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lavendersugarplum · 3 years

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☂︎ZEROᵗʰᵉ ʳᵉᵈ ᵘᵐᵇʳᵉˡˡᵃ

(The Umbrella Academy x Sibling! Adolescent! Reader)

sᴏɴs ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴀᴜɢʜᴛᴇʀs

─━━━━━━⊱☂︎⊰━━━━━━─

ZERO WAS OBSERVING HERSELF in the mirror imagining what her day would be like this morning. The change in the weather already had her feeling gloom, but she didn't really expect much from today. It was probably just going to be just like every morning, or so she thought.

Seconds later, Pogo came in, gently, through the door. "Miss Y/n, Luther, and the rest of your siblings are here." As soon as those words fell out of the chimp's mouth she froze as if she didn't know how to process what he just said. She couldn't believe it. Zero didn't think that they would even attend. After how so Sir Reginald treated them, this must be some kind of joke. Once Zero fully processed what was happening, she positions herself around and raised an eyebrow. "Why hadn't you told me they were coming before?"

"I wanted it to be a surprise." Pogo smiled gently at her before walking up to fix the tie on her uniform. Once he was done tying it, he looked at her with his big brown eyes. "You'll do fine. Just talk to them." Zero nodded in understanding, eyes furrowed. "I see....... and Pogo?

"Yes?""You don't have to call me Miss. I'm not quite grown up, as you can see."

"Well, I think you've grown to be a mature young lady," Pogo said smiling.

"Too bad Mr. Hargreeves didn't think so." Zero thought as she walked out of the room.

~☂︎~

TO SAY THAT SHE WAS nervous was an understatement. It had been forever since she had seen any of her siblings at all, including Luther. A bead of sweat rolled down the side of Zero's head in anxiousness. Within every step she took getting closer to the living room, the feeling of her throat closing up came with it.

When Zero arrived in the living room, the first person she saw was her bulky brother Luther along with Diego, Allison, Klaus, and Vanya. They had all looked so grown up. It almost made Zero envy for how mature they had gotten.

"Zero has arrived." Pogo announced causing the five to have their eyes zapped straight to Zero. Vanya was the first to walk up to her with welcoming arms. "Zero." Vanya went over to hug her, causing Zero to back away trying to contain her abilities from being triggered. "I'm sorry." Vanya apologized as she backed away.

"You came back." Zero said, putting what had just happened aside. She was just overjoyed and slightly overwhelmed to see her family again.

"I told you I would come back." Vanya shyly smiled, running a hand through her dark brunette hair. The next person to the conversation was Klaus.

"Oh my, Zero! Well I'd say you don't look a day over..... Since I last saw you!" Klaus said acting surprised but was just really being a tease."Some family reunion, huh?" Zero slightly rolled her eyes at him. "Go on, M-I mean Zero. Go sit by Luther." Pogo held his hand out in the direction of the couch. As Zero made her way over to the couch, she tried to avoid eye contact with her siblings in pure shyness.

"So do you come out of your room now or is it just for stupid occasions like these?" Diego asked, clearly annoyed.

"Diego." Allison warned.

"It's fine." Zero said quietly, voice barely above a whisper. As soon as she said that Klaus's eyes widened.

"Wait. She can talk now?"

Klaus asked, but everyone just ignored it as a question.

"Why am I always the last to know about stuff?" Klaus groans as he fixes himself a drink.

A pensive silence starts to enclose over the room. Zero understood it was kinda awkward because none of them saw each other in such a long time.

Zero observed her siblings as they had their moments of silence. She looked to Luther who looked the same just as when he had left. With the chimpanzee DNA he took, he had gotten taller. She remembers when they were younger, with him being the leader. She knows Luther tried his best, but Reginald didn't think that was enough. Luther was always the leader, and she could feel how much it always got on Diego's nerves. Those two were always getting into rivalries.

Sh started to feel bad that he's going to realize he went to the moon for no reason. Reginald didn't read his reports at all; and she knew that.

Even though Luther was raised to be the best and most useful, Zero couldn't deny that he went through some trauma. They all did. He was raised to believe he was the best and a leader. Another example of Reginald's bad parenting. And as a result, his ego is still here, as Zero noticed. He's the only one that still cares for his father, while Zero just doesn't know how to feel after all the things he did to her. They say it's always better to forgive, but Zero just doesn't know.

Luther loved being hero more than anything, she had to just hope that he wouldn't put that over himself and his family.

Her pupils bored over to Diego. He may be brash, but deep down Zero senses that he's insecure and still wants to prove himself. Still trying to measure up to Luther, even though Diego has become very skilled in Zero's eyes. She still remembers the time when they had first interacted.

~☂︎~

ZERO WAS WALKING DOWN the hall with Reginald's reports in her hand; taking them to him. A thud into her shoulder made every last one of the reports fall out of her hand, but like magic, she reached her hands and the reports defied gravity to arrive back into her possession.

"Sorry"

Zero was about to walk away but Diego stopped her.

"W-wait. I heard you in my mind. What kind of ridiculous trick are you playing on?"

"...... I can read minds and feel emotions."

"Well don't do that on me. I-i don't need a weird girl like you looking through my mind." With that Diego walked away, keeping a guard on his mind.

~☂︎~

ZERO THEN PEERS AT ALLISON. She had grown up to be a very pretty girl, as so Zero thought. Allison was always nice towards everyone in the Umbrella Academy. She never once talked bad about anyone behind their backs, which is quite admirable to Zero. How much Allison craved for attention is what she didn't notice.

Then there's Klaus. Still the same rebellious person he is. Zero admires how he can just move on and not dwell on the past too much. Sweet and vulnerable as a boy, and also her other close friend thanks to Ben. Besides herself, Klaus got experimented on by Sir Reginald the most. Through the years he has become not all himself, which awakens her concern for his well-being.

Finally, there's Vanya. Zero learned that she became a writer. She remembers when she sent her book to Reginald, but he never read it. Zero finds herself wondering how her music career was doing. Though in the past she seemed aloof, not want to have anything to do with her siblings, Zero had always watched them from afar, knowing their feelings and insecurities.

But sometimes it would be too much feelings and insecurities.

Zero's thought process was interrupted when Luther began the gathering speech.

"I guess we should get this started. So, I figured we could have a sort of memorial service in the courtyard at sundown. Say a few words, just at dad's favorite spot."

"Dad had a favorite spot?" Allison asked, astonished, an expression of surprise crossing her face along with the others.

"You know, under an oak tree. We used to sit out there all the time. None of you ever did that?" Luther asked, like it was a usual thing.

Not all of us were his Number One, is what Zero thought.

"Will there be any refreshments? TV? Scones? Cucumber sandwiches are always a winner." Klaus asked as he nonchalantly popped a joint, joining his siblings in the living room, drink in hand. Luther's face scrunched up at Klaus.

"What? No. And put that out. Dad didn't allow smoking in here."

"Is that my skirt?" Allison says in tone, referring to the skirt Klaus was wearing. "What? Oh, yeah, this. I found it in your room. It's a little dated, I know. But it's very breathy on the." Klaus motions his hands. ".... Bits."

"Listen up. Still, some important things that we need to discuss, all right?" Luther proceeds.

"Like what?" Diego asked dryly and uninterested.

"Like the way he died."

"And here we go." Diego rolled his eyes, uninterested.

"I don't understand." Vanya mumbles. I thought they said it was a heart attack."

"Yeah, according to the coroner."

"Well, wouldn't they know?"

"Theoretically," Luther explained.

"Theoretically?" Allison asked.

"I'm just saying, at the very least, something happened. the last time I talked to Dad, he sounded strange."

"Oh, Quelle surprise!" Klaus exclaimed gurgling his drink.

"Strange how?" Allison asked.

"He sounded on edge. Told me I should be careful who to trust. Hearing these things made Zero look up from her lap, at Luther.

"Luther, he was a paranoid, bitter old man who was starting to lose what was left of his marbles," Diego said walking over to him.

"No. He must have known something was going to happen. Zero, you must know something. Did he say anything out of the usual to you?" Luther said kneeling to Zero.

".........No." Zero replied, looking back down.

Luther sighed and got back up. "Look, I know you don't like to do it, but I need you to talk to Dad," Luther said referring to Klaus, causing Allison to scoff.

"I can't just call Dad in the afterlife and be like, "Dad, could you just...stop playing tennis with Hitler for a moment and take a quick call?"

"Since when? That's your thing," Luther encourages.

"I'm just not in the right frame of mind," Klaus replied.

"You're high?" Allison exclaims.

"Yeah! Yeah! I mean, how are you not listening to this nonsense?"

"Well, sober up, this is important. Then there's the issue of the missing monocle." Luther said.

"Who gives a shit about a stupid monocle?" Diego said.

"Exactly. It's worthless. So whoever took it, I think it was personal. Someone close to him. Someone with a grudge."

"Where are you going with this?" Klaus asked.

"Oh, is it obvious, Klaus? He thinks one of us killed dad." Diego said, eyes trained on Luther.

"You do?" Klaus said in awe.

"And I already know exactly who is the main suspect is. He thinks Zero did it." As soon as Diego said that everyone's eyes went wide and Zero tensed up.

"No, Zero. That's not-" Luther reached out for Zero, but she backed away.

"Why......do you lie?" That was the last thing she said before walking out of the room, heading for her bedroom.

"How could you think she would do that," Vanya said in disbelief.

"She's a kid, Luther," Diego said.

"You're crazy, man. You're crazy. Crazy."

Klaus, Vanya, and Diego started to storm at the room not wanting to continue with the conversation anymore.

Allison started to walk away too with a disappointed look on her face.

"That went well," Luther said sarcastically. He sighs and settles down on one the couches and rubs his head in exhaustion.

"Master Luther."

Luther's thoughts were halted by Pogo, who walked in; wooden walking stick glued to his paw. Luther had called him in to ask him about Sir Reginald's Monocle which turned to be missing.

"I'm trying to locate Dad's monocle. Have you perhaps seen it?"

Pogo simply shakes his head.

"No, unfortunately I haven't, but I would assume it would be one of his personal findings."

"It's not there... I've already checked." Luther goes silent almost about to give up.

~☂︎~

ZERO WAS IN HER BEDROOM reading the book Ben gave her. She already read it a thousand times, but this book is the only thing she has of Ben. She soon started to hear the music play in the house. She shook her head and kept reading. Zero' started to think about what Luther had said about their father seeming off. It wasn't just him, she also noticed he was a out of character months before he passed. Reginald started telling her more about the world beyond the Academy. Of course they would have their usual sessions, like playing chest or eating breakfast together. Sometimes they would just sit by the fireplace in silence. No lectures, no teachings, just silence.

Zero's thought process was diminished by a Thunder clap and sound clouding her ears, along with bright blue shadowing over her room. Zero decided she would stay in a room since there is no way she was going outside. A blue glint casted her eyes as she just stared in awe at the illuminating glow. It was some sort of a wormhole forming in mid-air. She saw her siblings going out to look at it as well.

"And just what do they think they're doing?"

She saw Klaus coming out with a fire extinguisher throwing it in. She then saw Luther directing them to back away from it. All the Hargreeves just stared at it with the wind ferociously blowing. The unbelievable happened. A small figure fell from the whole. As soon as the person hit the ground, the wormhole instantly closed up.

The siblings started to inch closer to the figure, along with Zero who examined the person with curious eyes, eyes widening at what it was.

It was her missing brother.

Five Hargreeeves

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batbetbitbotbut · 3 years

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Memories from the first shift at a covid vaccine centre

England, December 2020

Staff arriving so, so early -- an hour before any of us will start being paid.

Everyone is beyond friendly. I feel adopted by some of the older GPs, yet I also feel respected and valued by them. We were all here as professionals in a new environment. I, 23 and new out of uni and barely employed, am not treated as a child.

Scrub, scrub, scrub the chairs. Every single one is to be done before the first patients arrive, and will be done again and again and again.

