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medicallymercury · 3 months

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Take the Strain (03/02/24)

Melty brain week. Staying on top of my reading but at what cost?

This episode review ended up incredibly unbalanced with three paragraphs about the same topic and then I ran out of energy by the time I got to the rest of it. Normally, I'd try and give myself some time to try to balance it out but I really don't feel like for this episode.

I’m just going to unpack all of my Teddy Thoughts at the start.

An even more frustrating episode than I bargained for because there were actually some things I liked. Just, separated entirely from their context. Things I liked: Jan. Jan's so underrated. I am so desperate for them to actually continue from Switzerland that I will take anything at this point and I did really like that it felt like Teddy still wants/appreciates Jan’s approval, even now. Very Character of him. Extremely Character. In my head, Teddy has never and will never get over needing Jan’s approval and that’s just emblematic of the deeper issues going on with him. Those moments were good. I just don’t think Jan being upset at Teddy had to come from her noticing the Jodie stuff, he was already up to objectionable stuff without that.

Similarly, I thought Teddy and Paige’s conversation in the lift had potential. The big problem I have with how this relationship has ended is that it feels like the writers are somehow convinced that they're breaking up because Teddy and Jodie happened, when Teddy and Paige would absolutely have broken up even if that didn't happen. They've been headed this way since Dog Days, at least. I just think the whole thing would've been better if they'd have leant into the fundamental issues the relationship has, instead of putting all the focus on this stuff with Jodie which is not the most interesting or even biggest problem they have. The Sah/Paige kiss created so many interesting routes they could've taken but they lost track of what they were doing with it very quickly and then kept losing track of every new opportunity they created. In my heart, they are to Casualty what tomshiv is to Succession. In reality, they're a mess.

I wish I could give a real, proper reason why I don’t like Teddy and Jodie together but I just don’t. It’s so bad that I can barely their scenes together. I guess we’re heading towards more of them, potentially even a proper romance plot? Ughhhhhhhhhhhhh. As I type, I am grimacing at the thought. Whenever I get a romance plot and I don’t like any of the potential outcomes I just start thinking of more unlikely outcomes. Anyway, Paige/Jodie when? When Jodie also figures out that Teddy is probably best left single right now, she and Paige can commiserate together and then get together. It wouldn't make sense but has any of this made sense?

Otherwise, it was a heavy one. Are they just making the most of always being on after the watershed or something?

My incredibly unpopular (at least, unpopular in other areas of the CAS fandom) opinion is that Iain is my least favourite paramedic. Don't dislike him at all, I like him but I just don't understand why the show chooses to only remember plot that has happened to him and often chooses to pretend things that happened to the other paramedics never happened. Maybe I associate him with Faith a bit right now, too.

The music sequence or whatever was so out of nowhere that it was more amusing than dramatic.

I’m glad Rash and Rida have worked it out for now.

The way Casualty has been dealing with disabilities lately has been uncharacteristically uncomfortable. I don’t really have the brain space to expand on that right now but certain choices sure have been made.

Nothing in next week’s spoilers that I feel like I need to comment on, except for Max finally agreeing to take Jodie’s kidney. I would really, really hope it’s mainly an episode of Jodie and Max stuff.

#todays cas-mitski-crossover choice is washing machine heart #bbc casualty #not doing full chara tags im tired

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letsdotarot · 2 years

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Hii I just am like wanting time and some battery in my phone to write that long feedback for the reading. Damn daddy issues has so long story 🤦‍♀️ and it was so resonating. Well I read your rules rn and I wanted to ask on this. Please tell me if this or any of my question does not fit in your rules. So my question is - What will happen if I take a drop this year for JEE Adv?

Thank you so much. Sending you lots of love🌹🌹Take care.

9 of Swords, Queen of Wands Rx, final outcome – 6 of Cups Rx, Bottom of the deck – Strength Rx

It’s not gonna be smooth sail, but in the end, it does look like things will turn out for the best. 9oS indicates feelings of unhappiness, stress, being overwhelmed, and burdened. Feeling so anxious that you lie awake in the middle of the night worrying about your future. It could literally be indicating you lying awake at night to study as well, and fearing the worse. However, this card also says that things are not always as they seem, and although you will spend your time imaging the worst, in reality it is not that bad. It says that you should wait until the situation unfolds so that you can learn more. Followed by QoW Rx which represents low self-esteem and being exhausted. There might be a lack of fulfillment in your general demeanor if you do not see value in your career. There is a probability that you will encounter obstacles that will hamper your progress. After 9oS, this card is a reminder to adhere to your rational side - to balance your sometimes chaotic energy with clear though, and you will be more successful.

With all of the above said, the final outcome card 6oC Rx is very interesting. Although on one hand it can indicate boredom and stagnation, BUT it also stands for moving on, freedom from obligation and being ready to cut the ties that were holding you back. This makes me think that if you take a year off to prepare for JEE, although it might be hard, but in the end you’ll end up in a better position than JEE. It’s like maybe you end up cracking a foreign university, OR, you come to the realization that this is not what you wanna do and in fact end up discovering where your passion lies. Or maybe right now your brain in fixated on IITs but you end up finding and getting selected into other university which suits your professional aspirations even better. In all honesty, it could be representing cracking JEE as well, but I strongly feel it is indicating something else. Because this card is preceded by QoW Rx (which can represent discovering what you stand for you and not being moved by the opinions of others), so I feel that it is representing something else that is even better for you – which right now either you aren’t able to see or are too afraid to take that step.

I also feel the above because the basis of this entire reading is Strength Rx which says that you may constantly second-guess yourself, letting your anxiety and self-doubt take control and prevent you from making the choices that can propel your career forward. If you actually took a closer look at yourself, you would find that you are more capable than you actually believe. It says to trust in your own abilities, and others will trust you as well. That’ll be all for this reading. Hope it has been of some help. All the very best and good luck to you!

#iams99

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promiseiwillwrite · 10 months

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Whatever Comes Up July

This is really long. But if you are Called Rowan, you might want to read it anyway. Also if you dig Persephone or Hades. Or maybe you've actually been reading my whatever comes up posts.

Otherwise, you probably have better things to do with your time, so:

So I did Contact witchery.

It's not often that I reach out to specific deities, but when I do, I really try to do my homework.

I did some tarots, and I asked what entities were reaching out to me for this month, and I got some very specific imagery that suggested it was Persephone and Hades. I've been interested in their story, and its various permutations through various ages. I talked to some people that are into Hellenic deities. I did some research on my own about offerings (so I got some Lamb... because I don't really have access to Rams, and Pomegranates are Not in Season)

And then I did some imagining. I had often thought of my mental illness like the Lernaean Hydra, and looking Into the Story of the Hydra, I found that it's lake was an entrance to the underworld. That seemed legit for a way to go talk to the Rulers of said place. But When I researched where this was, I found out that the lake was dried up by climate change. I imagined going there anyway, and spoke to the Hydra. It told me that Persephone was more likely to be in her Grove than in the underworld this time of year, so I started trying to figure out where that would be.

I researched that, and found that it was only accessible by Water in the myths, and also that it would be with poplar trees and sterile willow trees (botanical obsession lasting more than 4 hours ensued, during which I learned a great deal about Salix spp. in Greece, and hybridization outcomes for Salix in general).

Based on all this, I was able to narrow it down to what I thought was a relatively specific set of islands off the northwest coast.

So I made an offering of Peach mead and Lamb meat. I cut it up small, because I knew beasts and birbs would take it away. I placed the offering on a tray between the Grave of My Cat, and the Cherry Tree I have that is dedicated to Sigyn. (a place between life and death). I asked, with tears in my eyes, for help understanding Balance in my life. Because I think I am actually ready to understand it.

I made an offering of water to the Rowan tree in my back yard, because a friend of mine had a question.

And then I went and I got in a bath as hot as I could stand. Because that's how I do sometimes when I am going to a metaphysical place. The Bath was way too hot and I got overheated and was extremely nauseous. Physically it was a real bad time.

But the confluence of action and intention got me where I wanted to go.

I crawled up out of the water and slumped into the mud of the bank. I was completely shrouded by hanging willow branches, and willows of a different kind that stood straight up in shrubby clumps. and the white floating poplar seeds were hanging in the air. I got the profound sense that I had indeed found an entryway to the grove of Persephone, and that it was just beyond the curtain of willow boughs.

I started to crawl forward. But my Armor was Heavy. It was like I was wearing fully inundated Samurai armor... So all the Silk and Wood components were Completely saturated... and the armor weighed like 200 pounds as a result. I could barely move, and was struggling to get out of it. Black Water was pouring out of it, and I started to get a little frantic, because I couldn't get to the latch under the right pauldron and I was sliding in the mud backward toward the water, like it was trying to suck me back down. Black water was coming out of my mouth, and weeping out of my skin. I felt like I was drowning on land, from the inside.

And when I finally managed to free my shoulder, I still had difficulty, and I ended up about half in - half out of the armor, sliding out through the neck/shoulder like a snake trying to shed it's skin, and clutching at the ankles of someone wearing a Black Toga. But I could breathe again. Someone had come to help me. I dimly knew this was Lord Hades, and was vaguely embarrassed by my presentation of self in that moment.

From my perspective in the moment, there was time compression. It seemed like a lot of things happened at the same time, or too fast for me to really tease them out in the linear manner I normally use to process reality. It did not help that I was panicked and felt trapped and like I might die.

I think Hades was talking to me in a gently encouraging manner, but also not in English. I could not parse what he was saying.

But then I became aware that there were others. At least three or four entities, and I heard something that made sense, "She Can't go in there with the Weapons or the Wards."

And my mind latched onto that.

It hadn't occurred to me up until that moment that I'd not spent Even A Single Second of my Adult Life without a Fundamental Ward upon my person.

I put it into place when I was 14 and I and was quite proud of my self perpetuating selectively permeable membrane ward, built like a Cell Wall and powered by the natural replacement process of my body's own cells.

But I had Never Ended this Spell. Not for any reason.

And I had never thought to question that.

I had never been able to imagine Not Needing it.

So I reached forward and made a cutting motion with my hand vertically in front of my face, and the pressure eased immediately. The water stopped pouring out of me. I watched the slow motion of the blue-green energy of the membrane peel back like the edges of a popped soap bubble.

I instantly felt better. And I thought about Franklin Richards, and the dampers he had to place on his own mind to prevent himself as a child from existing in the full berth of consequence of his own power to alter reality. (Poor Franklin, his power was to have all the powers. If he could imagine it, reality would just line up to conform to his idea of things, sometimes quite to the contrary of his intentions and limited coping skills as a little kid.)

Suddenly, slender hands grabbed my wrists, and I looked into the face of a Rowan Dryad. Her Black Eyes had Irises of bright orange, like the berries, and her chocolate brown skin was perfect. She wore a crown of leaves in her hair, and a skirt of Rowan Boughs.

"Tell her she is one of us." was all she said, and she helped me stand.

She let go as I found my footing, and melted back into the underbrush.

I looked briefly at the faces of Dryads around me, Reminded myself not to try to look directly at Greek Gods because reasons, and I Ran at top speed through the curtain of willow leaves and into the grove.

