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#which we got when I was a tyke
simplyghosting · 4 months
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One day. One day I will complete my Oz series book collection. One day.
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chaosandmarigolds · 1 month
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(slowly sets random sting ray plushie I got for my birthday down) Brain-rot. so I present Dad!Simon and Ollie at the aquarium
Simon! Who was currently two weeks deep into babysitting oliver and it being the middle of summer almost everywhere and everything had been exhausted
"Library time with Miss Rue?"
Ollie frowns from his ice cream,- which you would murder simon for if you found out which is why they were both sworn to secrecy, "MIss Rue is jus reeed-ing Peter Bunny again. No want."
"No want." Simon echoed slowly, leaning against the kitchen counter as he tried to think.
"Big mall?" "No..."
"The zipline park?" (A normal park with a little kid zipline)
"No."
"The animals?"
"Nope. Momma said we stinky after animal."
Simon nods again, the local farmer's markets would normally have a little petting zoo- so that had also become a staple. "She did- rightoo laddie. Okay...okay, let Mister Riley think for a minute."
Ollie nods to his babysitters words and takes another hefty bite of the ice cream, "We could....we could see fish? We see fish."
"Fish?"
"We go fish, in-in big pool."
Simon who spent ten finding which aquarium within a fifty mile radius had the best reviews because if he is...might as well make it memorable
Simon who made sure Ollie wore is water proof shoes because...well he just knew the kid was going to jump into the little kiddie water pad the aquarium had
Simon who packed a towel and change of clothes for that exact reason too
Simon who so has baby shark stuck in his head
Simon who once the tickets are purchased is already trying to trick the tyke down, basically playing marco polo
Simon who held up Ollie without a second thought to see the Jelly fish, telling him how he was once stung while he was down in Japan, smiling to the childs laughter
Simon who spends the extra fifteen dollars so Ollie could feed the stingrays, keeping an arm looped around him to keep him stable
Simon who of course notices the looks he's getting from the group of moms, he ignores them though
Simon who tried to politely turn down the one who came up to him, nice woman, seemed kind- yet...she wasn't...you
Simon who had to get more firm and did lie when she wouldn't get the message-
"Listen lady- I could kill ya without even blinking 'n you are really testin my patience so ho' bout you leave me 'n my son alone before i get annoyed?" Just how he assumed it would've gone down the woman became flustered and excused herself, meanwhile, Ollie was still being held in the air to look at the catfish.
Ollie looks to Simon as he then lets out a sigh and adjusts his grip on the boy, "Ister Riley?"
"Yeah, lad?"
"Mommy said killing people isn't nice."
Simon clears this throat, "Mum is real smart like that."
Simon who gets Ollie a plushie and teehsirt
Simon who feels really proud of himself when Ollie is fast asleep for the entire car ride home
(annnnyway thats it<333 any feedback and all that jazz means the world to me!!)
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beanghostprincess · 3 months
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Trans buggy is my lifeblood and I am SO HAPPY YOU LOVE HER TOO and I'm feral I'm shaking the bars of my cage FUCK I LOVE WOMEN
Like. Yes. Absolutely, Shanks and Buggy have little bits and pieces of ALL their parents, specifically Ray and Roger but No Adult Was Safe From Their Assimilated Found Family, Alright?
Shanks does this one movement when he's showing off and being SILLY about it that he picked up from Oden. Buggy uses chopsticks more easily than forks and spoons, which is mind boggling to those who know her and how clutzy she is.
Crocus was the KING of unexpected and frankly terrifying threats, something Buggy learned like a damned religion. Shanks got his penchant for Gay Uncle On Holiday clothes and patterns from him.
A lot of Shanks' attacks and swordplay was taught to him by Roger and Rayleigh, so his style is a mix of their own with a TWIST that's all him. Buggy wasn't as interested in swordsmanship, but she certainly isn't a novice at it. The forms and katas to her are meditative, and she can't really sit still for normal meditation ((AuDHD Buggy my beloved)) so THIS is her way of grounding. Her knife fighting is also derived from Ray's style, with quick, devasting blow that focus more on backlash damage, Haki and agility.
Buggy and Shanks both have Roger's grin, and when Rayleigh sees them, grown and side by side and beaming and greeting him so warmly, part of him breaks and heals and splinters and oozes love. He of course will not show weakness and instead teases them, as is his love language.
Also consider Cross Guild adopting the Seraphims. Stuff's normal at first until they give the kids some children's books. Cue "what is a dad? What is a mom?" questions. The adults answer them, and the kids simply nod before wandering off again.
Then, a few hours later, Buggy feels a tiny hand tug-tug at her pants. It's two little dark haired tykes, big saffron and violet eyes staring up at her. She blinks. "What's up, munchkins?"
"Mother, we want a snack and fathers are busy."
"Oh. Yeah, sure thing, sweeties, let me ju- WAITWHAT-?!"
Shanks is frothing, seething, crying in the window like a Victorian woman betrayed when he gets word that Buggy and the other two have "sons". He then proposes they have a baby too, to be fair.
Then the kids call him uncle or father twice removed and he is suddenly living his best life wdym he's gonna be the BEST uncle ever, hey kids wanna go harass people-?
Buggy is BEYOND flustered but she's also.... really flattered? Shanks wants a baby? With HER?? Like a real, whole ass baby. Wow. And she already has two sons! Maybe. Her little Birdie seems a tad unphased by the concept of gender anyway, so she won't push. She has two kids. And Shanks wants a third. Wow. Wow~ ♡
And then Crocodile has to go and ruin it by suggesting the kids stay with "auntie Al" for the weekend, while the guys see if they can get that baby idea rolling~
Buggy proceeds to blush so hard she's STEAMING and promptly faints.
I FUCKING LOVE WOMEN TOO!!!!!!!!!!! SCREAMING THIS EVERYWHERE I GO!!!!!!!!!
Both of them having traits of all their parents and role models and keeping them with them forever,, When Rayleigh sees them again he's so fond of their little gestures and :(( He loves them so so much.
Also, the whole thing about Cross Guild adopting the Seraphims is just so so cute. And them calling Buggy 'mom'??????? Crying and sobbing, idk. Cute family that is not dysfunctional but pretty much not normal my beloved.
Honestly, Buggy as a mom just feels so right. But especially as an adoptive mom, you know? She just keeps seeing outcasts and understanding them so well and wanting to take care of them. Tbh, Shanks and Buggy should just,, Find a kid in a treasure chest and keep the baby.
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jinxthejubilee · 2 years
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Random Thoughts ❤️‍🩹
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A dynamic that's been hinted at and should be expanded upon in the game, for Today's Topic: Mammon and Michael's Relationship
Warning: Spoilers for Obey Me, mentions of unseen characters, neglect? (Kind of)
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It's a bit baffling to me that the devs haven't addressed this, but the fans surely have! For better or for worse (mostly worse for Michael tho).
But really, the concept of the brother's previous relationships and what they mean to them now that they're demons, is really fascinating.
We get bits and pieces from Simeon and how he deals with his complicated emotions towards the demons he once called brothers, but that's a topic for another day.
So let's break down what we know about Michael the Archangel:
Michael is the leader of the Celestial Realm's legion of angels.
He was described as Lucifer's "twin," having been very close to one another.
During his early life in the Celestial Realm, Mammon was once the little brother of Michael.
According to Asmodeus in Lesson 27-19, Michael couldn't handle/didn't know how to deal with Mammon, and as such, Lucifer had taken Mammon under his care.
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Michael himself has been described as "too upfront about his desires," and places unreasonable responsibilities and tasks upon the people who work under him.
However, many of those same angels respect him and see him as a good person.
Both Mammon and Raphael view him as "weird" and "socially inept."
Many of Luke and Simeon's tasks to Michael, according to the chats, are to find and bring him sweets. He apparently has pretty lavish tastes.
Luke has stated repeatedly that Michael is one of his mentors and reports directly to him.
And according to Simeon, Michael is "calm, yet stern" when he is angry, and he prefers to talk things out as opposed to physical discipline.
Now, as fun as it would be for Michael to be this extremely cold, two-faced perfectionist that tormented Mammon during his younger days in the Celestial Realm, bringing this moral dilemma about how angels are not always the "pure and virtuous" beings we all see them as, I'm sad to say that that's not what we got here (rip fanfic writers).
But really, game Michael is far different than the absolute bastard people write him as. And that in and of itself, intrigues me.
So how did Michael treat Mammon during their time together?
Now, seeing as Michael has a tendency to thrust work onto other people, you would think that would serve as an aspect as to why Mammon was removed from him. But I don't think that was the case.
Think about it, despite how he might complain, Mammon DOES enjoy working. Whether that be physically: finding jobs to pay off his debt, to help someone, or to buy MC something as a gift, or mentally: keeping tabs on his family's emotional states; Mammon can and will get stuff done when he puts his mind to it.
And Mammon most definitely will learn and help all that he can when it comes to the people closest to him, so what was the issue?
Well, according to Mammon himself:
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Not exactly the most respectful image Michael nor Raphael had of Mammon, right?
I'm sure that we all can picture Mammon as a rambunctious little tyke who the elder angels had trouble "controlling."
