulnerable.ย 
A warm smile crosses his face, a little dimple that you havenโ€™t noticed before dents his right cheek. โ€œWhatโ€™s wrong?โ€ย 
โ€œI canโ€™t lift my armsโ€ฆโ€ you say defeatedly. โ€œI canโ€™t wash my hair.โ€
He stares at you for a second and reaches for the cup on the vanity and then grabs the little stool. Placing the fluffy white towel and the clothes heโ€™s lent you on the counter.ย 
โ€œSpin around.โ€ He groans a little as he bends down beside the tub to sit on the stool.
You do as he says, turning to face the wall and criss crossing your legs in front of you. Water sloshes around you and you hear some of it hit the tiled floor. You whisper a small sorry, suddenly feeling incredibly nervous.ย ย 
โ€œIt's ok,โ€ he says, voice cracking a little. He clears his throat, โ€œTilt your head back, sweetheart.โ€ย 
Sweetheart. You dip your head back and close your eyes. It feels almost overwhelming to have someone care for you for once. Being in this gorgeous log cabin in a hot bath, the smell of the dinner heโ€™s prepared wafts down the hallway and through the crack in the bathroom door. It smells like butter and garlic and some sort of red meat. Guilt swirls in your stomach. You havenโ€™t been home in a week, your family might need you.ย 
You hear the click of the shampoo bottle, it smells like rosemary and mint as Joel rubs it in his palms behind you. His strong fingers come to your hair line, the pressure of the small circles of the pads of his fingers are delectable. When he hits your temples a chill runs down your body, your nipples peak at the attention under the hot water. He works backwards slowly along your scalp, when he hits the nape of your neck your whole body feels like itโ€™s buzzing. He gently nudges you so your head tucks into your chin and he kneads at the muscles of your neck. You adjust your legs so youโ€™re hugging your knees. Squeezing your legs together to try to help relieve some of the ache thatโ€™s building in between your thighs.ย 
Neither of you have spoken, but itโ€™s a comfortable silence. Plus, you have a feeling that that is just how Joel is. Joel Miller is a doer and a giver, small acts like running you a bath or cooking a nice meal is how he shows that he cares.ย 
After working the shampoo through your ends, he guides your head back, grabs the cup and rinses the suds off. The combination of the warm water and his hands parting your hair is unlike anything you could have imagined and you stifle a small moan in your throat. He repeats the process with the shampoo one more time before running the conditioner through your ends.ย 
He stands and you look over your shoulder at him, โ€œthank you, Joel.โ€ย 
He digs through a drawer in the vanity and pulls out a comb. โ€œYou donโ€™t need to thank me,โ€ he sits back down, groaning again, and you can only imagine how ridiculous his broad form must look sitting on the tiny stool. It canโ€™t be comfortable for him. He spins the end of the comb at you and you bite the inside of your cheek to stop yourself from smiling before turning back around.ย 
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After eating the dinner Joel made, you both sit on the couch watching the fire. Dinner was accompanied by another comfortable silence, both of you perched on the stools around the counter. He made fingerling potatoes with fresh herbs, roasted carrots drizzled with honey, and a steak that he basted in butter and garlic. Now youโ€™re wrapped in a blanket, knees tucked up to your body.
โ€œCan I ask you something?โ€ he says quietly, swirling the ice around in his whiskey glass.
โ€œYa,โ€ you pull the fur blanket around you tighter.ย 
โ€œAre you the only one with wings in your family?โ€
You hesitate for a second, โ€œI was, now Iโ€™mโ€ฆโ€
โ€œIโ€™m sorry,โ€ he says, cutting you off, โ€œI didnโ€™t mean for that to come off as insensitive. I just feel like you have turned everything Iโ€™ve known about this world upside down.โ€
You shake your head and smile at the fire. โ€œItโ€™s ok, Joel. Over two thousand years ago, humans came into our villages. We worked together for a while, building this kingdom. Then one king managed to get his hands on a dragon, and the humans attacked us. Injecting us with that green magic in your chains and cutting off our wings to take the power for themselves.โ€ย 
Joel places his empty whiskey glass on the table before he walks over to crouch in front of you. His hands come to rest on the cushion on each side of you. He makes eye contact, oranges and reds dancing around the room from the fire.
โ€œThis isnโ€™t the history that we are taught. We are led to believe The King is good after what heโ€™s done to fix the mistakes of that king thousands of years ago. We are also told that Fae turned on us and we fought hard against them.โ€ย 
โ€œDid you really believe that?โ€ you scoff, โ€œFae back then had all sorts of magical powers. Some could have mortals like you evaporate into thin air if they wanted. Many had the ability to control minds. You never would have been able to win that war, unless we were tricked or attacked by surprise.โ€ย 
You look at each other in silence for a while before you slide one hand out from the blanket and place it on his. Both of you look at your hand on top of his. He rotates his wrist and you immediately intertwine your fingers with this.ย 
โ€œThank you for saving me, or trying to save me.โ€ You say, eyes still fixed on your hands.ย 
โ€œDonโ€™t thank me until we have your wings back and youโ€™re with your family.โ€
You look up at him, โ€œIโ€™ve been the only one caring for them for over six hundred years.โ€ย 
โ€œI know. Please just let me help you.โ€ย 
You slide your legs out from the blanket so Joel is kneeling on the floor between them. Your free hand pushes back a stray curl thatโ€™s landed by his temple. His eyes shut as he leans into your touch.ย 
โ€œPromise me that youโ€™ll help my family.โ€ย 
He releases your hand and pulls you to the edge of the couch by your waist, bodies flush against each other now. Your hand tangles into the curls at the back of his neck, the other resting on his broad shoulder.ย 
โ€œI swear I am going to fix this. Iโ€™m going to do whatever it takes to show you that you can trust me.โ€ย 
You brush your nose against his and close your eyes breathing in his scent. Pine needles and freshly cut grass, now surrounded by the cedar of the fire and the log cabin.ย 
โ€œPlease donโ€™t hurt me,โ€ you say in a breathy whisper.
โ€œNever,โ€ he hums. Your lips brush against his. Heโ€™s intoxicating. Just as you turn your head to let him kiss you a loud roar from the woods behind the house startles you, jolting you back on the cushion and out of his gravitational pull.ย 
โ€œRem has impeccable timing,โ€ he says, shaking his head. โ€œI better go see whatโ€™s going on. Your room is just across from the bathroom. Iโ€™m sorry.โ€ย 
โ€œI want to come, too,โ€ you say forcefully, standing and following him towards the kitchen.
