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#it’s not some unknown enemy and becomes something i can understand
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i don’t like. the irrationality created by memories
#ive spent enough time pouring over information and reading studies and making sure i know damn well how this disease works so that at least#it’s not some unknown enemy and becomes something i can understand#which is fine until im crying and shaking in my bathroom over it potentially being in this damn house once again and at this time of the#year where specific anniversaries of horrible milestones come back to haunt me#and i haven’t been fully present in going on two years now but these last two days have passed obnoxiously quickly and none of it feels real#it’s been a long time since i haven’t known the hour much less what day it is#and i can tell you about blood vessels and symptoms and all the ways this disease can function in and destroy the body but it doesn’t make#any difference when nothing feels real and i had to check what day it was and got the date wrong for the first time in years#I’m also defaulting to hyper-rationality which hasn’t happened since middle school and isn’t. a good sign#it’s just a replay of a lot of memories i can’t forgot but this time it’s not just memories and has a very much physical component which is#worse. I think. by far.#and then there’s the repercussions of this where I have to see if my brain will allow me to anything#i can hope i can still go to work and everything because i do love it but last time this happened i wasn’t able to walk into any building#without having to leave#so. I don’t know. not to mention things that don’t have to do with school or careers?#and rationally i should be asleep at the moment because sleep is so so necessary right now but that’s the one thing I’m really struggling#with right now#i don’t know. it’s just a lot and I don’t appreciate the added layer of ‘time is a circle’#there’s other things I have to deal with and work through that are more irrational than research vs trauma response but will probably be#harder to work through because man does my brain love latching onto a grudge but. for lack of a better term. whatever#im most upset about things pertaining to a career has been messed up and that i can’t celebrate chanukah with my family#because everyone else can think about christmas but im losing my winter holiday#im just. anything that isn’t empty is scared and angry and bitter just a little bit#vent tw
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rachetmath · 16 days
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Vol 5: What Oz should have done for RNJR
Oscar(Oz): Alright here's what’s going to happen. Right now, Leon's intentions are a mystery. We are outnumbered. And our maiden seems to be a part of The Branwen tribe. So to ensure you all are ready considering you may be what we have. I will give each of you an assignment. 
Ruby: Woo-hoo.
Ren: Hm.
Nora: Okay. Show off.
Jaune: What do we do?
Oscar(Oz): Ms. Rose you will be with me. We need to see a way of unlocking the power of your silver eyes. This way we can stand a better chance against Salem. Meanwhile helping Oscar and yourself hone your skills. Jaune Arc.
Jaune: Um. Yeah?
Oscar(Oz): You will be assigned to Qrow.
Jaune: Whoa wait-
Qrow: Oz, I’m already looking for recruits. I can’t be bothered-
Oscar(Oz): Enough. Look I understand you both are not on good terms. However, Mr. Arc, you have yet to unlock your semblance-
Jaune: Yeah but-
Oscar(Oz):  Though you may have improved, your skills are adequate at best. Sadly, with an unknown amount of time, the best course for you is to learn to be more adaptable to battle. And who better to teach that than Qrow? Qrow is also a better swordsman than you are right now. Learning from him may help you in the long run. Plus, it will keep Qrow from drinking.
Qrow and Jaune: *resentment* Hm.
Nora: What about us?
Oscar(Oz): Do you have money?
Nora: Yeah.
Oscar(Oz): Buy some lighting dust and learn about your semblance. You might discover something new on how to use it.
Ren: What about-
Oscar(Oz): Just don’t push yourself too hard. Come in between the other training sessions and spar with the others. Focus on improving the skills you have.
The training sessions begin in the morning as Ruby and Oscar travel to a nearby forest where Grimm are located. There Oscar(Oz) started throwing hordes of Grimm at her one after the other. Afterward, her and Oscar spar as Ozpin put it that Oscar has the potential to learn faster through intense training and muscle memory.
Nora does exactly what Ozpin said, buys lighting dust, and starts using as little to as much as possible, working on new ways to use her semblance.  Ren trains however he wants, coming in between sessions to test himself and the others. 
Jaune’s training though wasn’t just at the house. Jaune training involved staying with Qrow at all times. Avoiding danger in all corners. All in the morning. The afternoon is much worse. Qrow immediately tells Jaune to forget what he learned from Pyrrah and instead of fighting with their actual weapons, they fight with regular training swords. Qrow becomes more displeased as in the first round;
Qrow: Too slow.
The second round;
Qrow: Too wide.
Third round;
Qrow: Don’t stare out into space. Move.
Fourth round;
Qrow: Come on! Don’t tell me that’s all.
Fifth round;
Qrow: You’re overthinking. 
After the tenth round, Qrow and Jaune stop however Qrow states;
Qrow: Let me be clear. This isn’t Beacon. Regardless, your enemies will not wait until you figure them out. And the moment you lose track of them you will die. And once you die, your friends will die next. Sometimes having a stronger offense is just as good as a defense.
Jaune: *groans*
Qrow: *signs* That’s enough for the day. Go and rest up.
Afterward, Qrow starts to drink a little while being up a little. He then heard something. Qrow grabs his weapon and prepares to deal with the intruder until he is grabbed by his niece. Qrow was about to say something until Ruby hushed him. Ruby and Qrow proceeded cautiously until Qrow saw it wasn’t an intruder but Jaune himself.
Qrow watched as Jaune listened to Pyrrha’s recorded message. However, what impressed him was Jaune’s strikes as the wind started to emerge. Ruby and Qrow soon walked away as Ruby spoke;
Ruby: He listens to it every night.
Qrow: Every night? 
Ruby: And here I thought you’ve been watching our every move. 
Qrow: Ruby, look, I get-
Ruby: Then act like it.
Qrow: What?
Ruby: Uncle Qrow, I get it. I understand right now you and Jaune are not on the best terms. And I can’t blame him. You-
Qrow: Hey she-
Ruby: I know! But that doesn’t make it right. What if it was me? Or Yang? Wouldn’t you be just as upset as he is right now? More importantly, even though he doesn’t like you he still saved you. 
Qrow: *silent*
Ruby: All I’m trying to say is- give him a chance. If Pyrrha saw something in him and Ozpin assigned him to you, shouldn’t that be enough reason to help him? 
Qrow: But Ruby, he sucks though.
Ruby: So did I. No teacher wanted to train me. You did though. And look how I turned out.
Qrow: Yeah but-
Ruby: Please. Just try. For me.
Qrow: *thinks and sighs* Fine.
Ruby: Thank you. Good night Uncle Qrow, Also, you’re not exactly fun drunk. 
Qrow gave it some thought as he prepared to sleep. In the morning Qrow sees Jaune waiting for him. 
Qrow: You’re up. Good.
Jaune: Where are we going now? 
Qrow: Just follow me.
Jaune follows Qrow until they reach their destination. A tiny forest not far from the city. Within it is a large lake with a waterfall. Jaune was confused as he asked;
Jaune: Okay, why are we here? Normally we-
Qrow: Kid? We’ve been looking for a week now. We might as well assume that we have no allies to recruit. As Ozpin hypothesized, you and your friends may be our only chance.
Jaune grows silent as he knows the old bird is right.
Qrow: Therefore our schedule has changed. From here on, the focus will be on improving your combat skills all day and night for hours.  No breaks. No food. And more importantly…
Qrow holds out his hand to Jaune but Jaune doesn’t know why. Qrow continues as he states;
Qrow: No scroll.
Jaune was shocked. At first, he hesitated but soon caved in as he pulled out and gave his scroll to Qrow. Qrow proceeds to put the scroll in his pocket as he explains;
Qrow: You will get it back once training is done. Now first let me explain something to you. Sit.
Jaune does exactly as Qrow said as they sit on the ground, not breaking eye contact.
Qrow: I know why you’re here. You wanted answers and more importantly, I know you want revenge.
Jaune: And? So what? What’s wrong with making someone pay? 
Qrow: Oh nothing. There’s nothing wrong with getting payback. Especially when they deserve it. However, I don’t like it when that same person is willing to throw everyone under the bus to get it.
Jaune: Now hold on a-
Qrow: I’m not saying you would… however, it is possible. You want to know how I know. I’ve… been there. 
Jaune: *silent*
Qrow: I’ve lost people. I’ve got back for people. I’ve killed people. Even innocent people. And whether I liked it or not their deaths -their blood will forever stain my hands. And this was all before I became a huntsman. I’m saying, I know what vengeance can do to even good-hearted people like yourself.
Jaune: *remain silent*
Qrow: You start being spiteful. Stubborn. Colder. Yet willing to throw away your life not knowing what you leave behind. 
Jaune: *remains quiet*
Qrow: Look… if you want revenge, fine… however don’t make your friends suffer for it. Understand?
Jaune: … … Yes.
Qrow: Good. Next is a demonstration. 
Qrow gets up and walks towards the water. Qrow gets into a battle stance as he grips his sword. Jaune watches as Qrow stikes the the lake. However, Jaune was soon stunned as he saw not only Qrow strike the water but split the lake in half, as the current rose and splashed the grass. Qrow then asked;
Qrow: Now what happened? What did I do?
Jaune: You-you used- you used your aura to split the lake. 
Qrow: Good, so you know what your training is about now. With the little time we still have you will learn this technique. During this training, you will be under extreme combative conditions. Weapons drawn. And no aura barrier. This will allow us to knock two birds with one stone.
Jaune: *silent*
Qrow: So what do you say? Care to give it a shot.
Jaune: *readies himself* Bring it.
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defining-skyology · 2 months
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Defining Darkness.
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I need to decide what I want to do here.
I could just tell you what I think the Answer (to each topic) is, and what led me to that. But instead, I want to ask as many questions as possible. If I'm alone in my echo chamber, I need to be my own worst enemy, the most thorough critic possible. I want to make this fun (for me).
So let's strip this down to the most barebones it can be, and dive into the wonderful world of Lexicology: the study of words.
Darkness.
Darkness, according to Wikipedia, is defined as:
A lack of illumination
An absence of visible light, or
or a surface that absorbs light.
Darkness is a concrete, normal concept about real life, but it has transcended beyond its immediate definition to become a steeple of powerful metaphors expressing endless bounds of human emotion.
Darkness is used to paint a picture of evils, unknowns, dangers beyond the warmth of the sun. Darkness eats the sun, holds it hostage and drains hope, love, and joy. Darkness wants, it hungers, and it schemes. It has a plan. And worst of all, it's very patient.
...at least in writing.
Darkness can mean anything a writer wants it to mean, so it can mean all of those, and it could mean none of those!
Our job as Lore theorists, is to observe what this word means to Sky, and what picture should be painted in our head when we try to understand exactly, just what 'darkness' is.
{{{Continue Reading}}}
Because to the unaware, when they first hear of a "Darkness" in Sky, their minds go to every far corner possible that I had just poetized above.
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There is an inescapable tendency among fanfic writers and OC designers to relish and drool over the idea of 'the bad guy'. We are craving an antagonist, and we paint them in our thoughts the moment a crumb of content leans in that direction.
And even better than an antagonist; we are itching for an antihero. For some kind of 'opposite' side against the light. Something to represent our rebellions and battles in real life as we rage against the machine, for whatever our machines are.
"Dark" creatures, "dark" skykids, "dark" elders; a world of possibility opens up and we just can't help ourselves, not even the devs!
[Official Sky concept art by Tom Zhao]
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But enough about Lexicology (the study of words (if you forgot)).
What about what we can actually see in person? (In game)
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As we begin to observe the world around us, we have an immediate official Rule that every theorist seems to agree on:
If it hurts your Light, it's Darkness.
[By the way, damage to your Flame is not damage to your Light. This will someday make sense later.]
The game warns us early on to 'protect your Light', and as we travel through the realms we find creatures that attack us; creatures that the game warns in loading screens are 'dark' entities, "hungry for your light". The rainfall and sludge in wasteland are also harmful to your Light, showing that Darkness may be carried in water.
Within this rule we now have a small list of Things-That-Hurt-Us:
Forest rain
Wasteland water
Darkness crabs
Dark Dragons (Krill)
Shardfall, and Dark Shards
And for the loremoffy, that leaves them with a bunch of questions and dots to connect. Starting with the creatures on the list, we're instantly alarmed, especially as moths entering the false temple for the first time. These two 'enemies' are canonically named by quests and loading screens as 'dark' creatures. "Are they dark evil minions of the bad guy??" gasps the moth, audibly. They certainly seem evil, attacking you with no [some] hesitation. If they are 'a part of' the Darkness, then that seems to guarantee the Darkness wants/exists to attack Light.
And what of signs of 'evil' darkness that don't appear to hurt you?
Darkness plants, also canonically named so, don't hurt you, but, foreign and invasive in appearance and nature, they do seem to be uninvited guests in a land that didn't really expect them. They appear in places that are wet and dimly lit, and have been seen to trap exposed light, be that smaller creatures of Light, memories of Light (released by Shardfall or memory/spirit quests), and lastly, the spirits of Ancestors, who's shells have been cracked and exposed to the Darkness.
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The plants appear to keep and store Light, mostly inside small orb-like sacs. This along with the fact that it traps Beings of Light and memories of Light, seems to show that whatever this 'Darkness' is, it doesn't 'get rid' of Light, but rather bury it, keeping it perpetually contained, encased within a strange tomb indefinitely.
More official concept art by Tom Zhao
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These things are slowly and painfully choking the land, killing whatever still dares to perch on the ground. They may or may not be 'evil', but whatever they are, they're a plague, a disease. Are they what make the Dark creatures the way they are, or do Dark creatures and Dark plants all appear because of something deeper down the rabbithole?
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We follow the trail of Darkness, worse and worse as we grow near its source, and find that the worst of the Darkness comes from the ruined kingdom's heart of society. Whatever Darkness is, the Ancestors obviously seem to have something to do with it. From here the lore moth can trail down a few paths. The Ancestors were either the direct cause of this Darkness, or created it by accident. It was either directly connected to whatever they were doing, or they didn't expect Darkness to be a factor at all. Regardless, we'll look at why Darkness is on another day.
But What is it?
The goal of an Answer is to be able to summarize everything you know about a subject, into a bitesize, consumable, tolerable answer. And to answer what Darkness is, after all of this blog-long research and meditation; one specific word is the Answer.
noun
noun: pollution
the presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance or thing that has harmful or poisonous effects.
Pollution is the word that matches everything we know about the way this Darkness spreads. It has been introduced into the environment by the Ancestors, and is affecting the world. Pollution contaminates and poisons, killing the world with no intent of its own, but destroying everything nonetheless. This is the perfect word for what we've seen in our journey so far.
