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#and yet was then caught during the empire
astrophileous · 7 months
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Thunderstorm
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Pairing: Spencer Reid x Gender Neutral Reader
Synopsis: Spencer Reid was never a fan of thunderstorms. On one particular night, he woke up to one.
Warning(s): established relationship, mentions and/or depictions of gun violence/injury, protective spencer, parent-child relationships, I think that's it (?) this one is really just fluff wrapped in more fluff 🥰
Word Count: 2400-ish
Author's Note: HELLO! I'm finally back from the dead (yayyy)!! To celebrate, and as we all wait for me to finish rewriting the remaining chapters of love bugs, I'm posting this fic here for you all to enjoy :) I think it's the fluffiest piece I've ever written (srsly, not even a drop of angst!) so I hope you will enjoy! Let me know what you think okkk, don't forget to LIKE+COMMENT+REBLOG if you like this one xx btw I'm pretty sure this can be read as gender neutral reader since I'm positive I didn't use any gender-conforming words, but pls lmk if I'm wrong!
Criminal Minds Masterlist
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Spencer hated thunderstorms.
He had many memories of them, not particularly good ones. Most of them involved him being on the field during yet another atrocious case, gun and flashlight in hand, trekking after muddy footsteps that belonged to an UnSub he was chasing.
He had been shot, once, during a thunderstorm. The bullet lodged itself against his bulletproof vest before the perpetrator had received a retaliation shot from Derek's gun. The vest had saved his life that night. The nasty bruise decorating his torso for the following week, though, served as a sufficient reminder in Spencer's mind.
Thunderstorms were a natural enemy whenever he was on the field. Unfortunately for him, the rivalry seemed to continue past the doorstep of his home, too.
Back when sleep was a luxury that he had to scour and cherish, thunderstorms would be the antagonist that kept the two even further apart. The sound of heavy rain against windows was a line of needles prickling into his circadian rhythm, erasing any possibilities of sleep if he was even lucky enough to have them in the first place.
On those nights, Spencer would sit against the headboard with a book in his lap, hoping that the passage detailing the fall of Joseon Dynasty in Korean Peninsula--or the rise or Majapahit Empire in the island of Java, whichever had caught his interest more at that specific moment in time--would be enough distraction to take his mind off the disaster wreaking havoc outside of his apartment.
Thanks to years of therapy, Spencer now had found it easier to chase sleep whenever he needed it. Still, its sweet relief stood no chance against the chaos brought by a raging thunderstorm.
This time, too, was no different.
Spencer had been dreaming. A land of reverie where his tongue had tasted honey, where his nose had recognized the hint of mint and juniper berry before the image was rattled by a high-pitched shriek in the sky.
When Spencer opened his eyes, the bedroom was enveloped in a near state of total darkness.
The sharp cry he heard had come from a lightning that struck momentarily before he woke up. Five seconds later, another one struck again, sending a jolt of adrenaline through Spencer's body as he waited for the imminent thunder to shatter the atmosphere.
Spencer shut his eyes in an attempt to get his racing heart back under control. Once he opened them again, the remnants of sleep had washed away from his pupils, allowing him to take in the empty bed, the chill bedroom, and the opened door right across from where he was sitting.
Frowning, Spencer thought back to a few hours prior. How he had promptly retired to the bedroom after coming home from work. He remembered clearly--courtesy of his eidetic memory--having slammed the door shut before he got ready for bed.
A creak in the floorboards outside his bedroom door compelled Spencer to reach into the bedside drawer, fingers inching nearer to where the secret holster of his gun was located.
Before his hand could wrap around the weapon, the bedroom door was pushed ajar, revealing a familiar figure standing in the doorway, outline cast by a hazy kind of luminance.
Spencer breathed out a sigh of relief. "I thought you were an intruder."
You raised an eyebrow at his statement. A playful smile sweetened by the gentle glow radiating off the flickering candle in your hand.
"It's just me," you assured him, finally stepping into the threshold and placing the candle on top of the dresser.
"I can see that." He watched you approaching, gaze never straying even when you picked up the comforter a tiny bit to slip back into bed. "Where did you go?"
"Went down to check the breaker. Power's out completely, by the way. Looks like the storm took out the whole block."
He made a disapproving face at your response. "You were in the basement? Alone?"
Your forehead furrowed at the tone of Spencer's voice. It wasn't until you glimpsed the telltale sign of worry in his eyes that your shoulders eventually deflated. "I'm okay, Spencer."
"Why didn't you wake me?"
"Because," you began, an amused smile threatening to split your face into two, "it's a three flights of stairs walk from our bedroom, darling. I think I can manage it just fine."
"But--"
"Besides," you cut him off, silencing him with a gentle palm pressing on his cheek. Spencer instantly melted at the contact. "I know how you get during nights like this. I wanted to let you have as much sleep as you could before the storm eventually wakes you up."
His hand circled around your wrist, then, bringing it upwards so that he could leave tiny kisses on your palm before he entwined his fingers with yours. "You still should've woken me up."
"Spence--"
"I know, I know. You could've done it yourself, I don't doubt it. I just--" he paused, swallowing a lump before continuing, "--I could've just waited here. In the bedroom. But in case anything happened, I would've been there for you."
The admission was quiet within the four walls of your bedroom. You knew that Spencer's plea had nothing to do with a toxic need to be controlling. Instead, it had stemmed from the vulnerability within. A naked truth that nestled in the deepest corners of Spencer Reid's soul.
The years that you had spent together allowed you to understand Spencer at a level nobody else could. They allowed you to understand that this silly request was nothing more than a fruit of his vigilant bones, forged consistently throughout his years in law enforcement. Spencer Reid, underneath his soft eyes and tender touches, had witnessed all of the gruesome layers of the world, lost far more things than anyone ever should.
It was only logical, now that Spencer had you in his life--a miraculous reprieve to his otherwise ghastly world--he would spend every waking moment to do everything in his power to make sure you were safe.
Always.
With this knowledge in mind, you couldn't, in good conscience, bring yourself to deny Spencer's plea, no matter how foolish it might seem.
What you did, instead, was shifting yourself closer to his body, seeking permission with your eyes before you leaned forward for a quick kiss.
"I'm sorry, darling," you offered sincerely. "I'll keep that in mind for next time, yeah? How does that sound?"
The relief was blinding as it washed over Spencer's whole being. "Thank you," he muttered before kissing your knuckles. "And I'm sorry, too, for being like this."
You shook your head firmly. Not because you didn't accept his apology, but because you didn't need one. Spencer didn't have anything to apologize for.
When you told him as much, Spencer's only reply was to press his lips to yours.
You were rendered pliant underneath his ministrations, your body molding into his as if you were two fabrics cut from the same cloth. Spencer poured all of his emotions into the kiss. Wishing--begging--that you could taste just how consuming the love he harbored for you was. The same way he could taste your heart beneath the hint of honey on your lips.
Once breathing became a chore, Spencer took the heavy decision to pull away, settling for resting his forehead on top of yours instead.
"Do you wanna go back to sleep?" you whispered.
Spencer wanted to nod, feeling a huge load pressing on every inch of muscle in his body. But before he could take you up on the offer, a distant sound between the roaring of thunders caught his attention, stopping his words right in their tracks.
"Did you hear that?" Spencer asked.
"Hear what?" You frowned. "The thunder?"
"No." He rushed to get up from the bed, gaze apologetic as he looked at you from the doorway. "Stay here? I'll be back soon."
Soft footsteps trudged along the landing of your two story house, leading Spencer towards another door located right by the stairs. He knocked slowly on the wooden door, twice, before pushing it open with a gentle nudge of his hip.
The room he entered was smaller than the room he shared with you. During the days, the windows on the far end of the wall would offer a mesmerizing view of the creek that ran along the backside of the neighborhood. During nights like this, however, they merely provided another harsh peek at the tantrum that mother nature was throwing against the world.
Although the room was swallowed in darkness, Spencer could still make out the silhouettes inside. From the haphazardly scattered toys on the floor, the colorful drawings taped on the walls, even to the lavender-colored furniture that seemed to fill every available corner in the entire space.
Amongst them all, the one silhouette that managed to pull at Spencer's heartstrings was the one curled up on the center of the bed. A usually joyous sunshine, reduced to a whimpering ball under a cotton unicorn-themed blanket.
"Princess."
Spencer tugged the blanket down, revealing misty eyes and pouting lips on a face he held dearly. A sob managed to wreck itself out of the little girl's chest, plummeting Spencer's heart further down the abyss of no end.
"Oh, sweetheart."
He gathered the 4-year-old in his arms, feeling her immediately hugging his neck. Her body was still shivering with tiny whimpers and sobs, all of which Spencer tried to subside gently by constant strokes down her back.
"It's okay. You're okay," he shushed quietly, rocking his body to a phantom tune while she clung to his chest. "Do you wanna tell me what's going on?"
The girl sniffled aloud before lifting her head, her tiny hands rubbing rigorously on the tear stains around her eyes.
"The-the thunders," she murmured. "It was so loud. I woke up and everything was d-dark. Daddy, I'm scared!"
She threw her arms around his neck again, crying softly into the collar of his sleeping shirt. Spencer tightened his embrace around his daughter, heart breaking into pieces with every tear shed from her innocent eyes.
"Sshh, it's alright, princess. Everything's alright. Daddy's here now," Spencer cooed. "Do you wanna sleep with us tonight? Hm?"
His daughter started to nod frantically. "Don't forget Mr. Elphie, Daddy."
Chuckling, Spencer quickly grabbed the elephant stuffed animal lying next to her pillow. "Of course not. Mr. Elphie is coming with us, isn't he?"
Spencer began to retreat back in the direction of your bedroom, all the while conversing with his little girl to keep her mind off the storm that was still raging wildly outside.
You were checking something on your phone by the time Spencer finally returned. Immediately, you tossed the device aside once you saw him, eyes widening in concern when you saw your daughter's limbs entangled around Spencer's form.
"What happened?" you asked.
Spencer headed for the bed, slowly putting down the little girl who instantly cuddled your side after he had tucked her under the duvet.
"The thunders are scary," your daughter mumbled into the fabric of your shirt.
Your eyes flicked towards Spencer, who gave a single nod of confirmation before settling back on his side of the bed.
"Oh, honey. I'm so sorry." You brushed back the hair from her face, taking in the sight of your favorite pair of eyes that seemed to have lost their usual sparkles in the wake of her tears. "What do you wanna do, hun? Should I tell you a story? Play a little music?"
"I wanna sleep here with you and Daddy," she said in a shaky voice. "Is that okay?"
Kissing the crown of her head, you answered, "Of course it's okay, sunshine. Come here."
Your daughter fell back into your awaiting arms. Her small frame fitting so easily into the front side of your body. You watched as her tiny fingers clutched Mr. Elphie tighter, breath evening out while her face burrowed even deeper into your chest.
It felt as if hours had passed before you could find the will to rip your gaze away. In all honesty, you could probably have spent an entire eternity staring at the little miracle in your arms had the universe given you the chance. When you lifted your head, your eyes automatically locked with Spencer's, who looked as if he, too, had been entranced by the sight in front of him.
"She's incredible," Spencer confessed into the night, voice fragile with the weight of awe it seemed to carry. "I can't believe she's ours."
You extended your hand towards him, smiling brightly once Spencer secured it in his own.
"Seems like the apple doesn't fall far from the tree," you mused, eyes glinting mischievously from the knowledge that your daughter--just like her beloved Daddy--also had a fear of thunderstorms. "Like father like daughter, huh?"
Spencer rolled his eyes. "I'm not scared of thunderstorms. I'm just... not fond of them"
"Uh-huh."
"Shut up." He bit your knuckles playfully, seemingly pleased with himself when he managed to elicit a laugh out of your chest. "Go get some sleep. You have an early day tomorrow."
"Speak for yourself, Mister." You settled your head back on the pillow, Spencer mirroring your position without breaking his hold around your hand. "Where are you going again?"
"Florida. Miami."
"Damn," you muttered, temporarily panicking about your terrible choice of words before calming back down once you saw your daughter sleeping soundly. "I bet it's nice there this time of year."
"It's Miami. The weather barely changes there all year-round."
"Exactly my point."
"Besides," Spencer added, squeezing your hand once, "it's not a vacation. It doesn't matter where I'm going, I'll only be seeing dead bodies all day long."
"Okay. I really don't need to start seeing corpses in my head right before going to sleep, so thanks for that."
"You started it."
"I most certainly did not." You scoffed. "I'm not liking this conversation. Now, can we please go to sleep?"
Spencer had a retort ready on the tip of his tongue. But once he saw how peaceful you looked with your eyes closed, entangled as one with your daughter, he decided against it.
At last, he opted to shuffle closer on the bed until he could wrap his arm around the two of you, letting the scent of mint from your shampoo and juniper berry from your daughter's body wash to wrap around his whole being.
Spencer was still not a fan of thunderstorms.
But on nights like this, he had to begrudgingly admit that maybe, maybe, they weren't really that bad after all.
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corvusasteris · 9 months
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the sands of time is a fantasy interactive fiction where you play as the mage of a small provincial town who, in the process of investigating into strange magical phenomena, finds themselves embroiled in a far-reaching political intrigue with potentially deadly consequences. and ghosts.
themes/tags : intrigue, fantasy, effects of time, power, magic, ghosts
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You are a mage who, after being forced to flee from the capital for a crime you may or may not have committed, has taken refuge in Kemorlen, a small, unremarkable town ideal for keeping out of the political reaches of the Illyosian Empire. But when an apparently straightforward investigation into bizarre magical phenomena forces you into conflict with figures from your past and powerful forces that care little for you, how will you navigate through the oncoming storm that shatters your fragile calm ?
The continent of Aiolos has been dominated by the Illyosian Empire, with its back-stabbing nobles and complex court politics, for generations. Yet their hold is beginning to fray, and its rulers will do anything to take back their former power, sparking events that quickly spiral far out of their control.
Aiolos is a land at the crossroads of the mortal and spirit realms, where the effects of the underworld are felt keenly, and the delicate balance between mortal and spirit realms is ever on the verge of tipping over.
worldbuilding info
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Flee from the capital under dubious circumstances: choose whether you were a spy or scholar when in Melera.
Meet five characters (one male, two female, one nb and one selectable: either male or nb) and choose to pursue romance, friendship, or rivalry.
Navigate a world of complicated politics, spirits that frequently won't stay dead and magic that permeates everyday existence.
Choose your name, pronouns, gender and place of origin.
Pick which area of magic you are strongest in, out of four (warding, enchantment, healing and transmutation).
Try not to get assassinated, arrested or possessed.
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detailed character info
Jasper (m) :
A familiar face from your past, and not one that you expected to see again. He's a snarky, obsessive researcher into spirits and, during your time in the capital, your closest companion. After getting caught up in the incident that provoked your rather abrupt exit, you presumed him to be dead, and he you.
Leonora (f) :
The owner of the alchemists shop next door to you in Kemorlen. Despite her saving your life (numerous times) and helping you to create a new life for yourself there, she remains a figure that you know surprisingly little about. She's blunt, impulsive, skilled with a sword, and definitely hiding something. All in all, you don't quite know what to make of her.
Augustine (nb) :
A quiet, unassuming healer who arrived in town shortly after you did. Surprisingly squeamish and possessing a dry sense of humour, they have quickly become indispensable in helping you deal with the everyday magical difficulties of Kemorlen. Their past remains a mystery to you, and you suspect there may be more to them than first appears.
Mira (f) :
A charismatic bard who wanders the roads of Aiolos collecting stories, gold, and animal companions after being exiled from her home kingdom. She seems to attract trouble, but as long as the resulting chaos makes for a good tale she doesn't appear to mind much.
Theodorus (m/nb) :
A spirit with patchy memories and a thirst for revenge after being accidentally brought back from the underworld. They're awkward, restless and struggling to reconstruct a life for themselves in a world where they are supposed to be dead.
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demo : here currently 17k words, prologue
release medium : twine & itch.io
rating: 16+
pinterest: here
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niqhtlord01 · 3 months
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Humans are weird: Never put a human in a zoo
( Please come see me on my new patreon and support me for early access to stories and personal story requests :D https://www.patreon.com/NiqhtLord Every bit helps)    
The sudden extinction of the Dre people was as sudden as it was unexpected to the galactic community. They were one of the oldest and most technologically advanced races in the universe. Heavily isolationist by nature, coupled with their inherent self-sense of superiority they viewed much of the other space faring species as little more than savages by comparison as none of them presented a credible challenge their rule. Yet within a month they had lost nearly 99% of their population across multiple worlds.