โ€œItโ€™s safer if you stay. Rem likes you but, well - itโ€™s just safer if you stay.โ€ย 
Joel disappears into the pitch black of night and you decide to head to your room. A large wooden bed frame takes up most of the space, but you have a large closet and a chair that looks out a big picture window. Itโ€™s too dark to see anything now, but you know it faces the woods where Joel took off to.
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The morning sun peaks its way through the big trees towards the back of the house. It streams through your windows and the dreams of Joelโ€™s rough hands on your body fade as you blink awake.ย 
You slipped into the plush white sheets completely naked last night, you can feel the wetness between your legs from your dream. You close your eyes and try to bring those images back. Your hands trail along your exposed skin, squeezing one breast hard, trying to imagine its Joelโ€™s as you run a thumb across your hardening nipple.ย 
It still feels a bit wrong to be so attracted to him, but his apology last night was so genuine, you have to lean in and trust him. Heโ€™s your only chance, your only infuriating handsome chance.ย 
You continue playing with your nipple as your other hand trails down your stomach, tracing the slit of your pussy. Your clit throbs and more arousal wets your thighs.ย 
You spread your legs and wish Joel was here to call you a good girl as he settled himself between your legs. With that thought your hand dives for your entrance, collecting your slick before rubbing tight, fast circles on your clit. The other hand moves to your other breast, pinching the nipple and rolling it between your fingers.ย 
Fuck, you wish this was Joel.ย 
Slipping your hand down, you easily slide two fingers inside of yourself, trying to reach that oh so sensitive spot that drives you wild. The other hand comes down to put pressure on your clit, turning your head into the fluffy pillows to muffle your little moans of pleasure.ย 
That familiar burn starts to build, before you can stop it you whine Joelโ€™s name as your body starts to shake. The wave of pleasure consumes your entire body and mind, images of him flashing behind your eyelids.ย 
The inner walls of your pussy clench down on your fingers, when the pleasure starts to ease you slide them out, looking down to see the wetness that still connects them.ย 
Fuck.
You roll onto your belly to catch your breath and hide your face. You arenโ€™t embarrassed about indulging in your own pleasure, but you should not have thought about Joel Miller while doing it.ย 
After convincing yourself that it was a one time thing and heโ€™s out of your system now, you slip back into the clothes Joel gave you. Comfortable fleece lined grey pants and a zip up sweater with a hood and large front pocket of the same colour.ย  You have no shoes so you slip out of the kitchen door and wander out over the cool morning grass in your bare feet.
You walk towards the woods where you know Rem will be. As you approach the clearing that you stole the egg from an eerie feeling washes over you. You take a few more steps before a large milky white dragon lands in front of you. You stumble backwards as its scales puff out around its neck. Its red eyes glow, it feels like theyโ€™re piercing into every fiber of your being. Its wings flare out, large talon-like spikes along each bend of the top ridge.ย  Remmer is nowhere to be found. Joelโ€™s door was closed so he must be sound asleep.ย 
You stand, knees slightly bent, hands out in front of you. โ€œItโ€™s okay,โ€ you say as camly as possible to the fierce beast.ย 
It snarls, lips pulling back to expose long sharp teeth. Smoke starts to billow from its cheeks.ย 
โ€œEasy, itโ€™s ok.โ€ youโ€™re trying to keep your voice calm but fear is eating at you from the inside out. Should you scream? Run? You thought youโ€™d be coming out to Remmer, and sheโ€™d bounce over and let you pet her. This dragon is terrifying, the glassy white scales and ghastly red eyes. Itโ€™s not as big as Rem, but it still towers above you.
The dragon lets out a loud and angry growl that reverberates every bone in your body. Its spit hits your face, mouth open so wide that you can see the fire starting to form in the back of its throat.ย 
Fuck, Iโ€™m dead.
==================================
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onbearfeet ยท 1 month
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Kat watches Moon Knight
Okay, so with the encouragement of several people on here and the emotional support of my roommate, I have finally (in February 2024) started watching Moon Knight, a show whose basic concept scares the shit out of me.
Context: I had an adopted older brother with DID. Note that I said "had". That's past tense because life treated him so appallingly poorly that he died (horribly, in prison) when I was 19. Part of that abuse was enabled by pop-culture depictions of DID in the 1980s and 90s that convinced everyone who knew about his condition (including the court system) that he was a walking time bomb.
One of my earliest memories is of my brother as a young adult, playing Super Mario Bros with my toddler self. Another is of him patiently teaching me how to make friends with a large dog. I never met any of his alters, afaik; I was small and cute and safe for him to be himself with, so he probably didn't need them around me. He was a profoundly gentle man when he was allowed, and it hurt like hell to see him turned into a monster in movies and on TV. I've turned off a lot of "psychological thrillers" in sorrow and disgust.
Ironically, I loved Moon Knight comics as a kid in the 90s, BEFORE he was retconned to have DID circa the mid-2000s. Because those comics came out right after my brother died in 2002 and leaned HARD into making people with DID seem like violently unstable monsters (for reference, see the cover of Moon Knight: God and Country), I stopped reading them around 2008, when I couldn't take being poked in the trauma by a comfort character anymore.
But I do love Werewolf By Night, and there's been a lot of good fic mashing Jack up with Moon Knight without dehumanizing anyone, and several people have encouraged me to try the show. So this post will be a place for my thoughts as I try to work my way through with my Essential Editions in one hand and my memories of my brother in the other. I'll add to it as I watch.
If this entertains the Moon Knight fandom or provides useful fic reference, so be it. Just don't be jerks on my post.
Also, anyone who chooses to be shitty about my brother will be eaten by bears. I don't make the rules.
Episode 1
Okay, we open with Steven as our POV character, and he's...convinced he's a sleepwalker. All right, not terrible. Steven is now a bumbling nerd, which is probably an improvement; good luck making a billionaire playboy sympathetic in the 2020s. Jake would be the logical everyman POV from the comics, but I understand from fic that he's got a different role now. I'm confused about the accent, but it's only episode 1, and Steven clearly doesn't yet know who Khonshu is, or that Marc exists, so obviously there's a ways to go here. (Is Marc ... undercover inside Steven? Ugh, this is a trope I have seen and do not like.)
Did Marc kill Steven's fish? Did Khonshu kill Steven's fish? I'm baffled by the fish. Which is a nice break from the larger anxiety. I'm gonna try to worry more about the fish.
The bits with Steven losing time and finding himself in odd situations were distressingly close to the old tropes, but both of those happened to my brother, so I'm not going to bitch about them quite yet. I want to be as fair as I can.
Oh, hey, I recognize Harrow from the comics. What up, dude. How's the cult biz treating you?
