#from ch 72

[sy-on-boy]

My 2 cents on the plot / thematic relevance of Ch 95

This is not about advancing Plot B or showing Anya's school life (which is still true but has been discussed), but rather the overall theme of education and war. There was an excellent post about how Eden is at the frontline of the cold war and it is subtly shown through the innocent lens of the first graders (I can't find it now, would link it if I could). And I think that perfectly applies to Ch 95.

Quick recap on some references about education/students/war throughout the series (that I remember at the moment):

Sylvia gravely condemning the Berlint University Student Terrorists during the Doggy Crisis arc (Ch 20) and saying "did you learn nothing about war at your university?"

Henderson talking about his experience as a history teacher (Ch 27.5, Short Mission 4) and quote: "Yes, well, I have always maintained that there is nothing to be learned from the memorization of time lines. From the grand efforts with which our forefathers crafted society to the foolish notions that sent them racing to war, to not study the human element at history's root is to not understand history at all"

Note that Damian's best subject has been established to be history, and his family (father) has been involved in war, at least Donovan was PM during most of the war (established by Melinda in Ch 91). Donovan is also a graduated Imperial Scholar (Ch 64).

The Red Circus group started out as a peaceful student demonstration "advocating for peace and quality" (Ch 72) and "speaking out to protect the weakest members of our society". And Billy Squire said, "We were a respectable movement that fought for our cause with respectable means. It was the state that turned violent against us. So I'm not taking criticism from a member of the establishment (referring to Henderson, an educator). I'm gonna see to it that they reap what they've sown." Billy's daughter Biddy was killed by the state at a protest.

Less of a point, but Becky is the daughter of the CEO of a major military manufacturer. Despite their very likely involvement in military conflicts because they sell arms, the Blackbell cohort has been depicted positively so far: Becky being a kind, wonderful friend to Anya, Becky's father doting on her, and Martha again being kind and dignified (and also being an ex-soldier and acquainted with Henderson).

Eden Academy is a major setting for SxF and the themes of politics, education, and war are embedded in it. The students involved in protests/groups are older (the university students, Billy's daughter), but the political implications remain even among the youngest of the students— the first graders.

Hence, Ch 95. When mere first graders are shown to fight to gain connections, which can be political as pointed out by Henderson: "In the world of politics, dances serve as major social events". But of course, they are kids, so they see it more playfully and innocently, especially Becky with her shipper lens on.

Of course, there is also the aspect of getting to know other people better out of interest (the boys asking Anya and Becky to dance because they were impressed after the bus hijacking). But as people have mentioned, nobody mentions this to Damian despite him being equally involved in saving the class (all three of them got a star). The girls aren't interested in Damian as a person, they're interested in him as an asset because of his family and their power.

And I can see the teachers trying to diffuse the tension and create camaraderie with their friendly competition. To me, this reads as the teachers fully realizing "the battlefield of political maneuvering", and they want to remind the kids to have fun, to show good sportsmanship, to unite the kids, to operate as a class and be friendly with one another, and overall make it more lighthearted. It's nice to see the classes work together and get excited / win as a unit, especially compared to the more "individual" bits of fighting for a dance partner later.

We get a bit of comparison between Bill and Damian, with Bill showing good sportsmanship while Damian scoffs at him. But Damian ends up becoming ultra competitive and telling his classmates to not screw it up.

Like the Dodgeball chapter, Damian is clumsily attempting to lead the class by doing good in his quiz, while getting stressed and yelling at his peers when they don't succeed like he did. So he's not really a good leader. Like how him being good at history does not necessarily mean he is good at being peaceful (Short Mission 4 ends with Henderson staring in exasperation at Damian + Anya bickering with each other). But obviously, he is merely a child, and he is naturally immature.

At first Loid is all for advancing Plan B and analysed Anya's suitors in a rational (reductionist?) way by ranking them in terms of gaining intelligence, but he remembers this is just a dance, Anya is a kid, and she should do whatever she wants. Loid (and the adults) are very aware of the political side of the gala, but ultimately they want the kids to have fun and not worry / worry less about politics.

Because they're kids! They'll grow up and learn more and be politically active later, but right now, they're just kids. Kids who don't know much about the world but are eager to make the world a better place.

In the end, we get a panel of Anya and Loid "teaming up" to win Damian's hand for Plan B / world peace. The Damian-Anya dynamic is cushioned with the silly crushy feelings, but underneath it, Operation Strix continues to be a core motivation.

I find it interesting that Endo chooses to focus on the first graders and their innocent view of the world / politics. It's embedded everywhere and especially in a prominent school like Eden, but the kids don't really realise it / realise the severity of it. Heirs and heiresses are educated at Eden and grow up to have incredible influence and the power to shape the world. Our protagonist's best friend comes from a family that manufactures arms. Henderson mentions the importance of learning history to avoid making the same mistakes (ie. war).

So Ch 95 is a cute prom chapter. But I think it also helps to show the themes underneath the fun, bubbly interactions.

#spy x family spoilers #spy x family #spy x family manga #sxf analysis #meta #idk #what do i tag #long post

[jazeswhbhaven]

That's What You Get When You Eat a Mandrake~ (Beel Butt L-Card Story: Ch.1) *React I*

-the bby

WE ARE LIVING IN AVISOS LATELY HUH?? Sure we got a healthy dose of our Hades bois, but there's been a lot of content with Avisos popping up lately and I'm like huh...it seems the fave locations are Gehenna and Avisos as opposed to Tartaros and Hades. Anyway this is the first node of the Beel booty story (hooray everyone that got it!) I would technically say this isn't spoilers unless you were unable to get the card then it's technically spoilers but everyone's seen it I assume but just in casseeee

LETS GO another two-parter...this time because there's a new boo I get to ramble about. Get yourself a snackkyyy snack and let's go ( ˘▽˘)っ♨

First we enter Dong-gyun that is at this gift store having his home-made butt shaped chocolates get wrapped professionally

Let me just say that Dong-gyun is a d o r a b l e. And I love him so much. For some reason he reminds me of Yoosung from MYMES and idk why when they clearly aren't the similar just the blonde hair lmao

Maybe it's the soft boi casual hoodie-wearing vibes I'm loving? Anyways

Poor bby was kicked out of the store for being a bit overbearing lol that and it's busy with everyone celebrating their first valentines day in Avisos because MC is also there (they truly do party for any reason it's great) Because they're out here making out, doing shit in the streets like this is wild lol

But DonBear (my nickname for him) made the chocolates for MC :)))) he has like a huge one-sided crush on them and I think that's just the cutest thing.

I also want to add that he's not one of the 72 either, he's just a regular day-to-day lower-level devil and I love that we get to see that. I wanna know how life is for devils who just are "there" ya know?? Like Nina for instance (RIP ;.;)

So he finds out where MC is at and he notices everyone and their mom (except for the 7 grandmothers, i wanna know more about that actually :o) are there with chocolates they have given MC. But he doesn't mind waiting in line.

I only wanted to add this screenshot because I'm crying, Minhyeok forever in the friendzone trenches because "friendship chocolates?????" free this man please.

Ahhh so our DonBear was able to to make it and he prepares to give his chocolates until....

Oh

First. Why

Is

He

So

HOT???

I can imagine how his jaw had to unhinge unhumanly to eat that pile of chocolate and I'd just be like o__o oh

Second...girl...he gonna give you back that chocolate alright if you want (yes this is a poop joke. no i am not into that i just find it funny mc really sat there and asked for it back like you're either gonna get vomit or poop which one?)

The funny part tho is Beel is casually like "I already ate it tho"

Yes bby we know that. I'd like for you to replace it because you prefer to be childish and eat things that don't belong to you to show your dominance or whatever okay <3

See? See the fucking snark this one has?

>:P he's getting bitten

Leave DonBear alone D: at least let us eat our butt shaped chocolates he spent time making from scratch (also look at his face I'll protect you omg)

Beel.

Beel. Beel. You're going in time-out I swear. The naughty corner.

Sigh....maybe you'll be forgiven if you let DonBear make another batch of chocolates for me

AND this part? Where Beel fainted and is having some kind of episode???? I was like omfg it's whatever was in the chocolates isn't it? It's the damn mandrake stuff isn't it?

And our Avisos bois came to the rescue immediately because they thought it was some kind of attack. (it's really cool how they can sense stuff like this immediately)

So while everyone's trying to help Beel and figure out what's wrong with him and take him to the hospital and such (and dragging DonBear along because they suspect it's him that did it) we go into a flash back!!!

So Dong-hyung was hanging out and being the designated driver kinda friend (the one that stays sober and watches the others) but he doesn't really drink like that anyway so he doesn't mind babysitting.

LMAO so these two characters waltz into the bar and DonBear is kinda side-eyeing them because I mean I'm crying why is MC a clown? xD it makes me think of those memes again dammit

MC showing their ID at the bar 💀💀💀💀💀💀

anyways

So what's funny is that MC is me because they're drunk asf slurring and saying some shit and Beel is just thinking this is cute and just letting it happen such a bad influence... xD

ME coded.

Silly drunk clown bitch hours.

My ass would be laughing at everything and saying the floor is lavvvaaa Beel...the floor is lavvvaaaaaa carry meeeeee

xD

So iirc MC ends up bumping into DonBear and he just knows how to handle the situation perfectly and this was after he realized that it was Beel and MC in disguise and not just two randos in the bar.

Beel gestured for him to come outside with them and he's fanboying about the situation and I find that entirely cute. He's a sweetie and I want good things for him.

DREAM ON DONG-HYUNG I BELIEVE IN YOUUUU????

even though we all pretty much know how this works though for the most part when it comes to who is the designated 72. Someone should draw him in the uniform though (throwing this idea out there)

LOL so he flopped MC on DonBear and is just like so this kind of night arouses angels...so hold MC for me in case I have to fight or something. And I'm just like oh dear...the poor bby is kinda struggling to carry MC are they that heavy? Lol

He's so determined. I love it

So here, DonBear is asking a lot of questions and one of them is if Bael and Beel are twins, and Beel is like yeah Bael would not like it if I said yes so I'll say no even if we are.

Beel your roundabout answer is killing me lmao

He....he....he almost came from being petted on the nape of his neck?????? *screams*

He's perfect for dry humping, and anything of the sort that doesn't involve penetration because he's so sensitive I love him. I could hug him and rub his back and he'd love it. (granted this means tho that this is only for his favorite person or the person he's crushing on this sounds like he wouldn't react this way to a stranger)

So Bael was getting onto Beel for MC being in this state and just going on and on and Beel is like "Well it's not like I could have just left MC there no way they're drunk :D" so gentlemanly like and Bael agrees that the devils in Avisos are gentleman (are they...? I would assume some aren't)

ANNDDD I've hit the limit my lovelies. (on screenshots allowed in said post) So we're gonna stop here until we get to the other post ^^ see you thereeeee

->Part Two<-

#whb #what in hell is bad #whb beelzebub #whb dong hyun #whb screencaps #whb spoilers #card spoilers #whb reacts

[hishoi]

Moth outfit pattern

Hello, here's the pattern for the moth outfit. This post includes the basic cape pattern, basic mask pattern, moth hair pattern, base tunic pattern and the moth shorts! If you make something using my patterns, i would love to see it! Simply send me an ask, or tag me in a post! Now, here's the pattern!

