#I should make one with my corresponding state ocs

[riniworld]

fulfil my wish

yandere!emperor oc x general!f!reader

warnings// obsession,yandere theme,mention of killing and blood,breaking bones,not proofread, let me know if i missed anything!

refrence// you,my love,flower,your majesty-honor, she/her

a/n//i don't actually know if all of this make sense-

it's been months since you've got married to taron,and you hated every second of it.

your place is in the field with a sword or in a war not in this luxurious life full of lazeness,but he prevented you from using the sword again saying it's too dangerous for an empress to go to the war.

in the start you didn't mind because you don't want to hold the sword against your home,but you can't handle it anymore when you couldn't even go out the castle.

your life start to become plain and boring,you literally had read the entire library.

whenever you open the topic with taron he close it immediately.

You've gave up on getting out from there and didn't argue about it more untill...

You have a younger sister who got married early to one of the soldiers who was under your wing, but he died in one of the battles so you took her and her children responsibilitys on you,You found a job for her to support herself and her children, and you visited them every month but after what happen you forget about her.

you were on your way to taron to give him some papers he had told you to bring because he forgot them in the room when you stumble on one of his correspondents telling him news about the empire and he mentioned something about your sister losing her job.

you had alot of questions first is that how does taron know about her? second Why does he receive her news? She doesn't even live here,but all those questions faded away when you realize you should go visit her.

You were jolted out of your thoughts when the door opened,the correspondent bow in respect and go.

taron smiled softly when he saw you "ah did you bring them already?"

you put the papers on his desk "what did the correspondent told you?" you asked like you didn't hear anything,maybe he'll told you what happen to your sister in details.

"Don't bother yourself with it, it's just normal news about the state of the empire"

you nod in acknowledge "I'll go now then,i need to do something"

"do you now? why don't we drink some tea together,We don't usually sit together" he took your hand and kissed the back of it

you pull your hand quickly "no thanks" then you left.

but then you stopped in your track,Why don't you get closer to him? Maybe he'll let you out the castle then? this idea hit you as you made your way back to him.

you opened the door aggressively "you know what let's drink tea together i don't have anything to do"

taron was confused as much as he was happy,did you finally decided to give him a chance?.

"sure,of course come sit" he said and pull the chair for you to sit on.

when you sat down he demanded the servants to bring two cups of tea in a rush

you sip from your cup in tense,since he sit down he kept just looking at you.

"your tea will get cold" you point out.

"hm?....ah yes,yeah right" he shake his head like he just come to his sense.

you roll your eyes when he wasn't looking.

he sip from his cup befor he speak "What is the reason for the sudden change in behavior,hm?....it's not like i'm complaining of course"

you pause thinking of a reason "...nothing really....I'm-just bored."

He raised his eyebrows in surprise "you're bored? Did the servants fail to bring you anything? do you need anything? should i punish someone?"

"whao there,it's nothing like that i just.....it's boring being here all the time"

he sigh "i don't like where this going to."

"why so? all i ask is a little walk in the cit-"

"no." he shuts you up immediately. "we've talked about that before,if you need anything I'll send someone to bring it to you."

"it's totally different! i need some fresh air"

"the garden is big enough"

"but it's annoying to be in the same place over and over again."

"look.." he say as he made his way to you taking your hands in his "it's all for your safety,we don't know what will happen if you set your foot outside the gates."

"i belive I'm more than capable of myself." you say in annoyance.

taron chuckle slightly "yes,i trust you can of course, let's just say i don't want anyone to see your beauty as well...If I didn't have to, I wouldn't let the servants see you at all"

"that's bullshit" you mutter under yout breath.

"i know you're not the type to stay in one place,but you'll get used to it"

you glare at him in anger and pull your hands from his.

taron sigh in frustration and ran his hand through his hair.

"is boredom the only reason that you want to go out?"

you stayed silent for a moment, "no...i want to visit my sister."

"...oh..you have a sister?"

what a liar,it taking everything in you to not punch him, "i do" you say between gritting teeth.

"don't worry about her,just tell me where is she and I'll take care of her." he smiled at you.

"no need, just let me visit her." you say in desperate.

"I'll think about it" he goes back to his side of the table "i would love to spend some more time with you but i have duties to attend" he say in an apologising tone.

you left the room without saying anything,knowing that it's just lies and he won't let you go.

you're laying down on the bed,you couldn't sleep last night thinking of ways to visit your sister.

Even if you can avoid the servants, you will not be able to avoid the guards outside.

you sigh and gets up to change,you'll think better in the fresh air.

When you open the door to leave, you're stopped by a guard standing at the door.

"please forgive me,your majesty,But it's orders you can't leave your room."

you scoff and get inside,that happened alot when taron get guests.

you sit beside the window looking out at the garden lost in thought,you heard rambling outside the door,that most be the servants busy providing hospitality,poor people.

but that when an idea crossed your mind,everyone busy with the guests,no one will notice you snaking out,And if you use a little of your power as an empress, you can leave, and no one will tell taron immediately.

you open the door again and cut the guard before he say anything "i need to use the lavatory."

the guard look between you and taron's guest room,you clear your throat to get his attention again "I'm sure taron wouldn't mind,in fact he might even get angry if he knew you didn't let me go." you feel a little guilty to use his fear against him but you know you had to,for your sister.

the guard stood in front of you in tense "as you wish,your majesty,but let me escort you."

you had no choice but to accept,now you're here in the toilet thinking about how to get rid of him.

You use one of the moves you had learned as a general,

You pull him in quickly as you apply enough pressure to the carotid arteries,while you cut off the blood flow to his brain, render him unconscious.

you mutter "sorry" and left,walking slowly to the outside gates you've bumped on one or two of the servants who questions you if you need anything or telling you that taron don't want you to go out now,but you brush it off by some excuses as he the one who told you to bring him something or you want something personal from a room.

You have successfully reached the outdoor garden, you made your way to the gates and the guards stopped you "sorry your honor but you are forbidden from leaving, it is the Emperor's orders"

you expected this to happen "I've been given permission to leave"

the guards look at each other and then one of them speak "excuse us but we have to ask his majesty about this"

"are you calling me a liar?" you say sternly.

the guard started to get tense and bow his head "i would never your honor!"

"it's-it's just for safety,your honor,so his majesty won't get upset" the other guard says shakly

"there's no need to disturb him right now,i belive my word is enough to go by,isn't it?"

the guards opened the way to you and shouted "yes of course your honor!"

it would be strange for you to go walking in this clothes in public so you take a trolley to escort you.

your eyes land on a clothes shop,it sells ordinary clothes just the thing you need so you told the trolley driver to stop by it, when you enter everyone star at you,not that they recognize you thank to taron's possessiveness, but because you look more like a royalty to buy something from a store like that.

you ignore the stars and whispers in your way looking for something more comfortable you can run in it if needed...or fight.

when you find what you want and wear it you head to pay but then realize that you didn't bring with you any money,cursing under your breath as you think of something you can pay by, your eyes landed on your ring,your wedding ring,it's not like you loved it anyway so you give it to the seller who look at you with shock but eventually take it of course even if it was too much for the price.

as you walk out the store,you tries to hide your face as much as you can so the trolley driver won't recognize you,when you get far enough you start to walk casually but fast trying to reach your sister as fast as you can before taron knows about your disappear and make a huge deal of it.

8:00p.m

it's been two hour when those shame of royalties has been here,taron grew annoyed,What they say is all bullshit to him,he could kick them out easily and for no reason but he doesn't want to deal with the drama that will happen... not now at least not when you finally softened up to him a little bit,his mood ease a little when he thought of you.

he wonder if you're asleep right now,and hope you're not, he want to spend some time with you again.

8:30p.m

oh finally they're gone!,taron bid them farewell coldly and fast he didn't even escort them to the gates but can they complain? they're lucky enough he even accepted to meet them and didn't kick them out by 5 min.

taron head to your room and got angry when no one stand at the door,didn't he set a guard here?.

he opens the door to your room slowly so he won't wake you up if you were sleeping,But all his annoyance changed to shock when he did not see anyone in the room he made sure to not let you out didn't he?!

taron shouted for the servants to come and by seconds three servants bowing on their hands before him,no one dared to left their head up not when their emperor is angry.

"i belive I've made myself clear to not let y/n left the room,haven't i?,so where is she now?" his tone is terrifyingly filled with coldness.

"We-we were s-s-so busy hosting that we didn't notice anyone leaving,your-your Majesty" one of them say shakly with terror.

"you useless insects!" he shouted "I'll deal with you later,go and prepare my horse and let some of those guards prepare themselves too...quickly!" he demanded.

the servants hurried to do what they had been told.

taron knew exactly where are you going to,if you only waited for some days, he was going to take you there of course he was, why would he prevents you from visiting your sister?? he was just going to make it a surprise but you had to break his words and now you ruined everything, he has to make you learn how to obey him even if he have to use power.

day later

it wasn't easy to left the empire the guards was everywhere, you even had to hide somewhere for like three hours.

but eventually you're out know and close to your sister's house it only take an hour walking.

.

.

.

you finally here after alot of trouble,you knock on the door and your sister opened the door real quick.

"ah-y/n! what-what got you here?"

you didn't answer instead you throw yourself at her and hug here tight,she return the hug but there was something strange about her, she sutter and seems like really anxious,you shrug this feeling off maybe she's still brokendown.

she guster you inside "I've heard about what happened" you say while sitting down.

"o-oh really? it's not a big deal...and i-i heard about your marriage" she brings some tea and biscuit to a table in front of you.

"ugh don't talk about that now,it's miserable..that sham of a man thinks he have the right to control my life or something"

"y-y/n ac-actually he's-"

"but it's true my love, i do have the right to control your life" someone cut your sister off, you recognize that voice, taron

you stand up in a defensive pose quickly wich lead to knock the tray off "what are you doing here?!"

"what? am i not allowed to visit my beloved wife sister?" he said with innocent tone.

you look at your sister with a questioning look,but what got you angry more is how your sister shiver in fear, what did he do to her?!.

"i swear to god taron if you've hurt her!" you warning.

taron only chuckle slightly "I've never heard you say my name,it's like honey when you say it"

you didn't replay don't want to go further with his playing.

taron's expression suddenly turned serious "now let's go back to the castle,and you're going to come with me obediently" he say coldly

you wanted to argue but your sister life is on the line,before you even replay he grabbed your arm and dragged you to his horse behind the house, he ride the horse at first and demand "ride" as you ride hesitantly.

The road to the castle was quiet and full of tension, you knew full well that there would be consequences when you return, but at least your sister was safe.

as soon as you reached your destination, taron took you by your arm forcefully and then threw you on the floor of the room.

you fall on your back hard but you swallow your groan,Before you lift yourself off the ground taron place his foot on your neck It chokes you a little.

"you broke my words,flower. i have to make sure you won't do it again." he say strangely calm as he tuck down and take one of your arms

the next thing you hear is a cracking noise,fuck he broke your arm.

you bite your lips to not scream and sound weak,All thanks to your training as a general,but you eventually let a little groan escape as he force more wight on it.

"you broke my heart,flower. The least i can do is break your arm,and this still not as much pain as I felt" with every word come out his mouth he twists your arm more "be thankful i didn't kill your sister."

with that he left you alone,you lift yourself up and embrace your arm letting out a few tears,it of course doesn't hurt like the battles injuries But this is the first time someone has broken your pride, and who did it? The person you hate most!.

you swear you'll get your revenge someday.

someone knock on the door,you gave permission to enter, the castle's doctor entered,she respectfully told you to sit on the bed so she cast your broken arm. (i guess it's like that?)

When she finished, she wished you a speedy recovery and left.

taron entered as soon as the doctor left,he looked at your arm for some minute before he exhale and sit down beside you.

"you lost that" He takes your good hand and place your wedding ring in your finger,a blood-stained ring,did he kill the clothes seller?!.

"you of course hadn't gave it willingly,so i brought it back to you, don't mind the blood it'll go easly with some soap" he was smiling, how can he smile when he just killed an innocent person!.

maybe the blood on the ring will remind you what taron can do without guilt, if you hadn't listen to him this would've been you sister blood.

he's terrifying.

finallyyyyyy

hope you like it :)!

have a nice day/night♡

#yandere #yandere oc #yandere x reader #yandere oc x reader #yandere x y/n #yandere x you #yandere oc x y/n #yandere oc x you #yandere emperor #yandere emperor x reader

[saintlesbian]

ok one of my moots said I should post about my ocs and I’ve been meaning to work on paradise state some more lately…

Paradise State is my little furry soap opera comic idea about the dramatic lives of wealthy socialites, ruthless business tycoons, struggling artists, working class wonders, and all chaos that comes in between when these worlds clash.

there’s a lot of characters I’ve been developing but I’m not sure who I should ramble about first SO! I’ve decided to make a lore prompt post I guess :P

back at my old temp job, I used to draw my ocs’ designs on sticky notes as decorations for my cubicle wall… so here’s a layout of a bunch of the main characters from paradise state!

send me a letter in an ask and I’ll lore dump about the character from the corresponding letter… if you send a more specific question along with it I’ll answer that abt the character as well! :3c

#pentababbles #pentadraws #art #furry #paradise state #I know this post is gonna get like. no traction #but I figured I should throw a line out there anyways :p what’s the harm in it? #paradise state is inspired by Omaha the cat dancer as well as general hospital and sunset beach… #it’s a little silly but. I loved Omaha so much it made me wish there was another furry soap opera out there #but I couldn’t find any so… figured I’d make one for myself! ^_^

[grumpy-triceratops]

If you want, here’s a free infodump card for the hero/villain thing you were talking about earlier.

I'm going to take a swing and assume this is about my oc stuff, if not, whoopsie. Either way, thank you so much for this ask I really appreciate it!! This may get long so I'll keep it under a read more.

So I never mentioned in my last post that the name of this story is Starfall Isle because that's the name of the location where the story takes place (side note: I did have to change it because this ask made me realize I should look it up and initially I was going to call it Starfall Isles but that's the name of a location in Flight Rising so I dropped the s). However while I have been thinking about this idea more since the last ask I still don't have a lot of stuff I feel concretely about. I would like it to have some kind of end goal but overall it would be more similar to superhero cartoons where it can be kind of episodic but a bigger plot can start to build up along the way.

The main character's name is currently Kailani Sparks and her hero name is Knight Star. As the name implies she has star related powers such as making stars she can walk and fly on (all Kirby-esque), as well as star-shaped blasts, transforming changes some aspects of her physical appearance as well such as her hair color and the way it glows (though to what degree/duration I have not decided). Her powers will also develop in various ways as the story goes on. Kailani can be a bit bumbling and ditzy but she has a really good heart and fast reflexes and she will fight you if she has to!

The character I talked about previously is now named Sapphira Reylin (though I am still wavering a bit on her last name) and her hero name is still Cross Rozen. I've started to define her powers a little bit more, she has her demonic form she can transform into, she also has fire and plant related powers (I'm not sure if I want her to be able to element bend them or if its just something she can generate and wield) and with her fire powers comes a bit of a fire resistance, she can also create swords/daggers.

One of the main villains is named Inevitable, she appears in amorphous forms to conceal her identity. Her powers involve her being able to change states of matter, I may have it also that she can change a target's weight and/or how gravity affects it but I don't know since I don't want her to be too overpowered. Personality wise she's very impish and loves toying with others especially Knight Star. Inevitable is also very influential often plotting and playing a hand in the villainous underground. I have some ideas on her civilian life but not many and they'd be secrets anyways since I don't want to give away everything on the chance I hopefully make this a comic or something one day!

Another prominent though less imposing villain is Marsupialia. Her powers allow her to take on the traits from any marsupial she can think of, she doesn't fully transform into the animals but it does influence the way her suit appears as well as give her the ears, tail and claws of the corresponding animal and possibly other traits unique to certain species. I almost forgot to mention that regardless of form her powers include: heightened smell and hearing, as well as her pouch ability. This power allows her to turn any bag into a pocket dimension however she can't put in anything that wouldn't otherwise fit into the bag's opening, so like she couldn't take a car but if it fits it shifts (into her pocket dimension). Marsupialia like Inevitable can be a bit cheeky and likes to mess around with Knight Star, but unlike Inevitable who has a cat and mouse dynamic with Knight Star, Marsupiala has more of a cat annoying another cat type relationship, speaking of: she also is more of a cat burglar type villain. I know a bit more about her civilian self but again, secret.

Then I just have variously fleshed out ideas for other heroes and villains mostly just ideas for powers I think would be interesting such as origami, scissors and plush related abilities. So yeah its a lot of just shifting vibes for these characters and this story but the more I think about it the more I'd like to try and solidify these ideas, so again I appreciate having an excuse to think about it!!

#asks #ocs #oc stuff #now you oc me now you don't #starfall isle #I know I'm responding late but this ask got me thinking so critically about this story #also I got distracted a lot #I really need to get to drawing some of these ideas

[izzasecretredacted]

okay this has to be the last prep post I’m getting antsy everyone here got oc’s with all these cool stories and I’m just here trying to get every last thing in a row so screw it this should be enough to get me started atleast.

btw I’m not gonna bother with examples for stuff in this post. Maybe I’ll edit some in later if anyone wants to use these for themself, but if you just plan on following my thing then hopefully everything will be clear as I go on.

Solo RP Homebrew~

Find out If… (Reactive)

When you need to know if something out of your control happens, come up with something that you think could happen, and roll+likelyhood:

10+: It happens exactly as you thought. 7-9: Its close to what you thought. Roll for one below.

Someone unexpected is involved. (Find out Who)

Its tied to a plot in an unexpected way. (Find out Why)

Its effect is unexpected. (Find out How)

6-: Its nothing like you thought. Roll all three.

The likelyhood for this roll is…

+3 if you’re 100% certain it will go as you think. (roll for npcs only)

+2 if there’s very little doubt.

+1 if its more likely to go this way than not.

+0 if you have no clue which way it’ll go.

-1 if what you think is not that strange, but a longshot.

-2 if it would be a truly remarkable event.

-3 if it just isn’t happening. (roll for npcs only)

Find out Why… (Reactive)

When you need to know the cause of something, roll a d100 on the Plotline table, and determine the cause based on the session's current tension.

Low tension: The cause is something reminiscent of that plot.

Med tension: The cause is an indirect consequence of that plot.

High tension: It was caused directly by the plot.