But how does this tie back in to the beginning of this post?
We had determined that the possible definitions of Darkness ellicit:
Lack of Light
Opposite of Light
An Evil
Absorption/Burying of Light
We are beginning to find that Darkness in the world of Sky does not 'lack' Light, as it instead traps and stores Light in a perpetual sleep.
🚫 [Darkness]: a lack of Light
We have also found that, being released by the Ancestors of the ancient kingdom, Darkness is not seemingly malicious, but instead a force, a storm, almost 'natural' in its ways, with no conscious mind of its own. We cannot create a face of pollution in real life enough to visualize an antagonist we can 'defeat', unless you generalize a concept of rich old fat men. It is the same way with Darkness in Sky. It's probably not 'evil', but it's not okay.
🚫 [Darkness]: an ancient evil
But we have confirmed that it does absorb Light, which is a concrete definition of 'darkness' in the dictionary.
[Darkness]: content that absorbs Light ✅✅✅
And because of that, we've come full circle! 🎊🎉🎇
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Wait, we didn't address if our Darkness is or is not synonymous with the definition "opposite of Light"...
Well, maybe it's better we hold off on that thought for now. Because in order to say it's the opposite of Light, first we have to Define what Light is. And I think its safe to say we won't get there for a while. 😅
You're crazy if you actually read all of this, but thank you so much.
I think I'm really going to enjoy making these, so long as I can make them s l i g h t l y coherent. Have a good day/night yall!
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xoxo-ren-xoxo · 1 month
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Thinking about your Grumbo apocalypse AU again. Thank you for the Convex crumbs, I appreciate them :]. /silly
Anyway! Grumbo is so ill in this, and that makes me insane. Both are like. "I care for this person so much that I'd change fundamental parts of myself." While also freaking out about being with the other in any way.
Like. Here's Mumbo so scared by this monster! This thing that kills his kind! But, Grian is so nice to him. He cares. Mumbo isn't used to the idea of friends and people loving him and caring and. How can something made to kill him love him? How can he sleep in the arms of the enemy, knowing that others would have died for every nearing one of these creatures? Is he giving up his humanity by living with the Outsiders? Would society ever except him again?
Or Grian freaking out about not being human enough! He wants Mumbo to care for and love him, and see him as a friend, as he sees him, but Grian is so hurt that Mumbo is scared. He forces himself to be so human, despite it hurting, and that's terrifying. He's becoming something that is painful to be, because he wants his friend happy. He's no longer a monster, an Outsider, but he can never be human.
They're so just. I want you to be happy because I love you, and so I'll became what you want, at the act of destroying myself in the worst way possible.
Sorry for the long ramble. Your goofy AU is just ever haunting.
ohhh my god this is so trUE
they are incapable of being normal about each other...
for mumbo, the story is about learning to be comfortable going outside his own rules. becoming more spontaneous and less fearful of the unknown. yes, some of his fears are totally valid - but he shouldn't let those fears dictate how he treats grian. he's sort of in this 'it'll be okay if grian just pretends to be human. then we can have a normal life' mindset that will NEVER work out. they try it! multiple times! it does not work!! mumbo needs to change in a positive way so that he can access a happier, better life (with grian!). before this change, he wants everything to be a certain way, so much so that he misses opportunities (like making friends for example).
for grian, it's all about accepting himself. he loves mumbo and is so willing to change for him (where mumbo is more resistant to true positive change) but that change is forceful and it hurts him. it is also *not needed*. grian *doesn't* need to change for his life to be better, mumbo needs to accept him how he is - and, more than that, grian has to accept himself for what he is. he can't mimic humanity like pearl and martyn can. he *also* struggles to be content without mumbo. he has to accept that he is between worlds, human and monster, and that it is okay to be different like that.
grian meeting scar helps his journey, mumbo talking to cub helps him realise he's being a bad (boy)friend. (also, I think seeing how different cub and scar are and how they work together regardless definitely helps mumbo understand...).
they both have to consult an outside source to fuel their growth as people. something something narrative parallels.
anyway, they probably work it all out in the end.
i mean, grian does kill people sometimes but like that's not really something that can be helped--
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bogleech · 2 years
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what is awful hospital ?
I was gonna write a short little answer but then two more people asked and this ballooned into a bigger summary, so: Awful Hospital is an ongoing interactive webseries I make that begins here, its events guided in variable ways by reader comments! I'm told there should be warnings for elements of gore, body horror, contamination, delusion, unreality, death and violence but it's heavily comedic and visually cartoonish; I personally think the closest thing to its style of "horror" would be Courage the Cowardly Dog.
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The story focuses on a single mother, Fern, who wakes up alone in a surreal, dreamlike hospital full of equally odd entities - just one "zone" of reality's true abstract form - where she learns that her infant son has been taken in for the treatment of an unknown illness that may threaten the entire stability of existence. Unfortunately, the Hospital zone is already in an advanced state of deterioration by Fern's arrival, and the vast alien minds of its staff have lost much of their grip on logic. It quickly becomes evident that almost all hope rests on "simpler" beings with more "limited" perceptions of existence, like Fern's own human self.
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The challenge faced by Fern (and the audience along with her) is that she has no frame of reference for what's actually supposed to be "normal" or "abnormal" in her surroundings, and most of the beings she encounters are just as lost, all experiencing their own subjective simultaneous realities even before those realities began to unravel and bleed together. Her worst enemy is culture shock, having to extrapolate a context for everything she encounters on the fly if she's to piece together any shaky understanding of what went wrong or how it can be fixed.
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Much of the story progresses through roleplay-style dialog sessions with different sentient creatures, hostile monster encounters, and puzzles based on dream logic, cartoon physics or even dumb puns (like a literal mouse working as a computer mouse, as long as enough commenters believe it should) all while avoiding doctors and nurses who mean well but have lost too much of their senses to the ongoing corruptive anomaly.
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Some things that influenced Awful Hospital include Silent Hill, Eraserhead, Gregory Horror Show, The Phantom Tollbooth, Hitchhiker's Guide and James and the Giant Peach, but I think what goes into it the most is just an extreme exaggeration of how confusing everyday life can be with neurodivergence. Nothing around her is currently making any sense to Fern or the same sense to anyone else she encounters, but if she doesn't convincingly react as if it does then there's an above-zero chance that one single incorrect choice might irreversibly and catastrophically ruin everything forever. It's about the most disastrous day you could ever possibly have adapting to an unfamiliar situation, and the day never ends because space-time itself isn't what you thought it was and everyone thinks you're an idiot for not already knowing something so basic. Worse still, you're the only one who notices or cares how dirty everything is.
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m-feline · 2 months
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No way out but his arms- Part 2
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Emperor Thrawn x Freader
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 (TBA)
Tags: suggestion of divorce, treason, bath, deals, mention of children, suggestion of smut, suggestion of breeding.
(I asked @vibratingskull to write the spicy part of this story. The link will be added when it is done. The picture is from @netmors .)
You were not in the best of moods. This evening had been horrible. And at the end of the night, Thrawn still expected you to join him in his chambers. You needed everything possible to calm you down and to make you forget what happened at the banquet.
The banquet has been a success so far. The guests, food, and topics of discussion went smoothly without any issues. You didn't even think about spending a night with Emperor Thrawn until someone had to say something stupid.
“Your majesty, Good evening to you.”
Grand Moff Kothos was one of those disgusting people you had to endure on the political side of the government. He was one of the few remnants of the government from the time of the previous Emperor. But he was also one who indulged in the rumors that Thrawn had warned you about.
“Moff Kothos,” You greeted the man stiffly. The evening was almost over except for a small get-together with a glass of something bubbly. One more hour and you had to go and ask Thrawn to take you away. But then again if you do it in front of this man, you kill the rumors right there.
“I understand, there will be a new meeting next week,” Kothos said. Kicking the bush as always, he wanted something and you knew it. What you wanted was to remove this man from his position and give it to someone more deserving. You could do it, but without a reasonable excuse, you would be no better than other Moffs, Senators, or even the previous Emperor, in abusing your power. You didn't want to become that. If you had to be the Empress you would be someone who follows the laws and improves all lives of the Empire's people. Which was easier said than done.
“Yes, the meeting will be held without any changes,” You said with a neutral tone.
“I was wondering what topics would be discussed during that meeting,” Kothos said. You didn't miss the glint in his eyes. He was clearly wanting something.
“Then I wish to add another topic,” Kothos said. “There has been some talk about the union of someone important, and that their union is not working.” He thought he was subtle but he wasn't. He used to be good with words but now it seems the age reached him sooner than expected.
“Both are important figures, but me and a couple other Moff's have come to the conclusion that we can discard one if necessary,” Kothos said, and you felt how your stomach went hard. “As much as both of them have improved the current government, we believe a separation is recommended and maybe even welcomed.”
“A divorce, you say,” You say a bit coldly. If it were that easy you would have done it already. At the latest after your brother died.
“In time for that too,” Kothos said. “But we can't have the innocent party suffer and be left all alone. So maybe it would be best to introduce a new partner to the said party.”
That thought never occurred to you, if Thrawn has a lover, he could leave you be. If you play your cards right he will divorce you and you and your family can be free. But it wasn't that easy. He never made an appearance in the political field, even less appeared with another potential Empress. He was always on a campaign to protect the galaxy from enemies which were discovered not too soon after your wedding. And he has efficiently ended all rebel activities with minimal casualties. Now his main focus was on the outside threat coming from the Unknown Regions and possible alliances from other species from that same space. The Chiss Ascendancy to be precise, his home world. There were talks about a possible pact but nothing sure. But that was one of the reasons Thrawn needed you to handle the political power of the Empire. He would not let you go that easily.
As you didn't agree or disagree with any of his words, Kothos continued.
“Of course, but not just anyone will do. Naturally someone who already has made something for the Empire,” Kothos said. You mentally roll your eyes, of course he already has someone in mind. Someone he has connections with. You begin to wonder who he plans to introduce to Thrawn.
“Tell me, your highness. What do you think of my son?” Kothos asked. You looked at him with wide eyes full of confusion. Why would he ask that? Why would you ever care for his obnoxious son? Kothos had to be either stupid or didn’t care about your opinion as he continued. “My son is well known in the social circles, and he has some merits from the navy, but above all else he is way better partner than a non-human.”
As you realize his intentions, you become angry every minute. How dare he? Your family’s life is on the line. And even if it wasn’t, you would never choose a pompous son of an old Moff. And above all else, even if you were at odds with Thrawn, you would never cheat on him.
“Sure, he only got a rank of a Captain before he ended his service, but I assure you he will be very useful,”Kothos continued. “I will help you get divorced, and transfer the power from the Emperor to you. And when you marry my son I will gladly help you with whatever…”
“You filthy pig!” You shout and slap the man as hard as you could. Kothos had managed to keep the conversation in low tone and no one had paid attention to it. But when you had shouted and slapped the man, everyone turned to look and stopped their conversations. For a long moment everything was silent as people tried to figure what was going on, and Kothos was trying to get over the shock over the rejection and the pain on his cheek. The silence was broken quickly by the sound of steps that made way through the crowd to the scene.
“What is the matter?” Thrawn asked with a cool and calm tone. You turned at him but you were too upset to speak right away. Thrawn came to stand next to you and took your hand, that you used to slap Kothos, and inspected it. “What happened?”
“I…”
“She slapped me,” Kothos said, pointing at you. “I was having a civil conversation and…”
“He wanted me to divorce you for his son,” You said with the conviction you had mastered in the senate.
“No, I…”
“He said that if I marry his son, he’ll help with dethroning you,” you kept talking.
“No, I didn’t …”
“You claim that the Empress lies?” Thrawn asked coldly. The other guests began to murmur as they heard and realized what was going on. Kothos was indeed an old Moff from the regime of the previous Emperor, but for him to dare suggest his son for the Empress to marry, or to claim she lied in front of the current Emperor without proof, was a very poor decision.
“Your highness,” Kothos tried to sound diplomatic. “I believe the Empress misunderstood what I was saying.”
“Then what were you trying to say?” Thrawn asked,
“He spoke how he and other Moffs believe we should divorce, how it would be unfair for the innocent party to lead alone, and then he asked what do I think of his son,” You said.
“That does sound very upsetting,” Thrawn said. “I can’t help but feel offended.”
“Your highness that was not what..,” Kothos tried.
“Whether you didn’t mean to upset the Empress,what you said did indeed cause offense and so the Empress can’t be blamed for striking you,” Thrawn said.
“But, sir…”
“Just because you have served the Empire from the days of the first Emperor, doesn’t mean you can disrespect the Empress,” Thrawn said. The murmuring got more intense as people kept whispering about Kothos.
“Since I have served so long I do have some rights,” Kothos tried to save his face.
“You were offering a plan of conspiracy to me, Moff Kothos,” You said out loud coldly. “What you were doing was speak of treason right before my husband, the Emperor.”
That did the trick to make Kothos go pale. And soon people murmured that his position was now everything else except secure. With a small gesture of hand, Thrawn called the guard and gave the order to arrest Kothos. Kothos tried to say something to save himself but no one listened to him anymore. The whole ordeal had soured your mood, but as the scene was cleared you recalled that you still had to spend a night with Thrawn, as he circled his hand to your shoulder. Even now you had to ask him in front all the guests to end the evening sooner, and make it sound as if you wanted to spend the night with him. As if the previous scene wasn’t enough to end the rumors. but right now you didn’t feel like pretending to be a couple in love. But you wished to leave early that was for sure. So you looked at Thrawn at your side.
“I want to go to my chambers,” You said to him.
“You mean our chambers,” Thrawn said.
“You are jesting,” You said sourly.
“I do not jest,” Thrawn said. “But considering what just happened I let you go early to freshen up before I arrive. No need to beg me to come with you.” You were partly relieved you no longer had to beg for him. But you still needed to spend the night with Thrawn, and you knew how it would be spent.
“Fine,” You said and tried not to grumble.
“I will see you soon then,” Thrawn said.