It is in a sports hall, no windows, but the fire doors are wide open. Through that rectangle I watch the sky turn from black to grey and back again.

Write your own name label in sharpie, everyone. Doctors and assistants and admin alike. We're all equal here.

Anticipation building as the first patients arrive. Wondering if the system would work.

There is no applause for the first jab, but I had wondered if there might be.

I look after patients in their 15-minute observation after being jabbed. It's like they'd sit there forever, nothing changing, yet suddenly I realise I had an entirely different crowd than 15 minutes previously.

Scrub, scrub, scrub the chairs. Dash towards an un-sanitised one where a patient is about to sit down. Wipe it down and give a little bow. "Freshly polished, just for you."

Noise from the basketball game happening in the other half of the room. A tall patient trying to peer over the dividing net.

There's no break room and no kitchen. I don't even have a car to retreat to. Staff in my pod stand in a loose circle under a cloudy sky, swapping biscuits and stories.

The same brief conversations with dozens or hundreds of people, and I try to make it human for every single one.

I smile but they can't see me smiling. I put everything I have into showing joy and care however I can. I dance, I play, I laugh, I spin. I try.

We all try, and we succeed. An IT technician in the far corner of the room is vital to people not just paperwork. He is full of energy and jokes and Christmas cheer. His voice is unmistakable.

I meet a woman who's 100 years old, getting the vaccine with her daughter. They are very proud.

Scrub, scrub, scrub the chairs. The skin on my hands is tight and shiny. I haven't worn gloves.

Some of the patients are bored out of their minds in the observation area. Some want to chat. Some want to be left alone. My favourite times are when neighbours or family members have a reunion on the plastic folding chairs, leaning over a 2-metre gap as they have what might be their first in-person conversation in many months.

Time passes slow and quick. Twelve hours seems impossibly long but it never drags. Patients ebb and flow.

Patients read about the side-effects of vaccination. Fatigue, pain. "I have those every day," they say, "this isn't different. I'll be fine."

Many ask for stickers or lollipops, as if they are little children who have just been to the dentist. A couple ask for brandy.

Most people's phones don't have signal here, but mine does. I spend much of the day calling taxis for patients who have no means to get home. This is on my personal phone; I'm not quite sure if I'm meant to do it, but it's the best care I can give to them.

The system works. All day long, it works. People are vaccinated on time and nobody is hurt and everything goes to plan. I am in awe of the logistics and planning that went into the day.

Scrub, scrub, scrub the chairs. I use two full boxes of Clinell wipes -- 400 wipes. There are two other healthcare assistants like me and sometimes we have almost no patients to take care of and other times we are rushed off our feet.

Amazement and gratitude that my feet don't have blisters. My legs are dead. My face hurts from smiling. All day, something people said was “thank you” -- but maybe not as often as “when can I leave?”.

8pm rolls around, the end of the day, and nothing changes. There are still some patients being vaccinated, which means some people coming through 15-minute observation, which means some people I need to watch and some chairs I need to sanitise. I'm not paid to be here anymore, none of us are. People leave if they can or stay if they hope. I stay.

The patients cease and there are some doses left. We draw consent forms out of a hat to choose which staff get to be vaccinated with what remains. Today, I am unlucky.

I have worked a 13-hour day. I go home by bike and train in the dark and the rain, just like I arrived. What's different now is the hot salty tears on my face.

It's a good day. I'm spent but I made it. I want to do this job as many times as it takes, and I am glad.

#covid-19

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bnhaheadcanonsmha · 3 years

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Aizawa Shota (Eraserhead) and Toshinori Yagi (All Might) reacting to a student with tiger-like traits with an abusive father

Request : “Can i request dad might and dadzawa reacting to a student who has tiger ears and a tail and paw pads and like fawn legs but tiger? Who has really sharp claws just getting into a fight with her dad who is a big hero and has a simmilar quirk and getting her ass whipped? Like she gives up when he yells at her but fights back 10x if he insults her teachers, saying that they were better parents than he could ever be.”

Thanks for you request and sorry for being late. Hope you like it! I’m not sure if you wanted a scenario or a headcanon, so I chose to do it as a headcanon form.

Possible TW: verbal abuse (father on child)

Female Reader!

Toshinori Yagi | All Might:

Since he's a profesionnal, he's used to see various form of Quirk, so yours do not surprise him. If anything, he finds your Quirk cool and badass.

If one of his favourite nickname is “Dadmight”, it’s not for nothing. Though he is actually not that aware, he is immensely protective of each of his students and, as it had been seen several times, he will not hesitate to fight for them.

He is what we can call the “loud and kinda cringe but endearing” type of (adoptive) father. He will shout ask you about how your class is going, if you need any help with your Quirk or english class. Fight me, but All Might is the kind of teacher to eat with you and your friends, just because he wants to bound and find you friendly.

However, as a public person, whose privacy is constantly invided by reporters and paparazzi, he values a lot the concept of personnal space and privacy. Because of that, he is actually not aware of your conflit with your father until it is put right in front of his face.

He didn't attend to pass close to your home, but it was on the path of the grocery store he wanted to test out. At first, he only hears screams, but tries to not care much because he wasn't in his hero form.

However, as he walks closer to the screams, he recognises your voice as well as your roars. He tries to not mind it too much, because it's none of his business.

Though, as he once said, hero's job is to mind other's business, so he eventually approaches your voice.

"You ingrateful bastard!" It's a masculine voice coming from a far older man that certainly is your father. Toshinori immediately recognises him: it's Tiger Fighter, one of the most popular heroes. He isn't known for his personality — outside the fact he's rumoured as being unpleasant — but for his great efficiency.

He tenses, watching both of you violently arguing.

"You're so lazy! That's not how you'll become a hero." He sees you turning your head and watching far away, fighting not to react. Your tail hangs pitifully between your legs, and Toshinori has the urge to pat your head, like he did for each of his students he's proud of. "I did so much for you, and that's how you repay me?"

Your lack of answers tears All Might's heart apart, because it's clear sign you are used to it.

Though, he hears you mumble, "But I'm trying dad, I'm trying hard."

"Oh, if it's not your fault, who do I have to blame then? Your teachers? Are they that lazy and incompetent?"

You move so quickly Toshinori has a hard time register it. You are now close your father, claws and fangs out, ready to attack. "Don't speak bad of them! They are more supportive than you'll ever be! I bet All Might would be a better father than you!"

Toshinori is as shocked as your father looks like, though he is happy to know you see him as a reliable adult figure.

It's the moment he steps in the conversation (after turning himself, discreetly, in his malabar form of course).

"Ah, young [Y/N], fancy seeing you there!" He flashes his famous smile. Your father doesn't seem too happy to see him and it only makes him smile wider. "I couldn't help but hear what you've said about your daughter and let me assure you she is one of my most promising students!"

After a few minutes, the tension decreases and All Might understands he cannot stays here any longer, otherwise it would be stepping into too much family business. As much as he liked you and saw you as his adoptive daughter, he knows better than make a big deal out of this only interaction.

In the next days, and for the rest of your scolarity, he will often ask you how your dad treats you and will insist on how strong, worthy and powerful you are.

(He would also make sure to have good talk with your father at some point and to, you know, blackmail him as a little lesson.)

Aizawa Shota | Eraserhead:

It’s been years he’s a teacher at U.A, so he saw plenty of alters, including several ressembling to yours. However, since he’s the best teacher, he does his best to learn as much as possible about your characteristics. He's particularly amazed by your speed and tenacity.

Every single of his students are his child and he’s a very protective father.

However, like All Might, he values his privacy more than anything. One of the numerous reasons he does not want to be part of famous heroes is the lack of privacy this place held. That's why he never tried to go deeper than what the students would share with him.

But he's also a caring and observant teacher. He notices when one of his student's mood is low or his struggling (as we saw for example with Momo).

So he technically knows about your... difficult relationship with your father. Everyone knows your father, Tiger Fighter, but only a few met him and worked with him. Aizawa is part of the several unfortunate and he can witness it has been unpleasant.

He just hopes he's a better father than coworker.

Like every trimerster, a reunion between parents and teachers is held, so every teacher can make a bilan of their student's progress, their weaknesses and strengths. You technically were not a bad student at all and your profs loved you; however you didn't meet your father's expectations.

"Tss, at your age I was better, way better than you. Look at that score you've got for alter practice. For God's sake!" he slammed his fist on the table, "I educated you better than that!"

Aizawa is behind the door when he hears your father's screams. He thinks about entering right away to stop the scene, but decides to wait a little minute — he wants to collect as much information as possible to deal better with the situation.

"I know dad, I'm sorry dad," you murmur, not wanting to defend yourself any more.

It doesn't please Aizawa, to see how weakly you defend yourself. Not that he blames you, but you were usually so vivid and out-going, it's weird seeing you so compliant.

He slammed his hand again against the table, "When will your teacher finally come? He is that lazy that he'll not show up?"

"Aizawa-sensei is not lazy!" Your roared back.

"Then were is he? I know him, he's probably sleeping somewhere. Plus, I'm sure his laziness rubbed off on you, with how incapable you've become!"

"Shut up!" You got up, making your chair falls in the process, "you know nothing about him! Aizawa-sensei is an incredible man and he cares for me and the others! He's better in everything, he- he is a better dad than you would ever be!"

On one hand, Aizawa is happy you consider him as a caring teacher because he indeed cares about all of you so much. But on the other hand, he's worried about you and your relationship with your father. That's why he steps in the room, lazily apologizing for being late.

He makes sure, during the whole meeting to enlighten how great of a student you are and how much he thinks you'll be a great hero.

When you're both about to leave, he asks you to stay a minute longer.

"I've heard what you said, earlier." It makes you blush because, hell, it means he heard you calling him 'dad'. "I know conflits with your family can be hard and I will not pressure you in talking to me. Some things take time; some others last forever. However, know that I'm on your side and school is always open if you feel unsafe at home."

He is actually quite angry he cannot do more to help you.

And we all know Aizawa is very observant; that's why he keep for as long as he is in contact with you, a keen eye on you.

#boku no hero academia #my hero academia #mha #bnha #my hero academia headcanons #boku no hero academia headcanons #all might #headcanon all might #toshinori yagi headcanon #eraserhead #aizawa shōta #aizawa headcanons #mha headcanons #mha imagines #bnha imagines

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rozenwaffle · 3 years

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ERROR 606: STATUS_PLUGPLAY_NO_DEVICE

In the interval of 23:30 of the 8th day and 2:46 of the 9th day of the 707Route, MC has a moment for herself and thinks about what distresses the boy she loves so much and whom she sees suffering for all the events that happen in his life, again and again.

That moment, which could be decisive in her story, is where she decides to take a step forward towards a Good Ending.

It's been eight days of getting to know you, sharing many things in common: the same foods and treats, the way you dream up the stars, the fascination with robotics, the amazement of mechanical engineering, and the love of cats as playmates. You taught me that you can smile even with pain, that sometimes helping your friends is a way to help yourself, that you can always give yourself a little more for the people you love, and that, even if you do not always recognize your good deeds, the people who really love you value your effort.

For four days I was a stranger who fell in love with your jokes and cooperated in the traps of your friends, three more to fight your doubts and express how much I liked you and how much I wanted to meet you in person, with the camera in front of the apartment door insufficient contact for me. You did not always accept my calls. I was aware that your work is exhausting. I did not understand why your maid was so hard on you but listening to your voice fuel the confinement in that unknown apartment. Your stories were amazing, and I always wanted to know more; seeing your creations was exorbitant because I never met someone so creative and intelligent; seeing your outfits filled me with joy and admiration as your beauty could be appreciated in many different ways.

And suddenly, something began to change...