Climax: Someone caused this because of the plot. (Find out Who)

Find out Who… (Reactive)

When you need the identity of someone, roll a d100 on the Character table, and determine their identity based on the session's current tension.

Low tension: They're reminiscent of that character.

Med tension: They’ve probably met that character at some point.

High tension: They’re directly connected to that character.

Climax: They are that character.

Find out How… (Reactive)

When you need to know what an event means for the story, roll a d10 on the table below. On a 1, 2, or 3, a specific character is affected. Go with the corresponding effect for that character.

(character specific)

(character specific)

(character specific)

Highlights an adversary’s appeal

Makes someone face temptation alone

Pokes someone’s dilemma

Offers what someone wants at a high cost

Threatens someone's attachments

A rival grows in power or standing

Gives someone an ultimatum

Anna’s effects

Betrays her trust

Threatens the natural world

Takes her out of her element

Sessions

At the start of each session, decide what type of session it will be. That session type will have its own phases to be completed in atleast one scene for each phase. At the start of each scene, state what you need to progress to the next phase of the session, and your plan to get there.

A scene consists of 5 nonreactive moves, done by the captain or crew by their own volition and not in response to something that’s happened to them. If after those 5 moves, less than 3 were down-beats, then you can start the next scene by moving on to the next phase. Otherwise, the next scene will still be on the same phase.

First scene will be a job, so will have these phases:

Research: Asking around and casing the area.

Approach: Positioning everything/everyone to start the job proper.

Execution: Get it done and get out.

Sessions start at low tension, but can raise tension as it progresses. The tension can raise as a scene progresses and affects the consequences of a downbeat. The tension does not change at the start of a new scene or phase, only a new session.

Tension chart for downbeats on a job (all moves prompted by tension are considered reactive):

Low Tension

Something gets in the way, forcing you to change your plan. (Find out Why)

Someone gets in the way, forcing you to change your plan. (Find out Who)

The tension rises to med. (Find out How)

Med Tension

Captain or crewmember must Defy Disaster to avoid a condition. (Find out Why)

The crew are forced into a Fight. (Find out Who)

The tension rises to high. (Find out How)

High Tension

Captain or crewmember gains a condition. (Find out Why)

Captain gives a string to someone. (Find out Who)

The tension rises to a climax. (Find out How)

Climax

Captain or crewmember Stagger. (Find out How)

Someone starts to pose a clear threat and gains a short term clock. (Find out Who)

If there is already a clock, progress it.

Captain and crew get separated. (Find out Why)

Also, I’m probably gonna fudge “Find out Why” and “Find out Who” if I have a really fun or just straightforward idea for them, but I’m gonna avoid fudging for really consequential stuff. It’s not that I’m against cheating (its based lul) its just to make it more fun for me

#sell whip anna #solo ttrpg #solo rpg #thirsty sword lesbians #pbta #ttrpg homebrew

[a-flux-uchiha]

The Romance(or Lack Thereof) in Marriage to Escape the Suitors

Teen and up for mentions of people wanting to get into Dusk's skirts so to speak, Really mostly just Dusk, Twilight appears briefly, as does a noble oc.

Dusk watched as the portal opened and the hero walked out. It closed a second later, none of his recent friends following him out. He was bloodied, the stuff caked around his mouth, side, and legs. Some of it was black, but a lot of it wasn’t. Dusk signaled for a servant, quietly instructing her to get a doctor for the hero. He was likely injured, and if not, then he really should get new clothes. 

She heard someone approaching her from behind, far too quick for it to be either the hero or the servant reporting in, so she took her time turning around, face set to neutral, and hands clasped calmly in front of her. 

“Lord Tyrnan requests an audience,” the servant said, hands clasped in front of her. “As soon as your schedule permits.” 

“Inform him he may come to the private audience room when the hour strikes.” Just enough time to allow her to prepare for the meeting, and enough time for him to know that she was not at his beck and call. Although not long enough that he would take it as a dismissal. Nobility was always a delicate dance of hidden meanings and polite and subtle ‘screw you’s. 

And it may allow her the time to see the hero, if briefly. 

The servant bowed and left, and Dusk took one last glance out the window, seeing the hero beset by a harried doctor, and headed off as well. Perhaps she would go see him, just to judge his current state, given the lack of his companions. 

“Hero of Twilight,” Dusk greeted him politely, but formally, when she got out. The doctor spared her a quick bow, then went back to wrapping up a cut on the man’s arm. 

“Queen of Dusk,” Twilight replied, not an actual title she held, just one he called her. From anyone else, it would be mocking, a jab at what had happened because of her leadership. From the hero, it was bordering a fond nickname. He had admitted he called her Dusk when with the other heroes, as they all had a Zelda, and she had elected to keep the nickname. 

“I see you are lacking in companions.” 

Twilight’s ears drooped at the tips, but his face didn’t change that much. “Yeah. It’s over. Legend thinks we should be able to send letters though, so we won’t be fully out of contact.” 

“That’s good,” Dusk replied, unsure how to reply to that. With a noble, depending on how much she liked them, she’d either go with something along the lines of ‘Perhaps that would be a detriment to them’ or if she liked them more, something like ‘may the mail lines be fast for your correspondence.’ If she tried to use either on Twilight, something she knew from experience, he’d just give her a look. 

Dusk glanced at the clock, the strike of the hour was quickly approaching. “I must take my leave. Stay as long as you need to recover.” 

“Right.” 

That concluded, Dusk turned and left, striding away and up to the private audience room. Lord Tyrnan was not someone she liked meeting with, he was a lesser noble who often found excuses to try and invite her places. He was about her age, which seemed to make him think he was entitled to be permitted to court her.

When Impa had been alive, she’d commented that some people, like Tyrnan, would just want to get into her skirts, and the phrase had stuck with Dusk ever since. As much as it hurt to think about. 

Tyrnan did also have opinions on how things should be run, which just made it worse. He was a hassle to deal with on a good day. 

“Lord Tyrnan,” Dusk greeted him formally when he was allowed into the room by her guards. She had elected to wear her rapier in addition to having two guards in the room. Which was a show of blatant mistrust. 

“Your majesty,” he replied, bowing more shallowly than he really should, but Dusk elected to let it slide this time. She just wanted this over with. She didn’t feel like arguing with him for ten minutes about how deeply he should bow to his monarch. 

Time to skip the pleasantries and go straight to the point. “Was there something you wanted? You wouldn’t have bothered to set up an appointment if you didn’t want something.” 

“You didn’t have to accept it if you didn’t want to, your majesty,” he replied, sending a somewhat longing glance towards the other chair in the room. She didn’t invite him to sit in it. He was a young and fit man, he could survive standing for the course of the conversation. 

“I did if I didn’t want you taking out your frustration on the servant delivering the news. Unless you’re willing to dispute the bruises my handmaid came back with after she returned the necklace you thought to try and gift me.” The necklace in question had been ugly, tacky, and also wildly inappropriate for a young single woman who was not looking to be courted. It had been something that would have been better suited as a courting or wedding gift, and thus she sent it back. 

Her poor handmaid had needed a red potion because of her cracked wrist, and had been taken off duty to recover for a week. 

Tyrnan couldn’t refute that, so he simply changed topics. “I simply wanted to ask if you received my letter. You haven’t sent a reply yet, so I simply wanted to ensure it hadn’t gotten lost.” 

Dusk could take it mildly and say she had never received it, but frankly, she didn’t feel like encouraging him. “I received it. My handmaid briefed me on what it said and I allowed her to do as she wished with it. I believe it made its way into the fire.” The letter actually hadn’t even been opened. It had been sealed with a deep blue and white mixed wax. The sort only used to offer courting. She was not interested in being courted at the moment, so any letters with that sort of sealing wax were dispatched with. Usually into the fire. 

“You can’t just keep ignoring all courtship offers,” Tyrnan said, hands clenched. 

Dusk stared at him calmly. “I can’t say why you would think that. I have no current need of a prince consort.” Traditionally, the Queen ruled primarily on her own, taking on a prince consort typically in her twenties. If the two had a child, the man was officially promoted to king, but typically still had the same amount of political power as he did when he was prince consort. The title simply meant that should the Queen die in childbirth or otherwise die, he would take charge until their child was ready to rule. Should the Queen die without any children, the closest living relative would be called upon to take the throne and thus the responsibility of carrying the bloodline. 

Dusk had a cousin who was already married and had a kid, although she lived in a smaller town outside of Hyrule Town and generally avoided nobility. Should Dusk ultimately not take a partner or have a kid, she would take rule, and her children would carry on that legacy. 

The title difference did have a slight difference when it came to divorce as well, as divorcing a prince consort was fairly simple, just a matter of noting that it wasn’t working out as well as it had when they courted. Divorcing a king was far more difficult, as his bloodline was already within the family. Typically, if a king was divorced, it was for a big reason and the Queen already had another man in mind to take his place. The elder child would be counted as second in succession, should the Queen and the second man have a child. 

Although it was generally polite for a Queen and a prince consort to at least wait a full year before breaking it off. 

Hm. That did give her an idea though. 

“You have to get married and give the royal bloodline a child at some point, Queen, if not-“ 

“If you finish that comment with ‘if not, what else are you good for I will have you executed.” Dusk interrupted calmly. Ah yes, prime example of why she was not interested in marrying anyone at the moment. Not that she wasn’t under immense pressure to do so. She was nearing the middle of her twenties, the clock wasn’t exactly ticking down, but all of her advisors and the entire noble class seemed to think it was. 

Fortunately, Tyrnan seemed to have realized his mistake, and had shut up. 

“I suggest you leave,” Dusk said, laying a hand on the rapier at her hip. “I believe our meeting is over.” 

He beat a quick retreat, and Dusk sighed, rubbing the bridge of her nose. She shooed the guards out, and they shut the door behind them. 

She slumped in the chair. They were becoming more blatant and pushy. She was going to have to do something about this soon or she’d actually execute one of them. 

Dusk glanced out the window, which was actually facing the front where the hero was evidently done being treated and now was just chatting up the doctor. 

Well, he wasn’t involved in the court, wasn’t looking to get into her skirts because he had liked Midna, and if she incentivized it enough, he might just agree. She just had to play her cards carefully.

#this is after lu #lu twilight #lu dusk #i'm using the nicknames because I dont want to use link and zelda #march of the zeldas 2023

[ggukkiedae]

❝𝕀-𝕃𝔸ℕ𝔻 𝕋𝕙𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙 𝔸𝕣𝕚’𝕤 𝔼𝕪𝕖𝕤 ❞

𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚎𝚜:

⇢ EPISODE 3 PT.1

⇢ this tells what goes through Ari’s mind as she competes to finally debut after three years of training

⇢ featuring two of my ocs who never saw the light of day: nabi (got7 originally but i was gonna make her ab6ix instead) and jiwoo (stray kids)

𝚛𝚎𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚜:

⇢ this is more of the behind the scenes kind of thing more centered on ari’s feelings instead of the show’s perspective. feedback is highly appreciated 🥰 part two will tackle her in ground until the teamwork fire performance

⇢ italic conversations = english, bold conversations = japanese

⇢ disclaimer: i do not know what really happened behind mnet’s depictions, and i do not know any of the participants on i-land personally, any unusual depictions of them here as well as dramatized situations are simply for story purposes and do not correspond to their real personalities or actions

Ari was stressed out with herself.

Her first line would have been done well, but she had wavered a little because of her nerves. Sure, she did good on the other lines, especially the harmonies with Jungwon thank god, but it was still eating at her mind knowing that she made a mistake that could put her in a bad spot.

The scores up on the screen didn’t help, either. So many were low, and none of them made it to 80. She was positive that she would have gotten a lower rank.

“Ari, please proceed to the upper room to view your score.”

The loud voice caused her to suck in a breath. She stood up and dusted her hands off on her shorts before heading towards the stairs before a wave of nausea filled her. Her period. It was always like this whenever she was on it. Not only did she have to deal with training for their first test while either high on pain medication or actual pain, but the nausea would strike her at random times as well.

“Hey,” Heeseung, who was making his way down, caught her by the arms and helped her steady herself, “you good? Did you eat enough this morning? Need any medicine?”

“I’ll be fine,” she looked up at the room on top of the stairs, “I’ll just get this over with.”

Heeseung gave her a skeptical look. “Okay, but I’ll be waiting for you right here. We’re going straight to the pantry for food when you’re done up there. Just one more day of this monthly thing, right?”

The fact that he knew made her surprised. She nodded at him before making her way up and into the room. With a deep breath, she stared up at the screen as the numbers began to spin. It didn’t help her nauseous state at all and made her more dizzy instead.

The numbers suddenly stopped. The abruptness of it all caused her to get thrown off, making her lose her balance just the slightest bit. She shut her eyes before straightening herself and looking up to actually comprehend the numbers.

78.

The big white numbers stared down at her, almost as if trying to weigh her down further. How did she get the highest score? If anything, that score belonged to Ni-ki or Geonu, but why her? She made a mistake as well. It didn’t sit right with her.

With a bow, she left the room and found Heeseung standing by the landing in between the two flights of stairs. His open arms were all she needed as a go signal to hug him.

“I feel so bad,” she muttered. “I got the 78. This isn’t right.”

Heeseung lightly patted her head. “Hey, I’m proud of you.”

“We keep this between us, right?” she looked up at him, teeth tugging at her bottom lip. “I feel bad. Ni-ki should have gotten this. My performance wasn’t perfect, it doesn’t make sense.”

“Relax,” Heeseung held her shoulders and looked her in the eye, “you did well. Just because it wasn’t perfect doesn’t mean you don’t deserve the high score. It just means that we all could have done better. You deserve this, okay?”

The elder’s words, although she didn’t quite believe them, were comforting. She found herself just nodding and letting Heeseung pull her away to the pantry then to a room where Sunghoon and Jay sat also discussing everything.

It made her feel strange to hear that. All three of the boys felt like they could get sent to the ground. From her perspective, they all did well, especially during practice. It was her who was lagging behind and barely being able to comprehend what they were doing.

“Oppa?” She looked up at Heeseung, making him stop stroking her hair.

“Hm?”

“I’m going to be sent to the ground, aren’t I?” The stares of the two 02 liners sitting across from them felt hot, as if they were trying to burn a hole into her head to see what she was thinking of.

Heeseung shook his head and looked at her sternly. “No you won’t, Ari.”

“Heeseung oppa,” she practically laughed bitterly, “I made a scene. And I'm a girl. I don’t think the others are that comfortable with me.”

“Don’t think like that.” His hand lightly hit her shoulder. “You did well. We both know you did. And, if you do get sent to Ground, I’m making sure your nameplate is stuck to the chair. There’s no way you can leave if your name is still on the chair. You’re not getting dropped, I promise.”

“Besides,” Sunghoon inserted, “we love having you around. You’re helpful, mature, and a good energy boost.”

She smiled at him. Sunghoon had always been encouraging of her ever since they first actually started talking, and she found it endearing of him. It was almost as if he never really got mad at anyone or even frustrated, which was a nice breath of fresh air for her.

“Thank you.” She stood up and stretched, laughing in the slightest as Heeseung held her top by the hem to keep it from rising up.

“Where are you going?”

“I’m going to grab something to drink. Want anything?” Upon seeing them shake their heads, she smiled and walked out of the room, deciding to get each of them a can of coffee anyway. “I’ll be back.”

She took her time while walking towards the pantry. The common area of the building seemed to be empty, meaning all the other I-landers were doing what she was as well. Talking out their worries in the rooms. That’s why the sight of Daniel standing by their toaster and waiting for a poptart to cook surprised her.

“Noona,” a grin graced his face as soon as he set his eyes on her, “smile! Why do you look so down? Was it your score? I bet you got a hundred! I got a hundred.”

She couldn’t fight back the smile that was forming on her face. The youngest’s optimistic energy was infectious, and, despite his tall height, it made her want to keep him in her pocket and carry him around. Mostly he reminded her of her little sister. She decided to go along with his jokes. “Well, your 100 is secure, I think I can stick with a 99.”

“No,” he pouted, “100! We all have a hundred points each, no less! Oh! It’s done!”

She could only laugh while watching him put his poptart on a plate. “Give it a few minutes before you bite into it, alright?”

“Got it, noona,” he nodded along, “I’ll be careful! Oh, by the way, you might want to check on Ni-ki hyung. He’s lying down on the couch alone.”

Without a second thought, she reached up to pat Daniel on the head then went out the door to the couch. True enough, the Japanese boy was lying there on his side with an arm across his eyes as if trying to block the light. She sat down next to his head and poked it lightly.

“Ni-ki,” she called out to him and patted her lap, “come on. You need a pillow or else your neck’s going to hurt.”

There was a moment of hesitation in which she thought he didn’t hear her, but he removed his arm and moved up to rest his head on her lap. When he shifted to his back rather than his side, she immediately felt her own heart hurt. His eyes looked tired, scared, and regretful all at once. It wasn’t a mixture of feelings that a kid his age should have. She lightly started running her hands through his hair, similar to how Heeseung was doing with her earlier. She shook her head amusedly at the parallel.

“Noona,” Ni-ki’s sudden speaking caught her attention once again, “I should have asked Heeseung hyung to be center.”

Her heart broke. He was blaming himself, and she could see that. “No, Ni-ki, you did great! If they didn’t see how well you did, then that’s on them.”

“But our score—”

“You did great.” She cut him off before he could let that line of thought continue. “Don’t let anyone take that away from you.”

The younger’s eyes closed once again as he let out a sigh. Guilt weighed on her chest. Why did she get the 78? The kid she was with deserved it. He worked hard to improve himself, and, to her, he did well on stage as center. A chill went through her body. She didn’t feel like her score was rightfully hers.

“You did well, noona,” he muttered to her, eyes still closed. “I saw. I heard you really clearly as well.”

“Thank you.” She tapped his nose, successfully getting him to smile. “We’re going to be okay, Ni-ki.”

“Will we? Even if I go to Ground?”

“If you go to Ground,” she pretended to think, “then I’ll be right by your side.”

The younger shot up into a sitting position and turned to look at her with wide eyes. The way he shook his head at her made her laugh. He frowned at her. “Noona, that’s not a good joke.”

“It wasn’t a joke.” She smiled at him. “First of all, the chances of me being sent to Ground are high. Second, even if we were separated into Ground and I-land, I’ll be rooting for you, okay?”