Persephone was there.

It was filled with trees, and tall grasses, dry from a lack of rain. Thunder clouds boiled at the edge of night in the distance.

Lightning bugs danced on the tops of the grass.

I wondered if there were lightning bugs in Greece.

Persephone, who had dark curls, and a white toga told me that I had brought my own summer to the grove. My memories of full summer had colored what I saw of it.

But I got a deep intuitive sense that it was not a bad thing... And that even if there weren't Lightning Bugs in Greece, that she was pleased by my vision of summer.

And that was it.

The whole imagining came unraveled. I think I got Reverse Birthed or something. The Ward Is Down.

And since then, I have thought of balance. I have thought of balance in a personal paradigm that contains space for nuance and grey, squidgy areas where there aren't concrete answers, and ambiguity wiggles around. I had always valued dynamic opposition, and thought of opposites and polarities as the fluctuant sources of energy... and perhaps that is still an aspect of the equation... But energy can only move in the between space.

I have thought deeply about what it means to value something. I have pondered about what my values are, and whether or not I have Shitty Values that don't serve me. I have thought about Why I do What I do, and whether or not I live in accord with those values.

And I think this is what I seek to balance in myself. And not according to society's standards of who I should be and how I should act, but according to Standards I will have to Build from my own values once I get my head around how that is supposed to work. From a place where things can be both bad and good at the same time, and I can still choose them even when they maybe aren't all the way good or perfect.

{{ EXAMPLE: I value cleanliness. I adopted this value culturally from my Grandmother and my Mother, and the idea that the cleanliness of my house created conditions of safety and informed my Worth to others were transmitted to me with this value. I can still decide that I want to keep this value, even if I decouple the idea that not being able to clean house makes me bad or useless, just because I can like cleaning and things being clean, even if my worth as a person is not involved. }}

Work in progress. No further contact with either Deity has been attempted. Not sure where to go or what to do from here, but feeling pretty patient about it.

Squinting a LOT at how much I have been eating lately, and have definitely been having judgements about it. This seems REALLY out of balance.

#whatever comes up

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jjrtuniport · 1 year

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Skills Audit - 14/12/2021

As a game designer, you will have many skills. As a person, you also have many skills. These could be things like:

Drawing Programming Writing Balancing Systems Level Design 3D Modelling

And many more that might align with your own personal interests (history, fantasy, obscure knowledge of TV series gags from the early 2000s...). With that in mind, in your dev diary, do a Skills Audit post, outlining and describing some of your skills. Try to give yourselves a rating on your competency. It can be with specific software, or more high-level concepts. An example could be:

Drawing - 2/10

I have never been good at drawing or just art academically in general. I never spend time doing it in my free time either as it is not something that I enjoy doing, if anything it's more stressful as I can't get the image in my head to at all resemble the painting or image I just created.

3D Modelling - 4/10

Sort of paired with the art criticism though slightly different. I had never touched any 3D Modelling software until like 2020-2021 before I started my games course in college. As there was no enforced group projects (due to covid) I tended to work by myself. This meant I had almost full control of the direction I took the game and decided instead of making detailed assets using MAYA, if anything I could just create a rudimentary asset to use and instead focus on atmosphere or whatever was my passion for that particular game.

Coding - Blueprints - 3.5/10

As my first introduction to coding was during my college course in 2020-2021-2022 kind of timeframe, I haven't had a lot of experience doing it, let alone it actually working. Most of my knowledge is in Unreal's Blueprints as this is where I did all my project at the time in. Even then, I still required much assistance to achieve what I wanted to achieve. This is chalked up to 2 things, the first being my knowledge is minimal and the second being I had ambitious ideas for the skill I was at. For example, For the final project, I wanted to create a climbing mechanic, researched other games climbing mechanics like Uncharted all the way to Grow Home. I only realised how most games do climbing mechanics was to have everything climbable at a set height and this basically made it very modular as you could extend the building or whatever and the animation of climbing would always be succinct. My method was to have

I am still not confident in Blueprints but in C++ and other more tactile code, I have no worthwhile experience in it.

Problem Solving - 7/10

In life I am a good problem solver, I can come up with either a work around instantly or get us going in the correct direction to get the desired outcome. With game however, as I lack a real knowledge of anything in depth enough. For example, I think it would prove a more difficult challenge to solve someone's coding issue in an in-depth coding way than I can give rudimentary different ways of doing it.

Leadership

What I've learned so far

mediation

communication - having different dialogue with the different leaders

The skillset required to a a leader are communication, medication, negation and the social element of being a leader is something I find inherently difficult with Social Communication Disorder. I gave up the leader role because of this.

Time Management

Time

Communications

Put an idea across

Direct people for the project

Talking with others in the group - how ? any meeting ? Tried to get meeting with other but not direct enough?

3D Modelling: 2/5 Problem Solving: 4/5 Using Unreal Blueprints: 2/5

I'm new to Unreal Blueprints but I'm really enjoying it

Using the Adobe CC Suite: 4/5 Coding in C#: 5/5 Emotional Storytelling: 4/5

Make this as creative as you want, and provide explanations for each skills you list (I've done a few above). We'll examine this at the end of the year to see how far you've come, ad to add new skills to the list!

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grad702-nina-jackson · 2 years

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Week 4.2: Binding Research + One-on-One

Binding and Publication Inspiration

I am looking for alternative ideas to the printing and binding process so I can expand my palette of ideas and perspective on how the ‘making’ of this publication can be executed.

Embossing and Type Hierarchy

These examples explore the use of large and bold type in the content of the publication that I would like to play with in my own work. I like the symmetry in colour and the balance that the large lettering supplies. I like the thick cover and would potentially like to explore the idea of embossing into my publication cover, perhaps the title or a simple image like shown below.

Sleeves

These show a take to the binding process with a sleeve cover. I liked the sleeve here and it would be a unique addition to my publication. However I would need a way to tie this appropriately into my project. Perhaps the sleeve could work into the cover itself?

This detailing below is something else I would like to implement on my cover if I do not decide on the embossing. I thought having a small detail like this for the title would give it a more professionally done and detailed feel to it.

Since I am working with tattooing, many textures are involved in the process such as ink, skin, paper, parchment, stencils, etc. I want to extend this into my own publication so it can include a textured feel to it too.

String Binding Methods

The invisible spine on this publication is an interesting example of string binding. I like the flexibility it gives this book and it feels as if it gives a more personable and traditional feel to the design.

The gap in this publication is another cool way to approach a sectioned publication. Although it may not be applicable to my process it is useful to see the ways you can get creative with book making.

These string bound references shows a cool trick with the spine work. Rather than including a common spine that lays flat the text is displayed across many layered sections of the book.

Some more varied examples of different string formations and methods in binding that I found cool!

Some Japanese Methods of Binding

One-on-one Discussion.

Additionally in class I had a brief one-on-one session with Tatiana disclosing the direction to this class, my current progress on the project, and steps I've taken in terms of both research and creating. This helped me to expand my thinking of what my final design outcome could be created into. Possibly playing with the texture, interactivity, and form of the final publication.

Considering it is a book on tattooing which is considered an experience and quite a personal thing, maybe the publication could have a more collaborative aspect to it where the reader can interact with the contents. This could be done with things such such as tracing paper, and index with the designs where the reader can draw or select symbols, or even separate sections or pockets tp the publications where you can pull out designs and place them on your body to see how it wraps on your skin.

Tatiana discussed that in Japanese packaging there is a heavy emphasis on the actual unwrapping of items. Potentially the usage of sleeves or a contained space for the publication to sit within that provides the act of unveiling the item within could pay homage to Japanese culture and design best. Overall this opened my perspective on what my final outcome could actually be and that it is a constantly developing and growing idea. I’m going to try work with some of the ideas above as I progress to see what I can do to make my publication a more interesting and unique experience to the reader just like a tattoo is supposed to be

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holisticsoulhealer · 2 years

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Sacred Earth - A Spiritual Story

I love the spiritual work, and it connects me to the sacred realms, within this earth plane and throughout the Universal planes of existence.

Staying blessed by the sacredness of my life path and the pathways of the planet, I truly feel even more plugged in when I am in session with someone else, and I’m being of service.

The story I wish to relate is one of many that speak to the visions I receive from time to time. I mostly track energy and collect vision for individuals, rather than “big picture” items. When I have been given in lucid dreams or awakened visions something that crops up over and over, it has more often than not come true.

At one point, in one of my healing centers, I held a class to teach a few people the art of reflexology. They were all sat very comfortably, music playing in the background, playing with each other’s feet on each others’ laps. This time included tea drinking, giggles and easy conversation. My mum was there assisting me, having the time of her life.

The all ladies cast of characters were chatting away, while I was once again receiving a vision that I had been getting for a while. It consisted of two tall tower buildings in a major U.S. city. They were either in New York or Chicago, I couldn’t tell. I saw big slightly hairy feet, wearing strappy leather sandals, with a Mediterranean feeling to them. Those feet were stamping on the buildings, sending huge clouds of smoke into the air. I saw people running, screaming and scared. The group asked me where I was, because I had left the room and was transported to this scene. I returned and shared with them. They all looked as surprised as I was, and it wasn’t the first time I had seen this vision.

The last time I got it so strongly, I had gone to the Los Angeles times editor, provided a reading for him that he loved, and then returned to tell him my vision, and to ask him to warn those two cities that something was coming, and he wouldn’t do it, because it wasn’t factual and was too vague. Not that the news necessarily reports facts right?! It felt too much like weird news to his straight track news reporting and editing habits. I let it go and then it kept returning, finally showing up in a class that were open-minded and open-hearted enough to trust it.

Within a year of that class, the World trade center went down. Many of the images I had seen were a reality. I was tearful and felt like I had held a secret that was gifted to me, and I couldn’t make the difference I would have wanted, which was to warn and prepare the people. However, I wasn’t given a date, a timeline or any definition to act as a warning, so I’m not sure the knowing could have avoided the outcome.

This was one of the times when receiving premonitions, visions and wisdom was hard on me, and I felt let down and disappointed in not being able to hold the sacred earth and its inhabitants in my arms of any kind of protection. I was a witness ahead of time to sad news, and that didn’t feel so good at all.

This planet is so entirely beautiful and when in loving balance, it’s inhabitants are extraordinary. We simply have to remember we are borrowing time and space her on this sacred earth, and we deserve to respect and honor the gift the earth is giving us, in granting us life.

As always, please share this post with anyone that you feel can benefit from it! Please like us on your social media channels and subscribe to our mailing list if you haven't already done so! We are mailing out a monthly newsletter and a recap each week of our blog posts and interesting tidbits! This is how you can stay informed with what is new in the world of The Holistic Soul Healer!!

Love & Blessings,

Ruth

Get personal with your Angels!! Connect with me and see what they have to say!!

BOOK NOW!

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somewhatgreatexpectations · 3 years

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To Die For (Wanda Maximoff/ Reader)

Hello! It is with great joy and a little bit of sadness that I present you all with the final part of “Love Goes”. This part in particular is inspired by Sam Smith’s “To Die For”. Pieces from Endgame are used but very little.

