#Mal has learned to be careful about people

[wilcze-kudly]

The Gaang being 'bad parents' didn't ruin their characters.

I've seen this argument tossed around a couple times and it's honestly one of my least favourite criticisms of lok.

Katara (and Sokka but we have no confirmed kids for him, which seems unrealistic with how much game he had) lost their mother as children and their father was forced to abandon them when they were barely starting their teens. They were raised by their grandmother with little to no peers of their own age.

Aang did not know his parents and a huge chunk of his childhood was him being groomed into taking up the mantle of the avatar and mastering airbending. He also was isolated from other kids his age. His closest parental figure was Gyatso who was more of a teacher than a father. Also the Air Nomads were literally wiped out so that adds to the trauma pile.

I really don't think i have to talk about Zuko's family life here, but at least he had relatively positive parental figures in the form of Ursa (though i do have a burning personal dislike of ursa) and Iroh. Despite this his struggle around the subject of his family and his trauma relating to his upbringing was a focal point of his character arc.

Toph was raised in isolation by her asshole abelist parents who did not listen to her, sent people to capture and bring her back and then disowned her. (If my cursory understanding of 'the rift' is correct, I need to actually read it because i am unreasonably obsessed with the Beifong family.)

Where, pray tell, were they supposed to learn proper parenting skills? On their brief stint as child soldiers? While fighting a war as literal children?

There is the argument that they must've matured later in their lives, of course. But you can only recover so much from copious amounts of childhood trauma.

Being a bad parent doesn't necessarily make you a bad person. Sure it makes you a failure in an incredibly delicate and important aspect of human life but it doesn't make you a bad person. And saying that it does takes a lot of nuance out of the conversation.

Like, do you know how easy it is to fuck up a child?

Especially that the ways the members of the Gaang 'fucked up' as parents feel mostly in character.

Bumi was going to face some struggles with self worth due to being the firstborn child of the Avatar and arguably one of the most powerful waterbenders in history, while being a nonbender himself. That much was unavoidable, no matter how his parents approached the issue.

And Aang was obviously going to be over the moon when Tenzin was born. Think about it. He's literally the last of his people. He has no one else 'like him'. No one else to pass down the traditions, the teachings that Gyatso and everyone else he cared about and who were horrifically murdered to. Aang is getting older and he feels like his culture and history and his entire life before he got trapped in that damned iceberg will die along with him. And then Tenzin is born and Tenzin can take up the mantle that had been thrust upon Aang.

I'm going to withhold my judgement on Izumi and Zuko, since we barely know anything about them. She seems well adjusted but that's all i can say right now. But Zuko has also been shown to be extremely, painfully aware of how fucked up his family is and has clearly been putting in a lot of work to unscrew what his ancestors have screwed up.

Toph situation feels very tragic to me,because it's obvious that she thought she thought she was doing better than her parents. She gave her daughters the freedom to do what they want, to not feel opressed and trapped like she had. How was she supposed to know that she was making her girls feel like she didn't love them? (Here's another post of mine about the Beifong family and how they just feel like they're cursed or something at this point.)

TLDR; I get annoyed by people saying that the Gaang being 'bad parents' ruined their characters, because to me it felt like it actually enhanced them.

Neither Aang nor Toph acted out of malice or a lack of love. On the contrary, Toph was trying not to repeat her parents mistakes, accidentally committing a bunch of her own. While Aang probably didn't even realise that he was neglecting Kya and Bumi.

But just loving your children doesn't always make you a good parent.

I think these flaws only add to them as characters. It makes them feel more real.

It's unrealistic and, frankly, just plain boring to go 'oh the Gaang were all good people so they would be good parents too.'

The Gaang were a gaggle of traumatised children forced into saving the world, because the adults around them failed them, that then grew into traumatised adults who have no idea how to be good parents.

#badly voicing my thoughts #avatar legend of korra #i know i did not write this out correctly but it is like 3 am and i am tired and mad and stressed #avatar #avatar: the last airbender #the last airbender #legend of korra #aang #avatar aang #katara #sokka #toph #toph beifong #zuko #ursa #iroh #bumi ii #kya ii #tenzin #firelord izumi #lin beifong #suyin beifong #the beifong family #the beifongs #wow look at all these traumatised people

[mostlybuddingthoughts]

Me letting go of 2023 negativity looks like this: I, personally, did not enjoy how Madhouse's anime adaptation did the Ring Scene in Frieren.

Spoilers for episode 14 of the anime, and the equivalent manga chapters they were based from.

Fundamentally I think it comes down to this shot.

Himmel drops to one knee, and Frieren looks… Shocked? Surprised? Either way, it's a much more dramatic expression than I was expecting. Than the one I read in the manga.

Frieren constantly has this detached air in her flashbacks. We know this, and we know why: she hasn't yet realised that these people are important, and hasn't begun to make the conscious effort to learn about and open up to them.

So why does the anime choose to emphasise Frieren's expression? We should know Frieren's expression. In doing so, it seems to imply that it this expression is a deviation from the norm. That this affected her in a way beyond normal.

But it didn't. Like all other flashbacks, she never realised the beauty of it except in retrospect. Which is why I do think Frieren looking at the Ring after Himmel's death was an excellent addition by the anime.

(incidentally, I do like the subsequent shot of her face which DOES emphasise her confusion)

No, like all other flashbacks, this isn't necessarily about Frieren, but about Himmel. And above all other chapters, I think this chapter gave us a glimpse beneath Himmel's normal charisma. At the heartbreak he carries inside.

I think this panel single-handedly was the reason for why this chapter was the most popular chapter in recent polls.

This manga always has these smiles I love. People always say the characters only have one expression, but I don't think that's true.

The smiles all have such different feelings to them.

And this one is paiiinnnnn.

You can see how cruel he finds the situation. That Frieren would pick a gift so close to his desires whilst being entirely oblivious. His brow, raised just so, is an amused wince. His smile, so flat and drawn out, lingers in irony.

I've seen videos where people made the same comparison.

(if someone could help me find the video, I'll add a link. I've found YouTube's history to be very finicky, and I can't find it)

But despite the universe mocking him, Himmel puts it to the side. In the manga, I feel you can understand his intentions even more. To accept that Frieren doesn't understand, and probably won't ever reciprocate his intentions, but he can still indulge in the fantasy, selfishly, just for a bit.

I've always liked how Frieren looked here. Politely curious, I've described it to others before. She knows something is happening, but no idea what or why she should really care.

While this shot is fine, I do somehow feel the emphasis is once again going to Frieren. But again, I feel like this isn't about Frieren. Frieren is entirely passive in this scene (that's why it's paiiiinnn). It's about Himmel and what he chose to do with the ring, because it shows what he felt about it and her.