So here you were, soaking in a big tub in the huge bathroom of the Emperor’s suite. You needed it after the fiasco that happened moments ago. Every time you would sleep with Thrawn you would try to mentally prepare yourself. It was for your family. You would slip your thoughts to the past when you first met Thrawn. Back then you had no qualms with the Empire, but you didn't support it either. You didn't know your parents were secretly aiding the Rebel Alliance. So, when you met Thrawn you didn't see him as such a bad person. In fact, you were a bit intrigued by him. He was mysterious yet very polite. Though he didn't understand politics very well, he knew art and culture. Then he began to spend time with you. Your parents were wary of him but they didn't forbid you to see him. When he disappeared you were sad for not seeing him. But when he came back your entire family was surprised and worried. When he came for you they were terrified. But from then on Thrawn did his best to be a decent husband to you and a dignified Emperor. Of course, he couldn't spend time with you all the time due to his duties. But when you were in private and you weren't acting up, he would become the sweetest of lovers you ever knew. That is if he was in a good mood and you had behaved like a good wife. As you sat in the water you prayed he would be like that now as well. Sometimes, you wished he would be a selfish bastard who would take you roughly every night, then you would kill every bit of admiration or fondness toward him, and you could demand a separation legally by claiming to feel unsafe. But no, the only time he has ever forced you was when you acted all bratty at him and threatened to run away. But whenever he suggested you spend a night in his chambers, he would make love to you nice, slow, and possibly all night long. In those times you can't help but fill the room with moans and cries of ecstasy as he brings you to your high.
You sighed as you dip yourself more to the warm waters till only your nose was above the water. You weren't in the mood but you knew that with Thrawn's skills he gets you to that mood. And you hated yourself for that. But he did let you off the hook with the begging. But now surely he expected a docile wife waiting for him to bed.
While you were worrying about your morals and the night's finale, you missed how the door to the bathroom opened and closed as someone came in and walked to the big bathtub.
“Everything alright?” Thrawn asked and made you almost jump out of the tub. You were angry for him scaring you like that but you were also anxious that he wanted to start something right here and now.
“W-why are you here? Can’t you see I'm not ready,” You asked, trying to get some authority to your voice.
“I wished to get a few things done before our night together,” Thrawn said, coming closer. You had hopes that he would keep his distance since he still wore his full attire. “How do you wish to deal with Kothos?”
“What I wish for and what I should do are two separate things,” You sighed. “If I could I would remove him from his post, take away his title, and appoint a new governor for his sector.”
“And why not do it then?” Thrawn asked.
“Because I don't want to abuse my power,” You said a bit louder.
“You are the Empress, if you want something done just order it,” Thrawn said.
“I'm not a tyrant. If something is done it will be done by the law with the council,” You protested.
“I'm sure the council will agree,” Thrawn said, and pulled his hand back to pull out a datacard. “Especially once they see this.”
“What is that?” You asked with suspicion.
“All the evidence of corruption of Kothos and a couple of more Moffs. How you wish to use it will be up to you,” Thrawn said, keeping the datacard between the two of you. When you tried to reach it, he pulled his hand back. You turned and tried again but this time not only did Thrawn pull the card away but he also grabbed your hand with his free hand. You were suddenly out of water and you couldn't decide whether to use your free hand to push him away or to cover yourself the little you could with one hand. “It won't be for free.”
“What do you want?” You knew the answer but dared to ask. He already got you to come this far by threatening your sister, what more could he want?
“I have a proposition for you,” Thrawn said and brought the datacard before your eyes. “You get this, if you listen to it, without interrupting me or acting up.”
“Does it have to do with us sharing the bed?” You asked.
“Very much,” Thrawn said. “And more.”
You felt the chill in your spine. Then again you were standing naked and wet from the warm bath you had a moment ago. But just thinking what he might be about to offer made you worried.
“Y-you just want me to listen?” You asked, confirming his words.
“Yes, only listen, whether you accept my proposition or not will be entirely up to you,” Thrawn said and let go of your hand. “I will leave now and wait for you to finish here. I'll keep the datacard so it won't get damaged from the humidity.”
Once he was gone you sunk to the warmth of the waters again. You had a bad feeling of this. But so far he only asked to listen in exchange for the datacard that could make your work easy. Well, easy for your mind. As he suggested, as the Empress you could simply order to replace Kothos and take all his possessions. But you didn't want to become that. It was one thing for your family to know you married the Emperor, but to hear you take down governors by your whim, you were raised better than that. You could never face yourself. Your morals wouldn't allow it.
You soaked for a moment more in the water before you got out and dried yourself with the soft towels. For one part you were grateful to Thrawn that he rarely allowed servants to his chambers or to his bathroom if it wasn't for cleaning. He preferred to do things himself as much as possible. But for certain occasions he allowed servants to come to aid with clothing like earlier. You were not in the mood to hear any words from the servants, whether they tried to cheer you up or simply make you feel better. You had no nightclothes to put on and since you knew what was before you, you didn't need it. You took a light long satin robe that could be tied from the front. Once you got your hair dried you came out of the bathroom to the master bedroom.
Thrawn had already discarded his attire and waited for you wearing his own robe, while sitting on a lounge chair drinking some wine from a chalice. When you came out he drinked the sight of you with his eyes as he set down the chalice.
“You look beautiful,” He said when you finally got close enough.
“What is it that you wish to speak about?” You asked. Thrawn didn't say anything but moved his finger as a sign to call you to come closer. Knowing him, he surely wanted you to sit on his lap. But you were already bracing yourself and you were mentally prepared to only hear his offer, so instead of his lap you sat next to him on the lounge chair. Thrawn didn’t show any disappointment instead he turned to face you fully before he talked.
“I am tired of using your family as a leverage to get you to behave as my wife, and I'm sure you would be less stressed every time I mention your family,” Thrawn began. You went tense when you heard his words. Was he seriously going to let your family go? It was too good to be true. What was the catch? Thrawn could see your inner turmoil as you were going through possible conspiracy theories inside your head. He smiled as he waited for you to say something. But he had said that if you listen without interrupting you would get the datacard. And you needed that datacard to finally remove the corrupted old Moffs who abused their power. So no, as much as you wanted to ask and know what Thrawn was going to suggest how to keep your family from being hostages against you.
“So, I came up with another option. A life for a life,” Thrawn said. You frowned as you didn't understand what he meant, and Thrawn saw it in your face. “I want you to bear my children.”
“What?”
“You heard me, and you interrupted me,” Thrawn said.
“But…”
“We had an agreement,” Thrawn said. You opened your mouth but didn't say anything as you kept repeating a mantra inside your head. Just listen, just listen, just listen. No need to agree, you don't need to accept it.
“I want you to bear my children. Little heirs of the Empire. We have been married for some time and our union isn't bad, but isn't good either. If we have children I'm sure even you will behave for their sake,” Thrawn explained. You lifted your hand like a child in a school, and you didn't miss the smirk Thrawn had on his face when he gave permission to speak.
“You mean ‘a child’, not children,” You say.
“No, I meant children. Plural,” Thrawn said. “You give me a child and I let go, and never touch again, one of your family members. And last time I checked, you have more than one family member, minus one.” You finally get what he meant. He won't chain you by your family but by your children. He wants you to get pregnant and have his children. The night just got worse.
“Have I made my offer clear?” Thrawn asked.
“You did,” You growled. “If you want heirs can't you just get a concubine like other rules do?”
“No,” Thrawn said, his voice growling and his red eyes blazing. “I want you. Only you. And I want you to bear my children.”
“And if I say no?” You asked angrily.
“Then your family may have to suffer another loss in the future,” Thrawn said, his voice cold. You bit your cheek inside your mouth as you went through his words and what he wanted.
For one part he was going to let your family go. But he was going to chain you with your children. Will you agree to that? Will you be able to love them if they resemble Thrawn? Oh Stars, you hated yourself for even thinking that. How could you abandon your child to him? Wait, how many children did he say again? Can you even have too many?
“How many did you say…?” You asked disheartedly.
“One for each of your family members,” Thrawn said, the coldness was gone from his voice as he knew now that you would soon give in. “And I give you my word, I won't touch or hurt the member you choose. Even if they try to defy me, I would simply lock them up for good. But I won't hurt them.”
You let out a sigh when you heard that. This was a new chain you would accept in order to protect your family. Your first chain was the crown of the Empress, now it would be your children. But you would do your best to look after people living in the galaxy. You just had to come to terms that you were bound to Thrawn. As much as you disliked it. But better him than some power hungry Moff trying to push his son at you. Maybe one day. One day long, long time from now, you might get used to Thrawn, and perhaps let him into your life. But you didn't feel like it today.
“Will you let go of my family when I give birth or when I'm expecting?” You asked, staring at your hands on your lap.
“I let one of them go when you're expecting our first child. For the others, after the delivery,” Thrawn said as he got up from the chair and walked to the huge window of the room.
“Can we skip this night then? It is not my day yet?” You asked, hoping you could get a breather tonight.
“Your auspicious day is tomorrow,” Thrawn said without looking at you. “I checked with the droids for your monthly cycles to be sure. And no, that does not mean we will skip tonight.”
“Why?” You asked dreadfully as you got up from the chair.
“Because my dear, I need to prepare you to take me fully,” Thrawn said as he turned to face you. “We will be occupied for the next five days to successfully get you with a child. And I'm making sure you will be thoroughly satisfied.” You got scared of what he just said and tried to get to the door and get away. But the panel didn't let you get out. Did he lock you inside his room?
“I have instructed the servants to only contact us through datapads if necessary. And most of our schedules are completely liberated to focus on our endeavor to get you pregnant,” Thrawn said, walking away from the window towards you. “Don't worry your assistants know that you will be unable to attend a few meetings and they will make sure that everything will be taken care of.”
“I'm not going to remain locked in the same room with you for five days,” You growled as you still tried to open the door.
“You have no choice, my dear. You are here and you are free to leave after I'm truly finished with you,” Thrawn said, coming right behind you to slip his hands around you. “Now, allow me to make love to you, slowly and tenderly, before I start to breed you in earnest.”
“No,.. why… why?” You asked while you gave up on trying to get the door open, yet you still tried to get out of his grasp.
“Why what, love? Ask properly,” Thrawn said and kissed your neck.
“Why… Why me? Why now?” You cried as you also realized that you couldn't escape him.
“Because I want you. I wanted you from the beginning when we met. I didn't push the issue of children on the wedding night so you could get accustomed to your new life. But now,...” Thrawn said and chuckled. “Well, I'll tell you more tomorrow, now I want to taste you.”
Thrawn untied your robe and left it open from the front while his hands found your chest and began to fondle you. You tried to keep yourself from letting any noise but once one of his hands reached for your sex, it was game over for you.
“I know you enjoy what I give to you,” Thrawn said right next to your ear. “The way you make noises when I use my fingers, my mouth, my cock. Stars, you feel so wet already.”
“It… I… it was…’cause the b-bath,” You tried to keep yourself moaning. But Thrawn knew how to make you scream once he set his mind to it.
“Is that so?” Thrawn asked, and you felt how he was smirking behind you as he brought his fingers to his mouth to have the first taste of your wetness. “And here I thought it arouses you to know that the most powerful man in the galaxy can get to his knees for you.”
He stopped touching you and took a step back. You tried to keep yourself up by leaning against the wall. But soon he made you spin to face him, he lifted you over his shoulder and carried you to bed. After setting you softly to the bed, he removed his robe while looking you up and down.
“Relax and get comfortable on this bed, we'll be spending a lot of time here for a while.”
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azullumi · 1 year
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can you do some headcannons of spending your time w/ tighnari? like helping him with his studies and helping him pick flowers!!
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summary — your alone time with tighnari rarely comes and when it does, the two of you always spend it wisely and it's at these rare moments that you'll learn to cherish every single bit with him.
pairing — tighnari/gender-neutral reader
tags — fluff, established relationship; headcanons
word count — 931
a/n — i'm having a fried brain as i wrote this with heavy eyes but like i really wanted to write
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Your alone time with Tighnari rarely comes and when it does, the two of you always spend it wisely especially when he’s often busy with his work. This sometimes leads to the two of you searching for ways to spend time together instead of waiting for that said opportunity to come. Even when it’s just in the small and short moments that you two could spend, you’ll cherish it greatly. 
“Do you have some time?”
“If it’s for you, of course. Although, I can only give you a short amount of time as I still have other duties to finish, is that fine?”
Oftentimes, you’ll accompany him while he’s out—only when he lets you and he’s not going somewhere dangerous like an area of withering or venturing out in unknown regions of the forest because he was notified of dangers lurking in that said place. He’ll let you come with him as he looks for new species of plants or just picking for some herbs and flowers, always teaching you about everything that he knows about what you saw or just anything that you’ll ask.
He’ll tell you about the Dos and Don’ts of certain things, greatly emphasizing on what to not eat and avoid smelling so you don’t end up putting your life at risk and him having to worry about your safety. He educates you about the poisonous plants that are commonly found in the forest and animals that you must avoid at all cost. He’s particular and strict but you understand because everything is just for your own protection since the forest could be an enemy to those who are a stranger to it.
“You should never— and when I say never, it’s really never—never ever eat that no matter how hungry you are.”
“Whenever that plant is in its activated state, avoid inhaling its scent.”
New knowledge about your environment always comes whenever you’ll go out with him and it’s not like you mind because it helps you in becoming more familiar with your surroundings and knowing everything that you need. Tighnari has a lot to tell you, especially about what he has learned as he is willing to share them as long as you are also willing to listen. He often helps you in your studies when you need it and alternatively, if he ever needs help about something that you are knowledgeable about, he will not hesitate to seek out for you.
“(Name), are you free? Can I ask for help over here?”
The two of you have a small garden built and made together and only you and him are allowed to access that. It is where you grow some crops and tend to flora and botany. You could say that its convenience is great as Tighnari could easily research and study about some plants on a much closer range and he could even grow some of them too.
The garden is never neglected as it is also where you spend some time together especially during the morning when you two are watering the plants, tending to the crops, picking out the weeds, cleaning up, and everything. Although it can be exhausting right after.
When he’s studying and doing some sort of research, trying to finish it up in one sitting, you’ll prepare some snacks for him and make sure that he’s not forgetting to take some rest in between. When he does take a break, he’ll ask you to come over to his direction and once you do, he’ll just either hug you as you sit on his lap or hold your hand with the excuse of energizing himself and honestly, it’s such a cute excuse.
However, your time with him isn’t just spent on learning, picking flowers, and studying. When either of you two or just the both of you are tired and need some rest, your time will be spent sleeping together while cuddling. He’ll hold you near him, the space between you just nonexistent as he wrapped his arms around you nicely and not tightly so as to not accidentally suffocate you. He mostly prefers it when your back is facing him and he’s hugging you from the behind because he gets to smell the scent of your hair and feel you much closer to him.
When time would even allow, he’ll take you out on a date that he has planned and that date isn’t just going out of the forest but is instead going to the city and having a meal together in a place that he booked a reservation for. He has a romantic meal prepared just for you two, having yours and his favorite foods prepared and in addition, he also has a bouquet of your favorite flower ready.
But not every date is planned. Sometimes, it’s just something that happens or came up on a whim, something that you just suddenly decided on when the two of you are together and had nothing to do. These types of dates involve going to an area with a magnificent view and where you can also watch the sunset while having a small picnic, going down the river and playing in the water with him, or it could be stargazing on a high place while laying down the grass.