On the fifth day, your insinuations were constant: that relating to you was dangerous, that you never have to ask about the past of a hacker, that you couldn't take a relationship to the level you wanted. None of that really mattered, I wanted to know about you: how is your workplace, if your resting place is really comfortable if you ate appropriately beside the HBC or Dr. Pepper, why does your maid scold you so much, and maybe... defend and support you, as you have done for me since I got to know the RFA. Your constant concern for me grieved me, my helplessness of not being able to help you, and taking away the stress that my protection overloaded in you distressed me. I could only help from the corridor, encouraging you, sensing you.

On the seventh day, we met... in a quite peculiar family reunion. The situation was bigger than just my feelings for you; the past haunted you in the form of an even darker shadow than you wanted to become so that your other half would always live in the light, the weight of your actions, and your sense of futility towards they collapsed you, added to the pressure of an even more dangerous persecutor. I saw you fall deeper and deeper, and you did not take my hand; I heard the hiss of your quick typing next to your whispers in code, and my voice could never reach you; I tried to approach you being your support so that you did not worry about minor tasks and you were comfortable. Still, it seems that I could only bother you to the point that on repeated occasions, the laughter that I expected so much to hear from your lips was subjugated by the screams you uttered when it seemed uncomfortable.

Yesterday, the eighth day, I crossed the line unintentionally, not the one you suggested to draw on the floor but to interfere in your past to better understand the pain you were going through: the betrayal of your hero, the lie of your protector, the ambition of your father, the torture of your mother, the hope of recovering your brother, the intimidation that the agency imposed on you to persecute you and the suffering that the conjunction of all this caused in you by denying the cheerful character who was talking with me for the flat. You said 'HE' was an invention, that 'YOU' is the true one, that it was my fault to let myself be deceived, that from the beginning my input was wrong, that my feelings for you did not matter since, sooner or later, you would disappear from my life... and as for getting used to your absence, you crossed the door this night.

While I wait for you, I remembered everything that had happened. It's true, I was a fool to enter the apartment of a stranger, but my intention was to help, and I was alert too. I am a fairly normal person compared to the genius you are; I never suspected that returning a cell phone to its owner would connect me to such great danger, and, nevertheless, I am still grateful for it. I assure you that you know a lot about me and that all this is something that anyone could know if they search properly because, like you, we all have a past that persecutes us. Probably yours is much more powerful than mine, but you must know better than me that "God only places on our back the burden that we can bear," and makes me love you more.

You are so strong that you do not realize that the little one is still screaming to help you; it helps you to guide you so that you do not get out of the goal you planned, it encourages you to follow it trying, and you do it unconsciously; You wanted to be a flame that did not become extinct by changing your name, and you have become my light, you ignited a passion in me that I had never felt and the desire to give everything for the one I love; you wanted to preserve your purity by cloaking yourself so as not to be discovered by corrupt hands. Still, you let me find you, observe you and analyze you; even if you are a jewel in the rough, you are worth more than a celestial vault. You are a genuine engineer for activating the mechanism of my heart and creating a value code... without touching me.

I know you are avoiding me to harm me less than you have done because... yes, you break my heart with every word that comes out of your mouth. Still, I know that you are looking to continue protecting me. You are more hurt because you deny accepting something you can have, afraid of reaching happiness without believing that you truly deserve it, self-punish yourself by repressing yourself when you have worked so hard.

Some say that Lucifer's wings are bathed in tar and burned by God's will; I believe that you have been plucking yours whenever you feel you will be happy. In that case, I will give you a hand to get up no matter what you have done in the past; I will be your support when the obstacles of your past make you stumble in your way, I will sing about trips to heaven when despair comes out of your mouth, I will pick up your feathers to put them back, I will hold your wings when you try to take off, and when you raise the flight I will run to you and follow you in case you need help again because I will be your guard.

I heard your voice... and I was afraid you would say 'goodbye' to me. You talk about how bright I am, how much we are different, about your darkness and your despair. You think that you have disappointed me of the imminent danger. Even if you hurt me, how strange I am to love you, tomorrow will be the same. Then you retract, saying that the stranger is you... and that you expect me to accept you as you really are.

In my dreams, you speak of yours, of how you will disappear with them, and of your fear of hurting me.

Tomorrow I will cling to you, I will make you feel that I will never abandon you and that I love every layer of your being... And if my feelings still do not reach you, I will try again, and again... until our feelings are properly connected.

Originally in Wattpad:

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holdmyowos · 3 years

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Todoroki Family Reunion

A story about Dabi before he revealed himself to Endeavor.

There are two bad words so keep that in mind. Mild violence and action.

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It was nearly Christmas. Fresh snow littered the ground around the houses, with little flakes of snow flittering downwards to join it's brethren on the earth.

Dabi stood outside the Todoroki household. Or, at least, where he thought the Todoroki's lived. He hadn't kept track of the family very well. Why should he? He hadn't thought he'd ever be paying them a visit, that's for sure. Not that he cared much about them. He had heard that Enji hardly ever was home, even during Christmas. That would make this reunion a lot easier.

"Come on Dabi! Hurry up. You promised me you would do this," Toga whined. Dabi rolled his eyes. "Uh, yea, with a knife at my throat... seriously Toga, sometimes you are a bit more than crazy. Besides, my social life is none of your business. How did you drag me here again?" The blond just gave him a wide smile. "You need to talk with them. It isn't their fault for what your dad did." Dad. The word sent chills down Dabi's spine. "My fath-..." He couldn't even bring himself to say that word. "Endeavor is no family to me. We both made that painfully clear the night I left that godforsaken house." He was lost in thought, of another time and another place. "Snap out of it or else I'll knock on the door myself." Toga backed into the shadows in front of the home, hiding herself from view.

He exhaled, his breath forming icy crystals in the air. It reminded him of his mom, and her ice quirk. In the freezing cold, he softly knocked on the door. A few seconds passed. Dabi turned around, starting to leave. "Oh well. Looks like they aren't here. Too bad guess we-" "Nuh-unh! Knock harder!" Toga shoved him back to the door. He sighed, and knocked harder. Another few seconds ticked by. Dabi shuffled his feet in the snow. He started feeling some anxiety. What if this was the wrong house? He didn't exactly have the best reputation. What if a hero lived here and saw him, the infamous Dabi from the League of Villains? Or worse, if Enji really was there?

The door opened and revealed a boy. He was a tall, teenage boy, with his hair split down the middle, two different colors. He had a burn down around one of his eyes. "Anything I can help you wi-?" The boy stared down at Dabi, noticing his burnt skin and tattered clothes. "It's a choice, kid," Dabi said, acknowledging his gaze. "Anyway, wrong address." Dabi turned around to leave, and Toga sighed from the shadows. A male voice behind the boy called out. "Who was that at the door?" Dabi kept walking away. "No one. Wrong address." The teen started closing the door. "Shoto? Natsuo? What's going on?" Dabi stopped in his tracks. That was his sister's voice, and his brother's name. He turned around, and knocked on the door again. Shoto, was that his name? He being there had thrown Dabi off, and he was surprised that even hero students got Christmas break. They had a few run ins with each other, but it was obvious that Shoto had not recognized him. Also, Dabi had never connected the strong U.A. student with his little brother, Enji's 'chosen child'. The more he thought about it, the more sense it had made. If he was a U.A. student, did that mean Shoto was trying to follow in Enji's footsteps? Dabi took a step away from the door. This family had him feeling all kinds of conflicted emotions. He decided he was going to leave when the door swung open.

Fuyumi come out of the door this time. "Let me guess, still wrong address?" She joked. "Still trying to decide," Dabi responded truthfully. Toga gave Dabi a thumbs up. "You seem familiar. Were we classmates or something?" Fuyumi questioned, tilting her head. "Something like that," Dabi replied, shivering. The young woman gasped. Dabi was sure she had figured out who he was, but he was wrong. "Where are my manners making you stand out there in the cold? Come on in." She stood aside for him to pass, motioning her hands for him to go inside. Reluctantly, he passed the threshold. Natsuo entered the room. "Excuse me, I have to borrow my sister here." He gave an apologetic smile towards Dabi, walking ushering her out of the room. As she was going, she called, "Please sit down, when I get back I'll have some tea for you!"

Dabi looked around. What a big, fancy, rich house. He couldn't believe he used to live somewhere like this. The two in the other room started talking. Dabi overheard their 'private' conversation. "Fuyumi, what are you doing? You can't just go letting homeless people into our house! He'll steal stuff, and then he won't leave!" Dabi snickered. He didn't look that bad, did he? "I think he's a friend from elementary school," she replied. "Look, guys like him spell trouble for people like us. I know it's near Christmas, but really?" He stomped away angrily.

Dabi bent down and looked at a photo on an ornate dresser. It was the whole Todoroki family, all smiling. Enji, Mom, Fuyumi, Natsuo, Shoto, and Toya Todoroki. That was from a long time ago. Dabi pointed to Toya. His hair color was different back then. How things had changed. Why did he care? That whole photo was staged. Enji would have never allowed Shoto near the rest of the family.

Fuyumi entered the room with a tray of tea, looking slightly more wary of Dabi than before. "That's our older brother, Toya," she said, sadness filling her voice. "What happened to him?" Dabi had to ask. "One day he just... left. He was tired of... of the way our father treated us." She lowered her volume. "I think my father and him may have fought and, well, honestly Natsuo thinks... he thinks father may have burned him to death. And to be honest, I wouldn't put it past him. I mean if you were my childhood friend, I'm sure you already knew that. Anyway, such a bad thing to talk about with my guest! What brings you here?" "Umm..." Dabi struggled for a reason. "Just wondering..." Shoto walked in the room. Dabi's heart started pounding. Shoto looked at Dabi as if observing him, from head to toe. Hopefully, he won't recognize me, Dabi thought. "What ever happened to Mom?" Shoto tilted his head. "Who's mom?" He inquired. "O-oh your mom. That's her in the picture, right?" Dabi regretted coming here. They would find out who he was, and who he'd become, and hate him. Damn Toga!

"What did you say your name was again?" Shoto asked , catching on. "Actually, I never said." Dabi snapped back, standing up and spilling the tea Fuyumi had brought. "And I think I will be going now." The tension in the room was high. "Wait. I think I do know you." Shoto grabbed Dabi's arm in a quick action, knocking over the family picture, scattering glass all over the carpet. "Natsuo! He's with the villains! Help!" He shouted. Crap. He started trying to freeze Dabi in place, but Dabi jumped away from Shoto just in time. "What's got in on? Shoto why are you attacking him? He hasn't done anything wrong! Quit it he's my guest!" Fuyumi grabbed her brother Shoto, hugging him tight so he couldn't use his powers without accidentally getting her too. He apparently didn't have to hurt her, and used his ice powers anyway, shooting ice from his fingertips, freezing Dabi's leg. Natsuo showed up. There were too many people here. In a panic, Dabi shouted, "Toga!" And shot flames from his fingertips, melting the ice. Suddenly, the world was still. Everyone was silent. Except for Shoto, who was struggling against Fuyumi. She must have been really strong to keep that boy at bay. "What's wrong with you? He's a villain! He's Dabi, and he work with Toga, and Tomura Shigaraki, and the rest of the League of Villains! Don't just stand there Natsuo, help me!" He shouted. Instead, Natsuo helped Fuyumi restrain Shoto. Dabi backed away, towards the door. Blue flames still danced on his fingertips. "Back off, Shoto. Don't you know who that is? Look at his quirk for heaven's sake! His burns!"

Shoto's eyes widened in understanding, and he stopped wrestling with his siblings. Fuyumi reached out to Dabi and held his burnt arm. "T-Toya? I-is- could it possibly truly be you? What happened?" Dabi shrugged her hand off. "Enji made me like this. You thought he killed me? Well, he only killed the good half. The proof is written in my skin." Dabi opened the door, fire blazing around him, little bursts of blue anger and sadness, and slammed the door shut. "Come on Toga, let's get out of here." Dabi took off down the alleyway, happy for the snow, the small flakes cooling himself off. When Dabi was a safe distance from the house, he waited for Toga to catch up. "So, maybe not the best family reunion, but you tried, right?" Dabi walked by her side silently. Yea, I tried.