Anyway, the anime adaptation is beautiful and a 10/10, but I think this is the first time I've seen the anime stumbling in adapting its source material. A pity is was with the most popular manga chapter.

I could not be happier or more surprised that this anime is becoming so popular in the mainstream. No better successor to Fullmetal Alchemist at the top of MAL.

#sousou no frieren #frieren beyond journey's end #frieren at the funeral #frieren: beyond journey's end #Frieren #Himmel #Frimmel #Mirrored-Lotus

[a-local-idiots-shitpost]

why don´t you befriend lonely Dragons? oh yeah it was because of surprise Parenthood

the (not so) long awaited sequel to the previous master piece but now with more caring for an egg

this got 1227 words

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after getting a scolding from Lilia you and the egg were released for the time being, Malleus on the other hand wasn´t as lucky and is still stuck getting screamed at and getting the question thrown at him like “what the hell were you thinking!?” or “wait until your Grandmother hears about it!?!” and your favorite “apologize to YUU!” honestly you didn´t know if he was just emphasizing your name or tried to call you over so Malleus can explain himself, you honestly don´t know much about how Dragon Fae reproduce other than it´s kinda like Pokemon but you feel a bit bad for Malleus

I mean awkward situation and all but eh thinking of your time in Twisted Wonderland surprise parenthood to a (maybe???) half Dragon Half Human Fae isn´t in your top five maybe the top ten but that would need some more thinking on your part, while you were thinking the situation over you took a look at the egg it doesn´t look how you would have imagined a Dragon egg to look but you never really thought about it either

it was hard to see due to it´s coloring but hidden in the black of it´s shell it was covered in protrusions that reminds you of Malleus scales, you weren´t really looking forward to seeing if it´s true because not only is it incredibly heavy, the shell itself seems to be rather sharp too and considering everything you knew about Dragon Fae´s (still not much!) it makes sense they would be so well fortified even before their birth or after or even inbetween??? honestly what would be the right word in this situation…?

you were brave enough to touch the pattern at the top though mainly because it just looks like it´s pigments and not an optical illusions that wants to hurt you, it is a pretty cute thing to see on it though but you hate to admit it because there are more important things than just thinking it´s cute and to your surprise the shell was pretty smooth almost like touching a smoothed down rock or well... just a chicken egg you would have expected it to be more rough but nope just the “scales“ want you dead and yes you did end up touching them and yes those are sharp interesting thing to learn not so good if you want to hold it without turning yourself into ribbbons

you were still staring at the egg and didn´t even notice that Lilia released Malleus from the scolding of a lifetime but you suspect he got of so easy at the moment because Lilia could be worried how you would be taking it considering you are uncharacteristically quiet and even calm for such a situation, you only broke eye contact with the egg after Malleus sat besides you and for the situation his face was hilarious you expected a lot but you idn´t expect a pout from him he looks like somebody just told him he won´t get ice cream for dinner and is ready to throw a hissy fit over it

your sure he would like to say but doesn´t know how to and considering he already has enough trouble as is to talk with people this situation must be downright horrible for him it would be for everybody else but just even worse for him and considering your one of the few people he has befriended might make this even worse for him

“soooo Mal anything you want to tell me?” you had a teasing smile on your face and it at least took the pout of his face granted it was replaced with confusion but hey it could always be worse “your… not mad?” he really was confused about your reaction and that´s really understandable your even surprised at you ability to just roll with it, also your already used to looking after a somebody that acts like a child every once in a while and throws tantrums like one and looking after Grim who is a mix between best friend, pet and your beloved son so that might take one of the fears away

you shrugged “to be fair a lot weirder shit happened to me here you know? I mean I don´t have magic am stuck in a school for promising Mage´s with a lazy as hell Cat and have to constantly run into Overblot´s so having a kid isn´t really the worst that happened to me” Malleus still looked upset and you tried your best to lift the tension a bit, you slung an arm around Malleus and gave him a grin “honestly if ya wanna make it up to me Malleus I wanna pick the name of the fletchling, I´m not trying to say anything with it but I don´t think it´ll be easy to keep the Mal trend going”

you know he doesn´t want to but Malleus does have to smile a bit at your attempt “I´m surprised you can keep calm so easily Yuu most Humans would have surely gotten angry over what happened” you gave him a grin “most “Humans” huh? and what about Fae? because you don´t seem so calm to me”

“I…” you would have loved to joke around some more but he seems really worried about it “I would have preferred if it happened it would have been under better circumstances” you know you should handle it with more tact and seriousness but that´s just not how you roll, you decided to take Malleus in your arm, you found a safe spot for the egg and to you and his surprise you managed to pick him around and swung him around a bit “aww no need to worry Malleus plenty of buddies had kids before and plenty of em will have em after us, granted this is a bit more unique situation but hey I´m a master at getting the weirdest cards dealt and handling them perfectly”

you know he isn´t happy with your jokes during such an important conversation but you put his worries at ease at least a little bit

“Yuu I want to ask you something” you put him down and just looked at him and he took it as his queue to continue “do you know how to raise a Dragon Fae?” uhhhh… you feel like your going to be dragged into an awkward conversation “not really? why?” Malleus gave you a grin and you know you just made a horrible mistake and that it´s his time to play around now

“that´s good to hear because Lilia so graciously offered to teach you on how to best care for the egg” you know you can´t get out of this one but you sure will try but first… “very serious and important question could Grim somehow manage to accidentally boil the egg?” your sure Malleus knows what you are planning but is willing to indulge your whims “the monster of yours can try as much as he want´s but he won´t be able to hurt them”

“I see” this was all he got out of you before you decided to book it, you know Malleus and/or Lilia is going to catch you but for now Malleus is willing to allow you to stay in some faux peace and false hopes of getting out of Lilia´s lessons

#disney twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland Malleus #twisted wonderland yuu

[belphiesreverie]

Belphie I can see that the reader's "duties" other than learning about fae culture, hobbies of the fae nobility, and also the skills needed to mingle in the high of society of Briar Valley it's definitely maintaining the relationship between Malleus and other people.

It totally makes sense because you interact with the other dorm leaders often and you're easier to approach. Malleus is intimidating, Sebek's too loud, Silver sleeps a lot, while Lilia is busy as a vice dorm leader and his music club. ALSO, THE INVITATIONS. Making sure that Malleus receives his invitation and comes on time because he has a totally different sense of time and somehow the other Diasomnia members forgot to give him his invitation (in the manga it's Sebek). It's a practice for the future, no? After all as the king's favorite handmaiden you'll be seen in public with him.