There are multiple means that you can spend time with him, time that you always seek out and memories that you create together, and even if it’s just the most silent moments with nothing but the presence of one another, he’ll cherish and hold it closely to his heart.
— navigation | masterlist
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myrddinmirror · 4 months
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The Divine Plan Theory
I'd like to talk about MOTIVES. My first investigation started with a question I asked myself: "Why does Gabriel need a big box?" This theory begins with the question: "Why does the Metatron need Aziraphale?" No one has so far convincingly answered it. The only logical version that was voiced: he was afraid of the miracle of 25 lazarus and decided to separate the couple. There are several questions about the idea:
What could stop Crowley from coming to Heaven AGAIN?
Why shouldn't Crowley change his mind after a little alone time?
How can the Metatron interfere if Crowley shows up in Heaven and says: "Yes, I want to become an angel, you promised"?
Who will prevent the Supreme Archangel from visiting Earth as often as he wishes?
Why give one of the strong enemies even more power? After all, the position of Archangel implies an increase in available power, right?
Having kidnapped Aziraphale, the Metatron leaves the enraged enemy on Earth. With the power of the Throne or more, who moreover belongs to the Other Side.
Why would the Metatron start a complicated conversation, manipulate, etc., if he could just let Michael run the Extreme Sanctions?
Suppose the Book of Life is unavailable. The Metatron can still request the subordinate angel to report to Heaven at any time and erase his memory there immediately.
He can just let Michael launch Armageddon 2.0 again, confirming that she is now the Supreme Archangel. What can Aziracrow do on Earth? They won’t even know about the End of Days until it’s too late.
Please give me a convincing answer to at least one of these questions, and I will drop my theory.
Well, if you’re willing to listen to me, let’s move on.
Two Plans
In the Good Omens universe there are two Plans of development: the Great, which is known to all parties, including Humanity (Armageddon, the Second Coming) and the Ineffable, the secret game of the Almighty, the rules of which no one knows. Heaven and Hell are guided by the Great Plan, but nothing is known about the Ineffable, except that it exists. And it definitely exists, the Almighty Themselves tell us about this at the beginning of the first episode of the first season.
The Archangels and the Dukes of Hell prefer not to think about this mysterious game because it doesn't fit into the established status quo and introduces too many unknown variables into the usual existence (too much of a headache for the authorities). So, speculations about the Ineffable Plan remain a verbal game for marginals, such as a boring bibliophile angel lost somewhere in a corner of the Earth.
Probably, there was only one Plan in the Beginning. God were young, cruel and quick to slaughter. We haven't seen the Fall yet. Perhaps this event has cooled off the Almighty's ardor. Did They understand what violence leads to and have grown up a little? Then the Flood - and a bit of growing up again? The Great Plan remained as it was, but God changed. Of course, They were not going to appear in front of Their children and, blushing with embarrassment, explain: "You know, I went through a period of youthful maximalism, I was probably wrong about something…". This is how two Plans appeared.
The Almighty
The Almighty is a full-fledged actor. They make decisions, manipulate events. At the beginning of History They did it more roughly and openly (the Flood - Job), then more and more subtly. But They are still playing - we see it. They gave all Their creatures Free Will: mortals, angels, and demons (1) but in some miraculous way everyone does what They want. Imagine that you are walking around the city, come to a street intersection and you can turn right or left, and suddenly a big dirty rat runs by on the right. You turn left, although no one forced you to do so, right? Their work is even more subtle.
How do we understand whether Their Plan leads to Good or Evil? Do you think They want to destroy the Earth? It does not look like. They tried the Flood, and They didn’t like it (2). Sodom and Gomorrah? Thank you, no more. Look from the beginning of History: of course, They wanted mortals to bite an apple (3), They obviously know that a certain angel gave people his sword. Well, They don't mind. They know that Job won because of Aziracrow's cheating. There is no punishment. Is it possible for subordinate creatures to go unpunished if the Almighty God is angry with them? Why would They replace babies, if not to make Armageddon less likely? A warning from Agnes Nutter that flew out of the book, and so timely and successfully fell right into the hands of Aziraphale? Was it just a gust of wind? Did the Almighty want Their children to be executed?
You can never be sure that you understand God, but it seems to me that They want the Earth and all Their children to continue to exist, because "God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good" (4)
In both seasons we are periodically shown a view from above. Obviously, this is the look of God (5).
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They hear words directed to Them, but don't respond with speech. Gabriel’s words in the voice of the Almighty (6): "I remember when the morning stars sang together, and the all Angels of God shouted for joy" are hints to the angel and the demon. God doesn't command or ask, because for an angel, even a request from God would mean an ORDER, and thus means a refusal of Free Will. They TEST Their children. God is still quite cruel in Their trials. In the first season, the world was minutes away from the End, and Aziraphale had to deal with the destruction of his bookstore and Crowley suffered the loss of his angel. Do you think the fire was an accident? Just a windflaw? Then look at this frame, who set it up?
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At the same time, the Book of Prophecies also "quite by accident" turns out to be lying on the floor right in front of Crowley. Why this fire, why so much pain? Well, perhaps They were unhappy that Aziraсrow were moving too slowly. "Don't dawdle." Azi thinks a lot after the minisode with Job. Test again? Cause to worry. Aziraphale is worried and calls for Crowley, but Crowley is GONE. Likewise, the demon will leave in the finale.
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However, beyond glances and wind gusts, it would be nice for God to have agents on Earth to directly influence events when necessary.
Field Agent the Metatron
The most obvious helper, you’d be surprised, the Metatron. Well, he’s the Voice of God. Walks the Earth, unrecognized by anyone, ingested things (7), doesn't arouse suspicion among mortals - apparently, he has been in the field for a long time.
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Really, why did everyone assume he was the main antagonist? Because of the serious expression on his face or the stare at Crowley? Manipulator - Yes. Crude methods, intimidation - YES. But an unfriendly appearance doesn't mean that a person is on the side of evil.
I know where it came from - the scene in the first season. (And yes, also from the book. But the book canon and the series canon are different canons for me.) Let’s analyze that dialogue in detail, because it's important (8).
-You are speaking to the Metatron, Aziraphale. To speak to me is to speak to God. I'm the Voice of the Almighty. What is said to me is said to the Almighty -The important thing is the Antichrist. I know who he is, I know where he is. -Good work, well done. -So there doesn't need to be any of that nonsense about a third of the seas turning to blood or anything. There needn't be a war. We can save everyone. -The point is not to avoid the war. The point is to win it. -What sort of initiating event will precipitate the war? -We thought a multi-nation nuclear exchange would be a nice start. -Very imaginative. -The battle commences, Aziraphale. Join us. -In a jiffy. Two shakes of a lamb's tail. Just a couple of things left to tie up. -We will leave the gateway open for you, then. Do not dawdle.
The dialogue begins with the Metatron’s assertion that talking to him equals talking to God. Many are wary because they don't believe that God desires evil. They're right. But I suggest you believe that the Metatron is telling the truth, because he ALSO means no harm. Praising Aziraphale for finding the Antichrist. It’s not a mockery, it’s sincere: "You’re doing great, you’re doing everything right".
"The point is not to avoid the war. The point is to win it": "Saving the Earth is YOUR mission. Do you want an easy way for the Almighty to do everything for you? It’s not gonna happen".
Nuclear war. It wasn’t the Metatron’s idea, it wasn’t his plan. Did he say "We want it"? No. It’s a prediction of what the Horsemen will do, a clue to the angel. And the Metatron has no gift of omniscience, it’s an attribute of God.
"The battle commences, Aziraphale. Join us." - "Join our team, the battle for Earth begins now".
"Do not dawdle". We already know that the Metatron knows how to be harsh, knows how to order (9). If he was playing for Armageddon, he could say, "You can’t stay here doing anything, because this place is about to turn to dust. Troops built, get in line now!" Instead, he said, "If you want, you can come to Heaven, but if you have work to do (if you want to save the Earth), then hurry up, there’s almost no time left".
You know, the Metatron may not know the Ineffable Plan, he’s really just a Will of God translator. He may not understand the Plan or sympathize with Aziraphale (much less Crowley). He simply does his duty as he is told. Think about the fact that the Metatron actually has NO reason why he should go AGAINST God's Will.
If Michael is stubborn in her determination to complete the Great Plan, it doesn't mean that ALL angels are. The Metatron DOES NOT obey the Archangels. Moreover, it seems that Michael annoys him with his excessive fanaticism.
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In the Last Fifteen, Azi starts a conversation with Crowley with "The Metatron, you know, I don't think he's as bad a fellow. Well, I think I might've misjudged him". (thought after that scene in the first season). He may have begun to understand the motives of the Voice of God, but he failed to convey his insight to Crowley. You will object, why then doesn’t he tell the demon directly: "I think the Metatron needs us to prevent the End of the World from happening"? Firstly, because this is only an assumption and in fact Aziraphale is scared by the Metatron's words, which sound like a threat. And secondly, because Crowley obviously won't believe or agree. The demon RENOUNCED from Heaven, from God, he hates them and will never go to work FOR THEM in his life (10). Therefore, Aziraphale asks: "Work with ME! I NEED YOU!" He probably thinks that by bringing Crowley to Heaven he can protect him (from Hell at least). The angel knows that Crowley loves him immeasurably more than God. But even this doesn't help. I don’t judge Crowley, he has his reasons. But the fact remains - Crowley LEAVES.
In the Last Fifteen, Aziraphale is actually threatened by the Metatron. In any case, the words about his partnership with Crowley sound like a threat:
-I've been looking back over a number of your previous exploits, and I see that in quite a few of them you formed a de facto partnership with the demon Crowley. Now, if you wanted to work with him again, that… might be considered irregular, but…
That's his way of doing things. As you noticed, he's not very friendly in general. So, he is given the task of returning Aziraphale to Heaven (I remember about MOTIVES, we will return to them). Let’s review his manipulation technique a little more.
First a gift: "Well, I brought you a coffee from the shop". A gesture that should appease the interlocutor. It’s like the first "yes" in a negotiation: if you agree with your opponent once, then it’s harder to refuse.
Step two is to have a one-to-one conversation.
Step three is flattery. A set of obvious lies (11), because we have all seen how Aziraphale knows how to lie, how he tries to be a good subordinate and not contradict his superiors unnecessarily (12).
Step four - offer. Aziraphale refuses, well, the Metatron has an ace up his sleeve: "You can make Crowley an angel again. You will take him with you to Heaven. We don't mind." A very strong move. But Aziraphale is not so simple, so we move on.
Step five is an alternative that cannot be accepted. The illusion of choice, where in reality there is no choice. "You can refuse the proposed position, I’m not forcing you. But. I know about your fraternization with the demon. And that’s not what Heaven approves of, if you know what I mean…"
The methods are shitty, but the task is completed.
Saraqael and Muriel
The Metatron is undoubtedly the main conductor of the God's Will. But he also needs help. As we already found out in the previous theory, Saraqael is very familiar with the Metatron, she immediately recognized him in human form. Why? Obviously, because she saw him on Earth more than once. All operational information flows to Saraqael; she is the first to know about everything that happens in Heaven and Earth (13). It is Saraqael who sends Muriel to spy on Aziraphale. Moreover, she has the power to erase angels' memories and turn mortals into salt pillars (why doesn’t Michael do this?).
There’s an interesting detail. Remember how Saraqael spotted Crowley looking through Gabriel’s file and didn’t turn on the alarm? (14) Do you remember how a little later Crowley and the Archangels descended to Earth?
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Who do you think told Michael and Uriel to come and WHO told them not to hurt Crowley? Saraqael is not technically an Archangel, but is actually the second person in Heaven after the Metatron. She makes her own decisions and DOESN'T LOOK like she's working for the Great Plan.
Muriel, who was "recruited" by Saraqael and apparently must report directly to her, easily falls under the Metatron's command. It is clear that she could not object to the Voice of God, but he also hires her quite calmly (are there any more angels in Heaven?), without worrying that the information she receives may leak into the "wrong" hands. He is not afraid precisely because he and Saraqael play on the same team.
Undercover Agent Maggie
We come to a dubious point. I think Maggie is an angel in the Metatron's service. Moreover - the Ascended demon. We are being hinted that Maggie is not so easy in the first note she writes to Aziraphale (15). Spelling problems are the demons feature in the Good Omens universe. Maggie doesn’t look like a demon. But there’s definitely something wrong with her.
I'm sure her quirks have been covered many times before, but let's quickly recap:
a) she cries very unnaturally (but she seems to be genuinely interested in Nina). b) she owns a record store c) she thanks Aziraphale for his kindness with the words "You are an angel." d) she is not affected by some miracles. e) she has no fear of demons. f) her words ("You wanna come in here and say that to my face?" ) work for demons as a permission to come in. g) she doesn't leave the store during the assault, doesn't ask questions like "what's going on here" (unlike Nina) and helps Aziraphale fight off the demons. h) she decides that it's very urgent to talk to Crowley, tearing Nina away from her work right in front of the line of customers. i) Nina calls her "angel". j) she doesn't drink alcohol (16)
Why all these weird things actually matter:
a) with her "financial difficulties" she attracts Aziraphale’s attention, and with her tears forces him to ask what happened, and thereby draws him into close communication just at the moment when Gabriel disappears from Heaven. Coincidence! b) you can come up with any plausible legend, no one will check anyway, but it is incredibly convenient to be the owner of a rare record store for an antique record player, and how lucky that the only one who needs them lives right across the street. c) there are many words of thanks, but she chooses this one. It’s like trying to give a sign: "I know who you are". d) some miracles don’t work on her at all, on Nina - not much. Is it because Nina is under her "wing"? e) it’s not a very natural reaction for an ordinary person to stand face-to-face with a crowd of angry otherworldly creatures who just "devoured" your neighbor and tell them that you grew up with brothers, and therefore you are not afraid (hey, even Crowley and Aziraphale are very nervous). f) if an invitation from any mortal worked, it would be too easy for any demon to get where he wants: give a coin to a beggar and he would happily hold the door for you. g) why does she need all this? There are much safer ways to impress a girl, especially since you are actually putting her in serious danger by getting into a fight that’s none of your business. h) is it really so urgent? It’s like she’s deliberately pushing the demon to lose control of himself at the worst possible moment. Nina warns her: "It won’t do any good". But she replies as if she had received an order: "It doesn’t matter. We have to tell them". i) yes, it’s just a term of affection, but there are a lot of other affectionate words out there, why that? a clue? j) in itself this would not be strange if not for all the other points. In addition, we remember how in the time of Job Aziraphale reacted to the offer of a drink (17)
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Why do I think Maggie is not just an angel, but a former demon? Because it fits into the scenario logic: so many characters, events, or even items in the series have mirrors. So, if the plot mentioned the possibility of Ascending, then it's very likely that it will be played with respect to another character. Anyway it’s not really the most important part of the current theory.