“Why do you only say nice things?” He groaned, leaning forward to rest his forehead on her shoulder.

She chuckled and stroked his hair. “I did kinda blow up on you guys, though.”

“I’m trying to be deep,” he laughed, “but seriously. You always say stuff that makes me feel better for some reason.”

“Because you’re still a kid,” she ruffled his hair roughly, making him sit back up and give her a look, “and kids aren’t supposed to go through as much psychological stress survival shows put you through.”

“You were my age when you went on Mixnine, though. That’s what K hyung told me.”

“Which is why I know it all too well.” She stood up and pulled him along with her. “Now, get that off your mind, yeah? How about you do me a favor and squish Jungwon? He’s been hiding my slippers for the past few days, and I need to get back at him now just in case.”

“I’m on it.” She waved the grinning boy off and watched as he took off towards the rooms. She laughed to herself before closing her eyes. A wave of dizziness was hitting her once again, so she leaned back onto the couch, not noticing someone walking towards her.

“You handled him quite well.” Youngbin hopped over the back of the couch and settled in next to her. “Are you handling yourself well, though?”

“I’m pretty sure I am. How about you, oppa?”

He nodded while smiling solemnly. “I’ve come to terms with going to Ground. Maybe I can work with Sunoo again.”

That was a thought that comforted her slightly. She knew there was a really good chance of Sunoo, Nabi, and Jiwoo to make it back up to I-land, but the idea of seeing them again if ever she were sent to Ground made her, in Youngbin’s words, come to terms with going to Ground.

“I get that,” she nodded at him. “Oh, why were you out here, anyway?”

“I came to get a drink.” He held up the energy drink in his hand. “I saw you and Ni-ki out here and thought maybe you two would need someone to vent to, but it looked like you two were okay.”

Her eyes widened before she shot up and straight to the pantry. “I was supposed to get us coffee!”

Around 12 hours later, she found herself sitting on her chair with her bag by her feet.

“Hey,” Jake called her attention before tossing her a pack of painkillers, “I got those from the med room. You look like you need them.”

She shook her head. “I’m more dizzy than in pain, but thanks, oppa.”

It looked like he wanted to say something more, but the overhead voice started speaking. Sadly, it went by quickly, the announcer barely giving any time in between names called. She looked at Youngbin and met his eyes when his name was called. He gave her a reassuring nod. That’s when a bigger wave of dizziness went over her, making her close her eyes.

Then she heard Daniel’s name. She looked at him, ignoring how it made her head spin to open her eyes again, and her jaw dropped. Before she could process anything, Jake’s name was called.

“No way,” she looked at him. Jake just shook his head at her.

She was about to say something to him, but the announcer called Jay. She and Jake exchanged a look before turning to Jay. She didn’t think he would be voted out by anyone, but he was being sent to Ground? Nicholas and Ni-ki were called right after, making her look towards the two foreign boys.

“Noona,” Ni-ki mouthed before he was cut off by the announcer.

“The seventh one to leave is someone who received seven votes. Ari.”

She watched Ni-ki’s eyes widen before smiling at him then looking down at her feet. She felt her stomach drop, but she wasn’t sure if it was from her disappointment or from the result of, well, her monthly visitor.

“These are the seven people to leave. Those who were eliminated should turn in their nameplates and head to the ground now.”

She rubbed at her eyes and smiled before standing up, avoiding everyone’s looks. The last thing she needed was the looks of pity or, worse, possible looks of satisfaction. The plan was to get her nameplate off her chair as fast as possible and calmly say goodbye, but the nameplate wouldn’t get off. Jake was already walking towards the rack, so she turned to the person who was seated at her other side. He was already looking at her.

“Heeseung oppa?” She gave him a guilty smile. “I need help.”

“You’re not leaving, Ari.” Heeseung shook his head at her. “I promised you that you wouldn’t be dropped.”

She could feel some of the others staring at them, so she walked towards his chair. “Oppa, I prepared myself for this. Please help me?”

“No.” Heeseung held her wrist. Her chest tightened when she saw the hurt in his eyes. “Leave your name, you’re not going down.”

“Hyung,” Jake put his hand Heeseung’s shoulder to stop him from saying anything further. He walked over to Ari’s chair. She gave Heeseung an apologetic look before lightly pulling her hand free and following Jake.

“You were pulling it from the middle,” Jake quietly instructed her before placing his hands in the proper place. “You’ve got to hold it at the bottom from the sides, then pull upwards.”

“Thanks,” she nodded along before carrying her name to the rack. She then went to pick up her bag, but she was pulled into a hug.

“Get back up here, Dimple, and I promise I’ll stop hiding your slippers,” he whispered to her. “And who’s going to watch out for you when you’re on your girl time?”

She chuckled at him but hugged him back. “Give me a week, I’ll try my best.”

“I can’t believe I’m not gonna see your little dimples around here,” he frowned as he released her from the hug and poked her dimples. She poked his back and gave him another quick hug.

“Hey,” K walked up to them as Jungwon walked away. He ruffled her hair. “Take care of yourself and Ni-ki, okay?”

She smiled up at him. “I will. You watch over yourself, too. No being rash.”

“Still too mature for your age,” K laughed.

Sunghoon was the next to go to her, immediately pulling her into a hug. “You’re not sad, are you?”

“Can’t be helped, but I’m used to it,” she chuckled before pulling away from him. “Hey, did I ever tell you that my little sister is training to be a figure skater?”

“Okay,” he pinched her cheek, “now you have to get back up here and tell me about her.”

She walked over to Geonu and smiled at him. “See you when I see you, I guess.”

“I’m sorry, Ari,” he looked at her guiltily.

She just shook her head. “We’re good.”

Seon approached them after that. “You better come back up here. I need someone to relate to when it comes to survival shows.”

She just laughed at that but nodded. Seon then tilted his head towards someone who was already looking in their direction. She walked over to him with a smile which she hoped was reassuring. Before she could say anything, he pulled her into a hug, wrapping his arms as tight as he could around her waist and burying his face into her neck. His shoulders were shaking.

“You’re coming back.” Heeseung’s voice was light and almost fragile.

“Oppa, I don’t know what’s going to happen—” He cut her off.

“You are coming back.” His grip on her tightened, which she didn’t think was possible. She didn’t mind, though. “I’m so sorry, Ari. I promised you, but…”

She shook her head and leaned back to try and look him in the eye. “I’ll be okay, and I’ll try and work my way back up here. Until then, try and stay out of trouble? Proper communication and all, hm?”

She turned her head just the slightest and saw Jake looking at her, as if waiting before heading to the gate. As much as she didn’t want to leave Heeseung while he was still crying, she had to leave. Heeseung’s hand went up to hold her wrist while she wiped some of his tears away with her sleeve. He reluctantly let go of her.

Jake took her hand and led her up to the gate. This was it. She was voted out, so she was leaving. All the strength she had somehow mustered up went away as her dizziness crept back in. She gripped Ni-ki and Jake’s hands, not processing anything she was doing or saying as the gate closed. Then her knees buckled, making Ni-ki and Jake immediately try to hold her up.

“Ari, I told you to take the painkillers,” Jake scolded her.

She shook her head. “I’m fine! Just a little dizzy, that’s all. It’ll be over in like a day or two, I swear. It’s just a… monthly thing.”

She didn’t really want to say it out loud since it was ending anyway, but she still couldn’t help wishing Jungwon was there to deflect the attention off of her.

“You sure?” Jay asked her. She nodded and let Jake loop her arm through his as the gate opened up to the walkway.

“We are going to get you better,” he began as they walked out, “then let’s work hard to get back there, alright Ari?”

She merely hummed in agreement before letting her mind wander off. What was Jiwoo going to think of her getting kicked to Ground? Or Sunoo? God, what was Nabi going to think? She did not want to disappoint Nabi at all. She needed to up her game. And Sunoo and her agreed to meet up in I-land again! What was going to happen then? Why was she getting more and more nauseous? It was like the stress was adding on to her symptoms. She kept her head down and stayed zone out, not even noticing they had already entered Ground.

“Yang Ari, I told you not to follow me down here!”

She looked up to find the one and only Kim Sunoo making his way towards her and pulling her into a hug. The sudden jolt of movement made her head spin and vision go blurry for a few seconds. She felt a second set of hands help straighten her up and two familiar voices approaching.

“Oh my god,” Jiwoo had brushed her hair out of her face.

She felt herself being pulled a bit more gently into another hug, a familiar scent filling her nose. “Hey, you’re fine. You’re good, Tokki, don’t worry.”

She looked up at Jiwoo and Sunoo while tightening her arms around Nabi. “I missed you guys so much. Unnies, this is Jake oppa. He’s one of the ones who made me comfortable. Sunoo, I don’t think I need to introduce you two.”

“That’s because I introduced you two,” Sunoo scoffed.

She shook her head and let go of Nabi before shooing the two boys off. “You two go talk to Youngbin oppa. He missed you a lot, Sunoo.”

“Are you sure?” Jake asked her. “I can stay with you if you like.”

“Oppa, I’ll be fine,” she laughed, “I’ve got my unnies here. Go catch up, Crown unit.”

“We are so talking later,” Sunoo laughed before dragging Jake off to Youngbin.

She looked back at her two unnies and properly took them in. Jiwoo had on long acrylic nails, and Nabi had bleached her roots. It wasn’t much, but it felt like big differences. The one week was taxing to the point where she felt like it was one month.

“It was bad, wasn’t it?” Jiwoo asked her.

She shrugged. “It wouldn’t have been that bad if I didn’t get my period. That’s why I’m all woozy like this and I hate it.”

Nabi chuckled and ruffled her hair. “Must have been weird not having a girl with you.”

“Quite,” a smile made its way to her face when she remembered the person who let her complain about it unfiltered and took care of her, “but I had Jungwon. He said he was used to helping his noona through hers, so he didn’t make me feel weird about mine.”

The two older girls had pulled her along to the bench off to the side to actually make her sit while they caught up with each other. They were in the middle of telling her about the time Sunoo and Hanbin were messing around when the announcer called for the original Ground members to gather by the screen. She exchanged a look with the two girls before gently pushing them towards the big screen.

“You good?” Jake asked her when he sat down next to her. She rested her head on his shoulder in hummed in confirmation, staring at the backs of the Grounders.

Ni-ki sat on her other side with a smile before he took her hand. “You look like you’re doing better.”

“I’ll be good as new by the end of today,” she squeezed his hand.

The image of the Grounders standing looked determined to her. Maybe the six people transferring was a good boost of morale, enough to motivate everyone into working harder now that they knew the current spots in I-land weren’t technically permanent. Not yet.

She smiled to herself in a somewhat bittersweet manner. That would mean it would be twice as hard to get into I-land again now that the current I-landers would be more anxious and the Grounders would be even more motivated.

Then she heard Jiwoo’s name called. Her eyes widened, and she jumped out of her seat to give the older girl a hug. “Unnie! You are so gonna love it there! I kid you not, it looks like the Hunger Games training center.”

“Down girl,” Jiwoo laughed and ruffled her hair before groaning in frustration. “I wish I could bring you and Nabi unnie with me.”

“I’ll just meet you up there,” Ari grinned before hopping back to her seat.

She had just settled with her legs on Jake and head on Ni-ki’s shoulder when she heard another familiar name. Sunoo was going to I-land as well.

“That’s my boy!” She launched herself off of her seat and attacked her friend in a hug. “Make them regret not keeping you around in the first place.”

Despite how excited she was, she couldn’t help feeling the slightest bit upset that she still wouldn’t be able to work with him. She knew he felt the same way from how he just reluctantly pulled her off of him.

“Get off, you weirdo.” His chuckle was a little less upbeat than usual. “I’ll make them regret not keeping us both up there.”

Taki’s name was called as well, so she turned to the younger, only to find him and Ni-ki in a hug. She clapped excitedly for him and ruffled his hair. “Do well up there, hm? And keep K oppa happy.”

With Taki’s excited smile, she nodded at him before approaching Jiwoo and Nabi. “Jiwoo unnie, you’ll do great! Show them my best triple threat.”

Jiwoo laughed and pinched Ari’s cheek. “Of course, Tokki. Anything for my hidden ace.”

Ari could only grin at that while she watched Nabi give Jiwoo a mini peptalk. It was a name that the two older girls gave her when they first started training together early that year. Though she disagreed with it, it motivated her to work hard to live up to the name as well as boosted her confidence. Next thing she knew, Nabi was telling her to give Jiwoo advice.

“Work hard,” was what she started with. “It doesn’t matter how well you score, they can still eliminate you. Play it safe and do well on stage. Jungwon can keep you sane, I swear. He kept me sane.

“I’ll keep that in mind, then.” Jiwoo then proceeded to nudge her away. “Now go say bye to Sunoo. That kid’s missed you this whole week.”

Ari laughed and walked over to her friend who looked at her with a raised eyebrow. “Noona was lying, I did not miss you at all.”

“Oh just give me a hug.” She gripped onto him as tight as she could. “I can’t believe we still aren’t working together.”

“I know,” he released her. “Hey, I better see you up there with me next time this happens.”

Her lips pressed into a tight line before she nodded. “I’ll try my best. Take care of yourself, hm? And, please, watch over Heeseung oppa for me.”

“Will do.” Sunoo smiled at her.

TAGLIST: @choisoobiniscute @strwberrydinosaur @1-800-enhypenbibi @caratinylyfe @sunflower-0180 @nctdream-minji @nayuyeonsrecs @woopetals @niafics (send an ask or dm if you want to be added to my taglist 🥰)

#ari.ilandbehind #enhypen 8th member #enhypen female member #enhypen female addition #ari #yang ari

[desiraypark]

Alright. 

So.

I really wasn’t trying to get too deep into the mess. Why? For a couple of reasons.

1) Because when I joined this ADCU fandom--I was very aware that I was going to see racist shit. A lil’ internalized sexism. All of that. I’d mentally prepared myself for it before I came through, or tried my very best. As I stated in a post a week or two ago, I was very vocal about these things in my younger adult years, but now, I am tired and just no longer interested in letting racism, misogynoir, microaggressions, and other things on the internet get my blood pressure up (because I’ve gotta deal with it in real life). I simply block, filter, and move on. This is my path. Not saying that it’s right, that’s just the stage that I’m in right now. 

2) What I’ve heard of this controversial fic is offensive to me. More so, the erasure of certain elements about the Civil War is what I found offensive. Did it piss me off or enrage me? No, because again, I’m tired lol. Offended, yes? Angry--me? No.

Now, I’m not writing this as a “woman of color”. This is a BLACK woman about to tell you what HAS pissed me off over these last few days. And I’m saying it straight from my account--not on anon or some account that just blossomed a couple of days ago. 

I’m writing this as a Black woman who lives in a neighborhood that used to be a plantation (big house and slave cabins still up and intact up the street from my home) - because there is barely a place in my city you can walk where your feet don’t touch land that used to be a plantation, or a slave trading station, or an auction block, or a public whipping post, etc. I live in a city that is ENTRENCHED in “memories of the Civil War” -- “good” and bad memories. 

I’m writing this as a Black woman who once worked next door to a Confederacy Museum--MUSEEEEUM--and watched old white men sit outside of the building with their flags. Or, who once had an old white man come to into my job, walked up to me with a shady, condescending glint in his eye, to ask me questions about “the museum next door” that he hoped to visit one day.

I love historical AUs and write them myself. Me, personally, I’m not gonna tell anybody they can’t write romantic/smutty Civil War AUs (I’m just gonna fucking block them). Because people are gonna do what they want and as we’ve seen demonstrated, there are some people who are gonna do the shit HARDER if it’s called out. But I DON’T have the privilege of reading something in that setting and being able to imagine myself as a landowner. This is a fact. 

People can say “oh, well there were Black landowners back then!” But could they own that land without a  “guardian”? Could they walk around town without “papers” to “prove” that they were free? Do we think that free and/or landowning Black people were just walking around untouched in the 1860s and AFTER? We LITERALLY just commemorated the 100th Anniversary of the Tulsa massacre. Come the fuck on, now. 

I can BARELY write my 1920s AU shit without thinking about how race impacts the my OCs. I just CAN’T make that separation. And it must be nice that some of you WOC and white readers can do that. I’m happy for you. Whatever. 

Now, from what I’ve gathered, I believe that this is the point that was originally being brought to SH--that not only could some of her audience not see themselves in this story, but some of them actually might be hurt by it. And instead of being thoughtful of that, excuses were made. The “colorblind” card was thrown out and it was stressed that “sides” in a Civil War setting were written “vaguely”. The dismissal and denial is what has frustrated me. 

But ah, here’s the thing.

This is a pattern. 

I think some of you might be under the impression that this might be the author’s “first misstep” (that is, if you think that is the case at all). I’m going to tell you a quick story. And this story is not secret--these incidents and the posts (pro-cop posts) that correspond to them were shared publicly. 

I’ve long had SH blocked for awhile. Why? 

You remember when another writer whose name started with an “S” went  through this whole thing about all cops not being bad? I was actually quite friendly with that writer and expressed among people (including SH) that I wanted to reach out to S because I knew she was young and probably just hadn’t lived enough life and been around others to understand why their stance was problematic (and wrong). But then, I found out that she’d done the whole deleting POC’s comments thing...

She’d reached out to me wanting to talk, but at that point, after learning about commentary deletion, I didn’t want to be bothered. I decided that I would not reach out to her. I unfollowed her and moved on, because as I later told SH, Aiyana Stanley Jones was born around the same year that S was--but unlike Aiyana (who was murdered by WHO?), S will be fine. And I don’t regret my decision. I would have been a fool to try to be the Black person who “reaches out” to try to educate somebody. And I would have regretted doing so.

So, anyway. SH tried to encourage me to talk to S anyway, because S felt so bad and hurt. I politely declined, gave my reasons why, and me and SH left it at that and remained cordial. This is something I do regret because I should have known better. Because guess what? About a month later (IF THAT), SH made a post regurgitating S’s same pro-cop sentiments. 

But I made no fuss. I simply unfollowed and blocked. She’d shown me who she was and I finally decided to believe her. No need to argue. I had no desire to “call her out” because she already knew how I felt--and she’d only shown me that (as history has shown my ass time and time again), I don’t matter to her and I don’t count in the world she’d rather exist in--(edit: or at the very least, the fanfic worlds she’d like to create). Calling her out would have been fucking pointless.