And of course, keeping Malleus company and making him happy! Handmaidens in a royal's inner circle acts as good companions. You occasionally gave him your homemade ice cream too :D

The thing is that when it comes to helping Malleus with his social relations and keeping him happy, Diasomnia doesn't necessarily have to push you into this because it's a way of showing your gratitude to Malleus because he's so nice to you (he's better at taking care of you compared to Crowley). However, it definitely confuses a lot of people. Especially a royal like Leona, and those who are used to serving others like Jamil and Ruggie. ⭐

You’re so right about maintaining Malleus’ relationships!! You’ve been made aware by many people within Diasomnia how Malleus never gets invited places and nobody ever approaches him and Lilia is even so bold as to directly hint that you could potentially be his in to many places. So whenever your friends or other dorm leaders mention gatherings or parties, you subconsciously start to ask if Malleus will be allowed to join and even start inviting people to events you’ve planned yourself in the hopes of helping Mal make some more friends. You think you’re just being a good friend and helping him branch out, but really you’re being the peacemaker and conversationalist for him and the boys are so happy about how easily you adapted to your role

I can also just imagine him getting texts and stuff and having to ask you what the most appropriate response is. You end up ghostwriting most of his texts and your cover was almost blown once when you referred to Azul as bestie when posing as Mal 😭😭

Oh and Leona definitely thinks something is up ngl. He can just tell that the Diasomnia boys are prepping you for the role, but he just can’t be bothered to get involved and question it, it’s really none of his business anyways and too much effort. Jamil is in a similar boat but he’s just got his hands too full with his duties to Kalim to ask you about it. In the end he kind of just assumes that you’ve voluntarily taken on the role and starts to casually exchange tips with you and the whole strangeness of the situations goes over both of your heads

And what you said about Vil and Riddle is so true! I can see Vil starting to compliment you a lot more but also slipping in some advice from time to time in his usual Vil manner. And Riddle is absolutely going to start using you as an example for Ace and Deuce 😭😭 they’re gonna be getting chewed out by him and he’ll throw in the fact that they hang out with you all the time but can’t even follow your lead or pick up any of your good habits

#⭐️ anon #belph’s platonic yans #twst #twisted wonderland #yandere twst #yandere twisted wonderland #platonic yandere #platonic yandere x reader #yandere twst x reader #yandere twisted wonderland x reader #yandere lilia x reader #yandere malleus x reader #yandere sebek x reader #yandere silver x reader #tw yandere

[the-milk-monarch]

hello there milk! really love your writing, I want to eat it very badly /pos :D. can I please request a Mike, Mal and Scott x reader with very noticeable stims? like clapping, chirping, flappy hands ect? totally cool if not!

☣︎ Hey Anon! Tysm, it means a lot! I hope It's alright.

[𝚂/𝙾 𝚆𝙸𝚃𝙷 𝙽𝙾𝚃𝙸𝙲𝙴𝙰𝙱𝙻𝙴 𝚂𝚃𝙸𝙼𝚂]

Summary: General headcanons.

☢︎ | Total Drama | 621 words | gender-neutral reader ♡ | Mike | Mal| Scott ⚠ | Mal being an ass

[𝙼𝚒𝚔𝚎]

I believe he has some knowledge about those.

I mean, he's not an expert, but he understands that stimming is a calming method.

With that in mind, he wouldn't make any comments about it.

At most would ask how it feels like, out of curiosity.

"Well... it calms me down. Sometimes I do it out of excitement as well." You explained simply. "...So... You're like a puppy who wags their tail?" He tried to joke lightheartedly, hoping it's not offensive or ignorant. "That's a first time I hear this comparison." You truthfully responded, a bit amused and not offended at all. "Is it bad?" His voice hesitated slightly as he got more worried about your reply. "No- It's actually kinda cute." And so, he immediately calmed down.

His only repetitive movement (and point of reference) is scratching his arm when stressed, but he doesn't do it on the daily, unlike you.

Would never make fun or think of you weird, and is ready to throw hands if anyone is planning on that.

Well, okay, not literally, but

He'd make sure they're not bothering you to the best of his abilities.

Unless you don't want to, which he'll also respect.

It also never bothers him.

[𝙼𝚊𝚕]

He doesn't stim, like, at all, so he doesn't get it.

But you do you ig.

He's aware about what it is and why you do it, but he doesn't care much. /pos?

He might get a bit annoyed if he's trying to focus on something and you start doing it, though.

His first instinct isn't to be nice to people, so prepare for some rough reactions at first.

"Will you shut up for a minute?"

He'll learn to tone it down.

"...Can you stop for a moment, I'm trying to think."

But he will not tolerate other people saying that.

Only he has the right to be mildly mean to you sometimes /affectionate

Even if someone were to look at you the wrong way.

He's not the one to infantilize you, as he knows you're capable of protecting yourself, but if he's feeling particularly spicy that day, there might be some domination display on his part.

"Are you looking for something?" He stared daggers at the person who dared to show any sort of negative opinion towards you. "...To get hurt, perhaps?"

[𝚂𝚌𝚘𝚝𝚝]

Now this poor guy has no idea what autism/adhd even is.

Like, never heard of it.

So he'll just bluntly ask you what you're doing.

"Why are you... clapping?" He asked, tilting his hands. You immediately stopped, feeling a bit put on the spot. "Uh... I'm excited?" You responded casually, although you weren't sure of Scott's opinion on the topic yet. You wished he's gonna grasp it. "Oh." He said as you saw a bit of cogs turning in his head. You decide to spare him the figuring out by himself and explained further. "It's a stim." You calmly concluded. "You do drugs?!" His face turned into a surprise, concern and disbelief. You got thrown off your trail of thoughts, so a chuckle escaped your lips. "No- It's a stim. Not a stimulant." You elaborated once more. "Of course. I obviously know what that is." He didn't.

Be prepared for a long list of questions.

It doesn't really bother him, plus he has the benefit of now knowing your body language.

If he can make you make those movements, he won!

In case your stimming stems from stress.

Which he also gotta learn is a thing.

If anyone dares to point your stimming, he's ready to protect your honor like the hero he is.

"Hey! If you make fun of their flapping, you get the- slapping!" He was really proud of that one.

#imagine #gn reader #gender neutral reader #mal #td mal #total drama all-stars #mal x reader #total drama mal x reader #td mal x reader #ask #request #mike x reader #td mike x reader #mike #td mike #headcanons #total drama x reader #x reader #headcanon #total drama #autistic reader #adhd reader #scott x reader #td scott x reader #total drama scott x reader

[heliads]

Oh! maybe an alina starkov x fem!reader?? it doesn't have to be a big deal, just one where alina and reader enjoy an afternoon together after the end of ruin and rising, thinking about when they came to be together and how much it was all worth it. maybe reader is a healer so she can take care better of the orphanage kids

anything for my favorite saint

masterlist

When you close your eyes, you can still see the ghosts. Hear them, too. They scream more than they speak. Most of the friends you’ve ever had ended up dead before they really got a chance to live. Is that their fault for not trying hard enough to make it through the war, or is it your fault for surviving when they didn’t?

