#but i feel it was so overshadowed by the nonsensical fighting

[asllthellpoetsllsay]

watched wakanda forever the other day,,,, and like,,,,, tf you mean that the bad guys were indigenous ppl ????? like they really pit black ppl against indigenous and im like ???? why. when the start of the movie made it clear who the mfs were (white ppl), that they were the source of the problem why did it end up with an unnecessary fight between indigenous ppl and black ppl like it made no fucking sense. they couldve had it all, they couldve destroyed all of them and instead what did we get? unnecessary suffering and deaths. like,, hmnito que wea po obviously the problem was white ppl and they didnt even get a slap or something que rabia

#i mean some cops died so thats good #and like dentro de todo from what i noticed it was actually good mayan rep and a lot of mexicans are really happy about it so thats good #and ig if they were happy with it then its good #cos im no m*rvel fan #pero en fin #la hipotenusa #m #also i feel like it was unnecessarily long #but i really did like the parts that were more about like #showing wakanda and showing tlalocan #and like delving into each culture #and ofc every tribute to chadwick boseman #as well as the family dinamics #but i feel it was so overshadowed by the nonsensical fighting

[basilpaste]

i had a whole big idea for this, but im afraid im not terribly good at comics! or drawing fast!!! but its isas birthday!!! happy birthday!!

(the gifts are under the cut! written out!)

"Thank you! But, oh Change, you really didn't have to get little ol' me anything, ehe!"

"Nonsense, Isabeau." Odile huffs fondly. "You're part of our little team, after all. Did you think we'd forget?"

Maybe a little? You don't even entirely remember telling them about your birthday! From the look on Mira's face, though, you must have told her. It seems like she orchestrated the whole thing.

She claps her hands together cheerfully, "So! Who wants to go first!"

Bonnie waves their hands wildly, hopping up and down. "Oh!! Oh me! I want to give Za my gift!!!"

Heh! It doesn't seem like anyone's willing to fight them on it. After a moment of silence, they cheer, rushing off to heft up a small gift bag. They hurtle back towards you and present the bag dramatically.

You gingerly take the bag from them and pull it open. Inside is a-

"WAUGH?" You yelp, dropping it!

The bag falls on its side, sending the contents tumbling out. A spider?! A spider!

A... spider-shaped pin cushion.

Oh.

Bonnie lets out a long hard laugh, pointing at you, "Hahah!!! You thought it was a real spider!! Spiders don't get that big, dummy!"

"You'd be surprised," Sif speaks up, batting their lashes oh-so innocently.

You shiver. Bonnie also shivers.

"Thank you Bonbon for the pin cushion." You say, grabbing it off the ground.

... Stabbing a spider-shaped thing might feel kinda nice, actually. It was obviously a prank gift, but you'll still get plenty of use out of it!

Bonnie grins at you brightly.

Odile steps up next, bowing her head to you. She passes you a neatly wrapped box. You carefully remove the paper (its pretty!) and unfold the box.

Oh! A book!

Colour Me Curious: A History Of Colour Theory.

"Back in Dormont's House," she glances back at Sif when she says the word Dormont, you pretend you don't see, "you mentioned having an interest in colour theory. A librarian a few towns back recommended this to me. I figured you might enjoy it."

You nod rapidly. Oh!! You're surprised you haven't looked into it yet! You're not sure how you forgot! Especially considering the weird shade - colour - you all have seen! With your eyes!

"Thank you, m'dame!!" You say, trying to be mindful of your volume.

She smiles, "Of course. I'd like to hear what you take from it."

"Of course!!"

"Okay! Okay, um... me next!" Mira pulls two boxes from her dress pocket (?????) and holds them anxiously, "I shouldn't have gotten two! I don't want to overshadow anyone else! But! I think you'd like these both! So! So. I got them both! Happy birthday, Isabeau!!"

You scoop them from her arms, "I don't think anyone is worried about you overshadowing them, Mira!"

The rest of your friends hum in agreement.

"Okay."

A beat.

"Start with the smaller one!"

The smaller one turns out to be a light novel of some sort. Oh! She's talked about this one before!! How she thought you'd like it because it's super cute! You thank her and place it softly on top of Odile's gift before turning your attention to the larger box.

This is...

"Oh?" You squeak, feeling a little choked up.

"Oh?" Mira echoes, "Oh no! Do you- do you not like it?"

You grab the gift from its box, running your hand along the grain. Oh no! You might cry! Oh Change!

"Mira!! Mira this is so expensive? This is so much?" You feel unworthy to even hold it.

This is like... three meters of silk?? It's dyed such a rich lightless shade? That's unbelievably expensive!! It's beautiful and so well made that you're not sure what to do with yourself. Oh crab.

"It wasn't so bad, really!!" She yelps, worry clouding her expression.

You very softly (very, very carefully) tuck the silk back into its gift box. Then you throw yourself at Mira, sweeping her up into a tight hug. She cries out, clinging to you. And then bursts into a fit of giggles.

"Thank you thank you thank you???"

"Waaa!!" She laughs, "I'm glad you like it!!!"

"I know I know lightless isn't really your shade but you HAVE to let me make you a bow with this, Mira!!"

"Ah!! If you want to!!"

"I Do!!"

"Okay!"

You pull away from the hug, glancing back at the silk. You feel your chest swell with joy!! Oh Change!! This is so much stuff! And you're still not done!

Sif looks... a little bit nervous. They shift the box they're holding in their hands and shuffle up to you. After a moment of hesitation, he holds it out.

"... Happy birthday, Isa."

You take the box with care. It's small, but heavier than you're expecting. There's a bow on top that Bonbon snatches after you take it off. All of these gifts have been a surprise! But you're really not sure what Sif got you!

You open the box.

A piece of lightless fabric sits under the lid. It's embroidered! Not perfect or flawless, but done with care. Darkless spots are scattered on its surface and in big capital letters, it reads "You're A Star!"

Oh!! You get this joke, now! It used to only make sense to Sif but you know now!! Your chest feels light. You laugh.

"There's more." They say quietly.

You nod, gingerly removing the embroidery and setting it to the side. It reveals... a wood carving!! You pull the carving from the box, turning it over in your hands. This is you!!! It's a carving of you!!

How did you not notice him working on it??

"Sif!!" You gasp, "Sif it's perfect!!!"

"O-Oh?"

"This is beautiful!!! You made this? And the patch??"

He looks away, hiding his face in his cloak, "Um... yeah."

"I love them!" You grin so wide it hurts your face, "I love you! All of you!! This is all so... ah!! I need to start thinking about gifts for your birthdays, now!!"

"How about we finish celebrating yours first?" M'dame hums.

You feel light as a feather. You love your friends - your family - more than you can say.

#in stars and time #in stars and time spoilers #isat #isat spoilers #isat fanart #in stars and time fanart #isat fanfic #isabeau isat #siffrin isat #mirabelle isat #odile isat #bonnie isat #basil paints #basil writes #im not very happy with the comic! but i am happy with the writing. it balances out.

[screamingatanemptyroom]

The Healer pt 3

The story continues! Hope you guys like it!

Part 1 and 2 linked here.

Enjoy!

_____________________________

The Hero’s party stood with their backs to us, arguing loudly. They obviously didn’t hear Stephanie’s call, and kept their focus on the man in front of them.

“How dare you go back on our deal?!” Jack the Hero snapped, his face twisted with rage. “You have always been our chief supplier!”

Rita the Holy Archer spoke up, flipping her long blond hair over her shoulder as she did so. “Yeah, you never turned us down before!”

The massive and imposing form of Garrett the Giant loomed over the group as he stood by with his arms crossed, nodding in agreement. The fourth and final member, Rebecca the Sorceress, leaned against the Hero, her eyes filled with tears as if everyone in the room had personally wronged her.

Seeing the group together again was… rough, to say the least. I had once considered three of them, Jack, Rita and Garrett,  my closest friends. We had played the game together before the Downfall, spending late nights going on raids and completing quests. They had been the brightest part of a life that had been greatly overshadowed by my parents’ expectations and disapproval. I had valued their friendship, so much so that I was willing to break myself over and over again just to stay by their side. I had lied to myself, that I was just as much a part of the team as they were. That I was valued, even if they didn’t always say so. That I was lucky to have them, given that I had chosen the class I did. I hated myself for my weakness, but refused to leave, too dependent on them to try to break off on my own.   

Until Jack finally betrayed me enough to wake me up to the truth:

They had never been my friends.  

As for Rebecca… my gaze settled on the pitifully crying girl. She was crying when I met her, too.

______________________

“Healer! Help! I have an injured person here!” At Jack’s frantic cry, I forced myself awake and ran out of my house, surprised to see him carrying a young, beautiful woman. Her face was unnaturally pale, her red hair matted with blood, stuck to her forehead. Her clothing was scorched in several areas, making her seem even more pitiful. I paused for a moment, feeling a brief discomfort at the sight of Jack holding her with a tenderness in his eyes I had never seen before.

We were not a couple. He had hinted his interest several times, but we had agreed to wait until the world was more stable before discussing it deeply. I wasn’t sure of my own feelings, having always considered him a good friend, but I knew that in the midst of a life or death battle was probably not the best time to give a real answer. Jack hadn’t been happy with my response, but said he understood. He hadn’t brought it up again, but the sight of his distress for the woman in his arms made me wonder if I had his answer.

Either way, it was no time to work out my feelings on the matter. I pushed away the flash of unease at the two’s closeness and stepped forward to look at the young woman. She flinched away from my gaze, her teary eyes looking up at Jack.

“Don’t bother your friend! I just need a potion and I’ll be fine.”

Jack smiled at her. “Nonsense, you fainted just a minute ago. The Healer may be useless in a fight, but she can do targeted therapy for whatever injuries you have.”

I winced at the word “useless”, a term I was all too used to from my childhood.

“Wait!” Rather than being comforted, this seemed to distress the young man more. She struggled slightly, seeming unable to free herself from Jack’s hold. “I don’t…”

I lost patience, and reached out my hand, putting it on her forehead.

“Scan.”

**The Healer has activated Scan -20MP. Target is not in your party and some information is withheld.

Rebecca the Sorceress

Class –Magic User

Title – Sorceress, Magic Student, Dependent, Poison Master.

Level 56

HP 209/250

MP 280/300

STR ***

DEX ***

INT ***

WIS ***

CHAR ***

Current status: Charm applied + 50 Charisma – 1 hour remaining.

Healing status – mild abrasions to forehead, right elbow, and anterior thigh-  10 sq centimeters total surface area.  First degree burns – dorsum of foot, and right wrist – 5 square centimeters total surface area. Mild poison toxicity – side effects include pallor, diaphoresis and generalized weakness. – 10 minutes remaining. **

I frowned as I read through the information. Jack quickly began asking questions.

“How bad is it, Healer? Will she be all right? You can fix it, right?”