The worst hit was their homeworld of Belnuck situated at the heart of their empire which became an empty husk of a world seemingly overnight. Ancient and powerful cities of technological wonder now were little more than ghost towns to be picked clean by scavengers.
There were no signs of civil strife or unrest, no exterior threat from military forces, not even a record of natural disaster on their homeworld. Nothing was found that could give a clue as to what could have erased such a prominent power as the Dre, and so it was written off as a deadly unsolved mystery and the galactic community went on.
At least, that was what the public report stated.
It wasn’t until a group of Kreen scavengers came upon a set of personal journals that the shroud of uncertainty was lifted. Only to be then shortly locked away and sealed under the highest security restrictions to ensure the truth never saw the light of day.
These are those journal entries: ------------------------------- Personal Journal Entry J-757931 Head curator Migu
The benefactors are requesting we add new exhibits to the zoo again.
I thought they would have been content with the Draxic specimens we captured last month but it seems the general public no longer find giant lizards fascinating to observe. One of them suggested we allow the Draxic to mingle with other exhibits for inter species interactions for potential science research; but I could tell right away that what they really wanted from this was to have guests pay to see those lizard savages rip apart our other attractions like a Frong in a Skitch field.
I wish they could at least try to hide their greediness behind some semblance of rationality. At least then it would be easier to stomach.
I’ve scheduled a discussion with our head capture specialists to go out and find new attractions for the people later today. I don’t have much hope they can find anything as fascinating to revive interest but one never knows. End Log Entry. ---------------------------------- Personal Journal Entry J-757935 Head curator Migu
Capture team theta appears to have acquired something of value.
The specimens were caught will transitioning into real space at the edge of a system and were removed from their vessel shortly after.
Their technology was primitive in nature, but from the recordings the capture team sent back their esthetic design choices appear to be unique for such a low species. Accessing their data banks was a trivial matter and provided a wealth of history to them.
They appear to call themselves “Humons”, and have only recently begun intergalactic travel.
From the data we have gathered these humons are a highly warlike society repeating cycles of great conflict to great resurgence throughout their history. During war time they have fought with everything from sharpened wood stakes to low grade thermo nuclear devices.
While lacking the physical exciting traits like armored skin or shape shifting qualities, I believe their nature as a self-destructive race will make them a comedic addition to the zoo.
Theta team is on their way back now with them and I’ve already given instructions to create the new paddock for them in the east wing. With any luck the benefactors will find them as amusing as I do and calm down. End Log Entry. ------------------------------- Personal Journal Entry J-757940 Head curator Migu It could not have gone any better. The public loves the new attractions and the benefactors love the increase in profits. Theta team captured roughly a dozen of these humons and when coupled with their historical data we were able to depict several invigorating habitats. We injected them with the standard nano machines to provide feedback on each of them for both the caretakers and the guests. I do have some concerns about handing the medical needs of these humons as none of our handlers know how to treat them, but I have tasked them with dissecting the gathered data for any relevant medical information. They seem very energetic and many of them have not stopped trying to escape their exhibit since they woke up. A few of them have already begun crafting crude weapons to defend themselves while forming mini factions. The largest group has created a primitive wooden fortress by sharpening sticks and creating walls with them. The smaller group has kept their distance from the larger groups while the remaining few have decided to remain in isolation from both groups. Guests love it when they start banging on the windows and try to talk with them. The children in particular I overheard already picking out their favorites and rooting for them to survive should they begin fighting. We’ve not had this kind of engagement since we brought in Bengols with their psionic abilities. ------------------------------
Personal Journal Entry J-758021 Head curator Migu
It’s been several cycles since my last entry and we’ve had a few snags. Our lack of medical knowledge regarding our latest exhibits has proven costly. Despite our best efforts to decrypt the remaining data from their ships it appears medical information was damaged beyond recovery during the capture process. This has left us unable to properly care for them during medical emergencies; which have happened far sooner than expected.
After several days of captivity several of the humons began showing signs of rapidly deteriorating mental stability. They’ve displayed signs of paranoia, societal breakdown, and an increase in aggression levels to the point they murdered other humons in the enclosure.
We’ve never had this problem before with our other exhibits, at least within such a short timeframe, and now the benefactors are calling for my head. They are upset that their most prized money generators are murdering each other risking their profit margin.
I’ve suggested applying mild sedatives to calm them but was denied. They insist that curbing their more primitive tendencies would cause customers to lose interest in them.
The suggestion of capturing more of these humons was strongly advocated for but it was my turn to deny that request. Deploying a capture team was an expensive endeavor and if the humons continued killing each other the costs would overturn any increase in profits.
I’m putting together alternatives now for my next meeting with them. Hopefully something will come along and save our hides. ---------------------------------
Personal Journal Entry J-758043 Head curator Migu
The problem for the time being has resolved itself via an unexpected avenue.
One of the capture humons was seen treating the few remaining humans; providing basic medical treatment and care.
Ordinarily we would have written off such behavior but because of our current medical situation we decided to bend regulations and reach out to the subject directly.
A translator unit was acquired and we were able to speak directly with the humon. It took several minutes to calibrate, thankfully much of their speech was unrecognizable. They would not stop trying to speak with us while it was being adjusted and went on and on about wanting to be set free and demanding answers. Honestly you think these humons would be grateful that we are lowering ourselves to speak with them.
When they finally calmed down we explained the situation to them. In exchange for their cooperation they would be given special privileges to treats and comforts for the duration of their stay. They wanted to be let out and freed from the exhibit but I quickly shut that down as a non-starter.
It eventually dawned on them that this was going to be their new existence for the remainder of their life and could live in comfort or watch as their friends died one by one; and they accepted the offer. -------------------------
Personal Journal Entry J-758117 Head curator Migu
While unusual the negotiating tactic with the humon has resolved the issue for us and the benefactors are happy once more.
With the medical humons help they were able to stabilize the injured humons while also negotiate a form of agreement between the humon factions in the exhibit. They could still maim and injure each other while guests were present but would not kill and then would be treated afterwards before the next day’s opening.
Interestingly enough the medical humon has proved very useful. They’ve been able to communicate with the rest of the humons and get them to fall in line. What’s more they’ve been minimalistic in requests with the biggest being to be taught some of the basics of our medical equipment so he can use it himself.
Ordinarily we don’t allow this but it would have freed up some of the medical wing so we allowed it with extensive supervision.
I must admit I am rather proud of myself for resolving the situation, and with such little expenditure. Things now are running smoothly once more and the profits are seeing ever increasing margins. Maybe now the benefactors will get off my back. Though honestly I think it’ll only last one or two months before the humons are worn out and they want something new.
---------------------- Personal Journal Entry J-758135 Head curator Migu
Oh gods it burns!
Everyone at the zoo is screaming and clawing their own skin!
Gods damnit make it stop! MaKE IT Stop!!!!!!!!!!!
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Emergency Transmission January 2873 Chief Medical Officer Maxwill Clemons
This is Chief Medical officer Maxwill Clemons of the ship “Hades Rest” calling out to any terran ships requesting immediate rescue.
I am not sure what planet or system we’re in, but hone in on this signal and you will find us. I will be repeating this message every hour on the hour for as long as this place has power.
I’ve lost track of how long I’ve been in this god forsaken hellhole. The automated day/night cycles have made my attempts at record keeping near impossible.
Maybe a month? Two? I don’t know. It doesn’t matter.
We were kidnapped from our ship after exiting a jump and woke up to find ourselves in some sort of alien zoo. The aliens refused to speak to us at first, instead watching us from windows and laughing at us while we struggled to find out what was going on.
They’re all dead now. The aliens that is.
I never knew what they called themselves and I don’t really care.
They treated my friends like animals, so I took their precious tech and turned it on them. Made the nano machines they injected us with register the alien DNA as a deadly virus in need of immediate eradication.
First one I got was the one who was so smug about our capture and display. They changed their tune after I spat in their eye and their face started melting as the nano tech spread. Two others came in after the screaming started and they got infected as well before fleeing the room.
I stood up and went to my comrades “habitat’ and let them out as every alien around us began screaming and melting away. That was at least three days ago now and I haven’t seen one of them yet. Their whole planet now is like one massive ghost town.
We’ve enough provisions to last us and the other freed captives for some time, but please do hurry. I want off this fraking shit hole as soon as possible. --------------- Message repeats:
Emergency Transmission January 2873 Chief Medical Officer Maxwill Clemons
This is Chief Medical officer Maxwill Clemons of the ship “Hades Rest” calling out to any terran ships requesting immediate rescue. ------
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Whipped - Luke Skywalker X GN Reader
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Title: Whipped
Luke Skywalker X GN Reader (Han X Leia included)
Additional Characters: Han, Leia, Chewie, R2D2, C3PO (Mentioned), Yoda (Mentioned), Rebel Alliance people (Mentioned), and TIE Fighters (Mentioned)
Requested by @micheleamidalajedi
WC: 2,325
Warnings: Luke is smitten, teasing, taunting, anxiety, nervousness, wingman Han, wingwoman Leia, baby angst, bets, joke fighitng mentioned, fighting mentioned, blasters mentioned, killing so of briefly mentioned, set sometime during The Empire Strikes Back, confession, friends to lovers, cute name-calling (on Leia's part), and fluff
Luke sighed, his hand resting on his chin as his half-lidded daydreaming eyes gazed at you from afar. You were brushing your hair, talking to Chewie and Leia about something, your occasional laugh echoing throughout the base. The sound of your voice was enough to make him smile in an idyllic way and he wished for nothing more than to hear that melodic voice forever. He didn't know if this was a crush or not but Luke couldn't help it; he had been smitten ever since your first encounter a while ago. He thought you were beautiful, the most beautiful person he'd ever encountered. He felt a pang of sadness whenever he thought about the fact that he couldn't have you all to himself, and so often he would find himself fantasizing about what could happen between the two of you. And every time, he would melt into a puddle of goo.
You had taken a liking to Luke, thinking he was quite adorable. It wasn't long before you found yourself gravitating towards him even though you couldn’t go a couple sentences before freezing up. You didn't think you'd be so shy, usually, you were good at conversation with others, but with Luke... You stumbled over your words. Every time you opened your mouth to speak to him, you found yourself unable to utter a single word. It was quite strange because he seemed so nice, kind, and funny. You didn't understand how anyone would be able to not resist such an angelic-looking face, yet here you were doing just that, falling hopelessly in love with him.
Leia saw right through you, she saw the way you looked at Luke, almost longingly. "What are you waiting for?" She teased when she noticed your fidgety state. "Go talk to him." She encouraged, trying to contain her own happiness over the fact that you had a crush on the young man. "He has been staring at you for days now." She pointed out. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say he liked you too."
"He doesn't." Your cheeks burned at the accusation. "He couldn't possibly." You muttered sadly, shaking your head. You had only known the boy for a few months, after all. You weren't sure he liked you back. But there was a small part of you, deep down, that hoped. Hoped that maybe, just maybe, he did. That hope was the only thing keeping you going as you continued to brush your hair and occasionally glance up to gaze dreamily at Luke. You loved this boy already. You were hopelessly in love with him and you wanted nothing more than to tell him.
Looking up, you watched as Luke's eyes widened before he quickly looked away, turning to face Han instead with his hidden blushing face, making you second-guess. You chuckled at the sight of him getting flustered either way, your heart swelling with joy. His attention warmed your heart more than you could ever express to anyone else. You smiled fondly before you returned to your brushing, before placing down your brush and turning back to Leia and Chewie. They gave you a knowing look, a silent message for you to just do it already. But you stayed sitting, your nerves getting the best of you.
Han smirked as he watched Luke look away from you with a blushing face after he got caught, his lips curling upwards, his eyes crinkling at the edges. "I think they like you, kid," Han spoke up, his tone amused. "They're just too shy to say anything."
The blush on Luke's face darkened at the statement. "Really? It doesn't seem like it." He muttered. "It seems like it's just..." He trailed off again, unsure what he wanted to say. "Like they don't really want me around them. Like I'm annoying them."
Han let out a bursting laugh, surprising Luke as he stared at Han with furrowed brows, "Luke, buddy, as I said... They are just shy. You need to make the first move if you truly care about them." He paused, "Besides, it isn't their fault you're too blind to see that they like you."
Luke pursed his lips, narrowing his eyes slightly, "How do you even know about all this? How can you be so sure?"
Han smirked lightly, shrugging as he stuffed his hands into his pants pockets, "Oh, you know... I know when someone likes me." He answered, his eye glancing over to Leia briefly. "It's a talent to know when there's romantic tension in the air."
Luke gave Han a look, "Uh-huh." He said slowly, eyeing him suspiciously, "And what makes you think there is romance?" He questioned, narrowing his eyes. "Maybe they think of me as a friend and are still just shy." He concluded.
"That." Han waved his pointer finger in the air, and Luke's eyes followed confused, "Do you see it?"
"See what?"
Han sighed, "The love in the air."
Luke groaned and got up, rolling his eyes, "I'm done with you..."
"Hey! Luke! Don't run from love!" Han called out to Luke as he quickly walked away, embarrassed.
You, Chewie, and Leia walked over to Han, confused. "What's up with Luke?" You asked as Leia and Han gave each other a brief glance before both shrugging.
"It's probably nothing," Han replied. "He's being dramatic again."
"You should go check on him," Leia suggested to you. "You always know how to cheer everyone up."
You bit your lip, "Okay..." You mumbled before walking away in search of Luke, gaining the confidence you needed. 
"Who do you think will confess first?" Han asked, crossing his arms, watching as you left the room. "My credits are on Y/N."
Leia mimicked Han's stance, crossing his own arms, "Sppf, oh no, my credits are on Luke."
Han smirked, glancing down at Leia, "Well, if I win, I get to have a drink with you."
Leia rolled her eyes, "And if I win, Chewie and I will braid your hair."
Han furrowed his eyebrows, "My hair's too short to braid, princess."
"That's what you think," Leia smirked.
~~~
You wandered over to find Luke in the cockpit, he was sitting in the corner of the room, on the corner booth; just staring off into the distance as the ship hummed deeply. "Are you okay?" You asked as you sat next to him, causing him to jump in surprise. "Sorry," you apologized with a chuckle, "I didn't mean to scare you."
Luke shook his head, smiling softly at you, "No, it's alright." He responded. "Is everything alright?" He inquired.
You gave him a small smile, "You didn't answer my question first." Your voice grew serious, "Are you alright?" Your tone was soft and you stared up at Luke with concern, swallowing hard as you pushed your nerve down.
Luke took a moment to respond, before pursing his lips and nodding, "Yeah, I'm okay." He then turned to you, "What about you? Are you okay?"
You nodded your head as you averted your gaze from his, "Yeah, I'm fine. Everything is alright."
"Good..." Luke hesitated before continuing, "So, what were you, Chewie, and Leia talking about?"
You shrugged, "Nothing much, just asking Chewie about Kashyyyk." You muttered before taking a glance at the young man before you, "What about you and Han? What were you two talking about?"
Luke quickly glanced away from you, rubbing the back of his neck as he let out an awkward laugh, "Nothing special. Just Han messing around with me."
"Do you want me to talk to Leia about him? You know she'd kick his butt if anyone asked." You offered and Luke chuckled lightly.
"Could you? That'd be great." He joked as the two of you laughed together for a moment, before falling into a nerve-racking silence. 
You glanced nervously at Luke, as he gazed at you. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"You're awfully quiet today." He commented as you tilted your head to the side. 
You frowned, "Am I?" 
He nodded his head, "Yeah, but I... I mean you're quiet most of the day... But, are you really okay?" Luke asked worriedly, and you let out a little giggle.
"Yeah, I am okay, Luke. Don't worry." You sighed, your hands fiddling in your lap, "You worry too much."
"I'm not that bad." He pouted.
"You're worse than me," You corrected as you playfully nudged him in the arm. "But I'm okay, really. I'm sorry that I've been acting weird lately."
Luke shook his head, noticing your fidgeting hands and taking one of your hands in his. "No, no, I get it. You don't have to apologize." Your fingers tightened around Luke's hand in response. "You know... I... I really admire you. I admire you so much, Y/N. You're strong, smart, beautiful... A wonderful person." You looked away from him, feeling your cheeks flush. 
