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whispereons · 7 months

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Oracle!Reader Part 18

Masterlist - Part 1, Part 17, Part 19

Warning! This has blood, injuries, and violence! This is a imposter Sagau so you can expect these topics!

The faintest sound of grass being crushed jolts you back into the waking world. Gripping your chest, your mind tries to remember your situation as you take deep shaky breaths. Just how long were you asleep?

The moon glimmers above you and it isn’t very obviously moved, so it couldn’t have been more than a few minutes… How could you have been so stupid to waste your limited time sleeping?!

The sound of heels stomping at a fast pace makes you move quickly. Packing up the medkit, you shove it into your bag and throw it over your shoulder. There’s a slight dizziness, your body is still sore and in pain, but it’s no longer unbearable.

From a 10 out of 10 to a 9 out of 10. Why couldn’t you get some sort of healing power as the Creator? Cursing your shitty luck that unfortunately didn’t change when being isekai’d, you bring up the game screen.

One more try, you reason with yourself. Maybe after that minute-long power nap, it will finally work for you. To your quick dismay, it still doesn’t work, but at least you could finally figure out where the fuck you were and where to go.

Staring at the game screen as your heart rate slowly rises from the sound of shoes stalking closer isn’t the situation you want to be in, but it is what you get from this particularly shitty hand of fate. What’s even worse is just how far away you are from any civilization, teleport waypoints, or statue of the sevens.

You eventually settle on going for the closest teleport waypoint and pray to any god besides Celestia that it reactivates your ability to teleport. Looking across the lake, you frown knowing you’ll have to walk around the whole damn thing.

Standing up, you can’t even pay attention to the rush of blood to your head as the dropping temperature monopolizes it. There’s no more time to waste. Kicking back into full drive, you weave past the Cryo Slimes now that you can actually see, and start to run on the edge of the lake.

It’s pathetic how you couldn’t take more than a few steps before an ice maiden flies beside you and blocks your path. Large waves of ice follow it before it dissolves into Cryo-infused talismans. The only paths you had now were the water to your left or going backward.

Both clearly lead to death.

Just your fucking luck.

“Y/N!” Your name is spoken like a curse, as if you were nothing more than a pest meant to be crushed. Turning around, you look back at Shenhe who still doesn’t have any red ropes subduing her murderous urges.

Her polearm is waved slightly as blue slime flies off it. It’s only now that you realize the slimes near you were missing. The moon illuminates the blood shining off her clothing, both yours and hers. Dirt, minerals, and grass stains stick to her outfit and hair as she prowls closer.

The cold wind blows as she stops just a few feet in front of you. There is no blind anger or desperation for your death in her posture. Iridescent eyes stare you down as her Cryo vision is held in place solely by the gold ornament holding her hair in a loose ponytail. She is more than aware that your chance to survive or escape is low.

“You’ll pay for your crimes. Let my hatred suppress whatever meaningless feelings you have, to prevent you from ever resurrecting as a demon.” Cold. Her voice is cold as she holds her polearm in position and steps closer.

Despite the fear, despite the pain, and anger, you hold onto whatever half-baked plan you have in mind and stay in place. Backing away would only corner you against the ice wall she built.

Determined eyes stay locked onto Shenhe as your hands stay empty. Your silent refusal to bring out your weapon breaks whatever little self-control she has as she lunges at you. Gritting your teeth and throwing away your self-preservation, you rush forward to meet her.

Just as you hoped, Shenhe swings her weapon earlier with her quick reflexes and your heels dig into the ground to pull you back avoiding the fatal blow. The deep laceration on your collarbone is a small price to pay for your hands to grasp her wrists tightly. Growling, Shenhe moves to yank her hands away but petrification begins to overtake your hands and her wrists.

Not wanting to get caught in your petrifying trap again, she releases the polearm quickly, letting it clink out the ground. Your nails strain with the effort needed to keep her in your grasp but it’s worth it as her hands and wrists are successfully petrified. Like this, she couldn’t use her weapon or take out a talisman.

“You know, it’s really unfair of you to hold such a grudge against me for hurting you when you hurt innocent people all the time. Talk about a hypocrite.” With a mocking tone you begin to pull her into the shallow water. She tries to fight back but with your hands locked together and the water lapping at your feet, her resistance is futile.

“I mean, just cause you’re gullible and stupid enough to not pick up on basic social cues or even try to learn them, doesn’t mean you’re free from the consequence!” Your words end with a shout as you use your strength to pull Shenhe down with you into the water.

Falling onto your side with Shenhe in the same position, you raise your head just high enough to not drown. You didn’t pull her into the deep end, that would be suicide for you both but at least now she couldn’t use cryo without freezing herself too.

You could only hope she wasn’t that far gone to be willing to commit a murder-suicide.

Shenhe regains her bearing and quickly gains the upper hand by pinning you down into the shallow water. Holding your breath in the nick of time, your petrified hands push against her weight and flip her over.

Doing your best to hold her down in hopes of forcing her to pass out fails with how she switches the position. Constantly applying Petrify, you're locked in a grapple with Shenhe as the water splashes against your face.

“I don’t care that you hurt me. I care that you hurt my nephew!” Shenhe says in a frosty tone once she’s in an advantageous position.

Frowning at the sheer audacity of her words, pure annoyance gives you the strength to quickly overthrow her. It’s even enough to ignore how the arrow is pushed deeper and deeper into your chest.

“Stop fucking lying! You barely give a crap about him, which is still a leg up compared to how you seem to nearly hate the rest of humanity. The only person you like is the Traveler!”

“That’s not true, it’s not!” She refutes like a stubborn child. “I love the Creator too, more than anything else!” Her harsh breathing is strange, that anger she’s been so intent on expressing seems to hint at something else too…

“Then why the fuck are you still hunting me?! I didn’t do shit to the Creator nor to your precious traveler!” Probing for answers, you hold her down even with the ice spikes melting, unplugging your wounds.

“I hate you, I hate you, I HATE YOU!” Shenhe spits it out the words with rising irritation but her resentment is slowly mixing with visible frustration. “The Traveler is my link to this world, my link to the Creator. I know for sure that I like her because these emotions fill me to the brim when I’m in her presence. That’s why I’m sure that I hate you!”

Shenhe’s feelings hit the limit as her next move slams your head onto the rock in the water. Your mouth opens automatically from the pain, water rushes into your mouth choking you. Ears ringing and body steadily going limp, your mind switches between intense static and terrifying calm contemplation on her words.

That resolute tone she spoke wasn't natural, almost like she’s forcing herself to believe her words. The back of your head feels warm and you can’t tell if you’re bleeding or if it’s just water.

Emotions filled Shenhe when she met the Traveler as you were the one controlling the Traveler all this time. The Traveler is publicly known as your acolyte, probably known as your first acolyte since you start Genshin with the Traveler. As this was her first taste of emotions since her father’s betrayal, she had a positive view of Lumine immediately.

But then what did that mean for you?

Your lungs burn as water blurs your vision and Shenhe shivers above you. The medical care you applied earlier did nothing now that you’re wet. Those useless, meaningless worries fade away as you retreat into contemplation, back to where you weren’t burdened with a fight you didn’t have the energy for.

Meeting you in person must have caused even more feelings to appear but you didn’t have a reputation like the Traveler did. Combine that with the action of stabbing her, it must have warped her perception of what feelings she has toward you.

Perhaps you hit your head too hard, or maybe it was the lack of oxygen that caused a near-manic glee to fill you. With strength unknown to you, you finally push her down and smile wide enough that it borders on being creepy. The water left in your mouth runs down your face with no change in your expression.

“This has to be some bullshit. The world, Celestia, and fate must be dying to screw me over in every way possible.” Your eyes stare unmoving down at the somewhat stunned Shenhe. The slight furrow of her eyebrows and the smallest downward turn of her lips tempt you to speak with mocking joy.

“Congratulations Shenhe, you don’t hate me, you never did! You love me, you love me the same fucking way you love the Traveler. Because just as Yelan said earlier, I’m an oracle, and no matter how much you want to push those feelings away. They. Won’t. Leave.”

Punctuating those last words with more force, you lean down closer to her face which morphs into something mirroring shock and slight fear. It almost immediately turns into an expression of denial as she switches your position to keep your head on the raised seafloor.

It seems she didn’t want to drown you anymore. Your verbalized enlightening words nurtured those little seeds of doubt she tried to stomp out.

“That’s wrong, it has to be. I hate you, I must hate you! I can’t love someone who harmed me. There’s no other choice, I have to hate you.” A strong denial, but it’s all a front. The fear in her eyes is as clear as the silver moon above you.

Why, oh why did you have to deal with a little kid figuring out their feelings in this sort of situation? Just like when adults claim that a boy bullies a girl he likes. You now had to deal with Shenhe’s ‘hatred’ due to her emotionally stunted childhood.

Your luck just couldn’t get any greater!

“I can’t love you. I can’t love someone who hurts me, not again.” Shenhe stares down at you as tears begin to slide down her cheeks. Staring blankly up at her, your mind seems to connect the dots on why she’s so against loving you.

Just like most trauma, it all starts with the parents. Her father’s stupid and abusive decision still has her in a chokehold.

Perhaps if this was a different situation, a different day, you could have dealt with her feelings gently. Slowly talking to her to accept these new emotions. Pushing past any barriers and lousy facades she might use to escape your kind words of advice.

But that wasn’t going to happen. Not today, not tomorrow, and probably not for a long while. The water around you has the faintest pink hue, no doubt from all your wounds being reopened. Your ears still ring and your lungs still make your chest heave with effort to regain proper ventilation.

Shenhe’s tears drip down your cheeks as she gazes down at you with watery eyes. The beautiful mirage of colors is swamped with salty droplets as her lips quiver.

Distantly, you count this as the second time you’ve made a Cryo vision holder cry at your words. The love you held for the characters back then has all but been buried deep inside you at this point. You will not survive in this world clinging to your past love for them all.

The petrification crumbles away with Shenhe too lost in her mind and heart to realize. Your dominant hand carefully releases her wrist before clenching around a familiar weight.

If she’s the one with the Cryo vision, then why is it that you’re the one looking coldly at her?

“But you do love me, and living with those confusing emotions is what it means to be human. To be mortal.” With a swish of your sickle crackling with electricity, the blunt side makes direct contact with Shenhe’s temple. Eyes rolling to the back of her head, she collapses onto the water as her body jostles wildly from the electricity.

You aren’t afraid of the Electro hurting you. The trust you place in Teyvat to not hurt you is justified as the Electro doesn’t shock you, even as you grab Shenhe and drag her onto land.

The love you felt for all the characters isn’t being calculated in your decision. Shenhe dying, especially at your hands, is a recipe for disaster. You try to ignore the ache you feel at the thought of Shenhe's cold and rotting body in a coffin.

Touching the back of your head, you pull your hand back into view and grimace at the freckled blood dotting it. Multiple bruises, lacerations, a puncture wound in your chest, the leftover ice lodged in your lower legs, and now a head injury too?

Maybe getting a fracture or broken bone will balance out your injuries.

A slightly bitter chuckle leaves you as you open the game screen again. You only try once to teleport but as expected, it fails to work. Sighing and resisting your rising frustration, you resume your journey to the closest waypoint.

A strong smell of iron and salt clings to you, you're cold and wet but it’s bearable. Bearable compared to the pulses of pain that torment you as you amble to the halfway point of the lake.

The sound of treasure hoarders laughing and clinking of coins throws you off. Even from this distance, you can count at least five hoarders. An impossible battle in your state, you would surely die trying to get past them.

It’s hard to forget how many people they’ve kept in cages, robbed, murdered, and even implied to sexually assault.

Dread and loathing bubble up to the point where you’re almost positive that if you opened your mouth, acid would come out. Doing your best to disregard the pain, cold, exhaustion, and fury you turn around and walk back.

Farther down south is supposed to be where another teleport waypoint is built. Supposedly: it’s right above the Chasm in Lumberpick Valley. Just some climbing, not like you can’t push your bleeding body a little farther, and then a straight shot to the waypoint.

Checking the game screen one last time to be absolutely sure, you start your journey. You avoid looking at Shenhe’s peaceful appearing body laying on the grass. Mindlessly your hands apply your leftover medical supplies to your battered body.

There’s no time to rest. No time to stir on what direction to go, on how you should react to Yelan if she appears. No time to collapse on the soft grass and just let yourself bleed to death.

Yelan was bound to be on your heels and you would be damned to let her be the death of you.

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

Sweat dripped down your skin as your haggard breathing could be faintly heard. Knuckles pale from the tight grip you enforced, you pulled yourself up over the last ledge.

You couldn't just backtrack and go back the way you came, the chance of running into Yelan or other enemies was too high, so now you were stuck climbing hill after hill.

Crawling away from the edge, you pick yourself up tiredly. Wincing from the throbbing pain in your head, you held it gently. The bandages wrapped haphazardly around it were slightly bloody.

Each drop of ruby and ticking second was precious. You didn't have much energy left.

Following the vague instructions you remember from looking at the map, you followed the hill down. As you got closer, the sound of conversation was recognized.

Slowing down, you crouched low and laid down near the edge closest to the waypoint.

Two treasure hoarders stood below walking together. Scanning them up and down, you noted the crossbow and throwing knives arming them.The men stopped almost directly below you making a smile creep onto your face.

Your specialty was gathering information. To be more specific, blackmail.

And while you doubt they know any good blackmail, whatever they know could be useful.

"Isn't it great that we finally got word from Brass Bull and Flower? I was so sure that we would never receive another letter after what happened…"

"You shouldn't speak about Big Sis and Flower that way! I mean, the Madam from the Treasure Hoarder Association came in person on Big Sis's request."

"What are you doing trying to scold me while openly referring to Brass Bull as Big Sis?!"

The hoarders squabble with each other below you as you stir on their words. A Madam from the Treasure Hoarder's Association? That doesn't seem suspicious on the surface layer but from what you remember…

There never was a Treasure Hoarder Association in the game. The most impressive thing about them was how disorganized yet large their group is.

Keeping a hand over your mouth to halt the manic giggle from escaping, your eyes gleam with malice.

Everyone has some sort of tell when they lie. Experienced liars have learned to hide their physical tell but that makes it evolve into something else. A pattern for lying, a favorite lie to rely on.

And if you remember correctly, Yelan almost always claims to be a part of some organization while conveniently avoiding her name.

All that built up excitement at seeing past Yelan's lie falls the moment you realize that she must be near the waypoint. Maybe you should just turn back?

Standing back up you grimace at the blades of grass dotted with crimson. You were losing blood at a rate too fast to play it safe. At most you had another two hours, and that was without combat in the equation.

Ignoring the dull spikes of pain from your skull, you keep low and sneak past the treasure hoarders. The various large rocks and swaying trees served as a good concealment. The night sky was just another bonus that helped you along.

The path clears and after walking a bit on edge, you slowly rise to your full height.

There wasn't another soul in sight.

As much as you would like to be suspicious and keep to the shadows, you couldn't afford to be so guarded. Merely thanking your lucky stars, you follow the path quickly.

Slowing down, you come across a wooden structure with stairs leading up to the teleport waypoint. The blue glow was a comforting sight. Finally, you can try to escape this place by activating it.

With one more wary glance around the area, you quietly climb the stairs. Not a sound is heard as you dash closer to the waypoint and reach your hand out.

Chills run down your spine and Teyvat cries out in your mind with what sounded like an animalistic scream. The glimmer of something shiny blue comes from the teleport waypoint but it's too late.

Not even your instincts can push your lightheaded and muddled mind to process the situation fast enough.

Hydro lifelines cut into your hands, letting your blood reveal the criss-cross patterned trap guarding the waypoint.

A yelp of pain leaves you from the burn of your nerves and you startle back just in time to not get your face smashed into it.

The lifelines move to wrap around your limbs and fling you back. There's a split second of being airborne, your heavy body floats for felt like an eternity.