What conclusions can I draw based on the above? Maggie was a demon, and then somehow she earned forgiveness. Few in Heaven may have the ability to Ascend: the Almighty, the Metatron, and (possibly) the Supreme Archangel. But no one ever mentioned that someone has been Ascended. Officially, this never happened. So when it happened one day, it remained a secret (no one wants it to come out and shake the status quo, just like Gabriel’s Fall). And then this angel goes to Earth: to work secretly among people or among angels - earthly representatives of Heaven (or maybe demons), wherever special finesse and insignificance are required.
The Metatron had probably been keeping an eye on Aziraphale (or all the angels on Earth) for a long time, his dossier on him must be quite extensive, and he could not help but realize that Aziraphale is the special one. And at some point Maggie goes to be nearby (eyes and ears that not only ducks have). Gabriel's escape is an extraordinary enough event to command the agent to activate. This is where season two began.
A little more about Motives
So, the Almighty doesn't want Armageddon and the End of the World. Through cunning manipulation of babies, and a dedication of one angel and one demon, Armageddon 1.0 fails. But the Heaven-Hell bureaucracy still needs it (it's the Great Plan!). Somehow so imperceptibly it turns out that the Supreme Archangel and Duke of Hell, responsible for the beginning of Armageddon 2.0, withdraw. Free will, a little luck, a couple of minor passes of the divine hands in the dark, and now the End of Days has not happened again, and seats at the top of the two hierarchies are vacant.
Our divine conspirators need to put someone on the throne who will help successfully fail the Second Coming. The candidacy is obvious, and it’s definitely not Michael (18). So I believe that although the Metatron’s methods are brutal and his flattery is false, in the main he told Aziraphale the truth:
-There are huge plans afoot, enormous projects, and I will need you to run them. You are just the angel for the job. … Well, I can't think of a better angel to wrap things up, and to set into motion the next step in the Great Plan. It's something we need an angel of your talents to direct. An angel who is familiar with how they do things on Earth.
The Voice of God did it. Yeah, Aziraphale and Crowley had a fight and now they’re not talking. God knows if it’s what the Metatron wanted. Maybe yes, maybe no. I'm inclined to think he wanted both of them. This is a much more logical option (see questions at the very top). But the Ineffable Plan is still ineffable, and everything that happens must lead to the best.
I wonder if Crowley will understand the Almighty's hint about the Second Coming? (19) Place bets.
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By the way, have you noticed? The Metatron often says WE. Who are "we"? Heaven is only a habitat. And each Archangel plays his own game. So "we" isn’t "all of us, angels," it’s a specific "we": "God, me and our team". Besides, "we," are probably Jesus and Adam. I don’t think Jesus wants the End of the World, wants to cast people into Hell (even bad ones), or destroy demons. But he needs allies in Heaven - those who will not run joyfully to blow the trumpet of the Last Judgment and send misfortune to Earth. And Michael, Sandalphon and Uriel are among those who will (20).
(1) Neil's answers about free will: here and here (2) S1 Ep.3 02:08 "The Almighty's going to put up a new thing, called a "rain bow", as a promise not to drown everyone again". (3) S1 Ep.1 04:15 "Fruit tree in the middle of a garden with a "Don't Touch" sign. I mean, why not put it on the top of a high mountain?" (4) Genesis 1:31 (5) During the assault: is this not the gaze of God, but of the Metatron? (6) 21:34 Ep.2 (7) 35:54 Ep.6 "I've ingested things in my time, you know". (8) 50:26 S1 Ep.4 (9) 33:56 Ep.6 "Right, you, you, you, back to Heaven, spit, spot, not another word. … Well, go on, off you go, the lot of you!" (10) 42:58 Ep.6 -He said I could appoint you to be an angel. You could come back to Heaven and… -And you told him just where he could stick it, then? (11) 41:54 Ep.6 "You're a leader, you're honest, you don't just tell people what they want to hear". (12) 13:14 S1 Ep.1, 01:15 S1 Ep.2, 38:54 S1 Ep.3, 04:49 S1 Ep.4 ("I'm soft!"), 13:50 Ep.2, 39:10 Ep.2 (13) Muriel first takes the matchbox to Saraqael, and she is the first at the globe with a miracle of 25 lazarus. (14) 10:56 Ep.6 (15) 08:24 Ep.1 "ugrency" (16) a) 10:22 Ep.2 b) 38:01 Ep.1 c) 24:30 Ep.1 "Oh, Mr. Fell, about the rent. I just want to say, you're an angel". d) 37:03 Ep.5 e) 02:17 Ep.6 "You lot are ridiculous" f) 03:37 Ep.6 g) 37:20 Ep.5 "I'm not leaving him to face them on his own". h) 37:33 Ep.6 i) 38:52 Ep.6 j) 36:49 Ep.1 -I don't drink. I just never wanted to. I don't like the taste. -Well, I need a drink. -No judgement. (17) 30:15 Ep.2 (18) Oh, Aziraphale knows how to be willful! That’s why he is needed, because for thoughtless order execution there are other Archangels. (19) 38:53 Ep.3 "There will come a tempest, and darkness, and great storms. And the dead will leave their graves and walk the earth once more. And there will be great lamentations. Every day it's getting closer". (20) Michael is the main antagonist of the third season, I am SURE. Sandalphon loved to destroy people of Sodom and Gomorrah. And Uriel already had her first question.
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platinumrosetail · 2 years
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Record of ragnarok x female herobrine!reader:
So I just got this idea and I wanted your thoughts on it
Ok the first one is were (Y/n) is from the Minecraft world and decided to go to another world for some reason, maybe for entertainment and a new environment, but anyway after she appeared in the human world she unknowingly sent a powerful aura to the gods and to the elder sister of the Valkyrie, brunhilde, so with the ragnarok coming up she hurried to where the aura is coming and brung (Y/n) back with her.
(Though the description might change as I probably get more ideas on it)
I’m going to show you something that I had that goes with this and other herobrine!reader idea I might make in the future.
It’s the abilities of herobrine plus weakness:
Abilities
Herobrine has incredible Magical Powers. One of his powers are his glowing white eyes which give him 360° vision, prerecognition and accelerated perception. He can use Potions on his foe, mainly Harming Potions and Poison Potions, or curse and hex them without the use of potions. Herobrine can also fly up to the build level and do so at great speed. Herobrine can also Teleport across huge and presumably limitless distances, though it is unknown if he can teleport through Dimensions, for example, teleporting into the Nether or the End from another dimension. Herobrine also has Telekenesis and he can use to move objects or his enemy. Herobrine is Absolute immortality and, while he is entirely immune to Death, he is truly impossible to kill. He can also become invisible without drinking a Potion of Invisibility.
Herobrine also posseses True Omnipotence and
ridiculously Powerful Physical Attributes. He is incredibly strong, and, with a single punch, can deeply injure or even kill a Miner like Steve. He is also very fast and can fly and run at very high Speeds without Exhaustion. He is also extremely Durable and can withstand even the strongest of attacks. Herobrine has Pyrokinetic Abilities, which he can use to set fire to the environment surrounding him, or to blast deadly Fireballs at his enemies.
Herobrine has Telepathic abilities, allowing him to communicate between Minds and to Read Minds. He can also use his Telepathic Abilities to Control Minds, to make a friendly mob turn against the player or to control hostile mobs. However, it is unknown if he can use more pyschic abilities like psionic or if he can protect his mind with a psionic shield, though his mind is, clearly, not very vulnerable to Mind Control or Psionic Blasts. Herobrine has Matter Manipulation aswell, allowing him to control Matter, alter it or even destroy or disintegrate it. Herobrine can also shatter the world around him, destroying the enviroment and sending living beings flying.
Herobrine wields a Diamond Sword, which he is very skilled with as he was able to defeat and kill the Witherlord with it. Herobrine is also very cunning and wise, and he is very skilled in making Dangerous traps for anyone unfortunate enough to be his enemy. Herobrine, like his brother Notch, can Create Whatever he wants out of thin air, but while Notch makes things like animals and farms and Food, Herobrine makes Pure Creations like Mobs, Traps, Fortresses and Poisons. However, he could make anything, if he wanted to, out of thin air and not just evil creations.
Herobrine can cast illusions, such as disguising himself and even others like in his fight with Notch when he disguised Steve to having white eyes so that Notch would think he is Herobrine.
Herobrine can Warp Reality to break the laws of physics allowing him to produce weapons out of thin air (materialization), walk on walls and even changing the laws of physics. Herobrine is also Omnipotent, or very nearly, and is, pretty much, invincible. Though, Herobrine's most popular attack is the "Lightning Strike", where he uses lightning to strike and blast his enemies (mostly putting them on fire and even killing them), as seen in various YouTube Videos.
Weaknesses
NONE
So. Do you understand why I got this idea?
To have an op female reader that’s why!! 🤩
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forgotten-elves · 1 year
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The Grey and the Dark Legacy Challenge
A six generation legacy challenge dedicated to morally grey and villainous sims.
Required packs: Get to Work, Island Living, Journey to Batuu, Strangerville, Werewolves, Vampires, Paranormal
Getting started: Aging can be set to whatever you prefer, including being turned off entirely. Gen 1 can be created alone, or with a spouse, sibling, parents, etc., and can be of any age. The listed aspiration does not have to be picked as the sim's first one; they just need to work on (and ideally complete) it at some point in their lives. This challenge is meant to be flexible and guide storytelling, not to be intentionally difficult, so feel free to make changes to the rules where you need to.
Currently play-testing. As I do, I may make some changes. 
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Generation 1: For Peace
The more you’ve learned about the world, the better you understand just how vulnerable the planet of Earth really is. You’re devoted to protecting the human race from the wilds of space, to ensure peace and security. Some might not agree with your methods, but you know that the ends justify the means. 
Career: Military (Covert Operator Branch)
Aspiration: Enforcer of Order 
Traits: Gloomy, Paranoid, Neat
Goals: 
Max career and aspiration
Defeat the Mother Plant
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Generation 2: For Chaos
As a child, you suffocated under the strict discipline of your parent. You want to be free of their self-righteous hypocrisy and embrace your flaws to the greatest extreme. 
Career: Criminal (Boss)
Aspiration: Public Enemy
Traits: Evil, Hot-Headed, Slob
Goals: 
Max the career and aspiration
Contract werebies and become a werewolf 
Turn 5 Sims into werewolves
Have at least one non-werewolf child (this must be your heir). 
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Generation 3: For the Unnatural
You grew up in a household that was brutal, crude, and utterly boring. The only interesting people were the faceless whispers you heard in the trees, and the songs of sirens who drowned their lovers in the sea. You’re a romantic who yearns to fall deeper into the nether realm, and your favorite love story has always been a tragic one.
Career: Freelancer (Paranormal Investigator)
Aspiration: Villainous Valentine
Traits: Romantic, Loves Outdoors, Child of the Ocean 
Goals:
Become a mermaid
Max aspiration
Max the charisma skill
Max the medium skill
Perform the Siren’s Call on at least one sim
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Generation 4: For the Unknown
You never quite had the talent to invoke the nether realm the way your parent did. You found your solace in technology and science, but there’s a part of you that will always be drawn back to the supernatural.  
Career: Criminal (Oracle)
Aspiration: Chief of Mischief
Traits: Mean, Creative, Geek
Goals:
Max career & aspiration
Max the logic skill
Have an observatory and complete the space prints collection. 
Be abducted by aliens. 
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Generation 5: For Opportunity
You grew up with your parent’s fascination for the stars, but when you finally make your way into the larger galaxy, you find things aren’t really much different than they are on Earth. Money and greed still make the worlds go round, and though you’re disillusioned, you find yourself adapting quite well to this new truth. 
Career: Astronaut (Interstellar Smuggler)
Aspiration: Galactic Privateer
Traits: Kleptomaniac, Self-Assured, Outgoing
Goals: 
Max career & aspiration 
Use the Listening Device to blackmail other sims
Have at least one child that is not an occult (this must be your heir)
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Generation 6: For Eternity
As a member of the ever-changing galactic underworld, you watched your parent so often barely escape with their life, and the fragile nature of mortality became something you despise. You may have been raised with all the “right” connections, but you have greater ambitions than to just stay in the game. You want to build something that lasts, to be something that lasts for centuries. 
Career: Secret Agent (Villain)
Aspiration: Mansion Baron
Traits: Materialistic, Loner, Ambitious
Goals:
Max career & aspiration
Become a vampire
Reach the rank of Grand Master Vampire
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izbelross · 2 years
Text
Chapter 1 of Por la vida que soy libre
A/N: SO!! Here it is, the first Chapter, it will set us on the plot, be careful with the little chats between our protagonists 'cause they might make you believe something will happen but... are you sure it will happen how you expect it? 😏🥰 Btw I am in love with Sam and Bucky being in a relationship and no one can take me out of that fucking ship, thank you 😘 There are gonna be mentions of more characters in the future and appearances, beware. Tell me what you think my unknown friends of the deep fandom internet hole I'll love to read you as well.... and I tried doing reader gender neutral, forgive me if I failed that task.
My first taglist!! ASDFGHJKLÑ
Taglist: @scoliobean 😌🥰
Pairing: Matt Murdock x Black Widow!Reader x Frank Castle Soulmate au!
Warnings: angst ( i think all of my works have angst fuck) / fluff and fluff / enemies to friends to lovers (kinda) / violence, torture ( not that graphic) / character death / happy ending / drama / Very harsh language
Word count: 6,4K
Summary: everyone is born with a soulmate (a/n: wouldn't that be mental?) Soulmates can hear their thoughts since childhood, some others up until they're older. This connection only becomes stable when soulmates meet, but as it can be nourished to bloom into something solid it can also be stopped. Soulmates come with a free choice, you don't die without them, you can learn to live with the one of your choice, free will no matter what. Although those who chose their destined ones can coincide in one thing: "You could never regret it". But when you are raised like a puppet of violence, your free will in every aspect of your life seems to have never existed. Along with your chance of meeting the ones destined for you.
Prologue
Chapter 2
Chapter 1
"What is it they say about destiny? Do you remember? No matter the path, it always ends at the beginning."
.·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·
The deafening sound of the London streets was a common occurrence at this hour of day. You were pretty sure that even if half the population left, the sound will still be as irritating, just as in every other city with busy capitals actually.