So, I can’t let this week end with y’all thinking that this is just some “slip up” or misstep--or some “sudden attack” made out of jealousy or whatever other shit people are spewing. These recent events are merely a day that has long been coming. 

Now. 

I’m about to put “Civil War” in my filtered tags and content, and go on about my day. Bye.

[botwstoriesandsuch]

DEAR FISH FUCKERS, YOU’RE WELCOME

I’ve done what no other has done before (to my knowledge) and found the aging system for the Zora! 

Ok so this started as simple research for this ask

See, I misread the phrasing of “best educated guess” to “research for 2 hours and come to a conclusive answer” so anyhow before I indulge you into the answers of the universe allow me to explain the research I’ve come across 

[TL;DR at the bottom]

So firstly, we have to look at our conclusive evidence, from which we’ll base our theory/headcanon on, which can mainly be found in the Creating a Champion book, and some dialogue in game. I’ve compiled them all in these bullets here

Zora children are around 20ish years old [as said by dialogue with Finley in her love letter sidequest, I don’t have a screenshot but please just take my word for it]

150ish is considered middle-aged for Zora

Muzu is around 4 centuries old 

Curved claws, weathered fins, and worn noses are signs of an older Zora that is more than 3 centuries(ish) old

Zora that were friends with Link must be around 150ish (not just 100), since you need to also account for the 20+ years of growing from a child stage, to the more normal sized form that you see them in the game, ergo, it’s that age plus the 100 years stasis that we determine the “middle age” of around 150

150 is the middle age, double that for the average old age of 300 years, but I say it could go to 400 too for additional reasons I’ll explain later with examples with my final age system. Anyhow, Muzu is around 400 if you take the 100 years for actually growing up from childhood, additional 100+ years of holding a different job as I doubt you just straight out hire a councilman without experience, and then another century for where he first started working in in the council, training Mipha, which would overlap with the period of the pre and post Great Calamity and Link’s return, meaning that’s 3 centuries plus 50ish years if we’re being generous with the overlap. This would help line up with the “for over a century” line as that doesn’t quite mean 2 centuries of working in the council, but Muzu is definitely getting up there to 4 centuries for his age alone

Now, I thought, this was gonna be my breakthrough, this screenshot here, depicting the traits of the older Zora. The elderly Zora are probably around 3 centuries old (since King Dorephan said they were young men around Mipha’s time, 150ish+100 gives us the range of 250-300), so I was like “Oh l can look at the size of their fins and noses and head/tail things and find a more efficient way to find their age” but nOPE. There is very little variation in that ballpark, the Zora either have exaggerated weathered noses or nice and shiny fins and no in between. The size of their head fins are roughly the same, with again, the only exaggerated differences being with the King and Sidon which doesn’t help at all because the Royal Zora already have a bunch of other difference such as their SIZE to name one.

I even went to the part about their curved toes, which initially would line up with some other Zora like Muzu

And let me tell you

I’ve looked at their toes

This is them from a child, a middle-aged, and an elderly. Color doesn’t matter and the curve? Well there’s

BARELY A DIFFERENCE 

At least not nearly enough to find an efficient way to find age. Even Muzu’s final model didn’t have the exaggerated curvature as seen in the book.

I looked at their tail tail fins, (not the tail on their head, but their actual small rounded tail fin by their butts) because the book also mentioned how the grown Zora have more pronounced tail fins compared to the kids, but it was the same for the 150s and the 300s sooo not that helpful

So I kept digging. In the book I found that King Dorephan was crowned around 100 years before the game started. In addition I reread the 10 Zora stone monuments and found that he had killed a Guardian with his bare hands and thrown it off a cliff, which he still had a scar from. 

[and yes I attempted to find his definitive age by seeing how long it takes for a scar to fade but I gave up cause Zora anatomy is too different to find a conclusive answer]

So I was like, “ok Dorephan had to have been around 150 when he came to the throne, then 50 years later the guardians are excavated giving way to the story about the guardian...” blah blah blahbla I even went to the supposed site where that guardian was, but it all didn’t really give me that much more info than what I already knew. I was researching ways to age the rock monuments from visuals alone which needless to say is pretty impossible, so I gave up on finding Dorephan’s age and I kept digging. 

All I wanted was something physical that could properly give way to identifying a Zora’s age was that too much to ask???

Now this is where I had all but given up, it seems that my only answer was this vague note about how their fins move up when they grow

Which, to be fair, held true when I looked at the in-game character models myself, but I can’t exactly pixel measure these things for each Zora.

But THAT’S where the revelation came. I was so focused on finding inconsistencies within the elderly Zora, when I should have been looking at the young baby ones. See, this pictures, literally right next to the page about elderly Zora that I was analyzing for ages, is the key to it all

Now, I was thinking about the rings on a tree, and certain species of banded fish that grow and discard different markings as they grow older, I even counted the neck rings on certain Zora to see if they did that thing where they add a ring for each birthday like some African and Asian cultures do (look it up, that stuff’s pretty interesting!) and that is where it struck me.

Count how many luminescent markings are on their head 

The males have 11, the females have 8  (on the one side, the other side has the same number of dots but for simplicity purposes I’m doing one side)

Now let’s count for these Zoras, who are middle aged-ish

The male has 10, the female has 7.

Now let’s look at the oldest Zora that we know of

3 dots above the eye, four on the tail. Muzu that motherfucker has 7 damn dots and I couldn’t be happier.

MY DUDES, GALS, AND PALS THIS IS IT, I’VE CHECKED AND DOUBLE CHECKED WITH NEARLY EVERY ZORA I COULD AND THE NUMBER OF LUMINESCENT MARKINGS ON THEIR HEAD CORRESPONDS WITH THE AMOUNT OF CENTURIES THEY’VE LIVED, LITERALLY AND FIGURATIVELY      DOWN     TO     THE     DOT

First we have Muzu, who as I’ve preciously stated is around 4 centuries old. 11-4? Oh, it’s seven, and that’s the amount of markings he has? OOoo??

How about this Zora Lady who recognized Link from 100 years ago?

Seven dots? 8-7 is 1 so shes just over one century which lines up timeline wise. You can even see how the third dot is slowing shrinking on her head so she’s coming up on 2 centuries 

Ok how about the elders?

NINE. 11-9 is 2 centuries, with again, the dot by their head shrinking significantly showing how they’re getting up on 3 centuries.

The part I circled in green there is jewelry, not a marking, however this only goes further to prove my point. What better way to appear youthful than to have jewelry that makes it look like you have more markings than you have, made with luminous stone, no less.

This guy? Seggin? Super close to 4 centuries, those dots are fading away fast. Count your days old timer

Random dude that doesn’t recognize Link but is an new apprentice for sculpture making? 10 dots, a fresh 1 century pal, lookin young

I was a feral child running across the Domain screaming people’s ages in their face like a rude, naive, brat, I was elated to say the least. Especially since this system even works on the King himself

[plus one dot slightly behind the fin here...]

King Dorephan has 7 dots, he’s 400 years old. Which still lines up timeline wise, especially since he’s similar age with Muzu who he has stated is one of his most trusted advisors, beecaaaaaaaause of the years they’ve spent working together the timelines match uppppppp

This system works for almost all Zora, with 2 exceptions. Guards have helmets that cover their markings, so it’s impossible to tell. In addition, Prince Sidon, has sixteen lights on this hammerhead because he’s fancy like that (we already know he’s canonically 2ish centuries old anyhow from the DLC)

EDIT: I WAS WRONG THIS WORKS FOR SIDON TOO. The sixteen markings I was referring to was actually the amount of marking on each side of the head total, however if we look at the markings for only one side, like intended

Ten dots, Sidon’s over 100 years old. I’d say he’s closer to 150 given the timeline

Essentially, the most surefire way to find almost any Zora’s age is to identify a male or female Zora, count the number of lights on the side of their head/tail thing, then subtract from 11 if they’re a male, and from 8 for a female. The number left is how many centuries they’ve lived. You can check to see if their markings are shrinking and fading to get a sense if they’re coming up on the next century anytime soon. Comparing this with the oldest Zora we see in game, we can conclusively say that the Zora lifespan is around 3 to 4 centuries since no Zora has been seen with less than seven markings

Now go and make your Zora ocs with your appropriate number of lights. I’m gonna have a cookie

#botw #breath of the wild #legend of zelda botw #loz botw #zora #zora botw #botw theory #botw headcanon #no fuck that this IS canon

[victorluvsalice]

AU Thursday: Meet Smiler Alton (Modern Human AU)

Okay, the roller coaster OC has somehow become, at least for now, a permanent resident of my brain (and at least one Sims save file). I mentioned back when I first introduced Smiler Always to the Chill Save that I actually had three distinct Smiler variants for different universes, so let’s actually talk about those variants, shall we? Let’s start with the one that’s the most fleshed out -- a humanized Smiler OC for a modern day AU with Victor and Alice:

-->Full name is Smiler Jason Alton -- obviously the last name is from Alton Towers, but the middle name is completely random. I just wanted the “J” middle initial. It felt right somehow.

-->Birthday is May 31st (the day The Smiler coaster FINALLY opened after numerous delays), though the year obviously will vary depending on the exact year of the AU.

-->Height is 5′10″ -- I like this as it puts them exactly halfway between Alice (5′5″ in my head) and Victor (6′3″).

-->Nonbinary, as previously stated for the Sims version -- they were assigned male at birth, but switched to “they/them” pronouns as a preteen as they came to feel that they didn’t really fit in that box.

-->Panromantic pansexual -- no gender preferences or anything here, they just know who they like, and they like a lot of people. XD

-->Their appearance basically corresponds with the “regular form” of my Sim Smiler Always, with the obvious caveat that, for them, the bright yellow eyes are contacts. Their real eye color is a pale blue.

-->First name on their birth certificate? Marmaduke. I don’t know the in-universe reason yet, but out-of-universe, I was trying to come up with a name that invoked the Marmaliser/marmalisation process key to the ride’s theming (the Marmaliser is in fact the big spidery thing the ride loops through), and “Marmaduke” was the first thing that popped into my head. I was like “seriously, brain? -- let’s keep it, gives them a good reason to always go by Smiler.” Which, incidentally, they started going by at a VERY young age, like five. Because they are NOT a comic strip Great Dane, thank you very much.

-->They’re adopted! Their birth mother gave them up in the hospital, stating she was not ready to be a mom, and Smiler was happily quickly matched with a waiting couple, Matthew and Carol Alton. AKA, the couple from the Smiler Shop TV video, only a little less creepy. XD (Look, it’s one of my favorite Smiler-related videos, and the shocking height difference between them always amazes and amuses me, let me have my fun.)

-->Matthew and Carol were part of the Advocates cult when they were younger, but ended up leaving and blowing the whistle on the whole organization when they discovered that their leader, Dr. Kelman, was performing illegal brain surgery on some members and just -- shoving his failures in the basement of his house. They still strongly believe in the message of the Advocates, though, which is that happiness for everyone should be maximized whenever possible. They’ve imparted this belief to their child -- it’s a good part of the reason why they ended up choosing the name “Smiler.”

-->As a result of this upbringing, Smiler has developed an interest in psychology, and is majoring in it in college -- they don’t know if they’re gonna go all the way to psychologist/psychiatrist, but they want to know how people tick so they can do SOMETHING to help make them happier. They also developed an interest in various mind-manipulation techniques, including hypnosis. . .

-->and they’re REALLY fuckin’ good at it. Like, they seem to have a natural knack. Smiler happily hones their craft on friends as a teen, then -- once of legal age, probably twenty or so -- makes some files and posts them on a website for people who might be feeling down and wouldn’t mind some hypnosis to cheer them up. Well, hypnosis with a “medical experiment” theme -- the idea is that the files follow the “marmalisation” process from the coaster’s theming (getting a dose of joy serum (Inoculator), being tickled (Tickler), being disorientated by a bright flashing light (Flasher), getting dosed with giggler gas (Giggler), and finally a focus back on the hypnosis part (Hypnotizer)). There’s a few variations, including one that goes in the order the elements are presented on the actual ride (Flasher, Tickler, Giggler, Inoculator, Hypnotizer), and a few that leave out elements someone might be uncomfortable with (like a non-Flasher version for people who either dislike flashing lights, or can’t watch them without harm). All of them are clearly labeled, say what’s in them, and don’t have any weird post-hypnotics, because being open and honest is important for happiness too! And yes, the logo for the site is the Smiler logo. XD

-->As for how they meet Victor and Alice in this kind of verse. . .well, Victor ends up stumbling across Smiler’s site during his web browsing one day. He’s intrigued by the descriptions of the files, but too shy to use them -- until one extremely stressful day makes him go “they’re promising to make you happy” and gets him to try one. He ends up really liking the experience, and starts going back to the site regularly to help with his stress and anxiety, leaving a few nice comments on the videos.

-->And then, while at college, he meets Alice (I haven’t decided how yet, possibly they just bump into each other one day) and they end up hitting it off and starting a relationship after a few months. Victor, feeling vaguely guilty about enjoying the files, tells Alice about the site and his regular visits -- Alice is a bit confused, but assures him she isn’t about to stop him doing something he enjoys -- especially if it helps with his stress levels, because ye gods man.

-->Victor and Alice’s backstories, btw:

Victor: Victoria and Emily are both alive in this verse; what would have been the events of Corpse Bride take place in their senior year of high school; his parents pushed him into dating Victoria but fortunately he liked her, he met Emily who got the wrong idea about how serious they were and accused him of cheating after spotting him with Victoria; things got resolved after they all had to team up to stop Emily’s bastard ex Barkis victimizing Victoria; they all agree to just be friends afterward; eventually Victoria and Emily get together instead after Emily realizes she’s only biromantic and not interested in men sexually; they are all still friends but Victor does have some lingering worries about relationships after all this

Alice: Shares her name with the historical Alice and adopted the Wonderland books as her own as a kid; still lost her family to a house fire set by Bumby, who was able to cover his tracks (possibly with some bribes to the police); still spent ten years catatonic in Rutledge, though at least it wasn’t QUITE as horrible a place because it wasn’t a Victorian asylum (still underfunded and containing people like Pris Witless and the Monroe twins, though); ended up in Bumby’s halfway home and discovered his actual business; still pushed him in front of a train and managed not to get caught because he’d disabled the security cameras on the platform for his own shady business deals; now living with her old Nanny while she works to get her life properly back together, including catching up on high school and maybe getting an associate’s degree

-->Anyway, Alice and Smiler end up in a class together at college, where she immediately suspects they’re the person from Victor’s favorite site by their name -- but it’s not until Victor bumps into Smiler while coming to greet her afterward, only to freeze when Smiler replies to his apology with it’s all fine, that she knows. She encourages Victor to tell Smiler in person how their site has helped him -- Victor’s shy about it at first, but eventually does so, and Smiler’s thrilled.

-->The three end up becoming friends after this, and after a while Smiler offers to hypnotize Victor in person. Victor, embarrassed, is forced to admit that sometimes he gets kind of turned on by the files, but Smiler assures him that that’s fine, we’re all friends, we get it, and Alice says that, again, his kinks are his kinks even if she doesn’t always get them. So he agrees, and they have a hypnosis session. . .

-->Cue for Smiler the awkward realization that they’re developing romantic feelings for Victor, and Alice the awkward realization that her asexuality has an exception and it’s apparently Victor in trance.

-->Fortunately, the three immediately realize they need to talk to each other, and they regroup over pizza the next day. Alice, who has noticed how close Smiler and Victor have been getting, promptly tells the pair that she has no problem with them being in a threesome, even if she personally has no romantic feelings for Smiler. (”No offense.” “None taken! I’m not for everyone.”) And after it comes out that they really all have compatible kinks centering around Victor being hypnotized. . .

-->Cue happy threesome having happy threesome times! They eventually get a house together and it’s all good.

-->Bonus idea I don’t know if I’m gonna use -- my initial thought for a pet for Smiler was a tarantula named Marmalade, for the Marmalizer structure. I personally don’t like spiders, but it felt right. Might actually bring the frog from Sims 4 into it too, if I can think of a name.

#the smiler #smiler alton #(gonna use that tag for smilers NOT in the Sims save) #human smiler AU #valicer #yes it has a ship name! #pretty easy to put together following the 'valice' model too #anyway enjoy all the facts about my human Smiler #and their Victor and Alice #yeah my intention was always Smiler and Alice are good friends but not lovers #but they do do kinky things to Victor together XD #they're friends with benefits and Victor is 'benefits' #also bonus bonus fact: Smiler really likes wobbly jelly desserts #like jell-o and the like #because of the jelly lore XD #look up CablesTwisted on YouTube if you're wondering what I'm on about #queued

[dinandgone]

The Hideaway.

Part Three of the ‘Blood and Beskar’ Series.

The Mandalorian x Fem!Reader

Word count: 4.7k 

Warnings: Series 1 Spoilers, Swearing. Tiny bit of unspoken mutual pining, cara dune (idk if she should be a warning but I think of her more as an oc in this fic)

A/n~ This chapter corresponds with what happens in the Sanctuary episode ( S1 Ep4) but has a bit extra sprinkled in. I’ve been really enjoying writing this so far and I hope you like it as much as I do. Enjoy xx Feedback is always welcome :)

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

The Crest had landed in a scenic clearing in the middle of a forest. You moved from the cockpit down into the hull, the conversation wasn’t exactly buzzing between you and Mando after you had made the deal. You’d been the kid’s glorified babysitter for a grand total of five minutes, and were already contemplating taking back the deal you’d made with Mando and turning yourself in. Death seemed easier than caring for the little green monster that ate anything and everything. You’d placed him in his cot whilst you used the refresher, only to come back to an empty cot and the kid giggling from the compartment where ration packs had been stored. You sighed picking up the green terror and placing him back into the floating container. 

“Now you stay here, you little womp rat, I don’t want to get in trouble from the old tin can upstairs, okay,” You demand, tucking him into the blankets of the storage container. 

You hear the familiar sound of heavy footsteps moving down the ladder into the hull. You pick up the child and walk towards where Mando has stopped outside the weapons case, grabbing his rifle and slinging it over his back, and moving towards the hatch. 

“If you want, I can stay here and look after the kid, whilst you go-” you start. 

“No.” Mando interrupts bluntly “I’m not leaving you both here.”

