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alice-in-wonderart · 4 years

Note

Hi hello Can I request pregnancy hcs for Nie Mingjue, Nie Huaisang, and Jin Guangyao? 🥺

Hello, dearie ❤️ Your request has been granted~ I hope you enjoy the fluffalicious headcanons.

P.S. I am just LOVING the fact y'all are asking for NHS. He deserves the world. And gosh, seeing reqs for JGY and NMJ warms my heart.

Nie Mingjue

Have you ever seen a boulder cry? No? Well now you have. The moment he learns you are pregnant, with HIS child, a child symbolising the strong love you have for each other, he'd go deadly soft. No, he wouldn't necessarily cry, but if you squinted you'd notice how his eyes would turn slightly glossy.

For once his constant scowl will actually disappear and he'd look (and feel) genuinely happy.

At first, he'd stay silent, thinking over what you'd just told him, before lifting you up gently (as gently as Mr.Muscle can) and giving you a big hug. Then he'd let go of you, straighten up and resume his previous resting scowl.

"I will do my best to be a good father."

Truthfully, most of the cultivation world didn't think he could even actually keep a lover around for long, much less go as far as to start a family, so news of a little Nie heir would come as quite literally - a shock. Suddenly, the entire world's eyes would be on you, much to Nie Mingjue's displeasure. Because of that, he'd become MUCH more protective of you. The world can be cruel, people can be cruel and life can be unfair, so he'd make sure absolutely nothing can hurt you.

Before he learned you are pregnant, he was already pretty gentle with you, but after telling him - he doubles on the care. He'd randomly come check up on you through out the day under the pretence of having to ask you about your opinion on "very serious matters at hand".

He'd also double on the meditiation sessions, trying to best his anger for the sake of your well-being. In fact, as secretly nervous as he is about the whole situation, somehow the very thought of you and your future child would bring peace to his heart. Though that is something Zewu-jun would conveniently forget mentioning to him. Alas, he'd suddenly remember once the two sat down for a cup of tea.

Nie Mingjue would secretly hope he could teach his child about the art of war and have actual proper sparring sessions, which he couldn't have with his brother. He would occasionally imagine, telling him stories of their ancestors, choosing their saber, showing them all of the Nie traditions and so on and so forth.

He'd also vow not to let his child turn into another Huaisang. (although knowing how complacent Nie Mingjue can be when it comes to his loved ones, spoiling this kid ROTTEN wouldn't be too far from the realm of possibilities.) Frankly, as long as his child can grow up to take good care of themself and the sect, he'd be content either way.

And above all, he'd be thankful, that he ended up with a family made on the foundations of mutual understanding and respect, and a child on the way, which is a symbol of true love.

Nie Huaisang

Denial.

Confusion.

Acceptance.

Does he absolutely love you to death? No questions asked. But the news of a child would catch him completely unprepared, which is fairly uncommon for the all-seeing mastermind that is Nie Huaisang.

Suddenly, saber practice and tests at Gusu seemed like a breeze. That isn't to say he wouldn't be happy, or glad, or proud - believe me, he'd be ELATED. It's just- is he ready to be a father? Is he ready to raise a child? Is he ready to be a ...role-model? Create a legacy?!

"But- I'm trash. What if I can't take care of this child? What if I fail at raising it? What if I'm a dead-beat dad? What if I die suddenly? What if war starts? What if the child doesn't like me? OH MY GOD WHAT IF THE CHILD DOESN'T LI-"

Please save him from his own self-doubt, he's more worried than Wei Wuxian and his self-worth equals that of a washing sponge. In reality, Nie Huaisang is so used to being underestimated, considered a mere spoiled prince, that the determination and unconditional love in your eyes would take him aback. Even more so, the trust you have in him, especially for raising a child, would leave him speechless.

And then would come the realization of the situation - he will be a father. And he will start a family with the love of his life, successfully continuing the Nie lineage. He'd be well-aware of the humongous responsibility that comes with raising a child and after taking a breather, he'd be more that ready to take on the world. And god forbid anybody dares say anything about his family.

After that whole fiasco, things would actually die down. Nie Huaisang is no idiot. The more obnoxious he is, the more unwanted attention he'd bring about. He'd be pretty casual with his care, often just lying with you, making blind guesses about the baby.

Sometimes, just to get a reaction, he'd ask like a spoiled child "are we close now" "are you there yet" and so on and so forth, generally aiming at making you laugh.

He has already made up his mind - once the child is born and is given a name, he'd paint it on the finest wooden fan imaginable. In FACT, getting to teach said child how to paint would his little not-so-secret dream.

As long as you're healthy, Nie Huaisang would more more than content with this turn of events. In fact, he'd be so proud to have you by his side.

Deep down he'd be totally soft and utterly emotional over the fact that he'll be a father, but those are emotions saved for later stages of your life together. (wait till you actually give birth)

Jin Guangyao

Imagine the sweetest, fondest stare in the history of stares ever. That is what you'll first see, once you inform Jin Guangyao of your pregnancy.

"What truly joyful news, my love."

He may be many things, many things indeed, but he isn't unattentive. You are his wife, his lover, the mother of his child and he would take great responsibility for that. He'd take care of you more than ever before, though he's always been extremely considerate.

Any darkness or intent of murder in his heart would dissipate once he sees you, and tripple should anybody so much as look at you the wrong way. After all, he has enough experience in the art of murder to know how to get around.

Living in a brothel with his mother showed him how harsh the world and society can be, so he'd vow to himself to give you and your child the life you deserve. Remembering everything his own father, if you could call him that, had or hadn't done for him, he has been given a good example of what not to do. He's promised to himself to be a good, loving father, who'd raise his child right. Simply he'd want his child to grow up without having to worry about surviving.

He'd fall utterly in love with this child before it is even born. He'd be constantly talking to your stomach, stroking if gently, leaving sweet kisses along your skin. That of course would only happen behind closed doors, yet the more your belly would grow, the more you'd get to spend time with Jin Guangyao.

While he wouldn't make a big deal out of your pregnancy, he wouldn't really hide it either. Lan Xichen, of course, would be first fo know, so he'd quickly come to give the two of you his blessings. Slowly news of the future heir would travel, so Jin Guanguao's overly cautious behavior would double. You'd still be allowed to go outside, of course, he is no monster, (his words, not mine) but he'd require you to go down town only when accompanied by him, or one of your most trusted people. He'd have spies everywhere, all to ensure your well-being.

He'd know almost immediately whenever you'd feel sick or generally uncomfortable because of the baby. And he'd be prepared with natural herbal remedies, massages and a ton of cuddles. Simply, he'd respond to your every beg and call. (I mean- he already does that but shhh)

Despite being, essentially, a criminal mastermind, there is no denying he is intelligent, resourceful, diligent and a good leader, in the core of it. Now, to that list can be added a good husband and a great father. After all, he'd want his child, no matter the gender, to be treated with respect and given all of the love it would require - what he always wanted, yet never received.

Thank you for reading~

#mo dao su zhi #mo dao zu shi #grandmaster of demonic arts #grandmaster of demonic cultivation #mdzs fanfiction #the untamed #mdzs #the untamed nie huaisang #nie huaisang #nie mingjue #nie clan #mdzs nie huaisang #jin guangyao #mdzs meng yao #meng yao #the untamed x reader #lianfang zun #chifeng zun #zewu jun

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nanagoswife · 3 years

Text

Please, Don't Go. - Chapter 10

Summary: We have entered the days of The Phantom Menace. These are a few snippets of the days before anything life changing.

W/C: 2.7k

Warnings: implied intimacy, fluff, angst, mention of violence

- - -

This time, you and the Jedi stayed in space instead of landing on another planet. This time, it wasn’t extended. Everything was quite uneventful, until a call came in.

“To the Trade Federation blockade of Naboo, you must go. Sneak through the blockade and deliver princess Y/N to Queen Amidala, our forces will. Negotiate, you must, Master Jinn.”

“Of course, Master Yoda.”

You and Obi-Wan had been listening to the exchange while playing a round of sabacc.

“Does he always talk like that,” you whisper to Obi-Wan.

He nearly spits out the water he had just sipped. When he managed to swallow, he did his best to keep his laughter quiet.

“Who? Yoda, or Qui-Gon?”

Now it was you who had to contain your laughter. He was delighted to hear it. These couple of days had been overly quiet. Sure, the two of you had talked often, and the same as Qui-Gon, but there was no laughter. A lot of it was reassurance, going over plans, and of confessing grief filled emotions.

Obi-Wan was there for it all. He didn’t care what it was about, he just wanted to be with you. He wanted to hold you as you fell asleep. Unfortunately, he hasn't been able to do the last one in these days. Someone now always had to be awake to ‘pilot’ the ship.

The previous night, you had come out to the cockpit with him. For a little while, the two of you were able to enjoy the other’s warmth as you both were on the floor, Obi-Wan’s head in your lap. You had stroked his hair and he was struggling to stay awake.

Now was a nice moment of downtime as you were finding out what was going to happen. The call to the Jedi originally had been to ask when they could bring you back, but it turned into a mission that you would now be joining. You’d be lying if you said you weren’t excited about seeing Padmé. Seeing the intricate way her security works would be an interesting experience to be graced with once again.

“Distracted by your arrival, they will be. Not notice the soon to be senator, flying by at the same time,” Yoda had said as your attention was finally brought back to listening to the plans. You were curious how you would get by. Now, you knew.

“Sounds like you get to do the fun stuff,” Obi-Wan whispered, but you groaned as you realized he had just one. He chuckled at your reaction. Would there ever be a day that you would beat him?

Obi-Wan had used your distraction to his advantage. Which, you guessed, was a perfect reason why Jedi always tell their padawans to never lose focus.

As you had promised, you slid over the single credit that you bet. Not wanting to actually gamble, the two of you only put one credit down for multiple rounds. Whoever had the most combined wins won. Obi-Wan somehow always pulled off the win. You would get close, as you two were tied often, but he always won the last round. One day, it won’t be like that.

“Y/N, Obi-Wan, time to get ready. We’re meeting up with another ship before heading to Naboo,” Qui-Gon cut in. The two of you only nodded and did what you were told.

“Y/N!” You were barely able to step off of the ramp before you were met with Padmé’s embrace. She was currently disguised as one of her handmaidens, which you were not shocked about.

Before this, Obi-Wan had been able to find a moment to give you a kiss before you parted to the other ship. Your mind was still lingering on the moment before landing.

“I missed you.”

“I missed you too, Padmé,” you greeted and returned the tight embrace.

The two of you usually talked often. That hasn’t been so for the last while because of your predicament. You were able to call her one day when you were back home, but it was only a quick conversation.

Both of you hugged the other for a few more moments. When you separated, there was a sadder expression.

“Is everything alright?”

She took a breath, “The Trade Federation just cut off all communications. We’re expecting an invasion shortly.”

You were shocked. Weren’t Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon up there negotiating?

Padmé saw your look, “They said that they never arrived. That only means one thing-”

“They attacked them.”

Your friend nodded in agreement as you finished her thought.

“Come now. We need to get you disguised. Are you alright with becoming a handmaiden for a day?”

You only smiled which was also returned. In a strange sort of way, you had hoped for this. Not the fact that Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan quite possibly could be hurt or the fact that Naboo was about to be overrun. You were hoping to be a handmaiden along with Padmé and the others.

Obi-Wan couldn’t help but think about you. He could only hope that you hadn’t been hurt and that you were safe.

As he was on the balcony, ready to jump down and free the queen and everyone else from the droids, he caught a glimpse of you. You were disguised as one of the handmaidens and you blended perfectly. He mentally thanked Padmé for that.

You don’t think you were able to hide the smile you had when you saw the two Jedi jump down. Padmé must’ve seen this because she gently nudged you with an elbow.

When the droids were dealt with, Obi-Wan’s gaze caught yours while Qui-Gon was talking and he flashed you a quick grin before turning back away. You knew he couldn’t get distracted now. You were, however, distracted by how looked while wielding his saber. You had yet to see him use it in this way.

Once your whole group got moving, everything happened so fast. You had no time to think, especially with blaster fire happening all around you in the hangar. All you knew was that you felt Padmé’s hand on your back, guiding you up the ramp of the ship.

You made sure just to stay with your friend. The Jedi were doing what they did best, and you didn’t know where else to go. It was a lot more of a bumpy ride getting away than it had been getting to Naboo.

Later on, the two Jedi had been addressing the queen, letting her know of the damage that had been done to the ship. You had never seen Obi-Wan this serious, but his hard expression softened as he let his eyes land on you. Wanting to comfort him, you smirked and watched as he relaxed a bit.

Once the discussion was over, Padmé pulled you along with her. She was going to clean the droid and she wanted your company.

“When were you going to tell me about you and the padawan?” She suddenly asked as soon as you were away from prying ears.

This took you by surprise and it clearly showed due to Padmé’s chuckling reaction. “W-What do you mean?” you stammered. If it was this obvious to your friend, then does this mean Qui-Gon knew?

“Oh, come on! It’s clear the two of you like each other just by how you look at the other.”

You felt as heat rose in your cheeks. She knew just by a few simple looks. You and Obi-Wan hadn’t even spoken to each other since you parted ways earlier and she knew. Yet, she was also the most perceptive person you knew but it still surprised you.

“You promise not to tell a soul?” You finally asked once Padmé started the cleaning of the droid.

“Not on my life. Now spill.”

Padmé listened with great amusement. There were a few moments where she had been so enamoured that she forgot that she actually was cleaning the R2 unit.

Of course, there were a few things you left out. Those were moments that you wanted to keep between you and Obi-Wan. Not that you didn’t trust your friend, it was just that private. Plus, that one night you and Obi-Wan shared, you didn’t think that your friend would approve. Even if she seemed like she would only cheer you on.

“I hope that nothing happens to you two. Is he going to leave The Order?”

“We talked about it, but I could never let him leave the only life he knows. He loves being a Jedi and I would never wish him to leave that just for me.”

“I feel like he would. He loves you, does he not?”

You nodded, but your opportunity to say any more on the matter was cut off as the door slid open. It revealed a Gungan with Obi-Wan just behind.

“Oh, I apologize. I wasn’t aware there was anyone down here,” Obi-Wan said.

“It’s quite alright,” Padmé was the only one brave enough to talk. She had a grin on her face as she looked at Obi-Wan. You didn’t know whether to feel embarrassed or to refuse to react.

“May I borrow the princess? I need to talk to her about a few things,” he said with a slight blush on his cheeks after directing the Gungan, Jar Jar, into the room.

Your friend only nodded and you went to join Obi-Wan. As soon as the door closed, surrounding the two of you in absolute privacy, he kissed you along with pulling you close against him.

You melted against him. The two of you hadn’t been able to kiss in the last few days, and this was just a relief.

“I missed this,” you mumbled against his lips, not wanting to pull apart just yet.

“Me too,” he replied the same way. You didn’t know when the two of you would be able to do this next, so you were drawing it out for as long as you possibly could.

When you both had to catch your breaths, Obi-Wan kept his nose nuzzled next to yours.

The two of you were basking in every little touch while looking in the other’s eyes. Then, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Usually you would think it was out of content, but this wasn’t it. It seemed more worried.

“What’s wrong?”

He pulled his head away and opened his eyes, but kept your bodies pressed together. He couldn’t help but smirk at the thought of how well you could read him.

“Well, Qui-Gon is going out to get new parts for the ship alone. I trust him, but Tatooine isn’t a friendly place.”

“I remember the stories. I’m sure he won’t get tied up with the Hutts.” You brought your hand up and stroked his hair above his right ear. It’s a motion that you learned calmed him, sometimes to the point where he’ll get drowsy. For now, it was only for comforting him. It comforted you as well as you felt the soft strands.

Obi-Wan moved his head so that it wouldn’t interfere with your ministrations, but so that he could press a kiss to your wrist.

Now, he sighed, content. You never failed to ease his worries. Plus, he would have you with him while his master was out.

“I should go, my dear.”

You nodded and pressed one more kiss to his lips.

“I’ll see you soon.”

When both Qui-Gon and Padmé had gone, it left the little storage room empty at all times. Due to the sudden departure, the room’s usual use was obsolete. You had also found out that the Jedi didn’t know that Padmé was the one who left. They surprisingly didn’t know of the clever tactics that they use on Naboo. So, you kept quiet.

This storage room became your secret meeting spot. Obi-Wan wasn’t actually needed that much, other than keeping his comm on for his master. Other than that, the rest of the ship’s passengers would let him know if something was happening.

So, this was the room where you spent quality time together. You would often prop yourselves against the wall and lean against each other, or Obi-Wan would lay his head in your lap so you could play with his hair the way he loved.

“How’s Qui-Gon doing?” Obi-Wan had mentioned a few things here and there, but he generally stayed quiet. You knew it was because he was worried in his own way. To him, he would see it more as just a shift in the force. He would deny actually being worried until his dying breath, you thought.

Obi-Wan’s eyes met yours from his place in your lap. He shifted, which only caused his head to press more comfortably against your legs. It looked like he was trying to choose his words carefully.

“He met a slave boy that’s working to help us get the parts we need. Qui-Gon had sensed how strong the force was with the boy. So, he sent a blood sample to find out his midi-chlorian count. It was off the charts,” he said.

You remember him telling you about midi-chlorians. It was one of the things that you found the most interesting of all the Jedi lessons you’ve gotten from Obi-Wan.

Your eyes went wide, “What does that mean?”

He closed his eyes and tilted his head so that his face was pressing into your stomach. You couldn’t tell if he was trying not to say it, or if it was for extra comfort. His small, satisfied exhale told you it was comfort.