Vendors were trying to lull you to their little shops and a few street singers and dancers were giving life to the dull weather. Some of them wore capes, others barely any clothes to cover them up as how the play required it of them and thankfully for you, this was playing at your favour.
Dressed like one of the actress, you stood --as once did the lover of Shakespeare-- knee length boots, black trousers, white chemise and a long red cape that when you turned it over it became yellow. It was a decent outfit, meanwhile you stood aside the play, watching as a replacement of one of the actors and scanning the crowd in search of your next target.
Was a sad day when one of your lasts contacts betrayed you, selling your name and letting you down in the mud, meanwhile they took what you earned with your own sweat and time, your plan and your ammo.
Second chances were never given from you and nothing else could be say out of it. So, even if they had begged for your understanding, payed you the exact amount and more of what the contract said, you weren't near to trust them again nor let them free of punishment.
They could call you revengeful or a piece of shit that had no compassion. But you had learned by bad experience that not everything could be rose gold and shining and forgivable.
So here now you stood, watching as the crowd stared at the actors, laughing, tearing up with them.
You counted the seconds away from the Restoration of Trust plan. And at exact 3 o'clock, the piercing scream coming from one of the bystanders rippled through everyones ears.
You watched amused as a very drunk man was thrown out of a car by two men that started screaming at him, followed by a beautiful woman -- who you had payed earlier-- that looked beaten and traumatised. They three, started the new spectacle once the taller man spotted your red cloak between the greys and blacks of the crowd. Suddenly, the play wasn't as important to everyone as the poor girl that was crying so loud even some of the workers from the surrounding buildings took a peak outside.
The culprit still trying to come back to his senses, looked from here to there, not understanding what had happened, but as soon as the people around got the point of it the morality kicked in.
It would be a miracle if the man didn't die from all the pushes, kicks and punches from the enraged crowd. Honestly, it was amusing to watch, but you didn't have the time.
Waving a hand at the woman that was now being protected by... well, everyone, you took your leave at her slight nodding.
~~~~~~~o.o~~~~~~~~
Being alone in what was left of this world, after Thanos, after Stark passing away, Rogers choice and- well, Natalia's' dead, meant that the family you made along the way, the family you found after being ripped from your biological one, would never get over the loss of such important members. And it was there, at the eyes of the entire fucking world, that the Avengers were no longer a group to reach, they became more a group to remember.
You would be lying if you said it didn't hurt, that it didn't pain you.
Even more at knowing that for five years your existence had been reduced to nothing and that when you returned, everything had changed, the people had grown, the time had passed and you still were wearing the combat suit in which you dusted away.
"Attention passengers, we'll be arriving soon, please take a seat and fasten your seatbelts"
Upon arriving to the States, the entire point of your travel lost meaning for a moment while you basked in the expanse of the difference between cities, the white of falling snow welcoming you. America would always be an exciting place to visit and wander, from South to Centre and North.
The memories you made plagued your mind. The people still alive that you cared for was still in the surroundings, trying to do good. Helping others that still needed them and guarding each others back. Yelena, Bucky, Sam, Sharon, Wanda, Strange. These were names that warmed your heart with only imagining what they could be up to, if they remember you as well as you did them.
Indeed, America was your home, even if you had been born in any other place, it became your home because your family was still here, waiting for you to come back.
Giving a long, long sigh you waited until getting out of the plane to call your sister.
~~~~~~~~o.o~~~~~~~~~
"Hey красивая" you greeted Yelena just as she answered the call. "I'm on my way home, call the Captain and the Sergeant and tell them not to-"
Suddenly the sound of rustling and 'what the fuck dude!' Followed by more struggling cut you out of words. You rolled your eyes, already knowing who it was making the mess at the other side of the line.
"Hello sweetheart! How's been the most annoying being on the planet?" The purring voice of a man reached your ears and the chuckle hidden on his words made your smile widen.
"Hello to you too Barnes and well, you probably have been sucking Wilson's cock, right?" A snort of amusement and a hearty laugh rumbled all the way to your side of the line, a faint 'Oh yes, he has' made you laugh as well.
Bucky screamed at the voices and then he was back to you "And you shut up too, you leave for ages and the first words you tell me are those? Rude. Here, you deal with them..."
"Wait! Bucky! C'mon, don't be like that! I was joking!" You screamed between your wheezing but he ignored you and Sam's own laughs were your only answer.
"Now I have missed you (y/n)."
"Big Sam! Mi hermano! I have missed you so fucking much too, you all. How's Yelena? She wants to punch you in the face already? Or she waiting for you to give back the phone?"
"Bucky is trying to hold her back with those Mexican candies you sent." You smiled a little at that.
After being away for almost two years with little to non communication, you made sure to at least send two times a year enough presents for them that you bought along your journey, from space --which was a little hard considering you had to leave early given your poor stomach not adjusting to the extraterrestrial food-- and the comings and goings in your sweet, sweet Planet Earth. One of the presents were a lot of different Mexican treats and candies and pastries. Accompanied with carefully detailed instructions in how to cook Mexican food without getting poisoned in the process.
The shipping had been expensive, but you made sure that all the goodies would last them for the entire year or year and a half that you were away. And it had to be enough for the two soldiers, your sister and Sharon, that were the only ones who still had more contact between each other.
"I'll be there soon, I'm actually like two blocks away from home so-" Sam's screamed pierced your ears and you heard a thud before Yelena's voice greeted you with more enthusiasm than normal. She had knock out Sam without doubt.
"(Y/n)! You better get here right now or I fucking swear I'll shoot them- No, Bucky! Those are mine, you metallic slut!" You covered your mouth with a hand so your struggle to not laugh couldn't be heard. "Please (y/n), I can't deal with these monkeys alone and- Oh my god! What the fuck- Just hurry up!" Then she hung up and finally, finally you let out a long string of laughs that made your stomach and cheeks hurt.
The cab turned around and you were relieved to finally see your little home four houses away in the long, long street.
Even if Bucky was tangled with the fairy lights and a big wired deer, both hanging from each side of the chimney that had black smoke coming out in big exhales.
Sam was filming the tries of Sharon at disentangling him without letting him drop or the deer.
And Yelena at the side of the sidewalk and about to cut the string that made weight with the big ass looking deer.
"You sure is here?" Asked you the driver and the feeling of warmth ran through your entire being at answering that yes, those are my idiots.
~~~~~~o.o~~~~~~
"Castle, are you there?" The gentle thud of snow making contact with his large window accompanied Matt tonight. Not many thoughts were in his head but a headache. A constant reminder that last night patrol wasn't entirely healed.
"What'ya need Red?" Answered the man to his head, voice a strong baritone, sign that he wasn't even close to sleepy.
Matt stayed silent for a few seconds, there were a lot of things he needed. Starting for a black coffee that could erase the taste of blood in his mouth or the feel of silk behind his fingers after having to put his hands through broken concrete in search of a girl that was almost buried alive.
But in the meantime, "Tell me 'bout your day."
Frank let out a knowing sound, "It wasn't so different from the others." Murmured, a tinge of shame and tiredness on his voice.
"Didn't expect otherwise."
And so with a long sigh, Frank told Matt the entirety of his todays adventures. From the trail all the way to Canada he had to follow right to the empty radio station on the woods where a man was waiting for him and offered him a hint into one of the helpers for his family's murdered.
"You sure about trusting him?" Said Matt, a frown etched on his injured face. "Doesn't sound like a reliable source if you ask me."
"He knew about Cerberus and The Hand. 'Bout Russo and... and 'bout you, like Daredevil."
The stillness that overcame him was enough to make him forget his injured ribs. "How did-"
"'S'a mutant."
Matt knew what this meant. Frank was going to hunt down these people, whoever they were. And once he found them, then death would be the last thing in Franks mind.
For what seemed like hours neither of them spoke, but on his mind, Matt could hear the soft music coming from Castle's. It was their way of communicating.
Neither of them were good with words, being romantic or sensibles was something that got lost with time. So do the encouraging gestures or speeches they used to say to one another back to when Matt was a student and Frank wasn't a marine. Back when the world seemed to have value or a well drawn line into what they wanted.
But now this was what they could rely on. The soft sound of a ballad or the rhythm in a rock and roll song. The only kind of understatement that they could listen to all day long, while doing their jobs, while going out at night at vigilantes activities. Before going to bed or when the time to visit the cemetery was up to date.
Matt had never spent an entire day with Frank in another way but fighting against bad people. Villains and monsters that lurked the dark. Both of them having become the protectors of those that were in danger. And in those moments, with their soul-bond sighing in relief at their closeness, they never spoke about sensible topics or made a move to touch in a comforting manner the skin of the other.
It was an unspoken rule between them and something they were comfortable at following.
A few seconds of silence passed before Frank spoke again.
"I felt it again," Frank's voice startled him, but before he could ask what, Castle continued. "The pull."
There wasn't needed an explanation for that. The memory was still fresh on their minds, like it was yesterday, when they felt their souls being ripped apart, not from each other but from a third one, a third connection that was calling them with such desperation that they almost got mad with worry and rage and fear.
They couldn't do anything but try to reach that little, tiny cord that was almost broken but persisted, buried deep inside their minds and whoever their third part belonged to.
"I felt it too." Matt cleared his voice, suddenly a dry throat and a heaviness on his mind that mirrored Frank's. "I was at the courthouse when- I felt it more vividly this time, like it almost wanted me to notice."
"Ya think they're closer? Perhaps they feel us too. Pulling to get them."
"I hope so, Frank."
It wasn't of them to talk about their feelings or share opinions about each others lives. But there was a common ground were they two step at the same time, where both Matt and Frank wouldn't venture without the other. They could spent entire nights and days plotting about it, trying to get to a point of understanding and researching non stop until their heads gave up. And it was about their third soulmate.
Back in that day, when the pain radiated out of you and seeped into their minds, they lost all sense of control over their already fallen lives. They had no way of reaching to you, your mind wasn't open, your soul wasn't ready to be with theirs, and from that day on they doubted that it will ever be.
They couldn't search for someone they had never known or talked to or seen. They didn't know the sound of your voice, the world you lived in, your name was a mystery up until today!
"You think they're fine?" Matt's question was one that Frank wanted to say yes to, he wanted to believe with all his heart that whoever their soulmate was and whatever they were doing, they were better than the other times he felt the bond nip at him in a painful way.
But Frank Castle knew better than to wish upon dreams. Frank Castle knew that pain could come in more than physical ways. And not ever once had The Pull being without pain or sadness.
"I don't know, Red." Answered The Punisher, worry lacing his tone, a new heaviness settling in him.
"I'll go with you. To see this man and help you find with the target he gives you."
Castle scoffed "And then what, boy? Ya gonna stop me from getting to them? Think 'bout how it go last time, Murdock."
"I said I'll help you find them, whoever they are. What you do to them is really not my problem, Castle. I've learn that there's no power in this world to stop you from doing your will."
Frank almost laughs at that, there was a very strong power that could stop him from killing those mother fuckers and Matt not knowing it was him, the fucking Daredevil, that had many times unconsciously convinced him to do better was very, very amusing.
"Then better get'ya ass ready, Red. We're leaving in a week."
~~~~~~~~o.o~~~~~~~
Christmas dinner was spend sharing stories of the past, that even if they still hurt, they were welcomed in the tiny living room, lit with candles and warm golden lights. The champagne Sharon brought and her own home made recipe of sweet potatoes and orange turkey was devoured by all of you.
She told you about the entire new team at her disposal and the also new vigilante that everyone called Spiderman and asked you many questions from London, your last stay, the vigilantes from there and if you ever met them in person or worked with them.
The only one that you had contact with was Strange and only in one occurrence. The rest you heard only gossiping; a white masked man or something like that.
Sam and Bucky had an entire drama to tell that lasted almost up until midnight, between Yelena cutting in once or twice to tell you about last year encounter with Clint and Kate, she spent Christmas and New Years there and she confided in you that having a family like that made her tear up a little. It was a home away from home, siblings that treated her like a sister, making fun of her without fearing her, complimenting her looks without wanting anything in return. It was refreshing. It was new and something she wanted you to experience as well. For the New Year you two would call Clint to go there for the upcoming celebration.
And you, you had not much to say that wasn't depressing.
You had been away because Erik needed you. You both wanted to make the world a better place for mutants, but first you needed to make sure the people that were still hunting your fellow sisters and brothers were taken care of, and so you two went on a killing spree all the way from Asia to Africa to Central Europe.
The betrayal wasn't planned but it was expected that, at some point, one of your teammates would fall to the lies of those in power. So you had taken care of each one of the liars and everyone involved.
At the end, Erik thanked you and got to his own way, back to Asia.
You didn't dare speak about all of this at such a happy reunion. They didn't need to know that and you weren't about to ruin the night by confessing that the travel, in search of mutants to aid, had become a hunting for bad people that wanted your entire mutant fellows dead.
That was the end of the night, with you all opening presents and basking in the special little moments of happiness.
~~~~~~~o.o~~~~~~
The morning was cold when you step in your porch, the sun hadn't come out and the lights on the large street were still on, barely giving light to a peaceful white, grey and black morning. The snow ha covered almost every exit at the garage of the houses including your own and you would have to make a new shopping trip in case of a snow in.
You relished on the quite stillness of no one around you, only the cold, cold weather and the occasional chirp of a bird far away.
It was in moments like this when you wondered what would Natalia be doing right now? You liked to imagine how life with her still here would be. Her soulmate was a brilliant person, a truly loyal friend that used to shine upon everyones minds and made the days lighter, even for people like the Avengers.
Natasha adored her soulmate to the point of marrying in secret and gaining the ire of the one and only extravagant Tony Stark. That was an act of love that not even you were sure back then to have accomplished without ending fearing the revenge of the billionaire. You still can remember how Tony didn't stop pestering them both even in their "secret" honeymoon, which he casually invited all of you at the same place where the newly wed couple was celebrating.
Her soulmate, you thought how are they?
Yesterday you didn't dare to ask anyone about them for fear of downing the mood and the fear that came of knowing you haven't cared that much for them since you came back. It wasn't because of a lack of empathy, it was because seeing them and coming back to their shared home where you had been many times hanging out... it pained you.
You still hadn't say your condolences to them or showed up to their doorstep or even asked about them and-
A sudden whisper from a gruff voice made your head rise from the white grass.
You waited in silence just to hear it again. It was a man's voice, you could almost swear you heard someone saying something but you didn't quite catch up the words!
Taking a few steps further, your eyes tried to accommodate to the darkness in front of you. No one was there.