Summary: The aftermath of Endgame, how will Wanda navigate and what will happen to Y/n.

“I long for you, just a touch of your hand. You don't leave my mind. Lonely days I'm feeling like a fool for dreaming… Sunshine living on a perfect day while my world's crashing down.”

Hope. That was all Wanda had left. She knew that she couldn’t let it waver for even a moment. Allowing the hope within her to waver would be the same as accepting defeat. Accepting that you weren’t coming back. That was something she would never allow herself to believe.

Like you told her, you and her were a happy ending. It’s the only ending she could ever envision for herself. The only life she wanted. The only life she’d accept. You and her. Together. Happily.

It had only been a week since the fateful battle and you had been transferred to a S.W.O.R.D. facility since. What worried Wanda most was that you still hadn’t woken up and hadn’t shown much progression since arriving.

She could still feel you though.

Wanda would allow herself glimpses into your mind and could see the vibrancy that still existed within. Your heart was still beating, and your mind was still your own. Even if you weren’t awake, you were still you.

The thought brought comfort to Wanda despite the circumstances. It kept hope alive in her heart.

It was only a matter of time until you were awake and in her arms again. At least that’s what she kept telling herself.

The situation could have been worse though and she knew that. Shortly after you were transferred to the facility she learned the full details of how exactly Thanos was defeated. How Tony and Natasha had given their lives in exchange for the outcome. As much as the news saddened her, she couldn’t help but feel a selfish sense of relief that you hadn’t been dealt the same fate.

Her life – her heart - felt as though it was hanging in the balance. You were all she had. All she wanted. If she lost you she knew there would be no recovery for her. She’d drown. Sink to the bottom with no chance of resurfacing if you weren’t there to pull her back up.

The warmth of your hand in her own anchored her. It always did, but not as much as being in your arms, or hearing your voice. “I’m drowning.” She whispered against your hand. “I’m drowning, Y/n. I need to hear your voice, see you open your eyes, and have you hold me and tell me everything is going to be okay. I’m drowning, and you can’t save me until you wake up.” Her lips trembled slightly against your hand as a single tear fell down her cheek.

The days and nights had blurred together for her. Both of which were spent unwaveringly at your side. The only disruptions often came in the form of varying people in the facility checking your vitals or injecting new medications into your IV that they informed her should wake you up soon.

Besides the worry and fear she constantly felt, there was a sense of bitterness that the only one who had come to see you or her during your time in the facility was Fury. That was only when you were still at S.H.I.E.L.D’s location. It was upsetting to her that Steve had yet to visit you considering the history you two shared and how close you two had always been. Considering how you had been willing to risk your life for him on multiple occasions.

Today was Tony’s funeral and she was reluctantly leaving your side to pay her respects for a short while. Also, to give Rogers a piece of her mind.

When the funeral concluded she wandered over to the lake to collect her thoughts and emotions. Taking in the beautiful day around her, a stark contrast to how she felt internally. The perfect day felt wrong when it still felt like her world was crashing down within her.

As she was staring out the lake, preparing herself for what she wanted to tell Steve, Clint walked up to her. “Hey, kid.”

Wanda kept a neutral face and merely nodded at him. “Hello.”

There was hesitation in the way Clint stopped at her side. “You have every right to not want to talk to me right now.” He began seriously, his head ducked shamefully. “I wanted to go visit Y/n… Check on you. I did. I just-… It’s been hard accepting that Nat’s gone, you know? It’s not an excuse for not being there. It’s just where my head was. I’m sorry, Wanda.”

As much as Wanda wanted to ignore him, she knew she couldn’t. “I understand.” She replied softly, her gaze still on the lake before her.

“I wish there was a way that I could let her know that we won. That we did it.” Clint admitted quietly to her.

Wanda shifted her gaze to him. “She knows.” There was a small pause. “They both do.” Despite not being awake, she liked to believe that you knew.

Clint wrapped a comforting arm around her and she leaned into the embrace.

“Wanda.” A somber voice caught her attention as she turned to find Steve standing there with his hands folded behind his back. “A word?”

Clearly not wanting to be caught in the crossfire, Clint stepped back. “I think that’s my cue to go.” He pressed a kiss to the top of Wanda’s head. “I’ll do better, okay? Let me know if you need anything. I’ll be by to visit Y/n soon.” Wanda nodded slightly at his words as he walked away.

When Clint was out of the vicinity, Steve stepped into his place. Wanda’s jaw clenched. She was more upset at him than anyone. She knew if roles were reversed you would have been uncompromisingly by his side.

“What do you want?” She asked, her tone cold.

Steve’s face remained neutral despite her tone. “How is she?”

A bitter laugh escaped her lips at his question. “How is she?” she shook her head in disbelief. “You have a lot of nerve asking that when you’ve had a whole week to go see for yourself.”

A heavy sigh escaped his lips. “Look, Wanda, I understand you’re upset with me but I-“

Wanda rounded on him, her eyes livid. “Upset? I am far passed upset, Rogers. I’m furious. Y/n needed you and you abandon her. She would have done anything for you! She idolized you!”

Each of Wanda’s words impacted Steve, she could see that, but she didn’t stop. He took it. “She thought you were her family and you couldn’t even be bothered to go see for yourself if she’s okay! You don’t even care-“

“Enough! That’s not true!” Steve roared. The accusation that he didn’t care seemingly being the final straw. Wanda recoiled in surprise. “I feel guilty, okay? I feel like the only reason that she’s in there in the first place is because of me. I couldn’t face her. I didn’t deserve to.” His volume didn’t lower as the emotions he was holding in finally boiled over.

“You know she wouldn’t have blamed you.” Wanda eventually replied, her tone still clipped.

Steve rubbed a hand down his face. “I know, but I do. I blame myself. She was trying to protect me, and she only felt like she had to protect me because I couldn’t stop him the first time. She got hurt because I couldn’t get to her fast enough. She’s my family too.”

As much as she wanted to be angry with him, she found it much more difficult when she learned of the guilt that seemed to be weighing heavily on him. “You know Y/n would have done that either way.” She confessed quietly. “She would have tried to stop him regardless of who she was defending. That’s who she is.”

A weak nod was his only response. Wanda wasn’t sure if he believed her. “How has she been?” Steve repeated, hoping for a genuine answer this time.

“She still hasn’t woken up.” Wanda began unsteadily. “They keep injecting her with new serums everyday saying that each one will wake her up, but it never does.”

Steve closed his eyes at the information, his expression distressed for just a moment until he schooled his features and put on a brave face for Wanda. “She’s going to wake up. I know she will.”

Hearing the words she had been telling herself from someone else brought Wanda a small sense of comfort. “I know she will too.” She turned to him. “I’m going to get back to her now, she needs me. Go see her.”

“I will.” He nodded firmly, his words definitive. “I have to return the stones in an hour and try and see if I can undo something. As soon as I do that I’ll be immovably by her side. I’ll stay with you until she wakes up. You have my word. She has my word.” There was purpose in his voice.

Wanda quirked her lips up slightly at him and nodded without a word. She knew he meant what he said. She walked off to her car to begin the drive back to S.W.O.R.D’s medical branch of the facility. ___________________ Her heart dropped when she entered your room, only to be met with an empty bed. On numb legs, she ran out and stopped the first worker she saw. “Y/n Y/ln. Where is she? She was here just an hour ago.”

The employee looked around nervously. “She’s been moved. I believe it would be in your best interest to speak to the director.”

Wanda’s brow furrowed in confusion. “The director? Why?”

“His office is located on the second floor, third door on the left.” The employee informed her meekly before scurrying away.

Practically running, Wanda reached the office in minutes, throwing the door open. “Ms. Maximoff.” The man who she presumed to be the director greeted her, an unnerving smile on his face.

“Where is she?” Wanda demanded, not caring about anything other than being reunited with you. “Is-is she okay?” Anxiety began to build within her and press against her chest making it harder for her to breath. Her nails dug into her palms.

The man gestured for her to sit in an empty chair, she ignored the request. “My name is Tyler Hayward. I am the director of S.W.O.R.D.”

Wanda merely stared blankly back at him, her jaw clenched tightly. “Where. Is. Y/n?” She enunciated sharply, her patience fading.

The unnerving smile never faltered on Hayward’s face. “That is the unfortunate part, Ms. Maximoff. You see, while you were gone Ms. Y/ln suffered from some brain hemorrhaging. We were able to stop it, but it seems her brain has suffered an extensive amount of damage. We ran some tests and it appears she has lost all cognitive function. She is just a shell now. She only has another day or two at best. I’m sorry.”

Wanda’s world stopped at his words. She immediately shook her head. “That’s not true.” She said shakily as tears began streaming down her cheeks, the weight on her chest getting heavier, forcing her under. She couldn’t breathe. “That’s not true. Let me see her.”

Hayward gestured forward to the large window in his office. “They’re running some tests on her now, but so far the data has remained conclusive. There is no longer brain function.” Numbly Wanda walked up to the large window and glanced down, feeling the life drain from her at the sight of you. Pale and on what looked like an experimentation table, surrounded by several S.W.O.R.D. scientists. “I’m afraid it’s time to start talking about letting her go.”

Wanda spun around to face him angrily. “Let her go?” she cried, her voice cracking. “She’s all I have.”

Hayward held his hands up slightly. “It’s only a matter of days before she’s unable to breathe on her own and her heart stops being.”

Empty. That’s what she felt at his words. She wanted to scream. Her powers reacted to the emotion she was feeling before her mind did as the glass she was leaning on shattered. Without hesitation she floated down to where you were. Her heart hammering in her chest the closer she got.

The world around her went dark and the only sight she was able to take in was the way your chest weakly rose and fell with each breath. With shaking hands, she raised them to your temple as feeble wisps of red floated from her fingertips and disappeared into your mind.

All she saw was darkness.

“I can’t feel you.” She whispered brokenly, the pain in her chest overcoming her. The sensation composing her entire being as everything within her collapsed. She was alone, and she knew she wouldn’t recover. Then everything went dark around her. ________________________________

“Darling, have you seen my notebook? I’m running late for my meeting with my editor and I can’t seem to find it anywhere.” You questioned hastily as you rushed into the kitchen and skidded to a halt in the entry way. Looking around the area with a frazzled expression on your face.

Wanda looked over from her place by the stove and waved her hand, the notebook floating from under your arm to directly in front of your face. “You mean this one, dear?” She asked with an amused smile.

Sheepishly you plucked the notebook out of the air as you made your way over to her. “What would I do without you?” You leaned forward so your lips rested gently against her own.

“Mmm,” Wanda mumbled with a smile as she spoke against your lips. Her arms resting comfortably over your shoulders. “I believe your mind would fail you, sweetheart.”

Your hands fell to her waist as you pulled her closer. “That’s for certain.” You replied easily with a loving smile. “Have I told you how beautiful you look today?”

A small blush spread over her cheeks. “You have not but thank you. You look beautiful as well, darling. I’m beginning to get jealous that your editor gets to spend the day in your presence. Speaking of…” she trailed off and glanced pointedly at the clock.