“There’s a prophecy about one who will be born with such a strong connection to the force. It says that they will bring balance to the force.”

“And Qui-Gon believes it’s this boy?”

Obi-Wan opened his eyes and did his best to look in your eyes without moving his head from its comfortable position. Then, slowly, he nodded.

“There is one issue,” he said quietly. You gave him an imploring look which caused him to lightly chuckle. “The Order usually starts training at an early age to help prevent attachments-”

“Ironic,” you couldn’t help but say it.

He moved his head back so that he could properly look at you with a smirk. You were very well aware that he too was taken into the order a little older than what they usually allowed.

“I’m sure any Jedi would be captivated by you, my dear. That is, if I hadn’t snagged you first,” he took your free hand and kissed your knuckles.

You giggled lightly as he fluttered his eyelashes against your skin.

“In all seriousness,” he continued, placing your hand against his chest, “I’m not sure the council will take him in because of it. That’s what I’m truly worried about.”

Slowly, you nodded, piecing everything together in your mind.

“What if that is what they say? How do you think he’ll react?”

Obi-Wan let out a huff of laughter, “He’ll probably still train the boy against their wishes.”

“What would that mean for you?”

He shrugged. “If they agree, that means I’ll probably take the trials. I’m supposed to soon, anyways.”

The hand that you were stroking his hair with rested on his cheek. He loved how soft your hands were. As he looked into your eyes, it was like they were smiling just like your lips were.

“My handsome Jedi,” you whisper. “You’ll do amazing, I’m sure.”

“Thank you, my love,” he replied, squeezing the hand that still lay on his chest.

Before anything else could happen, Obi-Wan’s comm beeped. He sighed as it was a matter that he actually had to tend to.

In response, you leaned down and he propped himself on an elbow as your lips pressed to his. This was a tactic to give him more motivation to do what he was supposed to. Even if he constantly said that he would rather just stay with you, which you did want. But he was needed for far more important matters than just to be with you.

Once again, he sighed. “Alright, darling. You convinced me.”

- - -

@stardancerluv @where-fantasy-meets-reality @jaydenwoo @madmax2003 @mackycat11 @generousrunawaydonut

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ahsokatanope · 4 years

Text

Battered and Bruised: Chapter II

Prisoners

Prev. Chapters: Chapter I

Summary: After being captured by some of Jabba’s bounty hunters, you wake up in an unfamiliar place along with Obi-Wan Kenobi, the man the Empire trained you to hate.

Pairing: Inquisitor!Reader x Obi-Wan Kenobi

Word Count: 2,718

Warnings: claustrophobia, mentions of anxiety

Tag List: @whatsasetitoff @kaminobiwan

Note: Hope you all enjoy this one! Reader is put into a situation that she’s not used to at all. She’s conflicted and honestly not having the best time since her helmet and sabers are gone. :( But there is some banter! We also see a familiar face (if you watch tcw, that is). Let me know what you think and/or if you’d like to be tagged!

“I had her, My Lord.” Anger drips from your voice as your gloved hands ball into fists. “I swear I had her, but she slipped through my fingers.”

“I want her dead, Inquisitor.” Lord Vader’s voice reverberates through your body. As much as you try to get used to it, you simply can’t. It’s cold, robotic, and dark; just like him.

“I know.”

“You are aware that you are supposed to be the Empire’s best.” Vader continues, the void of where his eyes are supposed to be staring right at you, straight into your soul.

“I will be.” You set your jaw and straighten your posture, but he doesn’t seem happy with that answer. “I am. It’s just one mistake, My L—”

Vader cuts you off by raising his right hand to choke you with the Force. You struggle to breathe as he continues to watch you with his lifeless stare. With the layers of fabric and armor that you wear, you feel that he can see right through you. Past the facade you put up to make yourself look powerful in the eyes of your superiors.

“Tell me, First Sister.” Vader continues, sounding like he’s exerting no energy. “Did I make a mistake when I chose to save your life during The Purge?”

Your hands fly to your throat and you try to claw his Force presence away from you. He’s too strong... his anger too powerful… too consuming.

“No.” The word comes flying out when you realize he’s not in the mood for excuses. When he doesn’t say anything and the Force around your throat tightens, you continue. “My Lord.”

The pressure around your windpipes releases slightly, but he doesn’t let go. You gasp and try to get as much oxygen into your lungs as possible.

“Did I make a mistake when I chose to keep you alive and make you an Inquisitor?”

“No, Lord Vader,” you manage to choke out. The strong persona you constantly put on is now gone. You’re helpless and defenseless in front of the Sith Lord you’ve sworn to serve.

“Tell me why I should not kill you right now for your incompetence.”

You feel lightheaded from the lack of oxygen. The vision around your eyes starts to go black and you begin to fade in and out of consciousness.

“Tell me!” Vader yells, towering over your body. The grip on you grows tight again.

“I will… not fail you again, Lord Vader.” Your voice is raspy and strained. “I will find her. I won’t fail you, I give you my word.”

He finally releases you and your body crumples to the ground. You breathe rapidly, chest heaving as your shaking arms struggle to pull your torso off the ground. You get yourself on your hands and knees, your hair falling into your face as Vader walks away from you.

“The fact that you were once friends with Anakin Skywalker does not mean anything anymore. The next time you fail me, it will result in your death.”

“Y/N.”

“I won’t fail you.”

“Wake up.”

“I won’t fail.”

“It’s not real.”

“I… will not…”

“Y/N!”

Your eyes snap open and you struggle for air as you try to make sense of your surroundings. Without thinking clearly, you try to stand up, but chains tether you to the wall behind you. You tug at them but they don’t budge. Just like Vader’s grip on you hadn’t in your nightmare. You begin to feel claustrophobic.

Your heart beats quickly, the sound pounding in your ears as you slowly become aware of your position. Dirt and sand layer the front of Imperial uniform, staining the previously black and red material to a dirty dark brown. Metal cuffs and chains hold your arms out in front of you.

It’s then that you realize that their material must be made from something that strips away your connection to the Force. Without the Force flowing through you, you feel empty and vulnerable. You don’t like it.

Your head whips back and forth as you quickly glance around the small room. Your eyes search for a threat, but there are none in sight. Only… an old friend. A man the Empire convinced you to despise.

“Welcome back to the land of the conscious.” Obi-Wan says in a sarcastic tone. “I take it you didn’t sleep well?” His face betrays his words, though, because he looks at you with slight concern donning his features.

You are silent for a few moments as you stare blankly at the dirty stone ground of the cell you’re in. Your mind wanders to the flashback of your past you were forced to witness when you were unconscious.

It was the first and last time you failed a mission. The Jedi Padawan you had set out to assassinate had escaped, causing you to almost be killed as a punishment at the hands of Darth Vader. As cruel as it was, the punishment did work in the long run. You never failed a mission again and quickly rose to become Vader’s greatest asset and the leader of the Imperial Inquisition.

“Are you alright?” Kenobi’s voice snaps you out of your thoughts and your eyes dart to his. Suddenly, you feel extremely exposed and vulnerable without your helmet. The Jedi across from you looks the opposite; he seems rather cozy considering the situation you both are in. His hands are bound like yours and tacked to the wall opposite of you, but he’s definitely made himself comfortable by crossing his legs and leaning against the wall.

You choose to ignore his question and reply with one of your own.

“What did you do, Kenobi?” Your voice is dark and raspy and your gaze pierces into him. You tug at the Force-binding metal cuffs on your wrists.

Obi-Wan just raises an eyebrow as he watches you. “What did I do? I believe the question you mean to ask is, what did you do?”

“What are you suggesting?” You ask, anger simmering throughout your body. As more seconds tick by, the skin around your wrists becomes increasingly irritated and you know it won’t be long before the metal breaks skin. You just can’t take the feeling of being bound anymore.

“I woke up prematurely and overheard our abductors having a chat.” Kenobi begins. “I believe they mentioned something about a certain Inquisitor slaughtering one of Jabba the Hutt’s most trusted men right in front of him. Does that sound familiar at all to you?”

Oh, right. Fazabar. Jabba’s Palace. The bounty hunters. Things are starting to make sense now. Jabba put a bounty on your head and Kenobi got caught in the mix too. If you’re not dead, then that means that either he’s holding you prisoner or that he sold you to someone else. You’re not sure which of the two is better.

“I had good reason for what I did.” You narrow your eyes at the man across from you.

“Oh, did you? Look at where it got you. And me, might I add.” Obi-Wan breathes out a humorless laugh. “You may have turned to the Dark Side and become a person I do not know anymore, but… you really haven’t changed, have you? You’re still as reckless as ever.”

His gaze is calculating as he analyzes your features and tries to figure you out. His stare burns you with its intensity and you force yourself to look away.

You’re sure he meant the comment as a way to get under your skin, but you don’t let him get to you. Instead, you continue to yank at the bindings that tether you to the wall behind you. “I prefer the term ambitious.”

Obi-Wan rolls his eyes and scoffs. He continues to watch you fiddle around and pull at the chains connected to the wall.

“You must know that doing that is not going to work.” He says, unimpressed.

“Yes, it will.” You won’t lie, as much as you would like to get away from the Jedi, you enjoy watching the annoyance grow within him.

A few seconds pass by and the only sound in the cell is the repetitive clanking of your chains hitting the wall.

“Will you stop that? What do you expect to accomplish?”

“I got myself into this mess, and now I’m getting myself out of it. And away from you.” You say simply.

Obi-Wan sighs. “You’re wasting your energy.”

You admit that the skin around your wrists is rubbed raw, but the pain doesn’t stop you from continuing. It’s not long before you finally detach your chain from the wall.

Jingling the chain in front of you, you flash Obi-Wan a smirk. “You were saying?”

He just gives you a deadpanned look as you move to stand on your feet. Your body aches from being in an unsettling position for hours on end. With a content sigh, you flex and stretch your muscles, feeling better by the second. You are still cut off from the Force, but Maker does it feel good to stretch out and release the tension in your body.

“Care to remove mine as well?” The Jedi asks, lifting an eyebrow.

“Can’t. Sorry. I have a call to make.” You bring up your left forearm and go to activate your emergency homing beacon, but your control pad is missing.

You swear under your breath. It must have been removed right after you were hit with the dart. A faded memory of you activating your homing beacon right before you fell to the ground flashes in your mind.

“Missing something?” A new voice comes from beyond the rusting bars of the cell.

Both you and Obi-Wan’s eyes dart over to the new presence and you’re surprised when you are met with the familiar face of—

“Hondo?” Kenobi asks, his body perking up at the sight of him. “What are you doing here? You work for The Hutts now?”

“Kenobi! Y/N.” He says, nodding to each of you. “Or should I say, Inquisitor. I will say, you Jedi never fail to surprise me. A Jedi working for the Empire! Amazing.”

You narrow your eyes at him. In your past as a Jedi, you along with Obi-Wan Kenobi had gone on many missions where you encountered the pirate leader. Your relationship was… an interesting one to say the least. One mission you were trying to kill or kidnap each other, the next you’d be allies.

“I’m not a Jedi anymore, Hondo. My allegiance is with the Galactic Empire.” You say, eyeing Obi-Wan before setting your gaze back on the pirate… or former pirate. “What planet are we on? Where did you bring us?”

“I’m afraid I can’t answer that.” Hondo sighs before eyeing the Imperial logo on your shoulder. “A friend of the Empire is an enemy to me, no matter how many adventures we’ve been on.”

“I’ll pay you triple of what Jabba gave you if you release me.”

Obi-Wan watches you with a raised eyebrow.

Hondo chuckles and shakes his head. “I am simply the middle man, fellow Jedi. I want nothing to do with the Empire. I’m afraid you have nothing to give me that Jabba hasn’t given me already.”

“What do you mean, ‘middle man’.” Obi-Wan asks from his spot on the ground. “There’s somebody else involved?”

You stay quiet, interested in his answer as well.

“One of my good friends, Ja’arvis Takun, you may have heard of him, was looking for new initiates. Jabba wanted to sell off two Jedi to the highest bidder with no ties to the Empire, so who was I to not make the connection.”

Kenobi’s eyes widen. “Ja’arvis Takun, the Gamemaster?”

If Obi-Wan is right, then that means that you were sold into... slavery? Not just any sort of slavery; gladiatorial slavery. Ja’arvis Takun is the creator of one of the most brutal arena fights in the galaxy, known as Ja’arvis’ Games. Once you become a gladiator, there’s no way to escape unless you win your way out. However, that rarely happens because the competition is extremely ruthless.

“You have heard of him.” Hondo grins. “Good. That means you’re already familiar with The Games.”

Sold into slavery. Kriff, is this a joke? Your fists clench just thinking about how smug Jabba must be after his successful capture and transaction involving you. When you get out, killing Jabba will be the first thing you do. Surely, the Empire will notice your absence and come for you. Your brothers and sister must notice that you’re missing, right? Vader must be looking for you. He has to be.

“So, why are you still here if you already got your share of the money. Why not just take the credits and leave?” Kenobi asks, growing restless from sitting in the same spot.

“I came to escort you two to your first of the Games, of course! Come on, Kenobi, what type of creature would I be if I didn’t make sure you two didn’t get the best treatment, after all we have been through.” Hondo laughs before nodding to the approaching guard to open the cell.

After the cell opens, guards come in and grab ahold of your chains (not without you struggling against them, though). You manage to kick one swiftly in the chest, but they subdue the rest of your efforts by removing Obi-Wan’s chains from the wall and connecting them to yours. This forces the two of you to become a unit and walk together.

“I’d much rather you release us, than escort us, Hondo.” Obi-Wan grunts as he’s pushed by a guard.

“Move!” The guard says, pushing again, forcing the two of you to take a step forward. Kenobi is too close for your liking, but you have no choice in the matter. Luckily there are no cuffs around your ankles or it would make matters a lot worse.

“You know I cannot do that, my friend.” Hondo says as you and Obi-Wan pass by.

Anger wells up inside you when you get close to the pirate. “You will pay for this, Hondo.”

Hondo just laughs in your face. “I’m sure I will, Y/N. After today, the Empire will have a difficult time finding me. I’m going into hiding. I have enough credits and spice to supply me for the rest of my life. I guess I have you both to thank for that, so… I give you my gratitude.”

You all walk in silence for a few minutes before you approach a small room at the end of the hall. It’s dark and grungy, not much different than the rest of the place, but this room has no bars like the rest of the cells do. The door is made of solid durasteel.

The guards shove both of you in and take a step back, allowing Hondo to be front and center.

“I sincerely wish you both luck. You’ll need it.” He says, looking between the both of you before he turns to leave. Before he takes a step, he pauses and turns back around raising his right arm up.

“Oh, I almost forgot. You’re going to need this.” Hondo pulls Obi-Wan’s lightsaber out from his cloak and throws it to him. The Jedi catches it with ease.

“What about mine?” You ask, your eyes darting between Hondo and Obi-Wan cutting off his restraints.

“Jabba’s men couldn’t find any of your weapons when they captured you.” Hondo shrugs. “I’m sure you’ll be fine without it.” He smiles and nods at the guards to close the door to the room.

“Hondo, you can’t just leave me without a weapon!” You try to protest, but it’s already too late. The door has closed and you’re alone with Obi-Wan Kenobi yet again.

You stare at him in the dim light, watching him sigh in contentment of being free. He rubs at the irritated skin on his wrists.

You sigh deeply, looking away for a moment. Now you feel more trapped and claustrophobic than ever. Your heart begins to beat quicker with anxiety as the walls of the tiny room seem to close around you.

Finally making eye contact with Obi-Wan, you clench your jaw before mirroring his question from earlier inside the cell.

“Care to remove mine as well?”

107 notes · View notes

oh-sweet-mama · 3 years

Text

Leaving my side Pt.2 (Ben solo at the end)

T.W:Sex, talk of death, slight angst

TROS spoilers

3rd person

Awaking with a soft sound of an alarm ringing through the room, y/n stretched, only to be pulled into a warm embrace.

"Don't leave." Kylo mumbled against her neck.

"I have to go on your scouting mission." She retorted.

"Mhmm 5 more minuets. That girl can wait." Kylo mumbled back.

Y/n reached out and set the timer for 5 minutes. Sighing in content Kylo rests his head on her chest. Listening to her breathing and soft thud of her heartbeat.

Y/n played with Kylo's soft raven hair. It was fluffy in the morning and silky. Kylo's nimble fingers lazily danced along the smooth skin of y/n lower stomach.

The alarm went off in a blink of an eye.

"Don't go." Kylo mumbled. "I have the day off!"

"Well- you wanted me out there finding your girl." Y/n stated.

"Wha- you're my girl." Kylo mumbled sleepily.

"Sure Ren, I'll be back shortly, enjoy your day off." Y/n kissed Kylo's forehead before walking into the bathroom and starting her shower.

Her stomach twisted. There was something wrong.

Listen here child-

Y/n's heart beat quickened.

Your boy will die at the end of this day- so will that girl- and it will be your fault.

She shook the voice out of her ears. Quickly getting dressed and rushed to the door. Before exiting the shared room y/n looked over at Kylo. Fearing this is the last time she will see him.

She knows this is true deep down, but she decided to not accept the fact. She boarded the tie fighters and set out following the coordinates.

Kylo awoke feeling nauseous. He got up and got ready for the day.

Walking up the bridge of his command ship he announced his brief speech.

"I'm going on a mission, tell me at once when Y/n gets back with the girl at once." Kylo's voices modulator boomed.

Boarding his tie fighter Kylo set out for a planet, hoping to find a way finder he'd been looking for far to long.