Until your back collides with the insignificant stack of crates that break at your weight. Splinters tear your worn out clothing and stab into your back. It's not deep but the blood is obvious. Pain floods your senses and your ear

The remaining crates fall onto your face and there's a sickening crack of your nose. All you can do is gasp from the pain and bite back tears.

"A little birdie told me of someone messing with the Creator's holy structures. Those who aren't chosen by the Creator can't touch them."

Even through the blinding pain, ringing ears and bloody spit, you make sure to bite out "Just like you?"

Yelans blurry figure enters your vision that fades in and out of consciousness. What a shame that you couldn't see the snarl her lips curled into.

Lifelines pull you by your wrists into a standing position. Blood rushes to your head, causing you to gasp from the sharp spikes of pain. Your vision comes back into focus, showcasing a smirking Yelan.

Clean and bandaged, the exact opposite of you.

“Keep them still, don’t bother with the rope. Restraints would be wasted on a captive as beat up as them.” The off-hand words are followed by the lifelines breaking away and leaving you to sway. Almost immediately, a larger pair of hands grab your arms and force them behind your back. Calloused fingers dig into your wrist to hold them still, the lacerations throb at the rough handling.

Not bothering to fight the new hold, you slowly turn your head to examine your surroundings. What was once an empty platform is now filled with treasure hoarders. Both possible exits are blocked off by groups as Yelan stands in front of you with her back turned.

“We got them, Madam! This is who we needed to capture to finally be connected with the Fatui, right? With this masked target caught, we can get Big Sis and Flower back!” A cheerful treasure hoarder speaks up first. Perhaps he's the leader for this bunch of hoarders?

The rest of the hoarders chime in too, big smiles stretch across their faces as they celebrate. The names ‘Brass Bull’ and ‘Flower’ are mentioned multiple times as they grow louder and more excited.

“Oh yeah?” Even with Yelan’s back to you, the smile in her voice is easily heard by you.

“Then it’s almost a shame to say that I caught the rest of you too.” The confused and wary expressions turn into realization as lifelines appear all around the treasure hoarders. The hands around your wrists tighten up as you peek up at the hoarder holding you captive.

Silent and still, the masked hoarder tightens his grip on you as the other members begin to fight back against Yelan. Only some though, most are too scared to move and get filled by the laser-beam structured lifelines.

Yelan, as calm as still water, walks to the stronger hoarders, determining them as the only threats. The noise in the area heightens as fighting ensures but your mind seems to work properly amidst the confusion. Fingers twitching with the desire to hold your sickle and break free from the flimsy man’s hold, you take a shaky breath. Not yet, you tell yourself, just one more step and then you can break free.

Yells of anger and betrayal ring out as the hoarders curse Yelan out. The names Brass Bull and Flower are spoken with so much affection that the familiar tug on your memory finally makes sense.

A past Genshin event involving the traveler helping the Milleth arrest a group of treasure hoarders comes to mind. As per usual: it ended with the Traveler arresting the leaders Brass Bull and Flower, along with what seemed to be their full group.

Seems this group was just the leftover that must have been somewhere else during the time of the event. They’re simply the leftovers that Yelan is obliged to clean up. Yelan never helps an enemy without helping herself first.

“I almost feel bad for you all.” A dry chuckle leaves you after speaking as the hoarder holding you shoots you a nervous glance.

What easy prey.

“Did you really believe that Madam so easily? Brass Bull’s letter has to leave the Milleth prison meaning anyone could have peeked into the contents. Forging a letter to catch you all is just one possibility. It would be even easier to just replace the true Madam to infiltrate for any information you might withhold in captivity.”

His body stiffens up and his eyes look down at you with not quite a glare but something harder than a stare. “H-How did you kno-”

“About the letter? Yelan, or rather your fake Madam, bragged to me about it of course. A public servant for the Ministry of Affairs like Yelan can’t help but flaunt her misdeeds.” There’s a wariness in his eyes as he stares at you, his guard is lowering by the second.

Tone shifting into annoyance, you continue. “Don’t give me that look, ‘the enemy of my enemy is my friend’, don’t you know that? I was the one undercover to bring the real Madam back here. When I couldn’t find her, that's when I met Yelan.”

Biting your bleeding lip, your expression scrunches into one of anger as treasure hoarder after treasure hoarder are sent flying. “Yelan explained in detail how she tortured my dear Madam for information, all while inflicting these wounds on me. I’m not surprised to see that she infiltrated your group by lying her ass off.” His brows begin to furrow and his hands begin to steady.

“You wanna know something else?” His nod makes you smile widely and much like a devil to a wronged soul you whisper into his ear. “The Fatui you all were supposed to meet on Brass Bull’s orders have already been taken care of by Yelan. She could have just captured you all without any unnecessary fighting, but she wanted to betray you all.”

“Just like how she helped the Traveler arrest everyone all that time ago…”

His complexion turns red as he releases your hands quickly and grabs the sledgehammer hanging from his waist. He sprints swinging it widely while yelling-

“-That woman is a fake! A fraud! She’s responsible for the past arrest and now this arrest!” Yelan jumps back, barely escaping a broken jaw as he continues to yell. “She’s the one responsible for Brass Bull and Flower’s sentence! Everything from then and now is all her fault!”

That knowledge makes every treasure hoarder's eyes grow in size and lock in on Yelan. Your hands pick up your bag from the floor as the hoarders lunge for Yelan.

Emerald eyes, wide and panicked, lock onto your tired yet satisfied ones as you send a shit-eating grin her way. ‘Eat shit’ you mouthed to her before watching the remnants of the group jump her.

It felt great, amazing even, to give her a taste of her own medicine after what happened with Shenhe.

Only the smallest bits and pieces of wood were stuck in your back as you lug the back onto your shoulder. Flexing your body despite the pain and slight sway, you survey the battlefield.

You still needed to touch that damn waypoint.

“Ugh!” With a wince, you press a hand against your head before ducking as a blue arrow whizzes above you. Your skull sends sharp jolts of pain down your body as your back grows wet with blood.

This battlefield was too risky, every hoarder was blindly shooting and Yelan was still targeting you!

Putting pressure on your calves that still drip with blood and melted ice, you march through the battle. Limbs and heavy bodies bump into you harshly as weapons narrowly hit your fragile body.

With laser focus on the teleport waypoint, you escape the constantly moving current of fighting and come into proximity of the waypoint. The cool feel of the waypoint is soothing against your feverishly hot fingertips, just when did you get this hot?

A gold glow shines from the teleport waypoint as you wretch your fingers away quickly, uncaring how your ruby blood left its mark on the object.

Shit, shit! How could you forget?!

The battle stills as everyone’s eyes are drawn to the dimming glow and new color of the waypoint. Yelan stares at you past the remaining hoarders before you jump to the side when multiple Hydro projectiles are shot at you.

It snaps the treasure hoarders back into reality as they glare at Yelan again. Taking advantage of what little time you can get, your body moves automatically to the closest exit.

Only to stop as the lingering hoarders who are too scared to fight Yelan but feel too guilty to run away aim at you with pale complexions. “D-Don’t come any closer!”

A bloody and messy unknown traveler on the other hand? The chance of them actually shooting you is high. Spitting out the blood pooling into your mouth, you back away from them. Turning back, you try the other exit but it’s just as bad.

Neither way was going to let you through and Yelan was starting to seriously cut down on their numbers. The small mountain next to you was starting to look increasingly tempting…

A passed out treasure hoarder is flung in your direction by unstable lifelines with you pressing your aching body against the stone to avoid getting hit. Your skull hits the stone and your mind goes blank for a hot minute.

Did you really have any time to be picky? You weren’t even sure if the waypoint would even work.

Sucking in a painful breath, you wrap your cut up fingers around the rocks and begin to climb. Sweat rolled off your feverish body as every movement made waves of pain wash over your body.

Blood dripped from your nose, spilled out of your mouth, and mixed with the slightly bloody dents you got from Yelan’s nails. Hot stings pricked at your head as the bruises beneath your body made itself remembered.

Finally at the top, you pull yourself up and gaze at the Chasm as the cool night air nipped at your skin bringing sweet relief. Lumbering closer to the ledge toward the Chasm to avoid any stray arrows, your fingers tremble slightly as it brings up the map.

Strange, when did you start trem- “Argh!” The cry is pulled from your lips as an arrow pierces your back. The pain and force behind it is too great forcing your body to collapse to the ground.

Your broken nose makes contact with the groan pulling a pained groan from you. Weakly, you roll to your side as heels begin to head your way. Body sore and sensitive, your eyes stare up at Yelan’s casual stride.

She’s slow and beaten up too. That arrogant smile is gone and those demeaning eyes have changed into something akin to hatred. Pulling yourself up as she stops just a few feet away, you watch her draw her bow.

Taking a step back just to get some distance, maybe even enough to dodge, it’s stopped short when all you can feel is the edge beneath you.

It’s a dead end.

Yelan is quiet as she aims at you, her trembling bloody fingers are more than enough proof of how far you pushed her. Should you be satisfied seeing someone who basically had their whole life play out like you wanted and craved suffer?

“I guess you really will be known as a hero, Yelan, just like your ancestors.” The words are sad and bitter on your tongue. A sharp contrast to the iron taste as you cough up blood.

“It cough must be nice! Knowing that every-cough thing in your life worked out in the end! Hack” A clot of blood is forced out of your throat as Yelan narrows her eyes at you.

“I hope you thank the Creator every damn day for the people in your life…” A sardonic wet laugh leaves you as your body shakes. “Especially Ningguang as she's the reason you didn't have to struggle to find a new job.”

A bloody coughing fit consumes you and pain accompanies it as the bow’s tension is released.

The incoming arrow isn’t something you can avoid or block, the force of it pushes you off the edge. Time slows down as you blankly watch Yelan’s form begin to get smaller from above you.

You have no energy to panic, just a faint realization of your quickly coming death and a conflicting feeling of acceptance. The wind howls in your ears and the world blurs together, all you can truly see is the starry sky above you.

Is this how you will die? Is this how you want to die?

No, maybe you should at least be thankful that you’ll be dying from being a liar rather than being an imposter.

Would that make your death more acceptable in your eyes?

Your body is weightless and the pain you suffered from no longer torments your body. Closing your eyes, you let all those lingering worries fade away.

Why weren’t you dead yet?

Opening your eyes, you find that your fall is a lot slower than before. It’s gotten softer from a howl to a murmur in your ears. Aches begin to plague you as pressure compresses your body and lungs.

Rocks and other edges move past you and the incredible thing you realize is that you’re floating. Will you actually survive? Is there a big difference between falling to your death and floating to it?

Struggling to breathe through the thin air and blood in your mouth, no scream of pain can leave your lips as your back meets the grass. Several cracks can be felt and a tip of the arrow pushes through your body until the metal tip pierces your lung.

The pain is unbearable as you lie there helpless.

Teyvat traded a quick painful death of being splattered and compressed on the ground for a slow painful death of bleeding out?

‘What a fucking joke!’ You think to yourself as tears run down your face, and your skin turns cool and clammy. Warm blood seeps through your clothing and it begins to form a sticky puddle beneath you.

Skull aching as your spotty vision fades in and out, the several new broken bones that leave you unable to move, and the agonizing pain of something stabbing your insides as blood bubbles in your mouth?

It’s torture, you conclude. You’re fated to die a torturous death no matter what.

“...herbs….here…” It’s a slight mumble that you can’t hear.

“Maybe…here?” A little closer and the voice catches your slowly dying consciousness.

“The last herb is here.” A slow, childlike voice reaches your ears and you turn barely enough to watch a zombie-child walk your way.

A small basket is stiff in her hands filled with plants. “I need to gather the herb.” She speaks not quite to you but past you.

To a snow-white Qingxin, the petals droop beautifully dotted with crimson beads of your blood. Qiqi walks closer with empty eyes unflinching as her shoes are stained with your blood.

Qiqi can carry Xiao and she goes straight to Baizhu who is not only a healer, but also the best doctor. This agony and suffering would be worth going through if you would actually live.

The only thing in the way was her current order...

Good thing you already know how to cancel it.

Qiqi’s stiff fingers wrap around the stem and freeze when your larger, shaking one's weakly lay on hers. Dull pink eyes look up at you as if seeing you for the first time. Her pupils widen minuscule as your warm eyes stare back.

Forcing a small bloody smile, you weakly whisper sweetly. “Qiqi, I love you most.”

The basket in her other hand drops to the ground but Qiqi’s eyes never stray from yours. Her small grip on the stem stiffens and you continue. “It’s true Qiqi, I love you most.”

“But I won’t be able to love you if I die here. Bring me to Baizhu.”

Her eyes dull immediately and she releases her grip on the herb. “Order received.”

With that, she takes the arrows embedded in your chest and snaps the majority of the parts sticking out. The pain you feel from Qiqi’s lack of restraint isn’t unbearable but the continuous feeling of your conscious fading scares you.

Within a minute Qiqi has you on her back with your arms draped over her front as she holds your legs up. The position is painful as her readjustment and movement make the leftover arrows in you jolt, but it works.

Not a single part of your body is dragging on the floor and she even has your bag hanging from her neck. It would be a cute sight if she wasn’t going to hike back to Bubu’s Pharmacy carrying a dying body.

You admittedly held some negative feelings towards Baizhu for using that method of canceling orders. He may take good care of Qiqi but he only loves her as a patient, rather than as a parent.

Qiqi hikes back with no stumbles or enemies in the way. Even with your weight, she walks as if unburdened. That doesn’t stop the mind-numbing sting plaguing you and your body.

What right do you have to judge Baizhu for giving Qiqi false parental love for his own benefit? You’ve now done the same exact thing. If anything, you should know better.

You don’t have much time left as your head sags onto her, your consciousness is at the brink. Unknowingly your thoughts begin to spill out in a hoarse voice “Sorry Qiqi, I shouldn’t have said that. What I should say is sorry.”

With that, everything fades to black.

This was one long chapter, but I did not want to split and risk losing the momentum. I'm happy to conclude this women hunting you down arc! I swear this chapter was done when I was freed from the shadowban, it just took a long time to edit. Thank you to my editor for helping me edit this document from hell. It definitely would have taken at least another few days. Next chapter might take a bit longer as I have to finish Baizhu's story quest for a proper view of him. I'll admit that my series can get confusing so if there is any questions, feel free to ask! I appreciate all the likes, comments and reblogs!

Taglist - if you're name is in italics, that means I couldn't tag you!

@vvyeislazzy, @nikqi, @the-dumber-scaramouche, @etherisy, @yourlocalstranger123, @ra404, @iruiji, @goldenglow149, @haru-tofuu, @lsleepysimpl, @bebobeboben, @yuyuzi-ling, @amidst-the-tempest, @resident-cryptid, @mxd1zzy, @mochicurls21, @nervouseaglelover, @thedevioussmirk, @yumuramma, @kwqsla, @undecidingfate, @ehjane, @game-savvy, @akiramirae, @liansh3ng, @fluffy-koalala, @formacoon, @sxftiebee, @khxii-i, @ursinaw, @chuuya-brainrot, @sweetbills, @kazuchaos, @snowfoxnix, @bluebelony, @shellofthewell, @pencil-of-ashes, @ghostlyintervention, @taiformaifoe, @goaudduck, @carminerin, @maddysflowers, @zenith-of-all-zenith, @crazydreamcat, @leafanonsforest, @grimreapersscythe, @leylanx, @sapphireknown, @help-whatdoimakemyusername, @zhonglisfruityass, @mer0n37, @victoria1676, @mochinessss, @sinnful-darling, @emilymikado, @pix-stuff, @esthelily, @luxie963, @emmbny, @millienolife @kbar1013, @xxblackroses623xx, @chxrlxtteee, @aludicpoet, @yandematic, @atrcclovsxoxo, @0lshadyl0, @esthelily, @t-rex-red, @ck123, @steadybreadbluebird, @118gremlin, @stratonia, @time-shardz, @farelady-fate, @valeriele3, @francisnyx, @byakuren100, @waveto-earth, @flyingpansaurus

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valeriasdream · 22 days

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You Are in Control

A long post ahead, so I put a cut to save space for you all. I hope this helps. A bit nervous posting this and I get a little ramble-y, so apologies in advance for that.