“My meeting!” Your eyes widened as you pressed one last loving kiss to her lips. “I’ll be going now. I love you, darling. I’ll be home soon!” You shouted as you began running out.

Wanda shook her head at you, the smile on her face never faltering. “I love you, too, dear!” She called after you, pretending to catch the kiss you blew to her as you rushed out the door. She sighed happily and leaned against the wall of the kitchen.

The end.

. . . . . .

“Glad you were able to make it, Rogers.” Fury said seriously as he shook Steve’s hand. “And Ms. Romanoff. Welcome back.” He shook her hand as well.

Steve nodded easily in response. “Of course. You know that I’d be here in a heartbeat for Y/n. Wanda as well.” Both followed Fury into a large make-shift tent located in the woods.

“What exactly are we dealing with?” Natasha asked, confusion lacing her words.

For a moment Fury seemed to ponder her question. “We’re not entirely sure.”

“Does Wanda even know that she saved Y/n? That she was never gone?” Steve questioned seriously, his arms crossed as he stared at the screen before him.

Fury shook his head. “No. It seems Hayward convinced Wanda that Y/n was gone, no brain function. What Wanda didn’t know was he had gone rogue. Every serum they injected in Y/n kept her in her comatose state rather than attempt to wake her up like they were telling Wanda. I’ve looked at the files that my inside contacts gave me, and it seems Y/n should have been up in the first day or two to recover from minor brain swelling.”

“Why are they doing this though?” Natasha questioned as she looked over the chart. Steve’s jaw was clenched as he listened to each detail.

Taking the chart from Natasha, Fury turned the pages until he found what he was looking for and handed it back to Natasha. “Right there. It seems that Y/n carries a rare mutant gene that they could extract and essentially build an army with. They believed that if they removed Wanda from the picture they could continue the experiments and eventually wipe Y/n’s memory to use her as a weapon. Turn her into a super solider… but much worse because of her powers.” There was an edge to his tone. “They are very interested in her ability to manipulate earth and metal. They had considered Wanda briefly as well, but the perfect opportunity presented itself with Y/n. That’s why they insisted on her transfer to their facility.”

“How do we get them back before Hayward gets to them?” Steve questioned quietly, a dangerous tone to his voice.

Instead of answering Fury gestured to the woman who had been sitting and listening to the conversation. “Wanda isn’t letting anyone with ties to your past in. Fury already tried. She won’t let you or Natasha in.” They both stared at her. “I didn’t introduce myself. Sorry, my name is Darcy Lewis. Astrophysics. Big fan.” The bespectacled woman rambled.

Natasha smirked, an amused glint in her eye. “Okay, Darcy Lewis, what’s our next step?”

“We’ll do whatever it takes.” Steve finished powerfully as they all watched you and Wanda share a sweet kiss before the credits began to roll on the screen before them.

Well, that’s all folks! 13 parts completed! It’s been a journey writing this and it is by far the longest thing I’ve ever written. This story has become my baby and it always brings me so much joy to read your comments and seeing others enjoy it. I had a plan for this chapter since the moment I began writing this story but it was so hard when it came down to writing because of the most recent episode of Wandavision, so I tweaked it a little. Was it a sadder or happier ending? You may never know. Thank you all so much for taking this journey with me. I hope you enjoyed.

As always, thoughts and comments always welcome. :)

p.s. I brought back Steve and Nat but I couldn’t figure out how to make Tony surviving make sense or fit the story, sorry. Still love Tony.

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judejynerso · 3 years

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Geralt x Jaskier ficrecs

MY FAVORITES

Title: Woodash and iron and leather Rating: E Word Count: 9,874 Summary: Jaskier is the only person Geralt's ever been around who doesn't smell of fear.

Title: With a Conquering Air Rating: E Word Count: 27,880 Summary: From the kinkmeme: AU Warlord!Geralt receives Tribute!Jaskier as a sacrifice to appease him in every way possible. Jaskier has no choice on the matter and he’s fully aware of the awful rumours that have spread about Geralt and his ruthless conquests. (But we all know those aren’t legit.) A classic angst with a happy ending please! A dash of smut to heal those scars and a sprinkle of new found love!Jaskier arrives at Kaer Morhen knowing his family gave him up without a second thought, and absolutely sure that the dreaded Warlord of the North will value him even less than his own blood did. But the White Wolf and his pack are not what Jaskier expected...and if he's unreasonably lucky, Kaer Morhen might become far more of a home than Lettenhove ever was.

Title: home is nowhere, therefore you Rating: E Word Count: 18,134 Summary: "Right, well," Jaskier says, when he halts before Geralt. Up close, he looks much more nervous. There is sweat on his brow and his collar is damp with it, and his teeth keep catching on his lower lip. "True love's kiss. There's—ah—there's nothing to it." And he bends, the utter imbecile, and kisses Geralt full on the mouth.

Title: The Witcher Wolf Rating: T Word Count: 11,448 Summary: It’s been two weeks since Geralt shouted Jaskier away from him on that mountain and Jaskier has been handling it like a champ by forlornly wandering alone in the wilderness with his lute. When he (literally) stumbles across an injured white wolf he decides to take a chance and see if he can help it, appreciating the irony of the situation but not quite realizing why it is that the wolf’s golden eyes look exactly like his Witcher’s...Inspired by @kayivy's lovely art on tumblr.

Title: A Dandelion By Any Other Name Rating: G Word Count: 3,745 Summary: Jaskier is throwing up flowers and refuses to tell Geralt who has afflicted him so. As Geralt grapples with Jaskier's impending death, he comes to terms with a few things himself.//“Who’s the unlucky woman?” Geralt asks, stepping into the firelight. Jaskier starts, dandelions spilling from his hands. He hastily brushes them away. “Gods, Geralt, must you always sneak up on me? This is why you have an image problem, you know. Don’t get me wrong, the whole tall, dark, and murderous vibe is fantastic -- really brings out the color of your eyes -- but the skulking tips you firmly into the realm of, well, somewhat unhinged.” Geralt only glares at Jaskier, waiting for him to tire himself out, and sets about roasting the fowl.“Anyway, killing my beloved won’t cure me,” Jaskier continues blithely, “so don’t even think about it. Not all problems can be solved by whacking away at them with those oversized butter knives you carry around.” He settles cross-legged next to the fire with his lute balanced across his knees and strums a few chords.

Title: Weak, My Love, and I Am Wanting Rating: T Word Count: 2,443 Summary: Jaskier has written a lot of ballads about some woman who has stolen his heart. The thing is, he's been on the road with Geralt for the past month. He hasn't had any time to court a woman, much less have his heart broken by her. So who is this woman? The answer may shock you.//“There’s no lady,” Geralt says.Jaskier trails off. “Well, of course not,” he says instead. “I imagine a woman would take grave offense to the frequency with which we give our patronage to brothels, not to mention your unseemly habit of bathing in monster blood and other revolting gunk.” He wrinkles his nose. “Perhaps I should write an ode to your masterful powers of observation next.”“But you were talking about a woman tonight,” Geralt continues, ignoring Jaskier entirely.

Title: The Sweetest Poison Rating: M Word Count: 5,630 Summary: “And what do you want in return? Your freedom? Your safety?”Jaskier didn’t flinch from her scorn and Geralt could see his knuckles go white with the force of his grip around the small vial. “Save him.”The mage stared at him for a beat before letting out a burst of laughter that echoed off the wall like the flutter of vultures wings. “All this trouble for the Witcher?” she asked incredulously, “Tell me, boy, do you really think he would do the same for you? That he cares at all what happens to the bard who follows after him like a lost puppy?” She stepped forward, confident as a soldier preparing his death blow. “Oh, I know who you are, bard. I watched you trailing after the Witcher, eager for every scrap of affection or interest he’ll toss your way. I’ve seen the way you look at him.”Jaskier was breathing heavily now, jaw clenched tight enough that Geralt could see the muscles fluttering with effort.“Were you hoping this ill-conceived rescue mission would be enough to make him finally notice you?” she murmured with a mocking smile, “Poor little bard--always singing of love but never truly experiencing it.”

Title: live to tell Rating: E Word Count: 4,320 Summary: After what'd happened the first time Jaskier had dragged Geralt to some kind of royal ball as his bodyguard, Geralt really should’ve known better than to agree to do it a second time.

Title: unexpected outcomes; Rating: E Word Count: 3,225 Summary: "Get up here," he said like it was no big deal. Jaskier opened his mouth, closed it. "What?" he said eventually."You're obviously not going to be able to sleep down there," Geralt said. "The bed is big enough for two."/Geralt and Jaskier share a bed. Chaos ensues.

Title: A Blessing, A Curse Rating: E Word Count: 12,672 Summary: "For a while, Jaskier doesn’t know he’s cursed. It feels like free will, going back down that mountain, just as dangerous down as the way up, and alone this time, too. The descent is fast, maybe even reckless, but Jaskier’s feeling numb and out-of-sorts anyways, Geralt’s words simmering in his mind, and at the time it doesn’t feel like he’s being pulled on by anything but his own desire to get away."Based off a post that Geralt's words on the mountain are granted by the djinn.

ART IS BY DARIA

#the witcher #geraskier #geralt x jaskier #geraskier fanfiction #geraskier ficrec #ficrec list

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masterhandss · 3 years

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I’m sorry you have to receive so much Geordo-hate asks!

I mean, we know he is not a perfect character and has many flaws, but that’s precisely that what makes him interesting, as it’s been shown that he himself wishes to change for the better for Katarina sake’s

And even if we are few, I am also team Geordo ✨! So I’d be delighted if you could share more headcanons about his relationship with the King and Queen? I personally find his family life very interesting, as his “fake” personality may be a result of being kind of ignored in comparison with his other brothers

Thank you :D -🐢

Haha, I think this question was sent around S2 EP3 or EP4, and episode 5 pretty much answers this question for me so I feel really bad for getting to this one so late into the series qwq I'm really sorry!! Don't worry about the hate-asks, I either just ignore or delete them these days anyways, and people have been favoring Geordo recently so it's really slowed down!! :DD

As Episode 5 shows us, it's true that his "perfect prince facade" is the outcome of not receiving much love and attention from his parents, especially when compared to Alan. He realized that wanting something or having expectations only leads to pain and suffering, so he decided to close off his emotions and just do what everyone tells him to do so that he wouldn't be faced with disappointments. He becomes all smiles and charm, the perfect guy who can do pretty much anything, since that is what is desired and expected of him. To some extent, maybe using all of his time honing himself and studying is a way for him to forget any desire and disappointments that he feels in the moment. He basically planned on turning himself into a robot or machine who can do anything and can read people easily so he would know their intentions immediately without forming any expectations of them. Maybe his "sadistic" side in Fortune Lover is the outcome of him wanting to see pain and disappointment in other people's faces, since it is something he loathe and fear of feeling himself (maybe, idk).

He isn't perfect, but the series is definitely going out of it's way to show us that there's more going on in Geordo's head than just being possessive and overly-confident in himself. I guess that's why he's one of the more interesting characters in my opinion, his problems didn't end in his childhood, it's still something he's actively trying to fix until now. I really suggest reading this comment on Geordo's psyche based on Episode 5, it's such a cool read!!