With that in mind, Michael most likely didn't have much faith in Mammon's ability to help him either. As a brother, nor a protégé.
So I'm willing to bet that Michael wouldn't let Mammon do much, or try to distract him with menial tasks that Mammon knew were not important.
Imagine how insulting that would be for Mammon. The guy who pushes work on other people, won't trust you with helping him out. Willingly. Ouch...
This would only spur Mammon on even further to misbehave and get into trouble, possibly for attention.
Which is an interesting contrast to Lucifer.
Because despite how reckless and irresponsible Mammon admittedly is, Lucifer trusts him the most out of all of their brothers to help him.
Yes, Lucifer is the guy who insists on doing everything by himself most of the time, but even he can't do everything.
And I think that was a part of why Mammon accepted Lucifer instead of Michael, aside from admiration that is: Trust.
As Mammon said, Lucifer saw the potential in Mammon, brought him up to be one of the greatest warriors and/or angels in the ENTIRE Celestial Realm. So much so, that Mammon even became Lucifer's official assistant.
That, and the fact that Mammon witnessed Michael push most of his responsibilities onto other people, would draw Mammon towards the ever-reliant Lucifer.
Lucifer inspired and trusted Mammon far more than Michael ever could. Michael only saw him as a troublemaker, and Mammon recognizes and appreciates Lucifer for seeing that there was more to him than that.
Now, as for Mammon's feelings about Michael, I don't believe that Mammon holds any ill-will towards him, but he's not exactly thrilled about talking about him either.
When Michael is brought up by either Luke or MC, Mammon becomes slightly uncomfortable. I mean, who can blame him?
As much as the idea of Michael being an all around bad guy is very far-fetched, I can imagine Michael hurting Mammon in a few ways. It wouldn't be on purpose, but it would add a bit more motivation for Mammon to favor Lucifer over Michael.
Aside from Michael not trusting Mammon, either physically, emotionally, or both, I can imagine a scenario in which Mammon had overheard his then-older brother venting to Raphael or Lucifer about him.
We all know how emotional Mammon can get, and I'm sure his younger, angelic self was no exception.
Can you imagine how devastating that would be for a young child to hear their older brother complain to his friends about him? That would be soul crushing!
This would play into the two-faced concept of Michael that the fans are attached to. Sure, Michael can be a fairly good person, but he IS the type to bad mouth the people he doesn't like or has problems with, in private.
This in contrast to Lucifer, Mammon, and quite frankly, all of the brothers, who are very blunt and upfront about how they feel about someone.
Thus, would end Mammon's ability to rely on Michael and their brotherhood.
HOWEVER! That doesn't mean that Michael doesn't still care about Mammon!
Luke has mentioned to MC before that Michael does, in fact, miss Mammon, Lucifer, and the others. To the point where he has collected all of their past belongings, including but not limited to, Lucifer's ring.
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Once again, a topic for another day, but Michael's feelings over what happened could prove to be interesting.
Simeon himself reminisces over losing his family, and Michael has proven to be the same in his own way.
The situation over Lilith's ordered execution and the battles that followed suit was conflicting on both sides.
Michael, Simeon, Raphael, and the other angels may have won the war, but they lost a lot.
But I do remain adamant that Michael and Raphael overcompensate that guilt by establishing to the angels at the time that the rules are the rules. And by winning the war, it was seen as their proof that violating those rules would have dire consequences.
Which could play into yet another reason Mammon didn't get along with Michael at the time: Michael could never see the bigger picture.
Michael never fought for anything other than the order for the Celestial Realm. Yes, Lucifer was similar in that regard, but he would never turn his back on something he believed was wrong or right. Especially for family.
You could do so much with these ideas! The stories, character development, and histories are endless!
Sadly though, I'm not confident that the writers of Obey Me would give Mammon the space to talk about his experience with Michael or his younger years as an angel anytime soon. But I guess we'll just have to see about Michael when he gets here, won't we?
Author's Note: Hopefully, I did a decent job at explaining my thoughts here! If I add any more details to this, don't be surprised. As you can see, I was very passionate about this topic.
I do wonder what Michael will look and act like in the game. I know that he's probably going to be a love interest, but I honestly hope he isn't. I know Obey Me is an otome game, but we can at least have a few characters that aren't romancable.
Reading fanfics about Mammon and Michael is really interesting! Almost all of them paint Michael as this abusive authority figure to Mammon, and how this abuse seems to continue into present-day with Lucifer and all of his over the top punishments. Again, I've only scratched the surface on this topic. Many people have different views on Michael already, and we haven't even physically met the guy! Sorry Michael! :(
With all of that being said, thank you all for reading, have a lovely night or day, and I'll see you later! Byeee! 💗
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sl-newsie · 2 months
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American Woman (Thomas Shelby x American OC) Ch. 10: Equality vs Justice
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Later that night we hold dinner for two hours before I finally decide to stop waiting for the Shelby brothers to return. Finn left to help about an hour ago and it’s just been Polly and me preparing Shepherd’s pies. When I tell her about Ada’s behavior she gets a funny look in her eye.
“I’ve got some suspicions. For now I’ll wait for Ada to come to me but my patience is wearing thin. She’s been avoiding me.”
A few more minutes go by and I check the clock. “Do you always wait for them to come back this late? If I were to stay out unaccompanied like this my mother would personally kill me.”
Polly laughs as she stirs the filling. “With those boys nothing is ever normal. Between John worrying about his family, Arthur wanting to be smarter than he is, and Thomas thinking he knows everything, I sometimes wonder how they can even function.”
“And Finn?”
She sighs heavily. “I hope he’ll turn out straight. He tries so hard to be like his brothers that sometimes we forget he’s still just a kid. How’s his lessons been going?”
I wipe my flower-covered hands on a towel. “No complaints at all, ma’am. Finn’s a prime student. He definitely has potential and dedication, though I’m glad to say he does not share his brother’s lack of resilience. Finn always has an open mind, which I think is inspired by his sister.”
We hear the front door open and all four Shelby brothers crowd into the room, all taking their places at the kitchen table. I can tell they’ve been drinking due to the smell of liquor but they seem to be level-headed enough. I just hope Finn hasn’t drank too much.
“How was the bonfire?” I ask lightly as I pass out a tray of slightly-cold pies.
“Affective.” 
Thomas is the only one to reply as they all dig into the simple meal. No doubt they’re tired. Finn is the only one that still shows any hint of ignorance. In these insane times a touch of ignorance might not be so bad.
“I got to leave early,” John says after he swallows. “Kids’ll be wanting their dad to tuck ‘em in.”
“Ever considered a sitter?” I ask.
Arthur slurs a laugh. “Ha! Yeah, so we can pay you double? Watch his tykes and teach Finn, ey?”
I shake my head and try to defend his accusation but John waves it off.
“‘S alright, Steenstra. I don’t expect you to. You’ve got enough on your plate as it is. I need a more stable solution.”
Thomas speaks up. “You need a wife, John.” He gets up and comes over to search through the cupboard. “Polly, where are those biscuits-?”
“In the refrigerator,” John says. “Though there may not be many left. Verena’s a damn good baker.”
“All the more reason why my decision to hire her has paid off well,” Polly comments. “Which is why you lot should treat her as the proper Peaky Blinders employee she is, Arthur.” She points a warning finger at the eldest Shelby brother, who just rolls his eyes.
“Respect is earned,” I reply. “Since my position is temporary I don’t expect to gain anything before-”
“Before you go back,” Finn grunts. “You’ve mentioned it once or twice.”
Thomas ruffles his brother’s hair. “Hear that, Verena? Someone’s gonna miss you.”
Finn swats his hand away. “I will not!”
“I will,” John says as he chews another cookie. “Without her there’s no biscuits.”
The brothers go on chatting about other Blinders business and I take the chance to finish cleaning part of the kitchen before slipping off to bed. It’s already midnight and my eyes are starting to droop. I don’t even bother thinking about reading as I dim the lights and slip under the covers…
“Clocking out early?” Thomas’ voice stirs me from my thoughts. He’s standing in the doorway.
“It’s midnight, Mr. Shelby. If I did have an established work schedule my shift would have ended hours ago.”
The man simply nods his head and walks over to look out my window. “Dinner was nice. And I know John’s exaggerated this already but your biscuits are to die for.”
In the dark I stand up to face him better. “Trying to butter me up with a compliment before delivering unpleasant news?”
Thomas’ reaction is covered by the shadows. “Only giving a compliment, Ms. Steenstra. I must say I’m surprised at how much you’ve changed around here.”
I tilt my head. “I haven’t changed much in the house besides my cooking-”
“I mean us,” Thomas gestures towards the kitchen. “You might not see it but you do more than what you think, Verena. And Finn will miss you, by the way.” He pauses. “Most all of us will miss you.”
“Most?”
“Well… Arthur’s still undecided about me hiring you.”
I nod respectfully. “I’m still grateful for your trust. In my family it’s a high honor for younger members to be part of something this big.”
Something I say doesn’t sit well with Thomas. His laid-back expression shifts to one of curiosity.