“Some scrapes and mild burns, no worse than a sunburn, just needs her wounds dressed and some ointment for pain and to prevent infection. How did she get poisoned?”

“Poisoned?” He brought her into my house and set her down on my bed. “She wasn’t poisoned, she was protecting a family from bandits.”

I shrugged, getting out supplies and carefully cleaning and dressing her injuries. “The scan says she was poisoned, probably about an hour ago judging by the remaining cooldown. Nothing bad, just something that would make her pale, sweaty and weak.”

Rebecca began crying loudly as I finished bandaging her. Before I could react, Jack pushed me out of the way, leaning over to check on her. I slammed by back into the dresser, groaning with pain as it struck.

“Did she hurt you?!” He asked Rebecca, frowning as he looked over her bandages. 

She blinked back tears, regaining control of herself. “I’m sorry, I was just so worried… The way she said it… it sounds like she’s accusing me of taking poison on purpose!”

I gingerly stood up, rubbing my back where it hit the dresser. “I didn’t mean to imply…”

“Shut up, Healer!” He laid a hand on Rebecca’s head. “Just ignore her. She’s just a burden our team carries around because we happened to know her before the Downfall.”

I closed my eyes at his words, trying to ignore both the physical and emotional pain.

______________________

“Why can’t you help us?!” Rebecca was sobbing, blinking her tear-filled eyes and staring at the man in front of their group. “Don’t you know we’re humanity’s only hope?”

“They’re our only hope?”Alton leaned in, whispering “We’re so doomed.”

Stephanie and I chuckled quietly in response.

The owner of the shop, Winter, stood silently in front of the Hero’s party. He was tall, although still shorter than Garrett the Giant. Somehow his demeanor made him seem to tower over the entire group. His white hair was cropped short, at odds with his younger appearing face, placing him in his late twenties. His eyes were a bright pale blue, his handsome feature marred only by a large scar tracing across his face, only barely missing his right eye. His face was expressionless, almost bored, unchanged by Rebecca’s tears.

“You seem to be having a bit of a misunderstanding.” Winter finally spoke up, his voice quiet and cold. “I never had a deal with YOU.”

“LIAR!” Jack screamed. “You’ve always…”

“I’ve had a deal with your healer.” He raised an eyebrow. “And she’s not with you anymore. So I have no reason to deal with you.”

“The Healer?” Rita laughed, her sharp features and gaze filled with a mocking light. “That useless baggage? Why would you care if she’s with us or not?”

“…” Winter stared at her silently, and seemingly pressured, Rita stepped back, hiding behind Garrett. “Foolish.”

“We’re foolish?” Jack asked, shaken but still angry. “You’re the one who is turning down the opportunity of a lifetime. Just because of some bit…��

SMACK!

Winter backhanded the Hero, sending him down to the floor with a calm expression.

“Close your foul mouth, or I’ll close it for you.”  He raised an eyebrow. “Any questions?”

Stephanie raised her hand. “Where do I sign up to be part of his fan club?” Alton raised his hand as well, nodding.

I couldn’t help but laugh. “You never change., Winter”

At my words, Winter turned towards me, his cold blank expression melting into a bright smile.

“Natalie! You’re here!”

“…”

“…”

“…”

Everyone in the room turned to stare at me. I shrunk back slightly. Alton spoke up first, frowning. “Natalie?”

I sighed. “My real name, or more accurately, my name before the Downfall. I don’t like using it anymore.” I don’t like the person who wore that name, nor the people who bestowed it upon me. “Healer is a much more accurate title.”

Alton smiled and shrugged. “Whatever makes you happy, Miss Healer.”

Winter’s smile faded a bit, and he walked forward, stepping on the Hero as he did so, ignoring his grunt of pain.

“Are you okay? I just heard about the price on your head. Did they hurt you?”

I shook my head. “I’m fine. You know that they couldn’t hurt me if they tried.”

“Anyone can get hurt if they get caught off guard, Nat.” He put a hand on my shoulder, staring into my eyes. “You should have left a long time ago. They didn’t deserve your loyalty.”

“Well, she’s got a new team now!” Alton stepped in excitedly.

“Yeah! We’re much better than those creeps!” Stephanie joined in. The two gave each other and me a thumbs up.

Winter stared at them for a while, before sighing. “I told you that you didn’t have to fight with anyone. Yet you still race towards danger at the side of these… people. What has humanity ever done for you?”

I ran a hand through my hair, letting out a soft sigh. “Not everyone is as terrible as you think.”

“That’s rich, considering what state you were in when we first met.” The disappointment in his eyes was clear. I flinched, trying not to think of the circumstances of our first meeting.

“That’s not…”

“STOP IGNORING ME!” Rebecca cried out, fire blazing at her fingertips as she glared at all of us. As we quieted down, she focused her gaze on Winter. “Why are you so obsessed with her? She’s a useless healer! We are the HERO’S PARTY!”

Winter stepped closer, and she shrank into Jack’s side, trying to get away, but froze when Winter’s gaze met hers. “You know nothing, poison witch. A Healer is a noble profession, only meant for the strongest of heart and mind. “

“Y-you…”

“Now get out of my store.” He pointed at the exit, and after a moment of silence, the hero’s party shuffled out. Jack paused at the doorway, looking at me with a serious expression. “My offer is still open. We will attack the forty second gate in 3 days. With or without you.”

And with that, he was gone, and all was quiet.

“What idiots.” Alton sat down on a nearby chair, frustrated. “They’re going to put all of humanity at risk.”

“No more than they deserve.” At Winter’s harsh tone, everyone turned to him again.

“You don’t like humans?” Alton asked.

“Any reason why I should?”

He pointed at me. “Miss Healer is a human.”

“The exception, not the rule.”

I shook my head at his solemn reply. “We came here for supplies. Can you help us?”

“Of course.” He agreed immediately, pulling out a large bag from behind the counter and handing it straight to me. “On the house.”

“You know I’ll never agree to that.” I dropped some custom potions and gold on the table. “You have to stay in business.”

Winter shook his head, but I insisted. “Take it or I go somewhere else for supplies.”

“…Fine.” After a long hesitation, he finally reached out and took the items, carefully arranging them on the shelf on the back wall.

“…” Stephanie and Alton stared silently at the exchange between us.

“I smell drama!” Stephanie whispered loudly.

Alton nodded silently, frowning.

“Speaking of which, PREPARE TO BE AMAZED!” Stephanie stepped forward, dropping the pelts onto the counter. “BEHOLD! I HAVE COMPLETED MY QUEST!”

Winter looked over the wolf furs, nodding silently. “This is what I asked for.” His tone was unimpressed. Stephanie grinned, not intimidated.

“So you’ll pay me this time?”

“This time?” I turned to her. “How many times has he scammed you with fake quests?”

“They aren’t fake!” She defended, clutching the bag of gold he handed her. “He just has high standards.”

“Did you count your payment?”

“… I was about to.” She opened the sac of gold and muttered to herself, before staring accusingly at Winter. “It’s only half!”

“Because you didn’t get the pelts.” He inclined his head towards me. “I know Nat’s work when I see it.”

“I helped, though! I lured them all the way to her!”

“And I bet she asked for half.”

“How did you know?!” She paused. “I was going to give it to her.”

I sighed. “Just pay her the whole amount. Your deal was for the pelts, it doesn’t matter how she got them. If I want the cash, I’ll get it from her.”

“…”

“Besides, she’s my teammate…”

Stephanie jumped in. “AND BEST FRIEND!”

“…In a way it’s paying me.”

“…” He sat a second bag of gold down, which Stephanie snatched up and counted with glee. Winter ignored her, looking at me.

“You’re really doing this again? Trusting humans?”

I shook my head. “I don’t trust anyone.”

“You trust too much… you just pretend like you don’t to comfort yourself.” He thought things over. “Where are you going next?”

Alton joined in. “We’re going to go hunting in the fortieth level forest. Try to get a feel for our fighting style.”

“What about your fourth party member? Your team is incomplete.”

“Maybe we’re just picky?” Alton offered.

Winter stared at us. Stephanie broke first. “Everyone’s too scared to work with Alton, and they think Healer is a burden.”

“…”

“We don’t though! We think she’s awesome.”

Winter finally smiled at that. “Alright then.” He began packing a bag. “I’ll join your team.”

“AWESOME!”

“Is that even possible?”

“You’ll what?!”

Stephanie, Alton and I spoke up at the same time. Winter continued to pack, undisturbed by our shouts.

“You need a fourth teammate, and Nat needs someone to watch her back. It’s a win-win. ”

Alton stared at him. “Why do you think she needs your help?”

Winter didn’t flinch. “She needs it. Needed it since the beginning.”

After studying him a long moment, the dark wizard turned towards me. “It’s your call. I trust your judgement with this.”

I rubbed my forehead, feeling tired. “Why don’t we do a trial before making anything official? Go fight together. See how it goes from there.”

“… You don’t trust me?” Winter asked quietly.

“You’d have to be their teammates as well, fighting to protect humanity. I don’t see why you are volunteering. You’ve never cared before.” Was my equally quiet answer.

After a long moment of consideration, he nodded in agreement. “…Fine. A test mission first.”

“Wait!” Stephanie chimed in. “Can NPCs even join human parties? Aren’t they the ones who give quests?”

Winter placed his packed bag on his back, grabbing a bow and some arrows. “My kind are not a part of the Rules. We follow them, just like you do.”

“So you’re like us?” Alton asked, curious.

“No.” His tone was flat. “I am nothing like you humans. But I can join your party.”

“Great! Let’s go on an adventure!” Stephanie ran towards the door, and shaking my head, I followed her.

“Should be interesting.”

____________________________

The fortieth-floor forest was filled with death. Black twisted trees, grey, dried out grass. Shadows from nothing, movements that didn’t make sense. I stood in place, feeling the constant overwhelming sensation of being watched.

Alton smiled, seeming right at home. “Alright guys, this place is chocked full of undead, perfect for a good fight. We just need to get a sense for how everyone else works, and how to help each other.”

“Sounds good!” Stephanie pulled out her enormous sword and grinned. “I’ll tank!”

“Great. I’ll provide crowd control and protection through magic.” He turned towards Winter, who seemed relaxed despite the evil forest around him. “What about you?”

Winter held up his bow. “I’ll pick off monsters from the back.”

“Great. That just leaves Miss Healer…” He turned towards me. “How would you like to fight?”

His question caught me by surprise. When I fought with the Hero’s party, I had often supported them secretly, standing afar, silently using my healing magic to add further injuries to my teammate’s attacks. It was difficult, making myself appear useless while protecting and attacking at the same time.

But now… I was able to openly and honestly take part with the team.

I smiled. “I want to be in the front.”

Stephanie cheered. “Besties tanks!”

“Sounds like we have a plan.” Alton grinned, looking every inch the evil wizard. “Let’s go.”