Not really a headcanon at this point, but Geordo actively wants to experience parental love, especially from his mother. Most kids are closest to their mothers so that's no surprise. Queen Stuart doesn't seem like she can balance the duties of a queen and caring for her children, so she might have just put all her attention onto Alan since he's the youngest and is sick. I often hear stories from my dad about how his mom only really visibly cared for the youngest child even though there was so many of them in the family, so I'm shocked but not surprised by the Queen's behavior.

For the King, I'm sure he loves his sons a lot but given his role in the kingdom, he doesn't see them often. I feel like the relationship between the King and his sons is similar to that to most korean historical fantasy(/villainess) manhwas where he can't or feels like he doesn't need to be an overly affectionate father because that's just how it is in the royal family. Maintaining order and raising competent rulers is the priority, so being loving and affectionate wouldn't be in his list of things to do. He still loves his sons of course but as of right now we don't really have an indication that he actively seeks them out beyond social gatherings and important events.

Maybe the queen is the same, I'm not sure. What does a queen do anyways? I thought the priority of women in the middle ages was to raise and care for children almost exclusively. We don't really know if she still visits and cares for Alan a lot after he got better, and I don't think she had begun to give more attention to her other sons after that point either. It's almost like she became as goal-oriented as the King after Alan got better, which I don't like thinking about since she seemed like such a nice lady in Episode 5. Alternatively, I can imagine a scenario similar to Pryde's from The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen where upon the realization that his sons are living a happy childhood without her, the Queen started actively reaching out to the sons behind the curtains and tries to be a more active mother to them when they were getting older. Maybe it's that kind of thing that we don't really see but does happen, and could be another great differentiator to the relationships of the Stuart family in the prevent vs in fortune lover.

I headcanon that the more the Princes finally become involved with work and politics, they are actually able to bond with their dad more because they can finally be in the same room. Things like talking about their fiancés or making fun of idiotic and narcissistic vassals are the kind of things I can imagine them talking about.

I also like headcanons in fanfics where they make Geordo a momma's boy, who would call his parents "mummy and daddy" in private like in @/SixthOctavarium's Flip the Script. I think it's really cute because it shows how much Geordo loves and cares for his parents.

I hope we get more insight on the relationships between the royal family, it's content that I didn't know I needed to be honest haha. Sorry if I couldn't give a lot, most of the stuff I could save has been confirmed and deconfirmed by Episode 5, and I haven't read fanfiction recently enough to mirror how they write the King and Queen qwq Anyone is free to add more headcanons here if you guys want :DD

Thank you for the ask^^

#mh ask #hamefura #my next life as a villainess #hamehura #bakarina #destruction flag otome #geordo stuart

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blackcherrykiss · 3 years

Text

BLOOD BOUNDARIES - Enhypen OT7 Fanfic (ch.9)

[CH.1] [CH.2] [CH.3] [CH.4] [CH.5] [CH.6] [CH.7][CH.8] previous chapters

[CH.10] next chapter (unavailable on tumblr but avaliable on wattpad!)

You wait outside the nurse's office beside Jay in complete silence. You were both waiting for someone to burst out the door in front of you to rest assure Jungwon's condition.

"You can go to class, I'll stay and wait for Jungwon." Jay broke the noiseless lounge as his eyes laid flat on the grim grey floor. You were willing to stick around but realized it would be better if you were to just leave. Jungwon probably wouldn't want to see you after the minor argument. You simply nodded your head and left without another word.

When you had arrived in your astronomy class you carefully explained yourself, explaining Jay would be gone for most of the afternoon. Your teacher listened intently and understood every word well. Sitting in your usual spot, a wave of frustration washes over you once you remember Sunghoon had stolen your book for the class. You could only hope the new interesting concept of the class would jog your mind off of things to which it did. However, as the class came to a close you couldn't help birdwatch Jay's desk. Jay's absence for the entire class continued to make you worry about Jungwon and his condition.

Sending yourself out of the class in a daze, you began to join the trail of the halls. You met Nana and Dahee walking out of their class at the same time to your surprise, "Oh! Y/N!" With an abrupt slide to slow down you let the two girls catch up to you, "Sorry we couldn't eat lunch with you and Hyesun, we went to track tryouts." Nana gleefully explained.

"It's fine, I had detention for half of lunch and then got caught up in something..." Your head going straight back to Jungwon, "We should all be apologizing to Hyesun right now..." Immediately you got reminded about what Hyesun had mentioned to you earlier, "Hey, Dahee... I actually really need to speak to you about something in private." You asked shamelessly.

Nana looked at you both suspiciously but ultimately respected the privacy you desired, "I'll get going to my last class then, girls." She tapped both of your shoulders before joining the flowing current of the hallway.

You went with Dahee to a more private space, under one of the stairwells of the school. "Dahee, Hyesun told me about you and Sunghoon..." You trailed off, hoping you didn't have to say much more as to what you were about to say.

"So you do like him?" Dahee gasped happily to your surprise, "Don't worry I'm not that into him yet... But you should've told us a long time ago!" She nudged you gently in the elbow.

"Yeah! Sorry about that..." You lied with deep despise. You now had to act like you liked Sunghoon and that was the worst feeling ever, "I'll tell you about it later then, you should get going!" You cut the conversation very short so Dahee could both get to her class in time.

"I will! See you!" She waved in a much brighter mood now that you told her you supposedly liked someone for the first time forever.

"Dear Lord, what am I getting myself into?" You muttered furiously. Were you really going the extra mile to protect your friends over some gut feelings? You were literally praying to God that you would receive some sort of reserved spot in heaven for the shadow work you were doing. That is until you were interrupted by a somberly slow clap and a couple of shoes that clacked against the stairs above you.

"Wasn't expecting such a plot twist..." Sunoo came into clear view after reaching the final step at the bottom of the staircase. This was now the second time you were caught being heard by people separate from your plan. "So you didn't like Jungwon, but Sunghoon?!" He giggled in interest and cheap pity. He seemed rather thrilled to overhear your bullshit.

"I..." You could not come up with a reply in fear of both outcomes. By telling the truth or carrying out the lie to people, you were putting yourself in a very sticky situation.

"Dahee and Sunghoon were hitting it off so well the other day, it's a shame you're in the way..." Sunoo made an overly exaggerated glum face to piss you off, "You don't actually like him now, do you?" Sunoo caught on to your intentions, circling around you, "You're just doing it to save her, yes?"

You remained silent, causing Sunoo to stop right behind you where you felt the heat of his body getting closer.

"You're a lot smarter than some girls... It's enticing really... Perhaps that's why the boys are so fond of you?" Sunoo snaked around his arm to have the dull edge of his nail touch the flesh of between your jaw and neck. Slowly he etched a line down until it was right against your throbbing pulse.

You pulled away in shock as to how scandalous the act was, "I need to go... I'm supposed to check on Jungwon." You stepped away to face Sunoo in an abrupt manner.

"I heard about Jungwon's situation from Jay," He held the sharpest part of his chin between his index and middle finger, "Jungwon will just continue to get sick. He's so malnourished."

"Malnourished?" You echoed Sunoo.

"He chose to end up like that." Sunoo walked toward you again but this time passing you, with his shoulder slightly bumping yours, "Don't pity him, darling."

You shuddered. Sunoo was the most mysterious with his hints. He was the hardest to read between the lines with. For some reason, only he out of the boys influenced your thinking pattern.

...

After school and a mediocre meal at dinner, you regretted not at least peeping your head by the nurse's office just once that afternoon. Jungwon had probably been released from health watch but you thought you could've come to terms with him that evening. It was unsatisfying as you didn't feel any closure between the war of words you had with him. What wasn't helping was the stress you also had from Sunghoon.

The daylight vanished rather quick in the colder season of the year and dusk approached rather faster than a candle blowout. Since Sunghoon didn't set a specific time, you just headed out with not a glance at the clock. Your guess was to sneak out as soon as the sun came falling down. Due to the hallway monitors of your school during the late evening, it suddenly became an obstacle you had not planned for. You were confused yourself as to how Sunghoon could sneak out at this time of day, surely sneaking out super late at night was possible but not in the evening. Eventually, you took a trip out of a window on the bottom floor of the dormitory to bypass one of the school monitors.

You were well aware of how idiotic you looked running down the concrete steps and toward the very back of your school where the shadows of the forest shined brightly. You didn't see Sunghoon at all insight which was making your heart thump in fear and anger. There was no way this guy was going to set you up like this? You bit around random parts on the inside parts of your mouth as the sky grew darker every few seconds. With no one around and nothing around to do as you waited for Sunghoon, you approached the line between the woods and open grass field. You began to get deja vu of Jungwon which made you nervous as you felt the same wispy grass tickle at your calves.

"You actually came?" Sunghoon's voice rang in the open air from behind you, scaring the literal hell out of you.

"Y-yes I did." You sighed as to how close you were to exploring that forest, "Let's just get to the point." You turned your head back just for him to be in your personal space, you almost lost your balance trying to add some room.

"Walk with me." He ignored your jump into things while crossing the boundary between the skylight of dusk and the darkness of the woods. With hesitation and no clue as to what was about to go down, you followed him. "What did you want to hear from me again?" He asked carelessly with hands in his pockets as he guided you over a pile of soil and dead leaves.

"Kyungeun." You answered bluntly. "Why is she tied down to you?"

"That son of a bitch. She told you, huh?" He rolled his eyes in dear annoyance, "I guess you could say I have some information about her that would totally diminish her image." He kicked and crunched around a couple of leaves as he dragged his feet. You remembered Jaeyun had told you Kyungeun had secrets, perhaps that was it? Were you allowed to ask him about it?

Making a mental note to ask Kyungeun about it later you brisked forward to the next question, "Okay? But you said she'd be of no use to you when you get your hands on Dahee... What exactly did you mean?" Your heart thumped in loud eagerness as you move behind Sunghoon.

"She doesn't taste as good." Sunghoon paused to have you hear him clearly, "Her blood."

Your face heated up, a vibrant blush sparkling your face before the sickening realization hit you, "D-don't tell me..." The horror spreading like wildfire in your body from your head downwards. You were frozen to the very core as all the puzzle pieces came together. All the times including the gash on Kyungeun's neck, the warnings Sunoo gave, and Heeseung licking your hand... It wasn't just Sunghoon who was a vampire, it was all of the boys...

What Sunghoon faced you with a gentle eyes he withdrew the small book from inside his blazer, making your ankles shake. "I suppose you'll know why I took this now." He shook the book before throwing it in front of you with pity. You simply watched the book plop on the bed of dead leaves before your shoes in no ability to process or produce words. You didn't even feel like picking up the book as you were afraid of reading it's horrific contents.

"W-well you won't be getting your hands on Dahee any time soon." You tremble with a paralyzing fear as you tried to speak. You were regretting the bold comment, for fuck sakes the boy standing before you could kill you right then and there.