"Thank you, Luke. That means a lot. And... You're all those things and more too." You bit your lip nervously, looking back up at him, "I admire you too. So much."
"Y/N, listen-" He began, but something hit the ship, cutting him off.
Han ran into the cockpit with Chewie, landing in their seat to get out of autopilot before flying around; trying not to get hit by any more blasts.
"Kid, I need you at the blaster!" Luke stood quickly and ran to the blaster, leaving you at the booth.
"Can you get away from them?" Leia asked, stumbling over to hold tight to Han's seat.
"You know I can, your Highness, would you kindly sit down?" Han asked through gritted teeth as he turned the wheel, maneuvering past another blast.
"How long until we get to Hoth?" You asked, and Chewie belted, and you sighed. It was going to be a long and bumpy ride.
~~~
It had taken a while, but Luke was able to shoot the TIE Fighters, and soon after that, you went into hyperspace; entering Hoth's atmosphere. Time was moving so fast, it felt like right as you landed Luke was going off to find some Jedi Master. You hardly had any time to really spend time with him. He could hardly talk to you, having to get ready to go along with going to mission debriefs. You spent most of your time on the sidelines, watching Luke rushing around, and Chewie working on the Falcon as Han did... Whatever he was doing, as Leia spoke with other Rebel leaders, and R2 and 3PO bickering in the corner.
As Luke rushed by, wearing his orange suit, carrying his helmet in his arms, you rushed over. The large metal claw grabbed R2 and placed him in the back seat of the X-Wing, R2 whistling and beeping in annoyance. Leia and Han peeked out behind a hall, watching as you said your goodbyes to Luke before he flew off to Dagobah. They watched as Luke pulled you into a long hug, holding onto you for just a little bit longer than necessary; you even seemed like you never wanted to let go. And you didn't.
"Do you have to go?" You asked softly, digging your face into Luke's neck as he held his arms tightly around your waist.
"Yeah," He muttered, "I do."
"Can't I come with you?" You asked, practically begging as Luke chuckled gently, pulling back. 
"My ship won't have enough room. It'll only hold R2 and I." He spoke, and you glanced up at R2D2 as he whistled, making you sigh. 
You pouted lightly as you stared into his deep blue eyes, "You'll be safe, won't you?"
"Of course, I will." He smiled softly down at you, reaching forward with one hand and stroking through your hair soothingly, "Besides, I'll get to see you again soon, okay?" You nodded slowly, before stepping back to give him space. 
Luke bit his lip briefly, as he stared at you, before turning around to head up to the ladder. Pausing halfway, Luke quickly turned around and rushed over, taking you into his arms, and kissing you deeply. Surprised, you slowly melted into the kiss, wrapping your arms around his neck as he pressed his body against yours, kissing you hard and passionately. His arms wrapped around your waist, pulling you closer to him, and lifting you slightly off the ground. Pulling away, he buried his head into your neck, gripping you as he breathed heavily.
When he pulled back, you smiled softly at him before pecking his lips once more. "Be careful." You whispered, resting your forehead against his.
He nodded his head, "I will." He promised, pressing one last kiss to your lips before pulling away from you completely and climbing up the ladder. Luke glanced at you once more before slipping on his helmet and closing the X-Wing hatch closed. You sighed, walking backward slowly, giving room for the Wing to lift off. Han and Leia stood beside you, the three of you waving as Luke flew off. You let out a sigh, and Leia rubbed your shoulder.
"He'll be fine." She assured you.
You nodded your head, letting out a sigh, "I hope so..." You trailed off. "I know so."
Leia squeezed your shoulders comfortingly before she turned to Han, "I win, fuzzball."
Han's jaw dropped in offense, "Fuzzball!? Who are you callin' Fuzzball!?" He asked indignantly as the two of them walked off, leaving you to stand alone in the center of the hangar.
You let out a chuckle before running your fingers through your hair, sighing contently, staring off into the distance as you thought about Luke. Your mind drifted back to when he kissed you, how his hands felt so soft against your skin, how his lips felt so warm against yours, how perfect his kiss tasted, how amazing he felt against you; everything. He made you feel like nothing else mattered in the entire universe, and you loved every minute of it.
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thejediscrolls · 1 year
Text
Sunrise
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Crosshair x medic reader
A trip to the Outpost along with a clone who refuses to tell you his name… What’s the worst that can happen?
Angst / Fluffish
Pt 1 of Sunrise
“Hello.” I said to the tall man with an infamous scowl and toothpick in hand, followed by my name.
He didn’t return the sentiment, choosing to acknowledge me with a tilt of his head.
“Did they say where we are going?” I asked.
“Not yet.” He said simply.
I tugged on the strap of my medical bag, “It must be important if they wanted me along.”
He glanced at me, “You’re new right?”
I nodded, “Yes sir.”
“Don’t do anything stupid and you’ll live.” He stated before looking towards a group of soldiers and an officer coming our way.
“Thanks…” I spoke dryly, “For the pep talk.”
“Anytime sweetheart.” He replied.
“I’m not your-”
“CT-9904. You are out of uniform.”
My back straightened up as I saluted the lieutenant while the clone trooper put on his helmet.
“I am lieutenant Nolan. Your support officer for this mission.” He said to the clone trooper before his gaze flickered to mine, “And who are you?”
“I am a medic sir. Here to help save as many lives as I can.”
“You only need to worry about mine.” He said.
“But sir, the soldiers-“
“They are only clones.” Nolan spat.
“They are people.” I squared up my shoulders, “And they deserve help too.”
“I should have you fired.” He said with a dark look in his eyes.
“Speak with the general. He’s the one who personally assigned me to this mission.” I stated, “…Sir.”
His glare hardened as he sized me up before scoffing, “We will be head to a remote outpost to transfer container shipments.”
With that lieutenant Nolan walked up the ramp.
“Why did you do that?” The soldier with the snarky attitude asked.
“Because clones are people too and not only that, you have fought to protect countless lives. Your lives are just as important as anyone else’s. Someone needs to make sure you get the respect you deserve.” I stated as I made my way up the ramp, “I like you better without the helmet by the way.” I teased before heading inside.
I heard a faint chuckle before his footsteps followed after mine.
The flight to the Outpost was fine so long as the lieutenant stayed at the front of the ship… I felt bad for the pilots, but the clones back here made nice conversation.
“What was the funniest thing you experienced during the clone wars?” I asked the trooper known as Hex.
“That would be when Short-fuse ate this meal from an outer rim planet we were stationed at. He swore his mouth was burning for weeks from how spicy the dish was.” Hex chuckled before his laughter dimmed, “He was a good soldier and brother.”
“I am sure he was.” I gave him a comforting smile.
When we landed on the outpost planet, the snow was nearly blinding from the sun as the hanger door veered open. Nolan shoved his way past us to get ahead, only for him to slip on the ramp.
Pack tried to help him out only for the most disgusting noise I have ever heard to come out of the lieutenant’s mouth. I glared in his direction as I placed my hand on Pack’s arm.
“Don’t worry about it.” I said to him, “He’s just a loth cat from hell.”
This brought a laugh from Pack before he went off to survey the area. I immediately found my way to the only clone with black armor and a really big rifle.
“Loth cat from hell Huh?” I could hear the grin in his voice.
I leaned closer to him whispering, “I would call him worse, but that would only make me as bad as him.”
“Hurry up!” Lieutenant Nolan called for us impatiently.
“See? You can here the hissing screech from a mile away.” I joked as we caught up.
“Glad to see we weren’t forgotten.” A trooper with long hair and a beard spoke up, “I’m Commander Mayday.
“It’s nice to meet you Commander.” I said with a greeting of my own name.
Two other clone troopers sat by the portable heater trying to keep themselves warm.
“It’s nice to meet you both as well, but what do you mean by forgotten?” I asked, my brows furrowing, “Surely the empire has been supporting this outpost?”
“No. We’ve been here for over a year with no support.” Mayday stated.
Nolan scoffed, “Well the empire has more important things that need to be done then worry about you clones.”
“I’m so sorry you were left out here like this.” I breathed out my eyes falling to the helmets lined alone the crate, “And your men… They are…”
“All dead, except for us.” Mayfield confirmed.
“My deepest condolences.” I offered him a small smile.
“Thank you.” He nodded.
“It’s what they were made to do.” Nolan rolled his eyes.
“No it wasn’t.” I glared at him.
He returned it just as heavily before he walked away, “Start getting everything squared away. We’re shipping these crates now.”
“What killed them?” The sniper clones voice rang out through the room.
“Raiders mostly. Weather and whatever creatures reside here.” Mayday explained, “Come on, I’ll show you around.” He nodded his head at me, “You can come too.”
The cold chilled through my bones the moment we stepped outside.
“As harsh as this planet is, the view is quiet beautiful.” I spoke as we looked around.
“Trying looking at it for over a year with things trying to kill you.” Mayday joked dryly.
“Ah.” I chuckled, “Yeah I’d probably hate it too.”
“Where have they been coming in at?” Crosshair asked as he surveyed the area.
“The ridge over there, but don’t go out there on your own, it’s too dangerous.” Mayday explained as he watched the trooper look around.
“I’m sorry you and your men have had to go through with this. I thought the empire would be more considerate…” I sighed.
“Seems like the empire is only considerate when it benefits them.” Mayday stated.
Before I could respond a blast sounded through the base.
“The raiders?” I asked in fear.
“Yeah.” Mayday confirmed.
We quickly took off in the direction of the blast.
���I’ll go left and you two go right! We’ll cute them off!” Mayday ordered.
I quickly followed behind the tall clone, wondering where he could be heading.
“What are doing?” I asked as he ran away from the blast.
“I need a vantage point.” He snipped, taking two steps at a time practically leaping up the tower.
I was less agile and it took me a moment longer to reach him. I found him already looking through his scope, searching for his target. I stood beside him, squinting to see any movement of someone possibly injured.
I could feel it before it happened, turning to the clone to warn him, “Watch-”
The blast came before I could finish my sentence, hearing him hiss in pain shot worry through my chest as he rubbed at his eyes. Still, he pulled himself together to wound one of the raiders trying to escape.
“Hey, hey wait!” I called out to him as he went to chase after the raider.
“What?” He sneered.
“I need to check yours eyes. You’re hurt-” I tried to grab his arm, but he was to quick, bounding down the steps.
“Go help someone else!” He called as he chased after the escaped raider.
I cursed as I ran down the steps, “That man.” I muttered, making my way towards the blast to see if anyone needed help.
“Is there anything I can do?” I asked once I spotted Mayfield.
He shook his head solemnly, “My men are dead.”
My breathe stopped, “Oh. I’m so sorry…”
He only shook his head, smiling grimly, “It’s what we do.”
“You are all worth more than this. I hope you know that…” I looked in the direction the clone trooper went, “I hope he knows that.”
“He went after them alone didn’t he?” Mayfield sighed.
I nodded, “He did.”
“I’ll go get him. You should get inside.” He suggested.
I nodded, not wanting to burden him with anymore struggle today, “Drag him in if you have too. I can see he is very stubborn.” I sighed, “I’ll see you both inside.”
I could tell from how stressed the troopers we flew in with were after the explosion and now having to deal with the uptight luitenant.
“Where have you been?!” Nolan ce yelled at me the moment I entered the facility.
I almost mocked the way he looked frazzled, his blonde hair out of place.
“I was aiding Commander Mayday and a clone trooper, sir.” I answered.
It was abrupt the way he took quick strides towards me, grabbing my arm with brute strength. I flinched at the pain, knowing that bruises would welt in place of his fingers soon enough.
“You aid me! Not these lowlife insufferable clones! That is an order, do you hear me?!” He spat in my face.
A dark figure found itself in my peripheral, “I think everyone heard you. Sir.” The clone hissed in disapproval, toothpick in his mouth.
Nolan huffed, shoving me hard into a crate, “They stole from us! I need you clones to go retrieve them now!”
“I have no men sir. They were both killed in the blast.” Mayday stated, “Some thing that extreme would require a lot of men. I request taking a some of your men out there if you want the crates retrieved.”
“No!” Nolan glared before pointing at the two soldiers, “You both go get them. That’s an order.” He spat on the ground before leaving.
Mayday rolled his eyes at the sheer disrespect coming from the newbie.
“Hey stranger…” I pushed myself away from the crates and opening my bag, “I need to take a look at your eyes to make sure no damage was taken earlier.”
“I’m fine.” He huffed while crossing his arms.
“I know you are, but as a medic it would put me at ease to double check. It won’t hurt right?” I asked holding the equipment I needed.
He nodded stiffly before making himself comfortable on a crate. I was internally grateful because it would make this a lot easier with his height.
“Thank you.” I whispered as I stood between his legs.
“I’ll get some gear and wait outside.” Mayday said as he left.
I gently grasped his chin, “If you could tilt your head up just so… Perfect.”
It was quiet while I checked his eyes, thankfully finding no long term damage.
“Are you… Alright?” The softness in his voice almost sounded foreign.
“Me?” I took a moment to take in his face, “I’m alright, it’s nothing I can’t handle.”
“You’ve had that happen to you before?” He asked.
I nodded, “Some officers tend to feel the need to assert their dominance. To strengthen you for the empire they would say.” I chuckled dryly.
“Your eyes look perfect.” I said as I took a step back.
He nodded once giving me a hum instead of a thank you.
“Just make it back alive okay? I don’t think I can handle another plane ride with that idiot if you’re not there.” I joked.
“Hm.” He stood up and grabbed his rifle, “We’ll see.”
I stepped in front of him before he could walk out the door, “Can I at least know your name now?”
A small smirk grazed his lips, something that I would love to spend my days staring at. I was disappointed when he put his helmet back on, something that he noticed quickly.
“No.” He stated simply before he walked out, “Try not to die.”
I huffed in annoyance as I went to put the equipment away. I knew that all I had to do was look at his file, but where would be the fun in that?
The day went by mundane, soon falling into night. The temperature only became colder and my worry for the safety of the two men increased.
“Sir.” I acknowledged the lieutenant who looked too cozy by the heater, a hot plate of food in hand.
“What is it?” He asked annoyed.
I stood a ways from him, hands clasped behind me as the glow of the heat barely reaching my skin, “The commander and soldier have been gone for too long. I suggest we send a search party to retrieve them.”
He raised an eyebrow, “You suggest?” He slowly set his plate down on one of the crates, “Tell me medic.” He said my title like it was humorous to him, “In what system does a medic outrank a lieutenant officer?”
I took a step forward, “When lives are in danger sir.” I spat.
“You obey me!” He yelled standing up.
“I obey my oath!” I matched his tone, “And right now those men, your men could lying in the snow somewhere bleeding to death!”
“Then so be it!” He waved his hand, “I don’t care about outdated clones!”
“Then you aren’t worthy of your title.” I glared before walking out the door.
The last thing I needed was a bullet through my head from his short temper. I needed to be smart about this.
It’s too dark out to travel now. No use for me to get lost or hurt out there. I think daybreak should do it, I can pack some supplies and head out in the direction they went. First I needed a map of the area.
“Hey Pack?” I called out to the trooper on watch.
He turned to me, “Yes?”
“Can you send me a layout of the planet to my holo pad please?” I asked.
“Of course?” He said unsure, “Why would you need a map? If you don’t mind me asking that is.”
“Sightseeing.” I answered with a chuckle and he returned it, not wanting to push any further.
“You’ll receive it shortly.” He answered.
“Thank you Pack, have a nice night.” I waved goodbye to him before heading towards my sleeping quarters.
“You as well medic!” He called back.
There was only one thought in my mind as I packed for my journey and went to bed.
Don’t worry, I’ll find you.
Trying to sneak out of camp was trickier than usual, but not impossible. It was a window of moving shipments that weren’t labeled correctly that allowed for my escape under the Lieutenants nose.
“I’ll start with a small perimeter in the direction they went and go from there.” I mumbled to myself as I walked on, “Hopefully they just made camp for the night and are heading back.”
The cold nipped through my clothes and onto my skin as I spent hours traveling through the snow. My feet felt numb, but I carried on for their sakes and for my own peace of mind.
“Where are they.” I groaned as I tapped on my holopad to readjust the coordinates.
Suddenly a red beeping on the screen signaled a storm heading my way.
“Dank ferrik.” I cursed as I looked for shelter.