It didn’t take long before we ran into a large group of undead. Zombies, skeletons, shadowy creatures with claws and spikes, crawled out between the trees, their eyes glowing red with hunger.

“Kill!” A gravelly voice came out of the large skeleton, staring at me. I walked forward calmly, no weapons in my hands.

Undead didn’t have blood. Didn’t have beating hearts. They needed no oxygen, absorbing their energy from the living. Which limited my options. I would have to go for attacks that caused physical damage.

Stephanie ran forward with a loud cry, swinging her large sword and decapitating the first zombie in her field of vision. Alton chanted, his spells separating the zombies out in smaller groups, hindering their movement and slowing their attacks. I could hear the buzzing of arrows as Winter calmly shot down enemy after enemy.

It was my turn.

I held a scalpel in my hand, the cool metal somewhat comforting against my skin. A group of ten zombies shuffled towards me, trying to shake off the bonds of Alton’s magic.

Wordless incantation was still in cooldown. I would have to speak out loud to activate my spells. I stepped closer to the group

“Amputation.”

**The Healer has cast Amputation x 10. – 1000 MP. **

My magic reached out to each of the zombies, chopping off each of their right legs at the mid-thigh, slicing cleanly through rotting muscle and bone. The zombies groaned in confusion, falling to the ground. I watched them carefully, recognizing they were still dangerous despite their helpless appearance.

This is when Jack or the others would rush in to claim the kill… and then complain about the automatic XP share since my magic contributed to the fight. But now that I don’t have them… what now?

Amputation was a spell that could only be applied to limbs. Small and large incision could cut their throats, but not enough to decapitate them which was what was needed.

A brief feeling of hopelessness rose up within me. The despair that had filled my days as I fought in this strange world beside others who had ridiculed me and belittled me. I chose a worthless class, one that struggles to put down wounded zombies…  

One of the zombies flipped onto its stomach, beginning to pull itself towards me, teeth bared. Simultaneously, a spell and an arrow hit its remaining leg, pinning it into place. Stephanie was still fighting her group of zombies, but seeing me hesitate shouted out: “Go get ‘em!”

They’re encouraging me. The stark contrast of this fight from my past team made me smile. I wanted to live up to the support of this strange new team. I thought of a plan, and I reached out my hand, focusing.

“Craniotomy.”

**The Healer has cast Craniotomy x 10. – 5,000 MP.**

The skulls cracked open, revealing rotting brains. I kept an eye on my numbers, even with my unusually large mana pool, I couldn’t keep spending so recklessly. I chose a smaller spell.

“Cauterization.”

**The Healer has cast Cauterization x 10. – 100MP.**

The tissue shriveled under the heat of the spell and the zombies grew completely still. As I stared down at the carnage, Stephanie killed her last zombie, prompting the end of the battle.

** Stephanie the Lovely Barbarian is credited with 8 zombie monster kills, awarded 600XP and +8 fame. Alton the Great Evil Wizard is credited for the assist and is awarded 200XP and +2 fame. You receive 8XP as a party member.

The Healer is credited with 10 zombie monster kills, awarded 800XP and +10 fame. Alton the Great Evil Wizard, and Winter the Shopkeeper are credited for the assist and awarded 100 XP and +1 fame each. **

“AWESOME!” Stephanie ran over and hugged me, ignoring my grimace as I realized how badly she smelled after close combat with rotting corpses. “We’re the best team ever! Did you see how fast we took out high level zombies?”

“Strong work everyone!” Alton seemed pleased, “A few more fights, and I think we could get a good rhythm going.”

“Here.” Winter held out a mana recovery potion to me. “Those were high level healer spells you cast today. You probably need this.”

After a brief hesitation I took it. “You recognize Healer spells?”

“Of course.” He spoke sincerely, adding. “It’s the greatest achievement one can have, to take such a path. I’m happy to help you.”

“…Thanks.” I drank the potion.

The Healer has used Potion of Mana Recovery, +800MP. 2 remaining in Inventory.

Stephanie stood in front of me, clasping her hands together with a pleading expression. “So… can we keep him? You said we could consider it after a trial!”

Alton and I exchanged glances. I still felt uneasy about having an “NPC” on our team. For all the time I had known Winter, I still did not understand his true motivations. Why was he in this world with us? Why join our team? And the real question that haunted me:

Why did he help me a year ago when he had no incentive to do so?

But the truth was, he was our best option.

I nodded to Alton, who immediately offered his hand to Winter.

“Welcome to the team.”

**Winter the Shopkeeper has accepted your invitation to join your party! He will have access to shared inventory, and his stats will become visible upon medical scan.**

The usual joining party message popped up, along with something unexpected:

** NOTICE - Due to status of new party member, special restrictions will apply to any stat or data sharing.**

Special restrictions? I shook my head. Not helping with my paranoia about trusting him on our team.

Stephanie cheered as I shook his hand after Alton. Finally, once things had calmed down, we all sat down to regroup.

“What next?” Stephanie asked, grabbing jerky from her pack.

I thought over her question. “The Hero’s party is going to attack the gate in 3 days. We should plan to be there.”

“Oh joy, them again.” Stephanie bit angrily into the jerky, as if hurting the people who annoyed her. "I can hardly contain my excitement."

“Fighting monsters, AND making sure the Hero’s party won’t stab us in the back at the same time?” Alton grinned. “Sounds like a party to me!"

I sighed, and grabbed my own food from my bag.

We had 3 days to get ready.

#writing #part 3 #healer #fantasy #violence #magic #video game like world #betrayal

[bestanimatedmovie]

Revenge of the Underrated

32. The Swan Princess vs Planetarian: Hoshi no Hito

Vote in the other polls!

Propaganda:

The Swan Princess

The Swan Princess is my favorite movie of all time. It is truly beautiful from the backgrounds, to the animation itself, the score, oh I could go on and on. The soundtrack is just filled with bops and amazing songs. If your familiar "What else is there/How to offend women in fige syllables or less" thats this movie. Odette is just the best Princess; She gorgeous but of course theres more to her. Shes so resilient and upfront about her feelings the whole movie. Shes so effortlessly caring and modesty down to earth. Odettes singing voice is Liz Callaways the same as Kiaras from TLK 2. Derek is voiced by the one and only Howard McGillin. Rothbart is an amazing and classicly fun villain. His his fight with Derek at the end as the Great Animal is so well done. Oh and the writing! Its so funny. Also not to mention that its a great trilogy(we don't talk about the CGI sequels). I feel like The Swan Princess is always overshadowed because it isn't Disney or Don Bluth. But The Swan Princess is an amazing wonderful movie and deserves to be acknowledged. Is it perfect? No. But it means the world to me.

I've seen a million times! It's funny, it's magical, it comes fro the ballet Swan Lake. Both the princess and the prince save eachother, and it's an actual love story no love at first sight nonsense

v enchanting to me as a kid!!

"You should write a book: How to Offend Women in Five Syllables or Less"

Planetarian: Hoshi no Hito

#Revenge of the Underrated #The Swan Princess #Planetarian: Hoshi no Hito #best animated movie #round 1

[cammie-morgan-goode]

On the deleted scenes, Ally said that instead of Cam seeing Mr. mosckowitz working out, Zach is also an option. But she still wrote Mosckowitz on the deleted scene. Can you fulfill my (& I know most of us, ahem) fantasy of it being Zach??? Thanks!!!

There's something weird about having boys go to your all-girls school. For one, it's an all-girls school which means no boys. For two, it's a whole different thing when said boys are trained better than you are.

Cammie hadn't realized that with the arrival of these boys, a ton of drama would ensue. She felt like she was drowning. And for the first time in her life, she was starting to feel like she just wasn't good enough.

There was a time when she was one of the best in her class. There was a time when people would see her train and think "I aspire to be that".

But now she was being overshadowed.

And for being the Chameleon? She didn't like it at all.

"One of a girl's greatest assets are her feet. If you cannot balance on the balls of your feet and anticipate where your opponent's feet are moving, you will not make it away from a fight." Ms. Hancock tells them, making her way along the mats on the ground. "Pay attention to your partner's feet. Pay attention to their movements. Do they lean on their left foot before they move? Do they suck in a breath before they punch? Do they pay more attention to your feet or your hands? Anything can give away your next move, ladies,"

Cammie stared at Bex across from her, watching her best friend smirk. She'd been sparring with Bex since the sixth grade. She knew that Bex favored her left leg. She knew that Bex's weakness were her knees and her hair. (Which could be anyone's weakness, but Bex made it personal!)

And without hesitation, Cammie's arm shot out, aiming for Bex's head. Bex dodged it easily, leaning onto her right hip. She ducked and swung her leg out, aiming for Cammie's left knee. But, Cammie sidestepped, making Bex fall to the mat.

Ms. Hancock called time and Cammie helped Bex up off the mats. The two girls grabbed their water bottles, drinking from them eagerly. They started following each other out, chattering on and on about nonsense. Cammie didn't even turn as the group of boys entered the P&E barn, faces already red from doing runs outside.

Bex was the one who stopped her though, hand flying out in front of Cammie's chest before she even made it off the mats. Cammie almost yelled at her in protest until she followed Bex's gaze.

The group of boys, some with their shirts off, were already shoving and pushing each other. They were loud and energetic, hyped up with excitement for their workout. Cammie had never seen anything like it.

Her gaze snags on a certain boy with dark hair, separated from the rest. His shirt is slowly getting drenched in sweat as he lags behind. Most would think he's slow and a weak link but, Cammie knew better. And she hated that the boy in question was making his way over to her.

Or so she thought.

Zach stopped a few feet behind the girls, lifting his shirt to wipe the sweat off his face. He lifted his arms up above his head, his shirt lifting again. The Blackthorne boy shifted on the balls of his feet. Cammie couldn’t stop the image of Zach’s toned calves from entering her mind.

Cammie could feel her cheeks turning red which had nothing to do with the sweat already on her body. She wasn't staring of course but, she could see Zach out of the corner of her eye.

The boys were split away from each other. Some were down on the ground, doing pushups, their legs out straight and their chests a mere inch from the floor. Others had taken it upon themselves to throw punches at each other. But not Zach.

Zach was working out alone, no partner. No spotter. He preferred it that way.

Cammie tried not to notice Zach in the corner of the barn. She tried to focus on her own training or even moving her feet forward. But that was nearly impossible when the Blackthorne Boy in question was doing pull ups.

Zach's face was scrunched up with concentration as he pulled himself up over the bar. He alternated his legs, bringing them to his stomach and then letting them fall, never breaking stride.

Cammie could see the muscles straining beneath his shirt, see the tightening of the skin on his biceps. She could only imagine the smooth skin of his abs glistening with sweat. She knew he had lost count but, Cammie hadn't. 12... 13... 14...

Cammie hit the mat with a thunderous smack.

Her head hit the floor hard, her body crumbling beneath her. The fall left her gasping for air, chest heaving. And all she could see was Bex's snickering expression above her.