He stepped closer and closer to which you stepped further and further. "Well, then I guess I'll keep Kyungeun under my power until the day she dies." His scornful laugh made you shudder painfully. In full defeat, you were sincerely helpless. You felt you couldn't run nor report the boys, who would ever believe you? You began questioning how you even got in this position.

"Wh-why does it have to be them? Can't you just live without blood?!" You cried pathetically as you backed into a hard tree.

"And end up like Jungwon?" Delight crept onto Sunghoon's white face as yours grew in confusion, "He hasn't drunk blood in months, he's so weak to the point where he can't even stand sometimes..." Sunghoon went on to speak his mind, "Heeseung and I were convinced he was messing around you for your blood."

Your eyes shot wide open in disbelief, "Well he's clearly not like you if he's abstaining from blood."

"It's true... Something changed in him recently after he started talking to you. Perhaps he has fallen for a mortal?"

"Go to fucking hell." You muttered at a volume that wasn't loud enough for Sunghoon to hear.

"As soon as I sensed your presence that day in the library, I knew you would fall down this rabbit hole." He hummed while bending to have your eyes both at the same level. "Curiosity killed the cat."

You held your tongue with no desire to respond to Sunghoon as the closeness was now more than dangerous. But your muted self only gave Sunghoon the opportunity to proceeded to taunt you. He began caging you against the tree, causing you to press up against the rough wood where you couple feel every detail of the bark on your back.

"I remember Heeseung telling Jaeyun and I about just how good the blood from finger tasted... How about a deal?" He caught your attention as you met eyes with him. A full set of upper teeth being exposed between his rosy lips. If there was one thing you had been taught by the caregivers of your school, it was to never make deals with the devil. You knew exactly what kind of bargin Sunghoon had in store for you "I'll leave your friends in peace if you promise me this," He said with a small lean forward so that his chin rested on your collarbone earning a gasp from you,

"You'll give me your blood in exchange for theirs."

#enhypen au #enhypen x reader #enhypen fanfic #enhypen ot7 fanfic #jungwon fanfic #yang jungwon fic #heeseung fanfic #lee heeseung fic #jay fanfic #park jongseong fanfic #jake fanfic #sim jaeyun fic #sunghoon fanfic #park sunghoon fic #enhypen fic #kim sunoo fic #sunoo fanfic #niki fanfic #nishimura riki fic

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artxyra · 4 years

Text

The Secret Life of MDC | Part 6

Part 6: Just let them fall

Part 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05

Note: If you had read the original version on my website, I totally did not rewrite this entire part just to avoid a fight scene.

The mission was simple: save the two idiot exchange students that don’t have any common sense. It was a frustrating task to even track them down. Base on the footage from security cameras and likely villains who are crazy enough to start drama, it is very likely that the dumb and dumber are safe but being hold over a pot of acid, fire, or water will killer animals. Who knows?

“You know, they just have given us an excuse to bring the Gotham miraculous crew back into action,” Andrena says as her bee-like wings flutter to life. Her eyes narrowly focus on anything strange.

To Gotham, Andrena is equivalent to Paris’ Melitta Bee (Chloe’s new alias once she was inducted back onto the team). Every member of Paris’ MT has a Gotham counterpart. For Ladybug it was Ladybird, for Chat Noir it was Lykoi. Then for the two missing members Viperion and Ryoku, there was Python and Naga. The only difference two their styles are more realistic and less magical.

“There is no time for play, Bee.” Ladybird walks out from the shadows, the current boy wonder walking behind her. She crosses her arms and lets out a heavy sigh. “As long as we are active in the fight any damage the two may endure could be undone. You know how I hate to bring out the team.” Everyone could see the tiredness behind the red and black mask that lies in her bluebell eyes.

“Tt. They deserve whatever comes their way.” Robin scoffs. From the corner of his eyes, he could see his siblings joining them on the roof. “What did you find?” This question wasn’t pointed to anyone directly, but they all knew there was one person with the answers.

“Red Robin—” Lykoi lowkey hums ‘Yum’ much to everyone dismay “—has appointed Oracle as our eyes, and together that have determined that the two missing students are located in one of five potential areas.”

“That does not help our case, Wing.” Nightwing would never admit it but a glaring Ladybird is a dangerous Ladybird.

Silence followed as everyone thinks of something.

“Do we have to save them? They just made this worse on everybody.” It was Lykoi’s voice that surprisingly states this. Everyone turns to the cat theme hero with wide eyes. “What?”

“Normally under typical Paris standards, I would say no, but do to the fact that we are in Gotham and my job is on the line, I am legally obligated to say yes.” Ladybird pulls out her communicator and turns it on. “Everyone’s logged on.” A series of nods, groans, and yeses. “Good RR, what’s the plan?”

“Yes, but you’re not going to like it,” Red Robin could hear the impending groaning coming his way and he is not wide awake enough for this.

Which lead the Miraculous Team and the Bats to be split across Gotham searching for the two exchange students.

Ladybird and Robin’s location was empty. Nothing unusual about the location it was just an unused warehouse.

“I hate them.”

“Them being everyone or the two the idiots.”

“What do you think?”

Robin shakes his head and lets out a hefty sigh.

Lykoi and Nightwing’s location proved to be difficult to find. At first, that thought this was the place, but both heroes vigilantes were proven wrong.

“We both agree not to tell Ladybird.”

“Agree, she would kill us.”

“I heard that.” It wasn’t Ladybird’s voice that came through the comms. It was Oracle’s. “Don’t worry I won’t tell Birdie.”

Lykoi and Nightwing share a glance. It was better to be blackmailed by Oracle than be grilled by Ladybird—well that what they think anyway.

For Andrena and Red Robin, it was more of a battle of wits and smarts between the two. Actually, more on Red Robin than with Andrena (she didn’t want to be a partner with Red Hood).

“You better hope that one of the others found this fucking warehouse or I will kill you myself. These boots were expensive.” Andrena shrieks pointing to the mud that now lays pack on her boots.

“Yeah, yeah, I’ll make it up to you.”

Andrena rolls her eyes and opens her communicator, Red Robin does the same. However, the outcome was different for the two. On Red Robin’s feed, it was static, he quickly goes into work to scramble the information given. Andrena sees a message from Red Hood. It reads, “Found it, suckers!”

“Hood found the warehouse.” Andrena places her communicator back on her person and looks to Red Robin. She could see the invisible sweat and sleep on his face through the cowl. “Let’s go.”

RR lets out a frustrating sigh, but as he types a last-minute code into his device the static slowly turns into quality footage. Not high quality but enough pinpoint what is happening. The room is dark but there is an ominous green glow at the lower half of the screen.

“Shit,” RR murmurs through it was loud enough to catch Andrena’s attention as an electric blue glow begins to grow behind her.

“What?” It was breathless yet concerning. Behind her, the portal fully develops causing her to let out a low growl and pushing RR in the direction of their “ride”. “Just explain it to the others.”

The portal closes and the first person they are meet by is a somewhat disappointing Ladybird.

“Hey Buggy,” Andrena sheepishly smiles, better throw RR under the bus, “RR found something interesting. Check it out.”

Ladybird makes her way over to the bee and the third Robin, she eyes RR practically asking him the question, “what he found”. Everyone waits with bated breaths as he shows her the footage. This time unlike the awkward murky background, it shows Lila and Alya tied together on a mini platform that is slowly lowering to the ominous glow below them.

“Is it sad that I want to see them fall.” The ladybug theme hero sighs into her glove-cover hands. “Alright, we need a game plan. Hood, what did you find?”

“There is a tunnel beneath the building. There’s no exterior access.”

“Oracle is sending us a blueprint.” Red Robin adds to which Nightwing nods and checks in his own portable monitor. Robin tsks and crouches down on the ground.

The planning process to a good minute to formulate.

“Is everyone in position?” The question ran through everyone’s coms as their trained bodies wait patiently for the cue. The Questioner (most likely Ladybird or Nightwing) took their silence as an answer. “Let’s go.”

The vigilantes are immediately greeted by darkness.

“Argh, my hair!” All movement ceased to exist. The Miraculous Team automatically knew that screech. It was Lila’s. “Please, I promise Bruce Wayne will make your life worthwhile. I’m very good friends with him.” Everyone, aside from Robin, felt a shiver go down their spines. Robin had gagged at the thought of Lila, his girlfriend’s tormentor, being friends with his father.

“Are you sure we can’t kill her?” Red Hood asks, well more like stated but everyone knows what he meant. He didn’t receive an answer.

“Better yet, who’s the person that decided to capture the two. There are only two heat signatures in the building.” Tim fiercely types against his device.

Nightwing kicks down the door. The large thud grabs the two teens' attention.

“We’re saved.” Lila cries out in delight. Her face literally brightens much to everyone (aside from Alya’s) dismay.

“Yes, I can finally get that interview just like you said, gurl.” Alya squeals her body wiggling on the platform.

Robin staggers in his footsteps. Interview? Like you said? Something isn’t adding up.

“Are you girls okay?” Nightwing typically heroic voice shines through as Red Robin rushes to what he believes to be the controls for the platform.

“No! We’re tied together, slowly moving to our deaths.” Alya shouts, “Ladybug?”

“Uh... no, I’m Ladybird. Now hold still.” Balancing herself on the platform in front of the two, she pulls out a knife and quickly goes cuts to the first layers of rope. “We’re the villain?”

“He was getting something to surprise us.” Lila’s voice squeaks a little. Everyone pulls back to face Lila, not including Alya.

“What do you mean?” Robin fakes a cough and glares at the Italian girl.

“No, no,” Lila begins to sweat. Her mind running multiple scenarios to get out of this. “We have no idea where he went. It was pitch black for us.” Tears forms in her eyes. Alya tries to comfort her bestie but couldn’t due to their bindings.

“Red Hood, stay on high alert, Lykoi, Andrena, follow his lead.” Ladybird cuts through the final rope. Alya shuffles her feet to get away…

“Ah!” The reporter’s foot slips.

“Merde,” Ladybird deadpans and lets herself fall.

Her right arm wrap around Alya’s waist as her left grabs for the yo-yo. It was a split second; her feet did touch the unknown substance in the large pool. She was expecting a burning sensation, but nothing happens.

“What the hell, RR, get off the control and test out the substance.” Ladybird safely places Alya down on the concrete flooring. Nightwing and Robin run over to the two for different reasons. Robin pulls Ladybird into his arms and checks for any injury while Nightwing does the same for Alya. The ombre haired girl is visibly shaking.

Lila remains on the platform above the pool screeching her head off. Andrena could already sense a headache forming and flies up to the platform. “Venom!”

Lila freezes, her screaming ceases to exist.

Rather than pushing Lila off the platform (the temptation was very luring), Andrena wraps an arm around the liar and flies to the ground floor. Suppressing a shiver, she pushes the girl out of her arms and into Lykoi’s much to his dismay.

“Seriously?” Lykoi’s glare said it all.

“I have informed Oracle that we found the missing students. She informed me that the GPD eta is ten minutes.”

“Good, that will give us time to search the premises for anything odd.” Nightwing states.

“Way ahead of you,” Red Hood shouts from afar. Eyes rolls but they all shrug in the end.