They’ll be gone when you wake up. You’re vaguely aware of this, but not enough to force yourself out of the nightmare now. After all, where else would you see all of the people you’ve lost? When you dream, you dream of how they died, but sometimes you see older memories too, back when everything was still a little bit alright and they could smile more than they didn’t.

The nightmare ends soon enough. Your eyes fly open, your heart beating fast in your chest as you look around. You force yourself to follow your normal nighttime routing before your panic grows uncontrollable. Look around you– familiar four walls, sturdy ceiling. This is not the Little Palace, this is not the duke’s orphanage at Keramzin. Not the old one, at least.

This is the place that has become your home once again. You are here because the war is over. Once the Darkling died and the Shadow Fold fell, Alina Starkov offered you a chance to rebuild, one place at a time. The orphanage was her first choice, and it was yours as well. She gave Mal Oretsev the same chance, but he hadn’t yet seen his fill of the world. You have no idea where he is now; Kerch, perhaps, or some other distant corner of Ravka or another nation, but he’s happy, at least, and you’ve long since learned that matters more than anything else.

The new orphanage is yours and Alina’s, then. That’s the way it was at the start. Alina showed up first, then you, then Mal. You left it first, though. Before the Grisha tester came around to Keramzin, before she saw something in you that she shouldn’t have, you had almost liked it there, as much as any orphan could love a cold hall that was never quite warm enough to be home.

All good things come to an end, though, even the times that are only half-good. Suddenly, you had gone from spending your days and nights attached to Alina by the hip to being completely separated from her. They took you away from Keramzin to learn the Grisha arts in Os Alta, and they say you did not stop weeping for the friend you lost for a month, at least.

Alina confessed to you later that she thought you would have forgotten her at the Little Palace. You were only at the orphanage at Keramzin for such a short time, and Os Alta had far more marvels than little girls in dark halls could ever offer you.

This, you have told her on several occasions, could not be further than the truth. You never lost sight of your best friend, not when they dressed you in Corporalnik red and trained you to be a Healer, not when the years flew by and people started thinking that you’d always been in Os Alta and never anywhere else.

You certainly didn’t forget her when she showed up years later, lost in rumors that she might be the Sun Saint come to save you all. You had flown into her arms the second you were able, and you saw it in her eyes even then, how the fear left her in a flash. Alina knew she would be safe so long as you were with her. No harm could come to either of you if you were together again.

This only ended up being half true. Harm and danger have gotten to know both of you quite well indeed, but you survived the war. Now, you’re back to the way it was again– Alina without her powers, you still with yours, and both of you returning to Keramzin to start the orphanage up again after the Darkling had razed it.

You had never intended to return. They told you that you were capable of amazing things, that you were destined for big crowds with shiny trappings. Miracles only come to the powerful, and a quiet afterlife isn’t encouraged in Os Alta. They had managed to persuade you that you were only so good as your gifts, and you believed them.

You believed them, then it destroyed you piece by piece, and the world took it upon itself to fix that. And so you find a girl, and you let her into your heart enough to convince you to leave your entire world behind. You learn what love is, you learn that love shouldn’t be dependent on what you can achieve as a Grisha but you, only you. You help her create an orphanage. You care for the children who wander your way. It is a life, and it is a good one. Sometimes, you think it’s better than you deserve. You let the girl assure you otherwise.

And now? Now, you’re happy. You watch the sun rise and fall over the hills, and you remember watching Alina summon the sunlight for the first time. It had been marvelous, and she had looked over her shoulder for you the second she did it. It was you and her, forever and always. Even when neither of you were Grisha. Even when you both were. Even now, when you are but she isn’t.

Alina says she doesn’t miss her powers, but you’ve seen the way she watches you when you’re healing kids in the medical wing. For someone who claims she’s perfectly happy to remain human, her eyes linger on how your hands flex and move whenever you use your Corporalnik abilities. At her sides, her fingers always twitch, as if remembering how to call forth a power that no longer answers to her.

You want to offer the use of your abilities, to see if you can heal her enough to potentially give her back the capacity of summoning sunlight again. You think she wants to ask too at times, but both of you are too afraid to imply that there is something broken in her that is fixed in you, and so the quiet ones stay silent for now, at least.

The ceiling over your head feels a little too low, too controlling, so you dress quickly, slipping out of your room under the dim light of dawn. Most of the kids won’t be awake for another few hours, so you won’t have to worry about disturbing them. They’re well behaved kids anyway. They know what it’s like to lose a home, so they’re not that inclined to mess up this one with a few bad choices.

You slip out the back door and into the stands of wild grass. Every time you walk into this meadow, you almost think it’s a dream. You saw it often enough whenever you closed your eyes back at the Little Palace that actually being able to return has never quite been able to seem like anything other than an impossibility.

It has changed since you were a child, obviously. Most of the grass burned away when the Darkling destroyed the orphanage, and it’s slow in coming back. The trees have been blighted, but they’re getting better. We are all getting better.

You take a few steps more then pause, cocking your head to the side as you register the sound of heartbeats emanating from the ground a few paces away. You follow the beating until you come to a stop in front of a young woman lying on her back in the grass. Her eyes are closed, but she still smiles when she says, “I knew you’d find me out here.”

You smile back and take a seat on the ground next to her. “It’s your favorite spot, Alina. Where else would I look?”

Alina cracks open her eyelids enough to glance up at you. “Consider me overly nostalgic, then. Can you blame me? It’s quiet out here.”

You chuckle softly. “I know. I remember it being louder, though. Maybe there were more birds or something.”

“Or maybe we weren’t out here at dawn. We slept in more often when we were small,” Alina retorts.

There’s a silent despair in those words. You could sleep more when you were little because you had far less to fear. The only people you had lost were your parents. Now you have buried far more than just two people, and your sleep suffers accordingly.

That time has passed, though. There will be no more conflict, not for either of you. Not if you have your way with it.

“Still,” you whisper, “it’s a nice place.”

Alina hums in agreement. “We used to come out here all the time, didn’t we? You and me and Mal.”

Obnoxiously, your mood sours at the mention of Mal. He was your friend too, but you always liked Alina more, and you always feared that she would in turn prefer his company. You certainly heard enough rumors of Alina’s boy back home when she first came to the Little Palace. You had assumed those rumors were false when she chose to live at the orphanage with you instead of him, but your insecurities always choose to argue that whenever you think of him.

You sigh. “Mal wasn’t the only one in that meadow, you know.”

Alina sits up on her elbows, tilting her head back so she can stare at the brightening sky. “I know. Sometimes it was just us.”

You keep your eyes focused on the grass in front of you. “To me, it was just us.”

“It was the same for me,” Alina replies. 

You risk a peek her way and realize that she’s smiling. It’s the same soft smile she always wears with you, the one that tells you that she’s finally let her guard down. She never quite had it with Mal, but she had it with you. Always with you. There’s a reason for that, you know. There’s a reason for that, if you care enough to look.