“Members? What kind of family are you part of, Steenstra?”
I slipped up. He suspects my involvement with the mob. 
“Like I said before. I’m half Dutch, half Irish. My father runs a chain of breweries.”
“And are there any business deals made under the table away from federal eyes?” Thomas inquires.
I keep a steady expression. “Do not accuse my father of bootlegging, Mr. Shelby. All his transactions are thoroughly legal.”
It’s not a lie. Father’s refused several proposals from Uncle Colon about selling his products to the Irish mobs. Thankfully my answer persuades Thomas to drop the subject.
“Your father seems like a good man. He raised a bright and resourceful daughter.” Thomas steps closer and I can smell the mint cologne and ash on him. “Good night, Ms. Steenstra.”
“Good night, Thomas. Prayers be with you.”
The gangster nods and exits the room, taking the chill of the conversation with him. That was close. At this point I’ve gone too far to confess to my family connections. The Shelbys trust me as myself, not as a mob asset. As I lay down once again to catch some sleep I can’t help but wonder if my family’s noticed I’m missing…
I open my eyes to a brand-new day and quickly get dressed. Now that I have my own clothing with English fashion I don’t feel like an oddball. It’s already 10:00. Much later than I wanted to start but there’s no use crying about it. I walk into the kitchen and am not surprised to find out that Thomas and his brothers have already left.
“Morning, love,” Polly greets from the table. “Finn’s running an errand and then you can do a lesson. He seemed eager to get back so you should expect him soon. The only other one who’s here is Ada.”
As if on cue, the Shelby sister walks into the room and slumps into the chair next to Polly.
“Good of you to join us.” Polly remarks as Ada pours some tea. “Where have you been all day?”
“In bed,” the brunette replies, sharing knowing glances with me. Sure. ‘Bed.’ “Couldn’t sleep. Then I couldn’t wake up.”
She goes on to ramble about dreams while Polly chats about recent bad news. It’s not until I hear Polly abruptly say “stand up” that I look up from the novel I’m reading. Ada does as she’s told and Polly walks around examining her, then suddenly feels up her chest.
“Polly what are you doing?” Ada shouts.
“Ada. How late are you?”
Her words take a moment to drift in the air, then it clicks in my head. You play stupid games, you win stupid prizes. It was only a matter of time before Ada’s affair would catch up with her. She’s pregnant.
“One week- 5 weeks- seven weeks, but it must be a lack of iron…” Ada desperately tries to patch up an excuse.
But Polly won’t have it. “I’m taking you to the doctor.” She gives Ada a stern look to quiet her then glances over at me. “Verena, love, it’s best you not tell a soul if you know what’s good for you. You can wait here for Finn while I take her.”
Hiding my face behind my book cover, I nod. “Yes, ma’am.”
Polly nods and drags Ada out of the room. Ada gives me one last panicked look before the pair walks through the front door. Don’t expect sympathy from me. You know what you were getting yourself into. I sit quietly at the table and continue reading until the door opens again and Finn walks in.
“Where’s Aunt Polly?”
Not a word about Ada. “She had something come up. Didn’t say when she’d be back.” I try to reroute the conversation. “What do you want to learn about today?”
Finn joins me at the table and sets down a new book. “I found this at the library. Before you say anything-” He points a finger at me. “No, I don’t agree with Tommy about using public resources. I like the library.” He holds the book up for me to see. “I found this today and was hoping you might know about it?”
The book is one I’ve never heard of before but the topic looks enticing. “You want to learn about equality and justice?”
“Yeah. We deal with social concepts like them all the time in the family business.”
“That you do, Finn. If only others would share your willingness to learn.”
“And what’s that supposed to mean?” Thomas’ voice asks from behind.
Of course he’s here. I turn around to find the blue-eyed gangster leaning against the counter with an amused smirk.
“Good morning, Thomas. Care to join us?”
“Depends. Will I like what I hear?” 
I raise a brow. “Depends. Does talk of justice bother you? You Shelbys seem to admire it.”
Thomas doesn’t answer verbally. Instead he slowly walks over to sit next to Finn. I take that as my cue to begin.
“Equality is the state of being equal, regardless of background or social status.”
“So socialism, then,” Thomas says.
“Please hold all comments for after the lesson, Mr. Shelby. As I was saying, justice is the concept of what is fair. What is right and what is deserved.”
“That sounds like the same thing as equality,” Finn says, confused.
“Think of it like this, Finn. Imagine two people watching a horse race from behind a fence. They’re each too short to see over the top. In a scenario when equality is involved, each person is given a crate to stand on. However one person is still too short to see over. In a scenario with justice, the fence would be removed to allow both people to see.”
Both Shelbys take in my words with consideration. However our lesson is interrupted when Arthur bursts through the door.
“Tommy, where’ve you been? Been looking for you in the Bull Ring and you’re here being lectured by the American?”
I suppress the urge to argue. Thankfully I don’t have to because Thomas does the work for me.
“She’s got a name, Arthur. Verena’s a Peaky Blinders employee so she’ll be treated as such. We were just finishing a lesson with Finn.”
The oldest Shelby brother takes little notice to apologize and motions for Thomas to follow him. Probably more urgent business than a lecture.
“That’s enough for today, Finn.”
He gives a disappointed sigh. “Thanks, Verena.”
The rest of the day ticks by and I do my best to make the time pass faster while I wait for Ada and Polly to return. The sound of the door opening alerts me to look up from my book and see the two sit down on the couch across from me, both holding cigarettes.
“You’re pregnant, and you’re smoking?! What is wrong with you?”
“Quiet!” Polly hisses. “I’ll talk to Tommy about it later but for now no one knows. Understand?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She nods. “Good. How was Finn today?”
How can she expect me to ignore this blessing? “Ambitious as usual. Is the baby healthy?”
“So far so good,” Ada assures me. “Have you been stuck inside all day? You should get some fresh air.”
Come to think of it, I am getting a little antsy. Some time outdoors would do me some good. Polly and Ada probably need to discuss the situation more thoroughly with privacy.
“Good idea, Ada. I think I’ll step out back and take a stroll in the alley. I won’t stray far.”
After picking out a hat to block out what little sun there is I see Polly approach me with a pistol.
“For protection.”
I take it graciously and slip it into my skirt pocket. “How did you know I know how to shoot one?”
She gives me a subtle wink. “Intuition.”
The moment I open the back door I’m welcomed by a gust of ash and dirt. Today’s much windier than normal and is not in my favor. But beggars can’t be choosers. I should stretch my legs before I develop cabin fever. The pistol's weight pressing against my leg serves as a reminder that I can defend against any unwanted violence.
Just as I step into the alley and wander into the nearby street the sound of hooves signals for me to peek around the corner. Thomas is back, and he’s riding his new white horse. The horse almost looks out of place here, with the whole ‘gloom and doom’ atmosphere. Thomas halts the horse and dismounts, gently stroking the animal’s nose.
“Seems to me like you treat horses like people and people like snakes.”
Thomas rolls his eyes but takes the comment all in good fun. “Yeah, yeah. The humanity in me is dead.” He pats the horse and ties him to a nearby hitching post. “On another note, I just talked with Grace. I’m taking her to the races later this week.”
My thoughts come to an abrupt stop, like a freight train tumbling off a twisted track. Why? Why do I feel so… disappointed? It only makes sense that Thomas would ask her out. Grace is pretty and kind. He’ll only ever think of me as an employee, so at least he trusts me enough with his family’s business.
“Oh. That sounds fun,” I try to sound encouraging. “Are the races here exciting?”
“They never disappoint, love. Ever been to one?”
I shake my head and stroke the horse’s mane. “My father never lets me go to the races. Says it’s not ladylike.” Another thought surfaces. “What did you think of today’s lesson?”
The gangster scoffs and takes off his cap to run a hand through his hair. “I think part of that lecture was directed at me.”
“Oh really?”
“Really. You want me to reconsider my mindset of establishing justice, eh?”
Honestly I didn’t plan for the topic to hint at Thomas’ mindset but he makes a good point. “You have heart, Thomas. But you can’t act as life’s judge, jury, and executioner. It’s not always about what people deserve. It can be about what they need. No, they may not always want what they need. But God’s plans aren’t spelled out for everyone.”
Thomas looks over at me with a happy smile. “Keep that hope alive, Verena. We all need it.”
His praise causes me to smile too. Besides being a teacher I’m also on the good side of one of the fiercest gangsters in England all because I speak my mind.
But the moment is gone when Thomas reaches for a cigarette and I see something fall out of his pocket. I bend down to pick it up and dust off the ash to reveal a gleaming silver and bronze bullet with the markings Tommy etched into it.
“Thomas, what is this?”
My boss takes a puff of his cigarette. “Oh. That. ‘S just a gift from the Lee family.”
This is no gift, this is a threat! I’ve heard of threats like this from Uncle Colon and they are no light matter. How is he so calm?
“They’ve signed your death warrant, Thomas. The bullet literally has your name on it!”
But Thomas doesn’t share my worry. Instead he chuckles and puts both hands on my shoulders. “No need to worry, love. I’ll handle it.’S not the first time I’ve gotten a death threat. Now,” he rubs his hands together and starts walking towards the Shelby house. “Where’s Polly? I’ve got a few questions for her.”