#Bnha #fanfic #dabi #toya #toga #todoroki #mha

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thelawyerthatwaspromised · 6 years

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House Stark and the Northern Fool Fallacy

“Maybe you are just a Northern Fool.”

~Tyrion Lannister, right before Jon Snow upstages all of his influence over Daenerys Targaryen

If you believe the Starks are less intelligent than any other group of characters, you’re wrong and you’re buying into the show’s propaganda.

The popular conception of House Stark (and the North at large) is that of a simple, hard people that are stubborn, honorable, and stupid.

Are the Starks actually less intelligent? Do they have trouble connecting dots? Can they not trace chains of events? Do they struggle with building winning strategies?

“No” to all of this. The Starks simply play the game differently than the others...but the constant underestimation of their wits has not only been shown to be untrue by the actions and reasoning methods of the Starks, it’s been shown by the contents of the series itself to be an inaccurate caricature.

The most unfortunate part (or fortunate if you’re looking to be surprised and enjoy when characters exceed your expectations as a viewer) of this misreading of House Stark is that it’s lead a lot of the general audience to believe that Jon Snow is stupid and hasn’t thought through the political ramifications of his interactions with Daenerys Targaryen.

This is one of the ironies of the show. The general audience - which largely sees the Starks as stupid or foolish - are themselves being guided wrongly into a false position even though we’re shown more than enough to KNOW that the Starks aren’t stupid. They simply value life and justice differently than the other houses.

There are specific examples of characters underestimating the Starks supplemented by specific examples of historical events portraying the Starks as unthinking barbarians which are so blatantly false that viewers should also understand that the Starks are not stupid - and yet that myth persists.

We can essentially knock down these lies character by character:

Ned Stark the Fool / The Play in Essos

One of the most gut-wrenching and significant moments of the entire series has been warped into largely a comedy act in Essos.

The saddest part might be that Ned Stark is now quite often considered a stupid character. He may have made mistakes but what he “stupid”? Let’s look at the fiction followed by the fact.

The Portrayal

Portrayed as an unwashed Northerner who doesn’t understand the line of succession. Viewers get that he wasn’t power hungry and didn’t speak like an idiot. Yet somehow the view of Ned being stupid persists.

The Truth

Ned figured out the Gendry / Robert connection. He also figured out that Cersei’s children were not Robert’s. Ned’s reality in trying to uphold the proper line of succession and rightfully deny Joffrey the throne is the exact opposite portrayed in the play in Essos (which is the popular narrative in Westeros, one can then gather).

What was Ned’s great mistake?

His refusal to drag children from their beds in the night. His refusal to be like Tywin Lannister. Was this stupid? Did he not understand this was playing with fire? No. He told Varys that his madness in telling Cersei was that of mercy. He was betrayed by Littlefinger (who preferred Joffrey to stay on the Throne to Stannis). A series of events led to Ned’s beheading. None originated from Ned’s stupidity.

In fact, the Starks are exceptionally skilled at snuffing out bullshit. Take Benjen, for instance. Tyrion is offering empty platitudes. Benjen knows what he really thinks, even if Tyrion initially won’t say it.

Benjen knows what NED taught him, that everything before the word “but” is horseshit. Benjen can see right through Tyrion. It’s a small example but one that reinforces the idea that the Starks as a bunch are extremely perceptive people who, while choosing not to play the games the other houses play all the time, understand when someone is feeding them bullshit.

Ned’s Execution

The way in which Ned was executed, including what his daughters perceived at the time, became important (rather stupidly so) in Season 7 with Arya temporarily believing that Sansa had taken part in Ned’s betrayal.

Ned, perhaps the most dignified person in the show’s history, did not blubber or plead. He even lied to the world in backing Joffrey’s claim with the hope that it would save Sansa’s life.

Portrayal

This is the Sansa that Arya seems to remember. And it’s a mistaken memory. Arya seeing events this way (the play sort of echoes how she described Sansa in Season 7) completely colors how she treats Sansa and leads her to question Sansa’s loyalties to Jon.

Looks pretty stuipd in retrospect, right? Yet one of the biggest popular theories before Season 7 was Starkbowl. The idea that Sansa had been around Littlefinger and Cersei too much. That she was too dark now. Too jaded by her life events.

Truth

You, the viewer, saw Sansa’s anguish. You saw how much it crushed her in the coming episodes. You saw her look at the doll Ned had made for her with regret and sadness at Blackwater. You saw her fight to take back Winterfell, mentioning her father nearly every step of the way.

It’s a bad look for Arya to have acted like this towards Sansa. The interesting part was, she echoed so many of the foolish things that viewers seem to have believed (or maybe even hoped for) all the way through Season 7 / Episode 7.

Sansa Stark

Little bird. Stupid little girl with stupid dreams that never learns.

Littlefinger, through Season 6 when Sansa reunited with Jon, had been the closest thing to a lasting friend that Sansa had after leaving Winterfell. She was used as a pawn, manipulated, sold, basically treated the same way Daenerys had been without receiving the same measure of sympathy.

She’s constantly ridiculed and left without agency up until her escape with the Boltons. Her greatest crime was naively believing the the world wasn’t terrible and that people meant it what they told her. Then her father died. She lived as a prisoner at the hands of Cersei and Joffrey. Her ONLY respite was a temporary friendship with Margaery.

Her other “friend”, Baelish, still treated her like a stupid little girl. His plans to win the North and the Iron Throne centered on using her as a pawn. He never truly respected her.

One of his lessons was that she’s a poor liar. She proved this wrong when she lied for him regarding his murder of her Aunt Lysa.

He began treating her more as a mature adult after that but he never stopped manipulating and underestimating her.

He believed he had her in his clutches. He didn’t at first understand that he couldn’t wedge the bond formed between Sansa and Jon. When Jon choked him and LF observed Sansa longing for Jon as he departed Winterfell, he abruptly switched to trying to wedge Sansa and Arya.

LF thought Sansa could be turned. Littlefinger thought surely she couldn’t break free of his machinations. MAYBE betrayal and treachery are actually NOT tactics that are as effective as a casual political philosopher might believe?

Then this happened:

Sansa knew all along during Season 7 what he wanted. She couldn’t just have his head hacked off while he carried influence. His scheme to drive apart Sansa and Arya allowed her the timing to have him executed. She may have questioned Arya at points. Arya sure acted aggressively towards Sansa after their reunion. But she never took her eyes off the bigger picture: that LF was as threat to their home and family and at some point he had to go.

Robb Stark

Perhaps my least favorite characterization of a Stark is Robb.

Portrayal

Another unwashed Northerner. He’s shown running around proclaiming himself as the Rightful King (itself a lie). It doesn’t show Robb possessing anything that can be described as honor or cunning.

This is to be expected. It’s war propaganda. The Lannisters would never publicize the fact that they COULDN’T OUTMATCH ROBB ON THE BATTLEFIELD.

This portrayal of events is the EXACT opposite of how things happened.

Truth

The fact of the matter is that Robb captured Jaime Lannister at Whispering Wood not because he had a direwolf or slew 1,000 Lannisters single-handedly. He won because he outwitted them. He laid a trap and both Tywin and Jaime fell for it.

Tywin was forced to acknowledge Robb’s intellect and the devotion he inspired from his men after he continually got his ass kicked by the Young Wolf.

Tywin, the same guy who had routinely talked down the threat of the Young Wolf in the build-up to the war, found himself begrudgingly accepting the fact that he would have to rely on political maneuvering and deceit in order to end this war because, when it came to traditional means, he was no match for Robb.

That’s pretty damn significant. And yet the portrayal of events is a complete fiction...

What did Robb in?

Even more than the Freys and Boltons, Robb was defeated because he chose justice for slain Lannisters rather than forgive the actions of Rickard Karstark.

This event, and the beheading of the head of House Karstark, more than even breaking the betrothal to one of Walder Frey’s daughters, put Robb in a position where he was forced to choose between justice and military benefit.

The easy call would be to keep Karstark alive. To somehow keep his forces in the fold. Instead, Robb did what he thought was right and he died for that. I don’t blame Sansa for saying that Ned and Robb made stupid mistakes and lose their heads for it because in the end, Robb and Ned DID make stupid mistakes.

The difference seems to lie in how much House Stark was forced to suffer for their mistakes compared to other houses.

Jaime and Cersei tried (and failed) to kill Bran which is the event that really sparked the War of the Five Kings.

Robert became fat, lazy, and continued his philandering and behaved like a teenager all the way up until his death. His neglect of Cersei (driving her back into the arms of Jaime) essentially caused a powder keg politically which exploded into the War of the Five Kings.

Tywin stupidly bedded the person Tyrion loved (or at least believed he loved) and unnecessarily included her testimony when a conviction was a foregone conclusion which motivated Tyrion to murder him with a crossbow. His house suffered immeasurably and the best chance for its survival now lies with Tyrion, the child he hated.

Olenna underestimated Cersei entirely. She completely misread what Cersei was capable of and her house was destroyed for it.

Ramsay Bolton stupidly castrated Theon and continually tortured him physically and psychologically which eventually led to Theon helping Sansa to safety and his ultimate destruction at the hands of Jon and Sansa at the BoTB.

Roose Bolton first stupidly thought that his hold on the North could survive the ultimate betrayal of House Stark when he murdered Robb at the Red Wedding. He stupidly believed Ramsay could be trusted with political power and with responsibility and believed that Sansa Stark’s presence would help his cause rather than ultimately lead to the destruction of his house.

Littlefinger stupidly believed that Sansa was incapable of turning against him. He believed she was nothing more than a pawn to be used in his games. He believed that she would love him and give him the affection that Catelyn never did. We all know what happened to him.

The point is that not all the characters are stupid. The point is that the Starks are not. They make mistakes and are punished severely. They suffer consequences for their actions - but they are completely operating at the same intellectual level that any of the other supposed “experts” are operating.

So why do I care and why do I think it matters?

I care because I love the Starks, first off. Their house represents the one with the healthiest worldview, in my opinion. Only the Tyrells are really shown to have had much a healthy intra-family dynamic compared to the other houses. Yet the Tyrells were all to willing to form alliances, play games of deception, betrayal, and murder, and ultimately the Tyrells fell.

Where am I going with this?

Jon Snow, as a player of the game and a member of House Stark (if not in name yet) is most assuredly not a Northern Fool.

Jon Snow is the character that I believe holds the most significance for the survival of Westeros and the improvement of the Realm after the Great War’s conclusion.

Season 7 may have featured more mentions of “Northern Fool” than any other season and viewers bought this lie hook, line, and sinker. D&D love their setups and if you believe Jon isn’t always thinking how to do what’s, isn’t always thinking about how his actions might affect his family and the people he loves, and is simply acting on his gut all the time, I have news for you: You don’t know Jon Snow.

Portrayal

“Maybe you are just a Northern fool.”

~Tyrion, S7 / E3

What better moment encapsulates how others view the North as a whole than this one?

If my suspicions are proven correct, that Jon Snow’s arc in Season 7 is centered entirely on his MISSION to bring Daenerys North at any cost, then he will have played the game absolutely masterfully while maintaining the image of the Northern Fool.

His enemies’ (and potential allies) misreading of his capacity for real politik puts him at a ridiculous advantage. Yet we’ve seen Jon play the political game. We’ve seen him observe and learn lessons.

He very quickly thought of how to earn Mance’s trust and gave the Night’s Watch invaluable intelligence regarding their plans. He couldn’t have done this as a dimwit incapable of quick-thinking and deceit.

People try to twist Jon’s murder as the result of his foolish bravery...yet my take (obviously) is very different on the matter. He knew it would be an unpopular position. He knew it put him at risk. He sought Aemon’s advice specifically because of this. Aemon gives the famous “kill the boy” speech which was Aemon’s way of saying “stop trying to please everybody and do the right thing”. In essence, isn’t that what the Starks just do?