You shift on your feet placing your hands on your hips “Stars. Mando isn’t that what the deal was? I look after the kid whilst you go out. I am perfectly capable of babysitting a child” you huff. 

He turns his helmet in your direction, “I’m not leaving you unsupervised with the kid...not yet”

Oh. He didn’t trust you. He wanted you to stay close because he didn’t trust you. Yes, you were technically a criminal. But did he doubt your moral compass that much? Did he think that low of you? No, don’t be ridiculous. You had given him no reason to trust you, the fact that you had a bounty on your head probably didn’t help matters. He was clearly looking out for the kid. 

You’re abruptly pulled from your thoughts by the sound of the ramp lowering, allowing the soft glow of the sun to pour in. You’re hit with the refreshing breeze that sweeps golden leaves along the forest floor, you stand and appreciate your surroundings, it was beautiful. The way the trees basked in the light, you tilted your head to look at the sky, loving the warmth of the sun on your face. You closed your eyes and imagined, trying to grasp the wisps of memories from your childhood on your home planet, the vast expanse of green trees and peaceful calm. Sighing and walking forward, you talk to the child commenting on how beautiful everything was. You didn’t notice Mando tilting his head watching you as you walked down the ramp. 

You stood at the edge of the clearing, with the child babbling in your arms as Mando closed the ramp. He walks towards you reaching behind his cape. 

“Here, you might need these,” he states holding out your blaster and knife. 

You raise your eyebrows in surprise. “I thought you said nobody would find us here.”

“Good to be prepared.” he nods bluntly, gesturing the weapons forward. 

Placing the child on the floor you warily take your blaster, sliding it into its holder and sheath your knife back into its rightful place on your thigh. You felt complete again, safer now you had more means of protection. Yet you couldn't help but feel confused again, he didn’t trust you to stay with the kid, but he trusted you with a blaster?  

“Let’s go,” He commands, walking off into the forest, kid in tow. You follow closely keeping an eye on the child who was happily babbling and waddling trying to keep up with Mando's strides. 

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

The walk to the nearest village was short and pleasant, the sound of the surrounding wildlife filling the silence, providing no need for conversation. About halfway into the trek, the child had grown tired, so you picked him up and held him in your arms gently rocking him to sleep. Soon after the peaks of village huts come into view, you cautiously follow Mando as he walks into the largest one. 

The hut was much like the cantina on Felucia, the aroma of broth and freshly baked goods hits you as soon as you enter through the door, the atmosphere loud and hearty with patrons both at the bar and at tables. Your bounty hunter instincts kick in as you assess the crowd, picking out any who could be a potential threat. Your attention is drawn to a woman sat on the opposite side of the restaurant briefly glancing at you and Mando, your suspicion is piqued but your attention is drawn away by Mando moving away from you towards a table on the other side of the cantina and taking a seat, you follow, placing the child on a barrel at the side of the table you take the seat facing the suspicious character.

“You noticed her too,” you mumble in his direction, trying not to draw attention to yourselves. “You think she’s trouble?” 

Before he can reply he’s cut off by a waitress walking towards your table. Mando orders some broth for both you and the child. Your line of sight on the stranger is blocked and you’re forced to acknowledge the waitress in front of you just as she smiles and walks away. 

“Shit.” Mando curses “She’s gone.” 

You looked towards the table where the stranger had been sat, now empty. You turn back to the Mandalorian who’s already standing and leaving the table. 

“Mando!” you shout in a hushed tone “Where are you going?” 

“Stay here and look after the kid,” he answers dully. 

You do as you’re told and sit back down, just in time for the waitress to come back placing the two bowls of broth on the table, you offer her a mock smile in thanks as she walks away. You try not to worry about the situation. No, you are not worried about the Mandalorian you tell yourself as you sip on the soup.

Focussing on the task in hand you glance back to the child, but you’re met with the sight of an empty barrel. 

Shit.

The one job you’d been tasked with, and you’d fucked up already. You quickly get up from your seat looking under and around the table for the little green terror. Your frantic searching had no success, both the child and its bowl of broth had disappeared. Fantastic. You quickly pace to the door of the restaurant making an effort to look under tables and behind barrels in the process. Stepping outside of the hut you look to the floor for small footprints. 

Your search is disrupted by the sounds of a nearby brawl. You turn following the sounds in search of the source. You follow the sounds down the alleyway stopping at the junction behind two huts and step out to the left. You’re met with the sight of the Mandalorian and the stranger lying on the floor blasters raised. They turn to look in your direction. You look down to see the child, bowl of soup in hand, sipping it gently clearly enjoying the entertainment that had happened just moments before. Mando’s helmet tilts to you. 

“I thought I told you to look after the kid.” he sighs bringing the strangers attention to you. 

“I took one sip of my soup and then he was gone, I didn’t take my eyes off him for less than a minute.” You argue, walking to the child and picking him up. 

Mando still lying on the floor turns his helmet to the stranger “You want some soup?” 

They both stand dusting themselves off and begin walking back to the restaurant as if nothing had happened. You followed them, sitting back at the table from before. You huffed in disappointment at the space where your bowl of broth had been, now empty. Your stomach grumbled. Luckily, like she had read your mind the stranger ordered some broth for the three of you that could enjoy a meal in public. You felt a pang of guilt for sitting and enjoying the food whilst Mando had to just sit and observe, then again he was probably used to this, you focused your attention back to your soup, making sure to check the child was still at the table this time. 

“Sorry I came at you so hard,” the stranger eventually speaks turning towards Mando “Figured you had a fob on me.” 

“Yeah, that’s what I figured.” He responds “ I thought you were here for us too.” He tilts his helmet towards you and the child, who was now sat on your knee giggling at your comments as you tickled his ears. You raise your eyes listening to the conversation once more and he realises he’d been looking at you for too long, thankfully you hadn’t realised. Too busy keeping the child entertained. 

The woman who had introduced herself as Cara Dune continues the conversation with Mando but then turns to glance at you. 

“So, how’d you end up with a pretty girl like that?” turning back to Mando smirking. “And that,” pointing to the child on your lap. 

You feel a blush rise to your face from Cara’s comment. You glance back to the child trying to occupy your thought with entertaining him. You could feel the Mandalorian’s gaze on you, only making the blush deepen and causing the butterfly feeling to shoot straight to your stomach. Mando explains what happened with the kid and how you were a bounty, the kid’s story new to your ears. You couldn’t help but feel a pang of hurt deep down that he’d tell someone else what happened with the kid so readily, even when you’d had the opportunity to kill him several times, and agreed to look after the kid. But then again you didn’t ask and conversation with the Mandalorian was few and far between. The conversation continued with Cara explaining why she was here describing it as early retirement, she then takes the last sip of her broth.

“Well this has been a real treat,” she stands “But unless you wanna go another round- one of us is gonna have to move on, and I was here first,” 

She walks out of the restaurant leaving you and Mando at the table. You take a deep sigh cradling the child, you turn to look at the Mandalorian. 

“So what are we gonna do?” you ask, eyes searching the side of the beskar helmet. 

“Guess we have to continue our search,” He sighs, standing away from the table, turning to check you and the child were behind him. You followed him out of the hut back to the Razor crest. You gaze around at the surroundings pointing and describing things to the child. The sun was setting below the trees painting the sky with ambers and yellows giving the surroundings a golden hue. 

“It’s a shame we can’t stay here, it’s beautiful.” you muse breaking the silence comfortably. You didn’t really expect an answer, it was more of a statement anyway

“It is, It’s difficult to find beauty in this line of work,” he murmurs glancing over at you, admiring how the sun falls on your face as you appreciate your surroundings. As you turn to face forward again, he looks away like he’d be caught doing something he shouldn’t have clearing his throat, continuing the walk back to the Crest in silence. You don’t think much into what Mando had said just humming in agreement, but you could feel the blush in your cheeks again, maker, why did he make you feel like this? You were stuck with him out of coincidence, not requirement, it was merely a business agreement he made that much clear. But every time he spoke to you, even if it was a simple answer or command, you felt a familiar tug in your chest. No, stop it. You dragged your thoughts back to the present, looking down and cooing at the child. 

Arriving at the Razor crest Mando mentions something about checking for repairs, walking around the crest’s exterior. You shrugged and ascended the ramp, bypassing the ladders walking to the child’s cot. You gently wrapped him in a spare blanket and placing him in the container. He softly murmurs meaningless babbles, closing his eyes and slowly drifting off to sleep. You gently stroke the top of his head and ears as his breathing evens. Warmth filled your heart and a smile graced your face, at that moment you understood why the Mandalorian was so protective and you silently vowed to yourself that as long as you could you would protect the kid with your life. You sat on the floor next to the child’s container, continuing to gently rock the cot until your eyes began to droop and your own exhaustion pulled you into sleep. 

You awoke to the pitch-black hull, you must have been asleep for a couple of hours. Your hand was still in the child’s cot, his small hands resting on top of yours, you gently removed your hand and press the button on the container closing the shield. The sound of a conversation outside draws you to walk to the ramp, at first you figured Mando was talking to himself, but there was a distinct difference in the tone of voices, they were unmodulated. Your hand hovers over your blaster in its holster.

“Come on, let’s head back,” sighs the known voice, accompanied with sounds of shuffling feet in the dirt. 

“It took us a whole day to get here. Now we have to ride back with no protection, to the middle of nowhere,” another voice complains

You walk to the top of the ramp only to be met with Mando walking the other way, you looked at him confusion written across your face. 

”What’s going on?” you ask, looking out to see two men walking away from the ship. 

The Mandalorian ignores your question and turns on his heel. “Where do you live?” He questions taking a step forward.

The men stop and turn. ”On a farm, weren’t you listening?” One of them responds curtly. 

You raise your eyebrows, eyes meeting his gaze, hand still hovered over your blaster. You looked at him, eyes narrowed as to provide a warning for sassing the Mandalorian. He seemed to understand as his eyes quickly moved back to Mando. 

“In the middle of nowhere?” Mando asks, stilling leaving you confused beside him. 

“Yes.” The rude one answers quickly. Looking at you then averting his gaze once more to the Mandalorian. You smirked at your accomplishment, he was intimidated by you. Good.

“You have lodging?” Mando asks again

“Um yes. Absolutely!” The other man answers, a hopeful look on his face.

“Good, come up and help,” Mando responds turning and stepping past you. You watch him arrange some crates, gesturing for you to pick them up, the farmers following in suit, picking up the crates and taking them to the cart not far from the ship. 

Whilst exchanging pleasantries you’d learnt that the farmers names where Stoke and Caben, You place the last of the crates from the ship onto the cart and turn back to the Razor Crest. Walking up the ramp you notice the child, still in his container but the Mandalorian is nowhere to be found. Typical. You still had no idea what in makers name was going on, and now he’d left you with the child and two complete strangers.

”Where’d he go?” You ask hands on your hips. 

”He said he had to get one more thing.” Stoke replies climbing onto the cart. 

You nod at his reply. What could he need that wasn’t on the ship? Then again why would he tell you if he hadn’t even bothered to tell you what was happening? You pulled your face, talking to yourself and mimicking the Mandalorian in the process. You heard the baby cry from his container, walking over and opening the shields you pick him up and bounce him on your hip in hope of settling him down. After a while, he coos and continues his usual incoherent babbling. 

You decide to sit outside and wait for the Mandalorian’s return. Not that you cared or anything, he’d just left without saying a word and it irked you. There had been a small conversation held between you and the two men, nothing interesting just something to pass the time. Both of them failing to divulge what was going on. 

Your ears prick at the sound of rustling in the forest to the side of the cart, and you pull out your blaster. The Mandalorian emerges from the treeline with Cara Dune both walking towards the cart, you sigh and holster your blaster. You stand, hopping off the cart and stretching your legs. You walking back to the ship. 

”Where are you going?” Caben shouts from the cart. 

You turn and see Mando and Cara also sat on the cart. You look at Mando, then move your eyes to Caben. Before you can form an excuse Mando speaks. 

“Get in,” He commands

You huff and move to climb onto the cart. “ I thought you wouldn’t want me to come with you,” you mumble, sitting in between Mando and Cara, the child crawling onto your lap. 

“What, and leave you alone on my ship, I’d like to be able to come back to it after this job.” He answers, with a slight twinge of humour. 

“Well, how was I supposed to know what you wanted me to do Mando! You haven’t even explained to me what the kriff is going on!” you hissed, crossing your arms 

“Calm down.” Mando sighed 

“You calm down, fucking buckethead,” you mumbled under your breath, earning a short laugh from Cara, and an unamused glare from the dark visor.

“I like her she’s got fire.” she chuckled, winking at you. 

You shoot her a shy smile and prop yourself against the pile of crates behind you. Why he has or needs this much stuff is beyond you, you had little to no possessions, and you lived out of the clothes you were wearing, the shirt not even your own. You close your eyes feigning sleep, listening to the Mandalorian’s and the ex-shock trooper’s conversation. 

“So we’re basically running off a band of raiders for lunch money?” She asks, glancing back to your sleeping figure, then back to Mando. You crack open your eyes, so you can just barely see the Mandalorian.

“Last I checked it’s a pretty square deal for someone in your position.” Mando responds “Worst case scenario, you tune up your blaster. Best case we’re a deterrent. I can’t imagine there’s anything living in these woods that an ex-shock trooper couldn’t handle,” he says, leaning back and stretching out on the crates behind him. 

You feel the familiar heat rise in your stomach and your breath hitches. He looks good, why does he always look so annoyingly good? You curse yourself, at those thoughts crossing your mind. As soon as he can he was going to get rid of you, even with the deal you’d agreed upon he could easily just leave you somewhere for other bounty hunters to find. You were replaceable, as usual just a means to an end. 

Giving up on trying pretending to be asleep, you stretch out yawning in the process to make it more believable that you’d just woken up. You lay back and stare at the passing stars. 

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

You bolt awake from the sound of laughing children surrounding the cart. Turning to look behind you you’re greeted by several children running to greet Stoke and Caben on their return home.

“Well, it looks like they’re happy to see us,” Mando almost chuckles as the group of children begin to crowd around the child.

The Child babbles happily, arms outstretched, reaching out to the children in front of him. You climb off the cart and begin unloading the crates, a few villagers helping you place them on the ground. Picking up one of the crates Mando walks forward being greeted by one of the villagers, you supposed they were talking about where you’d be placing the supplies, and where he’d be staying. You follow the rest of the villagers with crates into the village. 

After placing the crates in the village, you pick up the child and regroup with Mando and Cara. The villagers were sure to make you feel welcome, greeting you warmly and expressing their gratitude. Though what for you still didn’t know the Mandalorian still had yet to divulge that to you. 

A woman steps out from the crowd, long brown hair and striking features. She introduces herself as Omera indicating that she’d show you to where you’d be staying for the night. She walked forwards to a single hut and gestured inside.

“This is where you’ll be staying, let me know if you need anything at all,” She smiled, but somehow you felt it was more directed to the Mandalorian rather than yourself.

Mando thanks Omera as you step into the hut, it had two cots and a crib for the baby. You feel guilty that it provided very little privacy for Mando. On the crest, he could lock himself in the cockpit or his cot so he could enjoy some time without the helmet but here, there was little to no privacy. 

“I can stay with Cara, if it’s easier, that way you can have a little more privacy.” You suggest moving to the door. 

“It’s fine,” Mando assures you in a gruff tone 

“But what about your helmet, and your armour, surely you can’t sleep in it, it’s got to be really-,” 

“Y/N, I said it’s fine.” Mando quips visor staring at you. Your eyes widen, his response startled you. He never calls you by your name, usually just pointing conversation towards you. But the way he says your name almost makes you shiver. Low and baritone, you wished he said it more often, it made things feel less impersonal. You realise you’d been stood in the doorway for too long, your eyes still wide at his tone.

“Fine,” You huff moving towards the cot opposite the Mandalorian’s.

Mando was surprised by your concern, as much as you liked to portray yourself as a rugged bounty hunter you had a thoughtful side. He’d seen that much when he’d seen you slumped against the wall of the crest, hand in the baby’s cot soothing him whilst he slept. And now you were thinking about his comfort, he didn’t know what he was feeling, a warmth in his chest, as he reflects how you’d fallen asleep with the child on your lap in the back of the cart, your face so peaceful, outlined by the soft glow of the stars above. For someone like him with such a violent life, you seemed so soft. He’s shaken from his thoughts by the sound of your voice. 

“So are you going to tell me what we’re doing here, or?” you question, looking up at the dark visor of his helmet. You always managed without fail to find his eyes behind the visor, in certain moments he wondered if you could actually see him. He explains why you’re here, the problems the village had been facing with raiders and how if we helped them the village could be a good place to stay and hide for a while. You nod listening intently.

“So that’s why you brought your entire arsenal then,” you chuckle turning to him, looking straight into his visor again

“Whatever help you need, just ask,” you say sincerely, turning to look at the child in the crib. 

After a few moments of silence, you turn to Mando again. “ I’m going out there to see if they need my help with anything, do you want the child here with you, or shall I take it with me?” You ask, brushing your fingers over the child’s ears as it coos. 

“You can take him with you if you want,” he hesitates, then adds “I trust you,”

Those three words knock the breath out of your lungs, erasing all your thoughts you’d dwelled on the day before. The Mandalorian trusted you. You tried to contain the smile that was creeping up onto your face, in an attempt to conceal it you turn to the child, picking it up from its crib and placing it on your hip. 

“What do you say we go on a little adventure, little womp rat,” you smiled, your statement earning the incoherent babbles and coos you loved so much. 

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

You left Mando alone with his thoughts, how you found yourself to be wanted criminal he didn’t know. Was he surprised? No, not really. From the brief encounters you had on Nevarro, and the little competition you’d shared Mando knew you spoke your mind, and it was often your mouth got you into trouble. And having received a couple of remarks from you, he knew not to get on your bad side. But he quickly realised he knew next to nothing about you, your family, where you came from. And it puzzled him how he wanted to know more about you, how he found himself wondering what you were thinking and how you saw the world. Two knocks on the huts doorframe bring him from his mind’s rambling. 

“Can I come in?” Cara asks 

Mando nods and gestures her to sit on the cot opposite his own. 

“Bounty hunter, so I’m guessing she fights then,” Cara states pointing outside the hut to where you were playing with the child and some of the village children. 

“Yes,” Mando replies looking up to you, with the child in your arms.