And when have you not cared enough about Alina? She was your sun to orbit ever since the very first day you arrived at Keramzin. You have needed her every day of your life, and now you have her now, you have her forever. If you do not use the time you have, it will be wasted, and you have lost enough years to blood and bone to frivolously use up any more.

“I love you,” you say suddenly.

Alina goes quiet. At last, she looks at you, and says, “I love you too. I always have.”

“I know,” you tell her, “I know.”

You do. You know everything about Alina. And, the reason you stayed with her, the reason you left the rest of the Grisha to come home with her, the knowledge that she loved you just as much as you loved her, even if neither of you had properly addressed it. There was no reason to say such an obvious truth, not then. Still, it’s nice to hear it now.

Alina reaches through the struggling grass to take your hand. She passes her thumb over your knuckles as if to say:  here are your hands, which have cost lives and given them back, which have fought in wars and won them, and I want them anyway. There is no part of you that Alina does not want, even the quiet voices and the dark, looming memories. All of it is beautiful to her. It could be naive, or it could just be the love of someone who has known you all your life and understands enough to want to keep you in hers.

You can hear the distant sounds of the children starting to wake, how the laughter and voices begin to trickle out of the windows and doors. The sun rises on a new day, a good day, and you breathe in the gentle heat of the morning. There is much to do, but that is not a bad thing. Not at all.

requested by @cassiecrown, i hope you enjoy!

grishaverse tag list: @rogueanschel, @deadreaderssociety, @cameronsails, @mxltifxnd0m, @gods-fools-heroes, @retvenkos, @mayfieldss, @story-scribbler, @eclliipsed, @bl606dy, @auggie2000, @baju69, @crazyhearttragedy, @budugu, @aoi-targaryen

all tags list: @wordsarelife

#alina starkov #alina starkov imagines #alina starkov x reader #alina starkov oneshot #grishaverse #grishaverse imagines #grishaverse x reader #grishaverse oneshot #shadow and bone #shadow and bone imagines #shadow and bone x reader #shadow and bone oneshot #grishaverse alina #grishaverse alina imagines #grishaverse alina x reader #grishaverse alina oneshot

[rubiajieun]

-Lilia Lost His Magic to Hatch Malleus Theory-

Now now, I KNOW THIS SOUNDS CRAZY AND IT IS BUT PLEASE HEAR ME OUT

⚠️WARNING ⚠️

SPOILER'S FOR CHALTER 7, TWST JP AND CHAPTER 7 PART 3

Do not proceed if you don't wish to be spoiled

So in the recent/not so recent update on Chapter 7/Book 7 we got quite a lot of info dumped on us one of them being Malleus age, His Parent's and the war that was happening

In short summary the dream/timeline the diashakle group are in is about 500+ year's ago when a war happened between a human kingdom and Briar Valley

But surprised surprise! Malleona (Malleus Mother) has been taking care of her egg and guess again? That right Malleus in real time is only in his 100! I forgot what age princely but it's in 100's

So making the timeline not make sense at all (but then again Silver baby this is a dream after all)

We get confirmation that Malleona was a Princess and is Malleus Grandmother Maleficia's Daughter and only child

So here is the theory that starts it

As we all know and if you haven't read my Crowley is Malleus Father in order for a fea egg to Hatch it needs the live of both parents and magic to hatch

Lilia reveal that Malleus father (His name is Levan or Revan) had gone missing while going to attempt to get into an agreement with the Silver Owl People

Whom all messengers from them have gone also missing

After leaving Malleona to try and stop this war he himself went missing and never returned

This is why Lilia travels because he has hopes that he is alive as he was childhood friends with both and was taken in by Maleficia herself (basically like an adopted brother to Malleona)

So with that being said and Levan being missing, there is only so much Malleona can do other than give her half of her love as she can't fill in what Malleus father's part and use as much magic as she can

With that being said again you can't just hatch an egg with just pure Magic it's really hard to do that because the child needs to know that it's loved in order to hatch

So at some point during this war it seems that Mal's mother passes away AKA she gets murdered

With no one not even his parents being able to hatch him I can see that his kingdom lost all hope maybe even his grandmother lost all hope that their only hope and sole heir may never hatch

Now this were Lilia comes in

What if while all hope is lost Lilia makes on final sacrifice

One final attempt to bring hope back to his home, the home if his beloved friends the Queen that even tho6she had no need to take him in she did and now lost her only daughter

Like the say "You can have everything in life, Sacrifice's need 5o be made in order to achieve"

An eye for and eye

A leg for a leg

A tooth or a tooth

And life for another magic that gives life

(magic is like breathing to fea giving that up is like suicide)

And so he used all his magic to hatch Malleus and maybe potentially had to learn to love Mal to hatch him

But if he didn't let's say he did it with just magic

Then that would mean the oh so great general Lilia

Has made a miracle happen!

A pure miracle

It was a sacrifice but at what coast?

He surely doesn't regret it he is sure his beloved friend Malleona is happy

He is sure his beloved friend Levan is also happy even though deep in his heart he wants him to still be alive

And so that could also explain Malleus and Maleficia's attachment to Lilia

Maybe this just why he is someone Maleficia trust absolutely

Because he gave her a miracle when all hope was lost

While for Malleus is because Lilia literally raised him and hatched him

Imagine baby Malleus in his egg receiving all the love and magic from his parents only for literal 500 to pass without it and no birth suddenly magic comes in and you get out

You would expect to see the parents that took care of you for while you were in the egg only to be met with no one

No one but one man

That man being the one that give Malleus egg magic so he could hatch

Like I said maybe this is the reason Lilia lost his magic

He lost was is like breathing to him in order to bring a life to this world

And no matter what he doesn't regret it heck he would probably do it all over again if he could

#twisted wonderland spoilers #twisted wonderland theories #twisted wonderland theory #twst chapter 7 #twst chapter 7 spoilers #twst spoilers #twst theory #twisted wonderland chapter 7 #twst lilia #lilia vanrouge #malleus draconia #twst malleus #twst maleficia #maleficia draconia #Maleona

[mysillytdsideblog]

Hello! I am in the middle of a td hyperfixation, and my brain has chosen Mike and his system as The Precious, so I was super happy to see a blog producing content for my beloved. For a question, because I'd like to see another hc/idea, what do you think happened that landed their system in juvie?

Sorry if you've already discussed this somewhere!!

I think Mal was the host during this time, I think he wanted to be in juvie a bit just to get away from his parents but was mad that he couldn’t do whatever he wanted to do.

Mal got them landed in juvie in the first place. He was a very reckless petty criminal but got away with most bc he was good at manipulation, which he learned from trying to survive his abusive parents.