The end of the episode, with the jackal thing chasing Steven into the bathroom, came RIGHT up to the line for me. I realized that what I was most afraid of was that the story would assign "good" and "bad" labels to the alters--make Steven the sweet, innocent one and Marc (or maybe Jake, I guess) the monstrous killer. The early flashes of Steven covered in blood didn't really help allay that anxiety. And now Marc is demanding that Steven let him have control in a pretty threatening manner. But so far, it seems like the contrast between Marc and Steven is one of competence--Marc is better at fighting and Steven is better at ... panicking? Unclear. At least Oscar Isaac is playing the protagonist, so his character(s) might remain sympathetic. Nobody has been monsterized quite yet.
I finished the episode with every muscle in my body locked up, waiting for the emotional punch in the face. But I did finish it, and I think I'm gonna try episode two.
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nina-ya ยท 3 months
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HI NINA!! I hope ur doing well, for some reason I never realized your requests are open but ive had this little idea with me for a while and I would really like to see it written ;))
can I request law ร— reader whos like a spirit or ghost kind of?? But only law can see them for some reason. Also reader is not dead hh they might be a spirit because of a curse or something maybe...
maybe a little angsty (or very)?? Either way, I can't wait to see what you write :)) i love ur work sossoooo much and thank uu!!
A/N: HIIIIIIII I had a lot of fun with this idea actually I DO HOPE YOU ENJOY!! Angst really gets me in my feels and I kinda left it to the possibility of a p2 if anyone ever wanted it :'))) Pairing: Law x reader CW: None really just angst towards the end WC: 2k
You sighed to yourself. Another pirate had arrived, their purpose unclear- were they here for treasure? A place to rest? Or to investigate the rumors of the haunted building? Said building is being haunted by you, of course. You hadnโ€™t intended for the place to become a spectacle that would send even the toughest pirates screaming for their mothers, but the curse condemning you to the spirit world left you with little control over this, so you had to make the most out of it, right? You gave up hope long ago that you would be able to be freed from the clutches of curse. You wandered city to city. You even stowed away on pirate ships to go to different islands, desperate to find a miracle that would help, but that all got tiring and soon enough you called the building you resided in your new home.
From the rafters, you peered down at the interesting pirate that had just entered. He sported a spotted hat, matching pants, and a halfway unbuttoned dress shirt that revealed one of the many heart themed tattoos adorning his skin.ย 
His voice filled the room, muttering about the rumors of the haunted building, and frustration surged within you. This intruder had disrupted your quiet evening, prompting you to cut his visit short and scare him off. You swung off the rafters and landed on a cabinet with an open door, slamming it shut with a great deal of force.
The metallic sound of a sword unsheathing sliced through the air as the man focused on the source of the disturbance. His eyes locked onto yours, momentarily causing panic through you. Could he truly see you? You questioned the possibility for a moment, but rationalized that he was only looking in your general direction rather than directly at you.
โ€œWho are you?โ€ He asked, his voice demanding.
A shiver ran down your spine as the weight of his gaze fell upon you. โ€˜Impossible,โ€™ you thought, โ€˜thereโ€™s no way heโ€™s talking to me.โ€™
โ€œI suggest you answer my question before you regret it,โ€ he stated, a blue orb materializing in an outstretched hand.
Disbelief filled your senses as you responded. โ€œWait, wait, waitโ€ฆ hold onโ€ฆ you can see me?โ€ you stammered, trying to understand the reality that is unfolding before your eyes.
โ€œQuit playing games; of course I can see you,โ€ he replied, his voice unwavering.
You stumbled over your words as you tried to satiate his demands, โ€œIโ€™m sorry, itโ€™s justโ€ฆ well, youโ€™re the first person thatโ€™s seen me like this.โ€
Law grew impatient, and with a quick motion, he enclosed you in the blue bubble of his room, slashing at you. Yet, that was a futile effort as the force passed through you without a trace. Frustration bubbled within him as he attempted again and again, the uselessness of his efforts quickly settling in.
โ€œWhat the hell is the meaning of this?โ€ He finally snapped, his voice filled with irritation and subtle curiosity.
โ€œLet me explain!โ€ you pleaded, taking the opportunity to share your story. โ€œIโ€™ve been like this for a while and I think Iโ€™m a ghost? I canโ€™t really tell.โ€
"A ghost? Really?" Law sighed, his skepticism obvious. "Okay, whatever, go on."
A sigh of relief escaped you as you continued your story. The tale of encountering a curse, the passage of time, and the unexplainable circumstances that left you in this state spilled from your lips. However, Law rolled his eyes and cut you off.
"I don't know what kind of fun you gain from telling this story to people, but it's not going to work on me," he declared, moving to leave the building, his patience gone.
Desperation filled you as you chased after him in a plea to be heard. "Wait! Please! I promise I am not making this up."
"Yeah, yeah, go find some other oblivious person to fool," he retorted, rounding a corner, making his exit.
You positioned yourself in his path. "Wait! Give me a chance! Don't leave yet!" Your desperate voice rang out.
He rolled his eyes at you, "would you shut up and leave me alone?" he barked back, the force of his words drawing the attention of passersby. Some stoppedย  in their tracks, casting curious glances your way, while others continued their journey with judgment evident in their glances.
He looked around, noticing the stares. "Look, now you're bringing attention to us," he said, irritation dripping from his features.
The whispers of the crowd filled his ears, 'Us?' 'Is he okay?' 'Why is he talking to the air?'
A sense of unease settled over Law as the judgmental murmurs were made clear to him. Clenching his jaw to hold off a retort, he shot you a silent look that said, 'Follow me,' before walking away.
Back inside the building, the door barely closed when Law spoke up, his tone unchanged, "So, a ghost, you say?"
You sighed in relief at the opportunity to explain. "Iโ€ฆ I mean, I think so? A ghost or a spirit, or any other synonym would probably be my best guess."
"Your best guess? Do you not know what happened to you?"
"No! I really don't," you admitted with a sigh. "All I know is that one day, I messed with some people that I shouldn't have, and wellโ€ฆ I'm like this now."
His face remained expressionless, a calculating gaze fixed upon you. The silence stretched, and you couldn't bear it any longer. A nervous chuckle escaped you. "So, uh, I guess I have to properly introduce myself to the first human I've spoken to in a while, huh." You extended your hand for a shake, revealing your name. Law hesitated for a moment before reaching out. His hand enveloped yours for just a moment, then phased right through.
You nervously laughed again, retracting your hand at the failed handshake. "Ah, I'm sorry about that. I don't know why I thought that would work."
"But you were able to slam that cabinet just fine earlier?" Law questioned.
"Will you kill me if I say I'm not sure why?" you replied sheepishly.