——— (skip to the battle of exogol)

Kylo's heart races he never heard from his command ship weather or not y/n got back. Fighting off the knights of Ren. Rey appears.

Nodding in reassurance, Rey passed Luke's lightsaber to him. A new fire burned in Ben. Eradicating Kylo. He sprints to the throne room.

A force brings him to his knees. His life force being ripped out of him. Evil cackles fill the room as palpatine rises.

Ben motionless on the cold stone. His breathing was shallow.

Rise Kylo you've got this I love you.

Y/n's voice rings in his ear. Getting up onto his feet he swings his saber only to be flung back.

——

A orange x wing swings in knowing an exactly where to hit the star destroyers.

Her gut churred. Kylo? Ben?

She reached her mind out.

Rise Kylo you've got this I love you.

She sensed Rey.

"Shit!" Y/n slammed her fist down on her dash board. "Fuck!"

Her heart was shattering. Knowing Kylo had found the girl. She punched her X-wing in to advanced war mode. Taking out yet another star destroyer alone.

The rest of the X-wing fleet watched in awe as the rouge plane took down star destroyers.

"Some one radio that X- Wing!" Poe demanded.

Y/n opened her radio to all channels.

"Listen. Resistance. First order. Rebels. I don't give a fuck. I will take every singe one of these star destroyers down. One. By. One." ———-

Ben cradled Rey. She lay motionless.

Ben slowly passed his dwindling life force to her.

"Ben?" Rey whispered.

"Yea- yea it's me."

Rey cupped Ben's cheek and leaned into to gently kiss him.

"Shit shit shit-" y/n muttered. Time seemed to slow. Her X- Wing was out of fuel. She had to land. Y/n felt the connect between Ben and Rey complete "Goodbye Ben."

She took the landing to hot.

Ben felt the gaping hole in his chest. Tears poured.

"No!"

"Ben? Ben what's wrong?" Rey asked.

"Nothing- nothing- I've got to get you home." Ben felt lightheaded, before letting go he falls back as the world fades out. Rey catching his head.

Ben- my son- rise. Your fight is not over yet.

The noise is the cave was silent. Rey watched in anticipation.

Ben took a breath. Opening his eyes. His face was colorless. Rey stood Bens' arm over her shoulder. Most of his weight on her. Limping back to Reys X-wing Ben settles Rey on his lap, taking off glancing over for one last look at the dying planet before jumping into hyper space.

Rolling onto her back, y/n watched as the last X-wing jumped into hyperspace.

"Ben?" Y/n whispered. She felt his pull slowly fade away. She couldn't feel her legs. Where are my legs? Limbs felt like they were cemented to the rough planet.

"Hey! Kid!" A figure loomed over her. "Y/n! Kid! What happened?"

"Perit? My- my X-wing..." the world was getting darker, and the surrounding world started to fade.

"Shit- kid! Let's go." perit gently picked the frail girl up and set her down on a cot back on the ship. "Damn kid we need to stop the bleeding on this leg."

———

"Alright master Ben, here are your personal quarters, meal time is anonymous and you may join when you wish." The small aid instructed.

"Thank you." Ben said softly.

"No problem master Ben, have a wonderful evening." The aid Instructed.

He sat on his bed after he heard the aid leave and her boots recede down the hall. That's when he let it all go.

Sobs bounced off of the walls. Bens entire being trembled with pain.

"Y/n... please-" Ben sobbed. He curled up into his pillow, on top of the covers and let the tears flow. "You- can't leave me here alone." —— Ben spent days in his quarters alone. Often crying silently. Only wandering the halls late at night to find small packaged snacks.

"Shit- ow-" y/n grumbled rubbing the back of her head. "Wha- where am I?"

"You're back at the resistance base kid- ya' did it kid- that wars' over." Perit congratulates.

"You got me back here?"

"Yea- I uh saw your X- wing go down- so I went down to scoop you up- I'm sorry about the X- Wing kid- I got your droid out fine though. An your-"

"Shit my leg!" Y/n panicked.

"You're fine kid I made you a prosthetic. Just try to wear shorts or baggy clothing I'll make you a better one promise." Perit soothed.

"Yea- we can rebuild the X-wing too, I've had my eyes on an old one from the first war for a while." Y/n chewed her lip. "Want to go back to base? I need to speak to a few people, how long was I out?"

"About a good 4 weeks, I feed you and got an Iv in but that's about it. I'll stick around here and fix up your leg some more."

"I- wow. Thank you Perit." Y/n slowly rose to her feet, regaining her bearings. She slowly waded out of the ship, often stopping and leaning on a nearby tree. Y/n had rightened her posture, slowly making it through a small crowd of people.

Ben followed Poe, Rey, and Finn. Quietly observing. Feeling lingering stares. His mother had left them a small 'scavenger hunt' to help them meet some of the important places and people around the base.

"The girl you're looking for stays at a ship outside the boundaries of the base. I haven't seen or hear of her since the battle of exogol." Demi explained.

"Shit- fuck!" Y/n stumbled around her leg getting caught on random items on the ground. "Hey! Lore!"

"Oh my stars you're ok!" Another blonde girl embraced her.

"Oh- there she is- her is name is y/n," Ben's stomach dropped. Y/n? "you should follow her back to her ship- she doesn't look to good. Make sure Perits' around."

"Thank you Demi." Poe thanked. "Damn Leia really has us following a drunk girl back to a ship."

Ben noticed her leg. It seemed to be a piece of hollow metal with very basic joints, connected to the base of her knee.

After collecting supplies, y/n had better bearings. Now walking straight and seeing clearly. However her force connection was still off, unable to sense the party of people following.

"I'm back Perit-"

"Hey uh- y/n-" Poe reaches out.

"Yea? Fuck! I don't have anything for you!" Y/n turned around to be faced with Poe's confused one. Her features dropped. "Sorry for my tone Admiral. I- I thought someone else was following me."

Y/n bowed at the waist.

She turned around, but tripped on a spare part. Dropping all of the supplies she had bundled under her jacket.

"S-sorry- I'll go get the letter." She stumbled away. Picking up loose supplies.

Ben watched in awe as his nimble lover walked away, she seemed to be raised from the dead.

She dug through a small basket of journals. Drawings falling out occasionally. Y/n retrieved the lose artwork.

Beep boop trill?

"Yes the letter I'm looking for the letter from Admiral Leia." Y/n explained to her droid.

The droid opened the panel on the belly then a formally wrapped letter popped out.

"Here sorry for the delay." Y/n apologized "I'm Y/n y/m/n Kenobi, I assisted Admiral Leia, I am not at your service, however I was formally asked to assist master Ben."

Ben's heart skipped beats when his named rolled off of her tongue like honey.

"You! You're the one that is messing with me and Bens' bond!" Rey stormed up to y/n.

"What do you mean?"

"Don't act stupid! You know!"

"Rey sit!" Ben demands.

"I didn't do anything. 3 years ago, admiral Leia sent me on a spy mission straight into the lions den. The first order. I knew she wanted me to bring her son back, but that was never an order. When I first came into contact with Kylo Ren I felt a pull to him. The force wanted me and Ben together. Not Ben and Rey. However I would never get Ben back to The light if I told him this. The force bonds began to connect us. I sensed Reys power of a palpatine." Y/n paused, rubbing her palms together.

Poe, and Finn leaned into Y/n intrigued in her story.

Y/n continued, "I forced a connection between Rey and Ben. To get Ben back. I sacrificed my life for this. I wasn't even supposed to make it off of exogol. Leia knew that Rey was just a scavenger with a complicated past. I was once a scavenger too, on planet of Tatoonie. I'm sorry. I was think about the fate of the galaxy. Not feelings. If I wouldn't have eradicated Kylo Ren, the entire galaxy would be gone."

It was silent. Quiet. Even the droids were holding their breath.

"Oh Y/n" Ben rose to his feet walking over to her. And wrapping his arms around her, "I- I thought I lost you. I felt you go down- I felt the X- wing go down. I felt the bond too, but I didn't know if it was just me falling for you. Which I did anyways."

Light airy chuckles escaped Ben.

"Ben. Ben not here. We must get you back to base. Quickly before the creatures roam their native land." Y/n quickly taking Bens hand and a flashlight. Her prosthetic was uneven from the other real leg. Causing her to have a limp.

——

After wishing goodnight to Poe and Finn. Ben felt Rey's lingering stare. She had fallen for him. But Ben is confused and hurt. He needed someone he could trust.

Y/n had controlled the information passed between the force bond.

Ben punched in his code gently pulling Y/n into his quarters.

"I- I thought I lost you." Ben repeated.

"I know, I know." Y/n soothed. Ben sobbed softly before gently pulling Y/n into his lap. Gently caressing the cool metal of her prothetic, it reminded him of when she used to kiss his mask.

"Be careful of my leg I don't want to hurt you."

"You'll never hurt me."

Flipping positions, Ben gently kissed down her neck.

"I better mark you up." Ben growled lowly.

Pulling her shirt off over y/n's head he kissed a faint line of hickeys down her chest. Before unclasping her bra.

Ben attached his mouth to her right nipple while applying pressure to the other one.

"Shit Ben-"

He traveled down.

"Only shorts huh?"

"Oh shut up- I can't wear pants till I get a better prosthetic."

"Mhmm trying to temp me?"

"Hmm no."

Ripping her shorts and panties off in one slide, Ben crawled back up to kiss her lips hungrily. Y/n wrapped her arms gently around his neck pulling him deeper into their kiss.

Though he kissed down her jaw leaving light hickeys.

"I've missed you." He moans lightly against her collar bone.

"So have I Ben-"

Ben makes dark hickeys down her sternum and along the valley of her breasts. As he makes his way to her heat, gentle love bite shook pleasure through Y/n.

"Shit- Ben." Y/n moaned. Truth be told Ben loves her moans, even as Kylo. He's never heard something so sweet and innocent even when he was sinning between her thighs.

Ben continued down her stomach and onto her thighs. Passing her throbbing core.

"Ben please-" Y/n hated to beg, but she needed. The burning desire and passion she's held back so long was finally freed. She was Bens' and Ben was hers'.

Ben finally landed a simple kiss to her clit. Before launching his attack of love. Licking a long stripe up her core she clutches the sheets. Every whimper goes straight to Ben's cock.

His pants getting tighter by the second. Teasing her entrance with his finger he sucks harshly at her clit. Earning her Moans and whimpers of pleasure to bounce off the walls.

Y/n's nimble fingers rake through Ben's hair lightly tugging.

"Ben- please." She lightly tugged him up to her face. The tip of his nose and lips slick with arousal .

"Always so good for me baby girl." The praise goes straight to y/n's awaiting core.

"Please- fuck me Ben."

"As you wish." He slips his pants off followed by his shirt tossing them somewhere in the room. Ben laces his fingers into hers, before slowly pushing into her.

"F-fuck. Shit- princess- always taking this cock so good." Ben moans. The praises wet y/n further.

"Ben!" Y/n moans, feeling complete with his hips flush against hers. "Please go-" Y/n whimpers.

Ben starts a slow maddening rhythm before starting to pound into her. Releasing his grip on her hands, on hand flies to her to the other resting on the head board.

Stars dance in y/n's vision. Before she knew it her high was within reach.

"Ben I'm close." She moans.

"I know princess go ahead I'm almost there." Ben bucks his hips into hers before coating her walls with his seed. Gently pulling out her fishes a new pair of boxers out of his drawer and one of his tunics. Followed by a damp cloth to clean the arousal off of both of them.

After getting cleaned up. Ben hands y/n his tunic, relishing how small she appears in them. He pulls the Boxers up his strong legs, the. Retrieved a fresh warm blanket to wrap themselves in.

Slipped into the bed with the drowsy Y/n.

"Cuddles?"

"Of course princess."

Ben cradled her in his arms the blanket snuggled close to them. Ben felt- happy? His heart was warm, just like her. He was truly happy and in love, for the first time.

#ben solo redemption #ben solo angst #kylo to ben #ahhh the feels #ben solo smut

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animebw · 4 years

Text

Binge-Reading: Fate/Stay Night VN, Fate Route Day 4

In which the Holy Grail War officially begins, Shirou stakes everything on the chance to save everyone, and I discuss an aspect of his character that blindsided me in a bad way.

Stopping Point: Decision to accept or reject fighting in the war

The Battle Begins

There’s a particular turn of phrase that really intrigues me from this hefty stretch of content: the difference between a fight and a battle is the difference between the intention to beat and the intention to kill. It’s one thing to match blades with someone with the intention of defeating them; it’s quite another to go into combat with the intention of leaving the other person’s blood spilled. There are plenty of action franchises where fights come cheap, where the flash and the razzle-dazzle and the ideological conflicts are enough to cover for the relative lack of tension over who’s gonna come out alive. But in Fate, every battle, even the ones that don’t end in bloodshed, begins as a fight to the death. The combatants are super-powered, impossibly skilled warriors who use their staggering powers for the express intention to tear each other part as ferociously as possible. There’s a cutting edge to the action in Fate that not many other franchises have, a relentless brutality that comes from being aware that one way or another, someone’s life is going to get snuffed out before the fray has calmed. And people, of course, die when they are killed.

All this is to say, even without Ufotable’s stupidly awesome production values, the fights in Fate are consistently among the best in anime. And now that Shirou’s finally entering the fray, I can confirm they were great all the way back in the VN. They are absolutely brutal, knockdown showdowns of steel and blood, every crushing blow and narrow escape described in savage, jagged detail. You can feel every impact like a sledgehammer, every bloody blow like a spike through the heart. every exchange of colossal, impossible powers like the heavens’ judgement. You feel every inch of Shirou’s desperation as he struggles to escape Lancer’s killing blows; it’s like watching a bumblebee try to escape the clutches of a hungry hawk. And then when Saber enters the fray, invisible energy blade and impenetrable wall of stoicism, well, let’s just say I don’t blame Shirou for being so smitten so quickly. Rin may own my heart, but Saber is stone-cold cool action-heroine perfection the likes of which you can only dream of. The fact that she’s able to look cool even while almost being skewered by an instant-death strike from Lancer’s Gae Bolg only makes both of them that much more awesome. I can absolutely buy Rin’s description of them as gods; such apocalyptic strength could only come from powers beyond human ken.

Hero’s Choice

But then, there’s Shirou, an ordinary human who’s suddenly found himself right at the center of this clash of the titans. So many stories are about ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances they’re not prepared for, but few are as compellingly real as Shirou’s plight. He’s been straining against hurdles all his life, fighting on the back foot and scraping out what minor powers he could muster, and now he’s being asked to be a front-line soldier in the world’s most dangerous death game. He outright died just by being unlucky enough to witness the Holy Grail War in the first place. How can he possibly face that kind of challenge head-on?

And yet, at the same time, how can he not? How can he not fight like hell with this opportunity he’s given, for the chance to achieve what Kiritsugu couldn’t? He experienced a hell the likes of which no kid should ever be forced to endure, a hell that he now knows was a direct result of the Grail falling into the wrong hands (in a manner of speaking, of course). But in those infernal flames, he also saw the spirit of humanity beating strong. People sacrificing their possessions, their time, their very lives, just to give total strangers a chance to escape and live on. He saw how selfless people can be, how his own survival is a product of sacrifices he can never repay. And he can’t let those sacrifices be in vain. He can’t accept dying or falling short when so many have given everything to keep him alive, when he’s been so incredibly blessed that now he has a chance to actually change the world. But more than that, he doesn’t want to see anyone else die for anyone else. He doesn’t want any more proof for Kiritsugu’s belief that saving one person means not saving another. Greedy as it might be, he wants to reach an ending where everyone is safe and happy, where everything turns out alright. And no matter how impossible it might seem, if there’s even the slightest chance he’ll be able to achieve that goal, there’s nothing that will stop him from trying. Because that’s the kind of hero Shirou is, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Not-So-White Knight

All that being said, as much as I love Shirou as a hero, there’s an aspect of him in this VN that I don’t recall from the adaptations, and it’s an aspect I’m... not really sure I like. See, Shirou’s a genuinely considerate guy, always looking out for the people in his life and thinking about how best he can help them. But in the VN, this also manifests in an unpleasant, almost chauvinistic streak in how he talks about the girls around him. He’s constantly talking about how it’s “not safe for girls to be out at night” thanks to all the danger around, even before he becomes aware of the Holy Grail War. And even after Saber shows up and saves his ass ten ways to Sunday, he still has this bizarre comment about “girls shouldn’t wield swords,” which is, like... dude, this pint-sized genderbent King Arthur just stood toe to toe with the guy who almost popped your heart like a pincushion twice, why the hell does it matter what chromosones she’s got going on? And to be fair, Saber and Rin do give him shit for that attitude, and if a day goes by I don’t live for Rin bemusedly taking Shirou down a peg then someone check up on me and make sure I’m okay (her smug little grin is so fucking great). But it’s still a weird sour note that I wasn’t expecting.