Then, one day Vito got into a pretty public fight with someone, Mal came out and resisted arrest too. Both Mal and Vito acted very rude in probation and broke the rules of it a lot. Mal leaning more towards petty theft and Vito towards picking fights. Obviously they found out, and he got sent to juvie.

They didn’t know they were a system before they had a court ordered psychiatrist visit them in juvie on account of staff noticing he has a “possible trauma disorder” because he was having PTSD episodes and switching a lot (it wasn’t as obvious, but his opinions and reactions kept rapidly changing).

I think Mike was scared out of his MIND!!!! He didn’t want to be there at all. He didn’t even feel like he deserved to be in there because he was following rules and doing what he needed to do, he didn’t know about Mal and Vito breaking rules at that time but once he found out he was even more confused and scared that he was having these blackouts. He thought he was secretly evil or something.

Mike actually fronted a lot in juvie. Mal used this to his advantage to gain people’s trust to get closer to them.

Mike doesn’t like the fact he was ever in juvie. He keeps it as a secret because he’s extremely conscious about his image. He feels like his mental problems and family issues are enough to drive people away, he doesn’t need more of a reason for people to leave him.

Manitoba wasn’t created yet, Chester was aware of everything and he complained about it all the time, and Svetlana was too scared to front.

Vito was annoyed to be in Juvie but he was very social in it, which was a good and bad thing. He met a lot of people he got along with, and a lot he didn’t. And Vito has a problem with anger and fighting, which got them a lot longer of a stay. He made quite a lot of friends despite that, none of which he ever saw again.

Mal wasn’t keen on making friends, he preferred to get to know people only so he could use them to do his bidding, get him things, and make living there easier for him. He used people for money a lot and stole from his “friends”. But he always kept buddy-buddy with them out of obligation.

He did find tormenting those who already didn’t like them fun. He had a lot of pent up aggression from dealing with abuse, and took it out on those around him. He would do just horrible shit that would intimidate anyone from messing w/ him.

Duncan was SCARED of him. He totally didn’t cross his path unless approached, which he was only really asked for money and supplies which he always gave them.

Mal was sooooo theatrical. Obviously, his signature whistle that he would do walking down the hall. He also did it when he was about to confront someone, so thats how people would know shit was about to go down.

People stayed away from Mike a lot because they knew what would happen if they didn’t. Mike was very lonely and he didn’t like Vito’s friends at all so he would try to avoid them. He just assumed they wanted something from him, he didn’t know they were already established friends with him.

A lot of people think Mal lost a tooth in a fistfight, but honestly I see it more as his parents never giving him dental care. (Image of baby eating sand with the caption I let him eat sand because I dont like him)

His parents called him in juvie, mostly to yell at him for being such a bad child and “ruining their family”. Mal didn’t let this bother him, but Mike took it hard and hated himself.

Mal never wanted to leave juvie, it was like a vacation from abuse. At Vito’s age the abuse towards him had already stopped but he was glad he didn’t have to see his abuser(s) on a regular basis.

When they were forced to get therapy, Mal told everything he knew in order to hopefully bring his parents to justice, but he only got a diagnosis out of it.

#total drama #td mal #td mike #td svetlana #total drama island #total drama revenge of the island #td manitoba #total drama all stars #td chester #tdroti #mike system hcs #mike system headcanons #mikes system headcanons #mike & co #juvie #juvie headcanons #headcanons #mike hcs

[californiaispurple]

WOEVEMBER DAY 4: UNSEEN CHARACTERS

[Image description: There are eleven consecutive images outlined in black. The first image has 'TEN THINGS/PEOPLE VIOLET BAUDELAIRE NEVER DID/MET BETWEEN THE AGES OF FOURTEEN-FIFTEEN (AMONGST OTHER THINGS)' written in the center, and underneath those words is Violet Baudelaire's head, denoted by the big ribbon present in her hair. The second image has written across the top, 'CELEBRATE W/ BACKSTAGE THEATRE ABOUT A JOB WELL DONE'. Underneath that, there are two triangular illustrations split diagonally with flowers. The left illustration has Violet Baudelaire and somebody else, both part of the theater backstage crew, smiling from the shadows as they look at two people in a spotlight. The right illustration depicts a scene from the Bad Beginning, and has Violet in a wedding dress and veil, wearing a grim expression, under a spotlight. The third image has two illustrations on the top and bottom, separated by a white bar with the words 'TAKE CARE OF CLASS PET W/ BEN'. The top illustration has Violet and Ben talking to each other in front of a terrarium that holds a snake, and the bottom illustration depicts someone grabbing a syringe labeled 'MAMBA DU MAL' from a suitcase. The fourth image has the words 'LISTEN TO SOMEONE TALK ABOUT FISH FOR HOURS (AND FIND IT VERY INTERESTING, BUT LONG)' written in the top left corner. On the left side of the image is an illustration of Violet and a person in a boat politely talking, the former holding a camera and both wearing life jackets. On the right side of the illustration is Violet stumbling back in a taller boat as someone's shoe just steps into frame, depicting a scene from the Wide Window. In the fifth image, there are two illustrations on the top and bottom separated by a white bar that has the words 'LEARN SWORDFIGHTING FROM A GOOD INSTRUCTOR'. The top illustration depicts Sunny Baudelaire challenging the POV to a sword fight, a scene in The Miserable Mill. In the bottom illustration, two people decked in fencing gear clash swords, Violet Baudelaire and her instructor, as Sunny cheers them on in the background. The sixth image has 'TRY OUT A NEW ICE CREAM STORE' and depicts Violet and Klaus ordering ice cream at a parlor, the vendor smiling widely to take their order. The Quagmire Twins sit in the foreground, waiting for them to return. The seventh image has 'FIND A LUCKY PENNY IN THE FISH DISTRICT' written on top and depicts Violet in a casual outfit stooping down to pick up a penny on the sidewalk. Behind her, somebody who can only be seen to their waist walks past on the brick roads, wearing an oversized pinstriped suit. The eighth image has 'HELP A LIBRARIAN' written in the top left corner, with one illustration taking up the majority of the image and a second smaller illustration in the top right corner. The main illustration depicts Violet with her hair tied up as she talks with a smiling elderly lady. In the background, there is a machine behind Violet that is grabbing a book off the shelf. In the smaller illustration, a hand holds out a ribbon with bent paper clips on it. The ninth image has 'GET AN IDEA FOR AN INVENTION AT THE CIRCUS' and shows Violet talking to a woman using still rings in a flexible position, feet over her head. The tenth image has 'GO ROCK CLIMBING (AND BE GLAD THERE'S SOMEONE THERE TO CATCH YOU' written in the top left corner and has a bird's eye view of Violet climbing up rocky terrain with a determined expression. The eleventh image has 'BLOW OUT THE CANDLES ON YOUR FIFTEENTH BIRTHDAY' written in a smaller font. The illustration is a birthday cake on a lonely table with a single lit candle, and a hair ribbon right next to it. End description.]