"How would I kill you when you're practically dead?" Law retorted, his deadpan delivery drawing a smile from you.ย 
โ€œNot dead, just cursed.โ€ you correct him. โ€œI donโ€™t see much of a difference.โ€ย 
Your laughter filled the building, a sound that seemed out of place, but it certainly felt good. It was the first time in a long long while since you genuinely laughed and had fun. Law didnโ€™t seem to share your amusement, though. He eyed you with a raised eyebrow. As your laughter dissipated into chuckles, you felt a warmth inside of you.
โ€œLaughing, huh? You sure youโ€™re not trying to trick me?โ€ Law asked, still seemingly skeptical about this whole situation.
Your smile quickly turned into a frown at his doubts. โ€œWhat? No, I justโ€ฆโ€ you start but trail off, seemingly unable to form any words.
An awkward pause fell between the two of you. He just couldnโ€™t understand your predicament. Law is the first to break the silence. โ€œMaybe itโ€™s time for you to get out of here and try and find a way to get back to your old self.โ€
โ€œYou donโ€™t get it,โ€ you said quietly, your voice filled with despair. โ€œI canโ€™t just do that. Iโ€™ve tried, trust me. For years Iโ€™ve tried, but I'm tied to this life.โ€ For a moment, Law's doubts faded as he saw the desperation in your eyes, and he decided to give you a chance. He walked over to the nearest wall and sat on the floor, leaning against it. He saw your confusion and he gestured to the floor in front of him, nonchalantly saying, โ€œI have a feeling that you have quite the story to tell me, so go on.
- - -
As the night deepened, the two of you found yourselves engaged in an unexpectedly long conversation. You opened up more about your predicament, telling Law every detail you could about the curse, telling him about your human life, your past, and even your fears. He opened up to you as well. You learned that he was the captain of a crew, that he was a former warlord, and he even showed you his tattoos.
The light of the moon filtered through the dusty windows, and the conversation flowed into more lighthearted topics. You learned that you had much more in common with him than you originally had thought. You even learned about some of his quirks such as his distaste for bread.ย 
As the first rays of sunlight slowly started to replace the moonlight, you two found yourselves in an odd state of comfort. The two of you talked throughout the night and not once have you run out of things to say.ย 
โ€œIโ€™ll help you break the curse,โ€ Law declared, his words causing a momentary pause in your thoughts. Your eyes widened in disbelief and gratitude. Unable to contain yourself, you impulsively find yourself throwing yourself at Law, wrapping your arms around him in a tight hug.
The world stood still as you held the hug, and Law could only widen his eyes in shock at the feeling of the touch. Then the realization hit youโ€“ your arms were wrapped around him. You were actually hugging him. Embarrassment soon washed over you as you became aware of the awkwardness of the situation. You pulled away abruptly, your features emanating embarrassment, and you cleared your throat.ย 
A pause fell over the two of you as both of you tried to grapple with the reality of the uncharted territory of physical contact. โ€œUh, sorry about that,โ€ you mumbled sheepishly.
Law nodded in understanding, though he still seemed taken aback. โ€œNo harm done, right? Letโ€™s focus on breaking that curse.โ€ He looked out of the window as he finished his sentence and his voice filled with urgency as he realized the time. โ€œI have to go now,โ€ he explained, regret in his voice. โ€œBut, Iโ€™ll be back tonight. I will help you figure this out.โ€ Through the sudden disappointment, you nodded in understanding. โ€œThank you,โ€ you whispered.
Law nodded at you before making his exit. He left you alone, and the quietness that you were oh so familiar with. You eagerly awaited his return, and as the night came about, you stared out the windows looking for any sign of him, but to no avail. You occupied your mind with feeble excuses, convincing yourself that he might just be running late and that he will come for you. But as the night turned into days, that wait stretched agonizingly long and uncertain.ย 
Morning after morning, you wandered the island, hoping to find some sign of Law, just to be filled with a growing sense of abandonment instead.ย  You questioned every bit of Lawโ€™s promise, wondering if you had just gone insane and made up that conversation to make yourself feel a little less lonely. The desolation you felt before was nothing to this new crushing weight of shattered hope.
The loneliness settled in, and with every sunset that passed, your hope vanished further. That is, until you were searching the island for him, and you saw fresh wanted posters plastered across the walls. There he was. Lawโ€™s face was among them. The realization that he was not even around anymore hit you like a truck. He went off to do other better things rather than fulfilling some stupid promise with someone he just met. The memory of your interaction replayed in your mind, the hug lingering in your mind more than youโ€™d like to admit.
In a moment of frustration and despair, you tore the wanted poster off the wall, startling those who were nearby. Tears flowed freely as Law's absence filled you with despair. His presence had filled a hole you hadn't even realized existed, and now that he was gone, that hole seemed even bigger than before. Now you were left with the dreaded thought that you may never truly break this curse.
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whereonceiwasfire ยท 3 months
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Okay, so, I send a lot of emails to people I don't know for my job, and there's a lot of copy/pasting involved. Because I have a sort of on-hand reply to certain emails, I usually just have it queued up and ready to go, right? Open email, hit reply, ctrl v, send, boom, done, next one (I promise you, this is all relevant context).
I also sometimes, somehow, magically find myself on Tumblr now and again when I should be working. As one does.
You know. Tumblr. A place where one might copy images...of things that make them laugh...maybe from their fandom of choice atm...
I think you can see where I'm going with this.
Long story short, I'm doing my thing, open email, press reply, ctrl v, hit sen--WAIT, NOOOOO! ABORT MISSION!! ABORT MISSION!!! I was within MILLISECONDS of sending THIS IMAGE, and LITERALLY NOTHING ELSE, in response to a professional email.
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CAN YOU IMAGINE GETTING VLAD MASTERS IN RESPONSE TO A WORK EMAIL??? And not just Vlad Masters, but THIS Vlad Masters?! Unhinged, spins-around-in-chair, back-lit-by-lightning, "I've-been-expecting-you" type villain moment, Vlad Masters? I mean, it could have definitely been worse, but it also could have definitely been better. "Hi, thanks so much for your interest, may I offer you this very cryptic image of a cartoon villain instead of an answer to your question?"
What does it mean? Unclear. Does this open up room for further communication? Unlikely. And why does it feel more than a little bit threatening?
My fingers was hovering over the send button when I realized NOPE, that WAS NOT what I meant to paste into the email. I think I would have just had to hand in my resignation right then and there. Moved into the woods, never to be heard from again.
Moral of the story, double check your work before hitting send, kids. And if, one day, you ever get a response to a work email that defies all comprehension, please think of me.
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maripr ยท 3 months
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Ozcarnation merge musings from my twitter
I wrote these months ago and finally sharing them on tumblr.
Why I differentiate between Ozma and Ozpin, a ๐Ÿงต
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I disagree with the general interpretation of where the merge subplot is actually heading in canon: most people think it will actualize, I think it will be reversed, either stopping the merge for good or reversing it after it comes very briefly into reality.