The wind began to pick up as flakes of snow coated my lashes. In my panic to get out of the storm, I failed to miss the shadow creeping up behind me and the blunt of a gun hitting the side of my head.
“Wake up.” A posh voice followed by a kick to my gut had me rolling over in pain.
My eyes fluttered open to find a blurry figure slowly shifting into the body of the Lieutenant.
“How dare you disobey orders.” He scoffed, “I should have you courtmartialed for this.”
I closed my eyes at the prospect of being behind bars or worse… Suffering the fate of being decommissioned.
“You are lucky the commander favors you.” He sneers and I let out a breath of relief.
I shouldn’t have for he was not finished.
“But he’s not here to defend you. If a small accident would occur resulting in the fate of your death, that would not be dismissible.” His smile was as wicked as his heart.
My heart began to race as I watched him reach for his blaster.
“Lieutenant.” A breathless clone entered the room, “The two soldiers… They have returned.”
“Do they complete their assignment?” He asked with mild annoyance to being disrupted.
“No sir. It seems the commander was hurt.” The clone answered.
“Hm… It seems i have two examples I must take care of.” He glanced at me, grabbing my handcuffs and yanking me towards the door, “Follow.”
It was colder without my coat as the lieutenant dragged me behind him. My heart hasn’t stopped racing as we stumbled to the sniper and commander. The site in front of me showed that the two were no better off than I was, worse even.
“Look at this pathetic failure medic. You risked your life to go save them and yet here they are, without my crates.” The lieutenant rolled his eyes.
“Mayday is hurt.” I rasped out trying to get to the two soldiers, yet his grip never faltered on my cuffs.
“Help him.” The sniper rasped out as he took in deep breaths.
“No.” The lieutenant stated simply.
“Please.” I pleaded, “Let me help him.”
“That would be a waste of supplies. He is expendable just like the other clones.” He leaned in to say mockingly, “Besides I’d enjoy watching you suffer before I end your pathetic life, medic.”
Tears welled up in my eyes as I watched my new friend take his last breath being able to do nothing, but struggle fruitlessly.
“Let me go!” Every bone in my body shook in shame when I couldn’t do the only purpose I held in my life… To save others.
“I’m sorry.” I sobbed, “I’m so sorry.”
“Next time I would think twice about disobeying orders.” He spat.
“You could have saved him.” Crosshair all, but growled as he knelt beside his comrade.
“He was expendable as are you and as is she. Now get back to work clone.” The Lieutenant ordered as he dragged me behind him, “And now I’ll be dealing with you.”
My eyes widened knowing the meaning behind his words, “No… No, no please.”
I tugged on my hand only to be met with his fist against my cheekbone. The stinging left my vision blurry as I tried to steady myself. I didn’t hear the sniper slowly stand up, his gun raised in anger as he glared towards the monster of the empire.
“Lieutenant.” The sniper growled.
The lieutenant sighed in annoyance as he turned around, “What is it?”
His eyebrows raised at the sight of the gun and he was quick to pull me in front of him, his arm locked around my neck.
“I wouldn’t do anything foolish if I were you clone.” The lieutenant sneered, “You shoot me and I take her down as well.”
“Hm.” He hummed, “You shouldn’t underestimate a clone.” Was all he said before his aim shot through the Lieutenants head before he could even blink.
Two bodies fell in that moment and I was quick to rush to the troopers side. His breathing had slowed as he stared up at the sky.
“You’ll be okay.” I whispered to him, the tears blurring my vision, “I am grateful to you.”
“Crosshair.” He breathed out.
My brows furrowed in confusion, “What?”
“My name…” His eyes began to close, “Is Crosshair.”
My sob came out as a choked laugh as guards began to surround us.
“It’s nice to meet you, Crosshair.” I spoke softly.
I prayed to the force in that moment that it wouldn’t be the end for us.
Please… Let us live.
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donttouchmeimsleeping · 6 months
Text
The thing about Star Wars Narrative
"The Jedi ... the Sith ... you don't get it, do you? To the galaxy, they are the same thing. Just men and women with too much power. Squabbling over religion. While the rest of us burn." - Atton Rand
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Atton was a pilot back during the Old Sith Wars, around 3980 BBY. He was less loyal to any one cause as he was loyal to the people he served with. He would serve for the Republic until Revan became a Sith and he would follow by defecting to the other side.
What I like about Atton is that he wasn't a Jedi and wasn't a Sith, but he was force-sensitive. He was, in the beginning of his character development, an outsiders perspective. Although he wasn't discovered to be one until he was well into his adult years by a captured Jedi who was going to be tortured into a loyal Sith. So he booked it out of the prison he was serving at under Darth Revan, because he knows what they do to Jedi, to any force-sensitives. Afterall, he was trained to be a Jedi Hunter to turn Jedi into Sith. He was well versed in how this process went.
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Yet because he was neither, he got caught in the middle of the cross fire between the Jedi and Sith. He would eventually be trained into a Lost Jedi, which were basically Jedi that went underground during the Great Jedi purge, and part take in forming the foundation of a new Jedi Order. Which would survive and endure the Sith Wars, and all the way until the events of the Skywalker saga where the fate of the galaxy would hang in the balance because of yet another war.
But this time, light does not prevail in this war. A war hidden in another war. A war between the Jedi and Sith, just as much as it's between the Republic and the Separatists.
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Is this not what happened in these movies? Because even though there is a war going on, the war the really matters is always between the Jedi and the Sith.
"To the galaxy, they are the same thing." People (in-universe) could not tell the difference between Jedi and Sith, because they both look the same. They both wear robes, both are too calm in dangerous situations, both carry dangerous plasma glow-sticks of different colors. The only ones that know the difference are the ones the have personal experience with one or the other. Or even both on the off chance.
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"Just men and women with too much power. Squabbling over religion." Because from an outside perspective, like Atton or even us, that's what is looks like without context. Both sides have literally the same abilities just different attitudes at using them, and that where most people turn a blind eye. Because they don't believe these different attitudes mean anything in the face of the power they harness.
(Yet as an audience, with more information as a given, we should know the difference.)
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"While the rest of us burn." But, by this point, everyone knows that Skywalker was so self absorbed that he crippled the galaxy by letting it be ruled by a Sith Emperor with a corrupt empire while also being a compliant right hand to said empire. Basically, in the war between light and dark, the rest of the galaxy is just collateral during and after the battle.
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This has been the case in "Revenge of the Sith" and in "The Return of the Jedi" and even in the Old Sith Wars.
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My point is, the Star Wars narrative has always been about three things: the Jedi; the Sith; and the Galaxy. The Galaxy depends on the Jedi prevailing, the Sith depend on the Galaxy rejecting the Jedi, and the Jedi do what needs to be done.
That is the narrative of Star Wars.
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dokoni-mo · 2 years
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The Throne || Darth Vader x GN! Reader
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summary: he can sense your burning desire.
NSFW // smut
word count: 3713
warnings: thigh-riding, dom/sub undertones, established relationship, secret relationship, praise, cursing, unfair power dynamics, inappropriate usage of the force, mentions of canon-typical violence, fear, very brief and slight degrading, aftercare, soft vader, minor spoilers for Kenobi episode 3
a/n: listen i can't be the only one that thought of this during this scene. also please bear with me if this isn't that good,, i don't write smut very often
~~~
Mustafar. Volcanic planet located on the Outer Rim with rivers of lava cascading all over its rich, black surface. With temperatures so hot enough to burn the inside of your lungs, it's virtually impossible for any living lifeform to thrive upon it. Its one of the last places anyone would want to go.
Yet, for some odd reason, you found yourself there frequently.
It wasn't what you were expecting when you joined the Empire. It wasn't in the slightest. Upon recruit not too long after the Republic fell, you were just expecting to be a solider. Another cog in the wheel. You had signed up just hoping to get any sort of security in a galaxy of seemingly never-ending hostility. You didn't even agree with the Empire. You were just scared of what would happen if you didn't join them.
Perhaps that is what drew him to you. The smell of your fear.
You had always thought you were good at hiding it. You learned how to make sure it didn't show on your face; in your posture. But god damnit it was hard in the Empire. It was even harder around him. Granted, you didn't expect to be assigned maintaining his squadron of troopers so quickly, so you had very little time to prepare yourself. You often found yourself wondering: if you did have time to prepare back then, would it have gone any different? Would you have gotten reassigned by now? Would you have caught his eye like you did? Would the two of you had grown so close as you did?
But, more importantly, would you be in the position that you're in right now?
Growing close to him, you soon found yourself following him everywhere he went. He would make it a point to bring you every single place he went to. And, made it even more of a point to have you close at all times. Even during important meetings where you weren't allowed to be present, he would order you to wait by the door for him to return. Or wait for him to send someone to come and fetch you. It was only then were you allowed to go anywhere else.
This was another one of those times.
You had been waiting outside that room for what seemed like hours. With the hunt for that Obi-Wan guy going on, you were sure that he had a meeting about something related to that with one if not all of the inquisitors. You had heard a lot about them through him; just how useless and weak they were. Of course, you knew despite all of his complaints about them, they were still a force to be reckoned with. They were orders of magnitude more powerful than you. But, of course, compared to him, they were nothing. And you knew that was ultimately what made them get on his nerves.
But, all the same, he still had to deal with them. And whether it was because he wanted to spare you the headache, or simply because he just couldn't let you in on that information, he had you wait outside for him to finish.
You had figured it was going to at most be a few minutes. That, however, turned out to not exactly be the case. The ache in your legs told you that it had at least been a decent while, coupled with the fact that you were growing tired of the view. Mustafar was beautiful, in a very odd, foreboding way. But even with a view like that, you grew tired of waiting. Especially because you weren't allowed to do anything but wait.
Sometimes, it was a painful trade-off; the relationship you had with Lord Vader. But would you trade it for anything?
No. Never in a million years. Call yourself crazy, but you had grown fond of the sith lord after all this time. And, at least to you, he had grown fond of you as well. There weren't many people you were fond of anymore. That being the case, you made it a point to cling onto him like grim death. And if that meant tolerating his busy schedule, along with saving face and doing as he commanded when the two of you were in public (in order to not arouse any suspicion from the rest of the Empirical army), you would happily oblige.
Eventually, after letting what felt like the thousandth sigh that day escape through your lungs, you heard the faint sounds of boots clacking against the shiny, polished ground come around the corner, making your ears perk up at the noise. Turning to look over your shoulder, you couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment when you discovered that the footsteps didn't belong to Lord Vader. Instead, they belonged to one of the stormtroopers that had been stationed outside the door, his blaster held tightly to his chest as he addressed you.
"Commander (L/N)?" the trooper said, getting your attention, "He's ready for you now."
You hoped your eyes didn't reveal the excitement that bubbled up from deep inside you. Giving the trooper a quick nod and a soft thank you, you made it a point to watch the solider leave before you made any moves. He liked to know that when he got you to himself, there was no one around that could potentially ruin the experience. It used to make you scared; knowing that if he flipped his switch one day and killed you, there'd be no one around to hear you scream. But, over time, you found yourself agreeing with him on that.
You liked being alone with the Dark Lord.
Perhaps you have gone crazy.
Your boots clacking against the floor, you rounded the corner to the entrance to the room, stopping briefly in front of the closed doors to punch in your clearance-code. A green light flashed at you when the last of your numbers was punched in, and the large, metal doors parted to open up for you. Immediately, you were greeted with a flash of red light from within, emanating off the windows to the outside world. Stepping into the room, you were greeted as well with the sight of the man of the hour. Lord Vader was perched in the middle of the sleek, dark room, sitting in the equally-as sleek and dark throne in the middle of it all. If it weren't for the few lights within the room itself, coupled with the deep crimson coming from outside, you wouldn't have even noticed that he was there. As soon as he saw you come in, you felt his gaze from behind the mask fall upon your smaller frame, the sound of his rhythmic, mechanical breath filling your ears.
"Commander (L/N)." he rumbled out, not moving an inch from his seated position as he continued to stare ahead at you. This earned a soft smile from you as you reached down beside the doorframe, pressing a few buttons on the control pad to close the doors behind you and lock them there from the inside.
"There's no need for the formalities, Vader." You responded as you pressed the last few buttons on the controls, "I made sure everyone was gone when I came in. It's just us now."
From the corner of your eye, you could see him relax a little more in his seat as you crossed your arms over your chest. Leaning against the doorframe, you were able to get a much better look at him now. Even sitting down, he still had his iconic intimidation factor. And, he still looked huge. He was a very large man to begin with; over six-and-a-half feet tall, all that bulk and armor. Maybe sitting down only amplified just how big his muscles were, because god damn. He really could make anyone feel small. Without even trying.
Interesting.
"How'd it go?" you asked him, lifting up your legs and bending them at the knee one by one to stretch them out.
You watched as he settled his back against the expanse of his throne, his hands loosely balling up into hard, leathery fists.
"I find myself growing more impatient with their incompetence by the hour." He rumbled out, his tone making it clear that he was quite frustrated after that meeting. This made you breathe out a sympathetic yet amused smile with a shrug.
"That's understandable, though." You replied, "I mean, they aren't you, Vader. I'm telling you: You should just go out there yourself, find him yourself. It'll save a lot of people a lot of hassle. And you'd find him a lot quicker."
He let out a low rumbles at your words; a sound he made when he knew that you were right.
"I am afraid I am assigned those fools by order of my master." He said. The mention of that man made you roll your eyes. Yeah, he was your boss, but from what you knew from Vader, he liked to make things unnecessarily complex just for grandiosity. Hell, you weren't even his apprentice, and you were annoyed with him You couldn't imagine how Vader felt about it. But, it was clear to you then that at the very least, he was beyond frustrated about the whole matter. He would never outwardly say it, but you just knew he was.
He didn't have to say it for you to know.
Picking yourself off of the doorframe, you clacked your boots over to where the Sith was sitting, kneeling down in front of him from in-between his long, muscular legs to be more at eye-level.
"Hey," you said softly, smiling up at him from your crouched position as you laid your soft hand on top of his own sat overtop his armored knee, "I'm sure that they'll pull their act together soon, alright? I mean, they have the most intimidating boss in the Galaxy. Surely that's enough motivation for them to get the job done. If not, well, just remind him who their boss is."
Vader stared down at you without a word, his mask pointed right at your face as he gazed down at you. You noticed how his breath in his respirator hitched briefly shortly before he spoke again.
"You have quite the outlook on such matters as these, (Y/N)." He rumbled out. Lifting up the hand that wasn't underneath your own, he reached down and gently cupped your face in his mechanical palm, earning another soft smile out of you from beneath him.
"I'm just telling you how it is. And I just know what you like to hear." you retorted back, leaning your head into his palm as you felt his thumb gently rub back and forth upon your flesh. Shifting your weight onto your knee, you released the hand you had on the one in his lap, replacing it with one on top of the one he had on your face, giving it a gentle squeeze. You relished in the brief moment of silence that fell overtop the pair of you before you spoke again, softer this time.
"I missed you today." You nearly whispered out, just loud enough for him to hear through his helmet. It was very much the truth; you had missed him. Even though you weren't gone for that long.
You watched as his head tilted to the side.
"Is that so?" he questioned. If you weren't paying attention, you would have missed the slight hint of amusement in the back of his voice; in the way the hand on your cheek tightened ever so softly. You nodded in response, feeling your face heat up at his words.
He let out another rumble, sitting back in his chair ever so slightly. He slipped his gloved hand from off your cheek, trailing his long, thick, robotic fingers down the length of your jaw. They found their new home resting upon your chin, the bone being held firmly yet gently between his thumb and pointer finger as he tilted it upwards towards his mask. Getting a good look at your flushed face, his thumb began to travel across your smooth, plump skin, gliding itself over your bottom lip and gently tracing the bottom of it as well.
"Perhaps I have been too neglectful of your needs as of late, commander." He said to you, his voice just a touch deeper than the normal dark, deep bass that it is.
Retracting the hand off your face, Lord Vader fully leaned back in his chair, fixing his posture to sit as straight as possible. The sith pushed his hips out from his seated position, making his legs extend out from his chair just a tad bit more. He snaked his hand down onto his large, thick thigh, patting the material that covered the muscle a few times as an invitation.
"Come."