The movement from a bush startled you, but you kept your ground, quickly grabbing the first thing that was at your reach. A pot with a gardenia on it. You kept your gaze steady, your stillness making your other senses come into action, you could almost see the figure of someone right there... between the darkness, the silhouette of long legs and broad shoulders that started to move towards you, a hand that-
"What the fuck are you doing out here?" You let out a scream while turning around and throwing Yelena the pot, which she dodge slapping it away and making a mess of dirt and broken mud all over the front door. "What the hell (Y/n)!"
"You scared the shit out of me Yelena! What the fuck!"
She only grumbled in response trying to clean herself from the dirt on her pyjamas and saying something that you completely ignored, instead turning around and trying to focus again on the spot where the shadow appeared.
There was nothing there.
"Are you even listening? Hell, (Y/n), let's get inside. Jeez."
She turned and entered the house, leaving you alone with her grumbling fading inside the place and your heart still hammering in your chest.
"The next step for us is Clint's home and from there we should be okay with the enormous amount of canned food you bought." Sharon picked one by one the said cans and started placing them inside the cabinets. "You should eat more organics, you could get cancer with this things you know?"
"Talking Bucky out of processed products is like trying to make a dog fly." Said Yelena entering the small kitchen. Bucky smirked, he was in an unusual good mood for being nine in the morning.
"Talk all you want, doll, but the serum would never allow something like that to happen. Besides, I don't like cooking."
"But Sam does like cooking." You said from the stool at the counter. "I can't imagine him eating all this crap, Buck."
"Well, he does have Barnes for snack every day." Sharon mumbled while trying to read the nutrimental values from the pack. Bucky went deep red on his cheeks.
"Okey, that's it. I'm going upstairs."
"No! Bucky! I just came back, don't leave me!" Getting up from your seat you almost begged for him to stay, it was a fun sight; a man so big and feared by many, blushing with the teasing like a teenager. But with him coming from a year where it was uncommon from women to speak like that and he still getting used to it and all, it was actually endearing and understandable.
The teasing came back and forth, Yelena trying to help him understand all your jokes meanwhile Sharon and you tried your hardest to make him blush, giving specifics in how to please men.
Sam entered a little while later, when breakfast was ready and the tone of red in Bucky's cheeks made him arch a brow, Buck only shrugged and send him a wink before continuing eating.
"Sit down, man, Sharon cooked some bacon and pancakes." The Captain looked at you first, trying to gain your attention but you were too lost in your food to notice.
"First there's something you need to see. All of you."
At that, you did locked eyes on his and suddenly it felt very much like when you were all part of the Avengers and a debriefing was given by him, you being told what was the mission and your part on it. That gaze of you probably won't like it but he don't have a choice was one you knew very well.
"What is it?" Sharon took a seat beside you, looking less stressed, just as Yelena. But Bucky knew this man even better than himself and so, he knew that this joyous morning had ended, probably the rest of them as well. You two glanced at each other for a second, returning naturally to Sam's commanding voice.
"Strange sent a message for you (Y/n)" Sam put the envelope on the table, right in front of you.
"For me?"
"It's about Erik Lensherr, he's come back to America."
The air between you and the soldiers turned ice cold in a minute. Even if you haven't told them what exactly you did this past two years, they did knew you were alongside Erik, and he wasn't known for his moralistic tactics.
"He told me he wasn't coming back, not until Charles called him." You took the envelope, opening it with the other, inside were pictures of Erik leaving the airport and going inside a black car, each one of them was taken with a span of few minutes between the ride he made from the airport to the train station, then there were no more photographies. "He said he was going back to Asia."
"Perhaps he changed his mind." Commented Yelena, taking one of the pictures while munching on a piece of well toasted bacon.
"That's not all. He was last seen with a lawyer and his secretary Karen Page, the three of them where seeing entering 'Nelson, Murdock and Page', a law firm at New York. They stayed there for three hours and then only Erik got out. The rest stayed until their normal hours of work."
Sam sent your mobile the information about the entire visit to New York that Erik had made. Apparently he not only didn't tell you about his abrupt appearance but he didn't even let Charles know. He was wearing the helmet all the time, under a very weird looking hat, but yeah, you would recognised that big ass head of his while wearing his helmet at any perspective.
"Strange told me that he went to see him as well and asked some pretty interesting questions about specific people."
"Who did he asked for?" Sharon beat you to ask.
"For (Y/n), although he didn't specify exactly what. Then for some 'The Punisher' and 'The Hand'."
"What kind of names are those?" Sam gave Bucky a pointed look. "What? Its always "The" and whatever it comes next."
"Dude, you were "The Winter Soldier"" Yelena joked.
"And it was embarrassing! Honestly I think HYDRA at least could have come up with something shorter, or at least not as fucking boring." Whined Bucky with energy, Sam was pinching the bridge of his nose.
"You could have been called The Hand." Sharon added.
"More like The Arm, I think." You snickered.
"We are not discussing that!" Shouted a very annoyed Sam, and your entire group tried to sniffle your giggles. "You," he pointed at Bucky that stopped cackling and gave him a seducing grin. "Go to your room and get ready for a mission." Bucky stoped grinning at him.
"What? Excuse you but- I'm the victim here, between these two," He screamed pointing at you and Sharon.
"Barnes, I swear, if you don't move your ass I'll make you." That was a actually the wrong thing to say because the ex-assassin only smirked and was about to give Sam a witty comeback when he started speaking again. "And because if you do not, then you'll sleep on the couch for an entire season."
"YOU WOULDN'T!"
Sam only crossed his arms and the pinch on his brows grew deeper, seconds tick by with Yelena still eating and enjoying the spectacle. Sharon and you were containing with a lot of effort the giggles.
After a few more seconds Bucky finally broke."Fine! But don't expect me to forget your alliance with the little gremlings!"
Bucky left the kitchen and his steps could be heard all the way to the guests room he shared with the Captain.
"He's so wiped." Murmured Sharon and instantly Sam's attention was on her. The blonde went rigid.
"Now you and you," he pointed at Yelena as well "need to get information about the firm that Erik went to. Don't get caught." They shared smiles with raised brows, it was kind of insulting for Sharon and Yelena, but at the heaviness in the air when Sam's attention shifted towards them, they let it slip and abandoned the kitchen. Murmured "see yas" and "byes" left at their path.
Now with you two alone, the entire weight of the situation started to make you sweat. The implications this would have with them and your new re-gotten life.
"Why you didn't tell us? Or at least one of us?" Your gaze dropped to the kitchen counter, hands fidgeting on the cold marble. "Why is he going around asking about you?" A barely heard "i don't know" came out of your lips but even for your ears it was obvious it wasn't an entire truth.
"We're family, (Y/n). We are the only ones left and we have to trust in each other. We need to trust in each other. If not... then- if not then we're not better than before and we all know how that went."
Sam's voice never raised an octave or got lower to a threatening level. It was soft like always, with that tint of understanding even if it was hurting him knowing you hid your real motivation. That was the worst part of it, the trust that he put into his words, behind the thinking that you knew this and understood, it didn't matter that you didn't took it into practice, but the thought that he trusted in you with this ideal, that he believed in you as if you didn't just hide such an important part of your trip to them, that was what cut deep through your chest.
"Sam's right, doll." You took a quick glance at both men, Buck crunched down on the doorway, trying to strap correctly his boots, Sam taking a seat in front of you, sipping from the coffee Yelena surely didn't finish. "We made that mistake many times for us not to learn from it."
Bucky stood up and send you wink, not giving you a chance to say something. "Just think it through, it's hard letting yourself be aid by others, trust me, I would know 'bout it." You smirked at that. "But we all gotta learn somehow, right?"
"Yeah"
Sam looked at you with the hint of a smile, the conversation finally settling in with the calming presence of this two, only disturbed by the sound of your ringtone. Taking your mobile, you arched a brow at the unknown number shining from the screen.
"Who's that?" Asked Bucky.
"No idea" was your murmured response right before taking the call "Who's this?" On the other side of the line the sound of wind got your attention. The soft spoken voice of a woman was soon to greet you.
"(Y/n)?" You didn't dare to answer, her voice sounding alarms in your head, you recognised that voice, you had heard her somewhere, but... the memory just didn't come at you. "Am I talking to (Y/n/ln)?"
"That's me. Who's this?"
"My name is Karen page," your eyebrows rose and Bucky, blessed his enhanced hearing, looked at you in surprise and whispered rapidly at Sam, letting him know who exactly was calling you. "I'm a secretary at Nelson, Murdock and Page's firm, I'm calling for the recent change requested by Erik Lensherr who has come to acquire new documentation in which we will need your assistance for the fulfilment of the last procedure. Can you confirm your assistance for December 28? Or if you wish to reschedule, can you let me know of the date best suited for you?"
You stared off into the distance for almost two minutes, Sam, fearing you were having an attack, kicked your leg under the counter, making you yelp in pain. " (Y/n/L/n)?"
"Yes, yes, I'm here."
"I'll really appreciate if you could give me-"
"I'm sorry, Miss Page," you interrupted "but what exactly is the last procedure? The new- uh, new documentation?" The woman on the other side didn't hesitate when she answered.
"His will, (Y/L/N), you are to sign as the first beneficiary of Mr. Lensherr's will."
~~~~~~~o.o~~~~~~
"It's not funny, Barnes."
Bucky sitting beside you on the back of the car groaned in annoyance. "C'mon, doll, it's fucking hilarious! Now all we have to do is kill the bastard."
"Ugh."
You turned your head, ignoring all the different ideas for the "Getting granpa's will" operation that Sharon, out of the good of her heart provided you with. Sam was driving in the front, the copilot seat banned from everyone, including Bucky, after some pranks that almost got all yourselves into a massive crash on the free road.
Yelena went to the her secret dungeon, where she could easily find the right people and dig further into the lives of Nelson, Murdock and Page. Every little detail that could help in case of... well... it's not that you and the soldiers were paranoids or something, it's just that every thing needs to come with a plan B.
Now you were reaching the building of the firm, a little cornered place need the river, tiny and between more bigger buildings that surely stopped the sun to reach it, but you imagined, since it's kinda new for what little information you scraped, it's obvious that it wouldn't be as big as other firms.
Sam pulled up in front of the door and shutting off the car you all headed inside.
The first glance at the short stairs was like a living nightmare for Bucky and you, flashbacks of- of a very tortuous past coming back. Still you kept climbing until a door welcomed you with the names written on the glass. "This place needs maintenance." Said Bucky.
"All this neighbourhood, you mean." You raised your eyebrows at Sam who knocked on the door, apparently very amused with his little joke. "Shut up, children, and you better behave or else no going to the park later."
Bucky's shoulders slumped and he send you a look , "Are you pretending to talk to dogs or kids?" "Bucky, shut the fuck up, will ya?" The Captain snorted and you could swear you heard someone laughing inside as well.
There was some thrashing behind the door that now the three of you heard before the door swung open revealing a pretty blonde with a soft smile and there goes your heart running, you just couldn't function in front of beautiful people, and you thanked for the first time in your entire existence that your training as a widow helped you remain stoic and gentle. "Good afternoon, I'm Karen Page, we spoke on the phone."
She extended her hand looking at you "Miss Page, I'm (Y/n/l/n) and they are Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes." Karen obviously recognised the two man standing with you, if she was scared or amazed, she didn't show, instead made you come in inmeadiatly being greeted with no other than the man from the previous photographs. "Foggy Nelson," said the blond man, shaking your hand, he was really cute and seriously you should stop ogling people.
He gave you a professional smile and you walked aside to the second lawyer standing behind the table, with his hands on a cane and that told you everything you needed to know about his condition.
He as well extended his hand and you took it, giving a firm shake "I'm Matthew Murdock, it's a pleasure to meet you."
Like being dragged by a wave at the ocean you felt your brain being turned over and thrown to the rocks, with multiple ideas, so many memories trying to resurface, hidden behind your soft "Pleasure's mine" and calm movements while taking a seat. In front of you, Matt was fidgeting with his hands, minimal gestures that no one noticed, not even you that were about to have a mental breakdown for some unknown reason.
"So," Foggy clapped his hands, getting everyone's attention. "Let's get down to business."
The lawyer started talking about the papers in front of him, signalling some to which you nodded, without paying attention and noticing this he started talking to Sam.
You didn't know what was happening, what you were feeling. This pressure in your chest and a longing that dragged you into the ocean, more into the deep waters, it was just like that day, when you were screaming internally, without voice.
The room felt too small, the air coming from the windows not enough to breath.
"Matt?" Foggy's voice didn't even faced you, but still your eyes traveled to said lawyer, sitting still, hands under the table clenching and unclenching and his eyes hidden behind those red glasses, glazed over. Foggy's mood change, not giving a single fuck that you, their new clients, were sitting right in front of them. "Matt, what's wrong? Are you okay?"
His friend blinked once, twice and suddenly he got up on his feet looking at the three of you intently for a few seconds. When his eyes found yours the turmoil inside your chest wanted to combust you alive but you tried to will it to stop. "Matthew, what is it?" Asked him Page this time.
He didn't answer, just shook his head and stormed out of the room, not even daring to look back or apologise.
The five of you were silent for a long time, that continued into and awkward laugh of Karen "Uh, heh- He, uh, he does that sometimes. Don't worry." Chancing a quick look at her you she cleared her throat. "Foggy?"
"Yeah, right, uhm... we should continue."
Bucky turned to look at you, hearing a little the change in you breathing and letting Sam handle the situation at hand. "You okay?" Your gaze found his eyes and suddenly you were back with Natalia and Yelena, three teenagers locked up on the limits of the world, surrounded by chaos and not knowing what to do, how to react. "I don't know."
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bentosandbox · 2 years
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Hoshiguma Module TL
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Gifts from friends
Basic Information
■ Month ■ Day
I got this shield from that person, it’s an unusual shape, and extremely sharp, but it feels good to wield. Hannya– that person said that was it’s name. I don’t know which scripture, person, or mistake he had in mind when he named it, but I like this name. I will take Hannya with me, and it will be my partner from now on.
■ Month ■ Day
Before setting out, this Hannya’s “father” said he still had something to give me, I thought it was something important, but it turned out to be just a piece of scrap metal. They said I was to polish the handle to match Hannya myself. It was an odd request, but as a kind of training* it was not unacceptable. Hannya already has a frightening exterior and edges sharp enough to cut through enemies, so it is perhaps appropriate I should make the interior match as well.
■ Month ■ Day
It’s said that I should continue polishing until I can wield it bare-handed, when it stops scraping my hand, when the discomfort stops. Does that mean I have to grind the edges and corners until they’re flat? Very well, it seems like it will be a long process.