"Distracting, huh, Cammie dear," Bex said in her perfect accent.

Cammie coughed, trying to get air back into her lungs. She glared at Bex. Her eyes wide with anger. Until a tall figure entered her cloudy vision.

"Need a hand, Morgan?" Zach said, his eyes glistening with pride. He held out his hand again, this time in her line of sight.

Cammie cleared her throat and grabbed his hand, letting him pull her to her feet. Cammie couldn't look him in the face. She knew her face was redder than Liz when she fell asleep by the pool in Alabama.

"Do you find me distracting, Gallagher Girl?" Zach asked, smirking so wide. He was practically grinning from ear to ear. And Cammie hated it.

"In your dreams, Zachary." Cammie said quickly, before turning on her heel and nearly running out of the barn.

She didn't think she ever felt heat like that when she was training before.

And she wouldn't mind if she felt it again.

(Written by: @cammie-morgan-goode)

#gallagher girls #gallagher girls series #cammie morgan goode writes #ally carter #asked and answered #answered asks #answered #zach goode #zachary goode #cammie morgan #cameron goode #cameron morgan #cammie morgan goode #cameron morgan goode #cammie and zach #zach and cammie #zach #zammie #gg #gallagher girl series #random headcanon #thank you for this #ask #fanfic #i just love them #cammie #the much awaited workout scene #there's just something about pull ups #yall aint ready #yall aint ready for this one

[pauls1967moustache]

Something you posted a while back has really stayed with me and i cant stop thinking about it. Its the idea that most people have this idea that Paul can't say no? Like i don't believe it but in the case the small chance that he did say 'no i don't like you like that' to John in India so many people have this idea that he's totally in the wrong for that? that he had to say yes and its so strange to me? and its actually so upsetting tbh and that's me not me being a no.1 Paul fan that twink deserves death more often than not or to be put in his place even now as an old bingo granny, id take the thickener out of his soup if i could but i really think it relates back to a lot of the feminisation/misogynistic attention he gets. Especially that one quote by certified Beatles writer that describes HDYS as something a scorned lover would write to show he would never be rejected again and its like ??? Paul is allowed to say no? hes very much allowed to not want a relationship? he's allowed to reject it and again its a roundabout way of misogyny with the idea when a woman rejects someone oh she'll be sorry because he'll spend the rest of his time saying mean things about her to everyone who will listen, and just how much she's in the wrong for not wanting/liking them like that, how she is such a bad person because she made him sink that low and do something he later 'regrets'. It's just really strange and sad to me cause again i don't think thats what happened but it the reaction that John was allowed to scream and be angry about it, he was allowed to write piece after piece especially 71 John he was allowed to be angry (and he was yeah) but Paul is never really allowed that same treatment? and even now he gets the treatment of ex-wife who really broke his now dead husbands heart and has to spend the rest of his life 'fixing' that. You can even see it a bit with the way they talk about George and Pauls relationship too the way they use constant femanising language in a derogatory way (bossy, irrational, controlling) to show just how much Paul isn't allowed to be angry and upset the same way they are he has to deal with it

i mean i don't think there was any rejection in india to speak of so this is purely hypothetical nonsense to me anyway, but yeah, i do think it's a silly way to look at it.

i think there's an argument to made like: john and paul's relationship had this weird romantic element to it already, and paul saying no is him kind of leading john on but refusing to ackowledge the truth of what they are - which would be frustrating from john's pov, i get that. the thing about that is that it's not something anyone on tumblr.com/dashboard actually knows for a fact, it's just emotional conjecture a bunch of people decided to project on. which is why the whole paul rejection theory irritates me so much. like yeah! he actually can say no, if that is what he felt! he's not required to be in love with john just because we all want him to be! (not to mention, that if there was a situation where he did reject john, i do not think that's the kind of thing he'd do lightly and without guilt, regardless of any added guilt john would make him feel by being mad about it). it's just a very unkind and reductive way to look at the very real love that DID exist between them, romantic or not. they cared about each other so much. it would be a cruel way for john to treat paul, and it's a cruel way to read into paul's treatment of john.

and i think the other side of it is that a lot of paul's sense of anger and his own feelings of rejection during that whole mess gets overshadowed in the john/paul/yoko triangle. paul was quieter about his anger because john already chose to be with yoko and he didn't feel he had a right to fight that. and the fandom cannot talk about it because half the time it's tied up in the very real mysogyny yoko faced as the face of The Thing That Broke Up The Beatles (even if she isn't), so paul's anger just kind of goes unacknowledged here in relation to john's.

#asks #i kinda disagree with you in that i think paul WAS allowed to be angry but he simply chose not to be (publicly) #but the media loves a catfight. if paul wanted to bitch about john i'm sure there would be plenty of coverage to spur him on. #but i agree that people here talk about it in weird ways #fortunately none of this is real because rejection in india didn't even happen :)

[baby-xemnas]

btw i know noone asked me to elaborate on my feelings on G5 but i will anyway because i LOVE luffy

i hate the prophecy shit. i agree fully with the argument that the fight being about FUN and GOOFING OFF is better than just power scale crap (we had plenty of that with katakuri, i didnt even get thru all of it it was so obnoxious)

i love luffy. i love that he's crazy. its amazing. and gear 5 being an ass pull nonsense power up would be fine and i would enjoy animation of him being crazy if it wasnt for the prophecy.

i saw a clip of him just laughing like a crazy person (before the tf. im mad i didnt hide it in my drafts cuz he is so hot) and was like man...love this guy hes off his nut

nika/joyboy part of it all overshadows all the fun i could possibly have

i LOVE when characters are high on their powers and it fits luffy soooo well

im talking abt it cuz im a little sour

its not about hating fun its about hating reincarnations

[ironwoodprotectionsquad]

RWBY Volume 9 Episode 2 thoughts

So this is just truly a first impressions dump of thoughts on the episode but this episode was a roller coaster so I wanted to share.

First off I do want to say, this episode did actually give me a bit of an emotional gut punch when Ruby gave her speech about Penny in the end of the episode. You could feel the pain and sadness and love towards Penny in it and it made me hurt about Penny all over again. 

Unfortunately though....in some ways it is too little too late. We didn’t get this continuing reaction for her first death so having it feels like “finally!” but also “why did it take so long” I did truly like it but its certainly a mixed bag for me. What really fell flat for me is the moment afterwards with the comedic crying of the guards listening to Ruby talk about Penny. It’s supposed to be an emotional moment where Ruby’s words touch the hearts of the guards through her emotions and pain and we’re turning it comedic. 

Like the idea of even the horses crying shows how different this world is but it feels too comedic for what should have been an emotional scene. Overall this is kind of a common issue with the episode, comedy coming in with very poor timing and it hurts the flow of the episodes and the emotions we are supposed to be feeling. 

This happens an annoying number of times through the episode, comedy stripping away from what is genuinely an emotional moment. When Little grabs what we later learn is Penny’s sword and Ruby getting emotional seeing it but then having Yang play tug of war with her arm and so much attention being drawn to the comedy of it, Ruby crying over Penny’s sword and talking about how she felt drawn to it being overshadowed by the same bit from episode one with Ruby being trapped in the loop with the added, Weiss knocks herself out with the rock she threw that came back to hit her nonsense trying to bury what is happening on screen, Yang and Blake are flirting and Weiss is saying “Finally” and making a joke out of it with everyone ignoring how clearly upset and hurt Ruby is. It just keeps happening with comedy that really doesn’t work. 

As a side note....is CRWBY trying to confirm Bmblebe through Weiss? Is it confirmed or just like the Nora situation in volume 7? I am genuinely unsure here lolz. 

Also Little continues to just....sleep and it is becoming very frustrating. Having Ruby talk through things with Little could have been so interesting but instead they sleep through all of these emotional moments and offer none of their thoughts on these things. 

We also are finally seeing Ruby and Weiss at least question their decisions and starting to see they have no clue what they’re doing and really shouldn’t be making these massive and important decisions. This could be a really good arc to explore....too bad I have a feeling Yang and Blake or the narrative will make sure to assure them that they did absolutely nothing wrong and they are perfect and should keep doing what they’ve been doing. Maybe I’ll eat my words and maybe the volume will end with the girls accepting they fucked up big time and Altas falling is partially their fault but letting them learn and grow and keep fighting but I really don’t have much faith that will happen. 

#RWDE #Rwby critique #RWBY criticism

[pythiaswine]

nothing makes my heart twist in knots more than Fear Street 1666. fantastic. it's the historical, fictional sapphic movie i needed. camp as fuck. like fuck netflix okay but this is one thing i actually really love. this and Ratched of COURSE.

[spoilers]

the absolute TRUTH in the story of a woman demonized by the covert actions of a man who plays the good guy even to the woman he's damning, the "deviancy" of teens even in 1660s colonial america, the queer love story that's pursued despite the whole "this is wrong" shebang, the offered "cure," the overshadowing horror, the trilogy altogether being about these serial killers and the absolutely sickening backstory where you're led on for the first two movies to believe it's the work of a witch who cursed the land and then really it's the fact that she was a scapegoat who was in the wrong place at the wrong time!!! fuck! it kills me. the men allcoming together and straight up lying out of their asses just to implicate sarah and hannah in the crime of witchcraft. the assault as they "search" hannah for marks. fucking vile. witch hunt unraveling in its purest. the way sarah trusts solomon. the way he kills her off not because she's a witch but because she's the only one who knows he's the real villain.

FUCK. and don't get me wrong i love Midnight Mass and even though the degeneration of peaceful small-town christianity into a cult is chilling and incredibly well-done, and it got my heart racing, something about the way Fear Street unfolds itself, something about how it tricks you into believing it's the same old teen slasher story about a curse on a town from centuries ago, or leads you to believe the witch is really a witch. it's something about the way two teenage girls are trying to just exist and love in a world that paints them as witches and whores and sinners, a world where the "holy" men of the town would control them, assault them, rape them, hang them if they so choose. they were at a disadvantage BEFORE solomon made a deal with the devil. it's personal to me as a young lesbian who has never seen such a great portrayal of the scrutiny and lesbaphobia, the intersectionality of misogyny, homophobia, and the purity culture of christianity. i went into the trilogy with a feeling of disappointment like oh good, another evil witch, another good cop... AND THEY 360 THAT SHIT!! and i love it!

and then the horror aspects?? all of the gore was awesome imo but i was never quite so uncomfortable (and that's how gore should make you feel in a horror movie, i think) as when the children and pastor had their eyes gouged out. the hand scene was gnarly too but badass as fuck. kate and simon's deaths were gross and pretty awesome, i genuinely didn't expect either of them to go despite this being the slasher genre. the whole 1978 movie was great and it's totally a modern Friday the 13th with some totally rad heroines who are well written.

the happy ending we deserved!!!?? the tragedy of Sarah ultimately being hanged despite her best fighting efforts because even though she escaped him, nobody was going to believe her anyway, then we finally have victory. Sunnyvale/the Goodes get what they fucking deserve.

and don't get me started on how we learn the story of what happened in 1666 through our current characters, it's so warming and familiar. it makes the audience keep focus. fuck i loved this trilogy. i loved RL Stine's books as a kid and the world-building in this was so colorfully reminiscent. the music was also awesomeeee ughh

amanda ford's costuming??? love her so much

and to top off the happy ending, Deena and Sam get a date over Sarah Fier's grave in honor of her memory and the history it's romantic and sapphic as fuck i love it

then of course some classic horror nonsense when ee see the book in the credits. so much to adore here.