Basic cape pattern

(This pattern is used for every base cape in game)

Materials: Yarn in the color of the cape you want, white yarn (for the stars), a 2.5 mm crochet hook, scissors, and a needle.

-Chain 26, and double crochet in the third chain from the hook. Double crochet in every stitch (24)

-Chain 2, *1 increase, 3 dc, repeat from * (30)

-Chain 2, dc in every stitch. (30)

-Ch 2, *1 inc, 4 dc, repeat from * (36)

-Ch 2, dc in every stitch (36)

Now, i think you can see where this pattern is going. You will continue doing one row of increase, and one regular row for a total of 16 rows. When you're done, you should have 72 stitches.

-(row 17) Chain 2, dc 9, then do 5 more rows with 9 dc each. Chain one, and fasten off.

This forms one part of the cape. This is how we will achieve the "cuts" in the cape. After you've fastened off, attach your yarn again, in the 10th stitch of the 16th row, continuing that same pattern again.

You will make 6 of these, 3 on each side of the middle. In the middle you instead make one with 18 stitches instead of 9. Here is a little guide for you:

When you're done, you can take your needle and some white yarn, and sew/embroider star shapes on the back, like the ones in game. You can make your skykid have as many wing levels as you want, but i only made the base 5 for simplicity.

Now, for the last part of the cape, the thing that will keep the cape on the skykid. I simply made a long chain, sewed it into the first row of the cape, and tied it around the neck. As simple as that!

Now, onto our next pattern!

Basic mask pattern

Materials: Yarn in the colors of the mask, a 2.5mm crochet hook, scissors, and a needle.

-Make 6 single crochet into a magic circle. Tighten the circle.

-Ch 1, increase in every stitch around, sl st in first sc (12)

-Ch 1, *1 inc, 1 sc, rep from *, sl st in first sc (18)

-Ch 1, *1 inc, 2 sc, rep from *, sl st in first sc (24)

-Ch 1, *1 inc, 3 sc, rep from *, sl st in first sc (30)

-Ch 1, *1 inc, 4 sc, rep from *, sl st in first sc (36)

Now, Make 5 rows of regular single crochet, 36 stitches each. Chain one, and fasten off. This is the base pattern, simple as that! Now, you can sew details onto it, like eyes, patterns, etc to match the mask you're trying to make.

But now you say, how will i attach this to my skykid without having to sew it onto it, because i might want to make more masks, and change them! Well i'll tell you!

If you're like me, you don't like weaving in loose ends. It's boring and takes a lot of time. Well don't you worry cause you won't have to do that! (for some at least, don't leave all your ends loose please) If you haven't weaved it in yet, you should have a thread of yarn in the middle of the back of your mask. This thread is very important. To attach the mask, you'll have to take your crochet hook, put it through the head in some way, making it come out of the middle of the face. Grab the thread with your hook, and pull it through the face.

It's a tedious process, and probably not the most practical way to do this, but hey, it works! It keeps the mask on the face fairly well, unless you're making your skykid headbang with all the energy in their tiny body. If you need to, you can attach more threads to the mask to secure it even more.

Moth hair pattern

Materials: White yarn, blue yarn, brown yarn, a 2.5 mm crochet hook, scissors, a needle, and you might end up needing an iron, to flatten the hair.

The hair can be split up in 5 parts. we will make on at a time.

1- the base (will be used to keep the hair better stuck on your skykids head)

This is a very simple pattern, and actually identical to the mask pattern. So technically you can just go look at that again.

2- The hair strands

-Ch 56, and single crochet in the second chain from the hook. Do 20 single crochet in total. Slip stitch in the next stitch. And chain 21. Single crochet in the second chain from the hook and make 20 in total. Slip stitch in the next stich of the base chain.

You will continue the pattern of chaining 21, making 20 single crochet, and slip stitching into the next chain of the base chain, until you've reached the end of the chain, and you should have 35 strands of hair in total.

When you're done, you might need to iron the hair strands, to match the in game look. Here's a guide for the next step, since i'm bad at explaining

3- The hair tuft

-Ch 2, sc one into first chain

-Ch 1, sc 2 into the same stitch.

-Ch 1, 2 sc

-Ch 1, 1 decrease

-Ch 1, 1 sc, ch 1, fasten off.

Sew this onto the top of the hair piece, somewhere in the middle.

4- The braid

This pattern is similar to the hair strands pattern, the only difference being that instead of 35 strands, we will only make 3. This means making a chain of 24, single crocheting 20, and slip stitching in the next chain, and making two more, so that you have 3 strands in total.

We will not braid it yet, because we need to make the last part first.

5- The hair tie

First, work with your blue yarn.

-Ch 10, sl st in first chain to make a circle

-Do 3 rows of sc, 10 stitches each. Chain one, and fasten off.

Now, take your brown yarn, and surface crochet around the first row and third row. And that's it!

6- The secret part (assembly)

Take the braid you've made, braid it, and pull it through the hair tie. Then, sew the braid onto the base piece (under the hair strands) and then you're done with the hair!

You attach it in the same way you attach the mask. I'd recommend one "fastening thread" in the front of the hair, and one in the back at least. add more if you need to.

Base tunic

Materials: White-ish yarn, a 2.5mm crochet hook, scissors, a needle.

This tunic will be used for every base outfit in the game, with the actual pants being a separate piece.

The tunic will also be separate pieces that are put together in the end.

1- Main piece(s)

-Ch 25, single crochet in every stitch (24)

-Make 18 rows of single crochet in total, with 24 stitches each

-Make 4 rows where you decrease in the beginning and end of every row. On the end of the 4th row you should have 18 stitches (if i've done the math correct)

-Make 9 rows of regular single crochet, with 18 stitches each.

-Ch 1, 3 sc, 1 dec

-Ch 1, 1 dec, 2sc, ch 1, fasten off.

-Attach your yarn on the last fourth stitch of the 31st row

-Ch 1, 1 dec, 3 sc

-Ch 1, 2 sc, 1 dec, ch 1, fasten off.

Now, make one more, so that you have 2.

2- Sleeves

-Ch 16, sc into every stitch (15)

-Make 26 rows of single crochet in total, with 15 stitches each.

Make 2 of these too.

3- Neck piece

-Ch 7, sc into every chain. (6)

-Make 50 rows of single crochet in total, with 6 stitches each

4- Assembly

Here, i've made a guide on how to assemble this. After that, you're done with the tunic!

Moth shorts

Materials: same yarn as the one you used for the tunic, a 2.5mm crochet hook, scissors.

-Ch 40, and sl st in the first chain to make a circle.

-Make 5 rows of regular single crochet, with 40 stitches each.

-Ch 1, 20 sc, sl st in the first sc.

-Attach the yarn again, and make another leg with 20 stitches. Both legs should have 5 rows each.

-Make 4 more rows of single crochet, with 20 stitches each. Fasten off.

And now you're done!

If you have any questions, or if anything was unclear, please do let me know how i can improve this. I am aware some parts may be oddly phrased but i hope you understood.

This is my first cosmetics pattern, please tell me if there's any cosmetics you'd like to see me make!

Here's the link to the body pattern/main post!

#sky cotl #sky children of the light #sky: cotl #thatskygame #that sky game #crochet #crochet skykid #skykid #moth

[journeytothewestresearch]

WIP: Sun Wukong's Powers and Skills

I'm currently working on a comprehensive list of Sun Wukong's magic powers. Here is just a taste from chapters two to four.

Bold black = magic power Bold red = acquired non-magic skill Bold green = claimed magic power that is never actually demonstrated Bold orange = inborn talent?

Ch. 2

Early education #1: human skills - “[H]e began to learn from his [senior immortal] schoolmates the arts of language and etiquette�� (與眾師兄學言語禮貌) (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 116). - Note: We all know that Monkey failed his etiquette classes.

Early education #2: religious skills - “He discussed with them the scriptures and the doctrines; he practiced calligraphy and burned incense” (講經論道、習字焚香; i.e. ritual procedure) (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 116).

Wukong’s knowledge of scripture and philosophy pops up a few times in the novel. For example, he subsequently becomes enraptured by Subodhi's lecture on the Dao and Chan (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 116).

Early education #3: gardening skills - “In more leisurely moments he would be … hoeing the garden, planting flowers or pruning trees” (閑時即...鋤園、養花修樹) (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 116).

Immorality (1st category) [1] - This is achieved via oral formulas (口訣) and breathing exercises (自己調息) at prescribed times (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, pp. 120-121). - The stipulated Chinese hours are before zi (12:00-14:00) and after wu (12:00-02:00) (i.e. noon to midnight) (子前午後). However, historical real world practice is reversed: after zi and before wu (i.e. midnight to noon).

Adeptness (i.e. quick learning) - “But this Monkey King was someone who, knowing one thing, could understand a hundred!” (這猴王也是他一竅通時百竅通) (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 122).

First learns the “Multitude of Terrestrial Killers” (地煞數; a.k.a. “72 changes,” 七十二般變化) - This requires oral formulas (口訣, a.k.a. “oral spells,” 咒語) (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 122). - This sometimes requires a magic hand sign and a shake of the body (see below).

First attempt at “Cloud-Soaring” (騰雲) - Subodhi mockingly calls this “Cloud-Climbing” (爬雲) (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 122).

First learns the “cloud somersault” (觔斗雲) - This requires a magic sign, an oral spell, a fist clinch, and a body shake (捻著訣，念動真言，攢緊了拳，將身一抖). It takes him 108,000 li (里) in a single leap (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 123). - 108,000 li = 33,554 mi or 54,000 km [2]

Multitude of Terrestrial Killers (i.e. 72 changes) - This requires a magic sign (捻著訣) and an oral spell (咒語). He transforms into a pine tree (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 124).

Cloud somersault - He flies from the Western Continent to Flower-Fruit Mountain (i.e. from one side of the world to the other) “in less than an hour” (消一個時辰) (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 125).

First use of the “body beyond body” (身外身法; a.k.a. “magic of body division,” 分身法) (i.e. hair clones) - This requires chewing and a “change!” (變) command. Small clone monkeys are used to overwhelm and beat up a monster who is three zhang (三丈) (31.29 ft / 9.53 m) tall (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 128). [3] A passage explains: - “For you see, when someone acquires the body of an immortal, he can project his spirit, change his form, and perform all kinds of wonders [出神變化無方]. Since the Monkey King had become accomplished in the Way, every one of the eighty-four thousand hairs on his body could change into whatever shape or substance he desired” (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 128). - 原來人得仙體，出神變化無方。不知這猴王自從了道之後，身上有八萬四千毛羽，根根能變，應物隨心。

Cloud somersault - He flies 30 or 50 monkeys and property (pots, bowls, utensils, etc.) home from captivity to Flower-Fruit Mountain (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 129).

Ch. 3

Martial arts (武藝) - He “teach[es his monkeys] how to sharpen bamboos for making spears, file wood for making swords, arrange flags and banners, go on patrol, advance or retreat, and pitch camp” (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, pp. 131-132). - 教小猴砍竹為標，削木為刀，治旗幡，打哨子，一進一退，安營下寨  …

Cloud Somersault - He flies east from Flower-Fruit Mountain over “200 li of water in no time” (霎時間過了二百里水面) to the Eastern Continent (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 131).