“What do you mean there weren’t any prints or such leading to the student’s kidnapper?” Commissioner Gordon asks, well he yelled but his face isn’t red yet, as the faces the Bats (aside from the large bat himself) and the Miraculous Team.

“What he meant to say, was that nothing in this warehouse suggested that there was third person let alone a typical Gotham’s villain.”

“So, you're saying this was an act?”

“No, I don’t think all of it was an act?”

“Hmm… This isn’t going to go well with explaining this to GA’s headmistress.”

Ladybird might as well say goodbye to her life and curl next to Robin in her final moments. If this was just a fake, Lila and anyone who was involved with this plan of hers are in for a treat and she’ll have front row access to it.

“Just make sure that girls are returned to GA safely, Gordon,” Nightwing instructs, they knew what he was going for. It was to them out of her and on patrol—well some of them at the very least.

~*~

Marinette curls into Damian’s chest, looking at the screen in front of them. After a night like that she didn’t want to think about the consequences that the liar had unleashed.

“You okay?” Damian presses his lips against her forehead, their hands intertwine fighting for dominance.

Marinette doesn’t say anything. How could she? There was so much floating around her mind that she couldn’t place what she was feeling at the moment.

They stay in silence until a loud thud disrupts the environment.

“Bad news,” Dick and the rest of the family file in. “Rossi confessed to the kidnapping being a ploy.”

“Goddammit, there went my morning and quite possibly my entire week.” Marinette groans collapsing next to Damian and covering her face with her hand.

“Well it’s not liked your exchange program can get any worse. You have like three weeks left of it anyway.” Jason shrugs trying to make the mood lighter… it didn’t help.

“Not now, Jaybird,” Marinette growls, causing the hairs on the back of everyone’s neck to raise high. It was rare to see Marinette angry and Lila has done the impossible. Kwami may help in the morning, especially when Marinette doesn’t get her coffee.

~*~

Mari Needs Coffee @MarinetteMemes Is it too late to push someone off the roof of WE? 🤔 #shemesswiththewrongsgirl #ineedcoffee

Tag List

*View my Tagging System guidelines for how to to be properly tagged or removed.

THE SPECIFIC TAG LIST IS CLOSED

#maribat #daminette #ml x dc #mlb x dc #damimari #ml crossover #dc crossover #fic:The Secret Life of MDC

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saphirered · 3 years

Note

HI, Its me again! I was wondering if you could kinda do a another part of the Eldritch Knight fic. Something like some more scenarios of essek fanboying over reader? ( Watching reader save a bunch of civilians by catching/lifting up a HUGE boulder that was about to crush the civilians, out smarting a evil wizard, helping essek with a spell he couldn't get right?) Sorry if this is long! Do whatever you want with this and I hope you have an amazing day ( pls drink some water!)

Hya! I hope you like this one and sorry it took so long (Hope the word count makes up for that part 😝). I tried to incorporate as many of these aspects as I could and keep it consistent so I hope it worked and you like the outcome. Thanks and have an amazing day yourself and stay hydrated! 😘

“So what is it about this spell that’s so difficult? You’ve never had any trouble transcribing spells in the past.” You walk beside Essek as you go down the street, or float in his case.

It’s a lovely evening in Asarius, the darkness of night a necessity to those sensitive to sunlight. The City of Beasts leaves much to be desired, especially compared to Rosohna to which it doesn’t even hold a candle but it’s a nice evening no less and you get to spend more time with your favourite Shadowhand wizard so you’re not complaining.

“I don’t have any trouble transcribing spells. If I did, I’d seriously question your faith in me and my credibility as a praised magic user prodigy.” You smile at the last part. Whereas to anyone else those words may have pinged as arrogance and an ego beyond a healthy standard, you clearly hear a slight gulp and sense of defensiveness to his wording, a sense of doubt.

“Essek, if anything your capabilities have spoken for themselves. As a humble student of Dunamis with a limited understanding of the beauty of the craft even I can say so. I don’t question your skills.” From the corner of your eye you can almost see him let out a breath of relieve as you continue.

“However, I must question your sanity slightly for willingly coming to Asarius. What is it you so desperately need you couldn’t get in Rosohna and don’t get me wrong, I like spending time with you, but why am I here?” A smile creeps onto his face but quickly turns neutral at the realisation you’re in a public space with watching eyes all around. You understand.

“I’m in the process of creating a new spell of my own device. I’ve run out of materials and bought up the last of the stock in Rosohna, which I’ve also already gone through. Now why I asked you to come along, I cannot carry everything on my own and do not trust the careless hands of guards and servants to properly handle such delicate materials with proper consideration and gentleness.”

“Oh, so you need me to look pretty and flex so you can ogle and admire me again? You should have just asked. I’d happily let you watch another sparring session or training. The company would be much more selective and you wouldn’t need to fight to keep that expression on your face like your life depended on it.” You try to whisper in all seriousness but can’t help some giggles cracking your voice. Essek’s eyes go wide for a second and the faintest blush creeps onto his cheeks, something he cannot hide. He quickly glances to the left and right to make sure no one’s noticed. Luckily no one did.

“Perhaps you could save such proclamations in more private company… for my sake…” The last part he speaks under his breath but you can still just barely hear the words.

You finally find the shop. Essek immediately approaches the person behind the counter as you look around. There are some magical items placed on what once may have been plush velvet pillows but the velvet is crushed in places. The glass displays show finger prints and dust and grime at the corners, not properly cleaned for a long time. The wooden floor is sticky in some places and this is one of those moments where you wish you could float like Essek. You browse while he finishes up.

While you browse and get to one of the larger displays another customer at the display next to, still quite some space away from you suddenly moves away to an entirely different display case on the other side of the room. Weird. You glance over but don’t think anything serious of it but keep an eye out regardless.

Essek signals for you he’s done and on the counter you see several huge stacks of paper and an the equivalent of a bucket worth of ink in several bottles. Mentally figuring out how you’re going to carry this much, not because of the weight but solely the awkward size and shape of the stacks of paper you undo your cloak and begin to stack up the paper in one large stack onto the centre of your cloak and one smaller stack, compared to the bigger one that is, that you put to the side. The shopkeeper offers you some twine rope to keep the pages secure in their stack. and you begin folding your cloak around the bigger stack so it’s fully covered. You take the corners and tie them securely in a knot around your waist while using the closure ties to cross them over your chest and around your back where they tie. A makeshift backpack but secure and safe in a way the paper won’t get damaged. You grab the remaining stack from the counter and carry it in your arms.

“You carry the ink. Let’s not risk it spilling over the paper or this will all have been for nothing.” Essek picks up the ink and you let him take the lead out of the shop holding the door open with a quick mage hand. Outside you walk side by side once more.

You see Essek side glance you several times but you’re unsure whether it’s because he’s making sure you’re not falling behind, you’re doing alright, if the paper isn’t getting damaged or simply watch the defined flexing muscles of your arms and shoulders as you walk, unbothered by the weight of what could by far exceed a person’s weight in materials.

You’re nearing the Aurora Hold, your way back to Rosohna when you see something from the corner of your eye; the same person you saw in the shop… they’re sticking to the shadows moving from building to building and blending into the crowd when possible to avoid detection, their eyes trained on you or more like Essek. Essek seems to have caught on to the person trailing you too.

“We’re being followed.” Essek states under his breath so only you can hear.

“That we are. Same person as from the shop. What’s the plan?” You say back, the both of you acting none the wiser to your stalker.

“Get to the Hold. Aurora Watch will be more present the closer we get. They’re less likely to try anything in the open.” He floats along eyes trained on your destination. Though, he doesn’t sound too sure about it stalling whatever your follower is planning.

You glance around briefly having lost track of them but find them picking up pace towards you. Deciding not to wait and see what’s coming next you move the heavy stack of paper over balancing it on your lower arm, between your hand and body while grabbing Essek’s arm with your now free one, you pick up pace and run pulling him along with you as you push people aside and weave through them for the quickest path to the Aurora Hold.

“Let’s hope your right.” You tell Essek as the person follows behind you picking up pace as well. By passing and pushing through certain people you manage to make it more difficult for them to follow and hope to draw enough attention from the Aurora Watch or really anyone bothered enough to pick a fight so the stalker will lose interest or opportunity. Casting anything major right here is a big no go with the amount people in the street and you’re still too far away for anything targeted specifically towards them. Luckily for you, they’re in the same boat when it comes to targeting the two of you yet you’re hoping they’re not stupid enough to cause severe collateral damage.

You’re approaching the square to the Aurora Hold and see more guards. You shout for one of them to stop as they pass by you and hand them the stack of paper in your one arm, the guard buckles under the weight as you untie the fastenings of your cloak and then the one around your waist setting it down besides them. The Aurora Hold is still aways away on the other side of the square and with how busy it is you’d never make it there without them catching up.

“What are you doing?” Essek asks you as he shushes the guard. The guard recognises Essek’s station and immediately obeys his command.

“We’re not going to make it in time. Not without them getting to us first. Confrontation it is.” You take out your sword and toss the sheath to the side. Essek nods and tells the guard to get call reinforcements to subtly clear the square as much as possible. Luckily conflicts and fights in the open in Asarius are about as common as the rain falling from the sky so no one will bother to get in the middle of this.

You take place a few steps in front of Essek to the side and wait. Both of you keep an eye on your chaser watching them draw closer as you stay put. Once within range Essek attempts to cast hold person on them but it fails.

You can see their eyes narrow as they continue to approach determined. They take out some components and begin casting a spell before you can do anything a bright streak fires from their finger. You manage to dodge into a dive roll avoiding most of the impact but others around you weren’t so lucky. Essek barely managed to get out of the brunt of it too. The buildings and watchtower to your side have begun to catch fire. The people who managed to get out of the explosion quickly begin dragging people out of the way to safety clearing the way between you and the person.

“Worry about your paper. I got this.” You look at Essek over your shoulder who manages to quench the flames of your cloak protecting the precious paper. You twirl your sword twice to feel the familiar balance and pull of gravity you’ve grown accustomed to.

Approaching the caster after you and Essek you keep a safe distance between you and them. At least, as safe as it can be when someone is clearly capable of some ranged attacks.

“I’ve nothing against you. Get out of my way so I can finish my job and I might let you live.” You hear the faintest hint of a Zemnian accent. Volstrucker. Great. Now you’re dealing with an assassin.

“Sorry. Not gonna happen. Go back to wherever you came from and tell your superiors to stay away and I’ll let you live. If you don’t, I’ll make sure your remains will be returned to your next of kin for a proper burial instead of being fed to the moorbounders.” They step closers to you and you step back keeping the same amount of distance between you.

“How very kind of you. I think I’ll pass.” They sneer. You take that as your cue and run close sword swinging. They manage to deflect the first blow with a shield spell but the second one strikes true and sends them off their feet. They get up quickly and send a firebolt your way but you’re quick enough to avoid that one. You swing again and hit their side, coming around with a second hit you step in close and use your momentum to shift to the side and swipe at their legs sending them to the ground once more.