#fear street #fear street 1666 #fear street 1994 #fear street 1978 #sarah fier #hannah miller #nick goode #sam fraser #deena x sam #deena johnson #josh johnson #kate schmidt #martin franklin #kiana madeira #ziggy berman #sadie sink #simon kalivoda #cindy berman #amanda ford costuming

[starbage]

hi! anon who recently finished HalOPE: YOUR GAME IS ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL AND THAT MUST BE KNOWN. The colors, the story, the meanings and symbolism all add up to each other really well and you’ve made something very meaningful to me and other people.

also may I ask for a fun fact or two about landlord. I don’t really care what, but I feel like he’s very underrated for a guy that’s a part of the reason why the game events go down

hi, thank you very much :-)

Landlord is interesting to me. He is kind of purposefully nonsensical, almost comical in his malice, but I guess there's just enough there that people have gotten intrigued about him. Have a few crumbs below

-Landlord's design was basically entirely based off of the final boss of kero blaster's Zangyou mode. Fighting a guy in a suit is funny.

-He used to have more arms. I don't know why I got rid of them. You can see it in some of the older concept art of him though. This one is from September 2021

-obviously, Landlord is not his actual name. I've been thinking about it recently and think I have a real name I like for him. We'll see if I do anything with that

-not strictly related to him, but the first draft of chapter 2 was pretty different. A lot darker-- I hadn't yet come up with the stuff about the other angels related to the protagonist. So that chapter used to focus a lot more on the nature of the Complex itself and how people have died there. It's kind of an overshadowed detail, now :p

-Similarly, i wanted to elaborate on the Landlord's relationship with Maturity but never did. I think they came to him in a vision of sorts out of concern for his behavior. Obviously that didn't end well.

#asks #anonymous

[rainbowolfe]

A thought: Is special Follower dialogue Bishop-Lore hiding in plain sight? I actually think. The Darkwood interactions point to Narinder, and not Leshy. I will not be taking questions.

Lost Companion Quests

"My friend and I were traveling together through Anura and lost each other." "Before you brought me into your Cult my sister and I were separated when travelling through Anchordeep." "My best friend is lost in Silk Cradle, can you go save them?" "My brother and I were traveling together through Darkwood and were separated." As a follow-up to that last one, in the Doctrines, if you agree that all is fair in love and war, then it's revealed that that follower feels overshadowed by their brother and demands to be put in the fight pit with him. And wins.

If I were to take these as one-to-one comparisons...

Heket's not from Anura, Kallamar's not from Anchordeep, and Narinder's not from Darkwood. Those first two track, so I'll assume it tracks for Narinder too. The frogs in Anura seem almost like an invasive species. Just hundreds upon hundreds of frog spawn everywhere, and no other creatures. For a swamp it's very. Dry. And Kallamar is the only sentient squid for miles.

Kallamar had a sister, and Narinder had a brother. Narinder had a brother he had growing resentment for. "Lost" vs "Separated" implies intention. So someone (or something...) separated Kallamar and Narinder from their family members, while it was just bad luck that Heket lost track of her friend. Anura is characterized as being particularly dangerous.

Shamura had a fwiend owo a best fwiend. Probs failed to save them. Dead. Traumatic.

New Follower Recruitment

"Some creatures are here seeking shelter with our Cult, but they are sick!" "Sceptics and heretics have made their way to our Cult, cursing our way of life... but they want to join!" "There are some folks who are starving and have no place to call home, we must let them join our Cult!" "Some elders have been cast from their Cult and now seek a place to enjoy their final years."

The first and third interactions are easy to ascribe to Kallamar and Heket respectively. These two ended up on the Old Faith's (read: Shamura's) doorstep out of desperation. It would make sense if Shamura, the knowledge god, didn't actually believe in any Old Faith nonsense. But they weren't going to NOT become a god. As for the last one... elders wear white. Narinder wears white. Narinder = old man confirmed.

#off color theories #cult of the lamb #cotl theory

[joylinda-hawks]

Ah Xu, please lend me your sword. I'll explain everything to you later. WOH, Episode 33, Part 2. ZZS stands proudly in front of ZJ after the challenge. To the surprise of everyone present, a voice is heard saying that Siji Manor exists. WKX itself appears on top of one of the walls. Dressed in white and silver robes with an immortal fan in his hand. ZZS turns to the voice and sees the majestic WKX. He's genuinely surprised. The gathered recognize WKX and wonder where he came from, they saw that he died. WKX tells ZZS that he will handle the fight and elegantly jumps onto the stage. ZZS still can't believe what it sees. Some of the gathered murmurs ask if this isn't the leader of Ghost Valley. WKX confirms that's his name, but he's from Siji Manor, adding that he has the same last name as the leader of Ghost Valley. He adds that those gathered took him for someone else. ZJ accuses him of taking them for idiots and talking nonsense. The ZZS prudently remains silent. ZJ says he is the leader of the WKX ghosts, and his image appears in the book. WKX replies that ZJ is responsible for creating this book, that ZJ is disloyal and untrustworthy. Shen Shen, to clarify the situation, order the captured Ghosts to be brought to dispel my doubts. King Scorpion asks about WKX's identity. Everyone waits with bated breath for the answer. The Ghosts categorically deny that the person on the scene is their leader. ZJ is surprised, confused, doesn't understand what's going on. ZZS does not believe what he hears. WKX says that the leader of Ghost Valley died at Bailu Pass and his body is still in the Mansion of the Five Lakes Alliance, and adds that ZJ must have deceived all Jianghu heroes. ZJ finally realizes that the Scorpion King has betrayed him. WKX introduces himself to the audience as a student of Siji Manor, his master was Qin Huai Zhang, and ZZS is his elder brother. WKX starts talking about his parents, but before he finishes, he asks ZZS to lend him a sword. ZZS looked at WKX with a hard look, he does not want to judge him, but expects explanations. WKX knows that this is how ZZS shows its dissatisfaction. WKX repentantly says that ZZS will explain everything later. ZZS's slightly raised left eyebrow is like a silent question whether WKX is lying. ZZS silently hands over the WKX sword, then I will silently leave the stage. WKX takes care of the departing ZZS, his older brother allowed WKX himself to do justice. The road to justice is sometimes difficult and marked by bumps. It is rarely simple, it brings tears, suffering and sadness. But justice must be served. After many years of suffering and humiliation, WKX can personally demand justice in the light of day. His older brother ZZS, talking about ZJ's life story, prepared the way for him. in this scene, ZZS does not say any words, but his posture, gestures, gaze say a lot. The time from WKX's appearance on the scene to the time he asked ZZS for a sword must have been an eternity for ZZS. Feelings, emotions that were inherent in ZZS had to be punishable, from great joy to despair. The sheer joy that WKX was alive overshadowed the realization that ZZS would soon die of its own accord. ZZS didn't know how WKX would be able to say that, so he kept quiet, and kept quiet because he didn't know what game was being played before his eyes. ZZH constantly reminds us how well he can play without showing his emotional side. You can love him for that cool, distant ZZS silhouette. He is such an antithesis to the loud, cheeky WKX.

#zhang zhehan #zhou zishu #word of honor #wenzhou #gong jun #wen kexing

[moonrisecalamityretreat]

now our hands join round the meaning you sought || futaba || trial 6.3 || re: SHUT UP!!

It’s something of a feat to get on Futaba’s nerves. It was rare for her to find others irritating in general, really. Of course, some had managed to do so before now, and almost always for similar reasons - bias clouded their judgment or their ability to cooperate, they acted without thinking a little too often, they provoked others for no discernable reason other than causing trouble. She’d gotten over these grievances by now, of course, and most all negative feelings she’d once had toward anyone had been overshadowed by a general sense of camaraderie.

This does not, however, mean she’s lost the ability to find people grating, and somehow Jinpachi has managed to tick every box when it comes to traits she can’t stand. Not that she'll show as much - she's sure he'd only get more annoying if she did.

“… I know the answer is obvious, but are you stupid? Surely you’re aware we’ve all considered the worst case scenario already? I doubt most of us would bother engaging with you at all if we hadn’t come to terms with what may or may not be waiting for us back home. How you’ve failed to account for the fact we’ve bonded as a group, I don’t know, but… there are many people here I know I can trust once we’ve returned. No matter what we’ve lost, none of us will be left alone. … And, in any case, my fathers have survived the worst of the apocalypse once. I’m confident they’re capable of doing so again.”

She sighs, crossing her arms over her chest and tilting her head to the side. While her expression is as blank as usual, there’s a small hint of genuine dumbfoundedness in it.

“… I was far from normal to begin with, anyway. Have you already forgotten your little comment about inorganic lifeforms? … I figure I’ll have to fight for some sense of normalcy regardless of the current state of the world, and I’ve long since accepted that. That threat means nothing to me. … Really, nothing you’ve said thus far means much of anything. If I didn’t know any better, I’d almost think you were simply trying to postpone your death for as long as possible.”

“... How irritating.”

She’d be rolling her eyes right now if she wasn’t sure he’d find it amusing to see her do so. Her affect remains as flat as it always is.

“I think I can say with relative confidence that another Jinpachi Otsuka, or Izana, or Shinichi, won’t last terribly long if and when they decide to show their face. You speak as though we’d be afraid to face them again. Personally, I’m fairly certain everyone here would be happy to remove them from the equation, just as I’m certain we aren’t the only ones who would be willing to do so.”

“... That said, Hayashi-san is right. None of us asked to be part of this game of hope versus despair. It’s childish. Frankly, I’d have no part in it if I had a choice. … But if participating will free us from your nonsensical rambling sooner, then I’ll happily do so.”

Without sparing any thought, Futaba casts her vote. And, for good measure, she gives Yuriko a small thumbs up. Kity say fuck!!

“... Anyway, hurry up and die. I want to leave now.”

#ch6 #futaba

[picklepie888]

Mirabel Madrigal + Disney Princess Interactions Headcanons

Cinderella would be very impressed with Mirabel's sewing skills and compliment her outfit and embroidery. Mirabel enjoys Cinderella talking about her mouse companions because it reminds her a bit of her Tio Bruno. The fact that Cinderella owns a dog named Bruno amuses her further.

Mirabel looks up to and is inspired by Mulan, since she's the only other member of the group who's not true royalty and because she managed to end a war and save her country without a magical gift.