Blows a mighty wind (陣風) - This requires a magic sign (捻起訣來), an oral spell (咒語), and taking a deep breath (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, pp. 131-132). A poem states that it puts the world into chaos: - Thick clouds in vast formation moved o'er the world; Black fog and dusky vapor darkened the Earth; Waves churned in seas and rivers, afrighting fishes and crabs; Boughs broke in mountain forests, wolves and tigers taking flight. Traders and merchants were gone from stores and shops. No single man was seen at sundry marts and malls. The king retreated to his chamber from the royal court. Officials, martial and civil, returned to their homes. This wind toppled Buddha's throne of a thousand years And shook to its foundations the Five-Phoenix Tower (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 132). - 炮雲起處蕩乾坤，黑霧陰霾大地昏。 江海波翻魚蟹怕，山林樹折虎狼奔。 諸般買賣無商旅，各樣生涯不見人。 殿上君王歸內院，階前文武轉衙門。 千秋寶座都吹倒，五鳳高樓幌動根。

Body beyond body (i.e. hair clones) - This requires chewing and a “change!” (變) command. The small clone monkeys carry an armory’s worth of weapons (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 132).

Magic of displacement (攝法) - This is a spell that carries the weapon-laden monkeys on wind (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 132).

Monkey claims to have a number of supernatural powers: - “I have the ability of seventy-two transformations. The cloud somersault has unlimited power. I am familiar with the magic of body concealment (身遯身, a.k.a. 隱身法) and the magic of displacement. I can find my way to Heaven or I can enter the Earth. I can walk past the sun and the moon without casting a shadow, and I can penetrate stone and metal without hindrance. Water cannot drown me, nor fire burn me” (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 133). - 我自聞道之後，有七十二般地煞變化之功，觔斗雲有莫大的神通；善能隱身遯身，起法攝法。上天有路，入地有門；步日月無影，入金石無礙；水不能溺，火不能焚。

Magic of water restriction (閉水法) - He travels to the Dragon Kingdom (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 133).

Super strength - He effortlessly toys with a 3,600 catty (斤) (4,682.61 lbs / 2,124 kg) battle fork and a 7,200 catty (9,365.23 lbs / 4,248 kg) halberd (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 134). [4] 

Super strength - He lifts the 13,500 catty (斤) (17,559.81 lbs / 7,965 kg) iron pillar in the dragon treasury (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 135).

Opens a waterway (開水道) - He uses the magic of water restriction to return to Flower-Fruit Mountain (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 137).

First use of the “Magic Method of Modeling Heaven on Earth” (法天像地的神通), a 10,000 zhang (萬丈) (104,300 ft / 31,800 m) tall giant form - This requires bending over and screaming “grow!” [長!]. This form has: - “[A] head like the Tai Mountain and a chest like a rugged peak, eyes like lightning and a mouth like a blood bowl, and teeth like swords and halberds” (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 138).  - 頭如泰山，腰如峻嶺，眼如閃電，口似血盆，牙如劍戟

Immorality (2nd category) - This is achieved by inking out his name from the ledgers of hell [生死簿子] (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 141).

Ch. 4

Cloud somersault - It is much faster than those of ordinary immortals (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 145).

Travel to heaven - Refer back to ch. 3-#6A (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 145).

First use of “three-headed and six-armed” (三頭六臂) war form - This requires a “change!” (變) command (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 155).

Staff multiplication - This is done millions of times over (以一化千千化萬) to face Nezha’s own countless weapons (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 156). - The multitude of armaments are said to “clash like horned-dragons flying in the air” (cf. Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 156).

Body beyond body (i.e. hair clones) - This requires a “change!” (變) command. Monkey creates an autonomous decoy to distract Nezha while he slips behind him to land a staff blow (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 156).

Immortality (3rd category) - This is achieved via heavenly imperial wine (御酒, a.k.a. “Immortal wine,” 仙酒 and “juices of jade,” 玉液瓊漿) (Wu & Yu, vol. 1, p. 159, 165, and 167). 

I'm currently on chapter 16, so it will take me a while to finish, especially since I'm simultaneously gathering info for several other articles, including mirrored essays for Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing.

Once I've gone through all 100 chapters, I will put each instance of a particular power into its own category (transformation, super strength, hair clones/tools, etc.) and then analyze everything as a whole. The Google Doc containing the list of powers will be attached to the analysis.

This project was partly inspired by a previous effort made by @the-monkey-ruler.

I'm open to feedback.

Notes:

1)  In place of using “layer” or “level,” I’m choosing to designate his various immortalities as “categories.” This is because a new layer of divine longevity or durability would surely be added for each immortal peach, elixir pill, or cup/jug of heavenly wine consumed. Hence, eating multiple peaches would be one category, eating multiple elixir pills would be one category, and so on and so forth.

2) It’s important to note that 108,000 li is a metaphor for instant enlightenment (see section III here). Therefore, power-scalers should not use any instance of this as a feat. 

3) One zhang (丈) comprises ten chi (尺, a.k.a. "Chinese feet"), and during the Ming Dynasty, one chi was roughly 12.3 in or 31.8 cm. This makes one zhang 10.43 ft or 3.18 m (Jiang, 2005, p. xxxi).  

4) During the Ming, one catty (jin, 斤) was 590 grams (Elvin, 2004, p. 491 n. 133).

Source:

Elvin, M. (2004). The Retreat of the Elephants: An Environmental History of China. New Haven (Conn.): Yale University Press.

Wu, C., & Yu, A. C. (2012). The Journey to the West (Vols. 1-4) (Rev. ed.). Chicago, Illinois: University of Chicago Press.

#Sun Wukong #Monkey King #Journey to the West #JTTW #Monkey King powers #Sun Wukong powers #Lego Monkie Kid #LMK

[dreadfutures]

“...Yet when faced with the futility of your mission, you do not act as gods do. You say you would not take choice away from the world either through slavery, or through destruction. And…I believe you.”

- Dead Pasts and Dread Futures, Ch 72

I am finally done with Fen’Harel, the Dread Wolf, He Who Hunts Alone.

(view without the wolf spirit | view boon and items assets | view lineart)

GOD I am so glad to be done. I alawys go way too hard with the light sources in my Hades-dupe pieces, and this one was no exception. And I just couldn’t bring myself to dial it back. It’s the holidays, I DESERVE those egregious highlights.

Anyway, plenty to critique on this piece, but I’m just really happy to now have this in my set of #hades art style practice pieces. I really do have lots of fun with them.

#solas #dragon age dreadwolf #dread wolf #fen'harel #solavellan #hades art style #my art

[ilovereadingandstuff]

Okay, so I was doing some chores here at my house and, out of nowhere (something completely normal forr me as a fan of bnha), chapter 413 popped in my head, especifically pages 13-14, and I started rambling my ideas...until I realized something.

Izuku is going to lose OFA.

Ok, not that, which is literal text, but this:

Izuku is going to lose OFA, and while arguing with Kudou and the others vestiges, he was crying his eyes out because what mattered the most to Izuku about losing OFA, among ALL the consequences and intricate meanings which 'becoming quirkless again' could represent...It was the fact that OFA was a gift from All Might that made Izuku's heart ache in agony at that moment.

ch. 413 Here I want to note that the spanish official translation says exactly the same, so there's no contradictions.

It was not that he was going back to his past self, not that he most-likely would have to face that discrimination he went through all his childhood all over again. Not that losing his quirk could mean that he would have to stop being a hero. Not that he was gong back on being useless/worthless again...ANY OF THAT! BUT because he is 'losing the gift, meant for him, from his daddy might'...THAT'S what was causing his tears...

And from this, I see two things:

First...

IZUKU YOU BASTARD!!

HE'S AVOIDING AGAINNN THINKING OF HIMSELF!!

And, I'm sorry, but being quirkless is not goddamn easy!

It has been explained several times in the development of the plot that bnha's society is based on superhumans: people with quirks.

Being just a regular person without a quirk is a really complicated thing to deal with, and having that particularity means facing problems both on a social and psychological level.

In Aoyama's case, for example, his parents were so devastated over the fact that their son was quirkless, and therefore, he was feeling excluded and different from others, that they reached a point of despair that they made a deal with AFO and, well, you know the rest.

Another one that comes to mind is Ragdoll. Her inclusion here in the list could be debated, but what I want to distinguish about her character is that, after losing her quirk completely by AFO's doing, she had to face a huge set back in order to re-organize her new life now without a quirk. She didn't appeared in the story for many chapter until it was explained that she was still working as a hero but in the backstage, to say in a way.

And finally, Izuku is one of the clearer examples of all this (and that's why he's the protagonist).

He had to deal with bullying, rejection and exclusion (from their classmates when he was in elementary/middle school to the entire society against him). His OWN mother had her own troubles to support him over a dream that was impossible to achieve because, once more, confront villian with a broad range of hazardous quirks against a single person was basically suicidal...

On note of all this, I have to mention this scene (which I say now: I'll bring this up over and over again, a thousand times if needed). I've mention this specific situation in one of my posts before, but now I'll explain it more in depth:

ch. 72, pages 19-20

WHAT ABOUT THIS HORI!!??! HUH!!?? WHAT'S THAT?? WHAT IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN???!! "BIRTH DEFECT"!?? "HE JUST COULDN'T ACCEPT THE TRUTH"?!?!

This scene has always been stuck in my head since the first time I read it because...here it explicitly shows Izuku's demeaning perspective over 'being quirkless'.

Here he's saying that "it's a defect", an imperfection, something he lacks on (because society has made it a necessity or requirement).

And even in spanish, even though it doesn't translates as 'defect', it highlights the idea of 'he didn't get what he should have received' (in this case, that his parents 'couldn't provide him of that')

In both languages it is mention the phrase where he explains that ' ' 'his friend' ' ' always kept believing EVEN when the universe was proving him wrong again and again.

My point here is: Izuku has a negative view of being quirkless (just as any other person in-universe would have) and with that, the possibilities of him having a list of low self-esteem issues, lack of confidence and self-value even as a human being are REALLY high...

but then, the fact that Izuku, after having been thrown around for the most dangerous villian of all, shirtless and crying with a bunch of ghosts inside his head...when they're telling him of getting rid of what he should have had always what makes him human...he doesn't think of him. of the problems he would have to face. of the pain he would go through again...

Instead, he thinks of 'the gift from All Might', almost as if the quirk were a toy All Might gave him and that he shouldn't lose it because All Might would feel angry or sorry for him...

MAYBE, maybe I'm going around the bush and making no sense... but FUCK IT! I WANT ANSWERS, HORI!!

I NEED THEM!! I'M LOSING MY MIND!!!

Why is he refusing himself again?? Avoiding HIS feelings but worrying about others'? Or rather, worrying about THE THING instead the consequences it causes the lost of it??!

WHY IS HE ALWAYS THINKING OF ANYTHING BUT HIM?!

Second...

Ok. Now that I've calmed myself down and said what i was meaning to say...after having been screaming internally against Izuku and all his shit...the second point I wanted to talk about was that...