Oscar's arc, paralleling Ruby (mainly, but other characters share the trait as well) has been about him trying to find his own place and his own story, but the shadow of supposed ego death is always looming on him and terrifying him.
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Everytime he takes a step forward, he's reminded again of the expected fate for him, something that some characters actively want (like Ironwood).
Examples:
volume 6, after being treated as a stand-in for Ozpin, currently MIA, Oscar takes his own decision to forgive the team and be prepared for battle alongside them. While reconciling with tem, with his new combat gear, he still can't help but be haunted of "how much time he has left".
Volume 7 places him in a conundrum the entire volume: he's developing as a fighter, growing up as an adolescent and forging stronger relationship with his newfound friends. Jaune clearly comes to see him as a little brother and there's something interesting going on with Ruby that may or may not result in a romantic relationship down the line. The team actually worries about his opinion on stuff as well, and Ruby clearly values him as Oscar Pine. Meanwhile, the very person who's helping in his growth is James Ironwood, who cannot shut up about wishing Ozpin was there everytime they meet, and telling Oscar he will basically cease to exist to his face with a big shiny smile. It's unclear at this point if James knows or not about how terrified Oscar is of the merge, as the boy never voices this fear. I think he just wants not to think of it. So even at the end, where James finally says "fuck it, Oscar or Ozpin, i don't need either" and shoots him, Oscar starts coming onto his power, in a scene that's both powerful and bittersweet, paralleling Penny.
Both of them, for their qualities, were chosen by a magical destiny, one capable of beautiful and powerful magic, that they don't want, never wanted and will struggle with with the next volume. Penny's arc is a direct parallel and commentary to Oscar and the way it ends might comment on Oscar's arc. Not in death but that Penny could finally show everyone she was her own person who could choose for herself.
Coming back to volume 8, Oscar has his worst time yet, finally voices his fear of merging with Oz, and comes back from it scarred but stronger, having helped Ozpin trust himself and others and gaining a new ally in Emerald.
But, see where I'm getting at? This is no resolution.
Oscar has briefly shown his fear but at the end of the volume, much like Ruby has done for several seasons, swallows the literal torture he endured for half of it and the fear of imminent ego death due to reawakened magic, and chooses to focus on the positives.
Boy, if he had fallen into the ever after maybe he would have healed too. Or maybe we would have no plot at all bc Oscar and Ruby would have noticed each other's pain, which would have been nice as well, but sometimes therapy has to be brutal.
And also Oscar can't conclude his arc in the ever after because his own is complimentary to Ruby's but also a contrast to it. Ruby wants to emulate her mother and ideal of what a hero is and must learn that she is enough as she is already. Oscar does NOT want to emulate or be his father figure, whose og incarnation was basically THE ideal hero of fairytales. He wants to be enough but doesn't know who he is yet, since everyone keeps telling him to his face that Oscar Pine isn't enough.
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SO anyway. If both Penny (a commentary on Oscar) and Ruby (a direct parallel)'s arcs end with them realizing their own individuality, I 100% believe Oscar's arc will end like this as well.
And when i say end i mean end is just a new beginning.
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Before moving to my final argument, let me also briefly comment on how Jaune and Weiss' arcs are similar but different to Oscar and Ruby's. It's interesting because, by main character status, Jaune as the leader of team JNPR, is a lancer and a foil to RWBY and Ruby inside of team RWBY's dynamic, Weiss, as Ruby's partner, is the lancer and foil to Ruby and inside new JNPR/ORNJ, Oscar, as Jaune's new partner, is his lancer and foil.
And both Jaune and Weiss deal with identity but more in a role they want to play as expected to what their family might want, initially, and later as the knights they idealized in fairytales. This is way too long for this post, but again, fascinating. And also Whiteknight slays.
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So, my final thesis:
Oscar's arc will end with him affirming his own individuality over the merge.
So why can't Ozpin also do the same?
The god of light's intention in bestowing Ozma with this method of reincarnation was the positive idea of him never being alone.
And this works, more or less, in different lifetimes. Even in the very first, the farmer who we initially assumed was completely eradicated, still voiced his opinion and reminded Ozma of the good path.
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In later lives, the spirit and the host lived more comfortably, having estabilished an equal partnership.
But... They still end up as one person? They're literally so like-minded that their enormous guilt complex makes one believe he's responsible for everything the others did?
I feel like this is what the story is trying to say, much like what many characters say of Oscar, and it's framed as a bad thing.
And incorrect. Oscar is always "punished" for what his predecessors did because he will be Ozma eventually.
The voice still going by the name of Ozpin feels responsible for everything that happened since Ozma was brought back to life and literally agrees with his own torturer that yep, he deserves all the punishment and pain for it.
Every incarnation eventually reaches a point where they start to identify with their predecessors in such a way that contradicts what the god of light's intention was (then again, we have been shown time and time again that the god of light is not very good at his job).
Instead of a partnership where each soul helps the other moving forward and never los hope, we have a continuous cycle of guilt and self-abuse accumulating. Oscar is gnawing at it the entire time. Who's to say Ozpin, as the professor, also didn't?
And Oscar is going to break the cycle.
As he does that, I want Ozpin to also realize his own individuality.
This is why I want an happy ending for all the incarnates, not just Ozma. Merged they may be for now, in the physical realm, why should only Ozma move on to a peaceful afterlife? All the people who ended up clogs in the ever ticking clock and had no say in it were all people with their own lives, their own friends and families, their own name. And they deserve peace too.
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cirilla-fiona-riannon ยท 2 months
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Galileo Galilei - Side Story 1
Translations may not always capture the exact nuances or tone of the original text. Expect grammatical errors and inaccuracies.
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"Even without a guide, the stars continue to rotate"
Man with purple eyes: "What are you doing here?"
Mitsuki: "U-Um, I..."
She suddenly appeared in this distorted fate and in that despair-filled garden.
As I prepared for my lecture at the university office, I recalled the incident that took place yesterday.
(I never expected โ€œthat girlโ€ to appear before me.)
That girl, who came from the East, suddenly found herself in a mansion where historical figures who had become vampires lived.
The master of that mansion, a pureblood, revived the men and gave them a second life.
But that girl, upon observation, seemed nothing more than just an ordinary human.
(Did she use the door to come here, or did she simply wander in?)
(In any case, inexplicable things started happening after she appeared.)
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(The future, which I saw once using the door, has changed.)
The future had changed after those influential figures revived, and fate started changing even more since that girl appeared.
(Who on earth is that girl?)
At that moment, the voice of a man living with me crossed my mind.