Mirabel relates to Anna being the younger sister who often gets overshadowed by her older sister with magic powers. However, they both tend to compete over who has the more amazing sister.

When meeting Mirabel, Snow White was ecstatic to finally have a friend close to her own age. In turn, Mirabel is fond of Snow because her innocent nature and closeness towards animals reminds her of her little cousin Antonio.

Tiana often asks Mirabel to share some of her culture's recipes with her, as Tiana is always looking for new foods to try to make. She's also fascinated by Mirabel's claims that her mother heals people with her cooking.

Ariel is the most curious princess, and is always wanting to know more about every human culture, including Colombian culture. Mirabel is more than happy to share her culture with Ariel.

Merida was a bit skeptical towards Mirabel at first, but eventually came to admire her willingness to mend her bond with her grandmother. She's just a bit miffed that she didn't need to break a bear curse or sword fight her father in order to do so.

When Mirabel had told Rapunzel that there was someone else with the ability to heal people, she was shocked. She proceeded to ask her questions about a sundrop and a moonstone, and a bunch of other magical nonsense Mirabel couldn't quite wrap her head around. She loves Raps' bubbly and friendly personality though.

Elsa is low-key jealous that Mirabel comes from a society where magical people are accepted and honored. However, Mirabel reassures her that her magical family still has their fair share of flaws and imperfections. Elsa also gives a lot of advice for Mirabel to give to her Tia Papa on how to handle her emotion-based weather magic.

Mirabel recommends many Colombian stories and nonfiction books for Belle to read. In turn, the two young women often discuss the feeling of being the outcast in the villages they grew up in.

Moana is another princess Mirabel looks up to because she managed to save her community and the entire world from a lava beast, again without any magic gift. Moana assures Mirabel that her inner strength and willingness to look out for her family is just as important.

That's all I got right now. Might make a part two later.

#encanto #mirabel madrigal #disney princess #disney #disney princesses #snow white #cinderella #ariel #belle #mulan #tiana #rapunzel #merida #moana #anna frozen #frozen elsa #tangled #frozen #the princess and the frog #the little mermaid #beauty and the beast #brave pixar

[library-of-cronos]

Beauty lays behind the hills

Ao3

Summary:  Danny loses everything. He runs fast and he runs far, somehow ending up in a back alley known as Park Row, where a strange man with flowers in his hands changes his life.

Words: 5309

Grief was a weight in Danny’s chest. A familiar yet sinking feeling in his gut every time he heard a voice similar to his dad’s uproarious, contagious laugh. A pit of emptiness every time he smelled a faint chocolate fragrance coming from the bakery uptown that reminded him of his mom’s homemade fudge.

Jazz would have better words to describe his feelings. She always knew how he truly felt under his plastic smiles, and how to make all the negativity melt away under her delicate hugs and sweet-smelling pancakes.

Why her?

To him it was like his nails had grown too long. Like he was waiting for the bus in the rain, except nothing would ever come for him. Like there was a solution to a puzzle that he had been trying to crack for years, but the only people who knew it left long ago.

Jazz would know how to handle the complex and seemingly nonsensical thoughts that twisted in his gut when he couldn’t sleep.

Why now?

But she was gone. Forever. She was wherever she ended up-heaven, hell, nirvana, maybe she was even reincarnated-along with his parents.

Why them?

He had checked the Ghost Zone. He searched, awaiting a response in the empty void that was the Infinite Realms, for what felt like days. In the real world it may have only been an hour, but time passed differently in the Ghost Zone. He couldn’t help but think he should have looked for longer. Maybe until he found them. Maybe until he died.

He wouldn’t mind the second option.

It should have been me.

But that just wasn’t possible.

Vlad Masters, the man who always wanted him as his son and his mom as his wife, probably felt the same rage Danny did when his family died. The fight they had the day Vlad saw the news report of Fentonworks blowing up, killing Danny’s parents and sister, wasn’t pretty.

Powerful words and deadly blows were exchanged that day. It was clear he resented Danny for the accident, even if he was out patrolling that night and had nothing to do with it. Vlad boldly, and insanely, proclaimed that even if Maddie was gone, he would still have Danny as his son. Whether he liked it or not.

That was the same day Danny ran.

He flew fast and hard, somehow outrunning even the older ghost. Even if Vlad somehow convinced (overshadowed) a court into assigning Vlad as his guardian, Danny would still run. Better to get a head start.

He had stopped in the next state over that same night, exhausted, and promptly cried his eyes out in the bathroom of a gas station, until the owner got sick of him taking up the only stall in the store and kicked him out.

He continued flying (after quietly lifting some snacks from the back shelves) and kept going and going until he felt so tired that he couldn't stand the sight of the rising sun. He landed in the parking lot of a motel that looked abandoned. The beds were hardly comfortable, and the toilets and sinks no longer worked, but it was as good a place as any.

He hadn’t noticed that he left his phone, and everything else for that matter, in Amity until it was far too late to go back. He couldn’t anyway, not with a deranged fruitloop still there. So, no phone, wallet, or spare clothes it was.

On the first day in whatever state he was in, he had wandered into a mall that looked eerily similar to the one back home. He felt terrible about stealing a backpack and a set of clothes, but he had to if he was going to survive. And maybe the worker with a PDA in his front pocket sweeping the aisles was why Danny stole the cheapest ones he could find.

I left them behind.

The town hurt to look at. It was too small, it was filled with high-schoolers, and it had that same static charge in the air that Amity did. It was just a reminder of who he left behind. Who he had disappointed the most. The people who promised to always be there for him. The people he promised to always be there for.

And he left them behind without even saying goodbye.

Danny left. He flew for miles, but never stopped except for a sip of water or a much-needed meal with what little money he nicked from store registers. He never took more than what wouldn’t be missed.

The cycle continued until his eyes grew weary and his throat dried from a lack of human interaction. He never knew the time, and didn’t count the dates, but it felt like weeks since he left. Since the accident.

Vlad hadn’t found him yet, though there was no doubt he was looking. Hopefully he still thought Danny would be too attached to Amity to leave, or too homesick to not stick around and see his parent’s funerals, and Vlad would keep his minions searching the small town.

It wasn’t long after the first week before he ran into trouble. He had kept himself from stealing any more than he needed, and had been living not-so-comfortably as a homeless teenager who people felt so bad for they gave him spare change and cheap food from the similarly cheap vendors for several days now.

He tried to be as unassuming as possible– plain clothes, keeping his head down, never transforming or using his powers for even a second -and to his advantage it had worked. When he went out for food no one looked twice at a kid who definitely still belonged in school and thought to call the cops.

So when someone off-handedly called the brick walls that were his bedroom “Crime Alley” he honestly thought it was nothing serious. Some old folks that passed called it Park Row, so it was probably just superstition.

Until he had a gun to his head, demanding he hand over everything he had, or else. And, well, Danny didn’t really remember all of what happened. His instincts took over for the most part, and though his eyes were burning green for sure, he refrained from using any powers. He distinctly heard the gun go off at some point, and though his leg hurt like a bitch, he had the masked man on the ground with Danny sitting on his back and his arm held there too in less than thirty seconds.

Though it was rather awkward when a brown-suited man rounded the corner with flowers in his hand, jaw dropped. Danny made no move to get up off of the robber’s back, and the masked individual wasn’t stupid enough to beg for the man’s help.

“You might want to turn around, sir.” Danny turned his head up to look into the businessman’s eyes. He could tell from the blank stare he got back that his eyes were as dead as he felt.

When he didn’t so much as blink, Danny shrugged. It didn’t matter who saw him if he was going to be leaving. Just a little bit of pushing and the robber’s arm bent backwards so far everyone could hear it snap under the pressure. There was some screaming, and some foaming at the mouth, but he went limp afterwards.

Danny made to stand up, brushing off his hands as he did, but found himself collapsing back down with immense pain in his leg. Looking down, it was clear that the gunshot he heard going off didn’t fire into nothing.

He sucked in a tight breath, pressing the palm of his hand into the wound which was slowly soaking his jeans in red. It stung like all hell, but he hardly had time to even think before his arm was grabbed, gently placed around the suit’s shoulder.

“You need medical treatment. Allow me to help.” His voice had an air of practiced sophistication, but was tinged with concern.

“I’m good, dude.” Danny started to tug away, but was pulled back forcefully, yet still mindfully gentle. Danny tried again, to similar results. “Seriously, I’m fine.”

“I know a good doctor nearby. I will not allow you out of my sight without at least having you looked over.” His voice was firm, and they began a slow walk out of the alley.

Danny was hardly happy, since he would heal by tomorrow morning with his passive powers, but he at least had the mind to grab his backpack from the ground while he was practically being dragged away.

While the vision around his eyes fuzzed little by little, Danny took the time to really look at the man who may or may not be kidnapping him.

The man’s brown suit and black tie seemed expensive. His hair was coiffed skillfully, and he held himself with confidence, even while literally carrying a bloody teenager down “Crime Alley”. Maybe the name fit a bit better now.

None of the people who usually gave Danny guff for encroaching on their turf bothered the well-dressed man (who seemed gullible enough to give his wallet away if he was helping a homeless teen).

So maybe they were staring at him and not Danny, unlike his first impression. Actually, that was more likely. Fancy suit, well-groomed; It made sense to think about it that way.

They arrived in a flash, thanks to the fuzzy feeling his head was sporting growing stronger.

The doctor the man took him to had faded gray hair and dark red earrings, the two things Danny noticed about her in the moments before he collapsed on the bed the man laid him on.

“-nother black hair, blue eyes situation?”

Danny hadn’t opened his eyes yet, as everything still felt fuzzy. So he couldn’t tell who was talking. It wasn’t Jazz, and it wasn’t his mom, but it was a woman.

“-not my fault, doc-...know what day it is.”

The second voice was deeper, clearly a man. Hardly familiar, but he recognized it.

When the woman sighed it was wobbly, almost distorted. Or maybe he just imagined it. Things were still hazy in his head, even when he was half asleep. Maybe he should just go back to bed.

The first time he woke up (or was it the second?) things were spinning a lot less. He squinted as his eyes readjusted to the light hanging above him.

“It’s good to see you up and about, but try not to ruin my stitches.”

“No promises.” Danny’s response was instant and habitual, surprising even himself. “Sorry.” He added quickly.

“If you’ve got enough energy for sass, then I trust the medicine works just fine.” She didn’t seem mad at his backtalk. Amused, if anything.

The room was a bit dark, save for the ceiling lamp, and the bed he was sitting on wasn’t exactly comfortable. The lady currently cleaning up scraps of bloody bandages was sporting a white lab coat.

Danny’s eyes went wide at the smell of antiseptic. Panic surged through him. “A hospital?”

Hospitals liked to know who people are when they treat them. Hospitals liked to put that information in a neat little computer. And if his name was already out there, it meant Vlad was aware of it.