With everything that has happened, a GREAT opportunity would be presenting itself to develop the dad-son bond Toshinori and Izuku have been building since the beggining.

Let me explain:

When All Might first came to town and met Izuku, their bond began to form because they were interating with one another because of OFA. The 'you're my successor' was the excuse and only connection they had to be together. And for that same reason is how their relationship exists in the first place.

So...if Izuku loses OFA. If that excuse stops to exists...the only reason for them to continue being together would be the love they have develop for one another as father-son.

If Toshinori could spell out loud to Izuku that he cares for him beyond that 'you're my successor' or 'the one I gave it my quirk'...if they could transcend that lame excuse and finally spoke to each other as human beings...

GOD, maybe I'm projecting myself here because I LOVE their relationship and i would gladly like to see Toshi legally adopting Izuku or them calling each other 'my son' and 'my dad'...but, yeah...

Those are my ideas about the new chapter.

#izuku midoriya #midoriya izuku #bnha spoilers #bnha manga spoilers #bnha 413 #bnha 72 #dadmight #toshinori yagi #all might #ofa #bnha manga spoiler #bnha meta #mha spoilers #bnha analysis

[weiwuxianismybae]

wei wuxian isn't sin-free either. that's the point. no one in mdzs is. the purity police mentality is why so many in the fandom turned their backs on wangxian. wei wuxian is not a perfect uwu little angel. he committed more atrocities than jin guangyao

???????????????????????????????

How to say you missed the point without saying you missed the point.

Anyway, sorry, I'll stop joking around. Let's take this bit by bit, shall we?

Not sure what you mean by "pure" and "sin". I don't know enough about Buddhism or Chinese culture in general, so I won't speek much on this matter. (Yet, I'm pretty sure the book wasn't written with Christianity in mind🙃). Anyway, making mistakes doesn't make you "bad". Making mistakes is what makes us human and it doesn't make you morally "grey" or "bad" and especially not when you regret them:

He was only stating a simple fact calmly, but the cultivator felt as if he was scorned, fuming, “What do you think we’re talking about here? How could there be bargaining for debts of blood?”

Wei WuXian, “It’s not that I want to bargain about such a thing, but that I don’t want my charges to be doubled just because of some words from another. I won’t shoulder what I didn’t do.”

ExR ch. 79

Note that he said that he won't shoulder what he didn't do, not that he won't shoulder anything at all.

Finally, Wei WuXian spoke up. He said, “Then what do you want me to do?”

Fang MengChen paused in surprise. Wei WuXian, “Then what do you want? Nothing but my miserable death to soothe your own hatred?” He pointed at Yi WeiChun, who lay passed out among the crowd, “He’s missing a leg, while I was cut into pieces; you lost your parents, while my family had long since been gone. I’m a dog who was chased out of its home. I’ve never even seen the ashes of my parents.”

Wei WuXian, “Or do you hate the Wen Sect’s remnants? The Wen Sect remnants that you speak of already died once, thirteen years ago. And right now, just then, for my sake, for your sake, they died once again. This time, they’ve all become ashes.” He continued, “Let me ask you—just what else do you want me to do?”

[...]

Wei WuXian, “Nobody told you to forgive me. The things I did, not only do you remember them, I remember them too. You won’t forget them, and they’ll stay even longer in my mind!”

ExR ch. 82

Wei Wuxian's goodness shouldn't be debated. All his actions were justified. He was never the initiator. Let me repeat myself: Who attacked whom first? Who massacred Wei Wuxian's home? Who send the Wen remnants, who lived peacefully on a small piece of land that was given to them by the winners, to the work camps where they were tortured?

As for the remnants of the Wen Sect, they were herded into a small corner of Qishan, not even a thousandth the territory it onced owned. They were crammed into the place and struggled to live.

ExR ch. 72

Who ambushed whom on Qiongqi path? Who went on offensive because he grew up with his cousin and didn't like Wei Wuxian anyway? Who promised to let the matter go if Wen Qing and Wen Ning turned themselves over? Who went back on that promise? Who gathered 3000 cultivators to kill 50 innocent people? Who killed those innocents?

"He committed more atrocities than Jin Guangyao"

...

...

I recommend you to read the extra Villainous Friends. It's a real eye-opener.

Just then, two disciples from the Jin Clan of Lanling dragged over a cultivator with disheveled hair.

"Weren't you going to refine a new set of fierce corpses?" Jin Guangyao said. "As it happens, I've brought materials for you."

[...]

A young girl and boy, both trussed with rope, kneeled on the ground and shouted miserably to He Su.

"Ge!"

He Su was stunned. His face blanched white as paper. "Jin Guangyao! What do you mean by this?! You can just kill me. Why implicate my entire clan?!"

[...]

Jin Guangyao shot him a glance, then turned back around and said in an even-tempered tone, "You can't say that. The He Clan of Tingshan used the full force of its power to start an uprising and plot to assassinate Sect Leader Jin. All of you were caught red-handed. How can you call this 'no reason'?"

A number of the captives cried out, "Ge! He's lying! We didn't. We really didn't!"

"What a crock of shit!" He Su spat. "Open your damn eyes and take a good look around! There's a nine-year-old child here, and elders who can't even walk! What uprising could they start?! And why would they assassinate your father out of the blue?!"

[...]

However, no one here would listen to his defense. Sitting before him were two vicious villains who already considered him a dead man and were enjoying the sight of his last-ditch struggle. Jin Guangyao leaned back with a smile and waved.

"Gag him. Go on, gag him."

Wei Wuxian never killed his father, brother, son, wife and then pretended that he had no choice. Wei Wuxian didn't slaughter a whole clan just because they were standing in his way and he saw them as annoyance. Wei Wuxian was never besties with other mass murderers (Xue Yang).

I wanted to argue that the only thing that made Jin Guangyao better than Jin Guangshan was that he had never forced himself on women... but then I remembered how Jin Guangshan died...

SiSi, “The middle-aged man wanted to shout and struggle, but his body was weak. The boy who led us inside opened the door again, grinning as he dragged him onto the bed again and tied him up with a rope, stepping on his head. He told us, carry on, don’t stop even when he’s dead. Have any of us been through such a situation before? We were scared half-dead, but we didn’t dare disobey. We had to continue. At the twelfth or eleventh round, that sister suddenly screamed, saying that he really was dead. I went over and checked. He’d indeed kicked the bucket, but the person behind the curtain said, didn’t you hear me? Don’t stop even when he’s dead!”

ExR ch. 85

Don't spoil Wei Wuxian's good name by comparing him to the likes of Jin Guangyao!

+ bonus:

"You little hooligan," Jin Guangyao said with a laugh. "Wreck stalls if that's what you want. You can burn down the entire street, for all I care, as long as you mind two things—don't wear the Sparks Amidst Snow uniform, and keep your face hidden. Don't let anyone find the culprit and put me on the spot."

Btw, the excerpts from Villainous Friends were taken from Seven Seas translation.

#mdzs #grandmaster of demonic cultivation #wei wuxian #jin guangyao #xue yang #anon ask #not sure if i should have responded or not #but uni is boring #might as well start a fight here

[incarnadinedreams]

"Wei WuXian! Just because... Sect Leader Jiang isn't here doesn't mean you can be so reckless!"

Wei Wuxian's voice was harsh, "Do you think that I wouldn't be reckless if he were here? If I wanted to kill someone, who could stop me, and who would dare stop me?!"

-- Ch. 72

Yeah why would anyone ever get the idea that WWX was a dangerous loose cannon who Jiang Cheng couldn't control?

He is of course justified for being angry in that scene - it's the scene in between Wen Qing finding him and him actually going to Qiongqi Path. But declaring that in front of a banquet of people right before he went off to find Wen Ning did actually give people a lot of ammunition in ch. 73:

Hearing this, Jiang Cheng's face was already quite dark. Jin GuangShan shook his head, "In an event as important as the Flower Banquet, he dared throw a fit right in front of you, leaving however he pleased. He even dared say something like 'I don't care about the sect leader Jiang WanYin at all!' Everyone who was there heard it with their own ears..."

While obviously that's not actually what WWX said at all, and just JGS doing JGS things, I had kind of categorized that in my mind as a wholecloth lie. Now looking back it's more like an extremely bad-faith mischaracterization but... the seed was in some ways planted by WWX and it makes sense that a lot of the people who were there that day might not have objected much to that characterization of the sentiment.

Obviously, a big part of it is mob mentality and the ways that truth doesn't particularly matter when they get on a roll. But I think it's more interesting and fun and messy that WWX really did have a habit of creating fertile ground for bad actors to use against him (even when he was right).

I do find it somewhat interesting how the juxtaposition of the Jiang motto/ideals/Way To Be that Wei Wuxian embodies - honest and unrestrained, do what is right even if it's impossible - can lead to a situation of winning the battle and losing the war. I've always found it particularly juicy that Jiang Cheng himself has to back away from those ideals and be more strategic, and re-reading these scenes does sort of cement my personal belief/interpretation that Jiang Cheng wasn't unjustified in the level of threat/danger he read into the things said at the emergency conference (as he elaborates on in the cave confrontation later in the chapter).

Just random musing that a little section of that Emergency Conference scene was actually a bit more nuanced than I'd remembered I suppose!

#mdzs thoughts #also big caveat that as someone going off translations #there very well could be aspects of the actual statements that are more obvious in the original that I am ignorant to #spicy necromaner things #yunmeng shuangjie things

[blanketorghost]

NRC! Yuu AU

Hehehe I've been thinking about this lil bastard for a while :^)

I wanted to toy with the idea of an AU in which Yuu was born in Twisted Wonderland and how he would affect the story if he was part of the main cast, so I came up with this fella. Rn the 4th long hair option is winning in the poll so I chose it for this design, but it'll change accordingly depending on which option wins. Not much from his appearance changes aside from giving him pinker eyes!

Student Info:

Grade/Class: Junior/Class E (No. 7)

Age: 18

Height: 179 cm (6 cm taller than his human counterpart)

Dominant hand: Ambidextrous

Homeland: Akabayashi village (赤林)

Club: Pop Music Club

Best Subject: Astrology

Hobbies: Poetry, Horror Stories

Pet Peeves: Responsibility

Favorite Food: All seafood

Least Favorite Food: Nattō

Talent: Strategy

Unique Magic: Liar's Dance

ライアースダンス (本音の仮面)- (True Intention's Mask)

Yuu can transform into a person of choice at the cost of an accelerated blot production. So far he's able to maintain a stable transformation for about 72 minutes.

His transformations are almost perfect, but he still cannot fully mimic people's eyes. Azul so far is the only one that can see through Yuu's UM.

Crowley never actually visited MC in Ramshackle for Ch3— it was Yuu using his unique magic.

Yuu has to syphon some of his magic towards the glamour charms, but he can change the strength of the glamour spells if he needs to use more magic. He numbers each level as a dance.

1st Dance: Ears + 1 Tail are revealed - all subsequent dances add a tail. The 7th and final dance adds markings to his skin resembling kumadori makeup.

Kitsune Lore:

Yuu is still the heir of his family, but backstories have been changed slightly and now he's much more willing on his role.

Floyd calls him "cuttlefishie" (イカちゃん/ika-chan) due to his many tails and his preference for seafood.