------------Flashback-----------
Drake: โ€œBut if you really met her by chance, then maybe that means something.โ€
Drake: โ€œShe might be that woman of destiny, after all.โ€
---------Flashback Ends--------
(Is it some sort of guidance?)
(But whether thereโ€™s causality remains unclear. I need to keep an eye on her.)
I was still lost in thought when someone suddenly knocked on the door.
Galileo: โ€œCome in.โ€
I turned around, thinking that it was most likely a student who had come to ask a question about the lecture.
Mitsuki: โ€œExcuse me. Iโ€™m here to deliver something to Professor Maury.โ€
(----!)
The girl I was just thinking about was standing right in front of me.
Galileo: "You're the one from yesterday."
She seemed taken aback, as if she didn't expect to meet me again.
Mitsuki: "Um, Iโ€ฆ"
Galileo: "How long are you going to stand there? Come in."
As she stepped inside, she bowed her head.
Mitsuki: "I'm Mitsuki. I apologize for intruding into the garden yesterday!"
Mitsuki: "I was walking around town and happened to stumble upon that place."
Galileo: "You're not a student here, are you? So, why are you here today?"
Mitsuki: "I came to the university to see Professor Ayscough and to deliver these documents the president asked me to."
Mitsuki: "I didn't realize you were Professor Maury. Soโ€ฆ"
Galileo: "I see. Another coincidence, perhaps."
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(Right, considering the possibilities, it's not entirely impossible.)
Professor Ayscough. Isaac Newton was also living in that mansion.
It wouldn't be unnatural for her to come to the university for some business.
It'd be too early to interpret this reunion as guidance or fate, butโ€ฆ
(To begin with, the fact that she stumbled upon that garden seems a bit too convenient.)
(Maybe Drake is right in saying that fate is in motion.)
And am I the one being drawn into it?
(If so, perhaps the "world" is once again trying to deny me.)
(Like my brethren.)
I suppressed the faint surge of frustration welling inside me.
Galileo: "I've received the documents."
Mitsuki: "Then, I'll be going now."
I looked up and asked her a question.
Galileo: "Some say that when coincidences pile up, they become inevitable."
Galileo: "Even turning into destiny."
Galileo: "What do you think?"
She showed a confused expression at my sudden question.
(Even though we're facing each other like this, she still looks like an ordinary human.)
Nevertheless, she looked straight at me and spoke up.
Mitsuki: "Sorry, I don't know how to answer that, butโ€ฆ"
Galileo: "But?"
Mitsuki: "Whether it's coincidence or fate, I think it's up to each person how they perceive and choose to interpret it."
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(Up to oneself, huh?)
Galileo: "So, it's up to oneself to govern fate. Is that what you're saying?"
Mitsuki: "I didn't mean to make it sound so dramatic."
I could understand her response.
Humans live through multiple choices, so in that sense, it's up to oneself to carve out their own destiny.
(But I know of a fate that cannot be changed.)
A fate of scorn, of being shunned, and of hopeless despair.
(..........)
As the scenes I've witnessed flashed through my mind, her answer, believing that one can carve out their own destiny, seemed terribly arrogant.
After she left, some students came to visit the office.
Galileo: "Are you suggesting it's fate, then?"
Student: "Professor? Is everything alright?"
Galileo: "It's nothing."
I averted my gaze from the door she exited and turned on my heel.
Galileo: "I'll fulfill my purpose until the end."
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(No matter what happens, I've got to make sure I stay out of whatever fate that girl's bringing.)
Even as I held such determination within my heart, her eyes, staring back at me, somehow remained in my mind.
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Previous Part โ•Ž Masterlist โ•Ž Next Part
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mchlgayser ยท 1 year
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hii can you please make more jobe ffs (when you can) i love them ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿฝ
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๐“‚ƒโญ‘แœŠ: ART GALLERY ft jobe bellingham
๐“‚ƒโญ‘แœŠ an: I LOVE writing Jobe's fanfic ngl, I realized my writings are neater everytime I'm writing for him skhsksj somethings wrong with me
๐“‚ƒโญ‘แœŠ content warning: none
๐“‚ƒโญ‘แœŠ: @iwritesjud3's masterlist
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'I want you guys to be on your best behavior today... Andrew this indicates especially for you.' Miss. Coffee said in her promising stern voice, Andrew was half-listening, mostly talking to you and you elbowed the right on his stomach making him wince in pain 'Yes Miss.' The bus stopped abruptly as the students lined up to exit the bus. You and your closest friend, Andrew are at the very back, taking your best moment procrastinating as you take out your Canon brand camera alongside with your sling messenger bag stuffing it with your iPad, a book, notebook and your pencil case.
The bag and camera sling over to your shoulder, Andrew was watching you occasionally looking back to the front to catch a stare or Miss. Coffee 'Hurry up!' She said and you both scurried away.
Since today's weather is somewhat, colder you are thankful enough for your generous mother that reminds you to take a thick jacket before going out. Right now you are wearing your school's uniform, a thick and soft fleece baseball jacket, a scarf wrapping over your neck, stocking pants, leg warmers and to match it all, a high-cut black converse. You didn't bother to tie your hair, letting it loose since it somehow helps you to reduce cold on your neck and ears.
You hop out of the bus with Andrew and join your other schoolmate's lining ups at the main entrance of the gallery, 'I have to remind you all again, our school is not the only school on a trip today, that includes Birmingham's Academy. So once again, please behave yourself and stay as quiet as possible. For that, you can enjoy the rest of the day to yourselves.' The main entrance open and one by one of us started to flood the hall.
Your eyes were attached to the drawing and paintings that are hanging on the walls, some placed on the table and put in a casket, there are writings below, the origins, the painters, the drawers, and the story behind the art and you adore it all! You are taking pictures of the art sometimes with Andrew in it, posing for the camera.
One of the picture is Andrew doing a silly face, you are laughing at him 'You are so quirky!' You commented making him snort back at your quick remark. You and Andrew are having your best time adorning the arts that you failed to noticed you had caught an attention from a certain pupil from the Birmingham's Academy!
Jobe went inside a bit late because he was talking over with his trainer. His loyal friends who promised to wait from him had somehow left him to go to God knows where. He was looking around for any signs of his friends but find them nowhere. Instead, his eyes caught with something, perhaps, someone.
He could notice the girl from far over, she is with a person around her age, probably her friend, they were laughing while she take pictures of the boy. Jobe could not clearly see her but he could catch a glimpse of her smile and laugh, it was unclear due to the loud atmosphere inside the hall but he could still sense the tint of honey-like and her contagious laughter.
Her eyes are twinkling when she blinked, it was like the whole universe is on hold within her stares, Jobe noticed she had stopped laughing, her friend are whispering something over to her, and looked behind immediately making contact with him. It was as if his world stopped. Her whole focuses are now on him and he was stoned and nervous.