“She any good?” Cara questions 

“ From what I’ve seen when she’s on the job, and the way she almost got the jump on me back on Felucia, I’d say so yes.” 

“Good, so she can help,” Cara continues.

Mando nods in response.

“We need to scout the area so we can form a plan.” She stands leaving the hut “I’ll meet you at the edge of the woods.”

Mando nods grabbing his rifle and placing it on his back. Mando didn’t like the uneasiness that crept up on him at the thought of putting you in danger. Though he wanted to assess what you were really capable of he didn’t want you to get hurt or worse. He rises from the cot and makes his way to the treeline finding you and Cara. He turns his visor to look at you.

You shoot him a challenging glare “Look I want to help, I’m more than capable to defend myself, and you can’t tell me otherwise.” You state, pointing a finger at the Mandalorian.

You heard Mando’s sigh of defeat through the helmet, and you smirked at your victory. The three of you move through the forest in the direction Caben had directed you. As the three of you walk through the foliage there doesn’t seem to be anything out of the ordinary. 

“Are you sure they gave us the right direction?” Cara huffs 

“Yes,” you say, perking Mando’s and Cara’s attention, you point the series of burnt and snapped branches higher up in the trees. The three of you continue to follow the trail searching for anything else out of the ordinary. Until the Mandalorian stops in his tracks, you almost walk into his back at his sudden halt. Confused you follow his visor’s line of sight.

“Fuck, that’s not possible ” you let out an exasperated sigh 

“An AT-ST?” Cara questions.

Mando crouches examining the large print left in the mud of the forest floor.

“They didn’t mention a fucking AT-ST!” You exclaim “ We can’t fight an AT-ST.”

Mando stands silently and turns making his way back to the village without saying a word.

This was more than you’d signed up for.

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Written In The Stars XCVIII (Harry Potter xF!Oc)

A/N: Updated: I will be dropping the next few chapters this week, so stay tuned -Danny

Words: 4,487

Series’ Masterlist

Previous Chapter // Next Chapter

Chapter Thirty-Three: The Final Task.

"He really trusts Snape, even though he knows he was a Death Eater?" Ron asked.

"Yes," said Harry.

"Rita Skeeter," Hermione mumbled rubbing her forehead with both palms.

"How can you be worrying about her now?" said Ron.

"I'm not worrying about her. I'm just thinking... remember what she said to me in the Three Broomsticks? 'I know things about Ludo Bagman that would make your hair curl.' This is what she meant, isn't it? She reported his trial, she knew he'd passed information to the Death Eaters. And Winky too, remember... 'Ludo Bagman's a bad wizard.' Mr Crouch would have been furious he got off, he would have talked about it at home."

"Yeah, but Bagman didn't pass information on purpose, did he? And Fudge reckons Madame Maxime attacked Crouch?"

"Yeah, but he's only saying that because Crouch disappeared near the Beauxbatons carriage."

"Makes no sense because then all her students were there to see, and Hagrid as well, unless he thinks Hagrid's unreliable too..." Mel added.

"We never thought of her, did we?" said Ron. "Mind you, she's definitely got giant blood, and she doesn't want to admit it —"

"Of course she doesn't! Look what happened to Hagrid when Rita found out about his mother. Look at Fudge, jumping to conclusions about her, just because she's part giant. Who needs that sort of prejudice? I'd probably say I had big bones if I knew that's what I'd get for telling the truth."

"I'm hardly a supporter of liars," Mel sighed, "but I'm with 'Mione in this one, the wizarding community can be pretty judgy when they want to."

"We haven't done any practising!" Hermione gave a start, looking at the time on her wristwatch. "We were going to do the Impediment Curse! We'll have to really get down to it tomorrow! Come on, Harry, you need to get some sleep."

Hermione and Ron stood up as well as them, then Mel stopped, watching them climb up the stairs. Harry noticed and stayed behind as well, giving her a questioning look.

"I wonder," She said quietly. "How different our lives would be if any of those things had never happened... D'you think it'd be completely different from what it is now?"

"Maybe," Harry shrugged. "My parents would be alive, we wouldn't be neighbors..."

"We would still be friends, though, wouldn't we? But maybe not best friends," She frowned. "Is it wrong that I'm a little glad that's not the case?"

"No," He smiled. "But we're not exactly friends, are we?"

"You know what I mean," She mumbled.

Harry got closer and kissed her temple. Having no height difference really was convenient for them. He finally mumbled a goodnight and left, Mel soon following his example and going to her bedroom.

"You're supposed to be studying for your exams as well, you don't need to put all your efforts into helping me," Harry told them one afternoon after lunch. "I don't mind practising on my own for a while, you know?"

"Don't worry about it," Hermione said, "at least we'll get top marks in Defense Against the Dark Arts. We'd never have found out about all these hexes in class."

"Good training for when we're all Aurors," said Ron casually.

Mel and Harry shared an amused look.

"Hermione's right," She added. "I don't do any of these in my lessons either, it's more of an academic thing, most unusual when I do practical magic. I read and read until my eyes get all heavy. I know a lot of things about magic but it's not quite the same as knowing how to do it."

"I bet it's ten times easier than this," Harry groaned, cleaning his robes after falling on his butt for the third time thanks to a hex he hadn't been able to avoid.

"You're still doing really well, though," Hermione said, reading the list she'd made to make sure Harry had a full training. "Some of these are bound to come in handy."

"Come and look at this," Ron was looking out the window, squinting. "What's Malfoy doing?"

They all huddled up in front of the window. Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle were sitting down the shadow of a big willow tree, Malfoy was holding his hand up to his mouth and speaking into it, the other two were looking around with silly smirks on their faces.

"He looks like he's using a walkie-talkie," said Harry.

"He can't be– I've told you, those sorts of things don't work around Hogwarts," Hermione shrugged it off, quickly losing interest. "Come on, Harry, let's try that Shield Charm again."

"Look at this," Harry said in a tone of exasperation, he was reading Sirius' letter to Mel. "'If Voldemort is really getting stronger again, my priority is to ensure your safety. He cannot hope to lay hands on you while you are under Dumbledore's protection, but all the same, take no risks: Concentrate on getting through that maze safely, and then we can turn our attention to other matters.' Makes me sound like I have no control!"

"He's just stressed like we all are," Mel responded lazily, barely looking up from her Charms essay. "Give it a month and he'll be back to his usual self, joking about eating rats and all..."

"I already did all I could to prepare myself," Harry folded the letter and prompted his head on one hand, watching her as she continued writing. "The task is tomorrow, I don't think there's anything else I can do..."

"You sound extremely calm about it," She said.

"I just think that whatever comes, at least this time I'm prepared. Besides, it's the end of the tournament, which means..." He raised his free hand and grabbed a lock of her hair, playing with it like he often did. "It's all going to be over, and Skeeter will be out of here."

"We won't have to worry about our love lives being published for everyone to see..." She nodded.

"And I'll be able to take you to Hogsmeade on a proper date and all..." He smiled, his mind drifting to a brighter future.

"What a gentleman," Mel put down her quill and admired her work with pride. "I'm all done! No more homework!" She looked up to meet his gaze. She frowned a little, slightly confused. "Is everything okay?"

"Espectacular," Harry smiled broadly, releasing the lock of hair and kissing her cheek.

"Snuffles sent me a good-luck card!" Harry said, sounding delighted.

She leaned closer to examine it. It was a piece of parchment with a paw print that Mel found adorable, Harry seemed to like it as well.

"Emily didn't send anything though, d'you think she dislikes me now because of all those articles?" He asked jokingly.

"Oh yes, I reckon she must hate you for being such a conceited little git," Mel snorted.

Hermione choked on her drink as she held onto the Daily Prophet an owl delivered to her a few seconds earlier.

"What?" asked her three friends.

"Nothing..." Hermione tried to hide the paper, but Ron was quicker.

"No way," He breathed. "Not today. That old cow..."

"What?" Harry insisted. "Rita Skeeter again?"

"Bad news?" Mel raised a brow.

"No," Ron said, hastily pushing the paper out of sight.

"It's about me, isn't it?" said Harry.

"No," said Ron, but his voice broke a little in the end.

Just as if on queue Draco Malfoy shouted from across the Great Hall:

"Hey, Potter! Potter! How's your head? You feeling all right? Sure you're not going to go berserk on us?"

"Oh, bloody hell," Mel frowned. "What is it now?"

"Let me see it," Harry turned to Ron. "Give it here."

Harry took the paper from a very reluctant Ron. A picture of him was displayed on the front page, with the title right under it:

HARRY POTTER "DISTURBED AND DANGEROUS"

The boy who defeated He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is unstable and possibly dangerous, writes Rita Skeeter, Special Correspondent. Alarming evidence has recently come to light about Harry Potter's strange behaviour, which casts doubts upon his suitability to compete in a demanding competition like the Triwizard Tournament, or even to attend Hogwarts School.

Potter, the Daily Prophet can exclusively reveal, regularly collapses at school, and is often heard to complain of pain in the scar on his forehead (a relic of the curse with which You-Know-Who attempted to kill him). On Monday last, midway through a Divination lesson, your Daily Prophet reporter witnessed Potter storming from the class, claiming that his scar was hurting too badly to continue studying.

It is possible, say top experts at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries, that Potter's brain was affected by the attack inflicted upon him by You-Know-Who, and that his insistence that the scar is still hurting is an expression of his deep-seated confusion.

"He might even be pretending," said one specialist. "This could be a plea for attention."

The Daily Prophet, however, has unearthed worrying facts about Harry Potter that Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts, has carefully concealed from the wizarding public.

"Potter can speak Parseltongue," reveals Draco Malfoy, a Hogwarts fourth year. "There were a lot of attacks on students a couple of years ago, and most people thought Potter was behind them after they saw him lose his temper at a dueling club and set a snake on another boy. It was all hushed up, though. But he's made friends with werewolves and giants too. We think he'd do anything for a bit of power."

Parseltongue, the ability to converse with snakes, has long been considered a Dark Art. Indeed, the most famous Parselmouth of our times is none other than You-Know-Who himself. A member of the Dark Force Defense League, who wished to remain unnamed, stated that he would regard any wizard who could speak Parseltongue "as worthy of investigation. Personally, I would be highly suspicious of anybody who could converse with snakes, as serpents are often used in the worst kinds of Dark Magic, and are historically associated with evildoers." Similarly, "anyone who seeks out the company of such vicious creatures as werewolves and giants would appear to have a fondness for violence."

Albus Dumbledore should surely consider whether a boy such as this should be allowed to compete in the Triwizard Tournament. Some fear that Potter might resort to the Dark Arts in his desperation to win the tournament, the third task of which takes place this evening.

"Gone off me a bit, hasn't she?" said Harry casually as Mel finished reading, to which she only sighed.

"How did she know your scar hurt in Divination?" Ron asked. "There's no way she was there, there's no way she could've heard —"

"The window was open," said Harry. "I opened it to breathe."

"You were at the top of North Tower!" Hermione exclaimed. "Your voice couldn't have carried all the way down to the grounds!"

"Well, you're the one who's supposed to be researching magical methods of bugging!" said Harry. "You tell me how she did it!"

"No idea," Mel shook her head. "Unless she's learned to train insects and have them all around the school, which would give the bugging a whole new meaning..."

"Bugging," said Hermione, deep in thought. "It's like... like..."

"Are you all right?" said Ron.

"Yes... I've had an idea– I think I know... because then no one would be able to see... even Moody... and she'd have been able to get onto the window ledge... but she's not allowed... she's definitely not allowed... I think we've got her! Just give me two seconds in the library — just to make sure!" She stood up at once and left the Great Hall in a hurry.

"Oi! We've got our History of Magic exam in ten minutes–! Blimey," Ron turned back to them, "she must really hate that Skeeter woman to risk missing the start of an exam. What're you going to do in Binns's class, Harry — read again?"

"S'pose so," Harry shrugged.

"I wish I'd know what she found," Mel said, looking out to where Hermione had gone. "Maybe if I go after her..." But her thoughts were interrupted as Professor McGonagall came to them.

"Potter, the champions are congregating in the chamber of the Hall after breakfast, Miss Dumbledore, you and Flint are needed at the entrance now," Before Mel could object she added, "Your teacher has been notified and knows you'll be arriving at your examination a bit late, as well as Flint. He'll give you extra time."

"But the task's not till tonight!" Harry's eyes widened.

"I'm aware of that, Potter. The champions' families are invited to watch the final task, you know. This is simply a chance for you to greet them."

Harry and Mel stared at her in disbelief after she left.

"She doesn't expect the Dursleys to turn up, does she?" Harry asked in horror.

"Dunno," said Ron. "I'd better hurry, I'm going to be late for Binns. See you later..."

"I'd better go too," Mel sighed, getting up as well. "I wouldn't worry if I were you, I doubt the Dursleys would have the nerve to show up." She kissed the top of his head, Harry gave her an anxious smile and she walked away a bit reluctantly. At the entrance she was met with a lovely sight:

Mrs Weasley, Bill, and her own mother were there, next to them were Mr and Mrs Diggory, a woman that looked a lot like Fleur along with Fleur's little sister, and two wizards that could only be Krum's parents.

"Mum!" She ran up to the woman and hugged her tightly, doing the same with Mrs Weasley and Bill. "What are you doing here?"

"Can't miss the last task now, can we?" Her mother smiled. "I tried to convince Remus to come as well, but he thought that people wouldn't react kindly after the whole scandal of last year."

Mel's attention got caught on three figures on the other side of the hall. Erick was standing next to his cousin, and on Jo's side, there was a very old man on a wheelchair. They seemed to be arguing with him.

"I'll be with you in a moment," She told her mother and the Weasleys. "Hold on..."

She walked up to Erick shyly and cleared her throat, the boy gave a start and turned to look at her.

"Yes?" He asked in a grumpy voice.

"We have to take the families to the chamber... is everything okay?"

"No– Yes," He looked over his shoulder and back at her. "My Grandad had a relapse yesterday but insisted on coming anyway. Joseph and I had to force him to sit so he doesn't tire himself out, he's throwing a tantrum."

"We can always send him back via floo," Joseph stepped in, half-joking. "Hi, Mel!"

"Hi," Mel beamed, she couldn't help but feel a little excited every time he'd talk to her.

"Well well," Mr Flint spoke over his grandson's shoulder. "You must be Miss Dumbledore!"

"Good morning Sir," She tilted her head to see him.

"My, you're pretty!" He laughed loudly, Mel found it endearing. "I see the resemblance between you and your father– Great man he was, he used to visit my store often. How's your mother?"

"She's right over there," She pointed over her shoulder. "Came to wish Harry good luck, he's my friend, you see."

"I've heard," He looked at his grandson with a knowing smile. "Oh! Haven't introduced myself, have I? Eliot Flint at your service dear girl– You've made quite the impression in my family. Erick's told me about you, and Joseph mentions you at least twice in all his letters!"

"Oh!" Mel didn't know how to respond to that, so instead, she looked at the boys.

Joseph spoke first, noticing the way Erick was positively glaring at his Grandfather.

"You're a great host," He admitted, "I dare say better than my cousin..."

"Thanks," Erick replied with a scoff.

"Well, it's true!" Joseph laughed. "I barely got to talk to you during the school year, and even then you weren't much of a talker. I'm surprised you even mentioned Mel to our Grandad– Mind you, Mel, he doesn't talk about anyone at all, sometimes I suspect he fancies–"

"I talk enough!" He snapped. "Now, if you excuse us we have to take the families to the chamber– You two stay here. Let's go..." Erick grabbed Mel's arm and pulled her away.

"You know," She chuckled, "there's nothing wrong with caring about people."

"I care about people," He replied. "Which is why I feel like I've aged five years this term."

She laughed, stopping in the middle of the large group. They all turned to look at her, which caused her to feel a bit self-conscious. Luckily for her, Erick had no problems with talking to crowds.

"If you could follow us to the chamber, you'll see your kids in a moment," He said in his best formal and controlled voice. Mel got closer to her mum.

"Harry'll be ever so pleased about you coming! He was dreading the idea of his aunt and uncle..."

"The day a Dursley sets a foot in this castle hell will freeze," Her mother laughed.

"I just couldn't miss a chance to come back, really," Bill explained. "All is exactly as I remember..."

Once in the chamber, the families divided into smaller groups. The champions walked in, all except for Harry. Erick left to present his exams and she was about to go as well when he came in, looking around curiously before his eyes landed on the Weasleys and her mum. Then he approached them with a broad smile.

"Surprise!" Mrs Weasley said once he got to them. "Thought we'd come and watch you, Harry!"

"You all right? Charlie wanted to come, but he couldn't get time off. He said you were incredible against the Horntail."

"My little boy!" Emily pulled Harry in for a hug. "You've been so brave this whole year! All the things you've done– never been more proud of you!"

"This is really nice of you," Harry muttered. "I thought for a moment — the Dursleys —"

"Hmm," said Mrs Weasley sternly.

"Sorry for that," Emily laughed, finally letting go. "But the Dursleys won't get to call themselves your family on these grounds as long as I'm alive."

Mel watched them interact, in a way, they were her little family. She couldn't wait to tell her mother about the recent events regarding her relationship with the boy.

"It's great being back here," said Bill. "Haven't seen this place for five years. Is that picture of the mad knight still around? Sir Cadogan?"

"Oh yeah," said Harry and Mel at the same time.

"And the Fat Lady?"

"She was here in my time," mentioned Mrs Weasley. "She gave me such a telling off one night when I got back to the dormitory at four in the morning —"

"What were you doing out of your dormitory at four in the morning?" Bill gaped.

"Your father and I had been for a nighttime stroll. He got caught by Apollyon Pringle — he was the caretaker in those days — your father's still got the marks."

"Fancy giving us a tour?" said Bill, looking at Mel and Harry.

"Yeah, okay," said Harry.

"Oh, I can't," She pouted, "my exams..."

"How about we walk you to class?" Emily offered. "This place is full of memories! I'd love to see the halls one more time..."

As they moved to the door, Amos Diggory spoke to Harry.

"There you are, are you?" He sneered. "Bet you're not feeling quite as full of yourself now Cedric's caught you up on points, are you?"

"What?" Harry stopped.

"Ignore him," said Cedric, giving his father a look. "He's been angry ever since Rita Skeeter's article about the Triwizard Tournament — you know when she made out you were the only Hogwarts champion."