Kitsune only gain longevity after they gain their 9th tail. Before that, they age like a regular human.

Kitsune have 2 forms they can freely change into; their beastman and animal form. Culturally, kitsune are very overzealous about showing their natural ears and tails to other people in their beastman forms, so they use charms to maintain a glamour spell to make them look more human. Seeing a kitsune without glamours is only reserved to family, close friends or lovers.

A kitsune's animal form is like a 'hybernation' form for kitsune. They use this form to recharge after excerting a lot of their magic.

Kitsune used to be considered monsters until about half a millenia ago, so Yuu is extremely happy Grim got into NRC. He mistakenly thinks Grim is just a very very young Nekomata that has no control over his transformations yet.

Changes to Book 3-Onwards:

Yuu is Octavinelle's housewarden and is one of the very few students to have never entered a contract with Azul.

Azul challenged Yuu during the second half of his freshman year and lost. Yuu, though, saw his potential and appointed him vice-housewarden.

Has had a crush on Azul since the start of this schoolyear. Unlike Human! Yuu, he actually tries flirting from time to time. But due to Azul's low self-esteem, he thinks Yuu is actually making fun of him. Floyd and Jade are very aware of Yuu's crush, though.

As seen above, Yuu is actually the one who asks MC for help freeing the Anemones. Crowley is probably pro Azul since his deals actually increase the school's GPA let's be real.

Yuu helps the MC by using his UM to sneak into Atlantica's museum while the others distract the guards + tweels.

In a last ditch effort to appease Azul after Leona destroys the contracts, Yuu strikes a deal in which he gives his position as housewarden and UM. It all falls apart when the tweels eventually betray Azul and he overblots.

Confesses during the overblot battle like an idiot. Azul again thinks he's making fun of him (rip).

Yuu helps out in Book 4 by transforming into Kalim to figure out Jamil's plan.

Him and Azul officially start dating somewhere around ch 5.

#twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland oc #art stuff #yuu fujisaki #twst oc #doodles #NRC! Yuu #twst yuu

[nanabansama]

Why does teru hate supernaturals so much

I think the best chapters you could read to get a feel for Teru's dislike of supernaturals would be 9, 10, 72, and 97.

Teru explains in ch. 72 that because being an exorcist is a 24/7 job, he hasn't had a day off in years. We've seen that Teru has been working as one since he was at least 8, which means he had zero time to enjoy his childhood.

Just look! AidaIro even drew art of him staring longingly at an arcade. Poor little guy...

This isn't the long and short of it, but it paints a pretty bleak picture. I wouldn't exactly be able to blame him for hating supernaturals out of resentment for this alone.

Being forced to fight supernaturals since he was young has given Teru many opportunities to see the uglier sides to them, as well. We've already seen some pretty nasty ones in the manga, haven't we? And I'm sure Teru has seen supernaturals bring real harm to people, whether that be through lifelong injury, mental scars, or worse, death itself.

Not only is all of that traumatizing, but he was indoctrinated into being an exorcist at a ridiculously young age. I haven't heard a single character bring this up as problematic in the manga itself, despite the very real danger Teru was facing. Kou admires him and was even jealous about it, since Kou was stuck doing household chores instead.

This just goes to show that Kou has been indoctrinated, too, but Teru feasibly has no reason to blame anything but supernaturals for his lot in life. If there were no supernaturals, he wouldn't have to keep doing this--and why would he ever blame the very people he's working for? They're the good guys, the ones fighting to protect the innocent. It could even be his very own father making him do this. How ungrateful he would look to cast any blame on his father and the senior exorcists...

Eh, now that last part is me guessing a little, but given that we've only ever seen Teru express dislike for supernaturals, I think it's a valid reading of his character. That said, I don't think he's entirely brainwashed, and I could still easily see him acknowledging that what happened to him wasn't fair and harboring secret resentment towards the exorcists. It's just inappropriate to express that aloud, and especially in the very loud way Teru expresses hate for supernaturals. It also makes more sense for him to like the exorcists more by default because he associates positive things with them, unlike supernaturals which have been nothing but bad news.

Teru is a great character in the manga since I feel it's easy to understand why he is the way he is, but he hides so much behind a facade (like Hanako) it's hard to know what he's really thinking sometimes. Writing this post has made this very clear to me. Given that we have seen Teru react very immaturely at times, though, I imagine that his hatred doesn't stem from some super deep and logical reason. And since his mother was revealed to have died from postpartum complications, I doubt there was some tragic childhood event involving supernaturals that made him this way, either. His childhood itself is the tragic event. (._.`)

So in conclusion, I think Teru hates supernaturals because he was indoctrinated from a young age to fear and eradicate them, that this constant exposure to the ugly side of supernaturals has only cemented this hatred, that his 24/7 exorcist job has been a source of great stress for him and ruined his childhood, and that hating supernaturals is not only a socially acceptable form of stress relief, but that it's the only valid form of resentment his upbringing has conditioned him to have.

I hope this helped! I do urge you to reread the manga and jump to your own conclusions, though. And who knows? Maybe you'll reach a conclusion you like more than mine!

#asks #teru minamoto #jshk #tbhk #toilet bound hanako kun

[jungkookslipring]

I Will Never Make You Lonely: CH 2

Summary: When your life is falling apart, your 8 best friends are there to lift you up

TW: mentions of de&th, su!c!de, su!c!de tendencies, su!c!dal ideologies, depress!on, anxiety, crying. If this is in any way triggering I’d steer towards more of my happier works. 

If you or someone you love has thought of or acted on suicide, there is help and there is hope 

Call or text 988

Genre: angst, hurt/comfort, non-idol AU

PSA: this is no way represents the artists. While their birth names are used in this story, this is in no way a reflection of the artist or artists in real life.

AU: this chapter is a little more lighthearted, but I wanted to add the trigger warnings just in case.

there is a tickle scene in here, so if it's not your cup of tea you are more than welcome to skip this chapter.

Ch 2

The last seven days have felt slow and dreadful, and all you could do was work. You were currently in the fourth week of your final quarter with midterms coming up soon. Although your friends have their own school work to worry about, they are starting to become worried about you. You haven't shown any signs of emotion since you received that phone call.

You would spend 12 to 16 hours each day reading, writing, deleting, and editing. However, when it was time for bed, you couldn't sleep. And even if you managed to sleep, you would have very vivid nightmares. As a result, more than half of the time, you would keep yourself busy by burning through homework assignments and projects.

Sometimes the guys would bring you food, drinks, or snacks because they knew you wouldn’t do it yourself, and you were now approaching a no-sleep streak of almost 72 hours. You truly didn’t know how you were still functioning, and they didn’t know either. One evening you were sitting at your windowsill, reading yet another case study. You closed your eyes for a split second before your heart nearly jumped out of your butt when Hyunjin, Han, and Minho burst into your room. You stared at them with your hand over your chest.

"What. the actual fuck is happening?" you ask trying to catch your breath. Hyunjin grabbed your textbook and Han grabbed a hold of your hands.

"Friday night movie night! Don't tell me you were going to skip!" Han said full of energy. Right, movie night. On any given day they would jump on your bed and quite literally drag you away from whatever you were doing so you could all binge-watch movies until the early AM, but Chris had warned them to leave you alone because you were studying. That didn't work out so well.

"If you want to study you can, we just thought you deserved a break," Minho said kindly. Han stood there swinging your arms side to side, patiently waiting for an answer.

"You haven't taken a proper break for days, y/n, and sleeping doesn't count as a break, which we know you haven't gotten a whole lot of either," Hyunjin said as he thumbed the dark circle under your eye gently. You exhaled and closed your eyes. All the shock mixed with not getting any sleep was not only mentally draining but also physically.

“I’m fine, I don’t sleep a whole lot anyways,” you said, shrugging it off, but if you spent the rest of the night studying, you were going to collapse, and the boys knew that. They suggested that you take a nice hot shower and meet them in the living room for some much-needed best friend time. Seungmin was already on a mission to get my shower bomb that made the entire bathroom smell super citrusy and lit a candle to provide a little bit of light so that the overhead light wasn't so bright. After the shower, you walked into the bedroom and saw a pair of folded pajamas that were warm from just being pulled out of the dryer and placed on the bed. You felt so much love for those boys. There was a gentle knock at the door once you were dressed.

“Come in,” you called out. The door cracked open as Minho poked his head in the door frame. 

“I made soup if you would like any,” he said sweetly. You gave him a smile as you whispered “Thank you”. He had sad eyes and a kind smile, he knew (they all knew) how hard you were taking everything. Minho slowly pushed past the door and walked up to you. 

“Aigoo…” he whispered as he cupped your face, studying your features.  

“You must be exhausted." You nodded and looked down at the floor.

“Would you like to eat? Even if it’s just a bite or two?” he asked. You nodded slowly as he carefully took a handful of your sweater paw and led you out of your bedroom. As you stepped out of the hallway into the kitchen, you noticed that the boys were scattered in the living room. They were having soup while the TV was on low volume, making sure not to be too loud. When you walked in, they greeted you with sweet smiles. Minho handed you a bowl of soup and led you to the couch. Changbin patted the spot between him and Han, inviting you to sit. You weren't sure which movie they had picked, but it managed to distract you. After you finished your soup, Han took your bowl while Changbin snuggled you close to his side. Han came back and stroked your hair while cooing at the both of you.

“Our baby,” he said sweetly.

“She’s not a baby, she’s older than you,” Changbin jokingly sassed at Han. Han put a hand over his heart and made the most extra gasp he had ever made. You giggled and patted Changbin’s hand.

“I’m older than you too you know,” you say while trying to hide a smile. Everyone in the room burst out laughing as Changbin gave you a look of betrayal.

“By two months!” he squawked at you as he began to poke your sides. You giggled as you buried yourself further between Changbin and the couch cushions, trying to get away from Changbin’s hands.

“Oh no, you’re not going anywhere missy!” Changbin laughed as he pulled you onto his lap. He held you in his arms as he squeezed your side with one hand.

“Bihihin quit ihihihihit,” you giggled trying to fold in on yourself. Your arms were trapped under his so your whole midsection was exposed while Han grabbed a hold of your ankles to hold you down. You squeaked when Chris got on the couch, plopping himself right next to your hips, and pressed his fingers into your tummy, turning your giggles to laughter. 

“Awww there’s that laugh we love so much, tickle tickle tickle,” he teased as his eyes turned into beautiful little crescents. 

“YOU GUYHAHAHAHA YOU GUYS ARE SO BAHAHAHAHAD!” You threw your head back on Changbin’s shoulder as you continued to squeal while the boys cooed at your reaction. As the movie played on, three of the boys tickled and teased you while the rest looked on with adoration. It was heartwarming to see you smile again since they had missed it. After a few minutes, Chris and Changbin stopped tickling you, and you resumed cuddling with Changbin while Han kept your feet on his lap and tapped a beat on your calves. The group ended up having a movie marathon, with occasional pokes and squeezes from Changbin and Han.