It’s why they inspire their subjects, rather than continually finding themselves putting down their subjects. Say what you will about Robb’s assassination as contrary evidence to this, but Robb was killed because he brought justice to the Karstarks. Roose Bolton was a schemer that was simple trying to accumulate power, and House Umber felt betrayed by Jon’s granting the Wildlings lands in the The Gift. Which one of those events were caused by House Stark trying to do something other than the right thing in an intelligent, if not difficult way?

Which brings me back to Jon Snow.

Am I to believe that he hasn’t thought about how his alliance with Daenerys Targaryen will be perceived by the Northern Lords?

Am I to believe he didn’t consider the repercussions of announcing at the Dragonpit at the behest of Cersei Lannister’s demand?

Am I to believe he initiated a physical relationship with her, which by Tyrion’s look alone are foreshadowed as terribly complicated from a political standpoint, because he was just head over heels in love and it had no strategic purpose?

Am I to believe that Jon Snow isn’t hiding something when his mission to Dragonstone in the first place was to specifically get Daenerys to come North to fight the Night King?

Am I to believe that he isn’t skeptical of Cersei Lannister while knowing what she’s done to House Stark and also not even originally considering her as part of his mission when he departed for Dragonstone?

All of those questions I posed to myself are answered with a resounding “NO” on my part. Each one could basically be a meta individually but the bigger point is that if I answered “YES” to all of those, it would require that Jon Snow not have a thinking, planning, strategic bone in his body. That he’s like Forrest Gump drifting in the wind like a feather and simply lucky to be taking part in so many historic events.

My viewpoint is that Jon operates similarly to the other people in his life. He acts deliberately and with an eye towards a larger purpose. He may not always make the most advantageous choice but he’s not the type of person to throw his kingdom to a foreign queen because he wants to sleep with her.

When people call Political Jon a character assassination on Jon Snow, I have to answer that the idea that he would give the North to Daenerys without any other consideration or counsel from his own people or family the TRUE character assassination. It’s a viewpoint that paints Jon as stupid and it’s a characterization of multiple House Stark members that just falls flatly on its face when held up to scrutiny.

Think less of Jon if it turns out that he used Daenerys’ affections for him to get her to come North if you will but I will not fault the guy when he thinks it’s the difference between the extinction of men and it’s possible salvation.

Just don’t tell me Jon Snow is stupid and don’t tell me that House Stark consists of anything less than intelligent, capable leaders.

You might have believed that Jon and the Starks are dumb. You’ll be surprised at the end of the series. You believed the false narrative the show put out there. You fell for it. You will wonder how the Starks survive since the show said they were stupid. I will say....

#house stark #jon snow #robb stark #ned stark #sansa stark #arya stark #political jon theory #political jon meta #the north remembers

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alexiela73 · 7 years

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Could I request so more dyslexic s/o hcs? If you're fine with it could you do Winston, Lúcio, Reaper and Ana? Your writing is so awesome. - dyslexic anon

Will admit right now, this one has been here for a bit and since its my day off, I will sit myself down and make sure I finish this one. I will say right now though, I do not do s/o’s for Winston. I suppose that should be in my description, I just don’t get many Winston requests and none have been romantic before.

Lucio:

One of the things that brought you two together was your intense love of music

The two of you had bumped into each other at a CD store, your hands touching while reaching for the same album like in some kind of cheesy movie.

It was cute, and led to a long discussion about music that seemed to really fire the both of you up. When you’d left, he had given you his number.

Now months later, the two of you were going steady.

One time, the two of you had been sitting together at a family reunion of yours. You were quiet and just happy to be talking to Lucio at the end of the table, when one of your cousins loudly mentioned how badly your grades had been during school.

The older people had been talking about their children in school, their successes and their failures, and you had been brought up

A few glanced your way and you felt yourself sink back a bit, fingers tightening slightly on Lucio’s

Lucio sipped his champagne and waited for the topic to drop, but they spoke for ten minutes with gaining speed about the poor performance of your grades, and your parents winced as they tried to change the topic

Finally, he’d had enough.

Standing, he clinked his champagne. “If I could please have everyone’s attention. Y/N and I have a piece we would love to perform for you,” he said, causing a hush to fall across the table.

You blinked in surprise, but he winked. He’d noted a piano in the corner of the room, and he led you over there. “The one we practiced,” he said with a grin. “I think they’ll love it.”

Lucio played a wide array of interest, and grabbed an acoustic guitar from nearby. The whole family’s eyes were on you, and Lucio waited for your signal before started.

It was unnerving to have them all watching, but when you heard the steady strums of Lucio’s fingers across the guitar, it was like your fingers moved on their own. Immediately your hands glided across the keyboard, moving on their own and following a melody they have played so often.

It just poured out of you, heart and soul. Each verse, each key memorized. The two of you were in perfect symphony.

When at least it ended, the family stared in shock.

Setting the guitar aside, Lucio slid his arm around you and kissed your head. “That was amazing, am I right? Considering she’s dyslexic, she composed a really beautiful piece, didn’t she?” he said to them, grinning ear from ear and pressing a kiss to your cheek.

Cheeks growing pink, you heard the little gasps from your family as you hugged his waist. “Your dyslexic?” one asked in shock. “We never knew! We always thought-”

“That I was stupid,” you finished for them, cutting them off and smiled. “No. I’m not stupid.” You looked up at Lucio, the smile widening, because this man had been the one to make you realize that book smarts wasn’t all a person needed to be intelligent.

Looking uncomfortable, the family shifted around as Lucio shook your father and mothers hands. “You have a beautiful, talented daughter. I’d like to thank you for the meal,” he said, before leaving the house with you both.

Ana

Your dyslexia has never been a concern of hers

In fact, the two of you had met in university, which sounds really weird

Before Overwatch, Ana had gone to university. All of her preparations for Overwatch had been bred into her by her family, who were snipers by trade. But for a short time, she had considered a normal life

It had been cute. You were sitting at the back of the class when she’d walked in late to class, long ebony hair swishing around her. Noticing you struggling with notes, she paused on the steps as the professor had continued his lecture

Walking over, Ana had popped herself into the seat next to you

Shock flitted across your features. Not only had someone willingly sit with you but you were staring into the eyes of an angel…

“Want a little help?” she’d whispered to you, taking out her notebook. “The name’s Ana. Ana Amari.”

Her beautiful smile had you stuttering. “H-hi, I’m Y-Y/N…and….um…t-t-that w-would be r-r-really n-nice,” you said shyly, tucking a strand of hair behind your ears. Did angels usually go to university, you’d thought.

The two of you sat there during the lecture, both of you taking notes and comparing after. While your notes covered less then half a page, Ana looked surprised.

“I love the approach you took to his notes! These observations are actually really amazing..I didn’t catch half of these,” Ana said, copying yours down, and then you saw her start copying her notes to yours. “So, what are you studying to be?”

Putting your books into your bag, you turned and leaned back, watching her, wondering if she’d laugh. “I…I want to be a teacher…” you said, smiling ruefully. “But I don’t know if I’ll ever be one…”

A frown touched her face as she watches you. “Why wouldn’t you be able to be a teacher?” she asked in concern as she handed you back your notebook.

Chewing on the inside of your cheek, you decided to admit your secret. “I’m…um…I’m actually dyslexic,” you murmur. You thought as she went silent that she would agree, that she would say it was too bad.

Instead, Ana’s eyes were shining with surprise and admiration. “Really?” she asked. “I never would have thought! That’s amazing, honestly. You must work so hard! Obviously it doesn’t stop you, because your here in university following your dream…that’s admirable,” she sighed dreamily.

“You…you think that’s admirable?” you said in surprise, ears turning pink. “I…I don’t know…It was so hard making it into the university and honestly, I think they let me in out of pity…”

Shaking her head, one of Ana’s slim hands took one of yours. “No way. They see the potential you have, and there’s so much! You seem like you’d be an amazing teacher,” Ana said honestly. “If you want…well, I mean…if it doesn’t bother you, I could give you a hand whenever you need it. You know, studying and that.”

This time it was Ana who looked shy, and you thought your heart might have missed a few beats before it pounded in your chest. Angels didn’t look at people like you, not like that.

“I…I would really love that,” you said, voice a squeak and you two exchanged smiles.

“Awesome. I have to head to next class…um, here’s my number. Text me later?” she asks, before she gets up and with a wave she leaves.

Years later, you are a professor for one of the most prestigious universities. With Ana’s help and a lot of hard studying, you were able to prove to yourself that anything was capable.

And all with a woman who had stolen your heart, one who to this day would always be the love of your life.

Reaper:

The two of you have been dating for a long time

You have been dating since shortly after he joined Talon

You were a medical assistant, and you were the only one who was allowed to examine him. The more you two met up, the more silent interest he took, despite his slightly brutish personality

And to your own surprise, you fell for him too.

You’d eventually confided in him about your dyslexia, wondering if he’d find you incompetent for it. Instead, he thought it made you a better doctor because it meant you were very focused and dedicated to your studies.

One time, you were called to the hangar to deal with life threatening injuries

When you walked in with your medical kit, you froze and saw Reaper standing there over three individuals, standing before a large group he’d surely been giving a brief lecture

Two of the three were dead. The last was on the ground shaking, covered in blood that seeped through his shoulder. Reaper usually aimed for the heart or head, so it had obviously been on purpose

“Reaper, what is going on?” you demanded, walking over.

All the trainees were standing far back, most of them struggling with looks of terror on their faces.

“I killed them,” he grunted, as if the scene before him didn’t speak for themselves.

Crouching beside the one you knew was alive, you reached into your kit for bandages and your equipment. “Thanks, Reaper. Couldn’t tell. Someone get him to the infirmary,” you said, only for Gabe to cut you off.

“Leave him. He can die bleeding out on the floor,” Reaper said flatly, grabbing your arm.

Outrage filled you, and panic filled the face of the injured man. “Lady, please don’t let me-” He was cut off when Reaper smashed a gun against the side of his head, eyes cold.

“Shut up. You can die on the ground here for your insolence. How dare you say such disrespectful things about our medic. She works hard to keep you incompetent assholes alive and you think that because she’s dyslexic that she is incapable,” he snarled, grabbing the man by the color and hauling him to his feel. “Fools.”

Taking a deep breath, you grabbed Reapers wrist. “Put him down. He’s going to the infirmary and I’m going to treat him. Understand?” you said gently but firmly.

Reaper didn’t move for a moment, before he dropped the man on the floor, who cried out in pain. “…Fine. Someone clean up the bodies and the blood after,” Reaper snapped at the crowd and everyone seemed to scatter. Two of them came to lift the victim into a gurney and carry him off.

Turning, you sigh and turn to Reaper, looking up at him. “You can’t shoot everyone with an opinion about me that you don’t agree with,” you say gently. “That’s all it is, an opinion.”

Reaper leaned over, lifting his mask and his lips briefly brush over yours.

“Nope. I’ll shoot anyone and everyone who says something about you that I disagree with. Maybe it’ll teach them to keep their mouths shut,” he growls, before he turns away.

“Now go save his life, before I change my mind and kill him.”

For a moment you stared at his back, before you sighed and left the room to go do your job.

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purplecatterpiller · 6 years

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Not All Monsters Part 7

Sam x Reader

Warning: none really

Summary: Aris and the brothers reunite.

Auther notes: So sorry it has taken forever to get this out. I hope you guys enjoy it. Feedback is always nice. <3

Stepping further off the path more blood pooled near the roots of the small turned up a tree. It was fresh no more than two maybe three hours old. Hoping desperately that it was an animal attack, not wanting to admit his subconscious was right. Off in the distance, Sam’s name was being called. Aris beckoning him, happier than he had ever seen her. There was no way he could drag her back into that world. Pull her down back into the darkness. Reuniting with the small group Aris was eager to introduce everyone. But before she could Sam turned to Dean.

“I dropped my knife back just off the trail. Was wondering if you could go take a look for me?” Sam suggested.