We try to control our external world by focusing on our results, but by doing so we give up our actual control.

Have you ever heard the philosophy that you can't change others, you can only change yourself? The same applies here. You cannot change the outer world without changing your own inner world and mindset.

The only thing you will ever have 100% control over is yourself and your internal world. No one has control over your belief system, as much as people will tell you that what you believe is not wrong, it's still yours.

On Traumatic Events

That being said, I want to talk about traumatic events in relation to manifestations and reality shifting, since I've seen a lot of people posting or talking about it recently.

I think people misunderstand that when we say our assumptions make up our reality it means we are therefore responsible or the cause of bad things that happen to us, including traumatic events or abuse.

This is simply not true.

I think it's incredibly cruel to tell people that their abuse or their trauma is their fault. It's not.

Imagine you are going through life with a blindfold over your eyes, but you are unaware that you have a blindfold on. You think you can see, you are not aware that you are blind. So you continue your life, falling over, getting hurt, running into things because you just simply do not have the awareness to even realize that you are blind. How can you be responsible for getting hurt, how can it be your fault that you were hurt if you couldn't even see the path in front of you?

Then one day, you experience something that causes you to become aware of the blindfold. It could be another person telling you about it, it could be just through random circumstances that you felt your face and realized, "holy shit, I'm blind!" Whatever the circumstance is, it does not matter.

So you take off the blindfold, and you suddenly notice that you have total control of your path, and now you can avoid all pain or dangerous outcomes.

This is sort of how I view trauma or negative experiences... And I am aware that my blindfold analogy sounds a bit "culty" because of the whole, "open your eyes take off the blindfold" shit but it's the best analogy I've got, so I'm sorry for that. I am NOT trying to sound like some bullshit person who blindly believes in the law without acknowledging traumas. Traumas are real and they happen to people.

Sometimes we are blinded, and unaware. And when we are blind and unaware, we don't have control. And it's not our fault for being unaware, because think of how you were before you knew about the law or about shifting. You were just living your life, you were letting life lead you. You were in survival mode. How can you blame someone for just being in survival?

That does not mean that you are the cause for any bad things that happened to you because at the time, you were unaware of the control and power you had. And that's perfectly valid and okay, whatever may have happened to you it was not your fault.

It is now up to you whether or not you want to stay in that state, and because you are now aware of the control you have over yourself it is so much more freeing. The blindfold has been removed, you are no longer stumbling through life simply trying to survive. You are free to create however you desire.

As a side note, I want to express that it is absolutely possible to heal from traumas. It is hard, it is very very scary, I know because I've been there myself. But it is possible... And the moment you do, the moment you free yourself of whatever happened to you, you will understand that it was never your fault. If anyone is reading this who has been through something painful, difficult, or traumatic... You didn't deserve that. You will lead whatever life you desire, whether it's manifesting a better life here for yourself, or shifting to a whole new reality in your DR. It's not about deserving or not, everyone deserves their own version of their reality regardless of the person you are. There is no good or bad, there is only a state of being.

I just wanted to end on this note because I think people can sometimes blame themselves far too easily, and sometimes we need reassurance and to understand that we're not responsible for what happened to us, but we are responsible for handling our own healing.

No one can heal you but you. Just like no one can change your reality but you.

You are in control. Do not ever let anyone take that away from you.

This post from 2022 in the Neville Goddard subreddit has a take that I find very helpful in also understanding that you are not the cause of your traumas.

If you've read this far, thank you for your time. Whether we agree or not, I hope everyone remains respectful.

🩷 Valeria

#law of assumption #lawofassumption #loa #reality shifting #desired reality #reality shift #shiftblr #shifting #reality shifter #shifting blog #neville goddard #nevillegoddard #loassumption #loablr #loa tumblr

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doctorofmagic · 1 month

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Doctor Strange's disability: a (much needed) chronological review

In view of recent ableism and drama on the other social hellsite involving Doctor Strange's disability, here's my response, based on *CANON* material. (link to the thread on said hellsite here)

Stephen disability is established since 1963, back in Strange Tales #115. The story is focused on a flashback which portrays his journey from the decay of his medical career because of a car accident to his path towards the mystic arts.

Note that, in this very same issue, the Ancient One never says he would heal Stephen's *hands*, but perhaps Stephen would find the cure within. In other words, Stephen was supposed to heal his heart and soul from arrogance and egoism through magic, not a physical cure.

Also note that there are limitations within every aspect of comic books' universes. In this case, we're talking about magic. Magic is not a miracle thing. It demands training and, most recently as established by v4, a cost (Doctor Strange v4 #4).

Another clue that "magic can heal anything because it's fantasy" is not a valid argument within Marvel's magic world, as seen in The Oath. Stephen had access to the Otkid's Elixir, which could heal any disease, but the formula was lost in order to save Wong's life.

One last example comes from Spider-Man Family #5 (2007), featuring Morbius and Spidey. It establishes that healing demands the exact same price when it comes to magic.

Long story short, it's clear that the magic side of Marvel does not offer a solution to diseases through magical miracles. So this argument is totally invalid ~within~ this established universe.

Now back to Doctor Strange... No, he isn't using magic to heal his hands unlike some misleading accounts are claiming. In fact, there are several panels which show that he's actually in constant pain. Here's some examples:

- Doctor Strange - Sorcerer Supreme #48 (1992).

- Captain Marvel v10 #6 (2019)

- Doctor Strange v4 #1 (2015)

He also struggles to hold a pen and write, relying on magic to do so, as seen in the Book of the Vishanti.

Then comes the stupid argument I saw.

"Oh, but Google says his hands are healed!" is not a gotcha moment you think it is. We had FOUR MAIN BOOKS after that (Surgeon Supreme, DODS, Strange v3 and current v6). Allow me to clarify the details in chronological order.

Stephen indeed made a "magic" gamble and healed his hands. That much is correct. But it's not all (panels from Doctor Strange v5 #19 - 2019).

Waid continued this storyline in a new book called Dr. Strange (Surgeon Supreme), which would portray Stephen's duality as the Sorcerer Supreme and a brilliant surgeon. Except the book was cancelled at issue #6 (2020), leaving the character in a kind of limbo. Now enter MacKay.

MacKay kept a little bit of the former storyline as seen in Death of the Doctor Strange #1 (2021). On top of that, his hands appeared healed. However, that lasted only until Kaecilius murdered Stephen and stole his hands.

Stephen's temporal duplicate used a regenerative spell to bring original Stephen back through Kaecilius' body and the stolen hands. In here, we can see that his hands are scarred just like after the car accident (DODS #5 - 2022). OG Stephen died a second time with scars as well.

Stephen is indeed seen writing in v6 but it's not clear if he's using magic or not. Besides, he's not working as a surgeon anymore. Moreover, MacKay considers Stephen disabled as seen in this recent issue of v6 (#7 - 2023): "My own connection to the aether, the magic of the world, the power of the Vishanti, the power of the Sorcerer Supreme... Gone. Without all of that? I am just an old man with useless hands and a blade in his stomach."

In conclusion,

As of CURRENT DOCTOR STRANGE RUN by Jed MacKay and Pasqual Ferry, in the year of our lord Vishanti, 2024, Stephen Strange is a disabled character and no magic or ableism will erase that. Thank you very much.

#doctor strange #stephen strange #tw: ableism #marvel comics #character analysis #meta

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mynicosensesaretingling · 5 months

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Lost in the moment (part 2)

Nico Rosberg x fem!reader

Summary: After their friendship ended unexpectedly, Nico and (Y/N) continued their lives on different paths, but what happens when they meet again? (part 2 of 2)

Warnings: Once again a little angst, female reader

Note: I was honestly surprised how well the first part of this fic was received. Thank you all so much for your feedback!

(part 2 of 2)

Find part 1 here: https://www.tumblr.com/mynicosensesaretingling/733720166569033728/lost-in-the-moment-part-1?source=share

Hope you enjoy <3

The years that followed were a relentless storm for both Nico and (Y/N), each navigating their separate paths with the ghost of their past lingering.

Nico’s championship victory and the soon-following retirement propelled him into the dazzling spotlight of Formula 1, becoming a charismatic figure both on and off the race track.

However, the memory of that final race continued to linger in the back of his mind, a bittersweet victory tainted by the absence of someone he had considered a confidante. Someone he had loved. Of course, he had seen the notifications of her calls once the celebrations had stopped. But whereas at first, he didn’t call her back simply out of spite and having been hurt, the more time went by, the more he feared actually hearing her speak his suspicions of having been betrayed into existence.

Meanwhile, (Y/N) on the other hand, had to face the daunting task of fighting her way back into the world of reporting. Having lost her job at Countdown Magazine , the young woman found herself feeling lost in the working world. The void left by Formula 1 was a constant ache, a reminder of the dreams she once had to forfeit and the pain of not having been there for Nico during his triumphant moment was an emotional wound that refused to heal, casting a lingering shadow on her achievements. However, she found that her luck hadn't completely run out, for after a few unsuccessful jobs, she was offered a position as a reporter for a small, upcoming motorsport journal called The Racing Project.

Although over the years both Nico and (Y/N) followed a similar career path, their paths did not actually cross until the much-anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix.

The stage was set, the racetrack buzzing with fervour, as Nico stood filming a live segment in the paddock, delivering his commentary with practised ease. The cameras captured every word he spoke, but his mind was elsewhere. As he scanned the crowd, his eyes unexpectedly fell upon a familiar figure- (Y/N).

Time seemed to halt, the cacophony of the racing world drowned by a flood of memories and emotions. Nico’s heart quickened its pace, a turbulent storm surging within him. The very sight of his former friend, after all these years, sent his thoughts spiralling into a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.

The ex-racer stumbled over his words, a subtle tremor in his voice betraying the storm of emotions raging inside him. “And…and as we witness this….um, remarkable race unfolding before us,” he managed to continue, though the words suddenly felt foreign on his tongue.

Nico couldn’t tear his gaze from (Y/N)’s form, caught between the past and present. The weight of their shared history bore down on him, each moment they had shared flashing through his mind like a movie reel. His eyes conveyed a mixture of surprise, longing and a hint of regret for the years of silence, that had separated them.

The subtle changes in Nico’s demeanour didn’t go unnoticed by the camera and crew. His usual composed demeanour wavered, a fleeting glimpse of vulnerability surfacing in his eyes. The inner conflict that churned within him was evident to those who knew him well, a battle between the duties of the present and the ghosts of the past.

As the blond shrugged to maintain his composure, the words of the commentary became a blur as the realization that (Y/N) was back in his life hit him. He tried to regain his focus, attempting to steer the commentary back on track, but the presence of (Y/N) in the crowd continued to pull at the threads of his composure.

It wasn’t until the segment was finally finished, that Jenson, who had moderated the segment along with Nico and was well aware of the history between him and the female reporter, leaned in and whispered, “I didn't know that (Y/N) is working as a Formula 1 reporter again after her sudden release just before your championship race.”

Jenson’s statement led revelation to hit Nico like a tidal wave. The pieces of the puzzle all of sudden fell into place, and the weight of misunderstanding and regret bore down on him. “Excuse me.” Nico stuttered out, freeing himself of the broadcasting equipment before hurriedly plunging into the bustling crowd, determined to confront the past.

Rushing past crew members and paddock guests, his blue eyes scanned the crowd with restlessness before finally landing on the all-too-familiar shape of (Y/N).

“(Y/n),“ he called out, his voice carrying the echoes of years of silence.

Upon hearing his voice call out to her, the woman turned, eyes widening in surprise, before narrowing again in anger. The air around them was suddenly buzzing with the electricity of unspoken words and unresolved feelings. “Nico,” she replied coldly, her voice betraying a simmering anger beneath the surface.

Nico took a cautious step closer, the atmosphere fraught with tension. “I…I didn’t know. I thought you used me for stories. I didn’t know what happened that day.” his words came out rushed, as he struggled to keep up with his own thoughts. Lifting her chin, (Y/N) crossed her arms, a defensive gesture as she glared at him. “Well, glad you’ve figured it out by now.” her voice cut through the noise of the racetrack. “I lost my job, Nico. I lost everything I had worked for, and you didn’t even bother to hear me out. You think an apology fixes this?”

Nico reached for (Y/N)’s hand, a silent plea for understanding and forgiveness. “My mind was too clouded by the fact that you weren’t by my side during my victory, to be able to think rationally. I should have known.” he tried to explain himself, voice haunted by the regret of misplaced assumptions.

(Y/N) pulled her hand away from his grasp, a scoff escaping her lips. “Known? I would’ve never expected you to just know. But you should have asked, Nico. You didn’t give me a single chance to explain myself. Instead, you just disappeared.” with the last word, she jabbed an angry finger at his chest.

Nico opened his mouth to respond, but (Y/N) cut him off “ You don’t get to just waltz back into my life after all these years and expect everything to be okay. You have no idea what it was like for me, losing my job and feeling abandoned by my best friend.”

The man’s face fell, the reality of the pain he had caused written across his features. “(Y/N),please. I didn’t know the truth, and I-”

“Don’t,” she interrupted, her voice sharp.”You didn’t bother to find out. You just assumed the worst, and I won’t just forget that.”

The tension between them was palpable as they stood there, the racetrack humming with the distant roar of engines. Whereas (Y/N)’s eyes held a mixture of anger and hurt, Nico felt the weight of his past choices pressing down on him. The heavy silence between them was once again interrupted by her voice, the anger now morphed into frustration. “You made your choice back then.” She sounded defeated. Nico struggled to find the right words, his chest tight with regret. “I messed up. I should have trusted you, and I’m sorry.”

Unwilling to meet his gaze, (Y/N) turned away. “Sorry doesn’t erase the past, Nico. I don’t need your apologies now, I got work to do.”

The gravity of her words hung heavily between them.Once determined to seek reconciliation, Nico faced the consequences of his assumptions.The racetrack, witness to their shared highs and lows, now became a battleground for a different kind of race- a race against time to repair the fractured bond between them. As they lingered in the charged silence, a new layer of tension emerged. The unspoken truth of feelings that had never found a voice in the past now hovered between them. They had danced around something more profound than friendship, an undercurrent of emotions that had remained buried.

Deciding to try a different approach, Nico’s tone softened. “Remember that night when I waited for you in the pouring rain?”

As she turned back around to him (Y/N)’s eyes flickered with curiosity, a hint of vulnerability breaking through her defensive stance. “What?”

Nico’s eyes nervously searched hers, an unsure, almost shy smile on his lips. “I stole that umbrella from Toto and to this day I am unsure of whether I was more nervous about waiting for you or the possibility of Toto finding out I was the reason he got drenched to the bone.”

A breathless chuckle broke through her frown, the sound like music to Nico’s ears. “You stole an umbrella from your boss, just so you could go on a walk with me?” her voice was laced with amusement and disbelief. “Mhm,” he hummed in response, his smile widening into a grin, blue eyes sparkling as he thought back to that very evening. “I actually hid around a corner for like 10 minutes, because I could hear how on edge he was, asking crew members about where his umbrella went.” A genuine laugh escaped (Y/N) at that, eyes glistening as she was hit by a wave of nostalgia. There was another moment of silence between the pair, although this time it felt more intimate.

“You know that when it came to us it was never about the job right?” her voice was barely louder than a whisper and if Nico hadn’t already been paying such close attention to her, he would have surely missed it.

His eyes bore into (Y/N)’s, the weight of her words sinking in. The revelation hung in the air, an unspoken truth that had shaped their past interactions. With her vulnerability laid bare, (Y/N) waited for Nico’s response, the air heavy with anticipation. In that moment the racetrack seemed to fade into the background, leaving only the two of them suspended in an emotional crossfire.

Nico, grappling with the unexpected confession, searched her eyes for clarity. The realization hit him like a thunderbolt. Their unspoken connection had always transcended the confines of a professional relationship, a truth buried beneath the surface of camaraderie and shared passion for Formula 1.