As your favorite movie played on, Changbin noticed that you were starting to fall asleep on his chest. He began to play with your hair, alternating between massaging your head, rubbing his hand up and down your back, and gently running his fingers through your hair. The soft touches on your head and back and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat helped you fall into a peaceful sleep. Once you were asleep, Changbin nudged Han and pointed to you, indicating that you were out. Han quietly cooed at you and signaled everyone else that you were asleep. By the time the last movie had ended, it was almost 9 p.m., and Chris suggested that everyone should rest. Changbin picked you up and carried you to your bed without waking you up. He tucked you in, gave you a soft kiss on the forehead, turned off the lights, and closed the door.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Stay tuned for CH 3!

taglist: @felixmainacc @felixburneracc @myforevermelody143 @dunno-wut-to-do @itzsana-kiddingmenow

#stray kids #stray kids x stay #stray kids fluff #skz fanfic #stray kids tickle #stray kids x reader #stray kids imagines #stray kids hurt/comfort #skz #skz scenarios #skz imagines #non idol au #stray kids college au #college au #hurt/comfort

[theluckywizard]

In the Shattering of Things, Ch. 72: Wicked Hearts

Summary: Rose struggles to survive the dark turn the peace talks gala has taken.

Fic Summary: Lady Rose Trevelyan's idle, aristocratic life blinks out in a haze of irrelevance when the breach destroys the Conclave. She may be soft and coddled when she joins the Inquisition, but there's a fierceness inside her she's yet to fully recognize. Armed with only a few relevant skills and the mark that makes her a legend, she is thrust onto a path delivering hope where it’s long been scorched away and finds comfort in the grumpy, handsome stick in the mud charged with her protection and training. As she stumbles her way across southern Thedas, she begins to realize she's tangled at the center of machinations she barely understands, and she's not alone in that. Enter Hawke. Excerpt below the cut 👇

Excerpt:

Florianne’s laughter leaves me cold. “If you’re going to hide, mind the trail of blood you’re leaving.”

Curled behind the wardrobe, terrified tears slickening my cheeks, wanting Hawke, wanting anyone to come for me, I tremble in wait.

And then she’s standing over me

“Make it quick,” I mutter.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” she says, yanking the cloth away from my side and nudging the wound with her boot. Claiming my last shred of hope, she crouches to cut my pouch from my hip. “I want you to hear their screams when we come for her.”

Florianne dumps my remaining healing draughts on the floor and then stands to crush them under her boot. She takes a step closer and kicks me over onto my back. “A valiant fight, Inquisitor. But not enough.”

“You’re going to regret this,” I spit. “The whole world will hate you.”

Florianne turns, her thin, proud line of a smirk cuts through the shadows.

“The world already hates me.”

She walks out.

My mind drifts. Something like Jaime’s dandelion seeds, aloft on a summer breeze. I’m too weak and woozy to stand or run, but I can roll. I crawl on my cut up forearms closer to the puddled draught on the dusty tile floor and push my hands through it. The potion tastes like bitter hope as I suck it from my fingers and spit splinters of glass. Time swims and my head grows heavier with each lave of my tongue.

There’s no one else to stop him. I have to fight.

It feels so much like drifting to sleep, this last march to the Maker’s side. Peppermint and laughter. Snug thoughts of being pillowed in Hawke’s arms mix with flickers of Father and Mother and Jaime and Tom. It feels like something I’m meant to do— think of those I’ll leave behind and those I’m coming to. But other thoughts crowd in: Corypheus’ ruined face and corrupted eyes taunting me, the broken sky of that dark future, my friends, poisoned by red lyrium. Despair settles heavy over me like a funereal shroud and I lose myself beneath it.

Read the rest here!

Start the fic here!

DAFF Tag List:

@warpedlegacy | @rakshadow | @rosella-writes | @effelants | @bluewren | @breninarthur | @ar-lath-ma-cully | @dreadfutures | @plisuu | @ir0n-angel | @inquisimer | @crackinglamb | @nirikeehan | @oxygenforthewicked | @about2dance | @exalted-dawn-drabbles | @melisusthewee | @blarrghe | @agentkatie | @delicatefade | @leggywillow

#Wicked Eyes Wicked Hearts #Dragon Age Inquisition #Dragon Age Fan Fiction #Rose Trevelyan #Canon Divergence #Hawke x Trevelyan #Cullen x Trevelyan #Things go sideways #Just a little bit #in the shattering of things #theluckywizard

[riddles-n-games]

Reflecting again on The Brothers Hawthorne made me remember something that I haven't taken into account before. And that is the very sad fact that both brothers had a moment of realization in their respective situations of how different their childhoods could have been if they had the parental figures introduced to them in this book. Grayson, Ch. 72:

“Everything is going to be fine,” Grayson said. He laid a steadying hand on Acacia’s shoulder. To his surprise, Acacia brought her hand up to his and squeezed it. Grayson had the oddest sense that she was trying to comfort him.

Grayson knew suddenly and with stunning clarity that if his father had acknowledged him, if he had spent any time at all here growing up, she would have been the one to bandage his knees.

Grayson and his brothers had bandaged one another's.

Jameson, Ch. 88:

“Why would you do that for me?” The question caught in Jameson’s throat. “Why would you do anything for me?”

“Had I known about you when you were born,” came the response, quiet and deep, like a river gone suddenly still, “I would have done something then.”

Jameson thought about Xander and Isaiah, about what it must have been like the moment his brother had realized that he had a father who wanted him.

My uncle would have come for me. Jameson swallowed again.

These scenes mean so much more when you realize that these chinks in their armor are the childhood version of themselves peeking through the cracks who still very much yearn and crave a parental figure who cares for them just because. However, the young men they are now still think they don't deserve one or that these people don't owe them anything. They don't believe that they are worthy of someone's love in that sense. It feels like they think of themselves continuously as burdens or penances to others and they just can't come to accept that their existence can mean something to someone. This is what was taken from them during their childhood by their grandfather and their mother. But, despite that, now that they are free from either's grasp, the parental figures stepping forward can be very helpful and supportive of them in their young adult lives which are still very tricky times to navigate through. I think that the brothers will finally start letting themselves heal from their lack of proper parental figures and though they'll try to not rely on their other family members who have finally stepped into the light, they will at least admit to themselves that at times it is fine to just be the kid and have that safety net they lacked for so long.

#grayson davenport hawthorne #grayson hawthorne #jameson winchester hawthorne #jameson hawthorne #the inheritance games rant #the inheritance games thoughts #the brothers hawthorne spoilers #tbh spoilers #you guys i'm going to cry #they deserve the world #someone give them a hug like right now #the inheritance games #the brothers hawthorne #tig #tbh

[fairydares]

Spy X Family predictions about future events post-ch. 71

(*MANGA SPOILER ALERT UP TO CH. 71*)

The consequences of Anya's Predictions on the Hijacked Bus

Most of the only actual predictions I have about Spy X Family ch 72 and beyond are rooted in the fact that Anya told Damian that she heard the bad guys say the bombs were fake (and Becky heard) but neither of them really seemed to believe her. There's a theory that Damian's bomb is an actual bomb and Anya's is fake. Truthfully, I doubt that; I think both are fake. But maybe. Idk.

either way, it's going to come out that she was (at least half) right, and I think that's going to be important in the future. Whether or not Anya earns a Stella for helping to get the word out about where the terrorists were taking the hijacked bus, at least Damian and Becky are going to gain more faith in her instincts (if only in serious situations). And Damian will probably start to get a little more suspicious of her, especially considering the interaction they had just a couple chapters before the bus hijacking.

The thing about Damian is that he's not stupid, and he's mature for his age--but he is just ~6. We all laugh about how he makes wild guesses in regards to Anya's ridiculousness which turn out to be right. Hell, he's the only person (other than Anya) who's even started to guess one of her parents is an assassin. But I actually don't think it's all that strange that he's the only character to make those guesses. He's a rational and smart kid, but he is a kid. One who's just as likely to believe in mind-reading and/or think some of the adults around him are spies and assassins as any other kid. The Forgers' truths are ridiculous, and he's at an age where the ridiculous seems believable. Add to that the fact that he's observant--especially of Anya--and yeah, I think if one person's likely to clock her and/or her family for what they are, it's him. Especially with the way Endo's been building up to it. After all, Damian hasn't just guessed that Anya can read minds & that she was raised by an assassin, amusingly accurate as those seemingly outlandish guesses are; in the above interaction, he also accurately guessed that she and her family have honed in on him because of his name. (I know: ouch.)

Damian's not the type of kid who's going to forget her saying, "that's not true! my family's serious about this!" in response to that accusation. He's also not going to overlook the fact that Anya was astonishingly correct about the bombs being fake. Becky will probably remember in a "good faith" sort of way, but for Damian, that memory will snag. Especially if the head terrorist says something to the effect of "I never said the bombs were fake!" or something. I think the fact that Anya made such significantly correct guesses in this situation are going to have an impact on Damian's and possibly her other classmates' perception of her. One way or another, that will influence events from here on out.

Next prediction: Yuri

I do foresee Yuri playing a big role in the next few chapters, in one way or another. I think he'll have a "do I...care about Chihuahua girl?" And that it will seem like a pretty small moment which is actually pretty big. In fact, I think the "do I care about Chihuahua girl?" moment we've already had was more meaningful than a lot of other fans seem to think it was. For starters:

This was interesting. More interesting than a lot of us recognized at first, maybe. How did Yuri know that Anya's bus had been hijacked? Based on his avoidance of the question (paired with his nervousness), it's obvious he's (probably) cut some corners to be made aware of any news regarding the Forger family, including Eden College. At best, this is a favor from a colleague/group of colleagues. At worst, this is an abuse of power. I think it's very within character for him to have done either, because he's quite clearly shown he will do anything to protect his sister.

But approaching his Captain and blurting out that he's aware of the fact that Anya's bus had been hijacked, which he's obviously not supposed to know? Especially when he only thought of how something happening to Anya might affect Yor after he outed himself like that? And thoughtlessly referring to her as "Chihuahua girl" a very personal nickname to his boss?? In a military setting??? idk, maybe I'm looking into it too deeply. After all, with spy x family, you have to be intuitive about the lens strength you apply to your analysis in any given scene or chapter. But I think Endo is being careful enough with the development of this particular character at this particular point, that I'm willing to go out on a limb and say I don't think I'm looking too deeply. Especially when this is considered:

I doubt I'm the only person who did a little gasp, reading these panels. Especially the one on the bottom right. Mostly because it's--for lack of a better descriptor--fucked up. It...definitely shows us something about Yuri, about what he bears witness to as a member of the secret police. In a lot of ways, he's the most fucked character so far. But there's more to it than that.

Despite the lack of detail, it's obvious this is a body identification. One which didn't involve Loid, which is a pretty clear indicator of Yuri's continued refusal to accept or even acknowledge his sister's husband as one of “his own.” I chalked that up to his character (80%) the creepy anime incest trope (10%) and fairly-founded suspicion about Loid (10%).

But that's not really what held my attention, here--especially about that panel. The longer I looked at it, the more apparent it was that Yor is only part of the main focus of Yuri's dreaded scenario, there. The entire scene is blurred, especially the background--to the point you can't see anything. But you can see Anya. In fact, she's right in the foreground of the panel and takes up about as much space in-frame as Yor. She's less blurred than Yor, and you can see more of her face than you can Yor's.