Oh. Right. And he doesn’t know about Ada yet.
“Last I saw she was in the living room.” Lord, I do not want to hear this!
I follow him inside and briskly walk back to hide in the kitchen, where Finn has settled to do some reading. He is also smoking a cigarette!
“Finn! Not you too!” I throw my arms up in defeat. “Am I the only one who thinks smoking is a death wish?”
He just shrugs and continues reading. I don’t hear a reaction from the other room but after a few minutes Polly walks in with a determined look.
“I just told Tommy.”
“About Ada?” I ask softly.
“Yes.”
“What’d he say?”
Polly sets out the kettle and begins brewing tea. “Nothing. He just stormed out to find her. The instant Ada spills his name, he’s a dead man. Thomas won’t stand for it.”
I don’t blame him. If I were to ever try something like that my brothers would kill any man who looks at me in cold blood. All I can hope is that Thomas goes easy on the poor bloke.
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honey-minded-hivemind · 3 months
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hi again i was wondering if you can do a platonic yandere scott summers and jean jean with child reader,when you have time,have a good day.
Oh yes, the powerful power couple of the X-Men! I think I I do them. Let's try this:
Their lives tended to be bizarre.
Anything that could happen did, and anything that was impossible happened every other Tuesday.
They'd made plans for almost every occasion, contingencies in case of disasters, vaccines for any viruses and bunkers for innocents to take shelter in should all end up in smoke.
They didn't plan for a child.
Specifically, the child who was now at the door, with wings made of light trailing from their back.
"Momma said this place was safe," they said quietly, nervously wringing their hands together. It was taking everything in them not to bundle them inside immediately.
"Sweetheart, where are your parents?" Jean couldn't help but ask. Were they around, did they send them here, or did they abandon them...?
"Jean, I think they were abandoned," Scott whispered. His shoulders are stiff, his posture portraying his displeasure at the thought.
"Are you a fire princess?" Reader asks. They point up at Jean, eyes wide. "She has fire hair. And fire eyes."
Scott can't help but let out a snort at that.
Okay. This kid was blunt. And maybe a tad bit cute.
"Yes, sweetie. I'm a princess Phoenix from space," Jean said with a straight face. After a pause, Scott burst out laughing.
"Oh! Is he your concubine then?"
That was when Jean burst out laughing, doubling over. Scott was indignant after that.
Turns out, the little tyke was a new mutant, who had a power similar to the Phoenix Force, which manifested as fiery wings on their back. They wanted to keep them immediately, but the Professor advised that theh at least try to find their parents...
"Come on, Professor! They were left right at our doorstep! Why woukd their parents leave them there if they wanted them?" Scott tries, hoping they'd drop the subject.
"Scott, we can't just keep them without first knowing if they have a parent out there who wants them. It is just as possible they wandered off, and happened to see the mansion and hoped to find an adult."
"Why not ask them?" Jean points out, making Scott blush. She can't help but have an amused grin. It wasn't as hard a task as he kept making it out to be.
When asking Reader about it, they were playing with a small doll they'd found. "Well, Da got angry with Momma, and Momma got angry with him, and they both started yelling REALLY loud. They said that I belonged with other mutants, so I followed what the news said. They weren't happy when I got wings, even thought they're pretty. Do you think they're pretty?" they answered, only looking at them once they'd finished speaking.
And now they knew what it was like to want to commit murder and arson.
"Of course we love your wings, sweetie. They're very pretty! Maybe one day we can go flying together, hmm?" Jean replies, being met with an excitedly grinning child.
"So. I think that answers our question," Scott says, his voice leaving no room for further debate.
The two almost immediately take up parenting Reader, keeping then near them at all times. It isn't hard to do so, since the kid took a shining to them. Not to mention the fact that they saw the two of them as better parents than their own original ones.
And they weren't giving them back, EVER. This was THEIR KID now, and if someone had a problem with it, they would have to go through the BOTH of them if they thought they could take their baby from them!
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battlekilt · 4 months
Note
Hey Kilt, from the WIP game, can you tell me something about the Little Troopers? *___*
Since I know you love Fox, I'll talk about Fox.
Little Trooper Fox is the return of Tintin, and he reclaims his reign of terror and menacry with proper Foxy fashion.
Fox was little-fied somewhere near the Chancellor. Thus, he's imprinted on the Chancellor. He doesn't understand why, but he is supposed to be near that old man.
This is bad... because good ole Sheev reveals himself to—HATE—children. Oh, he doesn't say that he hates them. However, it is quite evident how badly he is around a tiny little bitey Fox.
Fox never had a "Jedi," so he doesn't imprint immediately on any of those who take guardianship of Clones—usually their CCs. Unfortunately, Fox has a low tolerance for being alone and feeling abandoned—it hurts him, it really, really hurts. Riyo offers to take him. However, Fox kind of has a tantrum at the suggestion of being removed from all the other little Clones.
He ends up becoming Mace Windu's problem.
Master Windu reveals himself to have known more about Commander Fox than expected because Ponds talked about his childhood friends a lot. Mace didn't talk about this with anyone because he felt like it was someone revealing something private, and he wanted to respect that. Also, what he learned felt... like something meaningful he enjoyed having to himself.
The point was that Mace knew more about Tintin than anyone expected. That didn't mean that he wasn't taken aback by how much the kid could talk and talk and talk and talk or the escapades that went on when Fox got an itch to "explore", aka, get into trouble. Dealing with someone so uniquely food-motivated is easy for Mace and helps him encourage Fox to do what he wants. That... affection and attention also get Fox to do anything opposite his usual mayhem.
That's right, folks. Fox is an affection whore. Little Fox would DENY that he wants to snug up against his Jedi like Wolffe does with his Jedi, Master Plo. But, what is a tyke to do when he is offered a reading session?
Speaking of Wolffe and Fox—two food-motivated Clones? Fox is always stealing food from other Littles, and this is one of the only ways to trigger an aggressive response out of Darling Wolffe.
This actually goes into an event I want to share that will fully show Fox's true character.
The usual band of Little CCs—Cody, Wolffe, bb Rex, Bly, and Fox—are playing in the Hall of Fountains. Their usually observant Jedi are chattering together in a circle while the kids just run around.
There is a BIG OLE SCREAM! Ever heard a small child scream from pain and fear? Ever seen what it does to any adults in the vicinity?
Instinct is strong.
The Jedi RAN towards the scream. There they find the little Clones gathered around a Fox that is on the floor, crying his little heart out, face scrunched up with all his emotions, and a hand holding the same side of his head.
Fox has fallen and hit his head.
And he is full-on acting like this is going to be the death of him. TRAGEDY, we say, tragedy.
One of the Jedi asks what happened, and the others explain that Wolffe pushed Fox... which is why Fox is making the scene that he is. Unfortunately, the scene looks kind of bad for Wolffe, which is typically out of character for him—he is one of the calmest of them, the most people-pleasing of the bunch, and very sensitive on behalf of others.
Except Fox is a master at pushing other people's buttons. Push. Push. Jab... JABjabJABjabJABjabJABjabJABjab. No matter what, someone shouldn't push.
Wolffe looks ready to burst into tears.
Now, until then, Fox hasn't really said anything. He's just sobbed for his tragedy. There might have been some blubbering about the AGONY. But, when it looks like Wolffe might actually be held responsible or even reprimanded—a reminder, Wolffe is very sensitive, and one whiff of disapproval from those in authority, especially Plo, and the guy's world is OVER—Fox says through his tears—
"He didn't MEAN to do it! He didn't push HARD. I tripped!"
This story will be significant to summarize the character of our Commander Fox, even as a tyke. He will cause mischief. He will pester and bother on purpose or not. He will talk anyone's ear off. And... he bites.
Doesn't mean that he's going to let someone take blame or condemnation for something they were not responsible for, especially if it would hurt them like it would hurt Wolffe.
Mace was mighty proud of his little menace that day. He also wasn't surprised in the least bit.
Meme Ref.
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randomfoggytiger · 8 months
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"Something Approaching a Normal Life"
(Fictober, Day 10)
Prompts from @agent-troi ("Scully invites Mulder to Thanksgiving dinner because it’s close to the anniversary of Samantha’s disappearance and she doesn’t want him to be alone" and "Mulder and Scully try to plan and host a dinner party, inspired mainly by the comedy of errors that is the dinner party episode of frasier...") and one of my sisters ("October in Christmas", "Thanksgiving", and "Signs the movie".)
*****
Mulder had another thing coming if he thought he could squizzle out of a foolhardy trip to the Bermuda Triangle with nothing more than a healthy bruise and a sweet word or two.
Although-- truthfully-- the blame lay more with his loopy bedside confession than any earlier, clear-headed, ill-advised action. 
***** 
“Thanksgiving?” 
Scully shifted her stance, heels rocking as she folded her arms a little tighter. “Yes.” 
“With your family?” 
This time she focused on the bullpen carpet, lisping out a softer, “...Yes.” 
Mulder didn’t know what to say. Everything seemed too polite or too ungrateful. 