“Hardly. I just treat people when they walk in.” She mumbled the next part. “Or crash in.”

At this point Danny had finally noticed the bandages around his thigh, hidden by his still-red jeans, as well as the man sitting in the corner. How long had he been there?

“Oh. Well...thanks.” Danny thanked the older lady, who was probably the doctor who treated him.

He blamed his mom for instilling manners in him. Because he honestly didn’t want to stick around for long. He scooted himself off of the bed and onto the floor, wincing hard when the pain shot down his leg.

The man was yet again there to catch him, somehow moving faster than a normal businessman should be. The action kept him upright, for now. It didn’t mean he had to like it.

“Look, I appreciate your help, but I got to go.” Danny grit his teeth to lessen the pain, trying to get away on his own two feet.

“Go where?” The doctor crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. “Last I heard you were living out of the back of the most dangerous place in Gotham.”

“I’m fine.” Danny pressed, trying to shake off the man’s tight grip that might just be the only thing holding him up right then.

“Listen to Dr. Thompkins.” The man pressed back, not letting Danny fall. “When she says you need to rest for the night she means it.”

He sounded like he spoke from experience.

“And I told you I’m fine.” Danny snapped, trying to lean on his shaking hands. “I don’t need your help.”

What he needed to do was leave, find a comfortable bed to sleep in, and rest up until he was healed tomorrow morning. His ghostly powers had to be good for at least that. The man seemed to think for just a moment, before gently letting go of Danny. Immediately he was forced to lean hard into the side of the bed to barely keep himself upright, but it was what he asked for.

“My name is Bruce Wayne.” He spoke as if Danny would know who that is. “I know you don’t trust me, but if you come with me I promise I can give you a good meal and a warm bed tonight.”

The second part got his attention. A warm bed? A good meal? When was the last time he had either? His stomach hurt, and it wasn’t from being shot. Only eating convenience store food and lousy hotdogs for weeks wasn’t good on his body. And it wasn’t exactly easy resting on cold brick and dirt for the better part of every day.

Danny glanced over at the doctor. She didn’t seem surprised, and even nodded, almost like she was encouraging the idea.

Neither seemed to pressure him into it, but eventually he caved.

“One night.” He grit his teeth when he spoke, but when the words were out he surprisingly didn’t regret it.

Danny wouldn’t say Bruce’s face lit up, but he seemed relieved. He excused himself to make a phone call shortly after, leaving him and the doctor alone.

There was a comfortable silence between them as she cleaned up the various tools and bandages she had used. Danny took note of his backpack by the door, thankful he had remembered to bring it.

“He’s a good man.” Dr. Thompkins mentioned offhandedly. “You don’t seem the trusting type, but I can assure you that you’ll be in good hands.”

She didn’t stop what she was doing, or even turn to face him, so he had a feeling she wasn’t looking for a response (or maybe an argument).

Nevertheless, he responded. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

When Bruce returned he politely escorted Danny out, letting him assume there was a car waiting for them. Turning back for just a moment, Danny caught eyes with the doctor and mouthed ‘Thank you.’ She merely smiled and nodded, silently wishing him good luck.

The car waiting for them was a bit unassuming. Plain, gray, but sleek. The license plate was untarnished, like it sat unused in a garage most of the time. The windows and tires seemed brand new. Either he was rich or didn’t drive much. Danny was betting on the former, based on the suit and fancy-smelling cologne.

Hopefully he wasn’t too rich. Billionaires were something he didn’t have many positive experiences with.

The drive was quiet. No music, no talking. Not like Danny was going to start chatting it up about his life anyway, but it wasn’t exactly comfortable.

“I have a son.” Bruce decided to throw out, seemingly at random. “He’s a bit younger than you, but around your age.”

“Good for him.” Danny didn’t really feel like talking, honestly too tired and too hungry to care, but saying nothing would be rude.

“He can be a bit...active sometimes.” It was a warning, possibly, but also seemed a bit like a brag.

Danny didn’t exactly like kids, especially not hyperactive ones, but he could deal with another one as long as he wasn’t a brat.

“Whatever.” Danny sighed deeply, leaning into the backseat and closing his eyes. Honestly, he was planning on leaving in the morning anyway. Hopefully the kid was asleep and wouldn’t even notice someone coming in.

What a surprise it was to see an actual cliffside mansion looming in the distance that Bruce was driving towards. Danny sat up straight, silently gawking. Rich dude, yes, but exactly how rich?

He clenched his teeth at the implication that it was a mistake to come here if Bruce was another eccentric (and evil) billionaire.

What greeted them at the entrance was a bowtie-suited elderly man with an actual gold monocle. The butler-looking man opened the car door for Bruce, who stepped out.

“Welcome home, Master Bruce.” He said. He sounded very far from the old man like he kind of looked like. He clearly still had all of his marbles in place.

When the butler caught eyes with Danny from the open door, he pulled his side open too. When both people were out and their doors were closed, Alfred regarded the teen with a raised eyebrow.

"I hope this does not become a pattern, Master Bruce." They shared a look between the two of them, for a moment. Bruce looked almost guilty.

“Alfred, this is…” He glanced at Danny. Danny blinked back.

Did no one ask for his name yet?

“Danny.” He supplied with a subtle smirk, seeing the rich man practically freeze in place at the lack of a name.

“Master Danny, then.” Alfred bowed at him in an instant, bringing his hand up to his chest while keeping the other behind his back.

The phrase and gesture made Danny a bit uncomfortable. Something about it reminded him of the Far Frozen, and how the yeti’s there seemed to blindly respect him.

“Just Danny is fine.” He tried to correct politely, but couldn’t help a grimace when the butler raised his head to meet eyes with him. The butler’s gaze seemed to pierce into his soul.

“Very well, Master Danny.” If he didn’t know any better he would say the butler found it funny to watch him cringe under the honorific.

"Danny is staying here for the night." Bruce mentioned.

Alfred glanced down at him, almost scanning for something. When he looked back up at Bruce they shared a look that promised to explain later. Danny hated when adults did that. Silent conversations were something teachers and parents liked to do. Especially the ones that didn’t like him.

Danny grumbled something about weird rich people under his breath, letting Alfred take the lead into the mansion. The inside was, well, it looked like any other mansion he had been in before. It wasn’t like Vlad’s, or even the one his family lived in once before. Simpler, less gaudy. The furniture looked like it could fit right in with a normal, if stylish, house.

The ceiling was very tall though, much taller than any house he’d ever been to. It almost made him want to fly up and see for himself just how high up it was. He forced down the urge quickly, focusing instead on how clean the floor was...and how dirty his shoes were.

He hadn’t gone flying in a while. He used it to travel in the beginning of his running-away, but now he usually just took the bus to blend in more. And to try and avoid the shadowy people he saw jumping rooftops at night. Only trouble seemed to follow those guys, and Danny tried to stay away from trouble.

At some point in his spacing-out, the three of them had stopped outside a door.

“After you, Master Danny.” Alfred gestured with a slight bow, still seeming to find the prefix amusing.

Danny grumbled again, and opened the door with a push. The inside of this room was similar to the rest of the mansion. Simple, comfortable. The plush, king bed looked like heaven compared to the alley he had made his home for weeks now.

But the promise of a good meal was too good to sleep off.

By the time he had both checked out the inside of the room, eyeing the corners first, and thus deemed it safe enough, he had turned to see the butler had vanished. Bruce remained where Alfred was, with a careful, gentle-seeming smile plastered on his face.

“Feel free to rest until dinner is prepared.” He gestured for Danny to take a bit more time to check out the whole room.

No room for argument was left when the man left, leaving Danny alone. He couldn’t help but sigh, and dropped his bag by the door, finally able to be able to breathe now that he was alone. He shut the door behind him, taking in the entirety of the room.

There was a wardrobe, but it was empty. Typical for guest rooms, but it was dusty like it was never used in the first place. The bathroom connected to the bedroom was sparingly full as well. Never-used soap sat on the sink and clean, pressed towels sat folded on the metal cabinet.

The bathtub looked like it was installed and then never used, the same going for the toilet and shower. Not very popular for a rich dude, Danny guessed. Hopefully he didn’t go insane like Vlad did when he was left to himself.

Danny frowned and wondered what Vlad was up to. Spitting on his dad’s grave most likely. Or maybe setting up a candle-lit shrine for his mom in his office. Either thought made him angry enough that he had to knock himself upside the head hard enough to clear the urge to light up an ectoblast and burn a hole in the curtains.

He hadn’t used his powers so obviously in a long time and he wasn’t about to break that now.

A polite knocking at the door quickly shook those thoughts from his now sore head.

Alfred greeted him at the door. “Please follow me, Master Danny.”

“It’s just Danny.” He tried again, but knew it was futile before he even finished his sentence.

“Very good, Master Danny.”

The dining room table was a bit too extravagant for his tastes. Too much like Vlad’s, though still not as bad in taste. At least it wasn’t green and gold like everything in the fruitloop’s stupid rich-person mansion. Several plates laid out in the spot Alfred gestured to and pulled the chair out for.

Taking the seat meant for him, Danny noted that Bruce’s spot had a dinner-packed plate on it as well, but only one small one, as opposed to his three large ones.

He didn’t know what any of it was, but the heavenly scent made his mouth water. He tore into the meal with a surprisingly ravenous appetite. When his cool glass of water was downed in quick succession, Alfred refilled it.

The first plate went down in a flash.

It was a heavy, warm meal, as promised. Something in the second plate was decidedly grilled chicken with what tasted like ginger, but even if Danny didn’t recognize most of it, it filled his stomach in a way he hadn’t had since his dad’s last cookout.

After the third glass of water, and the third plate, he finally felt sated.

“I trust it was to your liking?” Bruce commented. His plate was similarly cleaned out, but only half of his glass was empty. He must have already eaten dinner earlier.

“You could say that.” Danny sighed and leaned back into his seat. When was the last time he had something so delicious? One that didn’t come alive or burn his mouth like ectoplasm did, anyway. Alfred seemed pleased that his handiwork was appreciated, going by the proud smile.

Danny didn’t even need to be escorted back to his guest room; he just thanked Alfred and Bruce and turned to leave (otherwise he was going to pass out from being so full). He had collapsed on the bed shortly after closing the door behind him. With a satisfied sigh, he pulled the sheets up, taking in their fresh scent, and closed his heavy eyes.

Danny was stalked and hunted for most of his afterlife. Even asleep he knew the feeling of being crept up upon. So he was hardly surprised when his first reaction to a knife at his throat was to shove his attacker’s face over the side of the bed and onto the floor.

The room was pitch black, and his opponent was prepared for retaliation given how quickly they recovered into a battle-ready stance on the other side of the bed, but even still it was a familiar situation to be in.

“Who are you and how did you get in here?” The attacker accused, sounding very much like a little boy, while sheathing his knife into his pocket and replacing it with a quickly-unfolded staff much like the one his mom once used.