"Didn't bother to correct her, though, did he?" said Amos Diggory. "Still... you'll show him, Ced. Beaten him once before, haven't you?"

"Rita Skeeter goes out of her way to cause trouble, Amos!" Mrs Weasley said. "I would have thought you'd know that, working at the Ministry!"

"Honestly Amos, believing a word she says it's the same as asking to a dog what he thinks about the weather," Emily added.

Mel didn't need the extra time, in the end, she finished her exam at the same time as the rest of the group. Ron asked her if Harry's relatives were in fact there and she answered with a mysterious 'you'll see'.

When they went to the Great Hall for lunch, Ron was surprised to see his brother and mum there.

"Mum — Bill! What're you doing here?" He looked at Mel's mum. "Hi, Em!"

"Come to watch Harry in the last task!" said Mrs Weasley. "I must say, it makes a lovely change, not having to cook. How was your exam?"

"Oh... okay. Couldn't remember all the goblin rebels' names, so I invented a few. It's all right," Ron said to calm her mother's spirits, "they're all called stuff like Bodrod the Bearded and Urg the Unclean; it wasn't hard."

Hermione turned up a bit later, Harry tried to find out what she'd discovered about Skeeter, however, before he could finish his sentence Hermione shut him up, her attention moving to the mothers of her friends.

"Hello, Hermione," said Mrs Weasley, rather coldly.

"Hello," said Hermione shyly.

"Mrs Weasley, you didn't believe that rubbish Rita Skeeter wrote in Witch Weekly, did you? Because Hermione's not my girlfriend," Harry was quick to point out.

"Oh! No — of course, I didn't!" Mrs Weasley blushed lightly.

"Was it all rubbish, though?" Emily asked pointedly.

"What'd you mean?" Mel asked.

"Dunno, something about you and that Diggory boy," The woman fought back a smirk, "and a french boy..."

Mel inhaled sharply and choked on her food. She shook her head energetically as Hermione patted her back harshly.

"That was rubbish too, yes," Harry added, kicking Ron's leg under the table so he wouldn't speak.

"Okay then," Emily replied. "Not that I wouldn't support you, but if my daughter's dating someone, I'd hate to find out through the Daily Prophet."

"Oh, yes," Mel glared at her mother playfully. "I'm well aware of how invested you are in my love life."

Emily winked at her without saying anything, Harry gave her a questioning look but Mel shook her head, brushing it off like it was nothing.

The way the Emily’s eyes shone throughout the day helped Harry picture her at fifteen-years-old, walking around the castle with his parents and Matthew, much like Mel: happy and beautiful. Carefree, with dreams to spare.

Mel's exams went by without any troubles, and by the time they had the feast, she sat next to him, holding his hand under the table while no one else was looking in an attempt to ease his nerves.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Dumbledore said. "In five minutes' time, I will be asking you to make your way down to the Quidditch field for the third and final task of the Triwizard Tournament. Will the champions please follow Mr Bagman down to the stadium now."

As they got up, the Gryffindors broke into applause for Harry; the Weasleys, Emily and Hermione wished him good luck, and they finally left the Great Hall to enter the quiet evening.

"How're your nerves?" Erick asked her. "I must say you're keeping it together better than before..."

"I've grown used to the knot in my stomach," She shrugged. "After the tenth time, this turns into a routine."

He chuckled lowly.

"My Grandad liked you, apparently you reminded him a lot to one of his girlfriends."

"Oh," Mel frowned, "...thanks?"

"I didn't know how to respond to that either."

"I think he's nice," She said. "Very lovely."

"Yeah," Erick replied, a look of fondness betraying his usual cold demeanour.

"Hey," Harry quickly caught up with them, looking considerably more nervous than before. "You remember what the jelly-leg jinx counter spell was? Because I keep trying to remember and–"

"Glasses," Mel scowled. "Don't do that, if you keep repeating things over and over you'll get them all mixed up!"

"Focus on the fact that you got here in a quite respectable place," Erick added. "Unexpected, but definitely something to be proud of."

"Er, thanks," Harry said.

"You just pull through this one, then it'll be over," She gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "You'll be okay."

He nodded, his eyes fixed on the tall maze ahead. Erick and Mel got separated again, the boy had to guide the students to their seats making sure there were no empty spaces and Mel was with the champions.

She walked past Moody and brushed past him, a wave of something hit her and she stopped in place, feeling extremely dizzy.

"Is everything all right, Miss Dumbledore?" Moody asked, eyeing her up in a calculating way.

"I..." She stared at him, wondering why the feeling reminded her so much to Riddle's diary. "Yeah... just nervous, I think."

Moody nodded once and kept walking, Mel did the same.

"This way!" Erick told the students as he walked backwards. "McLaggen, if you can muster a bit of brain to pay attention to what I'm saying, there's a seat right behind you– No, you idiot, I said behind–!"

"Hello?" Emily said to the boy. "You may not know me, but I think you've been reading my books all summer... I'm Emily Sultens."

Erick's cheeks turned pink at the statement. He cleared his throat and raised a stiff hand to shake hers.

"Nice to meet you, ma'am," He said a bit hurriedly.

"Just wanted to let you know, if there's anything we can do to help– more books, or even have you over a few days during summer... I'm happy to help, kid."

"Thanks," He replied clumsily. "I should- uh, I should go back..."

"Sure," Emily smiled, moving out of his way. "See you..."

Erick didn't respond, he merely nodded and walked back to where the champions and his teachers were.

"We are going to be patrolling the outside of the maze," Professor McGonagall explained. "If you get into difficulty, and wish to be rescued, send red sparks into the air, and one of us will come and get you, do you understand?"

The champions nodded.

"Off you go, then!" said Bagman.

Mel gave Harry one last hug before leaving.

"Good luck," She said. "I'll be looking after you."

"I know," He smiled. "You always are."

"And I'm brilliant at it," The girl grinned, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek before finally stepping back.

"Ready?" Erick asked her as they were to part in opposite directions around the maze.

"I think so," Mel replied, holding onto her wand tightly.

Next Chapter —>

Taglist.

@dee123ksha​ @vampiregirl1797 @siriuslysirius1107 @stardusthigh @mikariell95 @vernon-dursley @thesuitelifeofafangirl @tomshollandz @kylosleftbuttcheek @reverse-hxlland @bloodorangemoonlight @omiwashere​ @t-rexs-world

#hp fanfic #twoidiots writing #Harry Potter #harry potter fanfiction #harry potter xoc #WITT fic

[tomboyjessie13-artblog]

This was meant to be done yesterday, but I goofed and finished it at 4 AM in the morning, I think I ruined my sleep schedule doing it. Anyways, I was worried about putting her in EC because she's a child with a troubled past, but I just went with it because I'm not a coward. But if you're uncomfortable with the story here, I am very sorry, I mean I know it’s part of the canon story but I apologize to those who are offended in advance, I'll alter it if you want.

Speaking of which, I will be editing EC!Neashi's profile to correspond with Nemu in a little bit so keep an eye on it, ok?

Nemu, born Jordan Abbot, was a young Black Valkyria girl living in the Union State of Evillious, she was born to one of the many families who are slaves in Maistia before being bought the Freezis Conglomerate in Bariti, Marlon to be treated like trash. By the time she was 10, her parents had overheard of what horrible and cruel things that had happened to previous families before them including the Zeros, and are planning on doing the same thing to them tomorrow morning secretly to prevent Judge Gallerian Marlon from knowing. Becoming fearful for their lives, they plan to escape Marlon to the mainland that is Bolganio to have a better life and to warn the Judge of the atrocities they're committing in secret. Having been able to sneak out of the manor at night, they took one of the many double decker buses to the port town of Jamet and boarded the S.S. Titanis to the mainland. During the trip there, Nemu accidentally bumps into Michelle Marlon and apologized profusely, but Michelle reassures her that it's alright and that it was just an accident. She learns that the girl was Judge Gallerian Marlon's daughter and told her what her family had experienced, hoping that her father would set things right again. Unfortunately, just before they made it to land, a giant Ziz-Tiama showed up and destroyed the ship with everyone on it, her parents and Michelle were killed upon getting caught up in the destruction, Nemu was one of thew few survivors to have made it out alive, but suffers from Post Tramatic Stress Disorder and Mutism from the incident, the last thing she saw before passing out was Nemesis Sudou at shore, grinning at the chaos she caused. She was found unconscious on shore by Neashi and the other members of Hades who came to see what their rival gang, Zeus, has done. Sometime later while recovering, Hades found out about Nemu's origins and that she's the only one who made it, then they realized that she's still in danger of being founded. So Neashi(as Persephone) proposes that they disguise her and change her name, so they cut hair short and dyed it navy blue, and renamed her "Nemu" after the Jakokunese word "Sleep". Later on, Hades broke up due to being sought out by the police for the sinking, and Neashi took Nemu with her to Lucifenia to start a new life together, becoming her adopted older sister and legal guardian. Years later, she'd became a student at Germaine Avadonia Middle School and Neashi's partner in crime to help them survive, having been able to master paragliding at a young age to give Neashi assistance in her robberies. At some point, Neashi told Nemu that she has a "guest" coming over to give them "grocery money" and needs her to stay in her room until the "guest" is gone, though it didn't stop Nemu from being disturbed of "the noises" coming from Neashi's room. Sometime later, Nemu meets Nemesis as Themis Eight at Rolled, becoming angry upon seeing her and tried to hurt her due to her parents' death cause by her before Neashi subdued her. Later on, Neashi had informed Nemu that should be gone for two days because she's planning a large heist that would help them retire and start living the good life, she was given money to buy herself food to feed herself. At some point however, she had a visit from Postman and learned that Neashi was arrested for trying to rob Gallerian Marlon's fortune and treasures. She begs the silent Postman to take her to them, at Levianta, while she rightfully scolds Neashi for being so reckless in robbing the Judge, she was also horrified to learned that Gallerian Marlon was no longer the man she thought could help her family back in the day, but instead became a greedy crook who would gladly take any bribes at the cost of allowing bad people to run around freely.

~Technical Information~ Name: Nemu Japanese: 眠 Romaji: Nemu Other names: Jordan Abbot(Birth name), Nemu Tamiki(Full adopted name)

~Biographical Information~ Born: June 22, EC 968 Age: 13-15 Classification: Human Race: Black Valkyria Gender: Female Sexual Orientation: Unknown Hair Color: Black(later dyed Navy Blue) Eye Color: Brown Affiliation(s): Bariti, Marlon(Place of birth, formally) Aceid, Elphegort(Formerly) Rolled, Lucifenia Germaine Avadonia Middle School

Trivia:

She shares the same personality traits and skills as her previous incarnation as a KH OC, but with obvious changes due to being reimagined as a OC in a more mature setting. The reason for being in the Greed/Wrath era is because of her ethnicity being introduced, that and she and Neashi are inseparable in my KH story, it makes sense that way. Also her school uniform is inspired by Hatsune Miku's Summer Memories outfit and to some extent, her hana-kotoba serafuku, using more Miku references to tie with her.

Her adopted name, Nemu, is based off the Japanese word for "Sleep", this is meant to reference "Gift from the Princess who Brought Sleep" and her role as the "Third Sleep Bringer". Now she's named that because Hades found her "asleep", she's also has less of a villainous role in Evillious than she was in KH, except for the robberies of course. She's still talented in chemistry though, just not for epidemics.

Her role in Neashi's robberies involve paragliding at night to scope out the exits or potential houses to rob. She also uses her skills in chemistry to make biological weapons that are non-lethal but will obstruct Neashi's pursuers such as smoke bombs, tear gas, artificial bubbles, and rubber cement. Her favorite is the artificial bubbles because they're both useful and pretty.

Because video games are non-existent in the Greed/Wrath arc, she will not have an interest in the "Legend of Helga" games, or at the very least the games will be reimagined as a book series in this case. Also even though she knows that Yukina Freezis is innocent, she still doesn't feel comfortable about reading the Freezis Fairy Tales due to her experience with the Conglomerate. At one point she reads "Vampiress Vanika" by Sanon Noi and has gotten nightmares.  

She has a bit of a sweet tooth, her favorite dessert is snickerdoodle cookies. She also had some brioche with trauben jam from one of Rolled's cafe's and has become smitten, so much so she started dancing like a ballroom dancer, much to Neashi's amusement.

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

Nemu belongs to me

#artwork #evillious chronicles #kingdom hearts #kingdom hearts oc #oc #crossover #reimagined #roleplay

[epiphany-of-a-madwoman]

Daylight | Edward Cullen x Stark!OC

Prologue 

"You gotta step into the daylight and let it go"

Summary: Delphina Stark, to be frank, is tired. After the events of the Accords are done and half of the Avengers are now considered fugitives, she moves from bustling New York to live with her mom in Forks, Washington. Wielding a sarcastic attitude and crippling self-deprecating humor, she somehow gets wrapped up in the supernatural world.

 "--it would appear that the members of the Avenger previously apprehended have escaped from their holding cells. Steve Rogers, Captain America, is still at large along with James Barnes. Who knows what the future holds for the remaining members of the Avengers. Back to--"

The TV turned off, interrupting the news reporter on it. The room was enveloped in darkness, the faint outlines in the rooms resembling monsters rather than furniture, shadow reaching out and threatening to steal away her life. Delphina sighed and slouched against the velvet couch. Her thoughts ran a million miles an hour, never focusing on one thought for too long. Everything in the past month happened so quickly, she never even had a chance to fully comprehend anything. In the blink of an eye, everything had changed so drastically, and she couldn’t keep up. And to be frank, she was tired, tired of it all.

Her hands found her phone, gripping it tightly as she brought the screen up, the brightness momentarily blinding, illuminating the room and banishing the imaginary monsters. She squinted as she attempted to adjust to the brightness, pulling up the contact information of the one person she wanted to speak to most. 

“I miss you.”

The message was simple, but it’s all she could think to send at the moment. Her thumb hovered over the send button, contemplating if she should. If she ever saw it, Delphina would look pathetic and clingy, but she couldn’t help but not care, despite her pride demanding she be as cold as ice. Her world was shattering around her at every corner. She should be allowed to be a vulnerable, clingy, and pathetic seventeen year old. So with a victim complex motivated by her emotional state, she pressed down on the send button. The small ding that signified the message going through rings in the otherwise quiet room. It was too quiet. She couldn’t remember the last time the Compound was ever this quiet. 

She waited a moment, unsure of what exactly she was even waiting for when another ding came from her phone. Faster than she’d care to admit, Delphina, unlocked her phone, eagerly drinking in the response.

“451911.” was all it said. Delphina squinted, eyebrows furrowed in confusion. She stared at the jumble of numbers, willing their hidden meaning to reveal itself. She read it and then read it again, going backward and forward, anything to help Delphina get clarity. 

She pulled up her phone, ready to send another message, to plead for an explanation about well...everything. When the keyboard came up, she glanced at the numbers when suddenly a light bulb went off. Exiting off the Messenger app and opening the Notes app, she wrote down the numbers, the alphabet, and the numbers 1-26. She lined up the alphabet with the numbers, starting from one until twenty-six, highlighting 4; 5; 1; 9; 1; 1 and it’s the corresponding letter. The message still a mess, she instead highlighted 19 and 11. 

DESK.

Delphina immediately jumped off the couch, the tension in her bones minorly relaxing as her bones cracked. She rushed down the hall and towards the door at the end of it. The door slowly creaked open as she pushed on it, revealing her old bedroom. The room once an explosion of a wide array of colors and textures is neatly packed away. Boxes, both full and partially empty litter the ground. The furniture has long since been taken out to be transported to her mom’s. Her eyes glazed over all the boxes, looking for the one with the right label. In an attempt to distract her mind, Delphina had meticulously labeled each and every box, separating things only to separate them again. Tucked in the corner that it’d been left in was the box labeled DESK. 

Walking fully into the room, feeling as her feet depressed into the soft carpet, Delphina beelined for the box. Crouching on her knees in front of it, she began ripping off the tape keeping it closed. Irrationally her heart pounded in her chest, the large tearing sound from the tape drowned out her rapid thoughts. She opened it, staring down at the contents. The various trinkets and office items that used to sit on her desk now lie jumbled in the box. Her wide brown eyes razed the items, waiting for something to jump out at her. There had to be something in here, otherwise, why would Nat send her that cryptic message. 

The silence encompassing the room is swallowed by the blaring of a phone ringing. Looking down at her phone placed beside her, the screen was still black, indicating no one was calling her. The sound seemed to be coming from within the box. Like a rabid animal, Delphina rummaged through the box, trying to grasp onto the source. Her hand grasped onto something cold and plastic. Pulling it out, in her hand is a small black burner cell phone, the source of the noise. In a daze, Delphina stared at the phone in her hands as it continued to ring, only coming out of it when the sound stopped. Flipping it open with shaky hands, the bright light illuminated the room and reflected her eyes staring down at it. 

1 Voicemail. 

Clicking to listen to the voicemail, she put the phone to her ears. The calm, collected, and crisp voice of Nat leaked through the phone speaker and into Delphina’s ears, and for a moment she felt like Nat was right there with her. She nearly bursts into tears at the sound. 

“I’m here if you need me. If you ever need to get in contact with me or anyone else, call from this phone. Stay strong, you’ll make it through this. I love you, solnechnyy svet.” 

Delphina began to feel tears forming in her eyes, slowly starting to run down her face. The term of endearment at the end breaks the dam that kept her tears at bay. When Nat first became a part of Delphina’s life all those years ago, when she was seven years old, Nat always called her solnechnyy svet, which Delphina later found out meant ‘sunshine’ in Russian. The endearment used to make Delphina glow like the sun, but now it just came with a wave of melancholy that she would drown in. 

Before she could restart another cry fest, a knock sounded from the doorway. Quickly, Delphina wiped her eyes and turned to face her new visitor. Casually leaning against the doorway was her dad. His hair was messy from the numerous amount of times his hands ran through it. His facial hair wasn’t as pristine and well-shaped as it normally is. The bags under his eyes were mostly covered by his glasses. It seemed no one was taking the Avengers split very well. 

“Ready to go, kid? Your flight leaves in an hour.”

“Yeah, I - I’m ready,” she said, grabbing her phone in one hand and tucking the burner phone in her pocket. 

“What’s that?” Tony said, loosely pointing at the phone that’s now buried in her pocket. 

“My new business phone. Picked it up from the toy store.”