“I know we don’t usually….”
There were a lot of things they didn’t usually, but holidays were high on the list. And considering the batch of Thanksgivings they’d experienced, always apart-- last year jumping straight from a botched team building seminar into small town shenanigans, the year before that caught up with Krycek and Congress, the year before that strung tight between secrets and diseases carted around in explosive train cars, and their first ever one nearly spent in volcanic quarantine-- broaching him to celebrate this one was…
Unexpected. 
"Are you... sure, Scully?"
“Mulder….” Scully stepped a little closer, craning her head back further. Utterly baffled. “Are you… shy?” 
Sometimes he forgot that his five-foot-almost-nothin’ partner had his number from day one. “I think a better word would be hesitant. And,” he rushed on, “not without precedent.” 
She was smiling too smugly for him to continue pursuing whatever point he was trying to make. “Christmas in October didn’t count then, Mulder, and it doesn’t now.” 
“‘Well, that’s another opinion--’,” he mush-mouthed. 
“‘And I respect it’, yeah.” Scully leaned even more forward, eyebrow pushing its customary way up. “Are you coming to Mom’s party, or do I have to tell her that you refused a personal invitation to sit at home in the dark?” 
Maggie Scully already knew about his lonely, isolated couch nights-- far more than Scully herself was aware.
Mulder couldn't bring himself to ruin her Thanksgiving, too. 
*****
Twelve hours later he and Scully were setting out dinnerware while studiously trying to ignore the escalating toddler meltdowns howling behind them. 
Her mother's house was packed, sardines of all shapes and sizes amiably chatting, swapping stories, or helpfully guiding the endless schools of Catholic children with admonishments and head pats (though he was amused to notice which cross wearers scowled at each other over unspoken but blatantly different opinions on birth control.) It had been subdued, pleasant even: Bill hadn’t taken the easy Mulder bait, Tara had darted here and there after Matthew, and various faces swam curiously in and out of their bubble to acquaint and chit chat. It had been easy to navigate strange waters-- Mulder kept an aquarium at home, after all. 
The problem started when one little tyke fell backwards against his sister or cousin (or an unholy mix of the two), a loud smack resounding mere seconds before both burst into tears. Then the other children got caught in the emotional tow; and the chaos spilled over until most of the room was either screaming or consoling. 
Scully practically fled the scene, Mulder following in her wake. And now they were setting an already set table together.  
When everyone's emotions began to settle and calm, Scully apologetically sighed. He waited, knowing there was more. 
“‘Christmas in October’.” She ruefully smiled. “How do we do it?”
“It’s part of the job-- the unexplained finds us.” Neither mentioned there wasn’t much unexplained in their current scutwork. “But…” he paused, letting her sweat a bit, “despite a few…”
“‘Unexplained’ things,” she filled in, flatly. 
“--happenings--,” he supplied. She snorted at his exhaustless ability to grab for the last word; and he rewarded it with a soft shoulder tap. “--I’ve been having a whale of a time.” 
*****
The post-turkey tryptophanic haze loosened up Mulder's subconscious mind enough to make a few gnarly connections. 
Tomorrow, November 27, 25 years. Black Friday. 
He looked across the room, locked onto Scully’s eyes and waited until she met his. They immediately confirmed his suspicions-- a good liar his partner was not-- and blinked with indecision, one lash closing faster than the other. But it never took Scully long to recover her footing: she let something like pride (and a sentiment that matched his black and blue cheek) take shape and sparkle at him before ducking away.
Mulder knew her own haunted holiday was coming up soon, ghosts hovering around every corner. He’d have to find a way to return the favor. 
“Who ya gonna call?" he sang under his breath. "Ghostbusters!”
Bill, walking by with three of the messiest children over five Mulder had ever seen, scowled at him. 
Muzzily, he decided relaxing via tryptophan might work if the tv ever went kaput.
*****
Maggie packed her favorite invite two large to-go containers (one filled almost exclusively with sweet potato pie) and waved off his half-hearted volunteers to clean up. “Fox, I wouldn’t dream of having a guest help out. And Dana’s your ride home, so you two better get going.” 
Taking one last look at the aftermath, Mulder understood now why his mother had kept celebratory dinners intimate or large gatherings outside during respectable daylight hours.
He drove on renewed energy from his doze while Scully picked at something she called a cheerio salad and he called a marketing gimmick. 
“You know, Scully…” he mused, waiting for her assenting hum, “I think tonight went well.”
“In what world,” she scowled, digestive funk breath spilling towards him in a huff. 
“Nothing bad happened. No major damage was done. I even have a fan club.”
“Mulder, Uncle Moses taking one look at you, running over, and having the nerve to be naively disappointed that ‘the jury’s still out’ on your ancestry does not even begin to cover tonight.” 
“And then he sat for thirty minutes listening to swamp monster stories."
"He thought you starred in a nonexistent movie called 'Signs', Mulder."
"What I mean, Scully, is that there were good people tonight. Good food, even. Better than my usual fair. It was-- it was nice. Thanks for inviting me over.” 
Mulder suspected she was smiling, widely, relieved and touched. “Any time, Mulder.” 
*****
Over the holiday weekend, he got a call from Area 51. 
Christmas plans would have to wait.
*****
Thank you for reading~
Enjoy!
Tagging @today-in-fic and @xffictober2023 and @fictober-event
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storiesbyjes2g · 1 year
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Barrel of Maxis Fun
Hey ho! Y'all know I can't leave you without giving up the Maxis goods lol. Melany was all smiles and super ready to say I do. Nick looked like he was several steps ahead. 😏
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Unfortunately for them, however, very few were paying attention to the wedding of the century while the babies stole the show.
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Levi, like story Nick, thought they were adorable. Yvonne mumbled something about "home training." Bailey hoped their grandma or someone was coming to get them soon because they missed their nap.
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Jorden thought the little tykes weren't so bad. I hope that means he's preparing himself for his and Anissa's future kids. Nadia is having a tiny crisis lol. She's not ready for grandma life quite yet but knows she'll probably be one soon. I think she's looking at the babies running around and trying on the idea lol. Marianna is just laughing at her little sibs.
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Noemi has sworn off children for the 17th time today lol.
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Their dad is super embarrassed lol. Y'all see Loren in the back? Her baby also stole the show and sent her to the toilet.
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When she came back, she was compelled to ask for Nate's autograph, to which he said, "Are you serious right now???" 😂
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The only person unphased by the little hams is our boy Kameron, of course. There is no way in the world he's missing this! Oh, and Q too. I think he was keeping an eye on Nick, making sure he didn't faint or something lol.
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Who did miss the whole thing? The Vines! I don't know what Billie was yelling about (we totally know what she was yelling about lol), but Ezra tried his best to maintain his innocence. 🤣 Meanwhile, Evie took a page out of B & Q's book and is on that "we don't know them kids" tip LOL.
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And that's it!! Our couple is legally Maxis married now!!! And it has been literal years since my sims sat during a wedding!! I couldn't believe it! I think that was even less believable than them being married now LOL.
Anyway...if you think it's over, I've got some oceanfront property in Strangerville to sell you! We just getting started, y'all! I'm gonna take another wee break while I gather the courage to film this reception. You guys should use this time to refill your drinks AND your tissues. Get extra cuz you'll need 'em! See ya around!!
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oigimi · 2 years
Text
. arthur, napoleon, and theo with mc's little siblings! .
. aaaa it feels so good to be back! there's some slight romantic undertones between mc and the suitors but it isn't too strong! i also made the siblings younger kids :) .
Arthur
As we know, this womanizing Brit absolutely adores children.
He had many siblings growing up, so he knows exactly how to take care of them.
It’s fun to have a change of pace around the mansion, anyway. Sometimes it can get boring, believe it or not!
So your little siblings are really great for him to have around!
Always looking for an excuse to take off work, he offers you to babysit them while they do their daily mansion chores.
He takes the little tykes to every toy store in Paris.
Arthur is a rich boy, remember?
They leave every store with huge bags of gifts.
Plushies, dolls, toy trains, anything that even remotely piqued their interest, Arthur got them.
And don’t forget the candy store.
That place was not ready for how much business they were about to get.
Arthur probably bought out half the inventory.
It’s amazing that they were able to carry everything home.
When you find out, you're equally shocked and pleased.
On one hand, kids shouldn’t be spoiled for no reason!
But on the other hand, as Arthur explains, their siblings are in a brand new place far away from home, and could probably use something to make them smile and remind them of their home.
You agree, apologize, and thank Arthur for all he did for the kids.
But it doesn’t end there.
The brilliant author found a lot of inspiration in the new housemates.
Aside from writing his least favorite detective series ever, he also wrote a lot of poems and short stories.
So he picks up his pen and writes tons and tons of stories and poems for the kids!
He picks their favorite things and writes each one a personalized anthology of fiction.
Obviously, they’re overjoyed.
They ask you or Arthur to read them one of the stories every night before bed.
And how could either of you say no?
Seeing your siblings so happy, even in this new unfamiliar place, warms your heart and makes you feel safer yourself.
As you leave your siblings’ room, you turn and hug Arthur, thanking him for everything he’s done.