“It’s your knife, you go look for it,” Dean stated, winking at one of the girls that had tagged along with Aris.

Jutting his head in the direction of the uprooted tree. “You should go look Dean, in case I missed it.” His voice stressed an urgency that only the brothers would know.

Turning to his brother the look in his eye was one he had seen too many times before. A sharp nod of his head Dean backtracked to the spot that he had been directed in. A shimmer of a metal pointing at an upturned tree, a dejected sigh escaped his lips as the pool of blood caught his attention. Walking a little further off the trail he found what could only be a human finger. Standing he looks around for any other signs that there may be something out there.

Taking her place next to Sam who now seemed on edge, Aris took his arm without a second thought. His thick arms tense, there was a flash of apprehension then it was gone. It was a micro-expression, an unconscious physical response to an emotion. Chances were Sam wasn’t even aware that he had unwittingly given Aris more information than was intended. He smiled down showing his dimples.

“Is something wrong?” There was a hint of suspicion in her voice.

“No. Of course not, just haven’t had a day off in while.” Reassuring her, Sam placed his hand on hers.

She had missed him more than she wanted to admit, feeling a flash of heat in her cheeks. Nodding she thought maybe she was just reading into the stress he was carrying. He had been hunting all his life, after all, there were bound to be moments that an unpleasant memories came to him. Trusting that he was, in fact, being honest Aris pushed the image away, determined that their reunion would be a pleasant experience. Looking back to where Dean had run off too she wondered what was taking him so long.

“How long have you been traveling with the group?” Sam calling her attention back to him.

“About a month or so. Ran into them while hiking through the 100-Miles of Maine. I was alone they offered to let me tag along.” Aris explained nonchalantly. “It was just supposed to be until we got through the one trail. But Gorge over there insisted that I join them for the time being. To be completely truthful it was nice to have some company.”

Sam eyed Gorge closely as the man chatted with a thin tall brunette. He was only a few inches short than himself, with a muscular frame, tan with short cropped hair, a thin face a straight draw. His shoulder had a tattoo of a Celtic knot on it. Sizing up the other man as if they were competing for Aris attention, Jealousy reared its ugly head again. The logical side of him knew that he shouldn’t even be entertaining the thought of seeing Aris past today. Though if his instincts panned out to be accurate then there was no way he would be letting her out of his sights. At least not until the ganked whatever was out there.

Catching a glimpse of him, Aris knew that she had said something without meaning to, causing Sam’s jaw clenched, eyes narrowed. Oddly enough seeing him this way reminded her of why she missed him so much. He filled her with a sense of security she didn’t feel anywhere else. As if no matter what happened she knew everything would be ok. Her heart began to flutter, bringing a giddiness. Leaning her head on Sam’s bicep she breathed in his familiar scent.

The feeling of her body against his reminded him all too much of the last time they had seen each other. “I’ve missed you.” He whispered into her hair.

“Next time we shouldn’t wait so long to catch up.” Her honeyed voice had a hint of flirtation.

Wanting to reciprocate but unable to as Dean reappeared hitting him on the shoulder, then handing him the knife that had been left behind. “Found your knife. Hey Aris.”

George and the two girls looked back at the brothers. George, in particular, took an extra second to take in the image of Sam and Aris interlocked. Puffing out his chest, he cleared his throat. Feeling put on the spot Aris stood up knowing that it was her turn to speak, letting go of Sam she picked up her bag before addressing the group.

“Hey guys, this is Sam and Dean. Dean and Sam, this is Chloe, Jill, and George.”

Pointing to each as they began to walk. Chloe was the tall brunette, she was thin like bean poll, pale with freckles and a confidence that echoed in her smile. Jill had soft features, her body curved like a river, with bright eyes filled with a genuine curiosity. They were all seasoned hikers, who knew what they were doing. Had a year of experience traveling through almost every terrain imaginable. Aris was the newcomer to the group, but they treated her like family. Forming a quick bond, it was easy to why she had stuck with the group.

“Well, what are we waiting for?” George's orotund voice taking charge. “Let’s get this freak show on the road.”

Aris ran ahead of the boys to catch up with Jill. They were the ones that had planned the hike. The route that they had mapped out was a big loop, however, they knew through an acquaintance that there was a pristine climbing area just off the trail. It was just a matter of agreeing when to go off the trail that they still needed to work out. Hoping that they would hit the cliffs in a few hours Aris thought that she knew the perfect spot near a river they could follow.

In a hushed voice, Dean addressed the issue at hand. “Did you see the finger?”

“No just the blood.” With an edge to his voice, this was the last thing he wanted. But was equally anxious and relieved. Anxious at the thought that a monster could be out ready to attack. Yet relieved that he insisted on accompanying Aris. “There have been no reports of anyone going missing.”

“Someone out there is probably missing more than a finger based on the amount of blood.” Dean scoffed. “We’ll come back later tonight. I’m regretting not packing the flamethrower this time.”

“I’m feeling a little naked myself.” Sam patting the only gun he brought. Other than the knife they didn’t have much else on them.

Looking back Aris could see the brothers gossiping amongst themselves it seemed innocent enough, but micro expression wouldn't leave her alone. She gave Sam a quick wave and a smile he winked in return. Even if there was something more going on she didn't feel the need to weigh in on it., Aris thought it best not to poke a sleeping bear. Noticing a look of amusement jill was shooting at her Aris couldn't help but roll her eyes at the women.

“Shut up.” Aris playfully pushed Jill's shoulder.

“What? I didn't say anything.” She blinks as she spoke slowly sounding as innocent as possible. Then with a devilish smile adding “but I was thinking it.”

Pulling the bag tighter at the straps Jill's pace hastened with ease. She was a born outdoors woman could walk forever and never tire. Trudging ahead she fell in line with Chloe who was already munching on a pack of beef jerky. Passing the bag back to Aris she went to catch only to have the bag stolen mid-grab by George. Holding it out of the reach of the shorter women he snickered as she attempted to jump for it.

“Show me what you go short stuff.” He was making a show of the familiarity that Aris and he shared. Jumping and sprinting after him Aris could help but laugh as she reaches for the bag. “Don't hold back girl. I know you can do better than that.”

Observing the carefree, blissful, enthusiasm before him it was easy for Sam to see why she was doing so well. Having people that cared, made her laugh, challenged her, it was what she needed. Even if it did hurt to know that he couldn't remain a part of it. Refusing to drag her into the chaos that they lived in. No the best thing that he could do for her was staying as far away as possible.

Jill and Chloe cheered Aris on as she made one last attempt to take back the jerky. Nearly tackling George to the ground she snatches the bag holding it victoriously in the air. The group erupted in applause standing she took a bowe. Dean whistled. Jogging back to the boys she shared her prize. George waited patiently just ahead for them to catch up.

As the day became hot with the midday sun they finally made it to the cliffs, towering over them the sheer face was much larger than they had thought. Rocks stuck out at jagged edges, divots in the massive wall turned to cracks. Leading up the jagged wall there were already a few cams to attach the rope to the ledge. Taking a seat at the bottom, George and Jill began to unravel their ropes while Aris and Chloe began to pull out their shoes, pulling on their harnesses. Sam looked up his eyes following the top then down toward what could be a few caves. He pointed them out to Dean.

“Either of you have any experience Rock climbing?” George inquired.

“Not exactly,” Sam stated. “But I’m always willing to learn.”

“I think I’m going to check out the cliff. You have fun, Sammy.” Dean patted his brother on the back then took off.

Hiking up the harness around her waist causing the shorts she wore cling to her. Noticing the way Sam lingered watching as she then began to pull on her shoes. George turned to see what Sam was looking at, only to maneuver himself between the two gripping the rope in hand.

“She’s something else isn’t she,” George stated abruptly.

Running his hand through his hair Sam half smiled. “Couldn’t argue there.”

George took the ropes in his hands checking them for loose or damaged strands. “I couldn’t help but notice how close you two seemed back there. In the car, she told me you helped her out of a bad situation.”

Sam put his hand on his hips, unsure of how to read the situation. While George seemed friendly enough, the way he interacted with Aris or kept Made his way between the two old friends gave the impression that he may be hiding something. Choosing to give the man the benefit of the doubt, Sam put his best foot forward.

“Well yes, she was in a rough spot. I was in place that I could help her out. Just did what any other person would do.” Using a blanket statement to answering the question Sam didn't want to give away anything that Aris may not have said.

“No not anyone would have. Most people usually just go about minding their own.” George praised. “You are a good man Sam, so I’m going to ask you a favor here. Aris is my friend, and I care about her a lot so don’t break her heart ok?”

Mildly confused Sam nodded his head. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

“Good. Now let's get you harnessed up, You're going to learn how to be anchor today.” Smiling a little more friendly this time, they both made their way over the bottom of the cliff to start the ascent.

Making his way thru the woods following along the bottom of the cliff Dean kept a hand at the ready. Large boulders, fallen trees, created an obstacle course where the trail had ended. A few small caves were placed along the wall, none of which were large enough for anything to fit into. The wall was wet with condensation where the air moved freely in and out of the tunnel system, letting on that there was likely to be a bigger opening.

A few birds dove down trying to chance Dean from their nests. Swatting them away he cursed under his breath. Tripping backward over a rotten log, he landed in a bush. Thorns grabbing at his clothes, tearing at his skin. Struggling he rolled to the edge falling between the bush and the cave wall. Using one hand to push him off the ground a gust of cool air hit his face, it carried the smell of rotten meat. Just before he was a tight opening, taking out his phone he used it as a flashlight, just beyond the opening was a large cavern. Hanging against the wall only a few yards from the opening was a body half eaten.

“Son of Bitch.” Scrambling back it became urgent for him to get back to Sammy, and Aris. The ropes that tied the victim's hands told him this was no animal kill.

#sam winchester #dean winchester #Sam X Reader #Spn Fanfiction #supernatural #cw supernatural #fanfiction #hunting

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allwicca · 7 years

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Four Rules of Witchcraft for Personal Sovereignty

By: Heron Michelle

Allow me to take you back to a time not so long ago…It was a shining Autumn Equinox day here in North Carolina, and we’d just returned from vending at the Pagan Pride Festival in Raleigh the previous day, so I was considerably exhausted.

We’d spent a lovely weekend in the company of 3000+ fine pagans . It was also a family reunion, as we got to see many from our Sojo Tribe who live in that area. I love my tribe; they are the most mature, civilized and responsible group of witches I’ve ever known. It is a rare thing to have a teaching coven last so long without strain from diva-drama.

The Mabon Day Revelations

That crisp afternoon, I was cruising Facebook and see a posting by Raven Grimassi lamenting how within the witching communities, many are quick to stoop to pitiful levels of back-stabbing each other in public forums. He implored us to become the kind of people who seek out the best in each other, rather than constantly harping on the worst in each other.

I read this sad message just as I was laying down for a nap. As my three kitties snuggled in around me, I thought about all the times folks I’d trusted had betrayed me, and the “Rules” that developed as we tried to learn a better way to coven together. They started as a comedic way to illustrate thealogical concepts (3). Until this fateful Mabon day, we only had two: Don’t burn the Witch and Don’t be the Asshole. As I descended into sleep, I knew this is basically what Raven was asking of us.

1. Don’t burn the Witch.

The obvious: If you are going to work with the element of Fire, respect its potential, then avoid accidents.  The less obvious: Be careful not to conjure up what you don’t know how to safely send back.

Heal thyself: All things vibrate, and like vibrations attract more of the same. (Hermetic Principle of Vibration, also called the Law of Attraction.) If you remain a pulsing magnet of self-loathing, no matter what intention your mouth speaks, you are doomed to repeat your past suffering. If you continue to harbor your wounds, you cannot evolve beyond “wounded consciousness” and all your magick will ever cause is a good ol’ fashioned witch burning of YOURSELF.

“If that which you seek you find not within, you will never find it without.”