Studying his face, (Y/N) could watch as a myriad of emotions played across Nico’s face- surprise, regret and a hint of realization.

“(Y/N)”, he murmured, his voice tinged with astonishment and understanding, as his brain struggled to find the right words.

The woman’s gaze wavered, and she nodded, a mixture of sadness and acceptance in her eyes. “You were so focused on the rivalry and the championship, that I didn’t want to complicate things. I thought, maybe one day…” Her voice trailed off, leaving the unspoken “one day” hanging in the air.

Nico’s mind raced, grappling with the weight of missed opportunities and the realization of their connection has been far more profound than he had ever comprehended. “I had no idea. If I had known, I would have-” She cut him off, a bittersweet smile on her lips. “It’s in the past Nico. We can’t change it now.” Shaking his head, the blond reached out, tentatively taking (Y/N)’s hand and this time she allowed their fingers to intertwine, a silent acknowledgement of the emotions that had lingered, unspoken for years. “(Y/N), I wish I had known. I wish I had seen it then.” She met his gaze, the raw honesty of the moment reflected in her eyes. “We were caught in the whirlwind of the Silver War, and I didn’t want to be another distraction.”

Nico’s thumb gently traced circles on the back of her hand, as his gaze locked onto hers. “You were never a distraction, (Y/N).” Nico’s voice was stern. “If anything, you were the constant that I failed to appreciate.”

As they found themselves standing at the crossroads of what could have been and what might still be, their hands lingered together, a silent testament to the depth of their connection. The unspoken feelings that had been tucked away for years now demanded recognition, weaving an intricate tapestry of emotions.

Nico took a step closer, his heart pounding with a mixture of uncertainty and hope. “Do you think we could start over…try to make up for the time we lost?”

(Y/N) looked up at him, eyes meeting his, and he thought to see a flicker of hope in their depths. “Nico-” she sighed clearly conflicted “It’s not that simple. We’ve both changed.”

He nodded a sense of gentleness in his understanding gaze. “I know, but what if we explore what we have now?” he leaned in a little closer, hand reaching up to gingerly cradle her cheek. “Let’s start from here, from this moment. Forget the misunderstandings, the lost chances and see where this takes us.”

The warmth and sheer softness of his touch seemingly eased the mental conflict within (Y/N)’s mind and a tentative smile tugged at the corner of her lips. “Will you steal another umbrella from Toto?” her question was accompanied by a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.

The suddenness of her request made Nico knit his brows in confusion. Taking a second to process the question, this time it was him, who laughed in disbelief.

"Yes.” he chuckled, thumb tracing her cheekbone, loving eyes studying her face as to memorise every single feature. “I'd happily steal yet another one of Toto's umbrellas for you." Underneath his gentle touch, Nico could feel her timid smile grow into a cheeky grin. "Well, then I am happily willing to give us a second chance."

As they stood there, enveloped in each other’s presence, the soft glow of the racetrack’s lights painted their faces in a warm hue, mirroring the warmth that radiated between them. “I never thought I’d feel this way again,” Nico admitted, gaze still fixed on (Y/N) as if she held the answers to questions he’d never dared to ask.

“I’ve missed this” he muttered softly “Talking to you, being here, it feels like coming home.” (Y/N) felt the words dancing on the tip of her tongue but unable to escape. Her heart fluttered as she realized there were no words adequate to convey how she felt. With a quiet resolve, she slowly leaned in, breath mingling with his. Nico’s eyes widened slightly in surprise before softening, understanding dawning upon him. Time seemed to pause as her lips met his in a tender, feather-light kiss. It was a silent confession and a promise for the future.

Drawing back, a rosy hue dusted (Y/N)’s cheeks and if her heart hadn’t already been racing before, it certainly was now upon seeing the lovesick smile on Nico's face.

“Welcome home, Nico.”

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nanomooselet · 3 months

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My Brother's Keeper (VII)

Knives, despite it all, I do indeed pity you. You horrible creature. More than you might imagine anyone would dare.

I said some time ago that Knives has agency and Vash doesn't, and that the Eye of Michael's dogma demands sacrifice.

One lives. One dies.

When Knives tells Vash to leave humanity, it's at that very instant Vash realises the truth: that this isn't about the Plants versus humans. It was never about that, ever, and trying to dissuade Knives from continuing his descent by arguing from that premise isn't ever actually going to work.

It's about how discovering Tesla broke them in two. It broke reality, cracked the singular unit they once believed themselves to be in half, and sent each half down forever-separate paths in both space and time.

Vash, through Rem, decided he could face the future. Even despite this discovery, how apathetically cruel the world is to the innocent, the future is always ours to shape as long as we live to choose. Rem showed him that through acknowledging and accepting responsibility for the pain of the past, even if once ignorant or complicit, one could learn and heal, and therefore work to be free of it. Not perfect. Never perfect. But still better.

Nai only saw potential pain. The fear of facing the world where it could be inflicted, and of those who'd done so, consumed him. He would erase both by returning to the past, the innocence and ignorance of having never learned the frightening truth. He'd thus build a paradise, an Eden, where no sin was committed and no sinner would set foot. He alone, in his own singular perfection, was fit both to assume this task and the power - and thus the right - to fulfil it.

Since when have we been so different?/Who are you? We've become so different I don't think I even know you anymore.

Vash begins to cry because he sees now that Nai… Nai is gone. Maybe he ran for too long, or maybe the Nai he thought he knew never existed. It doesn't matter anymore. There's nothing of his brother left to love in this monster before him, who's done everything that he's done and isn't sorry and wants to keep doing it by seizing control over Vash's own body. (Even though they look more like each other now than they have since they were kids, which still absolutely ruins me.) Vash grieves his brother, his brother's love and their togetherness in the past, but he finally knows for sure that they're gone, and he must define his own identity, and move beyond them.

His declaration that he'll always run isn't about running from humanity, anymore than Knives is truly fighting for the freedom of the Plants.

Seriously, Knives isn't fighting for the freedom of the Plants. He thinks he is, because he thinks that justifies controlling their bodies and consuming their power and benefiting from their suffering, but he's reversed cause and effect. He acts and so they suffer, but he believes their suffering is what motivates his actions and not his fear and his greed for the power to destroy whatever he fears. It's circular, and it's entirely self-centred.

It's the logic not of a liberator but of the entire system of oppression.

Knives's paradise, the home to which he's so desperate to return, no longer exists. It never will again. Not for him or for Vash or for the Plants. Knives himself broke it. Knives himself ripped it out of the heavens and plunged it into the earth, shattering it, so he could reshape the pieces into something that he alone controlled. Knives will always assume control, and he won't stop if you give what he says he wants, because he won't admit or even try to understand that it's not the truth.

He wants to stop being scared and alone. He wants his brother to need him and never leave him. He wants his mother, but she's gone. (He killed her. Over and over and over again he kills her and she's still always gone and he hates her for always being gone. Why is she gone? Why didn't she stay? He asked. He gave her a choice.)

(Yet in Vash's memories and in the people he loves, Rem's spirit lives on, and always will. She still loves him, her perfect boy, even still protects him, just as she promised she would. Did you guys know Vash's coat is bulletproof? Did you guys realise Vash literally still walks around kicking ass in the protective embrace of his mother? I actually had to take a minute, when I figured it out. It made me tear up.)

I was rejected?

Let me back in! Take me back.

Knives wants to go home. To be a child again with Vash by his side. Innocent, together, in paradise. But once you've grown up, you can never really go home again. It's a fundamentally selfish desire to want everything to go back to being the same forever - what it means is that because it was good or kind for you specifically, everyone else has to conform whether it was good and kind to them or not. There's always danger in nostalgia even when it's not misplaced. It encourages destructive nihilism, malicious and ignorant apathy. If the best can only ever be behind us, there is no reason to try to go on.

Vash is not nostalgic. Vash will run, and run, and keep running. For a lifetime if he has to - and a Plant's lifetime is a long one. It's not that he hasn't made a choice, but that he'd already made it long ago: to be free of Knives, to live and to fight for independence from his brother's abusive care, and to find a way to unite humans and Plants, the purpose he's been eager and happy to serve since the day he found it. Rem's dream is one he longs to fulfil, and he finally knows he has the power, intelligence, resilience, strength and above all, the right to take up that task.

He's just acknowledged and accepted that it's not also his purpose to help his stupid brother, not if this is all he gets in response. Dismissed, ignored, insulted, his grief and compassion mocked; abused, put down, smothered, injured, rendered permanently disabled, scarred, violated, traumatised. Forced into the shape that Knives imagines he should be in, pieces cut away until he fits the image in his brother's head.

It's very sad that after all that Knives has done to him, Vash doesn't value his own life and wellbeing enough to care for himself as much as he cares for everyone else in the world. But it still beats Knives trying to do it for him. He's so bad at it.

In the past, on occasions such as this, when Vash demonstrated like... the capacity to sort of almost disagree, Knives would yell at him suddenly and loudly enough that Vash would freeze up in terror, and then Knives would do whatever he wanted regardless. My man isn't good at hearing the word "no". If yelling or insults failed, he'd do something physically violent. I've seen a lot of takes on how funny and/or gay it is that Vash's reaction to Wolfwood grabbing his lapels and threatening to torture him to death is... this.

But understand that when Vash suggests an alternative that doesn't involve mass murder, his brother tends not to agree to it. Or stop at threats. Vash's arguments with Knives always make Vash sound a bit pathetic and dumb because Knives doesn't actually engage Vash - he shuts him down or insults him, telling him he's too weak and stupid to even speak. He has no respect at all for Vash's opinions, abilities, or as a person - honestly, I wouldn't treat an animal this way.

When someone finally respects your beliefs and abilities after they've been coldly or violently dismissed so many times, that's… how it feels.

Knives assumed that Vash had no powers so he was weak, and then when Vash did demonstrate powers, that Vash was weak because he was frightened of them. As usual, the trauma he's inflicted maybe being the problem never entered his mind; it's always Vash's fault. When Vash finally has both power and the will to assert control of it, he finally has the capacity and strength to enforce his refusal. And that leaves Knives finally exhausted of any means to break his will.

Except one. One final choice.

Vash is right: the plan has failed and this is over. Knives can never again have the power he desires, and what's more, Vash would rather be shot at for another hundred years than be together with his brother in paradise.

In spite of everything Knives has done to destroy it, the independent identity of Vash the Stampede yet survives. And so.

One lives.

One dies.

Nai is dead.

There's no turning back.

(The stars are falling down.)

And no one ever really goes home.

If you want to tell me Stampede is a poor quality adaptation, it's not funny and it's shallow and Vash is a loser now and there's no Milly and they're just exploiting the property and if it just hadn't been called Trigun maybe... maybe...

Maybe! You're entitled to an opinion. I'm open to the discussion. I do always try to assume good faith.

However, I'm still probably not going to agree.

And I'm done. Now I need to lie down on the floor and cry over my beautiful disaster twins. Thank you very much for reading! I encourage you to be as insane in the tags as you feel moved to be, because I crave validation.

(Extreme Lesbianism for Meryl Stryfe: Coming Soon.)

(Part I)

(Part II)

(Part III)

(Part IV)

(Part V)

(Part VI)

#trigun stampede #tristampparty #millions knives #vash the stampede #trigun meta #hundreds spoons #vash is in fact perfect #hundred spoons is a yellow-bellied baby who needs his mommy #throwing a tantrum trying to blow everything up #maybe if he'd tried the ramen in july he'd be less on fire #TOO LATE NOW #loser #i cherish them both #full disclosure the shot where knives is launched through the rem-plant-thing's face is only there because it makes me giggle #on a scale of millions knives to one how graceful are you in defeat #meta: my brother's keeper

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multidimensionalguidance · 1 month

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How will the upcoming Eclipses affect you?

Note: this will be focused on Vedic astrology, so please be respectful if you don't agree nor care.

On March 24, 2024 there will be an Penumbral Lunar Eclipse forming from 9:53pm-2:32am PT, followed by a Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024 at 8:42am-1:52pm PT.

As the ancient Indian legend goes, an eclipse occurs when the shadowy demon Rahu Ketu gets his revenge on the Sun and the Moon by consuming them and stealing their luminous rays. Their pure, creative energy gets twisted and dark during the eclipse and for a few days after. This myth does not exactly conjure a heart warming mental image, and that’s intentional.

According to Vedic Astrology, is that eclipses can be a really bad time to start or make key decisions about projects, relationships, jobs, or any other important thing in the material world.

Do not, on the day of an eclipse or the few days after it, start an important new project, sign a contract, make a deal, or any other material activity if you have another option.

On the other hand, eclipses are a great time to stay in, meditate, and do your inner work. In fact, they provide an especially rich opportunity to connect with spirit because the ‘veils’ are thin.

The Lunar Eclipse will happen in the Virgo-Pisces axis, while the the Solar Eclipse will occur in Pisces. There will be a heavy focus on decluttering our day to day habits which are all deeply related to our spiritual practices and hygiene. Imagine that a huge storm comes through to transform the way you work, your health habits, organization skills, and show you how all of them are deeply connected to our subconscious mind. It comes to show us how most of our day to limitations come from within, and how endings are actually a divine blessing.

Depending on what house the Lunar or Solar eclipse will be transiting in our chart, it will tell us where to expect this transformations, karmic balance, and overall readjustments.

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Here's how the Lunar Eclipse (full moon) or Solar Eclipse (new moon) will affect your chart:

1st/7th House Axis: there will be major changes to how you relate to yourself and others. The way that your personality, physical self, and approach to life has been currently functioning when it comes to relationships, business partners, and way of interacting with others overall will be highlighted for good, bad, or both. If you're a Pisces ASC, there will be a focus and major transformations within your close relationships. If there's anyone that you've been holding onto despite knowing how toxic it is, then you will see it faltering away by the end of April. If there's anyone who has been actively holding negative intentions or sending evil eye your way, it will become obvious, which will then lead you to severing it for good. Now, for Virgo ASC, you will notice major changes to your physical health depending of course on how you've been taking care of yourself. As well on your daily routine, work, and other related themes. There will be an event that will occur that will somehow change the way you've perceived life or yourself, and that will become the trigger to a meaningful change in your personality or attitude.

This eclipse will wash away like a sea storm anything that has been holding back both these signs from greatness, or will make them pay back some pending karma if they've been neglecting themselves or spiritual path. The eye of the storm is on YOU. There will be nowhere to run to anymore. You will face yourself, accept it gracefully, and evolve into the version that has been calling out within for very long.

If you've already been working on your inner and outer self, then no worries! This energy will simply push out of your way anything that has been blocking your blessings.

2nd/8th House Axis: there will be major changes to the way you've used money and resources to achieve longevity, to heal, towards your food habits, and long term financial security. Some major event will make you realize that perhaps you haven't been utilizing it in the best way possible. There might a sudden debt or losses coming your way if you've been ignoring your finances, or on the other hand, there might be a sudden gain of money that happens without you expecting it at all. Overall, it is suggested to not make any major financial decisions and to instead sit down and focus on organizing your finances. Think about those expenses that you don't actually need and that are affecting or accumulating long term. The ones that could be keeping you from achieving long term financial security. Make introspection your focus, and regardless of what comes your way, you will be able to handle it.

3rd/9th House Axis: this is more of a mental and spiritual focus, which is very good actually. You will see changes occuring in the way you've been communicating with yourself and others. The way you've been socializing with siblings, neighbors, and those within your near vicinity. All of this has been affecting how your mental and physical horizons have expanded so far. Your inner world has always been related to your philosophy, education, interactions with those that come from a different cultural background, and your ethics as well. There might sudden events that occur that will transform the way you've been dealing with those matters. Perhaps your relationship with your siblings is not good, but now one of them needs urgent help, and you're put in a situation where your aid helps mending the situation or making you realize why the distancing must continue. Another way could be, how you've been resisting developing academically to a higher level, and now a job requires you go back to learning something. It could also be unexpected traveling or changing from one religion to another (or to believing in none).