Spoiling your siblings fills a void in his heart.
He never got to do this for his own when he was growing up, so it makes him feel good when he gets to do things for your own.
He’ll always be there for them, and for you.
Napoleon
Like Arthur, he adores kids.
He’s got his school for teaching kids how to defend themselves, amongst other school subjects.
If that’s a school, your siblings get a whole private academy.
Since you’re all living in the mansion, they get access to pretty much any book they could think about having access to is there for them.
He’s already extremely impressed by how smart they are.
He’s not used to seeing young kids even be able to read and write where he grew up, let alone read above their grade level and do math.
Your siblings honestly see Napoleon’s teachings as more of a game than actual school, though.
He’s pretty amused when the youngest asks if they can be the teacher one day.
Unable to say no, he sits down on the floor with the others and listens to the intellectual seminar delivered by this small child.
They even give him homework to do!
But because everyone’s having so much fun, he does it.
And he gets an A+ on his assignment.
They also kind of see his self defense classes as a game too.
They think they’re playing soldiers.
Which they kind of are.
Napoleon gives them toy swords to practice with so they don’t hurt themselves.
They learn real techniques while having lots of fun.
Since they’re pretty young, they don’t really know the gravity of being taught swordsmanship by Napoleon Bonaparte himself.
But who cares, really? They’re having fun.
And you know what happens after a long day of play.
Naptime.
As well as being the champion of fighting, we know Napoleon is the champion of naps.
So it comes to no surprise when you come into the library to dust one day, and you see everyone sprawled out on the floor for a quick snooze.
You grin wide, wishing you had a camera to take a picture of the adorable sight.
Your siblings absolutely love Napoleon.
It seems that the smiles never stop when he’s around.
And his loud, obnoxious laughter is contagious.
Monsieur de Wahaha never fails to get everyone laughing when he bursts into a fit himself.
Sometimes it can seem annoying to have everyone ganging up and laughing at you, but you can’t help but join in yourself.
It’s scary for kids to be in such an unusual situation, so seeing them so happy and comfortable fills you with such joy.
From playtime to naptime, Napoleon is there to make sure your siblings are safe and happy.
And you just can’t thank him enough.
Theo
Theo’s a bit unlike Arthur and Napoleon.
He’s not quite as entertaining and “big brotherly” as they are.
He was the little one growing up, after all.
His upbringing renders him a little unsure how to manage all the kids running around the mansion all of a sudden.
Even though he’s unsure, he knows one thing everyone likes.
Dogs.
Your siblings adore King, and they’re always wanting to rub his belly and play catch with him.
The golden retriever is confused by all the new attention, but you can tell he loves it!
But Theo needs to do more.
Thankfully, there’s always one person he can always turn to for advice.
Big broer Vincent is loaded with wisdom, and he suggests having a little art gallery for the kids to put on.
Theo likes this idea a lot.
So he runs out and gets tons and tons of canvases and paint for your siblings.
He explains to them that in three days, they’re going to show everyone in the mansion everything they paint.
There’s no theme, just make whatever you want.
Your siblings really like this idea, and they even make it into a bit of a contest.
When Theo explains his job as an art dealer, they ask if he can pick out the best painting out of all of theirs.
He says he will, and the winner gets a big stack of pancakes all for themselves.
Naturally, this boosts the competitive spirit.
They work as hard as they can to create the most vibrant, captivating, innovative piece of art they can possibly put out.
As the kids work, Theo realizes he can’t pick a favorite out of all of them.
Each kid put in so much work and dedication into each one, and it would crush them if they didn’t win the contest.
The night before the gallery, Theo makes a stack of pancakes for each one and hides them.
Everyone is captivated by the paintings your siblings made, especially you.
Your favorite is a “family portrait” the youngest made, featuring you, all of them, and Theo.
They explain that they see you with Theo all the time, and tease that you like him.
Flustered, you just laugh it off and continue the gallery.
At the end, the “winner” is revealed.
All the kids are overjoyed when they each get their prize.
It warms Theo’s heart to see them chowing down on his food, thanking him with the biggest grins their cheeks can support.
Maybe he’s doing something right after all.
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[Portrait of my mother, taken by my son :: 2000]
* * * * *
Always a day late [and a dollar short] :: remembering the anniversary of my mother's death.
Here is Ruth again. The anniversary of her death is here. The beginning of this blog was the end of her life so this is also an anniversary for this blog.
What to say about my mother 20+ years after her death? I'm getting closer to the age she was when she died which is disconcerting. A part of my experience of time is frozen with her death. Still. As I remember her I appreciate her more and know her less.
I had a lot of long [all night long] conversations with my mother in the several years before she died.If you've ever had a searching conversation with a schizophrenic it's a fascinating experience. We jumped from reality to reality in a way that is very hard to describe.  As a matter of fact I can't recall any of the content of these intense conversations.  They had the quality of meditation or prayer.  Of listening.  Both of us intensely listened.
I think those conversations were to prepare me for the conversations that we have now, now that she has died.  They may die but they don't really go away.  In those conversations we were memorizing each other.  We were recording the whorls of the fingerprints of one another so that we wouldn't ever be lost to each other.I guess that's just my fantasy or how I explain things to myself.
I'm watching our home movies that show our trip on "The Flying Cloud." There's a lot of film of people's backs. We see them going but not coming.  I just want a good long look at their/ our faces. One of the things I do is look at people's posture so I'm analyzing my family's posture on the film. We are people who are very bad liars and even worse at hiding how we feel. My mother loved that trip. I guess my father was already planning to leave us, so this would have been a "fuck you" trip. 
It's always bugged me that our mother loved it so much, as if it represented a new beginning. She had always wanted our father to do something nice for her. So she got a "goodbye cruise."
My mother had a hell of a temper. She could swear using words I still don't know the meaning of. She was swearing in tongues - divine words of frustration and condemnation. After our father left I heard her say many times that now her life was over. But it wasn't. Not by a long shot. Then in the year before she died, she said that it had occurred to her that she might live to be 100 so she should maybe make some plans.*
Now I'm at the place in the home movies where the super-8 movie camera mostly shakes and whites out.  It provides just a tiny peek and the tiny tykes my brothers and I were - appearing and disappearing with a quick dash of my mother then my father.  I think it was 1949 or 1950.  Can't we just have a sustained look at someone?  Can't we just look and look at them? It is just out of the corner of an eye before it's gone.
That was my mother.  We didn't really get to see her.  Just glimpses of her and then her back as she was cooking or walking away or working on one of her projects.  Projects made out of clay or ripping the sofa apart to put on new upholstery, where the incomplete project lay on the living room floor for weeks.  
There was more a flavor to her - or a spell.  
I look at photos of young teenage me and think - she had no idea that she had the power to cast a spell.  
My mother didn't know her powers, her magical self.  That's the real shame of her and her life trajectory. She possessed so much magic and never really knew.  Because there wasn't anyone who could or would tell her.*
*
“(and I think silently: love is a bow-string pulled back to the point of breaking)”
— Marina Tsvetaeva, trans. by Elaine Feinstein, from Bride of Ice: “Poem of the End”
*
And death shall have no dominion
Dylan Thomas - 1914-1953 And death shall have no dominion. Dead men naked they shall be one With the man in the wind and the west moon; When their bones are picked clean and the clean bones gone, They shall have stars at elbow and foot; Though they go mad they shall be sane, Though they sink through the sea they shall rise again; Though lovers be lost love shall not; And death shall have no dominion. And death shall have no dominion. Under the windings of the sea They lying long shall not die windily; Twisting on racks when sinews give way, Strapped to a wheel, yet they shall not break; Faith in their hands shall snap in two, And the unicorn evils run them through; Split all ends up they shan't crack; And death shall have no dominion. And death shall have no dominion. No more may gulls cry at their ears Or waves break loud on the seashores; Where blew a flower may a flower no more Lift its head to the blows of the rain; Though they be mad and dead as nails, Heads of the characters hammer through daisies; Break in the sun till the sun breaks down, And death shall have no dominion.
[from a post on “Alive On All Channels”]
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dmsden · 2 years
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Monster of the Month - Otyugh
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Hullo, Gentle Readers. September is here, the heat seems to finally be dropping a bit, and we have a new Monster of the Month. This month, we're looking at that delightfully disgusting garbage-dweller - the Otyugh. As always, big thanks to Scott Fabianek for providing the wonderfully gross original art.
Otyughs are one of those monsters that're pure D&D. They aren't based on mythology or a story; one must assume they came out of Gary Gygax's imagination. appearing first in 1977's Monster Manual. I've seen speculation that they may be based on the trash-compactor monster from Star Wars (the dianoga if you're as geeky as me), but the Monster Manual came out only about seven months later, so that doesn't seem super-likely.
Otyughs inhabit an important place in a dungeon's ecosystem; they get rid of carrion, offal, and other nasty waste. It's not hard to imagine dungeon dwellers learning to take advantage of an otyugh's presence, throwing their leavings down a pit to be dealt with the nasty thing. "Dump that bucket down the well, but if you hear or see anything funny, move away quick. Old Slargbargh's down there, and he'll eat fresh as soon as rotten."