The pressure melted away the seconds the girl offered him a gentle smile and quickly averted her attention elsewhere. Jobe could feel his heart throbbing inside him. It was loud and clear he could feel it about to explode out of its cage. The smile she sent his way was the kind of smile he could never forget, even if he wanted to, the smile he yearns for more.
It was nearing the end of the trip, you are on your way out to take a breather at the gallery's front garden, Andrew has separated from you to join his classmates in playing games. You sat on the bench grabbing your camera to take pictures. The trees, the fountain, the pigeons from any sort of angle. You stop to check and a certain picture caught your engagement. It was one of your pictures you took of a pigeon resting on a tree, you saw the same guy from before Andrew accused of staring at you.
He is behind the tree, almost like he was hiding. You avert your attention back to the tree and slowly walk there. You could almost sense a presence behind the tree and you peeked your head 'Huh?' The boy startled, almost stumbling to the ground if you hadn't caught him 'You should be careful.' You let out and smile at him, you weren't very sure if it was something that you said or done but his face turned red, he was hiding the smile that plastered on his face by turning his head around 'Are you alright? You face.' You did a motion to your face and look at him 'Yes, it's the cold!' You nod 'What are you doing behind this tree anyway? Are you hiding?' He shakes his head 'No I was just... Watching you...! But not in a creepy way! I just thought that you are very beautiful especially your eyes!' You were baffled, having a hard time containing your laugh 'Do you want to laugh?' And you did, he was cute explaining it 'Sorry, I didn't mean to!'
He wasn't offended by your honest remark or feeling belittle instead he was feeling giddy, somehow because he was able to talk to you.
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ask-pictofrance ยท 1 month
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How did the pictonians get France? Did the other nations just exchange France in return for Earthโ€™s freedom? Or did they just yoink him?
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A very long story. To put it simply, at the time of Mr. Bonnefoy's disappearance, the others have yet to realize he is missing. To some it was so sudden. France, on the other hand, willingly went with the Pictonians out of sheer curiosity.
June 5th 2010; Saturday Afternoon.
Francis Bonnefoy's disappearance occurs.
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While every other civilian around him was screaming as they got assimilated with the pact, for some reason, the Pictonians had left him alone as he followed them to their mothership. He would've been a walking, mindless, faceless blob by the time he'd reached the boarding platform. Not long after, he was shot into space. Little did France knew, he would never see Earth again.
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After a few minutes wandering around the ship, the Pictonians had took notice of him. He froze up as he was clearly afraid. France was far from home by the minute surrounded by aliens who he thought might kill him, they were dangerously close to him. It is unclear what, but something had set him off to the point where he fell to the floor , curling to a ball and just breaking down in front of the Pictonians.
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The Pictonians was soon see a breakthrough, a revelation that would change France's life forever. Previously, their Pict Princess had perished prior to their invasion of Earth. Their reason for the invasion? It has mostly remained unknown for quite some time, but all the Pictonians were in search for was some sort of happiness. They couldn't find it; it didn't exist in their previous home (a dying white star.) France; with his pudgy face, frilled nightgown and his wavy hair, he resembled a lot like the Princess in their eyes.
He was kept under tight surveillance among their researchers while they were in search for their new home, quickly calling off their campaign to find "Happiness". France had undergone several interviews and lab tests to ensure that he wasn't hurt. They knew he wasn't a threat, judging by his reaction to their first encounter. But these interviews were vital to get an idea of what kind of creature he was.
When France was asked about friends, family, and jobs, he uttered:
"...My friends hate me. My son doesn't remember who I am, he was taken from me by my ex-husband.. He taught him to hate me..."
"And your job?"
"A diplomat of some sorts... though I never get a turn to speak. All everyone thinks about is how much I'd flirt with everyone, that I'm nothing but a weak person who surrenders. It's not true, none of it is...!"
Discussing about his mistreatment from his peers and abandonment of his family caused him to break down, now physically. He was banging his hands on the wall as he hysterically sobbed. The Pictonians knew he was in clear need of help.
They took him to a bigger labratory on the mothership, accompanied by a few selected witnesses, the place they call the Pictonia Neruoscience Laboratories. There France was attached to a memory retriever, it was a bizarre head gadget attached to various wires leading to a giant monitor. France was put to sleep, as the Pictonians got a glimpse of his memories. What they saw... was very disturbing.
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Not only did they see the memories of France having to deal with verbal harassment and abuse on a daily basis from his peers, but the wars he was dragged into and the number of deaths he witnessed from others.
The Pictonians came to the conclusion that France will not be returned to Earth, nor they themselves will. Their view on humas changed, seeing them as blood thirsty barbaric animals that will do anything for power even if it meant killing their own kind. France was now to undergo a process where all of his memories will be purged through assimilation and destruction of his neurons.
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The Pictonians have this ability where they're able to turn anybody into their own kind with a single touch. During France's surveillance, they were heavily advised to not touch him as it would be hazardous to his health, especially considering the memories he still had.
After thorough care, they were given the all clear. France willingly let the Pictonians assimilate him into their society. Ultimately, his navy blue eyes changed into a neon green. The result of his asssimilation caused France to fall into a coma that lasted for roughly 6 weeks. While in his coma, all of his memories, both good and traumatic had ceased one by one.
The Pictonians plan was simple: Assimilate France into their society so he could live out a peaceful life. However, this is where France becoming their leader would come in.
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Once he woke up from his coma, it was clear as day that he has no recollection of Earth, nor his life in general. Along with this, he's mutated. He's able to switch forms as he pleased, whether to look like his own people, or his original humanoid form.
They didn't know how to explain to France what happened, instead saying that he was their leader's offspring and was left in deep sleep so he could be safe from the destruction of their previous planet. Of course, he bought into this, but didn't believe he'd be a good leader. After hearing their story of the Pictonians losing their happiness and their home, France offered to help them out the best he could.
And well, the rest is history...