Obeying his demands, you stood up from your kneeling position, stepping in such a way that each of your legs were on either side of his large thigh. You sat yourself on the midway point between his knee and hip bone, finding the seat rather comfortable despite being so menacing. Unable to quite get your balance at first, you rested your smaller hands on his chest, on either side of the panel of buttons that adorned his solar-plexus. The sith made note of how you seemed to be unable to find your proper balance and decided to help. Reaching out to you, you felt him place one large, strong, gloved hand on either one of your hips, giving them a squeeze of approval as he rubbed his thumbs into the bone underneath your clothing.
The Dark Lord seemed to simply admire you for a moment, perched on his thigh before him. He could feel the way your hands trembled lightly as they laid upon his chest; see the way your eyes were already glazed over in want. He was a busy man. he didn't get to be this close to you as often as he wanted to be.
That's why, when he did get the chance, he was keen on making it memorable.
Your lips parted as you felt his hands begin to travel up and down the expanse of your waist, the way his fingers ghosted over your back making you shudder in the cold, dark room. Your smaller body was warm under his touch, him able to feel it even through all the different layers of clothing and armor that adorned the two of you. Even though you couldn't see exactly where he was looking, you could feel his eyes on you as you felt his hands travel slowly down your back, stopping only briefly to give your hips and butt a tight squeeze.
"You seem unsettled, little one." he spoke to you, making note of the way your hands laid against him, alongside the bend of your brow as your face heated up some more.
"I-It's just been a little while, my lord." you responded back, feeling how his hands traveled back upwards to rest on your hips once again. He let out a rumble of approval at your verbiage; at the way you addressed him. You knew he liked to be called that during times like these. And he knew that you knew. This only added to his satisfaction. But still, the the tone of your voice, he could tell something was wrong. You were nervous. You were right in saying that it had been a while. He's a very busy man.
But then again, there's no need to fret, small one. Lord Vader would never do anything to hurt you.
Not unless you asked him to.
Lord Vader reached up one of his hands and brushed the side of your cheek with the back of his knuckles, "There is no reason to worry, my sweet. I have promised you long ago that I would always take care of you."
The Dark Lord placed his back on your hip.
"Now, allow me to prove it to you, little one. Follow my lead, and don't stop until I say. Otherwise there will be consequences."
Before you could blabber out a response to him, you felt his grip on your hips grow tight, enough to where you knew there would be bruises there in the morning. Without warning, the sith begun to grind your hips down onto his thick, muscular thigh, rocking you back and forth in small motions as your clothed crotch ground against his leg. The sudden motion made you gasp, your hands palming at his chest and shoulder armor as a desperate attempt to keep you balanced. After the initial shock of the sudden pleasure between your legs, you began to rock your hips along with his assistance. A plethora of soft, quiet moans and whimpers escaped your lips, your face heating up even further as you heard your sounds ricochet off of the walls of his throne room.
"There you are, my sweet, there... Keep going, pet. Give yourself to me." Lord Vader commanded you, giving you one quick bounce of his leg and watching you gasp again, but this time a loud, breathy moan following it. Embarrassed by making such a lewd noise, you bit your bottom lip as you tried to suppress your whines, curling your waist as you tried to grid against him further.
Seemingly displeased with you trying to hold back your voice, you watched through blurry, need-filled eyes as the dark lord snaked one of his hands up your body. It only stopped once it reached your chest, the sheer size of it nearly engulfing the entire expanse of your ribcage. Without much of a warning, you couldn't hold back your needy cries as he started to knead and grope at your chest.
"You said you know what I like to hear, correct?" he asked you, only it was phrased as if it were a demand, "Then act like it."
A pang of fear at his displeasure shot through your body. You has yet to see what a punishment from him looked like, and you found yourself not very keen that afternoon to see exactly what it would be. Following his demands, you nodded your head in response and kept your moans vocal without any shame. At the loss of one of his hands, you were finding it hard to balance on his thigh again, making your movements more sloppy than what he would have liked. As a solution, you felt the air around you grow tense as he reached out with his power, using the aid of the force to keep you in place.
Your face looked helpless as you continued to gasp and moan at every stroke along his leg, your cries just has helpless as you.
"F-Fuck- ahh fuck, my lord..! Please, don't stop! So good..!" you blubbered out in between your moans, your hips desperately trying to keep up with his pace.
"Look at you, darling. What a mess you are. You are doing so well for me, little one. Good... keep going. Obey me and I shall reward you." He rumbled in response, his hand on your chest gripping and massaging in all the right places.
After a good while of following his movements, you could feel the old, familiar coil winding inside your stomach. It made your movements more erratic, even to the point to where you were moving your waist much faster than he was guiding you. Feeling your increase in pace, Vader knew that could only mean one thing. To help you along, he began to bounce his knee at random intervals, finding it quite amusing the way you would gasp each time. Your fingers on his chest gripped onto him with nearly all your strength. Your moans had grown louder by the second, only this time you didn't care how embarrassing it was.
It was only him, you were giving them to, anyway.
"I sense that you are close." He said to you, almost so nonchalantly that it made you wanna scream. You tried to respond to him as best you could, but the only thing you could blather out through your thick, lusty haze that crept across your being.
"It is alright, my star. Let go for me. Show me just how I and I alone make you feel."
With that, you let yourself go for him, relishing in the orgasm that ripped itself through your body and forced a plethora of moans escape your lips. Your orgasm made your body go weak, the pure, raw bliss coursing through your veins rendering you unable to move a muscle. To help you ride your high, Lord Vader pushed your hips into his thighs a few more times, his mechanical breath far more ragged than before. He watched as you rose and then came back down from your state of euphoria, watching you without a word as your chest rose and fell beneath his touch as you panted. As he released you from his hold on you through the force, he gently reached out and guided you down to lay against his chest, sensing that you would be far too weak to sit there on your own.
Your body was hot against his, and your small hands grabbed at any part of him that he could reach. With your body in toe, he leaned against the back of his throne, one hand stroking through your sweat, dampened forehead whilst the other held onto you, his arm snaked around your torso. He could tell that you were quite tired now as he rumbled out a few short, small praises to you, not expecting any sort of response in return. Which, for the moment he was fine with. You had done so well for him. It would just be cruel to have you keep going in a state such as this. After having you, he felt much more charitable than he normally did at any given moment.
And whilst sitting upon his throne? In his castle, on his planet on his edge of the galaxy? With his little darling so cutely in his arms?
How could he not be in such a better mood?
~~~
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justagalwhowrites · 10 months
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Beskar Doll - Ch. 1: Faceless Man
You're in trouble. Again. And the only person who can get you off world? A Mandalorian bounty hunter. Chapter Master List. AO3. Overall Master List.
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Pairing: Din Djarin x Female Reader
Warnings: None yet! No use of Y/N. Whole piece is violent and smutty so minors? DNI. 18+ ONLY.
Length: 3.9k
A/N: Hi all! So the first 30 chapters of this are up on AO3 (linked above) but I plan to post about a chapter a day here until I'm caught up. Read along at whatever pace brings you joy on whatever site brings you joy! I'm just too lazy to post all the existing chapters here in one go, so we're spreading this out a bit. Thank you so much for reading! I love you all!
6 ABY - 3 Years Ago
Your father, you were certain, was being paranoid.
His eyebrows had been knitted together for days, a perpetual frown on his hardened but handsome face. He had never been paranoid before, though. Worried, sure. You don’t end up baking in the desert suns of Tatooine after fleeing your home during galactic civil war without worry. Worry you could deal with. But this? This was new. 
“We’ll find someone who can take you off world,” he said, more to himself than to you, his fingers knitting together on the cantina table. He was wearing his best clothes, some of the last he had left from your years on Naboo, hoping that looking like he had money would get someone to take him seriously. But the once fine garments were washed out and worn, the cuffs tattered and elbows threadbare. Anyone looking closely would see through him. “Once you’re away from here, you’ll be safe…” 
“I’m safe here,” you put your hands over his, thumbs running over his knuckles. “You’re over reacting…” 
“No,” he shook his head, voice firm. “You don’t know what beings like that will do, you’re too young to remember the worst of the Empire…” 
“I remember plenty,” you cut him off. You’d meant for your voice to be soothing but instead it sounded impatient and harsh. “This is nothing like that…” 
“No, you’re right,” he snapped. “This is worse. They’re not coming for us or our planet, they’re coming for you.” You rolled your eyes and fell back in your seat, crossing your arms over your chest. With any luck, the bounty hunter who the friend of a friend told your father might be willing to take on some “questionable cargo” wasn’t even on planet. Soon, you could make the trek home and put this stupid spaceport trip - and your father’s paranoia - behind you. 
“Darling girl,” he said, Bothese comforting after being surrounded by Basic. “Your mother and I cannot lose you. We have to do everything we can to protect you…” 
The cantina went quiet and your father did too as he looked past you to the entrance, following the eyes of everyone else in the bar. He swallowed, hard, and you twisted to see just what had caught his attention. In the door, blotting the light from the street beyond, was a man covered in armor. Your mouth went dry. You hadn’t been surrounded by faceless threats since the war and this tall, broad man was nothing if not a threat. 
He looked around, analyzing the space like a warrior or a hunter. You moved slowly, cautiously - like an animal trying to not become prey - to put yourself between this man and your father. The faceless man was large and your father hadn’t been well in years. You would survive a hit from this man - or you thought you would, at least. Your father might not. 
The man spotted you, turning his attention to your table and the rest of the cantina picked up where they left off - relieved to not be in his sights. Your spine stiffened. You wouldn’t go down without a fight. 
But when he approached your table, he didn’t touch you. Instead, he stood in front of you, armor sending spots of light splashing onto the walls. He looked behind you, like you weren’t even there, down toward your father at the table.  
“You needed transport,” he said. It wasn’t a question. 
“Yes,” your father almost jumped to his feet before gently moving you aside, offering a handshake. The masked man didn’t take it. Your father stood there, awkwardly, for a moment before dropping his hand. “Yes, my daughter needs transport off world.” 
You fought to not disagree with him in front of this large man, but you did give him a look all the same. Was he really going to send you off with this stranger? One whose face you couldn’t see and who looked like he could snap you like a twig? 
“Where?” The man asked. You looked closer at him, trying to place the armor. He obviously wasn’t a stormtrooper - though the familiar unease you had when looking at one was there.
“Across the galaxy,” your father said quietly. “I’d rather you not know until you were both far from here.” 
“I have other jobs I’m committed to,” he shrugged and turned to leave. For half a moment, you thought that might be the end of it. That you could go home. But your father was persistent. 
“Good,” he said quickly, grabbing the man’s armored arm. You watched his reaction carefully. The man moved quickly at first, like he was responding to a threat, before catching himself half a second before you intervened. He looked slowly from your father’s hand to his face. You weren’t sure if your father even noticed, desperate to convince this man to take you away. “That’s good - better, in fact. It will make her harder to trace…” 
“I don’t move fugitives,” he cut him off. 
“She’s not,” your father said quickly. “She’s not in trouble with the law, it’s not that. There’s… She’s being hunted.” 
You rolled your eyes as the man looked at you. You couldn’t see his eyes through the darkness of his visor but you could feel them on you, assessing you. 
“He’s exaggerating,” you said. “I upset the wrong people…” 
“There’s no bounty,” your father said quickly. “And no warrant. She just isn’t safe here. Please.” 
The man looked back to your father. 
“Across the galaxy comes at a cost,” he said. “And I can’t promise it will be quick.” 
Your eyes widened a bit as you tried to hide your shock. The way the conversation had been going, you thought you’d be back home before too long, not one foot onto a faceless man’s transport. 
“We can pay,” your father practically dove into the bag at his hip, pulling out a hunk of shining metal and holding it up as an offering. The man stood still for a second, looking at the metal, before taking it with a sense of reverence. You frowned as you saw it next to his helmet as he examined it. The chunk in his hand was rough but it was obviously the same material. “Please, it’s all we have left but it’s yours…” 
“I’ll take her where she needs to go,” the man said, putting the metal in a pouch at his hip before turning to you. “Meet me at the Razor Crest, at the port. We leave in an hour.” 
You watched the man leave before turning back to your father who sank into the booth. He looked resigned, his face firm. 
“Father,” you shifted to Bothese, the first language he taught you after Basic, taking the seat across from him. “We don’t have to do this. I don’t want to do this. I want to stay here. You and Mother are all I have left, I can’t… Please. Don’t ask me to start over, not again. Or at least come with me…” 
“We would be nothing but a risk to you,” he smiled sadly. “And I’m not sure your mother could survive it even if we could. Darling girl, it is our job to keep you alive. That is more important than me, her or our life here. The only way is if you leave. And you will leave, you can’t make us lose another child.” 
It was a low blow. You were sure he had been saving it, a secret weapon to force you onto the vessel. Your mother’s health had been fragile since you’d come to Tatooine just over two years ago. Losing you to another planet would be hard, but losing you to death would be impossible. 
“OK,” you said quietly, switching back to Basic. It didn’t feel right, accepting leaving what remained of your family in Bothese. “I’ll go.” 
You sat in the cantina a while longer, pretending things were normal. You would miss this place. It wasn’t home exactly but it was familiar. That familiarity was hard won. You hadn’t expected to feel comfortable anywhere again, like you could let your guard down. It had taken more than a year of living on this planet to get there but you had and now you were leaving it behind. 
If you’d doubted finding familiarity before, you were even less hopeful now. Without your family, you’d have nothing to hold onto, nothing to put down roots with. You’d felt lonely for a long time but to be truly alone was something else entirely. 
Even though you walked slowly to the spaceport and found the hanger, it felt too fast. 
“Mando!” A hanger worker called, running over to the ship as the armored man came down the ramp. You frowned, suddenly realizing why you recognized the armor. Mando. Mandalorian. Your father was shipping you away with the member of a religious cult that worshipped weapons. After all you’d done, all you’d seen…
“Father,” you put your back to the ship and lowered your voice. “This is a bad idea, Mandalorians…” 
“Live by a creed and he said he would transport you,” he cut you off. “They’re unmatched warriors…”  “He’s for sale,” you hissed. “Creed or no…” 
“This isn’t the rebellion anymore, Darling Girl,” he brushed back the hair that had come loose from the knot on your head. “For sale is a good thing. He’ll get you there.” 
You nodded, swallowing the tears threatening to break through. If you started crying now, leaving would be worse. Your father smiled sadly before pulling you into his arms, holding you to his chest. He pressed a kiss to your temple. 
“Never forget how much we love you,” he said softly. “Be safe.” 
“I’ll come back,” you said. “I’m not abandoning you…” 
“No,” he stepped back from you, his hands on your shoulders. Tears glistened in his eyes. “Go out, live your life. Find happiness. You deserve that much. We never should have asked so much of you. We should have known it would have been different for you than it was for your mother…”
“I love you,” you changed to Bothese for what you hoped wouldn’t be the last time. You couldn’t bear this conversation. You’d rather never have it at all than have it now. “So much.” 
“I know,” he kissed your forehead. 
“Time to go,” the Mandalorian had appeared behind you, making you jump. You weren’t sure how someone so large and covered in metal could move so quietly but he managed it. He paused, looking down at you and your father. He turned to leave but seemed to think better of it. “I’ll get her there safely. You have my word.” 
Your father gave him a grateful nod before the Mandalorian took his leave. 
With a final squeeze of your hands, your father handed you the only bag you’d be starting your new life with. It was odd, holding all you had left in your hands. You tried to memorize his face, making notes of the lines around his mouth, the flecks of gold in his irises, the freckles across his cheeks. Neither of you could bring yourselves to say goodbye but you felt his eyes on you as you walked up the ramp, resisting the urge to look back. There was no point in longing for what you could not have. 
The ship was old, that was clear, but well loved. The Mandalorian obviously cared for it. You wondered if the ship’s age was necessity or a tactic. Surely other bounty hunters and New Republic patrols alike would underestimate it at a glance but you knew your ships. This one was solid. 
“You should strap in in the cockpit for takeoff,” the Mandalorian appeared behind you again, sending your heart to your throat. 
“Do you do that a lot?” You asked. 
“Do what?” Even with the modulator he had a pleasant voice, soothing and even. It irritated you. You didn’t want to like anything about this man.
“Sneak up on people.” 
The modulator picked up a puff of air. 
“Yes.” 
You glared after him as he stalked off to climb the ladder to the cockpit. You found what seemed like a safe nook to stash your bag, making sure nothing in the hold would shift and crush it when you launched, and followed him into the cockpit. 