and i can in no way say i managed to keep up with the challenge, but regardless! this is for @asouefanworkevent 's lovely woevember week!

this probably doesn't center as much as the 'unseen characters' to really fit within the prompt, but i realized that only midway through drawing the images >_>

one of the things that makes me sad about the misfortunate riddled throughout the trouble years of the baudelaires, and other children within the series, is of how much they missed (which is, in a way, inspired by how much younger children missed due to the pandemic)

imagine all of the things they never did? the hobbies they never picked up? the memories they never made? the people they never met?

in a universe where that faithful day didn't happen, what things would they have accomplished? where they returned home from the beach, parents smiling and welcoming them back-- perhaps they'd been better at hiding, or the arsonists showing a rare act of mercy, or someone took a wrong turn around town and gave up-- whatever the circumstance, a universe where they'd have the 'normal' ups and downs of growing up

now, the baudelaires probably wouldn't ever have a particularly normal life, even if they had the safest childhood to ever have transpired, but still

would they be able to have the happiest experiences of their life? walking arm in arm with friends down the hallways, stopping to smell the roses and daises and tulips? would they have been struck by the 'norma' heartbreak and tragedy, of petty fights between friends and identity crises?

they'd never know. they'd never know, and they'd never get to know.

but, i mean, they grew up anyways. they developed and still made the happiest memories of their life. they still lived and laughed, and it's not like every moment of the years they ran was defined by just surviving. those years shouldn't be defined by them looking behind their backs every second, getting more and more jaded with every promise. they made friends and did learn things about themselves, learned that they could stare death in the face and spit.

so i suppose it doesn't matter either way, but still, there is always a what if

#asoue #a serious of unfortunate events #violet baudelaire #woevember #not exactly subtle that i tried to match each of the 'things' to a book'. #and i had to recount the 'things' an embarrassingly large amount of times #it was nine for a whole while #ended up biting way more than i could chew but well oh well~ #i think drawing the quagmire twins more would be neat #unseen characters

[thepictureofjune]

Noah Temel: a hero in need of savior

— how a seemingly unfit song tells us everything we need to know about the boy that cried in an abandoned bed

Schloss Einstein spielt Nice to Meet Ya am Anfang des neuen Schuljahres, 99 Luftballons auf Joshis Geburtstag und Until I Found You wahrscheinlich, wenn sich zwei Charaktere endlich finden und verlieben. Sprich, das Team scheint sich also zumindest minimale Gedanken zu machen, welche Songs sie in welchen Szenen spielen. Aber wenn man sich das erste Mal die Lyrics zu “Hero” anschaut, macht der Song in der Colin Abgangs und Noahs Breakdown Szene wohl absolut gar keinen Sinn. Zumindest nicht, wenn man nicht wieder zu viel rein interpretiert. Und genau das machen wir einfach mal. 

Ich hab irgendwie zwei Wege gefunden, das Lied mit den Szenen für mich zu interpretieren, also präsentiere ich einfach mal beide (siehe den hoffentlichen post nach diesem, für die zweite Version). Falls irgendwer andere Interpretationsmöglichkeiten hat, please do share!! 

“He never ever saw it coming at all”

The song starts the way the story of Noah and Colin ends, with Noah not having seen coming that Colin would leave, that it has never been an option before. It is as surprising to us as it is to Noah that Colin is actually serious about having packed all of his bags and booking a ticket out of here. Even if Noah clearly told Colin to go, he never saw it coming that he actually would. 

We can see this after Colin has already left and Noah is crying in an abandoned bed because suddenly it all becomes real that there is nothing left of his friend. He seems ignorant and uncaring when Joel first approaches him but then literally minutes later, realization seems to hit that this is now officially over. And Noah didn’t see it coming. 

“It’s alright, it’s alright, it’s alright.” 

But it is alright, no? So what if Colin leaves, what if he actually never comes back, what is it to Noah? Colin was just one other person in his life and it wasn’t like they knew each other for long. Surely Colin leaving would not affect Noah much, surely it wouldn’t hurt. He assures himself in his mind, that everything will be alright. 

“Hey open wide, here comes original sin.”

Original Sin in Christianity is a term used for something that happens unfairly to the people, that people are born with and therefore, have no control over. Because Noah prides himself with thinking that everything is alright when it isn’t because he gets to firsthand experience that Colin leaving is not alright and it’s unfair that it was Noah's own pride that pushed him to leave. Noah is widely met with the impact of Colin leaving, even if it was supposed to be alright, even if it was supposed to not matter. It is just something that happens to him, the sadness and the guilt that comes with it all. 

The second “It’s alright”

The singer sings it with a somewhat different tune. It sounds more doubtful. Because maybe after all, Noah slowly starts to realize that it actually isn’t alright. Because now the feeling of indescribable sadness has hit him and he can’t help but cry. This is one of the few times Noah has absolutely no control over his feelings. The first time being when he screamed at Colin that he wouldn’t care if he left. Because Noah has probably learned to keep his emotions in check but there comes times where it all breaks down; where he breaks down. And we get to see that point in this scene, we get to see when it stops being alright even if he tries to convince himself that it is. 

“No one’s got it all”

This is when realization starts to hit. Perhaps love was never meant for Noah. Perhaps love was just always one of those things Noah convinced himself he will never have. Only now, that realization hurts but it’s just the way it’s supposed to be because after all, he cannot have everything. Perhaps there once was a moment when Noah thought that after everything, love was something he did deserve because how come Colin could love him despite all the rejections? But then he leaves and that feeling is gone again because perhaps Noah was just never meant for love, perhaps some people just aren’t and they have no control over it. 

“And the T.Vs try to r*pe us and I guess they’re succeeding”

The TV, the media and everything on it is trying to destroy us because what we see most on the TV or in the media, what we grow up as children is mostly romance. It’s the most popular media genre, the most generic, the most accessible because it exists for everyone. This love and the portrayal of it is trying to destroy Noah. Why? Because it convinces him that he is worthy of it. Love is always on TV, it is always accessible and it is mostly happy but Noah didn’t grow up with that happy love. 

“Now we’re going to these meetings but we’re not doin’ any meetin’. And we’re trying to be faithful but we’re cheatin’, cheatin’, cheatin’.” 

Noah's parents separated, we know that and we know that it has somewhat of a huge impact on him because even if he grew up on happy love in the media, it wasn’t what was shown to him in real life. The repetition of “cheating” and the word in the song growing more and more quiet, sounding more defeated with each time said, could also connect to the fact that Noah has just really truly given up now. 