Charge of the Goddess, Doreen Valiente

Empowerment starts with YOU. Wisdom starts with YOU. Healing starts with YOU. YOU ARE THE MAGICK, so make it effective, harmonious, kick-ass magick sourced by Divine Love. The FIRST step on the path of the Witch is to learn to recognize these wounds for what they are, release all lingering connection to them, and heal from the inside out. Love yourself first. THEN, and only then, can you begin to break the cycle of woundings and don the crown of personal sovereignty.

Perfect Love and Perfect Trust: In the name of all things holy, STOP burning your fellow Witches! We have a hard enough time not being “burned” by the rest of society, if we can’t treat each other with respect, what are we playing at?

2. Don’t be the Asshole.

By my definition, you are being the asshole when you violate any of the eight Divine Love conditions explained in Aphrodite’s Theology of Perfection: acceptance for your true self, sovereignty to live with free-will, resources to thrive, affection of your preference, expression of your truth, security on all levels, authenticity without exploitation, and trustworthiness. Think of any example of conflict and see which one of those conditions it violated. It’s usually pretty clear who is harming whom.

“These Eight words the Rede fulfill: An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will.”

The Wiccan Rede

With every action we take, our interactions with people, animals, society, the unseen hosts, or the natural world, we have a choice: benefit or detriment. This can take enormous powers of discretion to navigate because the exact same action in one scenario makes you the asshole, and in another scenario makes you the hero.

3. Don’t be the Weak Link

Circling back to the Mabon Day Revelations: As I lay there drifting off, I pondered a third rule, and all I wanted it to express, but didn’t yet have a pithy way to say it. In the twilight between dreaming and waking, I mull over how responsibility is about choice and strong character, regardless if anyone else notices, or you’re surrounded by folks who can’t be trusted. *YOU* can be trusted, and that creates for you a strong sphere of influence. Something like, “Responsibility begins and ends with you.” Boring, right? Oh, and how important is the circle to the Witch, am I right? Everything is more effective in the sacred circle.

The Vision takes over, and I see the fabric of the Universe, matter and spirit woven together. I’ve always imagined it with the warp and weft of a tapestry, but that shifts and instead it becomes a cloth of chainmail with each being within it their own circle link. They are pliable enough to have free will, sovereign and strong enough on their own, but together…together, they can do so much more!

If all links remain strong within their own character, beginning and ending every interaction in alignment with their moral compass; if we use our power to cohesively weave together a responsible world within our own sphere of influence, then together we can all coexist in harmony, to ENORMOUS, reverberating benefit.

Then the vision shifted and I saw how if one link weakens; sees themselves as a straight line pointing only to their own ego; “burns” themselves through self-loathing, or projects that onto others as distrust; if they become the asshole who wields their own wound as a weapon to wound other people; through this weakness of character they betray the bonds of the surrounding links. If they exploit the natural environment, disrupting their relationship to the Divine through each other, then that hole in the chainmail grows, and ruins things exponentially throughout existence. It was like watching a fuse burn to ash; the chainmail image crumbled into a post-apocalyptic wasteland.

There is your three-fold law of return demonstrated! If we exude beneficial energy in the world, we are benefited. If we exude destructive energy in the world, we are destroyed, but we are all in this together. If we work with unity, for unity, all of Divine creation flows with us. It is so simple. It only takes one weak link to ruin the “armor” of harmonious existence for everyone.

“Don’t be the Weak Link” blazes into my mind’s eye, glowing as if written in green neon lights. YES! That’s it! How pithy. How cliche. How marvelous.

4. Must be Present to Win

As the green blaze of the third rule still glowed in the vision, I sat up, trying to regain control. I was excited and seeking my trusty pen and journal. When before I can clear my eyes, MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN damn near bullies its way through my mind and I am physically taken over again. Seriously…bold, towering letters rumble in a deep voice and they echo, shake and get in my face. It was like an episode of sesame street animation busted into my head and took me hostage.

Huh. Whaddaya know about that? Unbidden, a direct Divine download, the Mabon Day Revelations: Must be present to win. Cute.

The Obvious: You have to be dogged in your determination to follow this path, because it is not suitable for everyone. It is neither glamorous, nor easy. It does not serve those who would wield the title to gain acclaim, nor control over others. When done with correct humility it does come with benefits for those brave enough to be fully present and make whatever sacrifices are required.

Show Up: This path demands that you keep showing up, every day, on all levels, for the rest of your life. Get up off your couch, stop wishing, stop bitching about your woes, stop bending over and taking that beating. Get yourself forthwith to the crossroads and DO THE WORK. Know what you need, apply the fires of your passion, dare to overcome all obstacles, and then be so fully awake in wonderment that the Universe is rendered fluid and saturated in miracles.

Wake up: Each exquisite moment is a gift not to be squandered; fully present in the joy and the pain, the abundance and the lack, even the love AND the fear of a lack of love. All of it courageously undertaken, because they hone your wisdom and power to propel you forward in your evolution.

Be the Warrior Witch: You have to put your keister where your values lie. Witchcraft is a PRAXIS: protest, sit-in, march, vote, armor up, take up the magickal weapons, stare down the Balrog (4) to defend the boundaries. To be a Witch is to seek the truth within, then live it through every breath. You have to confront your fears and tackle them into submission. No matter what the desire or issue, it can only be solved by being fully present, listening, observing, engaging compassionately with people in person, especially when there is a conflict to resolve or a need to be met.

People of good conscience cannot continue to knuckle under to the “witch burners” among us. Nor can we blithely ignore the divisive behavior of those who would sully our good standing through malevolent behavior.

“With no fool a season spend, nor be counted as their friend.”

The Wiccan Rede

“Haters” of any stripe cannot simultaneously claim to be a witch and be taken seriously; defrock them; warlock them (Warlock–meaning in this instance–that a witch who took oaths within a group to “harm none” are now known to be an “oath breaker” and are magickally disassociated from the group who once acknowledged them. This is a breaking of their connection to that group’s egregore, reputation and power, as a means of diminishing the oath breaker’s ability to do more harm to themselves or others.). If their magickal weapon of choice is ye’ olde knife between the shoulder blades, then they are not a witch. They are a fool and if you do nothing, you are guilty by association.

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

English philosopher Edmund Burke

Going Gandalf:  Through my years with Aphrodite, she’s emphasized repeatedly that if someone is violating any of her Divine Love Conditions, then they are doing harm, and that harm will resonate outward by orders of magnitude. They are the problem, and it is now the duty of any responsible witch, teacher, friend, neighbor, citizen, soldier, officer, social worker, etc., to stop them from doing this harm.

The Goddess works through both the spanking and the kiss and as her priestess I am happy to deliver both. You can be gracious and merciful even when you need to crack a few heads, because today I am loving you by saying NO, and YOU SHALL NOT PASS whatever boundary is being trespassed. The wise Witch knows when to stand in their truth, living authentically, yet doing so with ego properly aligned with highest Divine Will.

How do I navigate “harm none” as an agent of Divine Love? I bind harmful actions, and diminish their effect. I honor that wounds drive the assholery of others, so it does no benefit to seek vengeance on a wounded person who is behaving badly. I send Reiki into the wounds, and ease the dis-ease of heart and mind. I help to defeat fears, and secure resources, restore any of the Love Conditions that may be the root of these baneful actions.

Then I protect those who would be affected by the malevolent reek of those rogue beings until such time that they learn their healing lessons. I step back in peace and “hold the space,” centered in compassion. This way we can dismiss the drama and not engage in histrionics that cannot serve any good. There is only one way I intend to expend my energy: effectively.

The Lighthouse Mission:

This Mabon Day Revelation for me was that we witches will be better served if we complete our migration out into the light of day, forever away from the shadowy lie of the broom closet and do our Work courageously. No parade is necessary, just the mere un-shuttering of our flames like lighthouses on the rocky shores of this society.

Lighthouses don’t chase the ships; they just stand tall and sturdy, shining brightly without shame. The blinding light from so many fully-realized witches will dazzle the muggles anyway, so we have that distraction working for us. I won’t be easy, but hear this: WE ARE WITCHES. If we cannot take up the power to be fully present in this society, accurately known for our contributions, then who can be?

Blessings!

~Heron

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seajudge70-blog · 5 years

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The Gifted is over for now, and so are a couple of its major characters

Since we last left the beleaguered mutants and mutant-adjacent characters of Fox’s possibly-doomed X-Men spinoff series The Gifted, they’ve been doing what they do best: constantly changing sides. Say this for a series that sometimes threatens to move quickly while going nowhere: It didn’t save a bunch of reversals for the season finale, a move that would have shamelessly mimicked the events that ended Season 1. No, before the finale even aired, there were change-ups and switch-backs and feints aplenty: Andy Strucker, the wayward aspiring edgelord, finally returned to his family. His fellow Inner Circle member Polaris, the smart-mouthed, revolution-hungry daughter of Magneto, became a spy for the Mutant Underground, accidentally got Sage killed, made the same reversal, after (further) revelations about Reeva’s extreme methods for her pro-mutant group. Blink left the Mutant Underground to join the Morlocks, then got killed... or, it seems, stuck in some kind of portal purgatory. (Wherever she is, it’s no longer in the MU.) Less officially, Caitlin Strucker has pivoted from reluctant and protective mom figure to fiery freedom fighter, and Reed Strucker is now a murderer! Which Andy finds very relatable.

I’m not trying to recap every development of the past couple months. Suffice to say, there’s been a lot of group-hopping, and a lot of those groups getting backed into different corners and shooting powers and/or bullets at each other. “oMens” dispenses with voluntary side-switching, though it also quickly dispenses with the Strucker family reunion, as Andy and Lauren get snatched back up by the Cuckoos just as they’re plotting their latest out-of-the-corner escape, from their Purifier-surrounded apartment building. Reeva, mostly undaunted by the defections in her ranks, wants to use the combined Strucker powers to destroy the Sentinel Services building.

And she succeeds! A whole damn building gets destroyed without a whole lot of fanfare before Esme’s slight hesitation allows the Mutant Underground to recapture their youngest members. None of this feels as momentous as it probably should, because “oMens” performs an uncommonly adroit—for this show anyway—act of refocusing the story from a multitude of drawn-out, season-long arcs to a particular character’s particular fate in a kind of back-to-basics move.

Usually back to basics is not where I want The Gifted to go, because it involves returning to the Struckers, who are consistently the least interesting and most irritating characters on this program (sometimes actively, sometimes just by default). But while the episode’s additional flashbacks are written in the same clunk-on-the-nose style as the typical cold opens without the benefit of brevity, the scenes from the marriage of Caitlin and Reed do build to something: Reed’s sudden decision to go up against Reeva, knowing that her attempts to knock out his powers will backfire, destroying her... and him.

And he succeeds! And there is the episode’s more momentous explosion, despite the smaller number of casualties. Reed Strucker dies, and Stephen Moyer is presumably off of this show, if there’s even still a show for him to be off of. (More on this in a moment.) Reed was, as mentioned, never my favorite character on the show, and Moyer’s performance always felt a bit too workmanlike to transcend how stodgy the character has been written. But I admit, I found his sacrifice, and his family’s devastation, affecting. On a less emotional level, I admire Gifted creator Matt Nix (who penned this installment, his first one in a while) for seeming to understand what a corner Reed had been written into, either defined by suppressing his powers, or defined by not being able to control them. To make such a serious, controlled personality realize that his destiny in all this (ugh, but I’ll allow it) involved surrendering control—at least of his body.

This move takes out season-long Big Bad Reeva, too, and I have to say, she turned out to be sort of a disappointing villain. Grace Byers certainly cuts a stylish figure in the part, but Reeva pretty quickly settled into the predictable kind of movie/TV ideologue, willing to game the results in order to hasten violent revolution on her side, blah blah blah. The most notable aspect of her character wound up being the strange visual cue that through some combination of framing, the Byers performance, and a profoundly dopey-looking depiction of her mutant power, Reeva often looked like she doesn’t have use of her arms. Now she has use of nothing.