4th/10th House Axis: the changes that will occur will be related to how your home environment, family, inner world, mother wounds, or foundations have been affecting your career, reputation, public image, and fame. A situation might occur that changes the way you've perceived both of these matters. Perhaps you've been limited by a tumultuous home situation for a while, and that has kept you from reaching your peak career level, which would then be transformed so you can finally have access to it. It could also be that you've been hyper focusing so much on work that you've been neglecting building a stable home where you can feel safe, secure, and develop your inner world further, which would then imply something happening at work that forces you to face it. Overall, you will find peace among the storm when you decide to sit down and meditate on inner limitations that have been keeping you from reaching your material goals. Do you shy away from the public? Do you hate being perceived? Or Do you love being the center of attention too much? Are you always trying to appeal to the public even when you feel differently within?

Also, this might not occur to everyone, but I sense that those who might be doing corrupt dealings in at work or home will be suddenly exposed for everyone to see. An abusive parent that no one knows about because he keeps a pretty reputation? Everyone in the family and outside will see their true colors. A boss/celebrity/senator that’s using their power to abuse those under their leadership? Public embarrassment as everyone will be seeing their “dirty laundry” and there’s a possibility of them losing said position due to it.

5th/11th House Axis: these changes will be surrounded by the way your romantic pursuits, self expression, creativity, and children (if there are any) affect your goals, long term vision, friends, social network, online persona, wishes, and desires of the future. A situation might occur where a recent crush or someone you’re casually dating (not necessarily formal) exposes something about themselves or you that changes your perception of what you want for the future. It could also be them doing something that affects your reputation online for good or bad. There could also be something like a hobby or creative pursuit bringing you a secure income or popping up on social media. For some others, it could also be adjusting the way they express themselves with their future goals/wishes/desires.

This might not be for majority, but there might be some who find out they are pregnant, and that will of course, put them in a situation of having to re-evaluate their future. If there’s already children in the play, then there might be something that gets revealed about them as well.

Overall, I would suggest to sit down and meditate on the ways that you’ve allowed your inner expression to align with your goals. Are you holding back your gifts and not expressing them online out of fear? Are you overly focusing on material goals so much that you are getting disconnected from your inner child? Are you connecting to the things that bring you joy and align with your goals?

6th/12th House Axis: in here the changes or revelations will have your day to day work, routine, health, and service given to others put into contrast with how you maintain your spirituality, karma, and subconscious beliefs. There might be situations that occur at work that will shake you enough to drive you into isolation and healing. So there’s the possibility of losing your job, only to realize that if you wouldn’t have then a better one was not going to arrive. It could also be something within your spirituality coming to the front and pushing you towards changing your day to day routine, like adding yoga/meditation/journaling. For some others, it could be health conditions that were ignored coming up, and needing to be dealt with wether you like it or not.

I would suggest prioritizing your mental and physical health A LOT during this time, although it won’t be optional. Focus on those aspects and you’ll get positive results by the time eclipse season ends. Just make sure you don’t resist or fight them, as it would only get worst.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hope this is useful and informative reading! Please do not be afraid of these Eclipses, they often come with necessary changes that will help us be aligned to our best version.

From my previous experience, I had one occur during my birthday, it was super heavy and honestly the worst one I had. But, I was able to release all the frustrations I had dwelling inside, and literally the next day, had an AMAZING experience. Few months later, four to be specific, I was able to meet my current partner. Mind you, after dealing with a situationship a month after said birthday that left me shook, but was very much needed. Everything I had asked for during the Eclipse came to me, but in a really wonky way, hence why its best to NOT manifest during an Eclipse (if you like chaotic energy though, go right ahead).

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marvelwitchergilmore · 9 months

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Quiet Crushes

Summary: Joel Miller x Fe!Reader ~ You have always been nervous around Joel Miller. Ever since he came to town it's like you're a teenager again with a crush on the hottest guy in school. But, when someone unexpected turns up, it seems that even Joel has found the courage to talk to you.

Disclaimer: I haven't written in a while so there may be some spelling mistakes (I'm gonna blame the lack of sleep). Fluff, angst, idiots in love, speechless around crushes, kissing.

You didn’t know how long it had been since you’d last slept. 12 hours? 24? None of it mattered. All you could focus on was your brother, lay on the bed in your spare room, breathing up and down, freshly cleaned and slowly healing physically.

Joel was downstairs in the kitchen cooking something.

You’d heard the pans clatter every couple of minutes until you heard the mugs and the plates. But you couldn’t concentrate on that. Your gaze and mind remained focused on your brother’s chest, watching it rise and fall; fearful that if you looked away, even if just for a second, he would stop and he’d be gone from you and this world permanently.

You’d not seen him in almost four years and in that time you’d somehow convinced yourself he’d died. That a clicker or worse had got to him and killed him. He’d been dead to you for just over three years. But despite this, part of you still held hope.

That was the only part of you that was happy.

It was proved right. Your brother was alive…to an extent.

Lord knows what he saw and what he went through to find you. You didn’t even want to imagine. Your mind had been so focused on getting him cleaned up, you couldn’t bring yourself to step over the line and ask the questions about his scars.

He’d tell you in his own time, you hoped.

The moment you saw him walk through the doors of Jackson…you felt your heart both drop and soar at the same time. He was like a drowned-rat in the rain. Both of you were by the time you left Joel’s side from the covered porch of the Tipsy Bison to run out to the muddied path in the rain and embrace your brother.

The mud on your jeans proved to you that you’d been there to hold him in the mud when you both collapsed from the sheer impact of the hug.

You vaguely remembered Joel telling you to get a shower…but you couldn’t remember how long ago that was. The moment they carried your brother into his room, you hadn’t so much as left his side, let alone the room.

You patched up his wounds whilst he slept and woke him part way through so he’d finally eat something and get his strength up.

It was only as you sat alone in the silence of your sleeping brother that you let your mind go back to the moments just before he’d come through the gates.

You’d been talking to Joel or, at least, trying.

Ever since Joel arrived in Jackson, your crush on him had been a burden to bear.

You never liked having crushes; they either lead to embarrassment or pain. Neither sounded appealing.

And, so, for the first eight months, any conversation you had with him never extended past three words a day, if that. You’d remain quiet and get your work done.

It was only after these eight months that Tommy came to you, asking you to actually try and talk to Joel. You were only one of the few that didn’t. Whilst the others seemed to have something against Joel, Tommy seemed to be blind to the fact that you actually had something for Joel.

But Maria wasn’t.

She saw it instantly.

The way the blood rushed to your face. The way your breathing became unsteady and you couldn’t seem to form a single sentence in his presence.

You liked Joel…a lot.

As did many other women in Jackson.

And men.

But still, no matter how hard you tried, you were just a bumbling mess around Joel.

After Tommy’s talk, you’d been fixing a lightbulb in the Tipsy Byson when the bulb shone too bright, shocking you and causing the ladder to rattle beneath you.

However, it stopped falling when Joel caught it, and you.

His hands were on your waist.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes.” you eventually managed to answer as you climbed down.

You could only be thankful that your back was to Joel but the instant you turned around, you were met with his gaze and any human function you had in your body seemed to instantly disappear. After a couple of attempts, you managed to make your “Thank you,” loud enough for the human ear to hear before running off.

It seemed to only get worse after that.

And already being aware that you were a blushing mess when you even thought about him only added to that. Feeling the heat of your cheeks, and being all too aware of it when faced with Joel Miller only increased your embarrassment.

There were some moments where you thought he was flirting with you but your conscience quickly brushed that aside. After all, why would Joel Miller be interested in you when most of Jackson was after him?

And that evening, everything felt like it was coming to a head. You were so sure Joel knew about your feelings towards him, despite the fact you wanted to forget about them. Why else would he ask you to go outside with him? You figured he’d let you down gently at least. Tell you he wasn’t interested but he’d be sure you were a lovely woman.

Instead, he’d stepped closer to you.

If it had been anyone else, maybe you would have backed away. But not with Joel.

He wasn’t threatening to you in his gaze or his touch but rather gentle, soft and kind. Despite all what you had heard about him, you’d never seen him be anything but kind and caring to those around him. A vastly different version that Tommy had been expecting, that’s for sure.

You couldn’t even remember what Joel had said to you.

One minute your mind was growing dizzy with the simple thought of him. The next, you’d flicked your eyes away for a moment only to see a lad run at full speed past the bar and towards the gates.

Both you and Joel’s gaze followed the lad and when you saw your brother…Joel saw the change in you.

Most times, you were flustered. Running here, there and everywhere. Hell, you rarely seemed to have time to have a conversation with him before you were dashing off to somewhere else.

Since he started working with Tommy again, he wanted to know more about you.

You seemed to keep to yourself, mostly. Tommy said you were trustworthy and the one to go to whenever or if ever he had a problem whether that be with a light fixture, plumbing, cooking or even just with life.

That day you’d nearly fallen from the ladder, he’d hoped to have a drink with you - talk to you. Get to know you.

He’d tried for weeks after that, but again, always flustered. Part of him figured that perhaps, maybe, you felt the same way about him as he did about you.

So, that night at the Tipsy Byson, he was hoping to ask you.

But then you looked away and suddenly everything about you became…cool.

You were no longer a “flustered mess” as he’d heard someone call you in the bar one night. You no longer had that light dusting blush across your cheeks that seemed to brighten every time he got closer which made his stomach summersault.

No, instead, you became more reserved.

You stood straight and had your arms folded. Your eyes narrowed to look at the face of the weakened man in the middle of the two brother’s helping carry him inside the walls of Jackson.

Joel had called your name and asked you a question but he knew none of it had registered. But you had managed to answer his next question without him having to ask it.

“That’s my brother.”

Without a second thought or care to the rain, you left the shelter of the porch and walked out and once you were close enough, you called your brother’s name and Joel watched you run to your brother, and him run to you.

He watched the pair of you reunite before dropping to the mud beneath you both. You pulled back for a second to look your brother over before pulling him close again and holding the back of his head.

Joel had told you to go for a shower when your brother got settled but since he didn’t hear the shower turn on, he decided to cook. You hadn’t eaten since before you got to the bar and, despite your brother needing nourishment, you’d be in need of it, too.

“Hey,”

You turned to look at Joel who was standing in the doorway.

“Hey.”

“Here. I made you some stew.”

“Oh, thank you.”

“There’s more in the pot in the kitchen but, I’ve got to go and get Ellie. I’ll be back later, though.”

“Thank you, Joel. But, honestly, you don’t have to.”

“If I don’t, I have a feeling you’ll sit here all day and watch him and forget to look after yourself.”

“Joel-”

“I’ll be back. I promise.”

As Joel gave you a warm smile and left you with a bowl of fresh stew, you heard your brother’s voice.

“Well, he’s nice. When’s the wedding?”

You put down the stew and rushed to his side. “You’re awake.”

“And you’re in love.”

“Randy.”

“Y/n.”

“He’s just a friend.”

“Well, I don’t know what you’ve been doing for the last four years, but that is definitely not the look of friendship and don’t give me any of that bullshit about how he doesn’t like you. He’s in love with you.”

“Now who’s the one with the bullshit.”

“Hey, don’t forget, I have the luxury of the male perspective. He’s in love with you, kid.”

“Did you get a concussion on your way here?”

“Maybe a few. But I’m still right. And so is he. You need to eat. And stop watching me sleep. It’s both weird and creepy. It’s like when you were six and would sleep walk into my room and watch me sleep.”

“I did not do that.”

“You totally did. Do you not remember mom had to start locking my door at night so you couldn’t get in?”

“Oh, yeah.” you smiled at the weird memory.

“Go on, eat. And then go and get me a bowl. It smells good.”

“Taste’s good, too.” you said, trying not to burn your mouth on a hot piece of carrot.

God, if that man didn’t make you fall from his looks and charm alone, his cooking tipped you over the edge.

Hours passed and eventually Joel came back only to find you sat outside in the back garden. The window to your brother’s bedroom was open so you’d be able to hear him call if he needed you though you doubted it since he was a heavy sleeper and he would sleep all day and night if he could.

“Hey, what are you doing out here?”

“Wanted to watch the rain fall.”

“Mind if I join you?”

You shook your head and smiled, “Not at all.”

Joel sat just close enough to you for you to feel his body heat as he covered his lap with a spare blanket you had on the bench.

“How are you feeling?”

“Like I could sleep for a year.”

Joel mirrored your smile as you laughed and set your book down. “I just…for the longest time I thought he was gone. I’d made myself believe it and then suddenly he’s back and he’s alive and he’s…he’s here.”

“You look really happy.”

“I am really happy. How’s Ellie?”

“She’s good. She’s having a sleepover tonight with a couple friends she met at school. I’m just hoping she won’t be a bad influence on them.”

“I’m sure she won’t.” you assured him. “Besides, it might not hurt for those kids to learn a couple swear words here and there.”

“God, you sound just like her.”

“Oh, come on, Joel. You can’t tell me you weren’t swearing like a sailor when you were her age.”

“Growing up is a tough gig.”

“Amen to that. Why not be able to swear your way through the rough periods?”

Joel simply smiled at you and you smiled back before turning to watch the rain pour its way down and land on the country garden you’d managed to plant for yourself.

What you didn’t notice, at first at least, was Joel’s gaze fixing itself on your side profile. He looked at you with such wonder and kindness and love, Randy - who watched from his bedroom window - wanted to throw a rock at you just so you might, in fact, look in Joel’s direction and see that your brother was right in saying that Joel was completely head-over-heels in love with you.

And probably had been for the longest time.

Though, rather than interfere and have you poison his stew with some random plant you’d been growing in your garden, probably plotting his death, he quietly closed his window and left you and Joel to it.

But not before wishing upon the highest star he could see.

“Please. Please, please, please, for the love of God, let these two idiots be together. I don’t know how much more of the lovey-dovey eyes I can take. And I’ve only been here for 24 hours. Thank you. Amen…and all that.”

You both sat for a while, in a quiet solitude.

It was quaint.

It was also the first time you’d held an audience with the man and not freaked out, tripped over your words or even blushed so hard you thought your blood vessels might, in fact, break or burst at any moment.

“You know, when we were kids, we’d spend hours outside. He’d always be playing football and I’d be with my dad in the garden.”

“Was he the one that taught you about plants?”

You nodded with a soft smile graced on your lips. “Yeah. He was a Horticultural and Agricultural Professor. He knew everything that could ever be known about plants and what they helped with, also what they hindered with.”

“And your mom?”

“She worked in Business Management.” you said. “Randy took after her more. Was closer to her, too. I mean, we were all close. And I was close to my mom, but…you know that connection a child has with their parents. One is stronger than the other? When they’re ill or they get hurt, it’s the parent they go to?”

Joel nodded.

“For him, that was my mom. For me, it was my dad. Randy spent more time at her office - mostly because he had a crush on her co-worker Annie. Meanwhile, I’d go to Dad’s lectures and tell Mom all about them and she and Randy would sit and listen for hours. I loved it.”

“So, is that what you did? Before the world went to shit and all?”

“The world has always been shit, but, yes. Though, I studied Biology instead. It gave me more places to find a job. And, for about two years I taught High School Science. I loved it but I always needed something else to keep me busy so I’d go to the library and pick out books and I taught myself to be my own mechanic. It was cheaper and easier than dealing with those who would ask if my husband would be coming with me to drop off my car and when my ‘husband’ didn’t turn up, would hit on me to the point where I once threatened to break their nose.”

“And did you? Break it, I mean?”

“Joel Miller. I only threatened to break his nose. I broke his wrist, instead.”

Joel smiled for a moment. “Did he not press charges?”

“Nope. Luckily his sister had just come round the corner and she was some fancy lawyer in New York. She threatened to break his other and then we went out to lunch. Turned out he had a history of broken bones.”

Joel laughed and you found yourself laughing, too.

It felt freeing.

“What about you? Tommy told me you had your own business.”

“Yeah, I, uh, I was a contractor in Texas.”

From there, you and Joel spent over two hours talking about the past and your lives before the Outbreak. Everything; from your childhood to his, you work and eventually, children.