But it’s his attitude towards Sakura that’s really confusing me. To be fair, if there’s anyone in this cast it’s understandable for Shirou to be overly protective of, it’s Sakura. She’s an abuse victim, after all, and Shirou looking out for her is super the right thing to do. But then even that gets weird, because Shirou knows that her bruises are all her brother Shinji’s fault, and yet he doesn’t... really... treat Shinji like it? Like, okay, Shirou apparently beat the crap out of Shinji when he first found out he was abusing Sakura, and Shirou rightly doesn’t regret doing so, but they’re still weirdly kind of friends? Sort of? Like, Shinji spends a lot of time trying to rile Shirou up, and Shirou just rolls with it like it’s old hat to him at this point, but then he also lets Shinji push him around into taking on his chores, and it feels like he’s treating Shinji like a kind-of annoying friend whom he’s just learned to deal with, but he knows Shinji’s still abusing Sakura so why doesn’t he fucking act like it?! Why is he giving this shit-stain literally any acknowledgement and companionship that doesn’t include vigorously decking him in the nuts over and over again? If he knows Shinji is such a dangerous prick, which he clearly does, why is he so fucking cavalier about it? And it confuses the fuck out of me, because he’s so damn good at actually being there for Sakura and refusing to let her blame herself for any of it, but at the same time he’s treating her abuser with kid gloves like he somehow doesn’t realize that the Shinji he meets in school every day is the same Shinji responsible for Sakura’s bruises. Am I missing something, or is this just really fucking weird?

I dunno, this whole side of Shirou was pretty much exorcised from the Ufotable adaptation; I don’t even think the anime had Shirou aware of what Shinji was doing to Sakura at first. And I consider that a net positive, because I genuinely have no idea what Nasu is going for here. Is this just dumb chauvinism on the story’s part, or is it aware of how dopey Shirou’s gendered protectiveness is and is trying to challenge him on it? If he’s supposed to be a genuinely nice guy then why is he so flippant about still being kind of friends with a guy he knows is abusing someone he’s super close to? The whole thing’s just a fucking mess. And frankly, all this weird waffling does is remind me of why I’m still a diehard Rin x Shirou fan for life. Because Shirou doesn’t have any excuse to feel protective of her; he knows for a fact Rin could kick his ass any day of the week, and he’s able to respect her on that front while still matching prickly wits with her. She literally tsun-slaps the exhaustion out of him at some point, for crying out loud, and he just freaking rolls with it. That is a million times more my dynamic than any of the weird feelings he’s got going on with Sakura and Saber, and this VN’s gonna have to make a very strong argument if it wants to convince me otherwise.

Odds and Ends

-”Father told me the group of magi is called the Magic Association. He also told me not to associate with them.” aksjdhakjdsha

-”My lunch is desperately lacking in meat.” ...kinky.

-Bet you ten bucks the mystery killer is Berserker.

-”Who’s not here?” My my, Issei, is that jealously I hear?

-”I won’t say anything bad, but you should try to hate her too.” Okay, seriously, this reaction only makes sense if Issei’s jealous of Shirou maybe having a crush on Rin; I repeat: Forbidden Issei Route When.

-”Tohsaka sure has strange hobbies.” You utter dork.

-”As far as she’s concerned, anyone who cooks for her is a good person.” I feel that.

-”What do you mean? I am home.” Aaaaaaaw.

-”Fuii-nee, your personality is gonna kill somebody one day.” Lol rekt

-Jesus wept, his first instinct after being killed and brought back to life is to clean up all the blood he spilled. Shirou, you are a mess.

-ksdfgsdfh what is with the ugly-ass yellow poncho I swear to god Saber

-”I never thought I’d visit God’s house for the first time for a reason like this.” pfft

-So the Church and Magi are at each other’s throats, huh? Good to know.

-”If you wish to erase the burns that cannot be seen.” Jesus, going right for the trauma? Kirei remains the eternal asshole.

-”Unfortunately, we have no such freedom.” Sure, boo.

-”Be quiet, Kirei.” I’m gonna get this printed on a shirt.

-Kirei, you of all people have no right to be giving the “all that’s necessary for evil to succeed is for good to do nothing” speech.

And now that the plot’s actually in motion- seriously, this was the longest prologue/opening act I’ve waded through- it’s time to see where Fate’s first route really takes us. See you next time!

#anime #the anime binge-watcher #tabw #fate vn #Fate/stay night #shirou emiya #rin tohsaka #sakura matou #saber

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kyberphilosopher · 4 years

Text

Chapter Fourteen

.✫*ﾟ･ﾟ｡.★.*｡･ﾟ✫*.

His hair is a deep chestnut shade of brown. It looks fluffy, soft. His light skin looks smooth, even from my distance. His jaw is sharp, his cheeks strong. A playful smile lies on his pink lips. Everything about his features- no, about him- is soft. That’s the best word I can think of to describe him.

But I can feel the strength falling off of him. It peels off of his robes. They’re like a normal Jedi’s, but tighter at the sleeves, covered by a poncho, and darker in color. He feels different from all the Jedi I previously killed. He’s strong. Soft, but strong.

Tiredly, I shift my feet to show where my attention lies, eyes narrowing to begin my assessment of this visitor. Male, stocky build. Taller than me by a lot, but average for a man. My age. Slightly older? Slightly relaxed form. He watches me just as closely as I watch him. So he’s observant.

His eyes scan over the lightsabers at my sides, eyes lingering longer on the one with the red blade.

“Nowhere,” I say, almost hoarsely. My right hand is starting to go numb again, and I can feel a big, thick drop of blood fall from my half a finger. “Don’t worry, I won’t go too far,” I tell the stranger, even though I’m really not in the mood for a sarcasm contest right now.

“Oh, that’s good,” the stranger bends his knees and angles his violet light defensively. “I would so hate it if you missed this dance.”

Oh, man. He’s kind of quip-y. Killing him won’t be as satisfying as it would’ve been if he was all serious. “We can be honest with each other, right?” He shrugs. “Can we please reschedule this for tomorrow?”

He smiles. It makes his eyes squint and twinkle. It looks nice on him. “Tired from killing the other two, are we?”

Has someone been watching me? Following me, even? No, I would’ve known. I would’ve sensed it. Perhaps he witnessed the fight between Aegus and Yutaro- it was possible I didn’t notice because my focus was elsewhere. Who is this guy?

“What would your mother say?”

I don’t know what it was about his statement that set me off. I just know that it did.

I throw my hand out, letting my hate and exhaustion fuel the lightning that falls out. It wipes the smile right off his face as it cages him, throwing him backwards and out of my vision for an instant.

Then, I remove the red saber off my belt. I twist it between my palm to get a feel of it again, and run forward. It’s not as fast as it could be, but I am tired. My finger needs medical attention.

I thrust the red lightsaber into the boy’s shoulder. It nicks him, but he offers little more than a wince in response. He blocks my next strike. I put more pressure on it, forcing our lightsabers closer to his face. He doesn’t back down, however. He is determined to show me that my rageful exhaustion is no match for his physical strength. We’ll see about that.

Right as I’m about to kill him, something grabs my attention to the left. Not the sun-but a light! No, two of them! Two bright, beautiful balls of crystal clear light.

A shot blows me back. My lightsaber comes to a close as I tumble in the dirt for about the third time today. The cold mud and twigs make the cuts on my hands and temple sting even more- not a good sign. My right ear hears a long, drawn out scratching noise like a saw. Then it fades off like a hum and is replaced with a high-pitched ringing, followed by complete silence. My left ear continues to throb lowly with the beat of my heart, which changes between too fast and too slow. When my body finally stops rolling and stills itself, I can feel a droplet of either sweat or blood run down the right side of my neck. My eyes burn from the dirt that’s undoubtedly in them.

I lie still for a moment, wiped out and exhausted. I’m not dying, the galaxy would never be so kind. What happens next is just like falling asleep. Slowly becoming darker and darker, my vision goes black, and I feel warm.

When I was thirteen, I made an attempt to draw my father from memory. I had only drawn a few times prior to this, mostly out of sheer boredom. I want to say that they came out well, but I don’t have anything to compare my works to. Being on the run your whole life doesn’t lend much time for art museums.

I had no memories of my father whatsoever. I looked into a glass shard from a mirror and attempted to make my own features look more masculine. I don’t know how long it took me to sketch him, but finally I was finished.

In my version of my father, he has dark hair. He looks young, with eyes slanted upwards. I imagine they have hazel flecks, lined with gold and just the slightest hint of deep green. His eyes are framed by thick, dark eyebrows- straight and clean. Under his orbs are dark circles like smudged makeup, similar to my own. His nose is narrower than mine, but splashed with tope freckles all the same. We have the same olive skin and similar chins. His jaw is sharper than mine. His lips are chapped, but curled up at the ends like a smirk. Still, he frowns. I can not make him smile.

My father was very handsome. His name is Kaito Vagor, which in another galaxy translates to “the flight over the sea” and “I wander”, which I think is beautiful. In my mind, he is quiet. He thinks things through, just like me. He knows how to take initiative, believes in facts over feelings but never ignores his gut. Although I’d never met him, I loved the picture of my father, which ended up being completely accurate. I loved him so much, I begged him to be dead. I begged him to be dead so I’d feel like there was a reason I’d grown up without him. But cruelly, no matter how much I prayed and wished, Kaito was alive. I wouldn’t know it in my lifetime, but he was alive.

I couldn’t bring myself to draw my mother. I was too busy trying not to wail at the loss of my father, who I loved dearly despite the rage I’d obtained over the years. After that day, I had no idea where the drawing went. I might’ve destroyed it in my sleep, or lost it on purpose without even realizing.

Now, as I sleep, I think of the image of my father again. I think of nothing else. I see him smiling down at me calmly- on birthdays, cooking me meals in a small hut, training me how to better use a spear. In that life, I am happy. I am content with just Kaito, and I know how to trust people. There is no Clone with the yellow stripe. No Haxion Brood. No Imperial Inquisitors. And, most importantly, there are ten fingers.

I bolt upright at this realization.

I’m alive. My breathing feels thin, but not impossible. My chest is not nearly as sore as I expected, so I decide to count it as a good thing. Still, it rises and falls rapidly as I struggle not to cough on my own breath. My head thrums will a slow, dull pain that makes me wish I had just stayed still. Once I regain my sense of thought, I look around, eyes wide as my heart hammers.

The floor below me is the same stark white color, matching the bed and the walls. It looks like the inside of a ship, I think. I don’t sense danger, but I wouldn’t be surprised if my entire sense of survival were thrown off. I’m atop a cushioned bench, with a firm, small pillow where my head was. The only pop of color in the room is a slim bunch of yellow flowers, sitting in a pale gray vase.

Breathe, Keres. Softly.

My boots are missing from my feet. Instead, light colored gauze wraps around my ankles and stops before it reaches my toes. I wiggle them playfully, watching each duck and weave up and down on my command. It makes me feel childish, but secure that I at least have one part of my body still working for me. Unlike my fingers, there are ten of them. My hands and forearms are wrapped in a matching gauze, contrasting the normal gray gauze that works as my undergarments for my dark, sleek, armor. Replacing said armor is a beige kind of altered Jedi’s robes like the one with the purple lightsaber wore. The normal weight from a lightsaber doesn’t hang on my hips, and when I move my hand to the area I find nothing but air. I’m too tired and groggy to feel frustrated about it.

Brushing hair out of my face, I notice my hair is still in it’s braid, however messy it may be. The palm of my hands are flecked with pink scars, and a few bright red cuts from all my forest fumbles. Some are better healed than others, but none of them sting like they did. My right hand is just as I’d left it, confirming my worst fear. The fear that it was all real.

My right ring finger is gone. There is nothing from my knuckle up, and instead it is only a stump with more gauze wrapped tight around it. I stare at it. My eyes water quickly. I bite my lip to keep it from trembling, but this it to no avail.

I deserved it. I deserved to lose my finger.

I push myself off the bed angrily. My feet feel cold on the floor, but I don’t register it. When I stand up completely, something in my rib pops. This makes me stop for a second before carrying on in haste.

Clothes. I need my clothes. Where the kriff are my clothes?

Somewhere to the right of me, the familiar hiss of a door opening rings out. I snap my head up.

A Togruta with wet looking red skin appears in front of me. White diamonds surround her eyes, and smaller diamond markings appears across her cheekbones. Her lips are full but not too full, and her pale green eyes are framed by long, soft eyelashes. Her horns aren’t stubby, but neither tall nor sky high. It gives away her age- teens, possibly nearing twenties. She is dressed in a loose brown tunic, covered by a white, stained medical smock. Everything about her appearance is regal, elegant, and objectively beautiful.

“Oh!” she squeaks, one hand covering her chest as she gathers her breath. “You’re up!”

I remain quiet as I meet her eyes. The Togruta shifts a clipboard in her arms and puts it on a shelf behind her. “I’ll be right back with some medicine. Stay right here!” She hurries off and out the door again.

I immediately disobey what she’s asked of me. Fuck her. I take a single step forward and stumble for a moment. My feet adjust to the freezing floor after a second, and in short, quick steps I make my way out of the room. The next area I stumble into is circular, and bustling with at least ten people- I can’t count them all. My eyes squint to adjust to the new light, but my right ear remains unadapting and silent. A few feet ahead of me, I can see the back of what I believe to be the Jedi.

He overlooks a round holo-table displaying a blue hologram I can’t completely make out. Two other people in helmets observe the table with him, nodding and occasionally opening their mouths. After a simultaneous nod from them, they head off to their right, down a hallway. The Jedi meets my eyes from across the way. Then he stands still.

I hate him. This is his fault. It’s always the Jedi’s fault.

A few people in the room pause to glance at me, creating a look of disgust on my face I don’t even try to hide. I am angry at them. I want them to know how angry I am. No one dares to chuckle before conversations start again. The Jedi crosses his arms and looks at me as if he’s bested me at something, or proved himself. Jokes on him though, because he’s vastly overestimated how much I care or am willing to care.

“Oh, you’re… up again!” The Togruta appears with her arms full of cloth. Is that my boot? On top of them are several small bottles and a single syringe. “I just went to bring you your clothes and some medicine. I didn’t think you would be ready to walk so soon.”

I eye the scene suspiciously. I’m definitely on a ship of some sort, most likely no longer on Endor. There are a lot of people on this ship, but for what purpose? And why is a Jedi involved? Don’t speak, Keres. The way he’s looking at me, he’ll just pull a ‘Keres’ and ironically evade whatever you ask him.

I hold out my hands for my clothes, to which the Togruta pours them into my arms while trying to maintain a polite smile.

There is silence between the two of us as I pretend to be very interested in my black and gray outfit and boots. “So,” the Togruta sighs with another smile. “What should we call you?”

I quickly bend over slightly to slip one of my boots on. These people don’t get to know my name.

“I’m Aheka. Aheka Shyn. And you’ve already met Adamus…”

I crane my head up to look at the Jedi. His hair is just as brown and soft looking as before, though his jaw is flexing and tightening as he peers at me from across the room. I can feel eyes continue to watch me as I stuff my other foot into the other shoe. He sure knows how to spark my annoyance, I’ll give him that. He’s sparked it so much, I can feel myself tensing up in a new and intense way.

“He’s not so bad,” Aheka continues. “I know you guys didn’t really get off on the right foot, but-”

“Adamus is responsible for the kriffing ringing in my ear then,” I snap. “So he is that bad.”

Aheka swallows, eyes widening. “I-I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to offend…”

“Aheka. That’s enough,” another voice commands. I drop my gaze back to my boots, chewing on my bottom lip as I hear footsteps come closer. “I’ll take care of this,” the male voice says.

I watch Aheka’s shoes step away briskly and disappear behind another door and hallway. The ship must be awfully large to have so many of them. The only thing I have to think about then is which of those hallways will take me to escape pods.

“A bit rude, wouldn’t you say?” he starts. “Exploding over such a valid question?”

I dare not speak for fear the poison that comes from it will make a hole in the floor.

“Did you hear what she asked?”

“I heard it,” I hiss, attempting to keep my cool. “I just choose not to answer it.”

Adamus looks me up and down. Not in a flirtatious way, but a way that gives him a good observation. Is he analyzing me? He must be, somewhat. I don’t like it. He might find some flaw in my stance or my balance. I stand up straight, forcing myself to meet his eyes in a way that signifies a challenge.

“So, why Endor?”

Well, that’s a funny story. See, you know the Haxion Brood criminal syndicate? Oh, you don’t? Don’t worry- they’re just some of the most hardened and cutthroat criminals in the galaxy! Well, they captured me outside of Kijime. After straight up murdering people of your kind, they were so frightened of me they just chose a distant planet to drop me off at! Funny story, right?

“The will of the Force,” I quip. A satisfying snap runs through my stomach as I watch his left eye twitch. It’s perfect. I want to shatter his expression like that again.

I watch a yellow Twi’lek shake hands with one of the soldiers in a helmet. I’m reminded of Talik for a moment, and I miss her- but I push her from my mind. Mur, Kip, Talik- they’re a part of my past now. Talik can’t chase me anymore.

“Somewhere you need to go?” Adamus continues.

“Nowhere you can take me,” I promise him quickly.

Adamus curls his pink lips into a sly smile. His eyes twinkle immediately with a spark of charisma. “Listen, no offense, but you don’t look like someone who has somewhere they need to be.”

“Makes sense to me, because you don’t seem like the type of person who would know what that looks like.”

Adamus narrows his pale eyes. I wait for his smile to twitch again, but it doesn’t happen. He almost looks like he wants to laugh. Like I’ve just told him something clever. Instead, he crosses his arms over his chest and begins sauntering backwards. “It was nice talking to you, stranger.”

I take that as him dismissing me. “Fuck you,” I whisper at him as I watch him turn around. The I start back to the room I was unconscious in. With minimal pain on my part, I begin to swap out my clothes with my dark colored outfit that highlights my agility. A small mirror on one of the walls allows me to look at my face.

My eyes are a little red, and there’s a scarlet gash on my forehead, above my right eyebrow. I still look like myself, at least. Same hazel-green eyes, same chapped lips, same brown hair. I’m me. Just roughed up, I guess.