“I’d say something, but all the parenting books Pepper has gifted me throughout the years has taught me to let you follow your dreams,” he said, following behind Delphina as she walked out of the room. 

“Did they also tell you that facial hair was a good idea?” she teased, sweeping away any thoughts concerning the past month. 

“Ouch. Now I’m more glad than ever that I’m sending you away to your mother,” he said, dramatically touching his chest, hand over his heart. 

“You just wait. You’ll be regretting it when I destroy the patriarch and become the dictator of earth.”

                                                   o0o0o0o

Tags: 

@stuckupstucky​ 

#Edward Cullen x reader #Edward Cullen imagine #edward cullen #edward cullen fanfic #twilight fanfiction #twilight imagine #twilight #cullen clan #stark!oc #stark!reader #stark!daughter

[tranderas]

My email to Failbetter Games

I rarely see a reason to hide my motivations or actions. I don’t have a lot of regrets in life, because as I got older- I’m 34 now- I came to understand that it’s pointless. Try to learn, grieve things like lost friendships and loved ones as best you can, and be the best person your emotional and physical state allows you to be.

Anyway

To that end, I thought I’d air out my grievances to FBG in a rather long email. It was a long time coming as I wasn’t convinced emails would do anything. Elias on the Failbetter Community discord server suggested I at least try, and I spent a week of proofreading to make sure I was as courteous as I could manage to be despite my feelings. I’m angry, angry because this game was so dear for me for so long and it feels like the current team has taken it in a direction so much in the opposite of what I find fun.

That anger is unhealthy, of course. Art evolves. Bands change their sound because they get bored or they want to make money tapping into a new audience. Painters refine and improve their style. Writers improve the range of their vocabulary and change tone. Everything shifts in this world. The healthiest thing to keep in mind is the fact that the thing you loved was there for that point in time and nothing can take that away from you, from your favorite game as a child to your favorite bands in your teenage years, you’ll always have those moments of joy.

I want to hold onto this moment of joy that I experience with Fallen London as long as possible, so I wrote this email in the hope of convincing them to alter their direction so I can enjoy it a little bit longer. Except for the signature that contained my real name at the end- not that it’s hard to find if you care, as my facebook url is /tranderas- the text is unmodified. Hopefully this shines light on what I want. 

What I don’t want is discussion about my needs. This is my place to explain, to vent, to point people to instead of typing everything out every time someone asks. But enough stalling.

___

Hello, I was encouraged in a Twitter interaction to write in and expand on my thoughts on the game so I figured I would do so now. Since I started writing this email before reading the December balance announcement, I'll address that at the bottom. The sparknotes version of what I'd like is as such: More content in London itself (especially socials), more Zee destinations, a profession uptuning, a fundamental rework of the deck that goes beyond favors, and a non-docks favor buff. From most to least important, the things I'd like to see addressed are:

1. The lack of endgame content within London itself is concerning to me for two reasons:

a. I play FL because it is a social electronic game, and I want to stay in zones in which I can continue to do social interactions. This is the reason I stay in London rather than going to Iron Republic and Port Carnelian, my first and second favorite zones respectively. If I wanted a story rich solo game I'd play Sunless Sea; if I wanted an analogue experience I'd play Blades in the Dark or read one of the books that influenced FL's style.

b. I simply don't like the mechanics of lab or parabola or how they gatekeep content. Because of this I haven't had any free content to pursue since the release of the new heists, and for a much longer length of time before that.

2. I'd love to see the remaining tier 3 professions given something they can do at lodgings. In general I prefer buffs instead of nerfs, especially in story games, and think it would be silly to nerf midnighter/correspondent/crooked-cross downward. Instead, give the others roles, perhaps in special options in the 4/5 card lodgings.

3. With the changes to Paramount Presence and the BDR power creep Notability has been significantly de-emphasized. I'd like that changed. To me the notability grind had the best balance of difficulty to cost-benefit analysis to end reward in the game, and while overcapping removed that, I would like something to use it again to make going above 10 worthwhile more often. Recent BDR items should make going even beyond 15 possible for very lategame players.

4. In addition to more endgame content within London, I'd like more midgame content at Zee. Sunless Sea got me especially interested in Frostfound and Irem, and a roleplay point for my OC is that she'd like to quite literally punch Mt. Nomad to death. Please don't feed us to spiders, though. The ones in London cause enough sorrow.

5. I would enjoy more free spouses that are not seasonal, and more ways to interact with player spouses. Again, it's a social game, and it makes sense to reward a desire to be social with the community. On the other hand, the NPC spouses in the game are limiting in their roleplay potential to the point that I've created a character around the Esoteric Accomplice for one of my OCs to get involved with between one roleplay relationship and another. Now allow me to take a deep breath while I discuss the proposed balance pass. The short version here is that I think it's wrong to release a deck refresh nerf without a fundamental change to what cards appear in the deck, and that the nerf to docks favors and yet another nerf to revs favors is misguided.

Here's the long version: I actually support a removal of the deck refresh mechanic. I got in trouble for calling flash lay resets an exploit on a private Fallen London fan server, and refused to use it until the lab convinced me it was a mechanic intended for use by FBG.

The widespread use of deck resets isn't a problem in its own right; rather, it's a symptom of how fundamentally broken the deck is in its current state. You have cards that are so bad that the narrative acknowledges they're awful and the mechanics give you a way to get rid of them at the cost of objectively worse lodgings. You have story signpost cards that clog up space held by desired cards. It can be nearly impossible to get Portly Sommelier (before deck refreshes i was getting one a month playing 60 actions a day) and dream qualities (my PoSI-ready SMEN alt has DbW3 playing every dream card that comes around). And most lodgings have cards that are objectively bad in a way that no new player can know without reading the wiki or asking someone- the exact problem you claim a desire to address in your announcement.

It's telling that players will do SMEN- a quest chain ostensibly about how much you're willing to sacrifice to some faceless maybe-god- in order to get rid of bad lodgings. I personally only bought back salon (Notability grind), rooftop shack (3 epa wine option), and bazaar premises (5-card potential plus good certifiable scraps/money option) after Trand got St. Beau's Candle, and JanieS only ever got the bazaar premises, her Remote Lodging, and the Orphanage. Even the other 4-card lodgings are only good under specific circumstances, and the rest of the 3s have worse cards with no endgame benefit.

Tranderas and JanieS both use remote lodgings. Trand is stuck with the Advertisements of a New Venture and Devices and Desires cards in his hand. Advertisements is an Abundant-rarity card. Since I have no intention of doing railroad due to disliking its mechanics the card simply sits in my hand. If I discard it, its rarity means it pops back up quickly. I think a way to opt out of story signpost cards such as aunt and railroad would be good progress toward solving the deck problem. There could be a large action or monetary cost involved with both removing it and reactivating it to balance, but without a way to get rid of these story hooks I need to keep refreshing to draw other cards around them.

As for the favors, I consider that part of the change mostly good. However, the docks favors -> Silk expedition doesn't really compete that well with other endgame grinds at the moment. Further, the Revolutionaries favor turn-in was already reduced dramatically this year, and I don't think it needs further tweaking. Rather than tuning docks and revs down, I would prefer to see the other factions tuned upwards, and the cost of earning favors eliminated from their cards (no 10 rostygold donation to the Church, for example). I'd still like to see the faction cards remain in the deck after they're given storylet sources, but made more rare, with the conflict options getting a boost to remain attractive in line with my proposed buff to payouts as they are good for London from a flavor/narrative perspective. In closing, it feels like the current FBG's team has a vision for the game that doesn't mesh well with how I see it and want to play it. Content has consistently moved away from what I want to do, leaving me with only SMEN and cider as goals to pursue (and as mentioned, I've run two characters- Samia R and Tranderas- through the quest chain to its completion). I obviously care about the game enough to want more things I like or else I wouldn't bother writing and proofreading this post or discussing and debating changes on the community discord, so I hope you'll take these opinions and suggestions into consideration moving forward. Regards,

Tranderas

#fallen london #tranderas #writing #game #game design #browser games #failbetter games

[darlingrutherford]

Darling Rutherford's 1,000 Followers Post!

I've officially hit 1,000 followers! Honestly, I'm amazed. I started this blog about two years ago, I think? Solely because I had been playing DAI for a bit and wanted a place to reblog all my favorite DA things. I never imagined that it would grow to gain so many followers, that I would gain such amazing and supportive friends, and that so many people would actually enjoy my writing. Big thanks to my husband for pushing me to post the first chapter of To Weather the Storm on Ao3 back then. That's what caused my writing to spiral into what it is today, and why I post so often. So, thanks, honey! ❤️

I've never done a follower drawing before, but 1,000 is kind of a big milestone for me, so I figured I may as well give it a shot!

What is it? What will I get?

Two people's blog names will be pulled at random on February 20th, 2020 for a custom one-shot written ficlet by me.

1st name pulled will get a minimum of 3,000 words.

2nd name pulled will get a minimum of 1,500 words.

Either may actually get more than the minimum, it depends on how the writing bug bites me for what is chosen.

For those of you unfamiliar with my work, you can find a handful of it at Darlingrutherford on Ao3, although a lot of little drabbles are also in this blog under the "my work" tag, or "fanfiction", or... Other things. I'm terrible at consistent tagging, my condolences.

Da Rules - make sure to read before entering!!

You must be 18+ to enter this. Sorry. This blog is 18+ only as stated in my about due to some of my writing/reblog content and I don't want to draw a bunch of minors to my blog for this. Please feel free to come back when you're 18! This won't be the last one I do :)

You must be following me. New followers are welcome, but please don't follow just for the giveaway and then leave once it's over. That will make me sad :(

You must both like and reblog this post. Likes count as one entry, of course, since you can't really like something twice on this site. Multiple reblogs are fine, but please don't spam your followers (or me). Space out your reblogs.

If you want to reblog this to your specific fandom account and it's a side blog (e.g., this is my DA fandom side blog and my "likes" show up on notifications as @basiltwist), that's fine. Please just add a note in the post area of the reblog what your main blog @ is so I can match it up with a confirmed like in the notes. If I can't easily locate your "like" then you won't be able to win.

No specific "giveaway" blogs. Those reblogs won't count.

Winners will be notified on February 21st. You must respond to me within 48 hours of me messaging you on Tumblr. If the first place winner doesn't respond within 48 hours, the person in second place will automatically move to first and a new second place will be drawn.

Because this is a fic and I pride myself on writing a characters voice well, you must be willing to work with me on this. I will want to know so much about your OC if you want me to write them. I will want to send you quotes I'm writing to make sure it sounds as you had envisioned them. I will only be able to write as well and as quick as well as you are willing to correspond with me.

It may take me a few days to a week to write your ficlet, possibly longer if you aren't quick to respond to my inquiries. Be patient with me. I am a chronically ill person and have off days where I sleep a lot. I am treating these like a job. You will get your fic in a timely manner.

When fics are done they'll be posted to Ao3 as well as this Tumblr for you. You may save them to love as your own, but you may not repost these anywhere without obtaining my permission first. These are my writing, these are free, and one cannot put a signature on digital writing like you can artwork. You will of course be credited for your character if an OC is used, as well as the ideas and such.

I will NOT write: inc*st, p*dophilia, non-con, racism, anything NSFW about minors, writing gay characters as straight, things like that. I reserve the right to say no if your subject matter makes me uncomfortable. Don't hesitate to ask, though. I'm kinkier than you may know, there's not a lot that I'd be uncomfortable writing.

Ok with the rules? Here's what you can request when you win!:

One-shot ficlets will be (almost) whatever you want. You may request a fluff fic, NSFW, coffee shop discussion between your faves, etc. It can be your OC, canon characters, one of my OCs if you really love them that much and there's a scene you really want of them, etc. It doesn't even have to be a romance bit if you don't want it to be! Whatever you want.

A lot of my followers know I mainly write Cullen and Alistair based things, but that doesn't mean I'm not willing to do the research to write your favorite character of choice. Of course I'm most comfortable writing them, but I'm willing to make it work. Again, I reserve the right to say no if I don't think it's gonna work out on my end.

This is a DA/Witcher blog so your choice of fic should probably be in those fandoms (note for Witcher fics - I've only watched the Netflix show five times. Working on making my way through the games but, honestly, if you have a character you really want written, I'll find the videos and learn them for you cause you're a winner!) Feel free to ask if your fandom of choice isn't one of those twk. Who knows, I may be willing to do the research to write what you want. But I'm allowed to say no if I don't think it's gonna turn out well because I don't know the source.

I may edit or change these rules all together at any point in time if I deem necessary. They'll probably stay the same, tbh. Typos maybe. Idk.

I reserve the right to say no to your fic or stop writing it all together at any point if I deem necessary. Let's be honest, this will probably only happen if you're being super rude to me or angry that I won't write something I already listed in the no-no section. Just don't be a dick and this won't happen.

Questions can be directed to my inbox, or message me if you don't want your ask answered publicly. Good luck! ❤️❤️

#dragon age #fanfiction #cullen rutherford #Alistair theirin #1000 followers #idk what else to tag this lmao #my writing

[sopeyb23-blog]

Coming Home

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7

Summary: After leaving the hospital Spencer and OC head to her parents house.

Warnings: Injury, hospitals, anxiety, swearing, death (past)

Parings: OC x Spencer Reid

Words: 1k +

A/N: going crazy with updating today sorry!

*I do not own any CM characters

~~~~~~~~

Part 7

Spencer~

The first few days after I was shot I slept more than I probably had in months. I would wake up every half an hour for a few minutes sometimes managing to eat a few bites of jello that Garcia bought for me before falling back into a hazy sleep. You would think that after being shot the first couple of times, this would all be routine for me, but this was different. It wasn't just different because I really had someone to worry about this time, but even I knew that this was worse. Much worse. The looks on the faces of just about everyone that walked into my room told me how horrible I must have looked. Sophie’s sobs from the first time I was conscious play over and over in my head, reminding me to never again forget how lucky I am to live everyday knowing her. To hear someone cry over you is one thing. But to hear your biggest love cry as if they are already mourning your death? That's something I doubt even someone without an eidetic memory could forget.

“Spencer, I'm not letting you leave AMA!” I looked up from my daze to find my angry girlfriend standing at the end of my bed.

“Are we talking about their AMA or your AMA?”

“Both! You were shot, for christ's sake!”

“But I have you to help me! You’ll know better than any of them if there's something horribly wrong with me and then we can take care of it! Plus, studies have shown that patients being cared for by loved ones in their own homes recover more quickly than patients in any other environments”

She crossed her arms and tilted her head at me.

“Fine. but you are not getting in a plane. We’ll stay in Maine until I clear you to fly, cappice?”

“I thought you wouldn't want to stay here-”

“Spence, don't worry about that, okay? I can survive a few nights with my mother if it means you don't do anything more to hurt yourself.”

Sophie~

So, I lied. Just a little lie, but nevertheless, a lie. Truthfully, I want to get out of this place more than Spencer could ever know. But if staying here means that he is at less risk, what choice do I have? 

“Hey mom, i'm sorry that I haven't called you back, things have been a little hectic” 

“Sweetie I'm not angry, I'm just confused! What’s going on with you?”

“I'm here mom. I’m at the Portland hospital with Spencer, and we need a place to stay until he's okay enough to fly.”

I stood in the corner of the room by the windows whispering in hopes to not wake the now sleeping Spencer, but failed. He looked towards me and furrowed his brows like he does whenever he is trying to piece things together. I attempted to mouth to him- all good, my mom, go back to sleep- but with the puzzled look he gave back to me I'm guessing I didn't do such a great job.

“Look mom, he just woke up so I have to go, but should I call Lu or can I bring him there?”

“Of course you can come here! There's no need to bother your sister, besides you know how she is around blood and that poor-”

“Okay thank you goodbye mom” I hung up my phone and made my way back to the chair beside the hospital bed where my computer and my blanket were messily thrown on the cushion.

“Once you are good to leave we are going to my house.”

“Your house? Am I about to meet your parents for the first time?”

“Yeah babe, you are. Got a suit?”  his eyes got really wide and I laughed while shaking my head.

“Im joking, Spence, I don't even know if I remembered to bring you pants, nevermind a two piece”

And so with a simple exchange and a lot of paperwork, we signed him out, found him some pants, and left the hospital.

Spencer~

Oh my god. You would think that my greatest shock of the past week would have been being shot multiple times, but no, oh no. My biggest shock of the week is that now, barely dressed, my torso covered only with the slightly bled on gause the nurses applied to me, I was about to meet my girlfriends parents. You would think that for such a short distance and for knowing each other for so long we would have at least corresponded a few times with her parents, but no. That was yet another topic that was a little too raw.

With an orderly pushing the wheelchair that I was in and Sophie walking briskly beside me with her hands full of medical supplies and various personal belongings, we made our way out to a big black dodge van. A man slightly shorter than me stepped out of the driver's seat, and a woman a little taller than Sophie stepped out of the passengers side. I could recognize them both from pictures around the apartment and her phone. If I could stand I would have shaken their hands, but in my current painful state the most I could do is try to look even half awake.

“Mom, dad, this is Spencer” I smiled through the pain and looked up at them. Both were smiling back but with a little apprehension, like they weren't quite sure what to make of me.

Our introduction was brief and very few words were said before Soph ushered me into a seat in the back and opened the opposite door to enter the seat beside me. As soon as she got in she quickly reached out to grab my one unrestrained hand and squeezed it so hard I thought she would have to wheel me right back into the ER.

“Hey, it's going to be okay, baby” I tried my best to reassure her, but without knowing why she was this scared in the first place, I wasn't sure how well I could help.

The car ride was shorter than I expected it to be. Although I am certain that I was asleep for the majority of it. When the car stopped I woke up and squeezed Sophie’s hand which still rested in mine. The house we stopped in front of was a light purple with a navy blue trim. The driveway was long and unpaved, passing a big pond on one side and a forest on the other. There were two other cars in the driveway and I could hear dogs barking from within the house. It was so unlike where I had grown up. It was beautiful, I couldn't understand how someone could hate this. A woman who looked almost exactly like Sophie approached the car and opened Sophs door.

“Well, look who finally came home”

#Criminal Minds #criminalminds #CM #spencer reid #Spencerreid #spencer reid fanfiction #spencer reid fluff #spencer reid angst #fanfiction #OC #original work #injury #anxitey #Drama