It wasn’t large but you’d flown in tighter spaces - one of the many things that came along with serving someone trained as a fighter pilot. The Mandalorian was already in the captain’s seat and the only other option was beside him. You sighed, taking your seat and buckling up as he started pushing buttons on the dash. You watched his launch sequence, trying to memorize it. You were far from the most skilled pilot you knew but you could get along in a pinch. You liked knowing at least how to operate the ships you were aboard - it felt safer that way, gave you a sense of control even when you didn’t have it. 
You took one last look out at the hanger, your father still standing where you left him. You raised a hand, even though you know he can’t see it, bidding him farewell. You left it up as the ship rose off the ground, sand swirling, until the hanger was out of sight, not even a speck in the sea of yellow-orange that made up Tatooine. 
“Wow,” you whisper, gazing down at the planet. The color was vibrant, a bright swirl below, taking focus to notice the variations that indicated the rise and fall of the dunes, the settlements that managed to survive the harsh climate. It was hard to believe you weren’t there anymore. That you’d ever been there at all. 
“What?” The Mandalorian asked after a moment. It took you a second to realize that you’d spoken aloud. 
“Oh,” you said, glancing over at him before looking back at the planet. “I just… I’ve never seen Tatooine from space. Any desert planet from space. I hadn’t really thought about how different it would seem…” 
“You aren’t from here,” he said. It wasn’t a question but you answered anyway. 
“No.” 
“How didn’t you see it?” 
“I just…” You paused. You remembered the disorientation of waking up there, a world you’d never touched, body throbbing with pain that threatened to put you under again, the sound of your mother sobbing. “I didn’t see it when we came in and I haven’t been off world since.” 
You could feel his eyes on you again, silently evaluating you. You hated it. 
“Where am I taking you?” He asked eventually. “Across the galaxy is a big target.” 
“Dantooine,” you said, pulling your eyes from the planet you’d tried to call home to look at the armor-clad man beside you. He nodded slowly. 
“It will be a long trip,” he said, punching in coordinates on his navi. “I have some pucks that need fulfilling.” 
“I’m in no rush,” you sank down in the chair with a shrug. “There’s nothing waiting for me there.” 
He looked back over at you. His gaze was unnerving. The helmet set you on edge, the total coverage too close to the armor of a stormtrooper. They were faceless killing machines, beings designed to inflict as much pain and death as they could wherever they touched. Their uniformity made them inhumane, distanced them from their victims in a way that made it so they could mercilessly slaughter innocents. Whole planets had been lost to the Empire at the hands of faceless men. You didn’t like being so close to this one. 
“Is it safe for me to go to the hold?” You asked after a moment. He looked at you. “I don’t want to be on the ladder if we’re jumping.” 
“You’re safe,” he said after a moment. You gave him a stiff nod and went below, leaving him to input your route. 
*** 
There was something off about his new… cargo. Din didn’t like not knowing what was going on his ship. When he picked up a bounty, he knew who they were, what they’d done and who was willing to pay. It was simple. You were another story. 
A contact had told him to seek you out at the cantina. Well, not you, exactly. An older Naboo man willing to pay well for a cargo run. The contact he trusted. Mostly. But the lead seemed good and it was better to pick up some cargo here than run empty handed to start hunting again, especially if the cargo wasn’t on a time crunch. He wasn’t expecting the cargo to be human. 
He’d nearly turned it down, but the desperation on the older man’s face made him give in and when he saw the beskar, he couldn’t say no. He’d almost reconsidered when he saw you both at the hanger again, but something your father said made him bite his tongue. “We never should have asked so much of you.” 
He didn’t know a lot of Naboo but they’d never struck him as the type to force things on their children. Your father obviously loved you. It puzzled him. 
He wondered, idly, if your family had been powerful Imperials. The Emperor had been from Naboo, and if you’d been shipped off to Tatooine on some fancy cruiser, of course you wouldn’t have seen it as you landed - too busy lounging in your finery. He scoffed. Maybe someone had learned what you were and were hunting you down. Why else would you be going across the galaxy when your home world was so close? If he was right, you’d deserve it. 
He finished programming the navi, almost purposely picking the puck that would take him further from Dantooine, not closer. If you were Imperial, he’d still fulfill his contract. He’d given his word and he wouldn’t go back on it. But he wouldn’t have to make it easy on you. 
Eventually, he went down into the hold. He told himself it was to use the fresher and settle in for the night but, really, he wanted to know what you were up to. If you were Imperial, there was a chance you’d try to kill him. Small, perhaps, but it was there. He’d like to know it was coming. 
It took him longer than he liked to find you. It put him out of sorts, not knowing exactly where things were on his ship, especially living things. On the rare occasions he transported people who weren’t prisoners, they stuck to sitting on a crate, in the copilot’s seat or in the galley. You, however, had folded yourself into a nook between crates, hiding you from view. If it hadn’t been for the heat signature, he may not have found you at all. 
He approached silently, wondering if he could catch you in the act. He looked down at you from the top of the crates but you were almost disappointing. You’d taken your hair down since you’d come aboard, the curtain of it so long that part of it pooled on the floor around your hips. There was a data pad on your lap and you were looking at it intently, lips slightly pursed. The only indication that something was off was the redness in your eyes and a tear clinging to your lower lashes. 
“What are you reading?” He asked. You nearly jumped out of your skin, clutching the data pad to your chest. He snorted. 
“Maker!” Your body went limp against the crate before you turned your steely gaze on him. “Why do you do that?” 
“It’s my ship,” he shrugged. “I can do what I want.” 
“Yes, because that’s a good reason,” you rolled your eyes before unfolding yourself from the space between crates and standing up to look him in the eye. He was still more than a head taller than you - the top of your head would barely graze his chin if he pulled you against him. 
“You found a hiding place,” he said, nodding to the cramped spot. He didn’t think he could sit inside it the way you did, his bulk too great. You were smaller, nimble. 
“I like small spaces,” you said, sounding almost ashamed of it. After a moment you stuck your chin out proudly. “Not that it’s your business.” 
“My ship, my business,” he shrugged. “I like to know where my cargo is.” 
“I’ll stay in the hold like a good little bounty,” you glared at him. 
“You didn’t answer the question,” he said, taking the data pad from you before you had the chance to stop him. He frowned. You hadn’t been reading at all. It was a picture. You were younger than you were now, probably a teenager. Your hair was braided elaborately and you were wearing something that looked almost impossibly soft to the Mandalorian. He wondered what it would be like to touch something that soft. 
With you was obviously your family, your father’s arm around your waist on one side, the woman who had to be your mother on the other. There were two young men behind you, both in Naboo pilot uniforms. You snatched the data pad back before he could take in the rest. You clutched it to your chest, clinging to it desperately. 
“No,” you snapped, your voice cracking. “You don’t get to take this from me.” 
“Don’t worry,” he said cooly. “Wouldn’t want to steal whatever fond memories you have of the Empire.” 
You looked so offended that, for a moment, he thought he might be wrong. But you didn’t say anything. Instead, you flicked off the data pad and stared him down. 
“Is there a reason you were looking for me?” You asked. 
“We’re headed to Crait,” he replied. “Stay out of the cockpit.” 
“Fine,” you snapped. 
“We don’t have the kind of accommodations you’re probably accustomed to,” he said, voice still cold. “But there’s a sleeping mat you can lay out in here.” 
“I’m a moisture farmer,” you glared at him. “I’m not exactly used to luxury.” 
“You weren’t always a moisture farmer, were you?” He said. It was the first time he’d asked you a question but it was obvious he didn’t expect a response. He didn’t know how he was going to get you to Dantooine without killing you. Imperials were responsible for the devastation of his people and his planet and now he was carting one clear across the galaxy - an annoying one at that. You didn’t say anything but your glare was watery. “Didn’t think so. What’s your name?” 
“Why do you care?” You snapped. 
“I like to know what I’m hauling,” he replied. 
“Liska,” you said after a moment. He paused. 
“What name were you using when you took that picture,” he asked. 
“You can’t take that from me, either,” you replied. 
He looked at you for a moment. He couldn’t research you without a name but given the state of archives from the Imperial era, he’d probably be out of luck anyway. Liska might be a pile of bantha shit but it was something. 
“Sleeping pad is in the cabinet next to the fresher,” he said. “Try not to sleep where you’ll get crushed.” 
With that he stalked off, leaving you alone with your memories. 
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2cutie · 2 months
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Shang Tsung with Hope is now my roman empire, and if one of them dies - I will be crying rivers, so angst time!
During Titan Shang Tsung reveal and fight with Order of Darkness, Hope could try to attack Titan ST but he just grabs the cat and could probably harm it heavily (throwing it or doing something evil, all my homies hate Titan Shang Tsung). I think Shang would go rampage and try to kill his Titan counterpart, but second one already disappears.
i love angst, thank you for feeding me. Please, allow me to make it so much worse <33 also sorry this took me ages to reply, I saved this ask to think about and then forgot it was still in my box bfchd continuing cat!reader+Shang Tsung prompt
Shang had to (begrudgingly) side with Liu Kang when he realized he was a victim of deception. His own kind, even, from another timeline. It was both disgracing yet commendable.
Hope - you, his loyal & fierce cat - of course stood beside him through anything, even wars. Shang had trained you, enhanced you; you would battle by his side 'til the end.
So when Titan Shang Tsung posed a threat to your Shang, you were in a fury. You were fighting alongside him, but the Titan's army was vast, and you were caught between fighting many villains with familiar yet different faces from those in your timeline. Shang was fighting his own battles as you both could hold your own.
But that was until the Titan variation of him diverted his attention to Shang. Both versions of themselves battled, but your timeline's was not to compare to the Titan version. When you finished fending off your own enemy and looked to Shang, you saw him spiraling back to the floor, blood gushing from his nose. The crimson flow was staining his clothes, his hand grasping it doing nothing stop the blood.
You barely registered moving, or your claws gashing alongside the Titan's face. But you did feel the immense pain that followed after. The feeling of something - maybe somethings - in your body shattering as you were thrown to a wall that crumbled as you hit it. Some stone also would land on you from the sheer age of the deteriorating architect. Your mind turned fuzzy then, you couldn't really comprehend things. You felt paralyzed. Maybe you were. You could only faintly feel the buzz of pure pain vibrating through you.
Shang was still, as if he could not comprehend what had happened. He stared with wide eyes where he saw your body fall to, but the rubble was blocking him from seeing you. He didn't breath as he stared with a blank mind.
Until the Titan scoffed and his eyes flicked back to him with immense speed, a searing inhuman anger in his glare. The Titan Shang wore an impressive wound - your claws had seared him across his cheeks and to his lips, blood gushing down to stain his chin and neck, to his clothes. He wiped in vain, as the blood continued. You cut deep.
Frankly, Titan Shang Tsung barely registered what he had thrown to the wall; just acted purely on instinct from the threat and pain. But when he gazed back to his lesser counterpart, saw his towering rage, a wicked smile spread across his bloodied lips. Blood filtered to his mouth, staining his teeth.
"Oh my," the titan spoke, pure velvet. Sickening. Impure. "I didn't hurt your little cat now, did I? You can't possibly blame me. Who would bring a pet to a fight? That's all your own fault, really."
Shang Tsung's teeth bared as the Titan approached and he brought his hand away from his nose, instead using it to pull himself back up. Now, Shang didn't show much of his emotions outside of his careless, sassy demeanor. But now? He was pure unchecked, hysteria rage. Purely seething. If looks could kill, Titan Shang Tsung wouldn't be just dead a million times over, he wouldn't even have been born.
"How sad," the Titan continued, circling slowly around him. Predatory. Like an animal teasing his prey. "To think an offspring from me could be so pitifully stupid. Getting attached to such a filthy thing.. I truly am the superiority of all timelines. Which is exactly why I-"
Often times, Shang would ramble to you. It had been a thing between you two, since he didn't keep friends. He would ramble and catch your expression when he spoke too much. But he would roll his eyes and continue. "Please, I do not talk *that* much," he would say, containing to ramble.
But now? Yes, he could see just how much he talked. Just how insatiably annoying it could be.
Because he just gave a vicious, toasty uppercut to Titan Shang Tsung just to shut him up. It caught him so off guard, he bit his tongue, the appendage almost splitting in two.
The horror that passed on the Titan's face for even a split second before shifting to annoyance and anger would fuel Shang. Seeing more blood spill from his mouth inspired him. The Titan had to keep his chin tilted so he wouldn't choke on the blood. Shang hoped he would - but wouldn't mind if he didn't either. That way he could kill Titan Shang Tsung himself. Feel his neck crunch in his hands. He would avenge you.
a/n: ending is up to youuuu. did you survive?? does shang win?? eye emojs all around !!
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pathetic-gamer · 1 year
Text
Fashion in Fódlan part iii: yet another very long and entirely unsolicited FE3H costume design analysis
This time, we're focusing specifically on the placement of quivers, because that's a very normal thing to get caught up in and I'm very normal.
[Part 1, focused on money and social aspects in all three countries; Part 2, focused on political aspects between church/empire; bonus part 2.5, regarding a crown]
This post came about because of this video from @blumineck (who posts lots of cool stuff btw, go check out his blog), which talks about quiver types and their purposes, pros and cons, etc.
Shall we?
So, while watching that video, I remembered for whatever reason that Cyril has a back quiver, but Ashe has a hip quiver.
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The reason my brain went there was that I immediately thought "Oh, Cyril actually does more hunting and physical labor than Ashe, and as demonstrated in the video, a back quiver is more practical for him. That makes sense - great attention to detail, FE3H character designers!"
I figured that would likely carry over to other characters, specifically our other canonically talented hunters. Therefore, Leonie and Petra should also have back quivers, yes?
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Wrong! Leonie has a hip quiver, and Petra has no quiver.
That's odd, so let's look into this a little deeper. Here are the other canon archers:
Shamir
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Claude
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Ignatz
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Bernadetta
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You will note that Ignatz and Claude don't have quivers in their outfits, but Claude does wear a hip quiver in an animated 2d cutscene. Ignatz we've already determined is a bit if an anarchist, so nothing interesting there - he will be benched from the discussion.
The really notable thing here, which I'm sure you've picked up on, is that everyone except Cyril uses hip quivers.
BUT WAIT!
Let's consider Claude again. Check out his final class, Barbarossa:
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What's that I spy? A back quiver???
Surely you can make the connection easily: Our two token Almyrans are the *only* people with back quivers.
So, why is that?
Let's return to the others, briefly. What do Ashe, Leonie, and Bernadetta all have in common? Their skills set them up for becoming bow knights. Shamir just wants to remain a sniper, but can go that direction as well.
Mounted archery almost always uses hip quivers, according to my research (*cough cough duck duck go image search "mounted archery"*), so it makes sense that all of our innate archers have those hip quivers.
What makes Claude and Cyril different? Well, thanks to Almyran typecasting, they are both placed on wyverns, not horses! That means significantly more mobility than the bow knights (bow knights aren't doing loop-de-loops), so they need their quivers to be more secure! Boom, mystery solved!
...or is it?
Of course not. It always goes deeper.
Tell me, history buffs: Throughout world history, who are among the most famous horse archers? What group of people most immediately comes to mind? Among whom, exactly, were armies of mounted archers a defining feature?
If you said Mongolians, you were right.
And how, pray tell, do Mongolian horseback archers wear their quivers?
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ON THEIR BACKS. CHECKMATE.
(I tried to find name of this archer to credit her but couldn't track it down. She was the winner of a competition that took place during a festival in Inner Mongolia, China at some point in the last like 15 years, so incredibly skilled. Wish I could point y'all in her direction for more cool stuff!)
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shuttershocky · 1 year
Text
I have wrathful cerulean flame brainworms again so now I'm thinking about how Amiya's confrontation with Kaschey subverted how Amiya's destiny as the Lord of Fiends is treated by the story.
It's established very early on in Arknights that Amiya's powers are abnormal even within Terra's fantasy setting, and that the rings she wears that restrain her are for her own good. We were not quite sure yet what her powers really meant at that point, but it certainly looked like more of a curse than an ability.
Later on, we found out just what Amiya really is. The Lord of Fiends is the title of the Sarkaz king, which she inherited from her adoptive mother Theresa, the deposed leader of Kazdel and founder of Rhodes Island.