I see and hear Aheka wisp around being me, on the left side. I don’t turn to see her, but I can imagine her pretty face, clear as day. There’s a certain layer of guilt that sweeps around the pit of my stomach. I shouldn’t have been so rude to her earlier. She hasn’t do anything to me. In fact, she’s probably the one who healed me up best she could. She saved my worthless life.

“Hey, Aheka,” I mumble so quietly I expect her not to hear.

“Hm?” She hums sweetly in response.

My mouth suddenly feels dry. I can’t bring myself to turn around and look at her as I say the words, and I realize I’m just as big of a coward as Aegus. “Thank you,” I whisper hoarsely.

It’s quiet for a few seconds, and I start to wonder if she even heard me. “I said-”

“I heard you,” Aheka replies. I can hear her soft smile through her tone. “I’m just doing my job.”

“Are you the medic?”

“It’s just me and another so far. We’re trying to train more, but it’s difficult with our numbers.”

I swallow. “Did you patch me up?”

“Yes.” Aheka says bashfully, as if embarrassed by her work.

“I’m not going to kill you,” I tell her as I turn around to finally face her. I had meant to put her at ease, but I only feel her tense up further at my phrasing. “Can you tell me about my injuries?”

The beautiful Togruta walks to the other side of the room to grab the clipboard she placed there earlier. “A broken rib on your left side, two on your right. Several cuts on your back, calves, and hands. A single cut to your forehead. Your right ankle was dislocated. The right finger on your right hand was already like that when we found you. I’m sorry, but we couldn’t find it.”

“What about my ear?”

“Your ear?” she sets down the clipboard again and begins to walk over to me with a concerned expression. “Is something the matter with it?”

“Yes, my right one.” Her red hand reaches out to touch me, and I flinch away before stilling myself enough for her to hold my jaw gently. “I can’t hear anything out of it.”

“Since when?”

“Since back on Endor. A ship- this one, I think- fired at me and Adamus.”

"They fired at you?!” Aheka furrows her eyebrows in anger. “So that’s why Adamus looked so peeved at Circe. I’m sorry they did that. We’re not usually like that, I promise.”

The tips of her fingers are cold, then warm as they edge closer to my ear. “I knew I noticed you bleeding when I took you in. I should’ve examined you more closely.” Then she snuffs out some hot air. “Perhaps you should start hurting yourself on your left side too, to balance yourself out.”

A weak attempt at humor. I have heard better. Still, I try not to look like I’m so uncomfortable and grimacing to give her the benefit of the doubt.

I clear my throat. “So, who exactly is ‘we’?”

“Oh… Adamus didn’t tell you?” I shake my head no. “I’d tell you we’re nobodies, but that’s not really true,” she whispers, as if we were speaking in a forbidden language. “We’re part of the Rebellion. New, and not really valid, but we’re a part of it. Too small to be the whole thing but well… all rebellions have to start somewhere.”

Oh man. The Rebellion? This is exactly the type of thing I was trying to stay away from. I might’ve well have just ended up in the hands of some Sith activist group. I don’t want to be allied with anyone’s side but my own. I don’t want the Light path or the Dark path- I want my own path.

“And what’s the deal with Adamus?” I venture to ask.

Aheka removes her fingers from my skin gently. She crosses to the other side of the room, and pulls out a long, thick stick with a little puff at the end. “That’s a story I would just butcher telling you. Here, tilt your head this way…”

I tilt my head to the side as she places the stick in my ear. With minimal discomfort, she pulls it out after a moment. The puffy side is stained red and slightly gold. She lifts her hand to my ear and snaps, but I hear nothing. “You didn’t hear that? I see…Well, the good news is I know what to do. I don’t have the materials for it right now, but I’m sure I can find something somewhere.” Aheka gives me a soft smile. “But until then, maybe you should get some rest. I-I know you’ve had nothing but that for the past day and a half, but…”

Is she… looking out for me? No, nobody is that good. She’s being nice for a reason. She wants something from me. I watch her for a minute before walking past her silently. “Wait- ah, where are you going?”

I don’t answer her. It’s not like telling her would make a difference anyway. I pass the room with the holo-table, not seeing my target anywhere. Adamus.

I let my instincts lead the way. I walk through one of the hallways on the right side, then take a left. A few soldiers walking past give me weird looks, but I pay no mind. They’re lucky I didn’t just kill them right then and there.

The Force leads me to another door. Yes- this is where I’ll find him. I can practically smell Adamus’s disgusting stench from here. It opens without me pressing a button.

“Our first assault should’ve been on Endor. We could’ve taken it if it weren’t for Oden’s ridiculous vote.”

“No, don’t be foolish! We should focus on a defense more than anything. We…”

Adamus notices me and turns to face me. His arms unfold themselves as he starts over to me silently, careful not to disturb the others with the movement of his stocky body. The other men in the room, all sharing a similar uniform, continue discussing what I assume to be their rebellious little plans that I intend to be no part of. Adamus reaches out to hold my left arm as if I were a child that needed to be held still.

“Lovely to see you,” he begins. I see that he has to crane his neck to meet my eyeline, and I imagine punching him square in the jaw. “What can I do for you?”

He’s closer than he’s been before. He doesn’t smell as bad as I previously said, actually. It’s not nearly as… stench-y. It reminds me of something I can’t really place. Some type of wood, maybe? I can see a scar across his lips that pauses before his jaw, then resumes on his neck and under his robes. There’s another one right under his right eye. His eyelashes look so soft and dark brown. Something in my stomach pulls me to look in his eyes.

“Am I interrupting your sausage party?” I say, watching his lips twitch in annoyance for the third time today.

“That’s disgusting,” he counters calmly, struggling to keep his cool.

“But… accurate.”

Adamus squints his eyes in a brief wave of annoyance. “What did you come here for?”

My eyes flicker around the room with paranoia, making sure no one is watching our conversation. Luckily, all the men in uniform seem be clenching their fists as one of them makes some big, dramatic speech while waving his arms around. “Where can you take me?”

Adamus stiffens his body, and I watch the charismatic twinkle return to his irises as my stomach drops. “Ilum, perhaps?”

Ilum would be perfect. It would be… it would be home. “Why would I want to go there?”

“You were talking about it in your sleep.”

Fuck. Adamus.

His grip on my arm intensifies slightly. “I can take you there if you tell me your name.”

I stare up into his piercing orbs. A small shrug graces my shoulders. “Why am I so important to you?” I hiss. “First you stalk me, then you shoot at me, and now you’re demanding my identity. How do I know you’re no better than the Empire?”

Adamus narrows his pale eyes at me. “We’re the rebellion,” he says as if it were obvious.

“What does that have to do with anything?” I counter sharply. “Because you’re not part of the oppressive government, you can’t be oppressive yourselves? Fuck off.”

I hold his stare then. I am not one to back down from challenging authority, or messing with anyone who thinks they’re in control of something. That always tends to include men.

Adamus keeps squaring his jaw in frustration, much to my delight. Then he returns to the table, and a hush falls over the uniformed men. “I have a proposal,” he speaks.

“Does it include her?” One of the men with gray hair and frown stapled to his lips jabs a finger at me.

“It does,” Adamus replies. “I propose we set a course to Ilum. The planet is sacred to the Jedi and could prove useful to me and the uh… new associate here.”

“Didn’t she attack you on sight?” one of the men counters- a Chiss with blue skin and deep red eyes.

“She had every reason to attack. But now she’s going to help us. Right, my new associate?”

Oh no. No, Adamus! Please don’t put the spotlight on me. Before I can respond, Adamus answers for me, probably sensing my discomfort. “Right. Everyone in favor of heading to Ilum, raise your hands.”

Adamus raises both his hands as if surrendering. Nervously, five men follow suit. Adamus turns to me, eyebrows raised. Immediately, I throw up my left hand as a vote.

“Oh, yay! A unanimous vote. That sure makes things easy. Well, off to Ilum then!”

“Ah- General Adamus!”

“Can’t hear you Rass I’m already out the door!” He grabs my arm again as he leaves the room and shuts the door behind us. Separating me from the pit of political vipers he calls his council.

#star wars #star wars fanfiction #star wars fandom #star wars story #jedi #purplelightsaber #greenlightsaber #therebellion #grayjedi #gray jedi #red lightsaber #Endor

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izanyas · 5 years

Text

Blind Eye

Sully glowtoads won the prompt game by asking me for female Nie Huaisang from Nie Mingjue’s POV....... so here it is

Rating: T Words: 3,400 Warnings: misogyny, spoilers, yadda yadda

Blind Eye

Her footing was wrong.

It was rare enough that Lan Qiren's lectures turned to practice, Nie Mingjue knew. He had enough memories of his own time in Gusu over ten years ago, when he had kneeled and sat in silence in the cool air of the ancestral hall of the Lan clan, to remember as much. His father had beat enough propriety into him by then that Mingjue had not complained of his boredom, but he had felt it all the same. Only twice during the half-year he spent in the Cloud Recesses had Lan Qiren allowed for sword practice, and then again only under close supervision.

No sparring. No moving an inch off of the postures and moves taught to them by the then-not-so-old man. Postures meant more for control than fight, simple to remember and easy to recreate. At the time, Lan Xichen had been but a junior disciple, standing by and watching while Nie Mingjue trained. Lan Wangji had been a little boy by his side, sitting as still and silent as a porcelain doll.

The sword moves inculcated by Lan Qiren were not complicated, only difficult to maintain over the hours. By all means, any disciple with enough brain to walk should be able to mimic them adequately on the second or third try at most.

Huaisang's footing was wrong.

"She is not the worst of them," Lan Xichen murmured after the third time Nie Mingjue bared his teeth in frustration.

Leave it to the older Jade of Lan to find reason to defend Nie Mingjue's incompetent sister. Nie Mingjue did not reply only because he had no wish to spend his frustration on a man he respected.

"Nie Huaisang!" Lan Qiren's voice boomed over the open field. Huaisang's lazy, haphazard footwork faltered even more; the heavy saber in her hand shook and touched ground. "Is this how you plan to represent your clan name?"

Nie Mingjue did not look around to see the other sect leaders' reactions. He already knew that Lan Xichen would show none but sympathy, Jiang Fengmian none at all, and the peacock Jin Guangshan much too open a smile.

It did not help, he thought irately, that Huaisang picked the two boys from Yunmeng as an entourage for the duration of practice. Her weakness may have been overlooked, had she chosen to stand with the rows of mediocre students in plain robes whose cultivation level was low. Instead she swayed and fumbled with the serious Jiang boy at her right and the sharp Wei Wuxian to her left.

That Lan Wangji's almost poetic swordsmanship was at play half the field over was very small consolation.

Nie Mingjue did not stay to watch Lan Qiren go through the ranks a few minutes later, correcting his students in sharp words. He heard Jin Guangshan's faint hum as Huaisang's turn came to be criticized from up close and rose to his feet instead, clutching the pommel of his own weapon in one hand and thin air in the other.

Lan Xichen rose with him. Nie Mingjue avoided his eyes as well, contenting himself with directing disgust at Jin Guangshan—whom he caught in the middle of a leer no doubt directed to the girl being scolded now.

Jin Guangshan paled and looked away.

It only made Mingjue angrier at Huaisang.

He said nothing at all as Xichen led him through the quiet halls of Gusu. Meng Yao followed after him after a quick nod his way, careful to keep his own face blank of any feeling, though Mingjue knew how well the man took care of Huaisang and how much he had pleaded in her favor to allow her to study here.

Only when they reached Xichen's study did Mingjue allow himself to comment upon it. "You have it now, Meng Yao," he said spitefully. "Three months wasted and nothing to show for it but mediocrity. Huaisang shall have to apologize to you in person."

Meng Yao bowed his head and replied, placating, "I did not expect the lectures of Gusu to be so difficult. Please forgive me."

"Difficult? You saw that sorry spectacle out there." Nie Mingjue's knees cracked loudly as he sat, so tense with frustration was he. He set his heavy saber down onto the wooden floor loudly. "If Jiang Fengmian's servant boy can achieve this level of cultivation at fifteen, what excuse does my heir have?"

"Perhaps," Lan Xichen murmured, "as a young woman… Few women attend my uncle's lectures, and fewer of them the practicals. It may be that young master Meng is right, and the level is too high for her."

He had come around to recuperate tea from a boy of twelve or so who had brought it into the room. He served it now with elegance dripping from him more surely than air, than livelihood; from having met he and his brother enough times through the years, Mingjue knew that Wangji was just as talented.

His fingers dug deeply into the cup he received. "She was the one who wanted to learn," he replied, while in front of him Xichen served Meng Yao, who took his own cup in near-comical reverence. "She swindled Meng Yao into agreeing with her, begging me for months to allow her to attend the lectures." He laughed, and took a sip of scalding tea. "Do you know what her letters have been about since she arrived? Boys."

He spat the word out with enough venom to embitter the whole room.

Lan Xichen stayed elegantly silent at that. He drank from his own tea, sculpted stone in motion, while Meng Yao on his other side did nothing more than finger the rim of his cup.

"Boys," Nie Mingjue muttered again. "Jiang Wanyin and Wei Wuxian, even Jin Guangshan's son and his herd of servants. Even your brother, Xichen, has been the subject of at least a paragraph or two."

Xichen smiled weakly. "She is at that age, I suppose," he said. After a thoughtful pause, he added: "They all are."

Mingjue scoffed, "I shall like to see the day Wangji starts losing his focus over a pretty face."

Lan Xichen's smile shook slightly.

"The young lady has different worries than you," Meng Yao said softly. He bent toward Nie Mingjue as he spoke, his tea still untouched, his hand still wrapped around the cup as if afraid to let go. "Forgive me for saying—perhaps she simply needs guidance of a different kind. Female guidance."

Nie Mingjue clenched his teeth and said nothing.

It was more often than not, nowadays, that he found himself agreeing with Meng Yao's words in spite of himself. But he knew that he was right; he knew just how cold the walls of the Unclean Realm must be for Huaisang since their mother had died when she was just a little girl. She had tutors, of course, to teach her the ways of a woman. She had Meng Yao too, whose talents included knowledge of the fairer sex that most men were not privy to, thanks to his upbringing.

Mingjue felt only some mild embarrassment at thinking of the man this way. Meng Yao had been a gift to his household since his coming two years prior, and he would make use of him in every way he could, including this one.

He saw no reason to hide it either. "It's a shame your father didn't recognize you," he told Meng Yao. "I should have liked to betrothe you to Huaisang, strengthen your bond to our clan."

Meng Yao marked a still pause, his cup in hand and his face caught in the midst of a shaking smile. His eyes swept over Nie Mingjue, Lan Xichen, and then Mingjue again.

"You honor me too much, sect leader," he said stiffly, finally letting go of his tea in order to bow. "I fear the young lady would want for a better match than me, however—"

"Nonsense," Mingjue cut in. "If you had the status, what could Huaisang complain about? I fear it would be too much of a burden to ask you to care for her as a husband."

Meng Yao's still, still smile did not move.

"Jin Guangshan can't recognize talent or worth," Nie Mingjue continued heedlessly. "It's why his clan suckers the wealth off of Wen Ruohan rather than make its own accomplishments. This Jin Zixuan looks every bit the peacock that his father is."

The conversation flowed easier after that, away from the topic of the sister that Nie Mingjue never knew what to do with and onto surer political territory. Lan Xichen remained polite and clever in that quiet way of his, tempering Nie Mingjue's accusations with wisdom, listening with a creased brow to his reports of near-corpses discovered round Qinghe with red scars over their necks. Meng Yao meshed well with him too, and the both of them together coaxed the frustration out of Mingjue until his mind was clear once more, the humiliation of seeing Huaisang so mediocre among her peers long forgotten.

"What about those Wens who came to study?" he asked after Meng Yao had gone to fetch Huaisang.

The short afternoon hours were gone, the sky outside dipped in blue. Lan Xichen never looked more elegant than he did at this time of year and at this time of night, with the torchglow upon his pristine clothes, with his face caught between light and shadow.

"They caused disturbances, didn't they?"

"They are rather quiet," Xichen replied mildly. "The young lady walks around the mountain a lot. Her younger brother is sickly, I understand, so he mostly stays inside."

"Sniffing around like dogs," Mingjue added. "They were there during that incident with the waterborne abyss, weren't they."

Lan Xichen frowned and nodded wordlessly.

There was more to it than simply Wen Ruohan's need to assert dominance. Nie Mingjue had known the man next to him for a very, very long time. He had fought by his side already, studied with him and competed against him. He and Lan Xichen had struck something as close to friendship as Mingjue had ever gotten out of anyone before. He knew without needing to ask that Lan Xichen's composed face hid more than it told him.

But it was late, after all, and his sister would be waiting. He was to go back to Qinghe in the morning now that practice observation was over. Nie Mingjue still bore enough healthy respect for Lan Qiren not to wish to impose for longer than a day upon his prized lectures.

"I heard Wangji did brilliantly during that hunt," he still offered, almost in apology.

Lan Xichen smiled that smile reserved for the topic of his brother only. "I think the true heroes that day were the boys from Yunmeng. Young master Wei, especially, showed himself to be very clever and talented."

Nie Mingjue laughed. "Made an impression on your brother, did he? That's good, that's good. Boys that age need some rivalry to keep their blood pumping."

"Yes," Lan Xichen admitted, looking sad, "Wei Wuxian certainly made an impression."

They bowed and said their farewells in good humor. Although Nie Mingjue could never grow to love a place as much as he did the Unclean Realm in Qinghe, he could admit to the beauty and peace of Gusu's Cloud Recesses. His mood maintained itself as he traversed the inner dormitories where the Lan clan disciples slept, then those of the outer disciples, before reaching the guest houses. He stepped over streams and quiet, starlit paths. He wetted the hem of his robes with the arrival of dew.