A blade apparates in their hand, getting up they slash at you. You try to block the first blow but it still hits cutting across your shoulder. The second hit comes for the side of your leg. You have no way of deflecting this one so you take it and use the opportunity to elbow them in the face, sweeping their feet from under them. They look up to you blood beginning to stream out of their nose.

“Why don’t you just help me? You seem friendly enough. I could use an ally right now.” They speak in a sweet voice, trying to cast some kind of charm on you and you feel it take in your brain but fight it off. You’re not so easily charmed. You stab down through their abdomen and they cry out in pain. Removing your blade the Aurora Watch rushes over to the two of you and you take a step back. People fill back into the square to see what happened and you walk back over to Essek.

You let the Watch deal with the assassin as you inspect the paper covered by your cloak. The cloak is partially scorched but the paper survived.

“You know, when you said sometimes people send assassins after you and they occasionally manage to make it past defences I thought you were joking.” Essek gives you a deadpanned expression.

“I wish I was. My apologies. I should have been more careful and many thanks for valiantly protecting my life and my materials. I do not think I could have wished for a more capable and amazing protector.” You give him a wink.

The conversation is cut short by ruckus from the Aurora Watch and the assassin. The assassin is fighting back and manages to cast a spell aimed at Essek. You’re quick enough to cast the resilient sphere spell on Essek providing a shimmering protective barrier around him. A second attack from the assassin goes wide and strikes the burning watchtower.

The watchtower begins to fall overhead. Thinking quickly to keep yourself, the guards and the people having gathered around from being crushed by a flaming building you hold your sword horizontal above your head, take out your gold dust and throw it into the air onto the sword and speak the words. You let go of the sword and duck down yelling for everyone to do the same. As a reflex you use your arms to protect yourself from the impact but the impact never came.

You feel the scorching heat of the flames and looking up you see the burning watchtower stationary in the air balanced on your sword high above your head. Quickly rushing out from under. You see the assassin trying to get one final attempt the protective sphere around Essek gone. You grab a dagger from the belt of one of the nearby guards and toss it at the assassin. The dagger strikes true and the target drops.

Walking up to Essek you reach down to the fallen assassin, twist the blade and pull it out dropping it to the side.

“Told you to leave while you still could. No second chances.” You mutter as you look over Essek.

“Are you alright?” You ask Essek whose gaze is trained on you. He’s covered in soot and ash greys his usually pristine white hair but seems otherwise unharmed. He didn’t have time to react and retaliate the attempt made by the assassin.

“I seem to once again have you to thank for saving my life. You are absolutely magnificent. Your clever use of your resources is unrivalled. As is your care and willingness to protect those around you. You truly are an angel in disguise.” He composes himself brushing the gathered ash from his cloak as the guards and people work to heal the wounded and quench the fires. You pick up the wrapped stack of paper and look at Essek.

“Let’s go inside and get your paper secure and safe away from the scorching heat. I want my sword back once they’re done or the spell ends and they have another solution.” You begin leading the way to the Aurora Hold but stop until Essek catches up to you.

“And you can keep those compliments coming. I’ll consider them payment for saving your life twice? On this day alone? How many is that total now?” You give him a wink and blow him a kiss as you watch the all too familiar blush come back on his cheeks as his back straightens and you continue on your way side by side.

#critical role x reader #mighty nein x reader #essek thelyss x reader #critrole x reader #essek x reader

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grad702-nina-jackson · 2 years

Text

Week 4.1: Proposal Draft, Presentation, and Development.

Proposal Work

In this class the proposal draft was completed for this Friday. I was already drafting and collating my ideas I wanted to include in it at the start of last week so in this class i spent about 1.5 hours writing, structuring, and editing this draft for the initial hand-in. Below are my advancements and current work, I used the proposal template and prompts to help structure my thoughts here . I also included the refined reference imagery I selected in the 703 class last week as the final addition to the proposal work.

Overall Ideas and Goals

Consider the purpose of your project: What problem are we trying to solve, what change are we trying to effect, and what advancement are we trying to achieve through the project?

Detail the audience.

Understand the significance of this project: In light of the current dialog across a related area of practice, how is your vision unique, interesting, or original? How your proposed research is important enough to justify your efforts?

Detail the outcome you may be designing and how this may respond to the problem or enquire.

PROJECT TITLE

The Alphabets of Irezumi

TOPIC OVERVIEW

What are you going to research through your practice?

The Japanese tattoo, known as Irezumi, is characterized by its striking compositions and creatures that inhibit it. I am going to research the irezumi culture, history, and its developments throughout its life span. This will include collating the various meanings and motifs behind irezumi symbols from myths, folklore, and beliefs in order to be able to describe their personal symbolism in tattooing culture.

Here you discuss your practice in relation to your topic. Are you a typographer, illustrator, brand designer, motion graphics artist, photographer, filmmaker, human-centered designer, etc.?

Illustration will serve at the forefront of this project. I would consider image making in the form of painting, illustration, and analog artwork my strength in design. Type design is another skill I would like to incorporate into this project in which the imagery and type work together constructively. This is a skill to be developed through the iterative process before structuring the appropriate layout and balance of type for this approach.

What is it you imagine you will make at the end of your studies?

I will create a publication around the symbolism and meanings of common irezumi subjects. This would be to help those leaning towards getting this increasingly popular tattooing style done on their bodies to understand the cultural and symbolic backing behind their potential tattoos. These descriptions and examples are intended to help tattoo getters to decide on what would suit them best and better fit their personal beliefs and values best rather than getting a more disconnected tattoo piece.

I would make a picture style book that has an spread dedicated to each letter of the alphabet, which each represent a different illustration of a symbol in Irezumi and would provide their meanings in tattoo, folklore, or painting. For example, D for Daruma, G for Geisha, etc.. This is to provide an idea of the basics of irezumi style tattoo, essentially teaching the client their ‘ABC’s’ of irezumi.

POSITIONING STATEMENT

What ideas are you considering in your proposed research?

Why you are curious about this topic?

What’s your positioning in relation to the topic (personal and professional)?

What do you hope to discover by undertaking this research project?

What do you consider might be revealed through your research project?

Inherently irezumi as a tattooing style is meant to be a depiction of the wearers life experience and beliefs. The art is meaningful and visually striking, allowing you to tell a specific story with your illustration that is rooted in extensive symbolism. This significance allows design that is based in irezumi beliefs and processes to not only look good, but also mean something to the receiver. Irezumi is growing extremely popular in western culture, however for a lot of clients, the depth of research is lacking.

I believe it is extremely important for people who want to get this tattoo style to understand this and that they can get a tattoo that not only looks nice but also represents them best. I am deeply invested in the tattoo style, passionate about the history, and create work in this art style. I work in a tattoo store in which this type of tattoo is the primary style used. Many foreign and typically western clients come in wanting irezumi and simply want something that looks cool. I want to provide context for clients to give them direction and help people to get more personal, unique, and meaningful symbols that apply to their experiences.

PRACTICE (300 WORDS)

How do you propose to develop your practice in relation to your chosen topic?

Discuss, The methods (practices, techniques, processes etc.) you regularly use to make work. List any specific experimentations you may want to conduct.

For now what I am doing is collecting a bank of reference images for each irezumi creature or symbol I have chosen for each letter of the alphabet, and I am formulating my own original image from those. I have spent years looking at and collating all sorts of irezumi imagery to help aid me in recreating this artwork in my own style so I already have a large foundation of irezumi imagery that I continually add to.

My method of practice will include mainly analog art making and ideating to make the main imagery for the publication. This includes sketching and mapping out illustrations in pencil, mostly on stretched canvas or MDF board.

Paint will be used to create an ink like outline of the illustration. This is typically the way a tattoo would be done in which you complete the stencil and linework first. The colour and shading is the last thing you address and that is what I will do for my method of making.

I will photograph and document as much of the image making progress as possible and I will show my progression and final painting below the reference imagery for each symbol in my blog for the semester. I will then scan the painting in order to be edited in photoshop so I can easily insert it into my InDesign file for my publication.

Other things I will address is the binding and making of the publication itself. This will include selecting my preferred paper stock for the pages and also an appropriate cover material. I would like to implement some sort of Japanese binding method for this publication to stay in line with the cultural context this project is based in. The making of the book is a method I will have to learn as my knowledge is limited in this field.

CONTEXTUAL KNOWLEDGE

Where do you locate this research? For example, you might address the directions your research might take.

Is your research proposal designed to meet the needs of a specific user group or community, is it speculative? Describe the end users of this research, or discuss who might benefit from this research?

This research is intended to help bridge the gap between irezumi artists and their clients. Although irezumi art and tattooing is growing increasingly sought-after internationally it has a deeper context that is often left behind. The publication aspect will serve as a condensed aid for tattoo clients to better communicate their ideas and thoughts to the artist by having a physical item they can use to discuss their favourite symbols in an easy to understand way to others.

You will consider the proposed project in relation to existing design work, relevant practitioners, theorists and other influences. You may use some ideas discussed in your annotated bibliographies. If you have a theoretical dimension informing your work state this in this section.

This project will discuss how these irezumi symbols came into fruition through the history of storytelling, mythology, and folklore in Japan. Symbolism, personal meaning and the actual practice of tattooing would all be core principles to this project. I would also like to comment on the contrast between the criminality of tattooing in Japan in comparison to the traction it has gained overseas. This will include the associations with the Yakuza inside Japan (Japanese gang/ organised crime group) with the vast globalisation and westernisation of the style. How irezumi is used in my own design decisions will also influence how this project progresses as it is the main style I will be drawing reference from and will create the basis of the entire feel of the final publication.

We recommend you include a quote that summarises the thinking informing, underpinning, or impacting the way you make and think about your practice from one of the key texts in your Bibliography.

“There are no truly traditional Japanese tattoos because people don’t live in a traditional world. Western fashion, the internet, and Japanese media all create a vastly different visual landscape” (Ashcraft, (2016), p. 10). I use this quote to illuminate the constantly changing views of the art world and how some meanings can get left behind. I think although the irezumi art style is developing outside of Japan we can still make an effort to understand it. It all comes down to respect, it is important that an individual understands the meaning of their own irezumi and what it symbolises both for them as the individual and within Japanese culture.

Reference Images

Presentation for 4.3

I collated past imagery, references, and my current developments in the creating process to describe my direction for my project. The basic rundown for this presentation follows my overall inspirations shown in keywords and the 100 image exercise.

This is followed by an arranged formation of these images to show how they connect and how I could use these to form colour palette, tone of voice, and overall ‘feel’ in just an image.

I then dive into major topics that relate back to my projects context in irezumi tattooing. Each image represents an idea that intertwines into my project and that I could include in my contextual research.

A slide is included of publication inspiration and possible ways of binding and making the actual book that will contain my project. This is a rough idea of the physical item that my project will be moving towards.

From here I had a couple slides showing direct references that I used in order to jumpstart my ideating process. This includes specific groups of images that relate back to an irezumi symbol in the tattooing culture. I also included the kinds of things I am searching for in these images that will influence and guide my own artwork.

Finally I show actual images of my own personal illustrative work and how they are developing in their current state. Some are mostly finished and some are in their beginning stages. This displays the specific illustrative style that will structure my publication.

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