Joel hadn’t meant to bring Sarah up. Hell, he didn’t even talk about her with Tommy, or Tess for that matter. Sure, there was some mention of her here and there, but he’d never told anyone of her as a baby or of the silly things she used to do as a kid that would make him laugh and smile.

“She sounds wonderful.” you smiled.

Joel’s smile, although still with him, faded a little as he looked to his hands, rubbing his fingers against each other.

“Yeah, she was.”

“It sounds like she would have liked Ellie, too.”

Part of Joel returned at the mention of Ellie from you. “Oh, completely. They’re not similar - I mean, Sarah was more…girly? But they’re also not unsimilar. She would have loved her.”

Neither you or Joel fully knew which daughter he meant when he said that; She would have loved her. Ellie? Ellie would have loved her. Sarah? Sarah would have loved her. Both? They would have loved each other.

However, just as you both sat, looking at each other with sad yet content smiles, a light began to flicker on the porch and with a sigh, you got up.

“This damn thing. I just changed the bulb yesterday.”

Within moments, you had your ladder and tool box out as well as a new bulb.

“Are you sure you don’t need any help?”

“Nope. I’ve got it.”

“Okay, but, be careful. It’s still a little slippy out here.”

Joel spoke the truth. Despite being the spot where they sat being completely dry, the other half of the porch was still somehow sprayed with water.

Whilst you got to work trying to take the cover from the light, hammering the screwdriver end in with your hand until you heard the pop!, Joel had his foot on the bottom step of the ladder, watching you from below.

Yet, somehow, you still managed to slip once you, after a very rare struggle, managed to get the cover from the bulb off.

Maybe it was some twist of fate, but somehow you ended up in Joel’s arms.

At first, your back remained to him.

“You okay, Darlin’?”

For the first time since being sat with him, you found yourself speechless again. Flustered.

“Oh, I, uh…mm-hmm.”

“You sure?”

Turning your head, you found Joel inches from you. Your bodies were pressed so tight, you’d be surprised if even a shadow could fit between you both.

“Yes.”

Joel swallowed thickly as his gaze flicked from your eyes to your lips and back again. You could feel his warm palm spreading across your hip, his strong forearm flush against the bottom of your back, pulling you just that little bit closer to him. And when he spoke, you found your breath caught in your throat.

“Can I kiss you?”

Your brain felt both electric and fried at the same time. Maybe you were just hallucinating; imagining he wanted to kiss you.

But then his other hand came up and brushed the stray hairs from your face, tucking them behind your ear.

“Because I’d really like to, Darlin’. But I won’t unless I have your permission.”

If that wasn’t enough to make a girl melt on the spot.

At first, all you could do was nod.

“I need words, Darlin’.”

Good, Lord!

Swallowing thickly, you forced your voice from your throat. “Y-Yes.”

“You don’t sound too sure.” Joel hesitated.

“Yes, Joel. You can kiss me.”

Your voice, although still quiet, was more assertive that time.

“Are you-”

“Just shut up and kiss me, Miller.”

You saw a split second of Joel’s smile grace his face before he pulled you closer to him and kissed your lips.

And it. Was. Electric.

Your hand came to his collar, pulling him closer to you although you both figured that was impossible by now.

His thumb brushed the side of your temple before he pushed his hand through your hair and drank you in once more. Meanwhile, the arm that held you securely around your back, tensed. His hand came into a fist and it scrunched the corner of your jumper and t-shirt with it.

You moved your hand to his neck, pulling him closer still until finally you both had to stop in order to catch your breath.

Joel’s hand relaxed for a moment before you felt his palm touch your skin beneath your clothes.

“Sorry,” he apologised after a moment, his voice husky. “Got carried away.”

You smiled and shook your head against his. “Don’t be.”

“Mind if I do it again?”

“Not at all.”

#joel miller #the last of us #pedro pascal #joel miller x reader #love #kissing #angst #nervous #ellie williams #ellie miller #tommy miller #maria miller #tlou #tlou hbo #joel miller x fe!reader #joel miller x y/n #joel miller fluff #quiet crushes

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princessamericachavez · 11 months

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My thoughts about the Ted Lasso finale (no particular order)

The end montage was obviously Ted’s dream for the future and not even subtly so jot that down

Actually just gonna add that this is the show’s way of telling us the potential these characters have and what Ted wishes for them but without his presence it’s up to them now

Roy mouthing alone to Goodbye, Farewell broke me because he’s clearly the one who put together the choreography

Also Dani singing? My most beloved

Jaime and Roy clashing one last time might have pissed some people off but this was always a rock in their shoe that they needed to address and we see that their relationship can and will survive it

I like Rebecca’s romcom ending even if I wanted her to end with Ted.

Ted going back to his son was necessary and the whole point. He always blamed his father for abandoning them. When he came to Richmond he was all but running away from his family in hopes things would magically fix themselves. Instead, he put in the work and healed. But his biggest triggers were always connected to him missing his son’s life. In the end, Ted’s growth was the point so he could go back to them and be the best version of himself for them and for himself.

Ted not talking while Rebecca rambles was actually perfect. Old bitter Rebecca would’ve never opened up like that. But old Ted would’ve also rushed to reassure her or try to make a joke or cheer her up. This time, Ted lets her speak and then sticks to his guns, even if the truth is uncomfortable for others. He allows himself to do this for himself and not to please others.

Beard staying for Jane was foreseeable given the toxic codependent nature of their relationship. Happy perfect endings don’t exist. His story is still developing.

Furthermore, the real growth came from Beard letting himself choose something regardless of what Ted is doing and breaking himself free from a cycle of guilt and feeling in debt.

I know it was in the dream but god I hope Roy gets therapy. We did see the roots of him wanting to change and be better and accept the help he needs so he’s in the right path.

Keeley/Roy/Jamie is still endgame in my heart. Eventually. Once all three are in the right place.

The himbos singing made me cry. A lot.

Even if it was in the dream, if Jamie actually chose to reconnect to his dad somehow I think it wouldn’t be the end of the world. He would get to do it on his terms and only because he chose to have him in his life to some degree. Which might simply be being civil and talking from time to time, so long as his father keeps putting in the work to better himself and takes steps to make amends and apologize and acknowledge all his wrongs. Who knows. It’s an open ending.

Loved everything about the match.

Glad Van Damme got closure from Rani Dojas and that Dani acknowledged his part in what happened and tried to make amends.

CANT believe they made me feel sorry for George.

The cold open was a tease but I loved to see what could’ve been (and who says Ted and Rebecca didn’t find each other while running away from all that noise and one thing less t another…)

I wish we’d seen Sam’s restaurant and his cute chef one last time.

Actually wish we’d had a little bit of all the other himbos.

And finally

Finally

I… don’t think it was the series’s finale. I don’t know. I might be wrong but lately all interviews from the cast suggest deep down they hope something else will come and maybe they’ll be like “you know what, this story isn’t over” or something.

That last scene and the musical cue with Ted’s final shot felt so dissonant to me. Like there’s something still unfinished there.

I, like Roy Kent, have all my fingers crossed.

#Ted lasso #Ted lasso spoilers #tl spoilers

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newty · 3 months

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🌙 a teredio playlist

also i totally grabbed those words in the edit from meditation by richard aldington go read his poem here.

anyway. some selected Thoughts:

canta per me - Yuki Kajiura

The life of the love beloved in my heart oh be happy, you, my soul sing farewell

strong voice and strong violin. it has a proud tone even through what it asks, but it's also asking bc it won't say goodbye itself.

Before We Drift Away - Nothing but Thieves

And as we sing this familiar song I thought I'm gonna miss your love when it's gone Will it flow into the river Or will it go to waste?

the uncertainty that separation/death is going to happen but with no idea how or when. use of the ocean bc sanbrequois shoreline but also the funerial river in twinside

Free If We Want It - Nothing but Thieves

I walk beside myself To see what's left Of you and me And what it means If it goes wrong (don't look back) At least it was real

reflection on a past that feels meaningless but still had a loved one in it. having the ability to move on but also the choice to continue as things are. but mostly just let that shit go and keep going

see also: stand by me - florence + the machine / tsuki o miteita - kenshi yonezu / let the starts fall down - yuki kajiura / walking the wire - imagine dragons / dance me to the end of love - douglas dare

---DION

Pianissimo - Agent Fresco

Could this be All there is Will this shame have a name Only for this night Calm me for this night Oh this shame has a name

dread, uncertainty, danger, desperation. shame is the name of the love that doesn't speak. relying on smth once and then needing it again and again.

Pyre - Agent Fresco

We both belong to longings of past Can you see the pyre below? We both belong to longings of wrath Can you feel the fire grow? Loneliness has only shown me I can't let you go

pairs w pianissimo. the expectation of punishment and the tone of danger. having no time and finding extensions of smth by carrying it in the body, even if it hurts or it's haunting.

IL DONO DELLA VITA - Måneskin

The sound of your ugly laughter Has opened the way for me to the right path I breathe in clean air And I let it kill me But my heart still beats A light that rips through the ground

defying the ppl who are guiding you by doing what they want and not being destroyed by it. part of me thinks this one is a bit too self aware for dion tho LOL

Achilles Come Down - Gang of Youths

Where you go, I'm going, so jump and I'm jumping Since there is no me without you Today, of all days, see How the most dangerous thing is to love How you will heal and you'll rise above Ah, it's more courageous to overcome

i mean. achilles. convincing someone who did great things that they're worthy of more than nothing and death. the length and how many pleas it takes to finish, but achilles' choice is still left unanswered.

also see: the dragon sups - takeharu ishimoto / too much is never enough - florence + the machine / never let me go - florence + the machine / rest up, ignis - yasunori mitsuda / wait for me - agent fresco

---Terence

The Driver - Måneskin

Bare your soul 'till it's naked Bite my lip 'till you break it If you're gonna set fire to the night Baby, let me be the lighter If there's nowhere to go when you wanna go wild I wanna be the driver

enabler terence!!! also lot of feelings abt power. speaker is ordering the subject to rule over them. the subject is the one doing things, but the speaker is a necessary part to all of them. a driver is in charge of the vehicle but not the destination

De Selby (Part 2) - Hozier

What you live in Darling, it finds a way to live in you I wanna run against the world that's turning Let all time slow, let all light go I wanna kill the lights

aka 'terence doesnt actually show any resentment for bahamut for cursing dion into this bs life but for the next 3 minutes 47 seconds he does.' and hes gonna go against the world if dion wants it done

I, Carrion - Hozier

I do not have wings, love, I never will Soarin' over a world you are carryin' If these heights should bring my fall Let me be your own If I should fall, on that day I only pray, don't fall away from me

laughs in dragoons in the sky and bolting straight back down to earth. also bahamut holding the earth. also god this is so saccharine i almost hate it

also see: lover, please stay - nothing but thieves / ghastly medley acoustic - masashi hamauzu / shield of the king - keiichi okabe / the battle is to the strong - kajiura yuki / francesca - hozier / umi to sanshouu - kenshi yonezu / keep me in the open - gang of youths

also terence & kihel tagteam times are the beginning - one ok rock / blood upon the snow - hozier / lost in the snow - yoshitaka suzuki / tendou-sama is smiling - KOKIA / my hands - leona lewis

#dion lesage #ffxvi #OFFERS THIS INSTEAD OF WRITING #behold. my repetitive music takes.#honestly almost every playlist i ever encounter makes me feel like im chewing gravel #so Judge My Taste At Your Peril bc its prob not great KJHSDFJKSHDF #i listen to this on my commute #when i tell myself im going to write in my head #and instead i just shriek along w florence welch #AND WHO CAAAAARES IF IM COMING ALIIIIVE #brihamut's mercy

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shkika · 8 months

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i have been wondering - a thought has occurred to me. To unlock the downpour tree ending we must first complete the gourmand campaign right? We only unlock that after ascending one of our first slugcats for the first time. After that we can redo an ending for the monk and the survivor as the outer expanse has unlocked. What if we take the redoing ending as the actual thing that happens. What if Gourmand ending causes an in-universe retcon that alters the course of the future survivor and monk from seeking ascension to actually returning home, thus preventing their ascension when it was their original course of action? That feels quite nonsensical but i wanted to contemplate.

I think you can take this multiple ways!

The first for example would be that the Survivor void ending is always canon, because you need it in order to play Gourmand in the first place.

On the other hand (please do correct me if I'm wrong) while the game does change things according to what you have done in other campaigns, for example, giving Moon her cloak or failing a run as hunter before playing Gourmand, it does not change Monk's outer expanse ending. Which always includes Survivor. That doesn't change I think.

super long nonsensical ramble below. less a proper explanation, more so me brainstorming...

While with the void, you can assume it forms visions of what the slug cats want to see, the outer expanse endings are a pretty clear cut case that Monk does meet Survivor no matter what which supports your retcon theory. I think it's really interesting I like your take!

It is probably the most likely way to explain why you always meet Survivor as Monk in outer expanse (betting all my cards that it's the case). Which would sort of erase the canon ending of the non-downpour game which is so... wacky.

I do think the world works in a multiverse/timeline way though perhaps?

Depending on the differences of what actually happens, the timeline branches off. If you die, you get "respawned" in another timeline. So the karma symbols could symbolize where exactly on that branched path you are. Creatures on their own in rain world cannot overcome the survivor karma (except for scavs if i'm not mistaken which further speaks for their insane intelligence). Which makes sense, animals want to survive! They need otherworldly worms and robots to get over that earthly bound.

UH sidetracked a bit there, but in short if the world in rain world works with the multiverse principle in mind, it'd make every single decision you make, ending and whatnot, canon.

Though it would make it extremely confusing on how an ascended Survivor can coexist with a non-ascended one, as their cycles should probably merge at the very end.

Then there is the fact that cats like Riv are confirmed to have died of old age so Riv's ascension should not be a thing, because if it ascended and separated all of it's cycles away from the world, then it wouldn't have died or even healed Moon in any.

Uh.. went backwards here. I think the multiverse theory works and is fun, but only if ascension is excluded from the "always possible and canon category".

So this overly long ramble is to say I think your retcon idea is fun and cool and I like it.

#ask #anonymous #messy but fun!#kiki rambles #the lore around ascension and cycles and so on is super vague #so its fun to make random stuff up #rain world

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dialovers-translations · 8 months

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Diabolik Lovers CHAOS LINEAGE ー Subaru [15]

Monologue

After rushing out of the Violet Manor,

I mindlessly ran through the night.

Where could Subaru-kun have gone?

He had an intense fight with Ayato-kun,

while Reiji-san betrayed him.

So where exactly could he have headed,

after escaping the Violet Manor?

ー The scene starts at a path alongside a cliff in the forest

Yui: ( The abandoned shed, or the cave...Where should I run to? )

( The place he seems most likely to go to... )

Selection

→ Where we hid together (🖤)

Yui: ( I really think he might be either at the cave or the abanadoned shed where we hid together. )

( The only two places where we could be together... )

( But is he actually there...? )

Monologue

It was at that moment,

when I suddenly remembered,

where this World full of lies begun,

ーー The Church.

The place where I awoke as Eve.

The origin of this World.

→ Where I woke up (♡)

Yui: ( Come to think of it, we found ourselves in this strange situation ever since I woke up at that one place.... )

( Everyone’s memories were messed up and Subaru-kun had forgotten about me. )

( It was incredibly hard and painful, but I somehow managed to get Subaru-kun to remember regardless. )

( However, we’ve reached this point, unable to any of the other issues. )

( If Subaru-kun were to try doing what I fear he might... )

( No! Please don’t do that...! )

*TIMESKIP*

ー The scene shifts to the Church

*Creaaaaak*

Yui: ...Haah, haah...

( I’m going almost entirely off intuition but Subaru-kun is... )

ー She spots him in the distance

Yui: ...Subaru-kun!?

-> BRANCH: EUPHORIA ENDING

The game does not tell you if you are in the Euphoria or the Labyrinth branch. In the Euphoria version of this chapter, this is what Subaru’s first line after the branch looks like:

は? んだよ...なんでお前ここにいんだよ

Subaru: Hah? The fuck...Why are you here?