His mood plummeted when he arrived to the rooms that Huaisang occupied and found her talking inanely to Meng Yao, who surely had more important things to do than pay attention to her babbling.

She quieted when she saw him. Her plain face fell, and she rose awkwardly. Meng Yao hurried to bow and leave the room.

Nie Mingjue set down his weapon on a table. He asked her, "Do you have anything to say for yourself?"

Huaisang opened one of her handpainted fans to hide behind. "Those exercises are too hard, brother," she complained. "It's only been three months—"

"Silence!"

He already knew what she would say. He could see the words before his eyes as he saw them in her letters—which he had stopped reading and ordered a servant to summarize for him.

It is too hard. It is too much. The rules are too many, the schedule too difficult, the distractions abundant. Her saber was heavier than the other disciples' swords. She oft felt too sick to train. Her head ached with the air of the mountains, preventing her from studying.

And then so many more strokes of ink to relate just how quick-witted Wei Wuxian was, just how rich Jin Zixuan, just how ethereal Lan Wangji. Tales and rumors of Jiang Yanli's strained relationship to her betrothed, opinionated observations of Jiang Wanyin's discussions with the Wen woman whose beauty Huaisang was jealous of.

Nie Mingjue looked at his sister, truly looked at her, for the first time in years.

She had grown, he knew, in the years he had left her to her devices. No longer was she the noisy little child that their mother carried in her frail arms, or the gangly teenager that their father used to ignore. She was almost a woman now, he supposed, and weren't those things as women ought to be? Flimsy and slow-minded, uninterested in cultivation. He had seen only three other girls in the rows of disciples that day: Jiang Yanli and Wen Qing and a round-faced envoy of Lanling whom Jin Guangshan had spent most of his time looking at.

None of them except Huaisang had participated in the practical exercises. Jiang Yanli had sat them out by her father's side, straight-backed and more poised than Huaisang could ever hope to be. Wen Qing, he guessed, had quite the mind for cultivation, but no wish to show her talent so openly. And the Jin sect girl had remained with the group of servants who had accompanied Jin Zixuan to Gusu.

"Tell me," Nie Mingjue said curtly, "did you intend to embarrass yourself like this in front of all the sect leaders?"

He couldn't see her face behind that blasted fan, only her eyes looking from one side of the room to the other and never directly at him. "No," Huaisang muttered.

"I can't hear you."

She breathed out. "No, brother," she repeated.

Then why, Mingjue wanted to ask, did you make a spectacle of yourself with those boys? Did you just intent to look like a brainless flirt? Did you think at all?

He had never known how to talk to Huaisang before. Their exchanges in Qinghe were limited to overdinner words, hardly even pleasantries, and not much else. Sometimes Mingjue saw her fool around and felt the need to give her a harsh word. Sometimes, he simply clenched his teeth and walked away.

If only you'd been born a boy, he wished, not for the first time. If only I had a brother.

If Huaisang had been born a brother of his, someone like Lan Xichen or Meng Yao, or even one of those boys she so liked to write about; perhaps then Nie Mingjue would have known how to talk to her.

Perhaps, like Jiang Fengmian, he should find himself a stray to love above his own kin.

If was with some sort of grief on his heart that he told her, "Do not humiliate me again, Huaisang."

He left without waiting for an answer.

Jin Guangyao covered in blood was almost a forbidden sight.

Oh, it was not the first time Nie Huaisang saw him like this. He had been gravely injured when her brother had thrown him out of the Realm all those years ago, bleeding from a stab wound to the chest. Still, he had bowed at the time with the utmost propriety. He had not rejected or begged to change his sentence for betrayal. She had his blood on her hands then quite literally, after she had helped him walk to the inner chamber where Nie Mingjue had requested to meet him. She had been panicked, at the time, not only for having gone from the Realm for so long in company of Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji, but also because Meng Yao had always been one of those she relied so preciously on.

This memory seemed so far away now. Huaisang could not remember if, in the end, her brother had scolded her for running away from home. No doubt he had known then that Lan Wangji's presence would act as a deterrent to her flirtatious ways; the boy might as well be made of stone, and wish for others to be the same.

Of course, that turned out to be quite untrue. Untrue then and untrue now. Jin Guangyao had been quick to understand and make use of that weakness.

But Nie Mingjue, injured and grieving the loss of Meng Yao—the loss of a brother—had not scolded her, she thought.

Now the Meng Yao who had fed the need for company in her when she was a teenager bled far more than ever before. It had been Lan Xichen who had dealt the last blow, an outcome none of them could have predicted and which saddened Huaisang.

Truly, she had wished Wei Wuxian would take care of it all, or at least Lan Wangji. She had no wish to see Lan Xichen hurt.

That was perhaps the only thing she and Meng Yao had in common.

He bled now, almost emptied of life already, and—

He was looking at her.

Huaisang hid behind her fan. The sight of him was grotesque, flesh and limbs cut off to expose his innards, the silk gone from his hair, his golden robes caked with dirt. It was quite unbearable to witness, and Huaisang spared a thought for the boy Jin Ling who had already lost so much, for Lan Xichen by Meng Yao's side who always looked at her with grief wedged into his eyes.

A second ago Meng Yao had been dying. Now he looked at her with a hint of understanding—with the same light in his eyes as one would get after pouring over a text for hours, looking for something and not finding it, realizing too late that it was under their eyes all along.

She lowered the fan to her neck. Behind Lan Xichen's back, she smiled at him.

It was only hours later that she found the occasion to talk to Wei Wuxian, and only then because Jiang Cheng had gone away, because Lan Wangji was with his brother and not standing by Wei Wuxian's side, looking at him like a man drunk on relief.

"It's all over now," she sighed at him, shifting from foot to foot. "Master Wei, you could've told me who you were before. I would have believed you. Thankfully now the world will learn the truth, that it was all Lianfang-Zun's doing..."

He gave her half a smile. He was even more handsome now than he had been when they were young and Huaisang had debated which of her classmates to secure a future with. Huaisang had not realized just how synonymous with safety his presence was until she had seen him emerge, bruised all over, from the Mo family house.

Looking at him and Lan Wangji now, she still felt their love to be quite a shame.

Still, she supposed, she could let him have that. Mo Xuanyu had her to thank for the spell he had used to bring the Yiling Patriarch back, but she had worked Wei Wuxian hard over the past few months. It couldn't have been easy for him.

She folded her fan back. Her fingers shook over the handle slightly. There was a tiny speck of blood in a corner of the hand-painted motif, one tiny ruby dot which would brown over in time.

Now then, she thought over the trembling of her limbs.

The path in front of her led nowhere anymore. Little by little the shackles over her broke and fell, invisible to all, leaving marks on her skin that she alone would ever see.

The steps she took down the mountain path were as light as air.

#the untamed #nie huaisang #nie mingjue #sanzun #jin guangyao #fic: blind eye #featured

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strawberyshelley · 5 years

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I Will Love You Forever Chpt 2

Padme and Obi-Wan are in love, and now she carries his child.

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan chose not to take Anakin from his life on Tatooine, changing the destiny of everyone in the process.

Now married, Obi-Wan struggles with visions that plague his dreams.

Chapter 2, read below or on AO3 previous next

Updates regularly, I love comments!

Waking up alone on his ship, sweat glistening on his skin, he contemplates the events that the Force revealed to him while he slept. This was not the way Obi-Wan wanted his day to start. Night after night, the Jedi witnessed visions of fire. Smoke clouding his vision, screams piercing his ears. He moved to the small water closet, splashing his face, trying to forget the terrible sights and sounds which plagued him. The man who stared back at him in the mirror was not the confident, quick thinking Jedi Knight that he often is. It was if all his insecurities shined back at him clearly, brought out by the heavy vision. Finding comfort in the soft hum of the ship, he brought a hand up to focus on his face, and noticed he’s grown a bit of stubble. Picking up the standard razor, he willed his hand to steady, moving on with his morning routine.

In the pilot seat, Obi-Wan rubbed a hand over his face, feeling drained.

“Should I share these visions with the council?” The Jedi Knight questioned himself. Putting the ship on autopilot after he engaged the hyperdrive, he looked lovingly at the small photo he had placed on the dash. Padme stood, elegant as ever, their arms around each other on her home planet, Naboo. At first Obi-Wan rejected the idea of having photographs taken at their wedding, but he’s very grateful for Padme’s closest friends and family’s insistence .The warm scenery took him away from the cold , sterile ship environment, even just for a moment.

Entering Coresaunt’s atmosphere, Obi-Wan put the photo snuggly in a small pocket in the front of his robes, and prepared the rest of his things for landing.

----

“Master, could I speak with you? It’s with the most importance.” Obi-Wan asked through the door to his old Master’s , Qui-Gon Jinn, quarters. The door opened swiftly, letting the younger Jedi into the living space of a Jedi Master. Much larger than his own Knight’s quarters, it was fit to hold both a Master and Padawan. Obi-Wan used to live here, but felt no remorse at moving into his new quarters after his knighting since he had already been spending a portion of his time at Padme’s . Qui-Jon sat on the floor, looking to be in the middle of a meditation. “I’m sorry to disturb you, Master.”

“You are always welcome, my old Padawan”. Qui-Gon stated warmly, opening his eyes. “Something is troubling you?”

Obi-Wan hated lying to his master, but he kept his shields up. After officially deciding to dedicate himself to Padme, he felt that he must now place a barrier between those he once opened his mind freely too. With a sad smile, he joined his master on the floor, sitting in a meditating style across from him. “Visions I have been having at night, they are very concerning to me. Although the... content of these visions makes me afraid to tell even the Grandmasters.” Obi-Wan confided in his mentor, hesitantly.

“Hm…” Qui-Gon closed his eyes, thinking. “The events you see in your dreams may be certain to come to pass... or not. The Force is sharing with you for a reason Obi-Wan. It is your decision that will influence what will come to pass, but remember my old Padawan, doing nothing is a decision as well.” Obi-Wan could sense his master was referring to his persistence to leave the boy on Tatooine behind, not try for his freedom.

“I felt darkness surrounding him, please trust in my judgement.” Obi-Wan pleaded, unsure if he truly did make the right decision. His Master’s eyes fell upon him again, and the guilt rose slightly inside him.

“That darkness you felt, was it the same darkness you feel now in your visions?” His Master questioned, his brows furrowing in concern.

“No, this feels… different. When I was around Anakin, I felt the darkness almost as it came off of him in small, subtle waves. Now it’s… like it’s constantly pounding in my head.” Obi-Wan realized. He released his feelings of worry into the Force, not willing to show his Master how much it concerned him.

“Changed his fate, you may have by not taking him with us, but all of ours you have changed as well.” Qui-Jon concluded solemnly. “I advise you to meditate more on these visions, try to find the origin of the darkness, search for the feeling you felt when next to Anakin”.

“Yes, Master.” Obi-Wan stood and bowed, leaving the quarters. Returning to his own he freshened up, before heading out to his speeder and making his way to his favorite Senator’s apartment.

---

“Obi-Wan!” Padme said in delight as her husband walked into the sitting room. He gave her a small kiss, a hand around her waist, before giving a bow to Senator Farr. “I was just discussing the future with Uncle, he sees much promise in the younger members of his family. Is that not delightful?” She said happily, a hand on her bump. The mention of the future was not what Obi-Wan wanted to think about, all he felt in the future was smoke, and that he was suffocating.

“I’m sure,” Obi-Wan forced a smile, “Would you like to go out tonight?” He asked Padme.

“What place do you have in mind?” Farr asked, smiling sarcastically, batting his galaxy eyes.

“No disrespect Senator, but I’d like some time with my wife, since I recently returned from a long and very strenuous mission”. Obi-Wan shifted closer to Padme, unconsciously seeking comfort since he was quite emotionally exhausted. Little did Farr know, Obi-Wan was on a simple scouting mission. Padme rolled her eyes at him knowingly. He winked back at her.

“Just this time Kenobi, remember I still owe you a drink for helping me on that speech.” Farr responded.

“How could I forget! I still need to beat you in a round of Dejarik. You owe me a drink but I owe five already from that blasted game.” Obi-Wan joked. The Senator hugged Padme goodbye, and soon the couple were left alone. Padme turned to Obi-Wan, tracing the outline of his Jedi issued robes.

“So, where are we going?”

“I was thinking our cottage on Naboo, lets release some of that tension from sitting in boring Senate meetings all day.” Obi-Wan joked, rubbing her shoulders, understanding the vital importance of her work. Padme laughed.

“You never fail to entertain me, but this time I pilot,” Obi-Wan started to protest. “No! Every time you pilot, let me enjoy the excitement for once,” Padme declared, racing towards the box she keeps her keys. “And, if someone tries to attack us on land, I’ll expertly pilot us away in our speeder as you deflect lasers with your lightsaber.” She joked, mimicking Obi-Wan’s serious face, pretending to have a lightsaber clutched in her hands, deflecting blaster shots.

“Ah.... the real intention is revealed, you want to accept my offer to train in wielding a lightsaber.” Obi-Wan said grinning, moving into a hand-to-hand combat stance as if for her to defend herself with the pretend saber.

“Maybe , if I wasn’t already so handy with a blaster.” She smirked back, hand on her sleek white blaster, cocking her hip a bit, showing it off. Obi-Wan trailed his eyes lazily from her caramel one’s to her hip.

“I think it would be better if we waited for baby as well,” he chuckled, rubbing her bump. “Have you felt him or her move yet?”

“No, but sometimes I can feel the presence, like it’s reaching out. Maybe I’m just imagining,” She wondered suddenly, “ do you want our baby to be Force sensitive?” Obi-Wan wasn’t sure, he felt a flash of fear at the thought of their child being taken away to grow up at the temple. He instantly thought of his own parents, the ever persistent question in his mind, why did you leave me, still lingering from when he was a child. Padme sensed his emotions, and helped him will it away to the Force.

“I’m not sure, I cannot imagine myself without the Force, but I do not see you any less by not having it.” Obi-Wan told her sincerely. “I would not want to change who you are, or how our baby will be.”

“I agree,” Padme told him warmly, “I would not change who you are for the world.” She kissed him deeply, projecting pleasure and safety. “Shall we leave now?” Obi-Wan looked at her heatedly.

#obidala #star wars prequels #star wars fanfiction #obi-wan #obi-wan fanfic #obi-wan kenobi #padme #padme amidala #mine

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jordanicus-prime · 6 years

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So I did a trade with @briitecho and as promised here’s a little TFP Smokescreen content.

Headcanons

-If you think this ‘Bot didn’t get to Earth and immediately immerse himself into human culture then you’re kidding yourself.

-Anytime the kids are watching something, he’s peeking over their shoulders just absorbing it.

-Eventually, Miko gets the great idea to start having a weekly movie/show night where the humans and the ‘Bots spend hours watching movies or old shows that are just a necessity for Earth culture.

-Smokescreen is present every single week and swears it’s his favorite thing to do.

-He loves comedy and action movies the most, you can find him reusing jokes to get a laugh out of the kids.

-He’ll swear this didn’t happen but he was once caught re-enacting the light saber battle from Star Wars ep.1 and Arcee and Bulkhead refuse to let him live it down.

-He’s loved every movie they watched except for Cars, he found it really unsettling

-”What do you mean they’re sentient but they can’t transform?”

-He would never tell anyone but sometimes he and June catch up on soap operas together.

-He loves to hang out with the kids, they may not be the Autobots he idolizes but he really clicks with them. He and Jack bond over just living in the moment and can always find a good laugh. Miko and Smokescreen always get in trouble together and she was first in line to expose Smokescreen to Earth culture. Raf is good about keeping Smokescreen’s head on straight, but being youngest in their respective groups they really bond over that.

-Ever since Smokescreen showed up, the base is never too quiet for long, Smokescreen hates silences but he hates when the other ‘Bots are down even more.

-When he sees a ‘Bot upset about something, he’ll stop and chat with them, if they don’t smile after a while, he knows to just sit down and listen.

-Miko started getting Smokescreen into Earth music but the other kids showed him more than just metal.

-Smokescreen’s playlist is the definition of eclectic, he’ll listen to anything from rock to pop to metal to classical and musicals.

-He always found training difficult to push through, but then he started putting some high-energy songs to his training and now he’s living.

-Eventually, the Autobots figure out how to create holoforms for themselves, and Smokescreen used his for a week straight.

-He starts by going to a concert with Miko and Bulkhead, where they rock out for 3 hours straight and leave beaming and still singing the songs.

-The next day he and the kids go to an amusement park and McFreaking lose it. They still aren’t sure who rode more rides, Miko or Smokescreen, both were a little green by the end of the day.

-Later the Autobots figure out how to allow the holoforms to eat and convert the food energy to usable Energon, much to Ratchet’s relief.

-That was the day Smokescreen realized he was a food junkie and makes a point to eat a meal with the kids once a week. The other Autobots join this tradition and soon, every Tuesday is the Team Prime Family Meal.

-Smokescreen never really gets over his adoration for Optimus and one day had to go on a mission with him. He could swear his spark stopped.

-It was SUPER awkward at first, but soon Smokescreen realized Optimus was just a normal ‘Bot, just a really awesome normal ‘Bot.

- It turns out to be nothing more than scouting, but they both just enjoy each other’s company and learn about each other.

-Smokescreen still looks up to Optimus but more like a father than an idol.

-Optimus learns that Smokescreen means well but is just young and a little naïve.