The Lord of Fiends is known by some as the mythological enemy of humanity, a harbinger of death who will bring about total annihilation. One of Silverash's lines to the Doctor has him saying to put Amiya in chains before they end up crowning her. Kal'tsit has Amiya's body sealed under ten rings at all times, demanding that Doctor must prevent Amiya from unsealing the rings at all costs lest she fulfill this destiny. Even a Sarkaz like Buldrokkas'tee sees a vision that the surface of the world will be blanketed with bones should Amiya be allowed to live and grow up.
These moments are meant to be sad and foreboding (obviously), not just acting as grim reminders of Amiya's place in the world being set even when she's still just a child, but as the alternative to the fact that Amiya and Rhodes Island might not even have a future at all, with Amiya being infected and Rhodes Island being an infected organization created and still partly run by the Sarkaz, the most oppressed group of peoples in Terra.
But this gets turned on its head during the confrontation with Kaschey.
Kaschey believes he lives an existence beyond that of humans. He is an impossibly ancient being of innumerable faces and names, wearing people as masks and their lives as clothes. They are nothing but cattle (uh, burdenbeasts,) to him, lower beings that, in his own words, were born to be ruled. He is not a person, because people die, and he is The Deathless, he is the one who loves Ursus, the very meaning of Empire itself. In his own words, "people were born to be ruled."
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No one can touch Kaschey when they can only fight the face he currently wears, hate the name he hides behind. His invisibility is the source of his invincibility, and in turn it is the root of his ego and self-belief as a higher power.
Yet, just like the humans he believes to be above, Kaschey feels fear — fear of the Sarkaz kings. Unlike those who fear the Lord of Fiends through reputation or prophesy alone, Kaschey fears them from something they've actually done.
The reigning king of the Sarkaz has the ability to look into the hearts of people. The kings of old could /see/ him, hiding inside the shells of his victims. They could fight /him/, and not just the people he uses as puppets. The Sarkaz Kings destroyed the idea that the Deathless Black Snake was untouchable.
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For Amiya, who is so young, whose lungs were on fire and who was so scared she could burst into tears, Kaschey's fear of the Lord of Fiends was Amiya's moment of courage—a reminder about whose legacy she was upholding by taking this fight, and who chose her to do it. A reminder that part of Theresa is still with her, and can still make the great and terrible shrink back from her name alone.
Amiya may have pulled a magic sword, but it was Kaschey's fear that truly legitimized her as Theresa's heir. If she's just a stupid kid and illegitimate heir by a lunatic king like Kaschey claimed
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then why be scared at all?
If Amiya must live her life caught in a vicious cycle of oppression and discrimination as an infected and as someone adopted by a Sarkaz, then why not own it and do exactly as her adoptive ancestors did centuries ago, and what Theresa would do if she were here now?
Call for the Snake by name. Challenge his mastery over the world. Let him know you can see him.
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Let him know you can beat him.
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nahoney22 · 2 years
Note
Congrats on your 2k followers! You deserve it!
I would like to request something soft and sweet with either Echo or Cross.. ❤
Thanks!
Unpredictable
Crosshair X F!Reader
word count: 2.3k
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Reunited back with his brothers and sister, Crosshair also wasn’t expecting the party of six to be seven when you showed up. A kind hearted civilian who makes sure you’re all in check, Crosshair can’t help but harbour feelings for you as you show him what a little bit of kindness can do.
warnings: fluff for the most part, Crosshair has crush on reader, little bit of angst, mentions of the Empire and imperial Crosshair with chip removed. Enjoy. 🤍
———————————
There was a definite strain on the squad at the present moment with Crosshair returning. He was quiet usually, never being a conversationalist anyway but now he was pretty much mute.
He’d grunt his responses about any topic, stayed out of planning missions and just followed orders without a question.
It was Omega who had definitely made a big effort to bring Crosshair out of his shell but he had once caught her staring at his burn and snapped at her about it.
She apologized straight away and he felt a twinge of regret when he saw her eyes get a little misty. The girl hurried away with her tail between her legs but Crosshair sighed and shook his head at his attitude. He should know better than to be hostile towards her. After all, she had saved his life when Kamino fell.
“Don’t worry, she’ll forget about it.”
Crosshair looks up at the sound of a sudden voice beside him. Your voice.
Right away, Crosshair was intrigued yet skeptical about you. Of course he was wary of new people and had trouble with trust now. After all, he had a chip in his head his whole life that made him lose control. He tried to kill his brothers… but all of these thoughts left when you spoke to him.
Problem was, he wasn’t very good at showing his interest towards you. Often he would be a little moody but for some reason unknown to him, you didn’t seem to mind. Instead, you just smiled at him and moved on about your day. He had a feeling you may have rolled your eyes behind his back whenever one of his brothers saw. But still, Crosshair couldn’t help but stare from afar as you tended to each of his brothers and sister.
“Maybe.” He manages out at long last of staring at you, glancing away as you sit on the chair across from him with a cup of caf in your embrace.
“No, she will. She likes you a lot.” You chuckle, watching as Omega began to climb onto Wreckers back as he did push ups just outside the cockpit door.
Crosshair watched too before stealing a glance your way, watching the way your lips pursed as you blew the radiating steam away from your cup before taking a sip. Your eyes closed, a content look on your face as you drink its contents and let out a little ‘ah’.
“Do you want some?”
A jolt of panic shot through him as he realised he got caught staring, a tinge in his mouth as he tried to swallow down the slight embarrassment. “No.”
You raise a brow, always slightly amused by his lack of manners but you came to the conclusion quickly that he had always been that way pre-Empire. Regardless, you enjoyed his silent company. He never chewed your ear off as much as you like Tech, he didn’t bicker when you wanted a moment's peace like Echo and Hunter did and he certainly did not try to use you as a weight during one of Wrecker’s workout routines. Oddly, the silence was often bliss when you were with him. Also, you could read him pretty well and knew when something was bothering him.
“Alright. May I check your scar?”
Crosshair grumbles internally but he had been aggressively itching it in his sleep, causing it to blister and it had seeped a little.
Tech first addressed it to him with a closer inspection, literally almost crawling in his lap to plant his goggles as close up and personal as he can to inspect the injury but the only person he’d let close to him at this moment in time was you.
Albeit, it was possibly because he did have a little crush on you. He couldn’t help it; you had shown him nothing but kindness which couldn’t really be said for his brothers. Understandably of course. They had tried with him but his temperament was something that needed work on.
“In the bunks. C’mon.” Crosshair gruffs, making his way to the bunks, leaving you behind.
“Lead the way, sir.” Your sarcastic tone rang in his ears and he almost cursed at himself for his bossy attitude when you’re just about to help him. Regardless, he sat on the edge of his bunk as you walked in and began to assess the scarring on his head.
“Does it feel sore?” You ask, head tilting as you analyze his injury and turn away to root for some supplies.
His arms fold over his chest, watching you only when your back is turned before looking down at his feet when you turn back with a spray in hand. “Not at the moment.”
You set the supplies down beside him and stared at him for a moment. You didn’t know what Crosshair was like before. Was he often this sullen? So distant? You felt yourself pitying him and you were so lost in your own thoughts that it took him to clear his throat to gain your attention back. “What are you staring at?”
You jolt a little, eyes looking at his face to see him staring right at you with a furrowed brow.
“Sorry, was just thinking about the best way to go about this.” You say smoothly, covering yourself with a lie rather than saying what you were actually thinking.
“Right,” he shifts a little in his spot, maybe starting to get a little uncomfortable. More so than before. “Just get it sorted or whatever you have to do. Wanna do some training.”
A small smile finds its way onto your lips and you grab some wipes and give him a quick warning that the spray may sting. “That’s exciting! What training are you thinking of doing today?”
Crosshair felt his jaw clenching, uncertain how he could respond just as eagerly as you did. You sprayed at his burn and you were right, it did sting but you were none the wiser if it hurt him. His face looked unfriendly even before the spray went on.
“Just shooting.” He replied.
You hum in acceptance at his answer although it was very boring. Ever so gently, not even realising you were doing it, your hand placed on his shoulder as if to give yourself balance when tending to him. You were using the wipes now, wiping away the excess spray as well as little spots of blood that dried around his skin.
The Sniper stiffened but he wasn’t sure if it was due to the pain or because you were touching him. He kept his head straight but his eyes drifted to the side, seeing your fingers gently rest on his shoulder and he felt different. Almost content that you trusted him enough to touch him.
“You know,” you speak up, bringing him out of his thoughts, “maybe you could take Omega with you?”
That content feeling vanished in an instant, almost annoyed that you would even suggest that. “Yeah? Don’t think the others would let her come with me alone.” He spat and you almost flinched at how he turned from almost calm to bitter very easily.
“Sorry I just thought-.”
“You thought wrong. That kid would get in the way.”
You sigh and pull away from him and instantly Crosshair misses your touch as you turn away and throw the used items away. “I disagree with you. She’d be interested in learning from you.”
“Doubt it.” He grunts. For someone so quiet he can be a right pain in the behind when he wants to be.
“Are you just going to not speak to her? To any of them?” You raised your voice a little, finally showing a sign of annoyance towards him. He was surprised but it wasn’t exactly a shock that you finally snapped at him. He knew he was being difficult but he knew he was gone beyond repair at this point.
He uncrossed his arms, fingers gripped to the edge of his bunk as he saw a certain glow in your eyes. He lost his voice, his reasoning at this point. He had done so much bad he felt as though there was no point of redemption, no matter what he did.
You could see the war in his mind from where you stood and you let out a dejected sigh and folded the medkit up and stowed it away. “Just try, please. I know we don’t know each other well and you don’t have to listen to me but just try.”
Crosshair stares at your back, not saying anything as his eyes squint a little before you turn back around and quickly put a patch on his head without giving him a second glance. “All done. You can go.”
He chews on the inside of his cheek, noticing how your usually relaxed shoulders are tense and he thought about your plea. He didn’t want to argue, especially with you so he slowly stood.
You were trying to occupy yourself by slowly packing stuff up, not wanting to seem that you were in a rush to get away but if he was going to be hostile, there was no point in you staying any longer. Even if you found yourself wanting to.
Your ears perked up, hearing some rustling and then a subtle tap to your shoulder.
You glance over to see him holding his arm out to you, something bunched up in his grasp. He wasn’t looking at you but his cheeks were a flaming glow which peaked your interest.
“What’s this?” You question, now turning to face him fully.
“Just… take it.” He winces, looking straight ahead at the door he was almost getting ready to bound out.
You reach out your hand and that’s when he dropped something into it. You pulled it towards you and your heart swelled and your eyes began to water. “Why?” Was all you could ask.
A week ago or how many rotations it was, you had all been in a market place. You were with Omega, glancing at a makeshift store that had little beaded necklaces and bracelets. Your eyes lingered on a bracelet for far too long that when the keeper abruptly went ‘are you going to buy it or what?’, it had caught his attention as he walked on by.
At the time, you had no credits and shook your head, apologising and moved on but Crosshair didn’t move. He looked at the bracelet, then to you as you walked off and then back at it. He didn’t know what possessed him but he knew he had to buy it and so he did. He wanted to give it to you sooner but with his emotions being rattled, he postponed.
He shrugged at your question. “You do too much for us. The others don’t appreciate you.”
“And you do?”
He snaps his head towards you, ready to object but he sees that teasing smile on your lips and watches as you slip it on your wrist. “Thank you, Crosshair.”
“Don’t mention it. Ever.”
You giggled softly, and nod. “I won’t.” He nods and begins to walk away, almost satisfied but pauses when he hears you speak up again. “As long as…”
He looks over his shoulder, raising a brow. “As long as you take Omega with you.”
Conflicted, he’s about to object but you take a step towards him and tap your new and loved bracelet. “Or I tell the others you like me.”
“I don’t like you.” He says, rather quickly. Too quickly to know he was full of it and judging by his cheeks that are still pink, you humble him.
“You’re a good guy, Crosshair. I know you haven’t always been like this.”
“You don’t know that.”
“Tell me then, have you?”
He licks his lower lip before yet again, shrugging his shoulders. “I know I haven’t killed innocents before the Order.” He grimaced, looking away from you and bowing his head in shame.
Ever so gently, you reach out to him and tug on his arm so he could face you. “That wasn’t you. You couldn’t help it.” You say softly as Crosshair, surprisingly, let you stroke up and down his arm. The touch was foreign and he felt that odd feeling in his stomach he usually did when he looked at you.
“But-.”
“No buts. Times have changed and your back with your family. You’re not a bad person; you’re just someone that had bad things happen to them. We move forward now.” You say quietly, only realizing how close you two came.
He became rigid, breathing heavily as he scans your face, eyes falling on your lips for more than he would’ve liked. You noticed and he knew you noticed. “I meant what I said. You do too much for us.”
You hum, tilting your head and taking a small step closer to him. “Should I do less?” Your idle gesture to you touching him, his mouth drying but he shook his head.
“No, but you need to look after yourself.” He breathes quietly.
“I’ve got someone like you to look after me.”
At that moment he felt for the first time in a long time accepted. His heart began to race, palms a little sweaty and the look he was giving you was none short of adoring.
He takes a gamble, very unpredictable, and leans forward with two hands resting on your cheeks, noticing how soft you felt before placing a kiss to your forehead.
A gasp escapes your throat, eyes fluttering closed as his lips linger, pulling away for a moment and ever so gently lowers his head. His lips traced along your nose, kissing the tip before he got lower and lower until his lips hovered just over yours. “You’re right. You’ve got me, pretty girl.”
But he doesn’t kiss you. He didn’t want to overstep it. So he pulls back, gently letting you go.
Your heart almost punches its way out of your chest. Your eyes were still closed when he left, only opening when you heard the door whoosh open and spot him making a path straight towards Omega.
You couldn’t hear what he was saying but he had picked up his rifle and left the ship with a beaming Omega running straight after him.
He really was unpredictable.
—————————————
Crosshair Works
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ptseti · 1 month
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COLDEST BRITISH CONFESSION YET
Mere years after presiding over the Nuremberg trials, Britain was unleashing the same horror on their colonies in Africa. During the struggle for independence in Kenya, unspeakable abuse was meted out to the displaced native population, whose only crime was wanting their land back. In this clip, the callousness of Britain is on full display in the form of a colonial-era British officer, Terence Gavanagh, responsible for torturing thousands of Kenyans on suspicion of their involvement with the Mau Mau freedom fighters. For his services, the Queen awarded this dishonourable man with one of the British Crown's most esteemed accolades, Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE).
While some call for letting all that be water under the bridge, others are raising questions about the incumbent head of state, King Charles III, who has refused to apologise. He instead expressed 'regret' for these and other crimes. Plus, the British project remains intact. British conservancies control nearly 8 per cent of Kenya, uprooting local communities. Major tea-producing companies, such as Finlay and Unilever, continue occupying land more than six decades after supposed independence.
This clip is from a 2002 BBC documentary, 'Kenya: White Terror,' which caught heat from the UK's Office of Communications (OFCOM) for 'mishandling' the interview with Gavanagh. The British regulatory service should have appreciated the honest line of questioning toward a decorated former colonial British officer. We certainly did.
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ghostofskywalker · 1 year
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just a little something i wrote after watching tbb 2x03. commander cody x fem!reader. it doesn't include spoilers per se, but i wouldn't read it unless you've seen the episode and i'll tag it to be safe. i might be interested in continuing this, but i'm not really sure yet.
But Not Lost
words: 1,221
summary: Your new life wasn't glamorous by any means, but it was better than serving the Empire. You just didn't expect such a potent reminder of the past to come waltzing through the doors of the cantina you worked at.
clone troopers masterlist
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The Outer Rim had always been home to those that wanted to disappear but could never truly make it in Wild Space. It was where criminals and fugitives ran from those who wanted to create a more “civilized” galaxy, and it was where the seeds of the rebellion were just starting to settle.
You were no exception to the rule, a former GAR official who never wanted to be part of anything but the Republic, who saw the dark shadow of the Empire start to grow and managed to get out before it was too late. You knew your name was probably on a list somewhere, and you couldn’t exactly walk through Coruscant in broad daylight or knock on the door of a Senator, but you were unimportant enough that you could get by as a waitress in a cantina with a new name and a prepared story for anyone who asked where you were from.
Only one person from your old life knew where you were and how to contact you, and he was constantly traveling. You had worked closely with Captain Rex during your time in the GAR, and it had been a complete fluke that you ran into him again after you both began your new lives. You didn’t contact each other often, but it was still nice to know that if you ever did need anything, you had someone who could help.