Yui: As soon as I heard that you had escaped the dungeon, I...

You had been acting off for a while now, I just felt like something bad was going to happen...

I assumed that you were perhaps trying to burden it all by yourself again. That’s when the Church came to mind...

Also that blood...! Did your wounds open up perhaps!? You pushed yourself coming all the way over here, didn’t you...?

Subaru: Hah...You’ve got some great instincts.

Yui: ...Ugh.

( ...What now? My heart won’t stop pounding. )

( On one hand I’m glad I found him, but on the flip side, I’m growing increasingly more anxious. )

( ...I wonder why? )

Subaru: What’s wrong? Why aren’t you saying anything?

Yui: ( Right, it’s because of the resolute, clear look in his eyes. )

( Just like we when surrounded by Carla-san and the others in the forest back then... )

( It reminds me of the vibes he gave off when he had made up his mind to sacrifice himself as long as he could assure my safety at least. )

Subaru-kun...!

ー She embraces him

Subaru: For real, what has gotten into you?

Yui: I mean...I’m afraid that at this rate, you’ll vanish somewhere...

Subaru: ...

Yui: Are you perhaps thinking of doing the thing Socrates-san told us about?

You’re trying to destroy this World by sacrificing yourself, no...?

You definitely mustn’t! I don’t want you to have to be sacrificed for me to be saved!

Subaru: Please understand.

ー He returns the hug

*Rustle*

Subaru: I can do anything for your sake.

Yui: No, stop! Don’t say that!!

Subaru: In the end, my injuries never fully healed. In this worn-down state, there’s only so much I can do to keep you safe.

So instead of failing to protect you and ultimately meeting my end by being killed by someone after being left all alone in this World, I’d much rather choose the definitive way to protect you.

If I sacrifice myself, this World will fall apart, right?

Then everyone’s memories will come back, and they’ll no longer participate in this Battle Royal.

You’ll no longer be targeted because you’re Eve either. Everyone will be saved.

Yui: But that doesn’t include you, does it!? I don’t want that!

*Woosh*

Yui: ...!?

Subaru: W-What was that flash of light just now...!?

Socrates: The experiment is reaching its final phase.

Yui: This light, and voice...Socrates-san!?

Subaru: So you show yourself again, huh?

Socrates: Eve, there is not just one choice.

Yui: What do you mean?

Socrates: To destroy this miniature World, one sacrifice is needed...

However, this sacrifice does not need to be a Vampire.

Yui: ...You mean...?

Subaru: ...

Yui: ( Only one person needs to be sacrificed. So there is a way to fix this without Subaru-kun having to give up his life. )

( ...How come I never realized this before? )

( I should have done this much sooner! )

Subaru: Oi, Yui...!

Yui: I’ll sacrifice myself!

Subaru: Hah!? What are you sayin’...!?

Socrates: Very well said. Now please show me that your resolve is more than just talk.

*Cling*

Socrates: Stab yourself in the heart with this knife. If you do so, the others will be able to break free in return for your life.

Yui: ...Yes!!

Subaru: Cut the crap!! I don’t get a say in this!?

I won’t let you do that! Give me that knife!

Socrates: Eve has made her resolve. Could you please not interfere?

*Woosh*

Yui: Kyah...!

( I’ve been swept up by a strong gust of wind, and I’m floating...!? )

Subaru: Oi! Where are you takin’ her!?

Socrates: Somewhere you will not be able to get in the way. I shall allow her to pass away in peace there.

Subaru: Stop! Please, don’t...!! Don’t take her away!!

Yui: I’m sorry, Subaru-kun...

Subaru: Uwaaaaah!

Yui: ( ...Subaru-kun’s calling out my name. )

( On top of his lungs, to the point where I can hear it even through this strong wind. )

( He’s desperately reaching out his hand, trying to save me... )

( I’m so sorry, Subaru-kun. But please, cry no more. )

( This is for the best. )

( I don’t want to be saved by you, but be the one to save you. )

( You’re always there prtoecting me, so now it’s my turn, okay? )

( That’s why ーー This is goodbye. )

Subaru: ...Fuck this.

I told you I’d keep you safe, no matter what, remember!?

No way in hell I’m lettin’ you go!

*Thud*

Monologue

It was at that exact moment,

someobdy strongly grabbed hold of my right hand.

This touch, which I knew all too well...

[EUPHORIA END]

-> BRANCH: LABYRINTH ENDING

The game does not tell you if you are in the Euphoria or the Labyrinth branch. In the Labyrinth version of this chapter, this is what Yui’s first line after the branch looks like:

スバルくん? スバルくん、しっかりして...!

Yui: Subaru-kun? Subaru-kun, hang in there...!

ー She rushes to his side

Monologue

I found Subaru-kun collapsed on the floor in the middle of the Church.

Perhaps he had pushed himself to make it this far,

but his wound had opened up, his clothes now drenched in blood.

He might be reaching his physical limits,

all worn out after going to extremes all to keep me safe.

Even after I helped him sit up,

he simply weakly groaned in response.

*Rustle*

Yui: Subaru-kun, please! Open your eyes!

Subaru: ...What’s your problem? Shut up.

Yui: Subaru-kun! Thank god, you’ve regained consciousness, right...!?

I came looking for you after I heard you had escaped the Violet Manor’s dungeon.

I’m so glad to see you. You surely escaped to look for a way to break free from this World, didn’t you?

Subaru: ...Yeah. This is pretty much the only suspicious place left.

I mean, I might have made it here but look at me, I’m a worn-out mess...Hah, pathetic.

Yui: No way...You’re not pathetic in the slightest...!

Subaru: Why are you here anyway? Now, out of all times...

Yui: What do you mean by that...?

Subaru: I was lookin’ for a place where I could be alone.

Yui: Why...?

Subaru: Isn’t that obvious!? So I can die alone, without anyone gettin’ in my way.

Yui: You want to sacrifice yourself to destroy this cage!?

Please, don’t do that!

Subaru: ...It’s fine. It’s not like I’ll be able to properly protect you in this state anyway.

If we continue to run away like this, I’ll just get killed by those guys in the end.

If that’s the only other option left, then I’ll choose the path which allows me to protect you for sure.

Yui: No way...

Subaru: Didn’t I tell you? I’ll keep you safe, no matter what it takes.

Yui: Wait...Hold up, Subaru-kun. You can’t do that.

I mean, once you’re gone, I’ll have no reason left to keep on living.

I don’t want to return to our old world if that means you have to get sacrificed!

Subaru: But as long as we’re inside this confined World, the other guys will continue to fight to the death over you.

Yui: ...Ugh.

Subaru: They’re seriously out to kill their actual siblings, blinded by fake memories. What a joke.

Yui: That’s...

Subaru: ...My brothers and those other dudes are annoyin’ as hell, but I guess I don’t mind savin’ their sad asses alongside you.

Yui: You’re far too kind, Subaru-kun...

( He’s gently carressing my cheek... )

Subaru: Idiot. Don’t start cryin’ now. You really are a crybaby, aren’t you?

Yui: Yeah. I’m sorry for always crying. Your hand feels warm.

Subaru: I’m a Vampire, remember? I don’t have a body temperature.

Yui: Perhaps not, but it feels warm to me. I can feel you next to me.

Subaru: I see. But I can’t stay with you any longer. ...Sorry.

Yui: I’m begging you, reconsider...! Don’t say that you’ll sacrifice yourself. Don’t leave me!

Subaru: I don’t want to have to either. But I hate the thought of failin’ to protect you even more.

That’s why I’ll die right here, right now.

Yui: Subaru-kun...!?

[LABYRINTH END]

#diabolik lovers #dialovers #subaru sakamaki #chaos lineage #diabolik lovers translations #clsubaru15

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bbybladeee · 1 month

Text

mars enters shatabhisha nakshatra on march 24th @ 6am EST

Mars is now in Shatabhisha (शतभिषा) nakshatra, a nakshatra that fully resides within the constellation of Aquarius. It moved into this nakshatra @ 6am EST. For the next 18 days (from March 24th until April 10th), we are inspired to liberate ourselves from all obstacles and challenges that prevent us from going after our goals and aspirations. We are alchemizing the anger or fear that we have been holding on to and turning it into fuel for our desires. Shatabhisha is embedded with bheshaja shakti—the power to heal in the sacred waters. And with the transiting Mars relating to your need to face life’s challenges head-on while Shatabhisha helps you let go off deep-seated emotional baggage, we begin to learn that a lot of the things we perceived as major obstacles were really just small bumps in the road. The only one holding ourselves back is ourselves. We must change the way we see the world in order to change the way we see our own lives.

Shatabhisha comes from the Sanskrit words one hundred (शत) and remedy (भिषज्). One meaning of Shatabhisha is “a hundred cures,” indicating strength, perceptivity, and an aptitude for healing. Shatabhisha nakshatra is ruled by the stars of γ-Aquarii, a bright binary star system in the Aquarius constellation, asking us to accept the duality that exists within our reality. The constellation of Aquarius represents a person standing over a stream or river who is pouring water from a vessel that is infinitely deep, continuously pouring water in this body of water for eternity. γ-Aquarii symbolizes the actual water that is being poured from the vessel. The water in the symbol of Aquarius deals with the spiritual knowledge and understanding that comes with Aquarius. Aquarius is an air sign so there are cerebral and cognitive abilities like all other air signs, but Aquarius takes it a step further and connects logic with spiritual understanding. Mars in Shatabhisha encourages us to look at the mundane and spiritual when calculating how you want to accomplish your objectives in life. Look at the whole picture when deciding how you should be moving forward.

Shatabhisha is symbolized by an empty circle. The circumference of the circle divides the space into inner space and outer space of the circle. This suggests a sort of separation or containment. There is an idea of a circumferential fence that protects the inner being from outer space and any danger. It even signifies the prevent from joining the outer and greater whole by holding it captive and separate. This might be a time where you will have to leave a situation you have found yourself in and separate yourself in order to fulfill your purpose in the long run. We either have the choice of remaining in this cyclical state or transcending the confines of repetition. Shatabhisha represents the limitless possibilities. You either free yourself from the demands of others and the cyclical nature of life, or you drown in illusion.

Shatabhisha is ruled by Varuna, a form of Vishnu that presides over the vastness of the sky and ocean. As the sky and ocean are boundless, Varuna is the protector of the vast ocean of consciousness (not only individual consciousness but also collective consciousness). He awakens within us an understanding that we are all connected together, inspiring us to look at things from its all-encompassing and all embracing perspective. He imparts cosmic order and justice upon the world, washing away our sins in the sacred waters and allowing us to ascend towards the heavens. Shatabhisha is the protector of truth and righteousness. Varuna continuously tries to keep us on the right path. This is a nakshatra of penance and repaying for our karmic debts through action. Sometimes, in order for our earthly learning process to be successful, Shatabhisha also needs to give us back some of our less pleasant karma and make it manifest itself in our lives as disease, poverty, or loss. Often those so-called misfortunes become a turning point for an individual and allow us to finally learn our life lessons and heal ourselves on a much deeper level. This nakshatra inspires us to heal our mind from all polluting thoughts, so our inner ocean can become pure once again—and so the light of truth and Divine inspiration can shine through it. Because when our mind liberates itself from those limiting influences, the body automatically starts heading towards healing, too. Acceptance is the first step in that process. Shatabhisha will be inspiring them throughout life to have a little bit more faith in Divine justice and to realize that nothing ever happens to anybody without a reason – but it is merely a manifestation of our karmic lessons and debts, that we need to pay and go through in order to progress in life. Varuna does not see reality through the lens of “good” or “bad.” These descriptions do not even exist to Varuna, as he is the fluid being of water and akasha, or spirit. He will allow you to reach your fullest potential and guide you through earthly and material desires.

Shatabhisha is also connected to Rahu, the lunar apogee of material attachments and the shadowy ego (and the cause of our eclipses). Rahu is the other half to Ketu. Together they symbolize the dragon with Rahu being the head and Ketu being the body. Rahu is seen as an insatiably hungry head that wants to consume all material things to fill the void of losing its body Ketu. Rahu is seen as angry and easily frightened. This lunar apogee is reactive, aggressive, and deeply insecure, but can be healed through understanding what triggered Rahu and learning how to integrate what Rahu represents rather than trying to ignore how Rahu makes us feel. So, Shatabhisha takes us to the deep waters to wash away the pain and trauma we’ve been holding on to so we can be born anew. This nakshatra encourages us to humbly accept all that life gives us, be it sweet or bitter, and to try our best to learn our karmic lesson and pay our karmic debts. Shatabhisha, because of its connection to the circle, can sometimes also symbolize ouroboros, the ancient snake that eats its own tail. The insatiable taste of Rahu and the cyclical expansion of the cosmic circle reminds us of ouroboros. This symbol is often interpreted as the eternal cyclic of life or the eternal cycle of death. This symbol has been used to describe the kundalini force, a concept that is also often related to Shatabhisha. The shedding of a snake’s skin also symbolized the idea of renewal of self. The snake biting its own tail is a fertility symbol in some religions and cultures; and the tail of the snake is a phallic symbol, the mouth is a yoni symbol. There are major sexual undertones throughout Shatabhisha’s symbolism.

Individual Interpretation

Mars is connected to our primal nature, behavior, attitude, and instincts. This planet describes our strength, endurance, stamina, and confidence. You are feeling more ambitious and driven during this transit. You are setting your sights high on a goal and working hard to achieve it. But this could be a project that you need to work on by yourself, without the assistance from others. It’s important to organize your thoughts, lay out your priorities, and proceed step by step in a systematic way, leaving no details out of your plan. Shatabhisha derives its power from secrecy and concealment. Shatabhisha Mars seeks things that are hidden and gains power from them. Spending more time in isolation and alone could be beneficial for your spiritual growth. And this does not mean isolation to the point of feeling lonely, but learning how to enjoy your own personal time by yourself (and even learning the importance of keeping secrets to yourself). This is a time to choose what you say wisely. You may not realize the consequence of saying too much to someone until it is too late. You are prone to feeling misunderstood, restricted, and lonely. This could negatively impact your mental health and lead to strong feelings of apathy and loathing. Shatabhisha Mars is a highly sensual and sexual transit. There could also be an influx of piercings and tattoos during this time as Mars associates blood and pain with accomplishment and Rahu enjoys the destructive creativity of the piercing and tattoo industry. Avoid the usage of harsh drugs as Shatabhisha Mars may also inspire many to escape the heaviness of reality through muddying their senses. Many are more prone to addictions and won’t be afraid to go to extremes, even if this has a negative impact on their health and well-being.

Mars relates to our physical fitness, nutrition, and overall health and vitality. Shatabhisha allows us to rid ourselves of our negative vices and habits. Thus, this could be a good time to get on a cleaner diet. You don’t have to change your entire diet overnight (which is highly unrecommended by most reliable doctors and nutritionists), but rather choose a few habits that you think you should change for the better and do the proper research to maintain these habits. Things like eating more fresh fruits and veggies, cutting down on your complex carbohydrate intake, increasing how much protein you consume, and drinking plenty more water can be helpful to this new lifestyle change. There could be an influx of people wanting to go to the gym to tone and build muscle. Bottomline is, you want to know more about your body and how it operates for you. Get to know what foods make you feel good, how much sleep you need to feel well-rested, and how much exercise you can consistently manage on a day to day basis. Self-care practices such as solitude, meditation, yoga, and spending quality time in nature can maximize your strengths while minimizing your negative tendencies. Finding a balance between physical strength and spiritual endurance is important.

Mars symbolizes our assertive nature, need for dominance, and how we approach confrontations.This is a time for healing your anger and aggressions. It’s becoming more clear to you now more than ever that holding on to your anger is not benefiting you nor are you finding yourself able to easily move on. Many people are dealing with irritations that are completely justified, but their reactions and what they say in the heat of the moment could’ve been expressed in a better way. Shatabhisha Mars is helping us tweak the way we approach what bothers us so that we can transmute these emotions rather than having to keep dealing with the same triggers. In some people, they may find that feeding their anger can actually lead to physical illness and conditions associated with the stress of agitation. You have a difficult time detaching yourself from your pain. You may want to spend your time doing therapy whether that means going to a licensed professional therapist or performing self-healing techniques on yourself at your leisure.