-Optimus’ and Smokescreen’s relationship is something that I wish could’ve been explored more but the poor kid was only in the show for like the last 1/3.

Scenario

Smokescreen was blasting music while he trained as he always does. He was having a pretty good session when he heard heavy footsteps from the hall. Knowing it was The Optimus Prime he quickly turned the song off as it was called “Go F*ck Yourself” by Two Feet. He didn’t know what kind of music Optimus listened to, but it probably wasn’t that.

As Optimus passed by Smokescreen called “Hey, Optimus, do you mind sparring with me?”

Optimus was never one to pass up an opportunity to train and would never deny Smokescreen a learning experience so he obliged.

Smokescreen made the first move and barely got close to Optimus before he winded up on his aft. “Boy, this is embarrassing.” He thought, “My one chance to prove myself to Optimus and I can’t even get close.”

This same event kept occurring for the next 20 minutes before Smokescreen noticed Optimus started taking it easier on him.

“Look I don’t need you to go easy on me.” Smokescreen snapped, letting his feeling of inferiority take over. When he looked up he saw Optimus’ shocked face he looked down at his pedes. “I’m sorry, I’m just trying so hard to get better and…” Smokescreen trailed off.

“You’ll get better with time.” Optimus said, placing a reassuring hand on Smokescreen’s shoulder. “Just keep training and pushing yourself and you’ll go far.”

Smokescreen smiled at Optimus. “Wait, I have an idea, let’s try sparring one more time.”

They resumed their positions and Smokescreen turned on his go-to song.

Optimus looked surprised at the situation but obliged. The intro of the song played and Smokescreen motioned for Optimus to make the first move.

Smokescreen was dodging the blows to the beat and was softly singing the lyrics.

“B-B-B-Be careful making wishes in the” Smokescreen dodged perfectly with the tempo and landed a few blows with “dark, dark.”

This continued on for a few minutes before the bridge of the song kicked in.

“My songs know what you did in the da-a-a-ark, my songs know what you did in the da-aaaark” before the sweet drums kicked in. As the chorus kicked back in he knocked Optimus off balance. Smokescreen was so in shock that he had gained the advantage that he didn’t notice Optimus swing and knock him on his aft. Again.

Optimus helped him up but knew he was alright because Smokescreen was beaming.

“Like I said, with time you will learn. But, maybe training with music is not such a bad idea.” Optimus said with a smile before leaving to go on patrol.

Smokescreen waited for Optimus to leave before letting himself celebrate that he almost won a sparring match against Optimus Freakin’ Prime. He trained for 2 more hours before heading off to Team Prime Family Movie Night.

#tfp #tfp smokescreen #smokescreen #maccadam #optimus prime #tfp headcanons #tfp imagine

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forcebaby732 · 6 years

Text

Why Didn’t You Kill Me, Part 6

“Where are you going?”

Rey calls out, but she gets no response as Kylo Ren retreats to his personal ship.

Along the way he summons his saber which comes soaring over the cliff it was kicked over. His body is rejuvenated but he’s never felt so weak.

He punches the button to recall the ramp, slamming the door in Rey’s face as she had once done to him.

Outside, a thoroughly confused Rey, huffs, hands on her hips. What in the world?

She’s carrying her pack that Ben left behind in the cave.

Rey sits cross-legged before the shuttle and her stomach rumbles. She figures, she may as well take the time to eat and think, pulling rations and water from a compartment in the bag.

Rey can tell that Ben is running away from what happened, whatever that was, fleeing from her like he did when she first breached his mind on star killer base. She gets comfortable. She’ll wait for him to emerge, saying a prayer that he doesn’t just blast off right here and now without her.

…

The day had started well enough for Kylo Ren.

He had awakened first.

A deeply curious and intellectual creature, he had poured through those texts, their pages ancient and delicate. The dialect was difficult to decipher but was similar enough to his teachings at the Jedi academy that he could power through it.

He devoured its contents, surprised that the original intent of the mastery of the force, was more open and complete than what it would become. The emphasis was on the whole… the light and the dark embraced together…

It only reinforced what he already knew to be true. It solidified his stance that the Sith, and the Jedi, and the rebels all needed to die…

Speaking of rebels… he was sure the beautiful but battered quasi-Jedi laying beside him would survive. He could feel her heart beating. That she was not dead was an intense testament to her power. He marveled at her strength, admired the vicious grit she had shown in her defiance of Snoke, in slaying the Praetorian guards, in defying him…

He frowned and looked back at the books.

She didn’t deserve his good will. Not after declining to rule the galaxy with him. After abandoning him, too weak and sentimental to slay him, leaving him in a position of power he never wanted for himself alone…

When she woke he reveled in her delirious and surprisingly loud thoughts. She was too injured to realize she was telegraphing some pretty interesting intel – that he knew she’d never admit to with her full faculties about her.

He let it swell his ego, but he knew they had important things to accomplish if he didn’t want to have to murder her. He chose to ignore it and get them back on track.

He had not anticipated what would happen with the healing technique he learned about… but he was desperate.

Not only had it healed their physical wounds, but it had given her unfettered access to every painful memory that had wounded his soul and poisoned his heart. Before he realized it... she was already inside...then there was the flash of light. He was flooded, left so drained and weak that he nearly drowned.

Kylo Ren grasps a console with shaking hands. The memories that were once the source of his powerful rage felt dulled… not only that…it felt like a black veil had been pulled back from his eyes. He was suddenly awash with memories -- repressed and twisted memories that were now clear -- painfully clear, unbearably pure, heart-wretchingly unaltered.

Not only did he recall his parents’ worried whispers, but Han’s piloting lessons, Han ruffling his hair in pride... not only his violent outbursts, but his mother holding him after his tantrums, soothing him, promising to always love him… IT HURTS TOO MUCH!!

Everything he had hidden away in little compartments in his mind were raw and wretched open.

What had she done to him? He gasped as rare tears fell from his eyes. He couldn’t do this, he had to focus on something else.

He pings the com in his ear. “Hux!” Comes his high, trembling voice. He schools himself quickly. “Hux, report.”

If he hadn’t been so distracted, he would have noticed Hux’s nervous reply, “Supreme leader, a moment, yes, Supreme Leader, how may I serve you?”

“Give me a full report. What requires my attention?”

Hux dives into their latest movements in a number of military pushes, most systems are turning themselves over while others have put up a fight. Hux sends action reports to Ren’s data pad. The Attendants want to talk about the next phase of their domination plans. Repairs on the Supremacy and all its on board industries are on schedule…

“And the rebellion?”

“An insignificant rabble who all systems are refusing to aid. Latest intelligence is that they’ve made contact with Bespin. The system is being monitored. If they arrive, they’ll be destroyed”

There’s a strange pang in Kylo’s chest.

Hux adds gingerly, “Is there progress in your… negotiations?”

Before he can think up a response, Ren simply ends the transmission. Time was running out, he was sure the cunning Hux was using this unsupervised time to some devilish end… he needed to return and command with authority…but he was feeling anything but powerful right now.

----

Hux breathes a sigh of relief.

Behind him stands a collection of fellow generals - including a dozen in holo-displays. They have just finished watching the records from the elevator. The tender whispers between their Supreme Leader and the wretched scavenger Rey had elicited some satisfying gasps from the gathered military leaders. And not only that!

Some very interesting news was gleamed from Snoke’s personal records.

Kylo Ren, Master of the Knights of Ren and Supreme Leader of the First Order... had one other very surprising secret title.

Ben...Solo... son of Rebellion General Leia Organa. The same Leia who had escaped thanks to her son’s supposed incompetence on Crait... or was he actually protecting them?

The generals are convinced and have signed off on a plan to end this unnatural reign in the most palatable, marketable way possible. A triumphant cruel grin plays across Hux’s thin lips.

“Thank you kind gentlemen for your courage and action in this most grave matter. We’ll move the destroyers away. Bring in the black-ops with the weapon.”

---

On board his shuttle, Kylo Ren has emerged from his refresher, donning a clean black tunic, his arm bands and a new, non-tattered pair of leather pants. The scalding hot water has done little to clear his head.

He’s moving out into the small sitting area when he hears it...

Mechanical breathing somewhere behind him.

He spins around but it’s gone.

Then it’s there again...and the faint cry of Anakin.

Ren spins again, “Who’s there?”

In the corner of his eye he sees a blue haze...a wizened old man in Jedi robes stands before him with an ethereal glow around him.

Kylo takes a step back, his eyes wide in shock. His mind races but he knows what this must be. He’s heard enough of Luke’s stories to know that this has to be a force ghost.

“Who are you?”

“An old friend of your grandfather. And your name sake, apparently,” the old man says warmly with a smile.

“Kenobi...” Ben whispers.

“Yes, we’ve been trying to reach you Ben. But it wasn’t until young Rey purged the darkest blockages in your soul, that we were able to get through.”

“What do you want dead Jedi?”

This brings an ethereal chuckle from Obi-wan.

“You’re a stubborn boy. Yet clever. Full of fearsome vengeance, yet that hero’s heart inside of you refuses to die. The force rages in you heir of Skywalker. I’m here to help.”

Ben scoffs, absorbing what he’s hearing but keeping his emotions even.

“I have no need for the dried up wisdom of a dead hypocrite. Thanks to me, you’ll all be ghosts soon.”

Obi-wan considers this and seemingly takes a seat on a black bench.

“Hmm,” he says rubbing his beard, “is that why you were performing a rebirth ritual with a very naked Jedi lady friend just a short time ago.”

Ben sputters angrily...”What?”

“Well the technique is also called rebirth, but then, you knew that. Just pretended you didn’t quite read that part correctly, isn’t that right?”

Ben can’t respond. His mind goes blank.

“There is little time Ben, but there is something you need to know. There is a force you possess that both the Jedi and the Sith tried to suppress, it is this power that brings balance to the force, time and time again in it’s own messy way. You and young Rey have the power to make all things right, and teach a new generation of Jedi about this path. A new... order if you will. Does that sound about right?”

“Spit it out old man, say your piece and be gone!” Ben shouts..

Obi-wan shows him instead. Ben is suddenly catapulted into a memory.

A young man, tall, dark and handsome like himself stands before a beautiful and heavily pregnant woman on a platform above a volcanic planet. He watches the scene play out.

“...I won’t lose you like I lost my mother...”

“...Anakin, all I want is your love...”

“...I’m becoming more powerful than any Jedi has ever dreamed and I’m doing it for you, to protect you...”

“...come away with me, leave this all behind...”

“...together you and I can rule the galaxy, make things the way we want them to be...”

“...Anakin you’re breaking my heart...”

Then another person emerges, accusations are made, he’s strangling the young wife he had just sworn to protect, dropping her and their unborn children to the metal floor.

Ben finds himself kneeling, gasping at the scene before him. Then it’s gone.

“Anakin’s fear of losing Padme twisted his heart, seduced him to seek power, until his love no longer mattered anymore, and he gave himself over to the Sith.”

“You’re mother and uncle were born but their mother died, just as Anakin had foreseen. Only, it was by his own hand.”

“Why are you showing me this?” Ben demands.

“So, you can understand. Love destroyed the Jedi order, it also destroyed the empire when Darth Vader chose to save his son and kill the Emperor. Both the Jedi and the Sith rejected the sentiment, but it’s power is far greater than either order can contain.”

Ben was feeling sick.

“Why isn’t my grandfather here?” He demands, changing the subject.

“He is... in a way. Certain energies, tools of the force, tend to return to the physical world when it is thrown off balance. But it’s so difficult as flesh and blood, so easy to get lost...”

“What are you saying?!”

“Rey *IS* Anakin. Anakin *is* Rey, and you need to help her.”

Stunned silence follows. Ben hears nothing but his beating heart.

“This is a joke…”

“Yoda isn’t here, so, sadly, no.”

More silence as Kylo tries to grasp the absurd things that are being said.

“You tried to help her then too “ ... Ben is shown a vision of Padme, pleading for Anakin to open up to her, “This time, the force has made you equals.”

“I will not listen to Jedi lies.”

“Think on it young one. For now, you have to hurry, there’s not much time, you must flee…”

“Why?”

“Above the planet, reach out and see what your general is doing. You must act quickly and decisively, it comes down to you now, Ben.”

Then a wisp of something floats between them. Ben thinks he sees A scoundrel’s smile, smells a musty scent, feels the pressure of a hand on his shoulder.

Han’s voice, “I’m here son.”

Tears he doesn’t realize are streaming down his face. Ben reaches out with his feelings and indeed, they are about to befall a major “accident” at the hands of Hux. They must escape… TOGETHER… NOW!

The ghosts vanish.

He lights his saber and hacks at a console beside him, this time with purpose.

---

Rey jumps as the ramp opens.

She stands and brushes off her pants, only to feel herself flying towards the shuttle. She’s too caught off guard to react. She soars up, landing with a thud against Ben’s rock hard chest. He secures her with a large arm around her waist, as he chucks broken electronics down below with the force.

“We have to go.”

“Ben!?”

And she’s being slung over his shoulder. He uses the force to hit the button to lift the ramp and jogs with a highly confused would-be jedi to the cockpit, “What the hell… Ben, what’s going on??“ She kicks and reaches down, pinching him hard on the ass!

“OW! CRAZY WOMAN!”

“Put me down!”

He dumps her into a co-pilots chair and begins a launch sequence.

“For the love of… what the kriff is going on Ben Solo? Where are you taking me? Do I have to kill you? Is this another kidnapping?”

“Shut up and prime the hyperdrive or we’re going to die.”

Wide-eyed she looks at him just a moment before deciding this is a real threat. She starts throwing switches as he lifts off… and that’s when she’s sees it… a blinding red streak of energy heading for their location.

“Force help us.”

“Good idea,” Ben says as he punches the thrusters.

Fire and chunks of earth rattle their shuttle, flames licking over their viewport. They’re just about to be overwhelmed when he sends them into lightspeed. They don’t appear as so much as a blip on the First Order scanners.

----

A sweating, nervous Hux stands over his officers, “Did we get them?”

“No life forms detected sir. The shuttle’s beacon is at the center of the blast. There’s no way they could have gotten off world. Targets eliminated sir!”

“Yes!” Hux pulls in his fists allowing himself a triumphant display that is certainly below his station.

He straightens his uniform and walks back off the bridge, where the Attendants are waiting with a golden cloak. They throw it over his narrow shoulders.

----

They’re spinning through space.

Blue and white lights streak past them. They stare at each other panting for a long time.

She’s the first to break the spell.

“Why did they try to kill us?”

“A coup. Looks like you’ll get the chance to help me kill Hux afterall.”

He seems to be taking being unseated as Supreme Leader rather well.

“Won’t they track us?”

“I dumped the tracker and comms. They should think we’re dead.“

“Just like that? How can they do this to their own leader… How did you know it was coming?”

This he doesn’t answer, shielding his mind from hers.

There was his trusty anger building again. He relished it after feeling so drained by the events of the spring. It was all her fault, he hadn’t agreed to help her yet, hadn’t decided if he’d keep her alive, those damn ghosts couldn’t control his destiny. But he supposed he was alive because of them… they were alive… for now.

Like it or not, if he wanted his position of power back, he was going to need Rey’s help and this time, he would ensure that she'd never leave his side again.

He knows where they need to start.

“You’ll need a new saber…”

“What?”

“If we’re going to bring the First Order down.”

----

ON Ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/13990587/chapters/32535867

-----

Part 1: http://bit.ly/2IdHDTN

Part 2: http://bit.ly/2Ie5q5G

Part 3: http://bit.ly/2oVTDRD

Part 4: http://bit.ly/2HztYF7

Part 5: https://bit.ly/2G8K7RP

Part 7: https://bit.ly/2upJMJa

Part 8: https://bit.ly/2JbkYaW

Part 9: https://bit.ly/2GZFflF

Part 10: https://bit.ly/2HnC9FF

Part 11: https://bit.ly/2HucNsb

Part 12: https://bit.ly/2vt5sED

Part 13: https://bit.ly/2HvMiDH

Part 14: https://bit.ly/2KxOWGN

Part 15: https://bit.ly/2Kt5r6l

Part 16: https://bit.ly/2x5QLYR

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storiesabouthumanandthings · 6 years

Text

The Martian and The Jilted Lover

Chapter 5

Iris woke up slowly. ‘That was a weird dream. They said you don’t dream in cryo,’ she thought to herself. Her head was pounding. She started to reach up to her head and found that both hands were moving which was strange. When she touched her head there was more pain and she felt something sticky. She forced her eyes open even though it made her headache worse and saw her hands were tied together and now had drying blood on them. ‘Oh S***! Not A Dream! We Have An Intruder!,’ Iris looked around frantically but didn’t see anyone besides Star who was just napping next to her, ‘great companion you are.’

She began to bite at the knot when a voice, too loudly, called out, “Hey! Don’t do that. That’ll damage your teeth.” Iris looked frantically around again but still saw no one, was it on a PA System? Was she being watched on camera? Before Iris could call out her attacker, someone fell from a branch above. In front of Iris was a large, muscular woman. Her hair was chopped short, self-cut and not very well. She was wearing a muscle t and loose pants. Her skin was pale with freckles lining her shoulders and chest. She was wielding a garden tool as a saber, pointing the top end at Iris accusingly, “Who are you and what are you doing in my house, mirage?”

Iris was more angry than scared at this point. This was supposed to be her vacation from humanity and their stupidity. She was supposed to be immersed in study and maybe even be lucky enough to find something that may lead to her master’s or even her thesis and doctorate. But no. Her bad luck followed her across the stars. She gets beat up, is now bleeding, and is being screamed at by what can only be a space pirate.