This might sound like me hyper-analyzing, but remember that

1. Endo is a stickler for details, even if he manages to cloak that fact about himself in the ridiculous, the silly spy tropes, the extravagant premise. LAnd,

2. This isn't typical for Yuri. In most of Yuri’s memories, in most moments he and his sister share...she’s all he sees--well, him and her. But in any case, up until now, it’s been the two of them. First and foremost. “When it comes to his sister, the man’s logic flies completely out the window.”

Yet Yor wasn’t the only--or even the first--person he thought of, when this emergency happened. A lot of other fans seem to think this is a “three steps forward, two steps back” kind of situation, but I actually think it was a bigger moment for Yuri than even he realizes. Unbeknownst to him, he’s beginning to fold Anya into his protective circle. The vow he made to protect his sister and make her happy is starting to extend to his niece, as well. Even if he’s still nowhere near willing to do the same for Loid--even subconsciously.

Anyways, I probably should’ve made this two posts, but I...didn’t feel like it lol. watch when I’m wrong about all of this.

#spy x family #spy x family manga spoilers #spy x family chapter 71 spoilers #spy x family spoilers #sxf #s x f #long post #yuri briar #anya forger #yor forger #loid forger #damian desmond #damianya #twiyor #spy x family predictions no one asked for

[dreadfutures]

The Brave Guide, Ch 72 - Empress of Fire

Ixchel and her agents witness the impact of Celene's war on the elves, but they stay their course to Serault. Unexpectedly, their path leads them in to a strangely untouched forest, where something lurks in wait.

“Definitely haunted,” Mahariel said in a far more chipper tone than Ixchel expected from him. She frowned at him, lips parted to comment, but he cut her off with a shrug. “The Brecillian is like this, except the trees are a little chattier.”

Ixchel looked over her shoulder at Merrill, who shrugged helplessly.

“Somehow, I don’t think talking trees would have scared that poor fellow so terribly,” said Vivienne from astride her horse. “He chanced an arrow to the neck rather than remain in this forest.”

Hal gave her a unimpressed look and muttered something about werewolves.

We begin the first true mini arc of the Journey to Serault! This diversion is inspired by one of my favorite Witcher 3 quests. :)

#dragon age fanfic #the brave guide #ixchel lavellan #haunted foreeeeeeest

[beefromanoff]

Project Mockingbird Ch. 6

summary: a little insight into Charlotte's backstory, lots of training.

pairing: Bucky Barnes x OC

author's note: there are more visuals than I usually use for this chapter, but it's just so fun! let me know what you think and if it's distracting! thanks for reading, xox!

tag list: @bangtanxberm (let me know if you want to be added <3)

chapter list

_________________________________________________________

Six weeks. 

It had been three weeks of living at the compound. The longest she’d lived anywhere, except - no. That doesn’t count. She didn’t live there, she was kept there. 

In the time since her imprisonment, she’d flitted from place to place, from life to life. Being a quick learner, she slipped into different places almost seamlessly. Her first stint in the real world had been in Siberia, not exactly an ideal place to be. She’d traveled across Europe by train-hopping, stowing away, and hitch-hiking before eventually settling in Austria. 

Her mistake was being a little too reckless with her abilities. Though she’d gone relatively unnoticed at first, it was difficult to make it anywhere without money. That’s when she started doing what she did best…fighting. A few underground fights, cash payout. It was a cakewalk. Through a few connections she made in the seedy world of street fighting, she moved up. People wanted to bet on her, knowing they’d win. It fast-tracked her to bigger fights, higher winnings. She’d even given thought to making that her new life, it was something she knew and something she was good at. Something she was made for. 

Until she saw the most beautiful, elegant thing she’d ever witnessed. In her studio apartment, rented for her by the man who’d been making a shitload of money off of her fighting, she sat surfing through channels just like every other night. On the screen, a strong, graceful girl hurtled through the air, landing perfectly on a blue mat. It was the first time she’d ever seen gymnastics. Charlotte couldn’t tear her eyes away. 

The next morning, she’d packed her limited belongings in a bag and headed for the train station. The man called her 27 times when he realized she’d left. At least, that’s how many she counted before she threw the phone out a train window. 

In less than a week, she’d learned everything she could about the gymnastics world, including the fact that the National Championship meet was being held in two weeks in Boston. With no ID, no passport, and no real identity at all - flying internationally wasn’t an option. However, when a cruise ship acrobat had suddenly received an urgent call from her ailing mother and fled to attend to her, Charlotte was there ready to step in. Her “audition” was enough for them to offer her a permanent contract performing on the ship. Politely declining, her only goal was to get to the United States. After ten days of performing for sunburnt tourists on the ship, they docked in the Port of Boston with just enough time to spare. 

Knowing she’d need to incentivize the powers that be to allow her to participate in such a prestigious meet as a nobody, she went back to the drawing board. While thinking of how to come into a large sum of cash in less than four days, she overheard a group of Harvard students talking about how they didn’t know how they would ever pass the BAR exam that weekend. In less than 72 hours, she walked out of the last exam with twenty thousand dollars cash in her bag. Four students, desperate and wealthy, had jumped at her offer to take their exams for five grand each. All it took was a night of leafing through their textbooks with a box of takeout in her lap to have it all memorized. 

With one day left until the meet, she bought the most beautiful leotard she could find. All black, one long sleeve, beautiful jeweled detailing. She watched footage of old Olympic meets, NCAA gymnasts getting perfect scores, anything she could find online. On the day of the championships, she stood waiting by the front door long before sunrise for the first judge to show up. She offered him ten thousand dollars cash to put her name on the roster for the day. He immediately accepted, leaving Charlotte pleasantly surprised. She’d been prepared to offer the full twenty. 

The rest is history. She competed last, swept the meet with perfect scores in every event. Her name was in headlines across the country by the next day, even making it on ESPN.

For a little while, she thought she could have her dream life after all. Thought her abilities could do more than the violence she was bred for. It was beautiful, but it was fleeting. Just before the conclusion of Olympic Trials, she was framed for using performance enhancing drugs and kicked out without ever even being drug tested. She knew gymnastics was a very political sport, and if she could bribe her way in, it was only feasible that someone else could have bribed her out. 

So she went back to fighting. This time in Vegas. After a few months of that, her penthouse suite rented indefinitely with three additional safes full of cash, she decided to switch to gambling. Poker and blackjack were her favorites. She’d managed to keep that going for a few weeks before casinos started to pick up on it, not knowing how seriously they took card counting. In her naive newness to the modern world, she thought that winning would be allowed and rewarded. It wasn’t the case. Not in the casino, not in gymnastics. The second someone caught wind of her unfair advantage, even when they couldn’t begin to explain it, she was kicked out. So her life became a run from one ruse to the next, catapulting to the top of whatever she tried and then forcing herself to abandon it as soon as eyebrows started to raise. 

Until Nat showed up and finally gave her a chance to stop running. 

And that was six weeks ago. 

After breaking her conditioning, she’d found a loose routine. One that didn’t involve lying about who she was or figuring out how to conceal all the cash she had without so much as a drivers’ license to open a bank account. These days were good. She’d wake up early with the team, following a different member each day. Since she didn’t really have a role of her own, she helped out where she could. Sometimes watching and assisting Tony in his lab, sometimes watching Steve train the SHIELD agents. Everyone had something to do, a role here. Except Charlotte. Up until now, it didn’t really bother her. She liked the freedom to drift around the compound, not looking over her shoulder. After about a month, however, she was beginning to feel restless. 

Which is why she asked to train with the SHIELD agents two weeks ago. 

“I thought you didn’t want to be an Avenger?” Nat had raised her eyebrow. 

“I don’t,” Charlotte protested. “But I’m…bored, I guess. I don’t have anything to do here. I feel like I’m in the way. If I can train with them, at least I’ll be prepared, you know…if anything happens and you do need me.” 

“Something tells me you’re already more prepared than even our veteran agents.”

“Please, Nat, I need to do something.” Her eyes were desperate. 

“I’ll talk to Steve.” 

The next week, she’d begun training. Alternating between hand to hand combat, weapons’ training, and intelligence tactics, Charlotte was in Heaven. There was a schedule, a routine, and always more to learn. Although not all of the agents felt the warm fuzzies about having her there. The team had chosen to limit the amount of information given on Charlotte for her own privacy, but her performance had left people with suspicions. 

“Fuck me.” Agent Bronson mumbled under his breath, stepping forward when his name was called. 

Steve frowned. “What was that?” 

“Nothing.” He ran a hand through his hair as he climbed into the sparring ring with Charlotte. “Let’s get this over with.” A few of the other agents snickered from the sidelines, relieved their name wasn’t called to be her partner. 

“Don’t sound so enthusiastic.” Charlotte rolled her eyes. 

“Come on, Rossi, we both know how this is gonna go. Just try to leave me a shred of my masculinity this time.” 

“I’ll see what I can do.” She smirked, feet set in a defensive stance. As soon as Agent Bronson began to raise his fists, her eyes tracked every miniscule movement he made. The way his eyes flicked to her feet, debating a leg sweep to take her down. The muscle that tensed in his neck when he prepared to throw a punch. In fractions of a second, her mind cataloged his fighting style, instinctively reacting to dodge and duck all of his attempts. 

Eight, nine…She counted each of the blows that whipped past her. Steve had scolded her at the end of the past week, telling her that if she was going to train with the agents, she had to at least try to stay on their level. She told him she’d give each agent a ten swing head start before she went on the offensive. Ten. 

When his boot swung over her head, Charlotte dropped to the ground, swinging her leg to knock his planted one out from underneath him. His back smacked the mat, making the spectating agents wince. From her crouched position, she interlocked her legs with his, flipping both of their bodies with the momentum. Agent Bronson was flat on his face before he even knew what happened. In another half second, Charlotte had his arms locked behind his back with her knees driving his shoulders down. 

“Fuck.” His voice was muffled as his face pressed into the mat. 

“Alright, let him up.” Steve stepped in. Charlotte climbed off, extending a hand to help him up. 

“I tried to make it quick and painless.” She grinned, whispering in his ear as he stood. 

“Much appreciated.” He grumbled. Of all the agents, Derek Bronson had been one of the more welcoming ones. He had some security from being one of the top performers, but still fell short when it came to Charlotte. 

“Okay, team, what can Agent Bronson improve in his hand-to-hand?” Steve looked over the group, waiting for a response. The agents exchanged glances, shuffling their feet. “Anyone?” 

No one spoke up for fear of being assigned to spar with Charlotte next, to demonstrate what they thought they could do better. After a few moments of awkward silence, Steve spoke again. “Alright, let’s wrap it up. We’ll resume on Monday. Good work today, agents.” He patted Agent Bronson on the back. “You’re a good sport.” 

As the agents filed out of the training room, Charlotte took her time gathering her things. She knew she wouldn’t be invited to wherever the group of agents chose to get dinner and happy hour drinks outside the compound, so she preferred not to see them make the plans at all. 

“You bored yet?” Steve crossed his arms and smiled. 

“Do I look bored?” 

“You looked bored the second day you got here.” 

She laughed. “I’m not, actually. I really enjoy it. I could do this all day.” She winked, using Cap’s favorite line against him. 