The door to the cantina opened and you saw someone step inside, but you hadn’t really gotten a good look at them. “I’ll be with you in a moment!” you called, wiping up a spill from before.
“Take your time,” the man said, and you could recognize that voice anywhere. You looked up to see the back of a clone trooper’s head as he took in the surroundings. His armor was mostly white with gray accents, but it lacked all the personal touches that the gray of the 104th battalion had on their armor. No, this was an imperial clone, likely one of higher rank due to the fact that he had any accents on his armor, rather than just the simple and stark white that the rest of the clone army had been forced to adopt.
Your entire body stiffened. Why was this man here? If he was here to take you in, why was he being so polite about it? What had you done here that put you on the Empire’s radar?
Trying not to seem like you were guilty of anything (if on the off chance he was not here to take you in you did not want to give him a reason to), you put the smile back on your face. “What can I help you with today?” you asked, and he turned around to face you.
“Can I get some water?” the clone asked, and you nodded.
So far it didn’t seem like this was any kind of hostile visit. As much as you disliked the Empire, you were not one to deny a tired soldier a drink, so you nodded and grabbed a glass from behind the bar. It was as you leaned down that you caught sight of a recognizable scar around the man’s eye, and you tried to keep yourself calm as you handed the full glass of water to him, along with a small container of snacks that you usually put out on the tables.
You had only worked with the 212th a handful of times, but you could recognize Commander Cody anywhere. The men of the 501st used to tease you about your little crush on the marshal commander, something they were not wrong about. But instead of positive feelings and a tearful reunion, worry took hold of your body at the sight of him. You had always been content to imagine that Cody got out just as Rex did, that he was somewhere living in the shadows like you, but this just disproved it in the worst way. You looked closely at his armor, and you could even see what you thought was some of the outlines that he used to have, and it broke your heart that the individuality you loved so much had been stripped away from him.
It didn’t seem like he had recognized you, so you took that as a blessing and continued to work around the cantina, stacking plates, preparing for the midday rush, and telling yourself to stop sneaking glances at Cody sitting at the bar. “Is the rest of your company here too?” you asked politely, hoping to get some more information out of him.
“No, it’s just me,” he said.
“You’re not lost, are you?”
He shook his head, the ghost of a smile crossing over his face. “I used to be, but not so much anymore. I could use directions to the nearest inn though.”
You nodded and directed him to the building three doors down, and he thanked you for the suggestion and asked for another glass of water. A coworker of yours had just arrived for work, so you just nodded and quickly filled the cup in front of him, still desperately hoping that he didn't recognize you. Now that you weren’t alone in the cantina, you quickly ducked into the back room and pulled out your comlink, immediately putting in Rex’s frequency.
When the holo-image of your friend appeared, he had a worried expression on his face. “Is everything okay?”
“Cody is here,” you said, head still reeling from the shock of it all.
Rex’s eyes widened. “Did he recognize you?”
You shook your head. “So far I don’t think so,” you said. “I asked if his entire company was here as well, and he said that he was alone, but not lost. It doesn’t seem like he’s here to take me in, but it almost seems like too crazy to be a coincidence.”
Rex paused before responding. “Is he still here?”
“Yes, and he asked me for directions to an inn, so I don’t think he’s going anywhere.”
“I’m barely two systems away, I’ll be there as soon as I can. Do you still work in the same place?” You nodded, and Rex continued to speak. “From what you said he doesn’t seem hostile, and I wouldn’t have put it past him to desert. Once the truth about the Empire comes out, I wouldn’t have expected him to stay.”
“But what about the chip?” you asked.
“I don’t know,” Rex responded. “That’s why I’m on my way, I don’t want to put you in any more danger than you are already.”
The comm cut out not long after, and you once again stepped into the main room of the cantina. Cody was still there, and you just watched him out of the corner of your eye as you attended to other things. The next time you looked over, he was gone, and you walked over to find a few credits on the table, along with a scribbled note on a spare napkin.
Thank you for your help.
It wasn’t signed, and it didn’t have your name on it, but you knew what it meant, and all you could do was hope that you would be able to see him again, in a situation where a more friendly reunion was on the table.
- the end - 
i no longer have a taglist! if you're interested in being notified when i post, you can follow my library blog @ghostofskywalker-library and turn on notifications!
divider credit to djarrex
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roseapov · 3 months
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Who Made Me A Princess Christmas Special
Contains Spoilers to the story Tw: mentions of death and reincarnation This work doesn't contain and ships nor reader, it's just simply characters enjoying their time together Fluff with a slightly angst ending 1,5k+ words
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The winter taken the land of springs and summers by storm, both by it's appearance and intensity. An unexpected surprise, something Obelia Empire wasn't used to, and so, the palace staff was going thorugh the chaos, having their hands full of work.
Even for a royalty like her, it would've been better to stay out of the way on the corridors, so she locked herself in the library. Seating by herself surrounded by masses of books and sipping on a warm cup of hot chocolate.
She wasn't the most frequent guest in there, and yet during this afternoon she found in it solace. The library was huge, it contained many massive wooden bookshelfs with golden carvings in the symetrical order, giving the space even more impressive aura. And don't forget the books, thousands of them, most still dusted despite the cleaners hard work.
The young princess lately got interested in the traditions of the neighbouring Empires. The Imperial family were to come to the palace for the peace talks to her and her father, most likely staying for a week or so, so it was only proper for her to adequately prepare to welcome the guests.
The book that she was reading was a really thick one. Maybe she should look into their history book later? After all, so many traditions are just calling for a rich country history, knowing that could be beneficial for her.
The blond locks swayed together, with every move she made, with every turned page. While mindlessly turning pages, the underlined name of one tradition caught her attention.
"Christmas Dinner"
When she saw it, she immediately began reading the rest of the informations on the pages eagerly. It was almost the same as in Korea! She couldn't help but eventually smile at the familiarity of her world, but that smile hadn't lasted for long. After all, she never really got to spend it with her family, as she didn't had one. But the hope aroused in her once again, she has the family now!
Could she recreate that with Claude..? She wondered as her eyes lighted up with determination. From that moment forth, Athanasia knew she would do anything to get her dad to agree to make the christmas feast, no matter the cost.
When she closed the door to the library after her, she almost got swept away by a group of maids carrying some things in a rapid pace. It looks like she will still have to be careful while travelling through the corridors...
"Daddy Please! Can we make a dinner like that tradition?" And that's how it all began. Athanasia spoke with such determination, not wanting to give up no matter what. She very well knew, that her father loved her and would agree to her plans with enough persuassion.
After hearing the first words he smiled internally "Is all of this fuss about one dinner?" He sighed dramatically with a faked indifference. He absolutely loved when his daughter was coming to him for help, he knew he would agree, but he wanted to get as much out of Athanasia as he could before. A familiar teasing, one that Diana often dragged him into, left a visible mark on him.
"Y-Yes, but it's not about the dinner alone!" She was surprised over her fathers indifference, not expecting it and trying to improvise. "I.. I want to spend time with you Daddy! Like a family!" She tried to grab onto her last resort "We can also invite Jennette and-" she continued in hopes of talking through him, falling deeper into the rabbit hole, hoping he will bend to her idea with time.
That's when the Emperor stopped listening, knowing that she had already won. It warmed his heart, the knowledge that his daughter wanted to spend more time with him, others didn't mattered. He put up quite the facade, and yet his daughter wanted to spend time with him, it was more than enough to make him agree. Athanasia was the sun of his life, how could he  possibly deny her? How could anyone deny the precious princess?
He couldn't help but melt and slightly smile at his daughter's antics, even if she couldn't see it, too busy proving her point panicking. It wasn't rare to see her determined, it was one of the most common expressions she wore and yet.. This was different, she was practically glowing, and he wasn't the one to say no to his daughter, especially when she reminded him of Diana like that, she also tried her best to make him agree to her ideas, and join her in her dancing.
The Emperor wasn't playing around, more than welcoming to accept this tradition as his own, everything for his daughter's sake, and so, the preparations began. When the palace heard the news, the palace became a true mess. Everyone started tripping on eachother to prepare everything. Even a second wasted could end up tragically. If what were happening before in the palace was a chaos, then now it was way beyond chaos. No matter where you looked you would see everyone running from one side to another. Even guards went out of their way to help the rest of the servants with trying to finish everything on time.
A few days later the day had finally came. Ever since waking up, Athanasia was in high spirits, shifting excitedly on her chair, while maids were finishing her make up and hair. The princess chosen the dress for tonights dinner herself, a dress that reminded her of her life in Korea, mixing it perfectly with her new reincarnated life as a princess. Claude also seemed to be in a better mood than usual, changing his attire with magic to have a similar outfit that his daughter wore.
The specially invited guests arrived in the afternoon the day before, and were starting to get ready with the help of the servants too. The castle became more lively than ever, and everyone enjoyed this atmosphere immensely. The little chocolates and candies the princess prepared and handed together with Jennette for everyone in the castle surely helped too, making everyone even more than determinated to do their best. Lily and Felix got extra presents too, behind the scenes of course, making sure they knew they hold a special place for her in her heart, and that she would never forget what they done for her. While looking at their faces after handing them the packages, she knew that both of them got the meaning it held.
When the sky darkened and the first star appeared at the sky, the dinner began. An empty seat for an unexpected guest felt kinda useless, since no one would dare to go into the Imperial palace, just to eat the fancy dinner during the familiar reunion of the royals.
The dishes were very extravagant and absolutely delicious, even more than they usually were, or was it the atmosphere and the people she eated it with, making it better? Deep down, she knew the exact answer.
At first it was stiff, mostly cause of the two brothers there, so their daughters bravely took upon themselves the honors to start this evening on a good note. Both fathers weak for their daughters gave in, and started to relax over time, becoming more open with each passing minute, adding more and more to the conversations.
Athy stopped listening to the talks across the table and opted to stare at her half-finished plate instead. Tears started to well up in her eyes, this is what she always dreamt about. Amazing atmosphere and pleasant talks with people she were overjoyed to call her family, an unforgettable christmas by her family side, everything she always wanted.
She'll never forget it, making this memory the most important and most happy for her. With how Claude was pleased with this evening, it was almost sure that it will become the next and newest tradition of the Obelian Empire. A day meant to spend with your family, yes.. That would make for a wonderful new holiday!
Everyone got swept into this blissfull atmosphere, not letting anyone to see the newly appeared woman, that sat on the unexpected guest seat, looking at everyone merrily. Her blond locks swaying and her pink eyes that looked at everyone, shined with the tears, as she let out her most beautiful smile. She quickly wiped away her own tears, and instead started to fret over her daughter ones, her beautiful daughter shouldn't cry. Her ghostly hands tried their best to wipe away the tears, which she succesfully done. Her actions made the princess surprised, as she couldn't see the woman, but even then, she smiled and relaxed sensing a familiar presence, already having an idea of who that might be.
When the woman felt her time was coming to an end, she stood up from the table and walked towards a window. A winter in the Empire was truly a rare and unseen before sight, when her transparent body started to fade away, she saw in the window reflection her daughter looking straight into her eyes. Smiling at eachother was enough to deliver the message,
"I will always be with you two".
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Masterlist / Christmas Series Special 2023 Mastelist
A work with 1,5k+ words.. I'm impressed with myself! That's truly amazing! And the first one that has 1k words and even more too! Haha! I'm happy with how it turned out, there is surely some room for improvement, but for my first try at longer and more fanfiction fic it turned out to be quite good. It is a very late fic, so I apologize for the wait, please embrace it and give it love🙏 Kisses for all of you!💋We're finally starting with moving forward with this year! Expect the rest of the Christmas Series Special soon.
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blues824 · 1 year
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Can I request the remarried empress with the female Ida Shroud reader.
🎮Both the Eastern and Western empire are ambiented on a European late or post-medieval setting. So imagine ida bringing technology in that time.
🎮Her freaking out because it normally only happens in anime that people get iskaid and now she is here having a panic attack because she got telported during one of navier tea parties.
🎮It took her a while to convince people she is from a different universe and not here to harm the empress but later on she became navier trusted spy.
🎮How whoud they react her unusual looks I mean hair that is made of fire but it didn't harm them and her shape Teeth but most importantly she raw intelligence and her ability to create new technology for them.
🎮Imagen her telling navier about the time she got kidnapped by the ghost Prince and about her little brother who sadly didn't come with her.
🎮Her being the antisocial person like always and getting a panic attack because rattrash won't leave her alone and sovieshit giving her a panic attack because he wants her to his mistresses because of her looks .
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I’m going to change it up a bit to make it a tad easier for me.
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Sovieshu
You were found in the woods where you were stuck in one of the Emperor’s traps (sound familiar?). His Majesty was completely smitten with your otherworldly appearance and took you into the palace to make sure you got treated.
Once you got to a point where you were able to walk with ease once again, you realized that it would be impolite if you didn’t go and thank Sovieshu. That led to you both getting tied up in a great conversation. You explained that you were from a completely different world than him, as the land you were from was much more technologically advanced, plus your younger brother was back home.
Then out of nowhere, His Majesty asked if you would be interested in becoming one of his mistresses. You spit out the tea you were sipping and ask him to repeat himself, your mental system was fritzing out. Once he confirmed that you did, in fact, hear him right, you refused immediately. You rushed out of the room, actually, hyperventilating and trying not to pass out.
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Rashta
She had heard that you were caught in one of the Emperor’s traps and were injured. Her first thought was to fake concern and worry, when in reality she was extremely jealous that Sovieshu was dedicating all his time into making sure you were okay.
She secretly followed him to the door of the room you were in, and she pressed her ear against it to try and hear what was going on inside. Then she heard her mans asking you to become his mistress. Then she had to step back because you ran out of the room while hyperventilating.
At first, she thought you had accepted his proposal until she asked you upfront. You stuttered through your words, but you eventually got the point out that you refused. You didn’t want anything to do with Sovieshu and just wanted to get home. She suddenly became angry that you had the audacity to refuse the Emperor, and she wasn’t helping anything at all.
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Navier
You had appeared right in the middle of her tea party. You didn’t look like anything besides what she imagined the god Hades looked like in Greek Mythology, if He were a goddess rather than a god. You even had a golden crown with gems embedded in it, along with a classic toga.
After you explained that you weren’t here to hurt the Empress (she hadn’t told you who she was yet) and that you just wanted to get home from this weird world you magically got teleported to. She gently asks you to clarify what you were talking about, and you went on a nervous ramble how you left your brother behind and needed to get back to Twisted Wonderland
She finds you to be quite interesting, and asks if you would be willing to help the kingdom advance further technologically in the time that you are here. You, not feeling as scared around her, accepted the offer. This bloomed into an unforeseen friendship between the two of you. You would stop by as often as you could and lighten her mood with a story of your homeland. You loved Her Majesty’s smile, and you would do anything to see it.
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Heinrey
He has seen you in Her Majesty’s chambers as Queen. You eventually put a device next to him in his bird form and when he let out a squawk, it translated it and now he was scared of Navier finding out his terrible secret. You were smarter than that, so you would always say that the translator was broken whenever Her Majesty asked you to translate Queen’s squawks.
He has learned that you became the Eastern Empire’s spokesperson of technological advancement, and you led a bunch of workers. He also learned that you swore loyalty to only the Empress, so he was thinking that when he married Her Majesty, you might want to work for the Western Kingdom instead.
Once he asked, you accepted his offer. Not only was he going to pay much more, but he wasn’t asking you to be his mistress. You actually had a better time working with him because he didn’t give you strict deadlines and would give you an extension if it was a particularly larger project.
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Bonus: Kosair found out about you when his sister wrote to him about you. From the looks of it, you were a great friend to Navier, so you were alright in his book. When he met you for the first time in person, his heart skipped a few beats. You were absolutely beautiful.
After getting to know you more, he learned that you had such brilliant ideas on how to advance this world forward in the technological aspect. The first thing you made was something similar to a phone, so that you both would be able to keep in touch after he was exiled.
When you made it to the Western Empire, Kosair asked if you would be interested in marrying him. You had grown fond of him and loved him, so you accepted. Navier and Heinrey were both happy for you and even funded the wedding. Since he was a knight, he always wanted you to be the one to give him your handkerchief for when he leaves. You even press a kiss on his cheek and he is fired up and ready to fight.
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