“I am scheduled to be here! You are trespassing on university property and I will not stand for this!” Iris bit out.

The woman smiled back and poked Iris’s foot, “You won’t be standing for anything like that anyway.“ and began to laugh, it was a strange laugh as if she’d forgotten how to laugh.

Iris looked down and noticed that her feet had also been tied. Grinding her teeth and hoping to negotiate her way free at least, Iris took the first step, “Fine. I will answer any question you have and then you will answer mine. Deal?”

Still giggling at her own joke, the woman nodded. Iris sighed then began, “My name is Iris. I am on hire from the university on an academic study of Mars. I was told I was the only one going to be here. That means you are trespassing and need to leave.“

The woman quickly shook her head, “I am not leaving. I have nowhere to go…it’s all gone….” she became very quiet and looked away from Iris, mumbling to herself. Even though it was not Iris’s turn for questions she asked anyway, “So what are you doing here then? How long have you been here?” There was no answer except for mumbling. “Hello? Are you even listening?,” called Iris. The woman’s head whipped around back Iris. The woman moved in too close to Iris, crouching over her. Iris could see the bags under the stranger’s eyes and could also smell her body odor even though she could see the woman had recently showered.

“Where did you come from?!,” demanded the stranger. ‘Great, she’s probably some outlaw or pirate like I thought and she was in hiding,’ thought Iris. “I am from New Boston.” The stranger stood up and shook her head, “No, that’s impossible! I’ve seen it destroyed.”

‘And she’s crazy too.’ “I promised I am from New Boston. The University of New Boston sent me!”

“Wait…….New Boston? That’s wrong it’s just Boston.” The stranger looked very confused before walking away through the door. Iris let her leave. As soon as the woman was gone Iris began chewing at the knot again. The woman came back carrying Iris’s bag.

“Hey! That’s mine!” Iris shouted as the stranger opened it in front of her and dumped out all the contents. She rustled through until she found what she was looking for. There was a T-shirt with the university logo and a history book. The stranger held up the book, “What’s this?,” she demanded.

“A book about old Earth.” obviously, Iris thought.

“Old Earth?” The woman stared down at the history book.

‘This is basic knowledge. How does this pirate not know at least that.’ “Yes! Old Earth. It contains all known information. Everything we know up to the great war and migration.”

The scientist dropped the book, “..great war.” She knelled down and untied Iris with shaky hands and walked away, “One last question. What is known about here? About Mars?”

Iris could not see the strangers face as she stood up, she shrugged, “Not a lot. It was explored briefly but no known facts about it. Most Old Earth information was destroyed during the great war.”

The woman nodded slowly as she wrapped her arms around herself and started to shake, soon starting to screaming, waking Star up and sending him running. Iris covered her ears, nearly falling from the sound and pounding headache. The woman began moving, throwing items in all directions. Iris watched horrified as artifacts hit the wall, some cracking, others shattering. ‘Thanks Dad,’ Iris thought briefly ‘All those years forced to watch football will finally come handy.’ She ran up behind the stranger and tackled her to the floor. She wrapped her arms tight and locked her hands together, “Stop! You are destroying priceless artifacts!”

“It doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter anymore! Everything is gone! Let me go!”

“No! It does matter.”

“No it’s all mine! I can destroy if I like.” The stranger was slowly calming down.

“It can’t be yours. If it was truly yours, you would have to be 200 years old!” There was a short pause. “It’s actually 211 today.”

‘That’s impossible. That’s around when the great war started.’ “Who are you?” asked Iris.

A broken voice replied back, “I don’t know.” They laid there in silence except for the sobs of the woman. Iris now held on trying to comfort. Star returned with kisses for them both.

The scientist turned to Iris, “I am sorry. Sorry about all this. And your head. Let’s get you to med dome.” Iris nodded and took the stranger’s now helping hand up and followed her.

First Previous Next Last

#humans in space #lesbians in space #the martian and the jilted lover #wlw #TMATJL

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derangedangel · 7 years

Text

I’m a Mouse, Duh - Isaac Lahey

Summary: Lydia throws a Halloween party and you want Isaac’s attention

Word Count: 1,552

Author’s Note: Mean Girl’s is life. This whole thing just popped in my head when I thought of the line when Katy explained Halloween in girl world. Also, I don’t know where this ending came from. It was not planned. I didn’t know how this was going to go, I just wanted the Mean Girl’s reference.

Masterlist

Halloween is the one night a year when a girl can dress like a total slut and no other girls can say anything about it. That was the reason you were basically wearing lingerie. Plus you quoted Mean Girl’s every day, so how could you not pay homage to the iconic movie. There may have been another reason you donned the black lacy get up with the matching gray mouse ears, but you didn’t admit it out loud.

Your heels clicked on the steps as you went down Lydia’s stairs. It was best you got into your costume at Lydia’s house since you didn’t want to be going through Beacon Hills in a nighty.

You walked to the kitchen where Lydia was placing out some cups to go with the punch that was most likely already spiked. The strawberry blonde beauty turned around, her hair flipping over her shoulder like she was in a shampoo commercial for Tresemme.

“You look so hot!”

“Thanks, Lyds. Might I say you make an excellent black cat,” you replied smiling back.

Lydia placed her hands on her hips and posed, “Why thank you.”

The doorbell rang and you heard loud chatter outside of the big wooden door. “Would you answer the door please? That should be the others. I told them to show up early before everyone else got here.”

“Sure thing.” You walked to the door with bright yellow ‘do not cross police line’ taped over it. With all the supernatural issues in town and the police lines you had to cross, it was a little ironic.

You excitedly yanked the door open revealing your friends all dressed up in costumes.

“What are you supposed to be,” Stiles asked pointing his blue lightsaber at you.

Naïve little Stiles just gave you exactly what you wanted.

You rolled your eyes staying in character. “I’m a mouse, duh,” you said pointing to your ears.

Allison began laughing immediately understanding your joke. Stiles still looked confused.

You sighed before you spoke. “It’s a Mean Girls reference, sweetie. Don’t worry about it. I don’t get all your lame Star Wars references, and you don’t get this,” you said shrugging your shoulders.

“Hey! Star Wars is not lame! It is a classic series of movies that will stand the test of time-,” Stiles’ ranted waving his free hand in the air while simultaneous waving his light saber.

You laughed, “I’m just kidding Stilinski. Get in here already.”

Stiles, Scott, and Allison walked in. Stiles immediately headed for the kitchen knowing Lydia was there and Scott trailed right behind.

“Really Ali,” you asked examining her costume.

“What,” she asked smiling. “I thought it was cute.”

“It is, but it’s a little cliché. Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf? How much convincing did it take to get Scott to put on those fuzzy ears?”

“It didn’t take much. I have my ways,” she said as she winked. You looped your arm around Allison’s, giggling as you made your way to the kitchen.

The party had been going for a little over an hour now and the one person you wanted to see your costume still wasn’t there. Yeah, you were waiting for Isaac. You weren’t sure why he didn’t just show up with the others, but you just wanted him there already.

You made your way down the fake spider webbed cover halls avoiding your classmate’s bodies. Lydia was being a gracious host severing everyone drinks. You saw Stiles swinging his glowing light saber around to the beat of the music blaring from the speakers in the living room. Scott and Allison were off somewhere doing God knows what.

You readjusted your mouse ears on your head as you looked around the party. Leaning against the wall, you saw the tall brunette boy you had been searching for. He was in a dark gray jeans and a black t-shirt. Not even a mask or pointy ears on his head.

“I guess no one told you about the slut rule,” you said, quoting Mean Girls again. Isaac turned around, red solo cup in hand. “You couldn’t put in any effort to dress up, Lahey?” You stared up at the tall boy with your hand on your hip.

“It seems like you put in enough effort for the both of us,” Isaac answered, a slight smirk on his lips. “What are you supposed to be anyway?”

“The ears don’t give it away,” you smiled, batting your eyelashes. Isaac just shook his head grinning at you. “I’m Karen from Mean Girls.”

“I have no idea who that is.”

“Of course you don’t. But for the people who do, they love it.”

“I’m sure the guys who don’t know it, love it too,” Isaac said, his fingers pinching at the thin material.

You moved in a little closer to Isaac. You tilted your head to the side, looking at him through your mascara covered lashes. “Oh, they do.”

“Maybe you should put something on over that,” Isaac spoke lowly glancing over your body.

“Now why would I do that Isaac?” You smiled up at him. Isaac pursed his lips then looked away from your questioning eyes. “Oh, I get it. You’re jealous.”

“I’m not jealous,” Isaac said taking a swig from his cup.

“Maybe I would take into consideration what you thought if you asked me on another date. A girl can’t wait by the phone forever.”

You and Isaac had been on two dates. You thought they went great. He borrowed Melissa’s car and took you out to dinner and a movie and a carnival in the next town over. It had been two weeks since your last date. You didn’t understand why he hadn’t call to ask you out again.

Isaac through his cup back swallowing all the remaining contents. Then he grabbed your hand and directed you towards the stairs. He pulled you into an empty guest room and quickly shut the door behind the two of you.

“Why’d you bring me in here, Isaac?”

“I can’t talk to you with all those people down there.”

“Okay…,” you said slowly shaking your head. “What do you want to talk about?”

Isaac was obviously uncomfortable. He turned his body away from yours, wringing his hands together. You walked over to the bed and sat down at the foot. Isaac glanced up watching you as you crossed your legs which only made him more nervous.

“Look, Y/N, I wanted to call you. I really did,” he began speaking quickly. “I- I just got worried.”

“Worried about what? We had a good time. I don’t see what the big deal is,” you said.

“I was afraid I was going to mess it up,” he said, his hand rubbing the back of his neck. “I really like you and nothing I do goes right. The best way to prevent me ruining this was to do nothing at all,” he finished finally looking into your eyes.

“That’s stupid Isaac,” you chuckled. “I like you too,” you said getting up and walking towards the beta werewolf. “And when two people like each other, they go out on dates. You shouldn’t be worried you’re going to mess it up. If I never did the things I was scared of I wouldn’t get to do anything.”

“You like me,” Isaac asked astonished. His eyebrows were raised and his blue eyes were gorgeous in the dimly lit room. The only light coming from the moon and the street light outside the window.

“Duh you idiot. I don’t just go out on dates with any old werewolf,” you joked smiling.

Isaac returned your smile, courage building inside of him. “Okay, well, Y/N, would you like to go on another date with me?”

You moved in closer looking up into Isaac’s eyes and answered, “Isaac Lahey I’d thought you’d never ask.”

The two of you just stood there for a few moments grinning at each other like idiots. Isaac slowly moved in closer to your body, his head leaning down. Your eyes fluttered shut as Isaac’s lips pressed against yours. The kiss was short but the butterflies in your stomach would be there all night. You sighed pulling away then reached for Isaac’s hand.

“Come on. We should go back down to the party before anyone notices we’re missing.” You opened the door and dragged Isaac down the hall.

“Can’t we just stay in there,” Isaac asked reluctantly following you.

“No, and you just don’t want any other guys looking at me in my costume.”

“Yeah,” Isaac said. He stopped walking which made you stop since your hands were connected. “But I also want to keep kissing you.”

You stepped towards Isaac with a closed lipped smile on your face. Resting your hand on his chest as you leaned in, Isaac closed his eyes expecting another kiss. Instead, you leaned next to his ear and whispered, “We can keep kissing after our next date.”

And with that, you let go of Isaac’s hand and strutted down the hall. Your black lingerie bouncing as you took each step. Isaac just stood there watching you walk away from him with a smirk on his face. He knew you were going to be trouble, but it was a risk he was willing to take.

#isaac lahey x reader #isaac lahey imagine #isaac lahey fanfiction #teen wolf fan fiction #teen wolf fanfiction #teen wolf imagine

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magzoso-tech · 4 years

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New Post has been published on https://magzoso.com/tech/facebook-hits-2-5b-users-in-q4-but-shares-sink-from-slow-profits/

Facebook hits 2.5B users in Q4 but shares sink from slow profits

Facebook beat Wall Street estimates in Q4 but slowing profit growth beat up the share price. Facebook reached 2.5 billion monthly users, up 2%, from 2.45 billion in Q3 2019 when it grew 1.65%, and it now has 1.66 billion daily active users, up 2.4% from 1.62 billion last quarter when it grew 2%. Facebook brought in $21.08 billion in revenue, up 25% year-over-year, with $2.56 in earnings per share.

But net income was just $7.3 billion, up only 7% year-over-year compared to 61% growth over 2018. Meanwhile, operating margins fell from 45% over 2018 to 34% for 2019. Expenses grew to $12.2 billion for Q4 2019, up a whopping 34% from Q4 2018. For the year, Facebook’s $46 billion in expenses are up 51% vs 2018. One big source of those expenses? Headcount grew 26% year-over-year to 44,942, and Facebook now has over 1000 engineers working on privacy.

While Facebook’s user base keeps growing rather steadily, it’s having trouble squeezing more and more cash out of them with as much efficiency.

Facebook’s earnings beat expectations compared to Zack’s consensus estimates of $20.87 billion in revenue and $2.51 earnings per share. Facebook shares fell over 7% in after-hours trading following the earnings announcement after closing up 2.5% at a peak $223.23 today. Still, Facebook remains near its previous share price high before this month.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg had previously warned that addressing hate speech, election interference, and other content moderation and safety issues would be costly. Still, expenses grew and profits shrunk faster than Wall Street seems to have expected. Facebook will have to hope its promise of using scalable AI to handle more of these jobs comes to fruition soon. But some might see today as the proper reckoning for Facebook — penance for years of neglecting safety in favor of growth.

Facebook’s executives are apparently bullish on its value despite the share price being at a peak, as today Facebook announced plans to grow its share-repurchase program by $10 billion, adding to its previous authorization of buying back up to $24 billion worth.

Facebook managed to add 1 million daily users in the U.S. & Canada region where it earns the most money after returning to growth there last quarter following a year of slow or no growth. Facebook’s stickiness, or daily to monthly active user ratio remained at 66% amidst competition from apps like TikTok and a resurgent Snapchat.

Facebook notes that there are now 2.26 billion users that open either Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, or WhatsApp each day, up from 2.2 billion last quarter. The family of apps sees 2.89 billion total monthly users, up 9% year-over-year.

Facebook released a new stat with this earnings report: Family Average Revenue Per Person. That’s essentially the company’s total revenue divided by total users on Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Clearly, the company is trying to use Instagram’s growing ad revenue to make the rest of the company look stronger. This might help mask changes in the Facebook app’s own revenue as teens look to more youthful content feeds. Facebook’s CFO David Wehner confirmed the company will cease sharing Facebook-only stats in favor of Family Of Apps stats in late 2020.

Earnings Call Highlights

Zuckerberg stressed Facebook’s need to stay focused on addressing social issues and consequences of the company’s growth during the earnings call. He said Facebook will continue to make its apps more private and secure.

As for product updates, Zuckerberg seized on opportunities in commerce. Facebook is building out WhatsApp Pay, and he says “I expect this to start rolling out in a number of countries and for us to make a lot of progress here in the next six months.” 140 million small businesses now use its tools. People bought almost $5 million in content on the Oculus Store on Christmas Day, which Zuckerberg called a milestone. He says Facebook’s Spark AR platform is most used of its kind by developers, with hundreds of millions of people experiencing face filters built with it.

For guidance, Wehner said “we expect our year-over-year total reported revenue growth rate in Q1 to decelerate by low-to-mid single digit percentage points as compared to our Q4 growth rate. “Factors driving this deceleration include the maturity of our business, as well as the increasing impact from global privacy regulation and other ad targeting related headwinds.”

Wehner says to expect that the worst of these privacy headwinds are still to come due to regulatory initiatives like GDPR and CCPA, mobile operating systems and browser providers like Apple and Google limiting access to ad targeting singals, and Facebook’s own product changes like the new way to disconnect off-Facebook data from your acccount.

On Facebook’s perception issues, Zuckerberg said “We’re also focused on communicating more clearly what we stand for. One critique of our approach for much of the last decade was that, because we wanted to be liked, we didn’t always communicate our views as clearly because we were worried about offending people. So this led to some positive but shallow sentiments towards us and towards the company. And my goal for this next decade isn’t to be liked, but to be understood, because in order to be trusted, people need to know what you stand for.”

Building Despite Scrutiny

The business aside, Facebook had another tough quarter under the scrutiny of journalists and regulators. Democratic presidential candidates have railed against Zuckerberg’s decision to continuing allowing misinformation in political ads. The company dropped out of the top 10 places to work, and pledged $130 million to fund an Oversight Board for its content policies.

The CEO was grilled on Capitol Hill about Facebook’s cryptocurrency Libra that seems stuck in its tracks as major partners like Visa and Stripe dropped out. Facebook took heat for how its treats content moderators and how it tried to cut off competitors from its developer platform. The FTC continued its anti-trust investigation and weighed an injunction that would halt Facebook intermingling its messaging app infrastructure.

But those headwinds didn’t stop Facebook’s march forward. Its four main apps took the top four spots amongst the most downloaded apps of the 2010s. It moved deeper into hardware sales with its new Portal TV attachable camera. It acquired gaming companies like Playgiga and the studio behind VR hit Beat Saber, while signing exclusive game streaming deals with influencers like Disguised Toast. It launched Facebook News, Facebook Pay, its dating feature in the US, and it tested a meme-making app called Whale.

Facebook’s share price remains near an all-time high despite today’s tumble. While the world may be increasingly uncomfortable with Facebook’s access to private data, there’s no debate about how incredibly valuable that data is.

#Miscellaneous

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