“I know you can, that’s the problem. Why don’t you train with us?” He held his hands up defensively. “Just train, that’s all. You don’t have to go off base, but it would be a little more of a challenge than this.” 

Charlotte narrowed her eyes, thinking. “I’ll try it out. But don’t get mad at me when you end up like Bronson.” 

This time, it was Steve who laughed. “I’m a decent sport, too.” 

_____________________

The next morning, Charlotte and Bucky jogged around the lake, having lost track of their laps an hour ago. 

“Good God, do you ever get tired?” He groaned as she ran past the trail that lead back to the compound, beginning another lap. 

“Eventually.” She smirked over her shoulder. “Keep up, old man.” 

He caught back up to her, throwing a dirty look. “We’re the same age.” 

“Semantics.” 

“Alright, one more mile and I’m calling it. I want to do more with my day than run in circles.” 

Charlotte shot him a mischievous look. “Race ya.” 

They took off running back into the woods. 

_____________________

The training room of the Avengers Compound buzzed with anticipation as Charlotte stepped into the ring, her eyes focused, albeit a little arrogant. Though the buzz of her first session with the Avengers’ had made its way around the compound, they elected to keep it a closed session. The group of them was clad in their black training uniforms, meant to mimic the weight and feel of their combat suits. Since Charlotte didn’t have her own yet, she wore another of Natasha’s. Each suit was specially engineered for the one who wore it, meant to accommodate their specific skill set. Nat’s was thinner, lightweight and flexible. Sam’s was double lined to keep him warm in high altitudes. Bucky’s suit had a cutout for his left arm, allowing full range of motion for the prosthetic. 

Sam, with his usual charismatic grin, stepped into the ring first. "I’ll take it easy on you, alright?" he held the ropes open, allowing her to step in. 

"I wouldn’t." Charlotte replied, her eyes glinting with challenge.

The spar commenced. Sam lunged forward, his wings extending to give him an advantage in reach. But before he could react, Charlotte sidestepped, her movements fluid. With a swift motion, she dropped to her knees and slid beneath the reach of his rings, grabbed his arm and twisted, putting him in a painful bind that dropped him to his knees.

"Damn girl," Sam breathed, his eyes wide with surprise.

"T’was a pleasure," Charlotte replied, releasing him and mock curtseying, barely out of breath at all. 

Next up the Black Widow herself. She stepped in the ring with an air of confidence, her eyes sharp and assessing. She must have noticed how Charlotte balked, not wanting to overstep on her first friend, the reason she was here in the first place. "Don’t you dare take it easy on me," Natasha reprimanded.

“If you say so.” Charlotte gave a small smile, preparing for action. Faster than Sam, Nat put her weight back on her left foot, aiming a kick at Charlotte's midsection.

Charlotte spun to her right, evading the kick. Nat was already striking again, punching across her body. Charlotte blocked, dropping her elbow in the crook of Nat’s arm, bending it and bringing them within inches of each other. Both women moving at once, their legs interlocked in the same takedown attempt. They rolled once on the floor, a blur of black neoprene. 

While Natasha was one of the most skilled Avengers in hand-to-hand combat, Charlotte was stronger, pinning the redhead down as they came to a stop. She held her forearm to Nat’s throat, knees pinning her arms down. 

"Impressive," she croaked, a flicker of admiration in her eyes. Charlotte stood and helped Nat to her feet. 

“Right back at you.” Charlotte’s chest rose and fell, breathing hard. 

Then came Peter Parker, all enthusiasm and boyish charm. "You ready for this?" he asked, a grin on his face.

"Are you?" Charlotte replied, smirking.

Attempting to go for the element of surprise, Peter shot a web at her feet, aiming to immobilize her. Having seen his tell, a clenched jaw and eye flick to the place he wanted to shoot the webs, she knew it was coming. Somersaulting forward, she rolled over the web blast and closed the distance between them. Without rising back off the ground, she delivered a swift kick to the back of his legs, buckling them and dropping him to his knees. As soon as he fell, she wrapped her arm around his neck from behind, pulling him onto his back on top of her. Each of her legs hooked around his arms, pinning them to the ground so he was at an impossible angle to web her. He froze, momentarily stunned.

"You're so fast," Peter breathed, eyes wide.

“So I’ve been told.” She untangled her legs from his arms and he climbed to his feet, offering her a hand. 

Finally, it was Steve’s turn, the one who’d convinced her to do this in the first place. "A little more fun than the agents?" he joked.

“I guess you could say that.” Charlotte tensed, knowing he would be the toughest of the three prior. 

The spar was intense, each blow whistling through the air as she dodged it, power oozing from his every movement. Charlotte anticipated Steve's moves with uncanny accuracy, her eyes keenly observant of his every shift in stance. Steve, in turn, pushed her limits, testing her stamina as the clock ticked on. His style was classic, controlled. He relied on speed and strength more than exceptional skill or strategy. 

The round went on longer than the previous three combined, Charlotte getting Steve in a near-pinned position three times, but unable to overpower him enough to keep him down. 

This time, she took a different approach. Steve swung with a hard right hook, and instead of dodging what she knew was coming, she stood her ground and took it. His fist collided with her jaw, blood immediately bursting from her split lip. Her head snapped to the side, but she didn’t lose her footing. 

“Oh, my God, Charlotte, are you okay?” Steve broke his defensive posture, eyes full of guilt. 

Exactly the reaction she wanted. 

In two moves, she swung her leg up, momentum carrying her into the air. Her legs wrapped around his neck and she twisted, throwing him to the ground. He landed flat on his back with a resounding thud, her shin pressed to his neck. 

"You're good," Steve admitted, a grin tugging at his lips. "Although some may say that’s cheating."

"All’s fair in love and war," Charlotte replied, blood dripping off of her face from the busted lip.

The other Avengers, watching with keen interest, broke into applause, their admiration evident. Nat cheered the loudest, recognizing her signature move in the final takedown. 

Bucky stepped forward and approached the ring, offering Charlotte a towel for her bloody face. “That looks like hell.” 

“But kinda badass, right?” She smiled, showing her blood-stained teeth. 

“Something like that.” 

Charlotte, slightly breathless but clearly exhilarated, wiped her face and stood to face Natasha, waiting to give her kudos. 

Bucky turned to Steve with a sly grin, clearly amused. "Well, well, Steve," he teased, rolling his eyes dramatically. "Losing to a girl half your size. What would Coach Tyler say?"

Steve gave an incredulous look. “Our high school wrestling coach, really?” He rolled his eyes. "Why don't you give it a shot, Buck? Let's see how you fare against that girl that’s also half your size." He raised his voice at the end, baiting Charlotte.

Bucky cracked his knuckles, his metal arm glinting under the training room lights. He stepped into the ring, eyeing Charlotte with a playful glint in his eyes. "Hope you're ready for this, sweetheart," he said, his tone mockingly confident.

Charlotte met his challenge with a smirk, her confidence unwavering. "I don’t know if you’ve forgotten, Barnes, but I was made for this." 

He grimaced ever so slightly, still not used to the flippant way she spoke about her tortuous past. The team had heard more about HYDRA in her six weeks at the compound than in Bucky’s five years. Clearly she coped with trauma differently than he did.

The two circled each other in the ring, the air crackling with anticipation. Eyes locked on each other, Charlotte raised an eyebrow and licked blood off her lips. Bucky lunged forward, his movements swift and controlled. Charlotte dodged his advances with ease, her lithe form moving as fast as his fists. She countered his strikes, her blows precise and calculated, although they didn’t seem to phase him in the slightest. Their movements were lightning fast, the spectating Avengers’ having trouble tracking the action. It was clear neither of them held back the challenge too tantalizing to back down from. The two didn’t spend a ton of time together outside of group settings, save for the occasional run, but they seemed to get along well. Their shared sense of grim humor was the catalyst for most interactions. 

Bucky tried to catch her off guard, but Charlotte anticipated his every move. He advanced on her, swinging with near lethal force. She executed a series of back handsprings, narrowly avoiding his attacks. The ring seemed to blur with her swift movements, a small nod to her brief stint in the gymnastics world.

"Show-off," Bucky remarked, his admiration evident. 

Charlotte grinned. "Impressed?"

“Don’t flatter yourself.” 

Their spar escalated, each move met with a countermove. Bucky utilized his strength, attempting to overpower her, but Charlotte danced around him, always one step ahead. She was incredibly light on her feet, her agility allowing her to evade his strikes effortlessly. Where he was strong and intense, she was quick and fleeting. She landed more blows, but they barely even registered. He swung harder, but she stayed out of reach.

After almost twenty minutes of intense combat, both combatants found themselves in a deadlock, neither of them able to budge. Flat on his back, Bucky's arm stuck up in the air, his metal hand wrapped around Charlotte’s throat. She perched above his chest, one shin pressed into his throat, the other leg braced on the ground, giving her leverage to push down harder. Their breathing became ragged as neither one conceded, fighting for oxygen as they continued to right each other. 

“Should we -” Steve murmured to Natasha, brows knit together. 

“Let’s see how this plays out.” She narrowed her eyes. “Worst case, they both pass out.” 

Steve frowned but said nothing.

In the ring, Charlotte tasted the salt of sweat mixed with the lingering metallic taste of blood. She grit her teeth and drove her shin further down onto Bucky’s throat. He grunted but didn’t concede, gripping her throat tighter. Sweat had caused a few strands of his dark hair to stick to his forehead. 

The corners of her vision were beginning to go dark, the sounds of the training room sounding like they were fading away. Charlotte saw the blood vessels in Bucky’s eyes reddening and knew he wasn’t far behind her. Their eyes locked, a battle of wills and stubborn pride. Bucky felt her wobble ever so slightly and made a snap decision. 

“Truce?” He croaked. She paused, ever so slightly, debating if she could somehow spin this into a fifth victory of the day before her lack of oxygen overruled.

“Truce.” Her voice was barely more than a whisper through the vice grip he had on her neck. They paused for a second longer, eyes narrow, as if neither one of them trusted the other. Finally, they both released their grip, Charlotte tumbling to the mat beside him. Both chests heaved, their senses flooding back as their oxygen was no longer restricted.

Charlotte looked to her right and grinned. “You called a truce.”

Bucky, still flat on his back beside her, narrowed his eyes. “I’d feel bad choking out the new girl the first time we sparred.” 

“Whatever stops the tears.” She winked.

The other Avengers applauded, climbing into the ring with them. Natasha and Steve pulled them to their feet. “Just when we thought no one was more stubborn than you, Barnes.” 

Bucky chuckled, shooting a glance at Charlotte. "She’s tougher than she looks."

“Wish I could say the same for you.” She raised her eyebrows, eyes fiery. His eyes scanned her face, amused. Just like in the hospital room over a month ago, she swore she saw his eyes flick to her lips for just a split second. 

The team’s enthusiasm drowned out their banter, equal parts shit-talking and compliments flying. Someone handed her a bag of ice for her chin. One one side, Peter was asking her to teach him a back handspring and on the other, Sam was mimicking her doe-eyed look to Steve right after he socked her. All of it was good-natured, all of it was warm. Even with the throbbing in her jaw and pounding in her head from almost passing out, she was happy. 

So much better than the goddamn SHIELD agents. 

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