It’s a satisfying end for Reed and a relief to be done with Reeva, but “oMens,” in typically fast-paced and mostly entertaining fashion, does point to just how much of this season has consisted of rapid piece-moving, a sort of perpetual motion that’s often fun in the moment but can feel wearying and repetitive over the course of 16 episodes; I think the slightly extended season was a mistake, and if anything, this is the type of show where 10 would be fine. Especially considering that even with more episodes at their disposal, the resolution of the finale felt a little rushed: Reed dies, the Struckers mourn, Polaris and Eclipse are reunited with their daughter, Morlock Erg (Michael Luwoye, whose increased role has been a pleasure of the last bunch of episodes) joins the group for real, as does Esme (great additions, also basically not commented upon at all). Another reconfigured group—and another cliffhanger, as Blink returns, looking futuristic and Future Past-y, ushering everyone through a new portal.

Whether we’ll get to actually see what’s on the other side is, as ever, in some doubt. The Fox-Disney deal is about to close, and if the new studio doesn’t want a mostly pretty successful X-Men movie franchise on its hands (it doesn’t) and already has MCU and Star Wars plans for its streaming service (it does) and can wash its hands of ancillary X-Men stuff (it can), and wants to treat anything that’s not Ryan Reynolds playing Deadpool as ancillary (it does), well, it doesn’t look great for the modestly rated, if somewhat appreciated, The Gifted Season 3... though maybe it will get yet another stay of execution based on the Fox Network as we know it maybe not having time to wind all the way down and reboot itself as largely sports and reality by September 2019. There are definitely moments in “oMens” that feel like they’re protecting the show’s fans for both possibilities: Most of the characters get some resolution to their emotional journeys, while the Blink thing assures fans that it’s not over, unless it is.

But that’s sort of an X-Men thing, too, isn’t it? I mean, it applies to a lot of superhero comics, but the X-Men in particular feel like a neverending strife generator. The movies reflect this, too: Days Of Future Past fixes the timeline, but Logan’s timeline still leaves plenty of room for heartbreak. The Last Stand gets justifiably erased from continuity, but then Dark Phoenix comes around and Jean looks like she’s wearing almost the same stupid goddamn Evil Jacket. Some of this, as in the comics medium, is pure franchise-driven cynicism: We gotta keep the series going even if we don’t have a plan, until such time as the plan gets scotched for unrelated corporate-merger reasons. But I think one reason I respond well to the X-Men characters on film and TV is that this neverending fight isn’t entirely mercenary. It’s also sometimes how the world works. If there’s any non-obvious, non-telegraphed truth in the earnest pulp of The Gifted, that might be it.

Stray observations:

OK, comics nerds, get to nerding: Are they just teasing a second, lower-budget Days Of Future Past riff with that Blink thing, or is there another storyline this Blink reappearance is queuing up?

There were such big doings a-transpiring with the Struckers this episode that I didn’t have rom above to mention how the mutants’ latest escape involved Thunderbird subjecting himself to an all-out chain-wrapping, speed-ramped, mailbox-throwing brawl, with a coda where he punches powers into Erg! I don’t have anything smart to say about any of that; I just thought it ruled.

Did Polaris say “the whole dang government” in her first scene? Dagnabbit, she really is softening.

“In a way, I feel like we’ve been preparing for this for a long time,” Lauren says about powering up with Andy, without so much as a wink. Yeah, Lauren. Like maybe 16 episodes? Or 29?

Caitlin, explaining her cache of guns: “I don’t have an X-gene. I figured it was the next best thing.” Her superpower is a bunch of guns; Caitlin is basically the Punisher now.

This season of The Gifted has really leaned into its stylized camera angles; canted angles have been all over these episodes, and “oMens” used plenty of low-angle shots, too. A nice way of keeping the show comic-book-y without getting too crazy.

Maybe I missed more details on this earlier in the season when I was watching merely for fun and not for recappery, but... the Purifiers are a crazed race-war militia, right? And law enforcement never really bats an eye at this? This episode includes a tossed-off explanation that the cops are willing to look the other way when they surround the apartment building, but Jace Turner (whose big journey seems to be a never-ending circle) is leading a full-on gun battle in the streets, and it’s not the first time. I get that maybe the show thinks it’s doing commentary here, but I feel like after a series of escalating firefights, the cops would not be looking the other way, or if they did, they’d just see another Purifier gun battle.

Is this the end of me writing about The Gifted?! If so, thank you guys for watching along with me! I’ve really enjoyed taking this regular dose of X-Men methadone in between the movies, and I’ll be bummed if there’s truly no more Fox-era X-Men stuff after this summer. Don’t let Tony Stark be the one who builds Cerebro!

Source: https://tv.avclub.com/the-gifted-is-over-for-now-and-so-are-a-couple-of-its-1832881840

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gyrlversion · 5 years

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I hope you drop dead in the next 100 yards: Remain marcher jeered

My husband took his dose of Remainer abuse cheerfully enough. After ten years in frontline politics, he accepts it as part of the job

With every passing day, the Brexit shambles more and more seems to resemble a half-built Ikea daybed.

It looks nothing like as enticing as it did in the showroom, none of the bits fit together as they are supposed to — and the chances of getting a good night’s sleep any time soon are distinctly unlikely.

Joking apart, whether you voted Leave or Remain, the one thing everyone seems to agree on is that Brexit is driving us all bonkers.

It’s got to the point where most people don’t care what happens — they just want it to stop. And who can blame them?

I sincerely hope Parliament manages to do this, either by approving Theresa May’s deal at the third attempt or by some other means. But whatever the final outcome, one thing is certain: we have to change the tone of our national conversation.

The process of trying to exit the EU has done more than simply underline the intransigence of Brussels; it has also exposed fundamental flaws in our own political system.

In particular, the way certain individuals may have seen Brexit as an opportunity to further their own ambitions, to manipulate perceptions, to capitalise on the difficulties of obtaining a deal, to attack rivals and thrust themselves into the limelight.

There are examples on both sides, from the shocking case of Remain MP Anna Soubry, who can no longer return home because of death threats, to the experience of my husband Michael Gove this weekend when, walking back from a meeting in London, he came across a People’s Vote marcher

It’s understandable the voters should feel frustrated. But there is something about the level of vitriol our politicians face that goes beyond an expression of dissatisfaction — and shades into something more sinister.

‘I hope you drop dead in the next 100 yards,’ the man shouted, to the delight of his companions. And when I then observed, in a tweet, that any Leave voter was at risk of being ‘lynched’ by furious Remainers, I was subject to so much online abuse I was forced to turn off my notifications. Ironically, I was reported to Twitter for using offensive language.

My husband took his dose of Remainer abuse cheerfully enough. After ten years in frontline politics, he accepts it as part of the job. But it’s undoubtedly getting worse.

Death threats and intimidation are now the norm. And while very few people ever follow through, it only takes one nutter. None of us will ever forget MP Jo Cox, whose murder remains one of the great tragedies of our times.

But even if no blow is ever struck, the long-term repercussions of such a siege mentality can leave lasting wounds. I know how being the object of constant low-level hostility can deplete one’s capacity for resilience and ultimately lead to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.

And if I feel like that, God knows how someone like Labour MP Luciana Berger — who has suffered a torrent of anti-Semitic abuse — or Anna Soubry cope.

There’s no doubt this rise in abusive behaviour is part of the reason Parliament is so paralysed by Brexit. They are terrified of what might happen to them if they get it wrong.

The result is a House of Commons that is exhausted at a time when, more than ever, we need MPs to be fighting fit and focused 100 per cent on the job in hand.

Of course, politics is by its nature passionate, and no modern debate has elicited quite as much passion as Brexit. But it’s one thing to care deeply about something; quite another to use it as a legitimate excuse for abuse, hatred and the threat of violence.

The sooner this chapter in our history draws to a close, the sooner we can begin to repair the rifts and divisions.

I just hope that it’s not too late.

Car hire firms run out of credit

Yet another brilliant Mail campaign pays off: the regulator has ruled that car hire firms abroad will no longer be able to rip off customers with hidden fees. But they’ve got another scam under the bonnet. If you book and pay online using a debit card (as I do), when you pick it up they will not release the car unless you have a valid credit card (which I do not).

The upshot is that the only way to obtain your car is to pay for the hire firm’s own insurance — even if you have already taken it out through a third-party broker. Either way, car hire companies fleece everyone. Plus ca change.

It pains me to admit it, but I am one of those tipsy women shoppers making headlines, who, after a couple of glasses of wine on the sofa, ends up online buying their 427th handbag. Of course, there’s the risk that, under the influence of a chilled white, one might splash out a little too much. But there’s always free returns. Cheers!

It’s a subject that divides families, comes between spouses and has, in the past week, been the subject of much online debate. Not Brexit, but crisps.

On Sunday night, Channel 5 set out to find the nation’s favourite — and concluded it was a toss-up between Pringles, Walkers and Doritos.

But the matter is far from settled, with many contesting the result of the referendum. Sorry, survey. I think the results say more about Channel 5’s viewers than the crisps. Had it been Radio 4, the winner would have been those truffle ones you get in M&S which cost a fortune.

Channel 4 would have chosen something artisan and free-trade. BBC2? Tyrrell’s, for sure.

As for me, I can’t resist a Wotsit. No idea what that makes me. Fat, probably.

Full Marks from me

Anti-obesity campaigners say High Street shops are posing a risk to ‘public health’ by using vanity sizing to lure customers, and kidding them into thinking they’re not as tubby as they really are. Apparently, even Marks & Spencer is at it.

Maybe — but so what? There are so few genuine pleasures left in life these days, are they really going to take this last one — the joy of presenting a size 14 at the till instead of a 16, or noisily requesting ‘a smaller size’ in the changing room — away from us, too?

Former Spice Girl Mel B is desperate for one last hurrah. But her latest revelation, that she and Geri Halliwell had a Sapphic encounter, has backfired, since Geri is now reportedly reluctant to extend the band’s lucrative reunion tour. The irony is that Mel B badly needs the tour for financial reasons.

If she’s not careful she’ll end up like Katie Price: flogging the depths of her soul in exchange for ever-scanter rewards.

A rather sour Apple

After posting a snap with her 14-year-old, Apple, on Instagram, Gwyneth Paltrow was told off in no uncertain terms. ‘Mom, we have discussed this. You may not post anything without my consent’

It’s a relief to discover that even such super-soignee celebrities as Gwyneth Paltrow are cut down to size by their teenage daughters.

After posting a snap with her 14-year-old, Apple, on Instagram, Paltrow was told off in no uncertain terms. ‘Mom, we have discussed this. You may not post anything without my consent.’

Impressive — and, believe me, a lot more politely expressed than what own my daughter says if I so much as come within ten yards of her with my camera.

Emily Maitlis, the new lead presenter of Newsnight, struck a chord with me when she said: ‘I weep after interviews.’ Some people interpret this as a sign of weakness, but it is actually a tremendous strength because it shows that as well as having a mind like a steel trap, Emily also possesses a degree of empathy.

You get a far better insight into people by treating them as humans than you do from barking at them à la Jeremy Paxman.

25 years on Liz wears its swell

I think Liz Hurley wears it rather better now than she did back then. Sure, the face and body were more youthful in the first version, but there is something about the assuredness and life experience of the older woman that trumps the bloom of youth

It’s not quite the same — the safety pins are in strategically different places — but there is no mistaking the look: 25 years after she stepped out in ‘that’ dress, Liz Hurley proves, in the new Harper’s Bazaar, that age is no barrier to glamour.

Actually, I think she wears it rather better now than she did back then. Sure, the face and body were more youthful in the first version, but there is something about the assuredness and life experience of the older woman that trumps the bloom of youth.

I certainly know which one I would rather sit next to at dinner, anyway.

The post I hope you drop dead in the next 100 yards: Remain marcher jeered appeared first on Gyrlversion.

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