■ Month ■ Day
I’ve been polishing it for so long, yet it still chafes my hand. It already looks pretty smooth, but is this still not enough?
■ Month ■ Day
Leaving Higashi…it’s been a while since that happened. Lungmen is a complicated place, it has it’s pros and cons, I’ve given lessons to many people that shouldn’t have been taught, and also met several interesting people, I think I like it here. There’s nowhere else on the handle to polish, even the curvature has been smoothed flat. But after all is said and done this thing is just a piece of metal, there is still some discomfort no matter how it’s used, it seems to have been an impossible task from the very beginning. Perhaps I’ve just not trained enough. Even if I managed to smooth out the edges, there’s no hiding from yourself in the end. Iron is iron, with no way to soften itself, even if it appears smooth on the outside, the essence does not change. On this day, I seem to have obtained some understanding of that person’s intentions.
■ Month ■ Day
Received a gift from my friends. I probably shouldn’t be saying this, but I really didn’t expect that those two ladies would go to the trouble of thinking such a suitable gift for me. The latest soft grip tape on the market… …is exactly what I need right now, it must have been hard on them to decide on this. The sentiments of my friends…let’s try it out tomorrow.
*两位大小姐 aka you know, those two
I can’t word succinctly enough how much I really like this module story lol reminded me of those morbillion chinese folktale comics I read as a kid as well as her Potential Token:
An old manga. It tells the story of an unknown monster becoming a hero with the help of his friends.
✅Character insight
✅Chenswire shopping date delusion fuel
✅Validation (jk) of my crack theory of hoshi basically having done her own version of journey to the west achieving enlightenment/wisdom with the help of comrades/friends…dare I say…family…
Higashi event in 2023 please HG I am asking nicely
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icy-watch · 5 months
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Season 5 hurt me in ways I wasn't expecting.
I knew it was going to hurt, just not this much.
So, where does everyone stand? Well, it seems like there’s another ahead. And this one involves venturing across different realms.
Everyone seems to be coming into their own -- growing up, understanding who they are and who they want to be.
Except Cole. He's still a ghost. While I think he's accepted it, it's definitely not what he wants. I'm thinking at some point in the next season he gets cured.
I don't think anyone who was in the Cursed Realm will come back again. I really think they're gone for good.
I think Pixal is going to finally get a new body. She's spent 2 seasons in Zane's head already. It's time for her to get out. And become her own droid again.
I really don't have any sense of what the next season is going to be about, so I don't really have many predictions about it.
Below the cut are the predictions I got right and wrong.
Correct
The boys will find a way to either survive without their powers or find a way to restore them. They did manage to survive without them for most of the season.
Someone or multiple someones whose powers aren't connected to Lloyd will be very helpful in taking down Morro. And Nya comes in with the STEEL CHAIR!
Nya is going to struggle with her new powers, but they will be the key to taking Morro down. See above.
The boys will run in to Morro while they're at Stiix, and there will be a showdown.
The boys will have to escape whatever prison they're put in while they visit the Cloud Kingdom.
Ronin will do more to help the ninja. He really came thru for them in the end.
We will see Garmadon in the Cursed Realm. And Chen and Clouse.
Incorrect
The other Elemental Masters can help defeat Morro. Skylor was the only one who appeared, and she was only there for 5 minutes, tops to work at the restaurant.
Water doesn't work on ghosts who are possessing other people. Surprisingly, it's super effective.
Nya will go to Misako or Wu for advice on her powers. She went to Ronin to get her out of training with her new powers.
The Preeminent is trapped in the Cursed Realm. She was the Cursed Realm.
The ghoulfiends will abandon Morro after he didn't make it to the Cloud Kingdom. They stuck with him, and they eventually got there themselves.
Morro will eventually take completely over and no one will be able to get thru to Lloyd. Morro left Lloyd's body.
Skill Island. RIP Skull Island. You would have been a cool spot to hold the tomb of the First Spinjitzu Master.
Morro will beat them to the Realm Crystal. The boys got there first.
The Preeminent will not be defeated this season. She will be sent to another realm. WELL then.
Partially
Ronin told the boys who to go to in order to learn Airjitzu from. He sent them to Yang, however Yang gave them a scroll to learn Airjitzu from.
Enemies are waiting for the boys in Cloud Kingdom. There was Fenwick, but there was also Nobu and Nimbus.
Wu, Nya, and Ronin will interrogate Ghoultar and learn about the Preeminent. They did interrogate him, but they didn't learn about the Preeminent from him. And Ronin already knew.
Having Nya along for the journey to the First Spinjitzu Master's tomb. She was there, but she was above water and taking care of WU and Misako.
Unconfirmed
No one will be permenantly killed off this season. The main characters, no. Others? Unknown.
Something happened to Morro in the Cursed Realm. Unknown what happened to him.
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pl9090 · 9 months
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.T.B.o.t.W. Missing
Upon reviewing my readthrough notes I noticed the recurring concept of something being missing, (objects or people) which suprisingly isn't mentioned in the, "Design Specs for Advanced users" despite clearly being present and the book itself stating that it has some importance, (see the quote below).
Was it intentionally hidden and if so why? Or am I being utterly human and seeing a pattern that isn't there?
"A similar importance can be attached to “missing” rather than “unfinished” works, such as the Mount Usu duel from The Ghost Kingdom (1999), the “Miss Hiroshima” episode of Through the Eye of Eternity (1996) or the killing of a Cambodian villager accidentally captured on film during the shooting of The Wasteland (1974). In these cases, it’s the anxiety of what the footage might contain which is all-important", Production Hell.
This anxiety over what might be there and the resulting importance give to what is, "missing" is referenced in, "The Book of the War” as being the existence context vital to understanding the enemy's nature, reinforced by the referred to missing entries by their nature and that they either directly relate to: the enemy, (ie: The Gods of the Ainu and S'tanim) and or their possible capabilities, (ie: Violent Unknown Events, Mohandassa, and Sixth Wave Defections).
Examples
The Eleven Day Empire: The missing eleven days, (which caused the non time aware population to panic that they had been stolen and by who).
The enemy: Missing entries that seem to relate directly to it or it's capabilities. Known to retro erase information about itself and it's methods when necessary/
Grandfather Paradox: Both his self imposed missing right arm and erasure from history.
The House of Lords: After an hour Cousin Anastasia emerges from the House of Lords smeared in blood and with one finger missing.
Kaiwar: What did Immaculata Formosii say about her new allies?
The Monster Coda: The High Council's policy of keeping the enemy leadership's identity a secret as fear is the only reliable and, "base" enough motivator the Timelords have.
The Mount Usu Duel: 1.Mujun, The Ghost Kingdom has several missing sequences generated by the Celestis meme mine known as, "The .G.C.I. Processor". 2.The enemy, (in, "God of the Ainu" form)'s presence as an absence. 3.Brookhaven's disappearance. 3.The coolest character is the one who's face you never see.
Production Hell: "Missing" works are more important than, "unfinished" ones due to the anxiety of what it might contain.
The Thirteen Day Republic: The thirteen days sometimes missing from the Russian calender, it's two main symbols associated with disaster.
Through the Eye of Eternity: The missing episode, "Miss Hiroshima", (the only brown eye episode) which has something to do with the context in which the enemy exists.
Waves of the House Military, The Sixth Wave: Missing in Action: Self explanatory. Going by the: stated secrecy, attempted explanations and the previously mentioned, "Sixth Wave Defections" that it was retrocompromised by the enemy into becoming supporters so were retro annulled by either themselves or the Timelords.
"It’s unclear, even now, what the exact relationship was between the War and this age of paranoia. It’s possible that the Houses were sensing the future bearing down on them and beginning to panic, but it’s also possible that the War was in some way a result of the increasing paranoia (this makes a certain sense, given the nature of the enemy)", War Predictions, The Book of the War.
Could the Timelords post First War in Heaven, (the Yssgaroth war) several millenia paranioa and anxiety that another enemy might arise and over what/who it would be could be at least part of the paranioa that resulted in the Second war in Heaven?
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comfysofti · 2 months
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Before i go to bed, just gonna rant a bit about Sanford from my madness combat au(or just talk about him in general), mainly because everyone that knows about the au, just absolutely adores him for unknown to me reason???
Also, I'll probably makes this a series so, this is part 1 out of 20-something parts, of me talking about characters in my madness combat au
Character trope: misunderstood by everyone
Metaphors/comparisons: duality of how people view sharks; torture as "art"
Sanford, like some other characters in the au is an animal hybrid. In his case, he's a shark hybrid. He has very few features(mostly like everyone) those being: webbing between his fingers, fins, gils and huge shark tail(over 2 meters long, just in length). Due to experiments that led him to becoming this hybrid he lost his legs(he does has prosthetics) and gained huge sound sensitivity(has to wear special headphones that partly muffle the sound 24/7)
Sanford is a rather interesting person to say the least. Bloody artist, "organ stealer", experiment victim. Sanfords main motivation for what he does is revenge. He kills absolutely anyone who has something to do with Auditor and Phobos, before they united their organisations or after, no matter if person left their organisation years ago and changed, he doesn't care. He believes that by wiping all of those who worked for them, is the only way to get justice for all those innocent people who died because of the two. Surprisingly or not, this often leads to him having arguments with his friends that don't agree that he needs to kill absolutely every single person who ever worker for Auditor and Phobos, especially if they changed(what in Sanford's opinion those people can't do)
He has good intentions with what he does. For example, let's look at this whole "organ stealer" situation. That's one of the nicknames people gave him. He collects organs of most of his victims, and oh lord, is his collection HUGE. However, despite the fact that some of those organs are simple "trophies" he uses most of those organs, to help people who need organ transplants. Heart, liver, lungs, you name the organ, he has it!
But despite all this, like with sharks, people only see "bad" and cruel side of him. There's no denying that he's cruel in ways, like a shark, but only to those he considers enemy or dangerous, but heck, in lots of cases, he gives victims of his torture quick ways out of their choice, because he does have sympathy for them, even if he supposed to hate them to the core
He can be gentle, he can be sweet, he can be caring, but everyone only sees this "scary aggressive shark". No one sees the man that almost died during inhumane experiments on him, from which his friends suffered too, thousands if not more, people died because of them as well. They don't see the man who wants to avenge all those poor souls, who were tortured and died in pain. They don't see a man who wants to do what's best, even if his ways of doing so may seem wrong. They don't want to understand. They don't want to see any other of his sides outside of the aggressive, cruel, two-sided shark
And he's alone because of this even with his friends. They don't understand him either. Perhaps they simply don't see the need for that. Perhaps they tried, but failed to understand
Another thing that's rather interesting about Sanford, that he's an artist. His paintings are always grey, with red accents. That's how he sees Nevada. Hollow place, only filled with blood. And his art sometimes is bloody too
He sometimes carves paintings on some of his victims(usually those being clones that Auditor makes) to "...make them beautiful, give them purpose before dying, because those agents were never made to be beautiful. They were made to be nothing. Or to be monsters...". He believes that some people are either made to be empty canvases in this hollow Nevada, or to be ugly. So he fixes them! He makes them beautiful before dying. Plain canvases finally "drawn" on, fulfilling their purpose, while the ugly, the monsters, are finally made beautiful before passing. He believes that he makes Nevada more beautiful with this. Although, he knows he just adds more red to the "painting" that is Nevada, but at least, he adds something unique. Unique bloody strokes on the grey canvas
Also, as some finishing notes: people aren't wrong about thinking that Sanford is two sided, because he is! He knows his way with words, and doesn't look all that threatening, and he takes advantage of that. He often uses most of his victims for his and his friends interests, to get some information that they need, for example, and then kills them, when they become useless. But despite everything, Sanford is really nice to civilians, and often helps them with everything they may need
Not sure what else to add about this shark man, so that's all, unless someone will have questions about him. And if someone does, please let me know because i absolutely love talking about my au and every single character in it so I'll be more than happy to answer <33
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misakicchi · 1 year
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To the Commandant...
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Lucia Activation Letter || June 15
Long time no see, Commandant... Although this solo mission has only lasted about a month, I feel that I have left you and Gray Raven for a long time.
The battle on the western front has just calmed down, with the enemy being temporarily forced a few kilometers away. The task has been complete, and I shall be returning to Babylonia in a few days. The waiting period to go back is too long, I have a lot of things to say to you, not just about the mission report, but I also what I have seen, heard and felt these days that I was away... and spend the day with you to pay back the days that I was not by your side.
It would be great if I could come with everyone for this mission. Although I can still complete these missions independently. I always subconsciously look for everyone in the place I am in.
I want to tell Liv about the newly found flowers, Lee with the survey results of those unknown data, and I want to... see you sooner...
To be honest... I don't quite understand these feelings, because the only thing I want is to see you... not just with something that needs to be discussed or a task that must be reported...
It's just.. I just want to see you.
When the sun rises, I think of you hand pointing to the sun...
When I cut off a corrupted, I thought of the way you raised your head against the wind... when you are walking in the rainstorm... and when you saw a real gray raven soaring in the sky. I would always think of you for no reason.
This must be because I haven't traveled this far for a long time, but please don't worry about me, the thoughts and concerns about 'Lucia' will not stop my steps an blades in the slightest.
As I reported, the mission has been successfully completed, and I will be back soon, Commandant.
Before that, please accept the "souvenir" I got you from this mission... this is also my wish for Launch Day, I hope the Commandant will have something for them to keep.
And when you look at it, you can think of me.
From: Lucia
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Invitation Letter: Lucia
Title: From Lucia's Handbook
It's early morning, and I'm sitting on the edge of the bomb crater, which still huge and still has water in it. There seems to be some piece of grass here, and by the edge of the crater has brownish-yellow soil evidently seen. Beside me, a small reddish flower grew on the overturned soil. If Liv were here, she would definitely recognize the name of this flower.
I really miss spending time with Gray Raven and the Commandant. Although it w only a short period of time to be separated from everyone during this mission, it always felt like several months have passed, it is as if time has become longer. Is it because I am relying more on everyone more and more?
Commandant, will this be a good change or a bad change?
Probably because I parted with the Commandant for a while... I have a lot to say and I don't know what to say. Where to start, how to describe the past memories I had with Commandant.
Everything I have experienced with everyone... the countless moments spent with Commandant, they always seem to affect me in the sea of consciousness. Even now, that wonderful feeling has not subsided.
So I chose to use this method to record what I experienced and share it with the Commandant. Just describing these things to you and letting you see what I see makes me feel like you're still there with me, and that's good., that counts as a shared memory between us.
When I was writing this, it seems two birds has passed by me. Before I could see what they looked like, they flew further away...
At this moment, the sun on the sky begins to rise.
From: Lucia
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