Looking at an otyugh's stat block, we see a lot of interesting stuff. They're aberrations, which suggests that they originally hail from the Far Realm. This makes sense, given their monstrous appearance, their tentacles, and their touch of psionic power in the form of their limited telepathy (more on that later). Their abilities are decent, but their high Constitution save makes them extremely hearty creature...makes sense that a beast that wallows in filth is unlikely to succumb to poison, disease, and the like.
It has a nice, solid multi-attack of a bite and two tentacles. Given that the tentacles have a 10 foot reach, and they enforce both the Grappled and Restrained conditions on their targets, this is clearly its primary mode of attack. The bite, although shorter in reach, does more damage and carries a very nasty disease. Not only does that impose the Poisoned condition, but it carries a wasting sickness as well that slowly drains the sick person's maximum hit points. While this sounds scary, characters able to take on the otyugh (with its challenge rating of 5) are likely to have access to the lesser restoration spell.
The really fun sounding ability an otyugh has is its power to tentacle slam creatures. The image of this bloated, monstrous creature either slamming grappled opponents into each other, the ground ,a wall, the ceiling, etc is very cinematic. And not only do they take a decent amount of damage (more than the original tentacle damage, actually), but they can be Stunned as well. Very dangerous situation for the PCs.
By far the most unique element of an otyugh encounter is the creature's limited telepathy. Otyughs only speak their own language, but they can transmit simple messages and images to creatures. Since they're not particularly stealthy, this seems like a good way for an otyugh to lure its prey in. As you get closer to the pit, you hear a cry, like a child, from within. You can't make out the words, but they sound so pathetic. Surely you can't abandon the tyke!
As I mentioned before, an otyugh seems like a really likely creature for other dungeon denizens to know about and to use. The bullywugs might pretend they have treasure hidden in the midden pit, or they might tell the PCs that's here they've got the prisoners stashed. When the PCs seem to hear a call for help, that'll add to the scene the bullyugs are laying. But what emerges as they approach, or lashes tentacles out at them, certainly isn't the prisoners. Let's hope the prisoners are elsewhere, because, otherwise, they're likely in the belly of the beast!
This is a monster I would be sure to describe in lavish detail, especially when describing the nauseating smell of it, the sucking, smacking sounds of its huge mouth, the pain of the piercing tentacle barbs, and the foul breath and rotten teeth as someone gets dragged into a bite. I would 100% play up the scene for complete grossness.
I hope this article has you drooling to add an otyugh to your adventure. Next month is October, so we're bringing a creepy creature of darkness from Japanese mythology into the light. Until then, may you spot the otyugh in the garbage before it spots you!
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sonicasura · 1 year
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A ramble on one of @radioactivepeasant 's post comments here.
I haven't seen many people do this but the Kid having a different guardian instead of Kor. Sometimes I portray Jak finding him first or taking the tyke from Kor/Underground under a hunch that they can't be trusted with his safety. Considering they try to shove him into a death trap rite of manhood and put him on the THRONE, that judgment is very sound.
Well, I rambled about a different guardian: Link. Specifically post Majora's Mask iteration as I'm still on a Legend of Zelda kick. He ends up in Haven Forest through the Lost Woods side of Termina and got into Haven City albeit pissing off the Krimzon Guard in the process.
Link uses the Deku Mask to evade the guards only to bump into the Kid alongside his little Crocadog who I'll call Cujo(Danny Phantom reference). Now we all know our Hylian hero couldn't leave a kid on his own especially when it becomes clear the tyke is wanted. Thus Link decides he would watch out for the two.
Now, our hero mostly stays in Deku Scrub form as he not have this form be linked to him. Plus his small stature makes it easier to avoid being caught while they try to survive in Haven. Thus only the Kid and Cujo knows what Link really looks like.
Cue Daxter breaking Jak out of prison as the trio run into our reunited Demolition Duo. From here, Link and Mar decide to be little gremlins by making a game. They want to see how long it takes for everyone to realize that the 'strange wooden puppet' isn't actually one.
If Link has to use his other masks or items, then he switches when no one is looking like Superman. This change of guardians does lead to plot points such as Spargus being introduced earlier than in canon. Link knows there's something about the Kid that has everyone after him.
He WILL gather information which leads to seeking Sig's help and the huge chain reaction. Although Link is definitely getting adopted by Damas as the king clearly has the Batman instinct. Plus I love the idea of Dadmas on the same level as Fierce Dadity.
Everyone thinks Jak gets into the most trouble but they're about to learn the hard way that he has some serious competition.
If Linked Universe gets involved then this Link's nickname will be Mask just like in Hyrule Warriors. Jak and Daxter are definitely joining since they aren't letting their new little brother get dragged into an insane quest such as this alone. Damas will be pissed of course, no doubt ready to throw hands with Dink. Hylia too since every hero that has to save this particular world is always an incarnation of his newly adopted son.
Everyone is pretty much done with the whole destiny/prophecy trope. Plus the absolute awkwardness when Time ends up meeting a younger version of him. One who clearly had a much better time than he gotten at that age.
Warriors is probably gonna want a drink as he now has to deal with shenanigans on the same level as the War of Eras but cubed. Then again, every responsible Link might be joining him as the gremlin members add onto the chaos like gasoline on a fire.
That's all I have for now! Until next time folks, I'll see you at the crossroads between Spargus and Hyrule.
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blackhakumen · 1 year
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Mini Fanfic #1098: Fathersome Morning (Sonic)
9:34 p.m. at Vector and Vanilla's Bedroom.........
Vanilla: (Giggles Softly at the Old Photos from Vector's Old Family Album) Awwwww~ Honey!~ You look so precious as a baby!~ Didn't know you were a skilled drummer too!~ (Giggles Some More)
Vector: (Chuckles Lightly While Rubbing the Back of his Head Back and Forth) Yeah, I was a pretty loud and obnoxious little tyke growing up.
Vector turns a page of the album to show more pictures of himself in his younger years, most of which involves annoying his late father.
Vector: Always finding ways to make my old man blow a casket.
Vanilla: (Notices a Picture of her Husband in his Teenage Years) Even when you were a teenager? You look so shy and handsome. (Turns to Vector With a Small Pout on her Face) I don't get why you weren't a catch with the ladies back then
Vector: (Shrugs Sheepishly) Being a nerd in a popularity focused high school could do that to ya. And sure, I might've been shy and awkward at the time, but it didn't stop me from getting on my dad's nerves, especially on his bad days.
Vanilla: He sounds pretty strict.
Vector: Yeah, but he still did everything he could raised me to be the best I can be for myself till the bitter end.
Vanilla: 'Till the bitter end?'....
Vector: (Starts Frowning at the Painful Memory) He.....died from a stroke after my graduation night....
Vanilla: (Let's Out a Soft Gasp Before Giving her Husband a Loving Hug) Oh my poor baby, I'm so sorry for your loss....
Vector: (Hugs his Wife Back) Thanks, 'hon. It's sucks not having him around, but I'm he was able to live his life beforehand. (Chuckles Lightly) He would've been hooting and hollering in joy to see me with a beautiful wife and family.
Vanilla: (Giggles Softly) That would've been a thrill to be. (Places her Hands on Both of her Cheeks While Bashfully Twisting Herself From Side-to-Side) Meanwhile, I'd get nervous just by looking at him.
Vector: With your loving and nurturing personality, there's no way my man would think lowly of you.
Vanilla: (Smiles Softly as She Snuggles onto Vector's Embrace) You're too kind, dear~ My father would've love you and your personality as well if he were still here right now.....
Vector: (Frowns a Bit) He passed away too, didn't he?
Vanilla: ('Sigh') When i was a lot younger..... He was sickly man from what mother told me at time. But like yours, he too lived the best life that he could for himself.
Vector: That's good to hear. (Looks Up at the Ceiling) I hope they're do alright up there.
Vanilla: I'm sure they are, dear, but I'm also certain that they wouldn't want us to worry about them forever.
Vector: You got that right. (Starts Yawning and Streching his Arms Up.in the Air) In the meantime, I'm gonna continue doing my part as a detective and a father to our little ruffians.
Vanilla: (Smiles Brightly) And I'll do my best to help and support every step of way. (Gives Vector a Kiss on the Cheek)
'Knock Knock Knock'
Vanilla: Ooh and speaking of which....(Turns to Hers and Vector's Bedroom Door) It's open!~
'Door Opens'
Cream: (Happily Runs into the Room) Good Morning, mommy and daddy!~
Charmy: (Flies into the Room With Cheese Following Behind) Top of the morning to ya!
Cheese: Chao Chao!!
Vector: (Smiles Brightly) Morning- ('Oof') (Winces in a Bit of Pain Once The Kids Hug Tackled Him) kids....
Vanilla: (Gives the Trio a Motherly Glare) Now, kids, what did I say about hugging your father and I are in the bed?
Cream/Charmy/Cheese: (Let's Go of Vector and Sat Down the Bed) That we should always ask for permission first lest we make him cranky...../Chao Chao Chaochao......