“I could ask you the same.” Danny didn’t wait for a response as he dodged the first swing of a staff coming for his chest.

Dodging was his only real weakness in combat when he couldn’t just phase or body-morph his way out of an attack, but still it was like, well, he was facing a little kid. One who didn't know how to fight against someone who had been fighting against ghosts for most of his afterlife, anyway. Most of the swings sent his way were easy to block or roll with, though some did land and boy would those bruises hurt in the morning.

But when Danny would try his hand at attacking back, say swiping the kid’s feet or parrying with a punch, nothing stuck. Since when were twelve year-olds this good at fighting?

When they separated for a reprieve, Danny finally noticed the kid’s dress shoes, school uniform, and slicked back hair through the darkness of the room. Had he not been at home this entire time if he was still fully dressed?

It would make sense then, that since he wasn’t here when Bruce let Danny in, that he would see evidence of an intruder (like an extra few dishes and dirty, foreign shoe marks on a clean carpet) and come check what that was about.

The knife and bo staff were a bit extra, but who was he to judge?

“I’m guessing you’re the kid Bruce mentioned?” Neither dropped stances, but both seemed more willing to listen.

“Can’t say he mentioned you.”

“I guess you could say I'm new in town.” Danny reasoned, trying to appease the small child with a knife who was currently checking Danny to see if he was a threat. “He picked me up off the street and brought me here.”

There was confusion in the kid’s face when Danny spoke, but recognition quickly took over his green eyes, followed by a quiet sigh of understanding.

“He does do that sometimes.” The kid sheathed his staff, tucking it into his pocket, and Danny relaxed his arms. “You never gave me your name.”

“Danny.” He said.

“Dick.”

“No need to be rude, dude.” Danny gave a soured look. “It’s just my name.”

The kid chuckled like he expected that response. “No, Dick is my name. Richard.”

“Your name is Richard and you go by Dick?” Danny asked. Dick nodded. “Willingly?”

The laugh that spurted from his mouth was absolutely giddy. For the first time since they met he sounded like a little kid should.

After his giggles had calmed Dick continued. “Yeah, that’s what I choose to go by. Dick Grayson.”

“Grayson? Not Wayne?” Danny questioned.

“I’m not Bruce’s biological kid.” Dick just shrugged. “He, as you put it, picked me up off the street.”

“Really?” Danny raised an eyebrow.

Dick’s shoulders fell and he turned his gaze away. He looked so much younger when upset. “Well, after my parents died.”

“I’m sorry.” Danny spoke softly, taking a seat on his bed. Dick sat next to him. “My...my parents died too.”

Dick nodded, but didn’t press for details. “I know how hard it can be. If you need someone to talk to, Bruce is a good listener.”

Danny just nodded, letting the silence comfort him.

But Dick seemed unsatisfied with the depressing atmosphere, so he tried to perk up. “Say, you play games?”

Danny took a moment to respond. “Yeah, or at least I used to.”

It had been a while since he played. He had hundreds of hours in Doom, but those were all with Tucker and Sam. Jazz got a headache from the kinds of games he liked, and his parents were good at many things, but video games weren’t one of them.

His face turned downwards even farther.

Don’t cry.

“Let’s see what Bruce has.” Dick gently grabbed him by the wrist and pulled him up off the bed and out of the room. Danny didn’t mind the distraction.

Of course the stupid mansion had a lounge. Bruce didn’t seem the type to play games, or even relax, but down the hall was an entire room meant specifically for those things. There were things like chess and shogi, even though Danny didn’t know how to play either with any skill, but Dick pulled the closet doors apart to reveal a T.V and shelves full of all kinds of video games.

Danny took a seat on one of two bean bag chairs as Dick one-by-one pulled out games and revealed the label to Danny until he got a response that was satisfactory when Danny snorted at Wii bowling. But they ended up settling on a battle royal game that Danny had played when he was young.

Dick apparently kicked ass at that game, though, so Danny lost pretty hard. But he wasn’t a sore loser, so they kept playing. He managed to sneak a couple victories in, through all their ruckus and smack-talk.

And Danny remembered how fun life can be sometimes.

Neither kid noticed the sun coming up through the closed curtains, nor did they notice the door open until both were startled by a tapping on their shoulders.

Danny nearly jumped out of his seat, the beginning of an ectoblast warming his hand. It died out when Danny gasped at the sensation and violently clasped his hand shut. He looked over to check if anyone saw, but Dick, who had jumped from his seat, had his focus on the unfolded staff in his hands, as well as Bruce, the culprit, who was smiling at the two of them.

“I trust you boys had fun?” He pushed his sleeve up and pointedly looked down at his watch. “Considering it is 7:51 am and Dick has school in ten minutes.”

Bruce saw his eyes go wide as Dick folded his staff and rushed down the hall to his room to change and get ready. “Fun playing with you Danny! See you later!”

Bruce watched him leave with an amused smile. By the time he turned back to ask the other teen if he was staying for breakfast, Danny was already asleep, head lolled back onto the cushion, controller in his lap.

After watching for a minute, deciding what to do, Bruce sighed gently and grabbed a plush blanket from the closet, wrapping it around Danny’s shoulders. He didn’t so much as stir.

Bruce stepped away and closed the room’s door behind him, leaving the tired teen to his dreaming.

#batman #Danny Phantom

[pearl-blue-musings]

Time in a Bottle Chapter 4: Autumn and Mocha

Hi hi!

Written portion after the texts

Pairing: Bakugou x fem!reader x Shinsou

Warnings: Pet sitter AU, quirkless, aged up, cursing, fluff

You tilt your head and realize it’s a cat cafe. Peeking inside, you see it’s empty and let go of the held up tension in your shoulders. You tighten the bag around your shoulder and walk in. The ding of the bell above the door alerts the cats and the employees to your presence. A chorus of meows and chirps greet you as you read the “seat yourself” sign and follow its instructions. As you sit yourself down in a comfortable chair, you see what you assume is a kitten approach you. You can’t help the smile that comes to your face as it smells your legs. With a hand close to the ground, you let the cat sniff you better until it begins to purr and make itself comfortable near you. You settle in and pull out your laptop to begin some extra work.

With your laptop open, you then see a tall and slender man come toward your table. With a low rumbly voice he asks, “Welcome to Whipped Cream and Whiskers. My name is Shinsou. How can I help you?”

You smile up at him and look over the menu, contemplating what to order. “Hi! Umm, can I get a lemon poppyseed muffin and a caramel frappechino!”

The purple eyed man smiles with a small scoff, taking note of the stress lines and frazzled details of your appearance. “Got it, hope Mocha keeps you good company.”

You can’t help but feel a little flustered at his small toothy grin and demeanor. You whisper a thanks and go back to brainstorming. The words that Denki messaged you about your idea messed with you more than you thought. The department head thought your idea was his idea? How unfair! You’re sure your friend fought for you but did what he had to in order to help. You guess being a famous influencer helps get great study topics approved. Denki is a good guy and he obviously means well, but wouldn’t it be nice to fight your own battles? Is being a teacher even it for you? Should you just move back home and start over or-

“Here’s your muffin and drink,” a calm voice interrupts. “Anything else I can do for…” Shinsou’s voice trails off as he drops off your order on the table. “Are you okay?”

You shake your head and shift some of your things around to fit your food and drink. “Yes I’m fine!” You close your laptop and notice Shinsou hasn’t left. Your eyes meet his as they taper down to the seat opposite you and allow him to sit. The man in front of you makes himself at home as you rest your cheek in your palm. “No, not really. Things at work are stressful and I’m debating what to do with my life… it’s been rough to say the least. I’m sure you don’t wanna hear this.”

“Nonsense, you’re my only customer right now and Mocha and I think Autumn, like you. Plus, you look like you have a lot on your mind. I’ve been told I’m a good listener.”

Your eyes widen at his graciousness, so you wave for him to sit in the seat opposite you. You’re quick to notice the other cat, Autumn, snuggle up in his lap as the man in front of you gets comfortable. He places his chin into his palm and gives you a calming look. “I’m all ears, kitten. What’s on your mind?”

Kitten? For some reason the pet name completely caught you off guard and had your cheeks warming up more than usual. You cough to cover your reaction and speak on. “Ah well, as you can see I’m not from Japan and I teach English and English literature for high schoolers. Plus I’m friends with an influencer who’s a really cool guy and I love him, but he overshadows me a lot. And it makes sense, you know?” You pause to breathe and catch him nodding with you, noticing the soothing sounds of the cats purring around you. “He’s Japanese, he’s easy going, and everyone loves him! Me? I’m seen as trying too hard to change things and to make matters worse I have to teach this asshole who’s—“ Your hands quickly cover your mouth at what you’re about to reveal to this utter stranger. The ring around your finger feels tighter than usual as you lower your hands. Shinsou is hesitant to reach out to you based on your sullen expression. He swallows a lump in his throat before avoiding the question he wants to ask that’s on the tip of his tongue.

“You don’t have to share more than you’re willing.”

He’s taken aback when he sees a droplet on the table and sees your shoulders shake. Just how much had you been holding onto to have you cry in front of a complete stranger? Without alarming you he gently wipes away a tear, entering into your space and starting to breathe your same air. Oddly enough, it wasn’t uncomfortable for either of you. Your phone lights up with an email notification and Shinsou lets out a gasp at your background. “You have pets?”

Seemingly shaken out of your stupor, your gaze meets his and you hum in accord. “My cat, Haru, and my Shiba, Yuki.”

“Wait, are you friends with Mina?”

“Y-yeah…” Suddenly it clicks. “You’re not Bakugou are you?”

He scoffs and sticks out his hand. “I have a little more class than he does. Name’s Shinsou Hitoshi and welcome to my place of business.”

You shake his hand and find yourself not wanting to let go, a strange sentiment overwhelming you but relaxes you all at once. “You don’t seem like the chatty type,” you comment. Shinsou chuckles and places Autumn on the ground.

“Usually not, you seem easy to talk to.” Purple irises travel down to the ring on your finger. His expression changes slightly, becoming more downcast. “I hope I’m not keeping you from anyone important.”

“What? Oh, Yuki and Haru may have my heart but they can…,” you slowly realize he was looking at your ring. The one that was given to you before. “Oh I’m sorry, I’m not seeing anyone. It’s, ah, hard to explain.”

Shinsou unfurls his eyebrows, demeanor softening as he sees you close in on yourself. “You don’t have to explain anything. Look, I don’t normally do this and this isn’t allowed, but if you’d like I can take care of Haru here during the day.

“And I’m sorry for your loss.”

Masterlist

Taglist: @frostthecupcake @unlogical-ella @zireaels-igni @andrastesmoth @minninugget @hunter-3000

#tiab #bakugou x fem!reader #shinsou x female reader #shinsou x fem!reader x bakugou #shinsou smau #bakugou smau #bnha smau #mha smau #female reader #my writing #i did the thing