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redgoldsparks ยท 5 months
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I've never won National Novel Writing Month, but I am participating for my 7th time (not consecutively) this year. In the past I've always enjoyed receiving the Pep Talks from published authors, which are essentially like letters of encouragement to all of the writers trying to pour out the first draft of a novel in a month. A few of the ones I read, especially in my first year of doing NaNo, really stuck with me so I was very delighted to be asked to contribute one this year. You can read my Pep Talk here on the NaNo site but I will also post the full text below the cut. And to anyone doing NaNo this year-- good luck and keep writing!
instagram / patreon / portfolio / etsy / my book / redbubble
I wanted to be a writer long before I knew I had anything to say.ย 
I had a childhood immersed in stories. My parents took me to the local library every week, where I checked out stacks of fantasy novels. I would pick up any book with a dragon, elf, sword, castle, wizard, or spaceship on the cover and my heroes were the authors and illustrators of these magical worlds.ย 
At some point I started to wonder about these writers. Who were they? What were their lives like? I began to pay more attention to authorโ€™s notes and was astonished to discover that many authors I loved mentioned each other in their acknowledgements. In The Ladies of Grace Adieu, Susanna Clarke thanked Neil Gaimen, Terri Windling, Ellen Datlow, and Charles Vess. In Stardust, Gaimen thanked Clarke in return, and also Diana Wynne Jones. Ursula K Le Guin and Robin Hobb wrote blurbs for Patrick Rothfussโ€™ Name of the Wind. In Finder, Emma Bull thanked Terri Windling, Steven Brust, and her husband, Will Shetterly. Tamora Pierce, George RR Martin, Peter S Beagle and Kelly Link all blurbed books by Ellen Kushner, who thanked more people than I have space to name.ย 
Holy shit, I realized. All of these authors know each other! Theyโ€™re friends! This was followed by a second thought: If I want to meet them, and especially if I want to be friends with them, maybe I should publish a fantasy novel myself.ย 
That realization gave me a new goal, but no specific pointers on how to pursue it. I started out as many young authors do: I began writing long fantasy narratives with orphaned protagonists, extremely derivative of the fantasy Iโ€™d read as a teen. During multiple successive NaNoWriMos I chipped away at a YA novel about a boy and a dragon. I started drawing a webcomic about a thief who tried to rob a monastery only to be foiled by a witch with the same plan. These stories had characters, settings, and some plot but what they didnโ€™t have was themes. They didnโ€™t ask any questions about what it means to be human, and they didnโ€™t touch on any of the big concerns I was wrestling with in my personal life: gender, sexuality, and identity.ย 
It took the rather painful experience of a literary agent telling me my fantasy work was unpublishable before I set my early stories aside, stepped back, and changed the direction of my writing towards exploring the big, vulnerable themes I had been shying away from.ย 
What I discovered is that instead of making writing harder, facing these themes head-on made writing easier. In my earlier work I had frequently hit writing blocks, places in my outlining process where I felt like I was wading through mud. When I didnโ€™t know what I was trying to say on a meta level with my story it was often hard to decide what should happen next at the plot level. I would send my characters from location to location, but Iโ€™d be unsure of what they should do there, because I was unclear on how their actions added up to a larger picture. That feeling of being stuck and uncertain over what should come next fell away when I started focusing more clearly on expressing my bigger themes. Suddenly the path forward felt smooth. All it took to follow it was bravery and persistence.ย 
I also achieved my initial goal in wanting to be a writer. I have now met and befriended many other authors, not the same set that I idolized as a teen, but different writers who are exploring many of the same themes and questions in their work as I do in mine. I have friends, colleagues, co-authors, and writing partners to thank in my acknowledgementsโ€“ often more than I have space to name.ย 
During this month, I know many of you are focused solely on pouring out the words. That is very important, but I recommend you take some time to think about the larger themes of your story as well. What message, hope, fear, question, or truth are you trying to communicate to the world through your writing? I promise that clearly articulating your themes will help you tell your story and find the friends and writers who will become your community.ย 
Good luck, and know that I am writing alongside you, and rooting for you!ย 
Maia Kobabe, Fall 2023
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aidanchaser ยท 1 month
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WIP Tag/Reblog Game
Thank you @rosie-b for the tag! I love hearing about your works~
List the titles your top five priorities for WIP updates (link your fics for new readers!)
An upcoming scene, event, or detail in each fic that you're looking forward to writing
Bonus: make a poll for your followers to vote on which top 5 WIP they are most excited to see an update on!
Then tag 10 writer friends!
WIP TITLES
(I picked the 5 that I have open currently - there are so many more than 5 rattling around at all times, and i try not to start publishing any that aren't already outlined beginning to end)
Boulangerella - a fairy tale/cinderella story full of love square shenanigans, blood sacrifices, and scheming villains
Butterfly Effect - Adrien as Hawkmoth/Shadowmoth AU; Marinette and Chloe hold the ladybug and cat miraculous - songfic with butterfly effect by FJร˜RA
Expectations - Kwami Swap AU where Adrien is Mister Bug from the beginning; he's dealing with the anxiety of his role (and the knowledge that he handed his earrings over to hawk moth in another timeline and has no idea why)
After the War (place holder title) - a 1920s post-WWI AU, where Marinette runs her parents' bakery by day and a club by night; the club is a cover to take down war-profiteer Gabriel Agreste through vigilante action; Adrien has just returned to Paris from his time abroad in London, and Marinette has to wrestle with her childhood crush on him and her now grown-up hatred for his family
Time Lady of Creation (place holder title) - A Time Lord AU - I will say little else about it because it's still in the outline stages with only a few scraps of scenes drafted
UPCOMING SECTIONS
The next chapter is full of A LOT of confrontations and hard conversations - Marinette & Luka (the original conversation has been written but it needs to be redrafted to a new context); Felix and Lila (again, a lot of their stuff is written but needs to be redrafted); and Marinette & Chat Noir (not drafted yet - fragments abound in notes but need to be tied together)
Adrien has to figure out how to get his hands on the Cat and Ladybug Miraculouses so that he can save Marinette from a terrible fate
Marinette needs to help Adrien face Miracle Queen - I'm excited about the Cat/Dragon and Bug/Snake renditions of their powers for this AU, but this fic just kept getting comments that were like "it's not even that different from canon" and so I no longer care too much about this fic - I'm just irritated because I wrote the ending already and i LOVE the ending but I can't post the ending without writing the middle
The next scene I need to write is a confrontation between Ladybug and Adrien Agreste, where he doesn't realize how much she hates him and she has no idea how much he's madly in love with her
Right now it's mostly an outline, so I need to write the beginning, where Ladybug saves Adrien from a wax museum come to life then asks him to run away with her through time and space!
So - which WIP are you most excited to see update?
I know I'm supposed to tag 10 but I know about half of the writers I am mutuals with have already been tagged, so if I accidentally tag you a second time, I apologize! @astargatelover (if you have 5 wips?), @asukiess (if you haven't been tagged yet), @kay-elle-cee, @uncertainwallflower, @ninadove (I would love to hear about your projects and get to know you more) [I'm so sorry i fully reblogged and commented your own WIP list and did not even process the connection - absolutely embarrassing], @chaos-has-theories, @sunshinemarauder, @wield-the-mighty-pen, @miabrown007 (I don't think you've been tagged yet??? unclear), and last but certainly not least @dammithawke (bc i haven't heard about your role reversal au in a while and would love to hear about it again)
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