Vector: Oh come on, I'm not cranky. But your mom's right on the money. But since I'm in the greater of all moods today, I'll let it slide for now. (Happily Opens his Arms Wide) Speaking bring it in, kids!
Cream/Charmy/Cheese: Yay!/Chao! (Happily Hugs Vector)
Vanilla giggles softly at this adorable scene before hearing another footsteps walking in the room.
?????: Seems like everyone's awake now.
Vanilla: (Smiles Brightly at Espio Standing by the Doorway) Indeed they are~ Did you have a good night's sleep, Espio)
Espio: (Simply Nodded) I did. (Walks Over to Vanilla's Side of the Bed) I thought about something we could do for Vector on Father's Day coming up.
Vanilla: Really now? Do tell~
Espio watches carefully to see the kids distracting Vector with their love and attention before quickly turning back to Vanilla and wjisper in her ears about the upcoming plan, which managed to intrigue her quite a bit shortly after.
Vanilla: (Happily Clasps her Hands Together) Oh Espio, that sounds like a wonderful idea!~ Vector would love that very much.
Espio: I have no doubt in my mind that we will. I just hope we'd be careful enough not to make too much of a mess in the kitchen when the time comes. And by we, I mostly definitely mean Charmy and Cheese......
Vanilla: I'll make sure they'll be on their best behavior. In the meantime, come over here and give your momma big 'ol morning hug!~ (Pulls Espio into a Tight, Yet Loving Hug)
Espio: (Winces a Bit) As high spirited as ever I see?
Vanilla: Only when I'm with the people I know and love~
Espio: (Sighs While Hugging Vanilla Back With a Small Smile) We love you too, mother. Thank you.
@rechicken-and-waffles
@vectorfan2
@cyber-wildcat
@albion-93
@ma-lemons
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canidkid · 1 year
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Castlevania Main Three
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Agere headcanons :]
(because I am not normal abt these characters and I NEVER WILL BE RAAHHHH!!!!!)
Minor spoilers ahead for all seasons!!
Alucard
Look me in the eye right now and tell me he wouldn't regress. That's right, you can't!!!
After,, well just everything. He'd struggle to find the mental space to feel safe again. With himself, with his companions. Childhood is as good a bet as any.
Quiet kid, prefers to keep to himself or whoever is directly taking care of him. It isn't that he can't or won't talk, he just doesn't see much of a point in it. It also depends on his age in headspace at the given time. He can honestly get pretty chatty if you find some common ground with the older kid!!
It's subtle, but it's there. Someone who doesn't know the guy really wouldn't realize when they've stopped interacting with a grown adult. He'll trip over words or be slower to respond, but if he's forced to pretend to be an adult..he's got people fooled pretty well most of the time.
Sleepy little guy, very cozy! Likes to curl up in front of the fireplace and just lay there listening to it crackle and burn. Especially if there's a soft carpet...
Still keeps & sleeps with one of his childhood stuffed animals. A wolf named Luna.
Not huge on physical contact. Sometimes he'll subject himself to hugs and cuddles if he's getting story time out of it though >:]]
Trevor
I'm actually torn here! He's either a flip or just fully a regressor.
Rowdy. Someone wrap him in wool. Loves loves to play outside and just absolutely decimate anything he's wearing. Nice new pants? Not for long!!
Banned from anything that could be used as a weapon. Wooden swords, ropes, sharp things..none for Trevor! Because he can and will actually weaponize them. Sometimes forgets his own strength..learned the hard way...
Can't read. This one's actually canon! BUT!! This does not stop him from absolutely loving being read to. He's partially memorized some of his favorite books so he can pretend to read along with his CG, or "read" by himself.
Same with writing. He's learning though!!
Prefers things like wooden figurines or games over soft toys and blankets! Though, he does love a nice fur throw! He's still hesitant to really let himself buy into the softness and vulnerability. God knows he needs it, but we also know how stubborn he is.
His regression isn't as emotionally turbulent as Alucard's. They both use it to return to a time in their lives when things were alright. Though, Trevor is more likely to go out of his way and actually play / take time to be small. Rather than feeling so overwhelmed with big feelings™ that he can't do much else than process. Which is often the case for Alucard.
Sypha
Caregiver through & through! Sypha's that well adjusted friend you thought couldn't actually exist irl.
A lot of her fulfillment actually comes from taking care of her boys! She's always been good with kids, speakers being incredibly communally focused. There's not much that can't be learned about child rearing..
Quite lenient. They're content to let the kids figure things out for themselves. Very very much a gentle parent. Anything can be a teaching moment, nothing requires harsh punishment.
Most often found shadowed by their boys! They'd be hitting the books or brushing up on their magic skills, all the while being watched by two very curious little tykes.
PET NAME MASTER!! She absolutely refuses to call her kiddos by their actual names. I mean, of course she does sometimes, but why would you? Darling, sweetness, sweetpea, honeybee...the list goes on! Alucard has even taken a shine to being called pup! Trevor prefers bug!
Bed time stories galore!!! Between their extensive comprehension of spoken and written language - and the mental stores of the speaker community...the material is near endless! "Just one more story?" Has turned into a multiple person sleep pile many a time.
Excellent at coming up with games and activities. Nobody's bored with Sypha! Let's make jam, let's paint, dye some clothing, forage for food...
And I need to cut myself short here before I stay up past my bed time writing this post!!! Aaaa!!!
Anyway anyway my ask box is open so of anybody would like separate character posts, ficlets, dabbles!!!! Fill up the inbox?! >:]]
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for the ask game- C is for care! What do you do to care for your pokemon, and how do they care for you?
Oh boy. This is gonna be a long one.
I have,,, so many mons now. It's a little insane. Actually, let's pack this under a cut.
Prima (Roserade, female, Shiny)
My beloved Starter. I met her when I was 16!
I pamper her relentlessly. She has a battery-charged daylight lamp back in my hut in Hisui and I have never forgotten to buy new batteries once. She gets pruned every month so she can move freely. Just. Ahhh,,, I love her very much. She protects me from so many wild Mons. She's the best 💜
Nino (Flygon, male)
The stealthiest Bug I've ever met. He is so very neat and the best ambusher I have. He gets to free-fly every evening. I hope Palina has been looking after him alright in my absence...
Linux (common Arcanine, male)
My trusty partner in ingredient searching! Seriously, Linux probably remembers more about cooking than I do. He gets along great with Palina's pack, too - I'm at least very sure he's doing just fine.
Passenger (Galvantula, female)
This not-so-little-anymore buddy evolved during our travels through Route 6 yesterday! (Amongst others - I'll get to that in a moment.)
I got her from Boss Emmet and she lived in my pockets for half a week before I noticed her. She's surprisingly good at snapping me out of moods - and my battery buying has doubled because of her. Right now, I have to keep her in her ball more often than not - Ren has arachnophobia, after all.
Thera (Sylveon, female)
THERA MY BELOVED. My therapy Mon - hence the, uh, rather uncreative nickname, heh. Arc, she's the best. I buy her... a lot of treats. Probably too many. She deserves all of them for dealing with my,,, immense amount of psychological issues. The anxiety is just the start, really.
Annie (Mismagius, female)
For lack of access to Thera at the time, Annie ate my anxiety for several weeks, which... probably contributed to why she's a lot more chill than others of her evolutionary line. I... really hope she's okay, wherever she ended up when I got to Galar...
Jet (Altaria, male)
My first real flyer! Saved my ass during the Michina Incident. I sing together with him a lot. Or, I did.
Cymbal (Togepi, male)
The other member of our impromptu musical troupe! Baby. Literal baby. I hatched him from an egg. Oh arc, I hope he's okay...
Isle (Gastrodon West Sea, male)
Probably my most adventurous Mon, I found him lost in the wrong half of Sinnoh during my... roughly two months with the Chosen Kiddo. Always keeps his cool - in that he's always very enthusiastic about whenever we ended up. A bit annoying when we got lost, but... he's a sweetheart, really. Likes mud baths a LOT, much to my clothes' misfortune.
Hanabi (Cinderace, female)
Her and Kuroko are probably the quickest growing Mons I have... probably because I fed them EXP candies as treats. (Seriously. I got her a week ago at Level 5. It's a little insane.)
Hanabi likes dragging me around a lot - at least she's learned pretty quickly that she doesn't fit on my shoulders anymore... Much like Isle's positive nature, her enthusiasm keeps me grounded in the present.
Kuroko (Corviknight, female)
My second Flyer! Though I haven't used her as one just yet - she only evolved yesterday, after all. Much like Hanabi, she gets EXP candies as treats for good behaviour.
We met by way of her literally smacking into my face. She's great! A bit of an attention hog. I think Hanabi and her have developed a bit of a rivalry, actually. Despite that, they work together really well. I should test them out in a Double Battle sometime.
Conductor (Litwick, male)
The newest member of my (increasingly big) Pokémon team! I caught him during the Fire Gym mission, and he immediately reminded me of home, so he stayed.
I know better than to feed it too much of myself this time, so. Uh. I did something else which might have been just as bad of an idea.
the little tyke feeds off of me!
... believe it or not, Fragment volunteered. I think he likes the little candle.
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