Collective Interpretation

Mars is connected to scientific discoveries and medical advancements. There could be some sort of scientific discovery pertaining to surgical instruments and technologies being innovated. Under this sort of transit, scientists are usually focusing their attention towards finding cures to various biological ailments and conditions. Unfortunately, some individuals will discover new diseases they didn’t realize they had or conditions they were aware of could potentially flare up if there are any negative aspects in their chart colliding with this transiting Mars. In the medical field, there could be more people looking to ease their physical pain or the symptoms of their mental conditions. If you are a scientist, biologist, chemist, engineer, doctor, surgeon, paramedic, pharmacist, pharmacy technician, drug dealer, or herbalist you may find an influx of discoveries or customers in your line of work over the next two and a half weeks.

Mars symbolizes civil servants (specifically those that are suppose to keep the public safe) such as firefighters and police officers. Mars, the planet of fire and blood, being in connection to Rahu could increase the public's need for safety. There could be an influx of accident, fires, electrical issues, and water damage (because of Shatabhisha's connection to water). At the worst, there could be more crime, riots, police brutality, and terrorism. Shatabhisha Mars could create more division amongst the people and the state as the state weaponize its police and military to suppress the public. There could be boiling tensions between world leaders and the people they are suppose to be leading. This is likely due to the world leader's inability to meet the needs and standards of the people they are to be ruling over. And because the world is feeling more desperate for safety and security, this encourages outcastes of society to look towards violence and crime to meet their needs. Thus stealing, scamming, and fraud.

Mars is also related to the military and war. And Rahu, at its worst, can relate to war as well but genocidal wars and various war crimes. Although Shatabhisha has the unifying energies of Varuna, Shatabhisha being ruled by Rahu is not the most promising sign for the collective. In order to Shatabhisha to not give way to the destructive tendencies of Rahu, each individual would have to accept that they are a part of a bigger collective. The collective is working through a lot of anger and trauma together, however the anger and trauma is caused by wanting to be separated. Mars representing (the perceived) enemies of the state and Shatabhisha being a nakshatra separate from what is perceived to be boundless, this could continue to encourage the genocides that are currently going on. Shatabhisha could inspire sides to further divide themselves and Rahu’s influence (especially with the eclipse in 24 hours) may blind the oppressive, genocidal side into thinking they are being attacked when they are not. This transit could inspire the oppressive side to also focus on technological advancements that they can weaponize against the defensive side. Shatabhisha rules oceans, lakes, rivers, streams, and reservoirs so there could be an offensive attack on water in order to drown people or pollute their drinking water. Shatabhisha also rules the sky and clouds so there could be more airstrikes. This negative influence will be the strongest between March 24 - 28 (when Shatabhisha Mars travels through the first pada and during the Lunar Eclipse in Hasta) and again between April 2 - 7 (when the Sun conjuncts Rahu and Mercury semisquares Mars).

#astrology #astrology interpretations #astrology transits #sidereal astrology #vedic astrology #jyotish #mundane astrology #collective astrology #nakshatra #nakshatras #mars #mangala #shatabhisha #shatabhisha nakshatra #rahu #north node

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taurusreads · 7 months

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for who it may concern…

masterlist || paid services || ko-fi

random messages for whoever this needs to find 🫶🏽

some of you may have been feeling like a connection you have with someone is starting to come to an end. you may have lost a bit of contact with a friend, or have been trying to find a way to end a connection with a person. you or this person may be a water sign, or have prominent water placements. i feel like you may be ignoring some of the signs that that universe is giving to you, in favor of staying in a comfortable situation. this may be a long term friendship for some of you, as i’m seeing a reluctance to let go because of the time you’ve spent with that person. a bit of advice from your guides: if the time you spent wasn’t fulfilling, then should it really be in your life? and for others, the good times are nice to reminisce on, but when a certain relationship had run its course, it’s time to do what’s best for you. make the courageous choice of taking care of yourself, rather than expending all of your energy on others.

for some of you, a major piece of advice is to be a bit easier on yourself. you’re allowed to have fun without feeling like you’re wasting time, because you’re no wasting time. you’re actually right on track, and the universe wants you to learn to enjoy life, rather than be so serious about it. stop ignoring the things that you’re being called to do, and let go of the things you know aren’t meant for you. follow the lead of your heart, and let the universe align your energy to the things that you have been manifesting. stop resisting the change. be honest with yourself about the career path that you want to do. are you picking the career you’re in because you want to do it, or because society, your friends, your family, etc. all expect you to do it? are you truly living your highest calling, or are you trying to make the people around you happy? why is that? why do you feel undeserving of happiness, and substitute it with the happiness of others? it’s okay to ask these questions, and acknowledge that work needs to be done within oneself.

it’s time to relearn all of the life lessons that you needed. what lessons did you learn too late due to the formation of your trauma? what lessons did the situation you were in teach you and how does that reflect your beliefs and values? i think this has turned into a lesson on shadow work for whoever this may concern lol.

some of you could possibly be starseeds and if you are or that thought resonated with you, welcome bbies 🫶🏽 you may have started this lifetime with someone else in your soul tribe on a double mission. this relationship is going to provide a lot of healing to both you, your person, and the general collective as well. your mission is to raise the vibration of the universe, and bring light and happiness back into a darkened world. you will be healing past wounds, breaking generational curses, and bringing about a new age.

i think that you, your person, or perhaps the both of you could be public figures. i think your life lessons and experiences both separated and together provide more insight and understanding to a lot of other peoples situations. if not public figures, then you’re at least well known in your current community. people look up to you guys, i can see people actually using you as role models for how they want to live their lives. i feel like the connection between you and this other energy is definitely romantic, it’s giving unconditional love and adoration for another, someone who fits them like a key to a lock. one of you could also be spiritual, or have psychic abilities.

you could have been in a period where you were very spiritually aware, or at least were seeing a lot of signs and synchronicities, or you’re going to experience this soon. there will have been a surge in spiritual knowledge, getting intuitive hits randomly throughout the day, gaining clarity on very foggy areas of your life, being more trusting and open with your guides, yourself, and the universe, etc. this will have come after a period of solitude. you took the time to yourself to meet your shadow, to understand everything that makes you you, and to accept those parts of yourself and finally live authentically. things will start to shift radically in your life at that point. during this time, it is a call to action. this is the moment for you to go after the things you want, floor the gas pedal and go for the finish line!

okay this is turning into a love reading lmao hold on.

a sign that you might be meeting your person is that you start to become more expressive. you may not be someone who voices their opinions a lot, but you find yourself speaking out more where you’d usually stay silent. the four of wands fell out, which is a heavy indication of happy endings, family, healthy homes, children, pregnancy, etc. i feel like this person gets these feelings immediately, and the feeling is probably mutual lol. i think that this connection either moves really quickly once you meet, or the connection is going to surface very soon for you. either of you could have prominent fire placements in your chart as well.

i think you two share very similar mindsets, and have similar passions as well. i think that you guys could bond over a common interest in your careers as well. you may even meet because of a work project. you both needed to create the foundation you needed within yourselves to meet each other and start your mission together, and you both have reached a point where you’re ready for union. you have the ace or swords, which indicates clear intentions, deep, intellectual conversations, and new incoming contact with someone.

this connection is everything that you could have ever asked for. i feel like this is something you and your person both manifested, and it was finally the right time for you two to come together. start preparing yourself now, for you have a lot of things coming for you! it’s time to start getting ready to live your dream life 🫶🏽

if this reading resonated, please consider checking out my personal readings and packages!

#i channeled a lot of shit lmao #i don’t even remember half of the things i typed honestly #also sorry for typos i didn’t really proof read this #i just felt called to pull some cards and give some messages #pick a card #tarot #tarot community #tarot reader #divination #love tarot reading #pick a card tarot #pick a pile tarot #tarot readings #astrology #taurusreads

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astrolo-t · 2 years

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Morning Sun Pt. 1

Pairing: Ellie x Reader

Word Count: 1.5k~

Warnings: MDNI pls, Cursing, Alcohol, LOTS of Angst, Ellie running at literally any sign of conflict or messy feelings.

A/N: This is the after Santa Barbara I wish Ellie had.

Enjoy :)

Prologue

She got sloppy. That’s really all it was. Her mind had been somewhere else, everywhere else really. There’d been thoughts of Joel, the closest thing she’d had to a father figure in this fucked up world, drawing his last breath as she’d begged him not to die. In the end, she couldn't make things right, couldn't follow through even when this tireless pursuit of Abby had literally cost her everything.

I would do it all over again.

Joel could’ve done it. He would’ve been able to kill Abby. Or maybe…he wouldn’t have. Of that, Ellie wasn’t so sure anymore.

Then, there had been thoughts of Dina somewhere new with JJ. Probably with someone new. Someone who could actually be a partner to her and help raise a child. Someone who didn’t have night terrors each night and vivid flashbacks during the day. Someone who wouldn’t have left her for a fight she couldn’t even bring herself to finish. Someone…not broken.

Prove it. Stay…

She deserved so much more than Ellie could give. Taking everything and leaving their home behind? She couldn’t even begin to fault her for that. No, Dina deserved so much better.

And so that’s all it took. Just one moment of distraction for her to end up this way, body now just as broken as her spirit. She’d suffered some deep cuts across her left thigh and torso from hunters. Those wounds, along with the gash on her forehead and maybe a broken rib kept her moving slower than normal. She’s had worse injuries for sure. But never had they gone untreated for so long. She was losing too much blood, dizziness, and exhaustion settling in, her hands, shaky and a bit clammy.

And honestly? She was just so, so, fucking tired.

She had long since wandered away from any sort of path and if she’d been in her right mind she might be able to figure out where she was. Taking a moment to catch her breath, Ellie leans against a tree when her eyes catch sight of a brief flickering of light amongst the dense trees. It’s gone as soon as it’d appeared, but Ellie heads toward it anyway. Despite it being nightfall and the amount of vegetation covering the area, Ellie knows that light could contain the possibility of a shelter.

Empty and unoccupied by infected hopefully, the light could mean a place for her to rest. Yea. Maybe she’d get some sleep and try to heal her wounds. She also had a little bit of food and water left that she could polish off.

Or maybe…it just meant finding a quiet place to die.

Stepping up to the wooden door she twists the doorknob and opens the door, letting it ring out the slightest creak in the darkness. It’s pitch black, quiet. Abandoned, Ellie thinks. Maybe she’d imagined the light. What, with how delirious she was, it wouldn’t have been surprising. Switchblade in hand, she moves through the house, scanning the area for infected with the stealth honed from regular patrols and years of practice at taking down enemies quickly and quietly. She finds none, but she does find a bedroom. Under the blue-white glow of the moonlight, she can see the soft white sheets and a blanket draped over the bed, one side unmade as though someone had gotten up…and in a hurry.

Just as she’s pondering this she hears the unmistakable click of a shotgun from just behind her.

“Who the fuck are you and what are you doing in my house?” a voice growls out.

Hands raised in surrender, Ellie starts to turn slowly, only to stare down the barrel of a shotgun and the faint outline of a person in the darkness. A fresh wave of dizziness hits her then, one she couldn’t fight off. Before she passes out, she’s able to catch your eyes glaring back at her and even in her state of delirium she thinks it wouldn’t be awful if they’re the last thing she sees.

Reader POV

You knew you weren’t being paranoid.

Well…maybe you didn’t know. But this time in particular, your hyper awareness had paid off because there actually had been a trespasser.

You'd happened across this place by chance and then chosen to stay because the remote two bedroom farmhouse looked like the kind of place people would stay away from. It was all worn wood and chipped paint, and although it still needed a bit of TLC, it was home. It was also very private. Hidden deep in the trees far off from any path or roads, no one bothered you here. You could yell, scream, and cry at the top of your lungs without any concern. So far removed from any remainder of society, hell, you could walk around outdoors naked if you really wanted to. It was a place where you could exist without restrictions or by anyone’s standards. It was your safety net.

At that thought, your eyes wander over to the girl laying on your worn burgundy couch. Remote as your little piece of peace was, that apparently didn’t keep everyone away.

You’d stayed up all night tending to her wounds. Because despite her being an intruder, you’d rather no one bleed out and die on your watch. She’d remained unconscious the entire time besides the quiet moans every now and then when you pressed on any open wounds a little too hard.

She was…pretty….despite the blood drying on her temple and the choppy neck length haircut she had. Freckles dusted all over her face, not unlike the raindrops collecting on your windows; then there were those impossibly long brown lashes. She was still in the clothes that she arrived in, a camel-colored cargo jacket over a white tank top and jeans. And weirdly enough, she also looked about your age.

You cross your arms, rhythmically tapping on the skin of your bicep, and begin to pace because everything about this spelled trouble. People could be following her, and there was no reason you had to have your little slice of paradise ripped away from you.

I mean honestly…she couldn’t just stay here.

Could she?

Just as you’d begun to think this over, she starts to rustle, whimpering slightly.

Sighing, you come to sit on the coffee table parallel to the couch and chide, “You have to stop moving. Tear those stitches and it’s gonna hurt a lot more than me doing it while you were unconscious.”

Her green eyes blink open, momentarily flickering over to yours, before staring up at the ceiling. You take this time to introduce yourself, then wait patiently for her to do the same. She introduces herself curtly to which you then reply, “Well, Ellie Williams, you wanna explain what the fuck you're doing here? Breaking and entering?

“Pretty hard to break and enter when the door is fucking unlocked.”

You frown, feeling a gentle warmth flush your cheeks. Crossing your arms you say lamely, “Whatever….no one ever ends up here.”

“Clearly that logic no longer applies.” She grumbles mostly to herself as she tries to sit up, inhaling sharply as she feels a familiar pain in her ribs.

Gently, you press her back down into the couch, narrowing your eyes at her before retorting, “For a patient on the brink of death, you sure aren’t very grateful to the person who just saved your life.”

Her eyes find yours again at that statement, and she chuckles dryly before replying, “Yea well, for my supposed nurse, you have no bedside manner.”

You curl your fingers into fists because the absolute mouth on this woman.

You open your mouth, prepared to spit pure venom at her when you notice the hand laying over her chest. While tending her wounds you hadn’t noticed but, her pinky and ring finger were missing from her left hand. Her eyes follow where you’d been staring not so subtly, and once she discovers what you’re staring at, she sighs. Clenching that hand into a fist, she quickly covers it with her other.

Subtle y/n verrry subtle.

Her eyes get this far away look to them, and maybe you’re mistaken but you swear you see tears gathering in her eyes. She swipes quickly at them though, and whatever glimpse of vulnerability you’d thought you’d seen is gone in seconds, or maybe it was never really there at all. Initial thoughts on this situation were pretty jumbled and complicated. You had someone here who was still very much injured and it’d take more than a brief nap for her to really heal. You found her irritating! And unappreciative. And honestly? Really sad. You didn’t know all that the woman had been through, or what had brought her here. But, did that matter? This didn’t have to be your problem, did it?

The sound of Ellie shuffling onto her side in some attempt to get comfortable, breaks your train of thought. Your eyes flicker back over to where she was attempting to fall back asleep, glancing briefly down to her hands once more. Ok so, maybe you do feel bad for her. And maybe something happened to her that had changed her not necessarily for the better. That, you knew about first hand.

With that thought in mind, you quite unceremoniously make a solid decision.

She could stay.

Even if it's just for tonight…she could stay.

A/N: I went ahead and broke this fic up into 6 parts. I'll be posting one part each day with the final part being posted on 9/16/22 :)

#tia wrote something wow #ellie williams x reader #tlou 2 #ellie the last of us #tlou #the last of us 2 #ellie williams #ellie x reader #the last of us #ellie imagine

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