He lays in a bed that isn’t his, that’s supposed to belong to the boy that likes him, the boy that made him feel normal and he doesn’t feel normal at all. He doesn’t feel welcome, he doesn’t feel happy, he is right back where he started; being pushed away to a place he never wanted to be in because of what his parents did. Because it’s no use. He had happiness and he had a friend and still, he lost it. Noah tried to pretend everything was normal, was alright only for it to break down on him. 

“I’m the hero of the story, don’t need to be saved.” 

Another popular trope in the media and on TV is the story of the hero, as well as the story of the damsel. It’s always the hurt one that gets saved, always the sad one that needs help and Noah realizes he is sad and something within him is broken because of everything that has happened to him but he doesn’t want anything to do with it. He doesn’t want to confront the part of him that is in distress because he has convinced himself that he is the Hero of the story and the Hero is never the one to be saved. Noah doesn’t need anything. He doesn’t want anything. But still, the line repeats four times, followed by “It’s alright. No one’s got it all.” because maybe, even if he has convinced himself he doesn’t need love, that there is nothing wrong if he does not have love in his life, maybe, after all, it is what he wants. 

Because he does cry in Colins bed, in the bed of the boy that tried to help him, tried to perhaps even save him, and that has to mean something, right?

see here: the nolin way of interpreting the song

#schloss einstein #noah temel #i live to see the day where this boy is happy and can accept love for himself #music theory #wrote my heart out with this one and the SE team probably picked the first sad sounding song they found

[everythinggrishaversebxm1012]

(Not) Just A Healer Part II

Summary - Nikolai Lantsov has all the more to lose when he returns to Ravka having fallen in love with a certain Healer while on the True Sea

Part I II Part II

Things did change a lot, as you suspected. For one the openness you could have about your relationship with Nikolai dropped a lot. Someone might just commit regicide on a mass level if they learned their prince was dating a Grisha. On second thought that’s perhaps what Ravka needed. A Grisha beside their prince. An effort to represent a reunited front. It was one evening while you were laying in bed with Nikolai when you suggested an engagement to Alina Starkov.    

“Hear me out Nikolai. What better way to ally our forces than through a marriage? With the Sun Summoner married to you, that may rally the forces necessary. The people respect you Nikolai. And such a marriage might be the necessary push to unify the First Army and the Second Army against Kirigan.”      

You tried to ignore the look on his face when you suggested such a thing, though part of him knew you were right. “She will never be a love match for me, you understand that, don’t you, moi magpie?”  

“Simply a political alliance,” you said into his neck. While you knew the suggestion came from your mouth it still hurt to see how easy it seemed for him to go through with it and suggest it to Alina. Alina was no fool and she saw what you and Nikolai shared, and it was only under your persuasion that she agreed.      

And so it was, two days later at dinner. You sat next to Mal, watching Nikolai sitting between his brother and Alina, as Nikolai said something to make Alina laugh. You and Mal shared quick glances before you saw Nikolai mouthing, moi magpie in your direction. Yes he agreed to your suggestion, but that didn’t mean he had any attraction to Alina Starkov. You saw Vasily say something to his mother and then look over to Nikolai say something, then glancing at Alina. It was the look in Nikolai’s eyes that suggested Vasily had said something to really get to him.    

You chugged down the alcohol in your glass as he announced his engagement to Alina, trying to look the part of any other Grisha sitting and eating amongst others. A feat that proved difficult. Nikolai wasted no time in finding you that evening, ensuring you knew how he felt about you. Everything changed even more at the engagement party for Nikolai and Alina where Vasily was killed by one of Kirigan’s Nichevo’ya. More than anything it meant Nikolai was in line for the throne, and quite frankly you weren’t upset though you felt sorry for your boyfriend on some level.     

You were busy healing people when it appeared Kirigan’s Show Monster’s seemed to be reappearing. Nikolai immediately looked at you and Alina pulling out his pistol. “Gather all the wounded and get out of here. Go to the fort called Zvedya,” he then turned to look directly at you. “The one south of Kribirsk. Find–”   

You watched Baghra walk into the space below ground with a woman behind her. You recognized her from your time training, Genya. Baghra glanced over at Nikolai upon his comment that she was the Grisha tea. She looked like she wanted to scoff, “Ah, the prince. The Puppy Prince. But I do not care truthfully. What I care about is if you fix it. Right the wrongs.” You watched Genya standing there, timidly as Alina embraced her. “Oh Saints, Genya. Look what he did to you.”    

You took note of the scars across her face. You cringed. You knew what Kirigan was like, and you were glad Nikolai had pulled you along with him.   

You watched Nikolai approach Genya, looking almost angry. “Genya Safin? You’re the Grisha who poisoned the king! When I am crowned king you will stand trial for treason against your country.”     

“No she won’t. She did what she had to do, to survive ,” Alina pressed, growing more defensive of Genya every moment.     

You slowly nodded from behind Nikolai. “She won’t, Nikolai.” You watched him turn to face you as you shook your head. There was a beat of silence before Nikolai nodded at your silent conversation with him. Something the two of you had grown to be good at during your time at sea.   

“Did the king force you?”      

“I never asked for his attention,” Genya responded not daring to look anyone in the eye.    

Nikolai looked back to you silently asking if you think she can be trusted and you only nod, continuously noting her scarred face. He nods in return before turning to look at Genya. “As the future king, you have my word that you are safe here.” He felt you reach for his hand and he took it, holding onto, finding support in it. Nobody made a point of asking, nobody cared after what had just transpired. “If you can tell me where he is based I shall throw everything I have at him.” He then turned to face you, looking somewhat exhausted. He kissed your hand gently before walking away.        

About an hour later Nikolai found himself among the pews of the former monastery, staring somewhere into space, contemplating anything and everything, on the verge of tears, when he heard someone’s feet. He looked up to see you slowly approaching him and tried to subtly wipe away a tear that spilled over.     

He slid over to give you space, turning to face you in the pew. He let out a long sigh as you reached for his hand. He turned to face the candles once again, feeling some comfort, even if small from your touch. “I know that look, Nikolai. What’s on your mind?”     

He looked at you again, a pained expression on his face. Other than the fact that Kirigan found where we are located? Other than the fact that I am to become King? Other than finally facing He knew you were only asking out of courtesy. You knew how he was doing.            

“Everything,” he responded, half-heartedly, not letting go of your hand.       

You nodded, letting the silence linger, something that you certainly weren’t getting much of these days. It was interrupted when Alina entered and you stood, leaving a lingering kiss on Nikolai’s cheek so they could speak in private which made your heart ping with jealousy for just a moment.        

Soon after that you learned that Alina had given the Lantsov Emerald back to Nikolai formally ending the engagement to search for the Firebird. While you still thought the engagement was good for alliance you quietly were thankful. It was decided that the next best thing would be to truly try and unite the First and Second Army of Ravka. You traveled with Nikolai, David, and Genya to Zvedya. You found yourself growing closer to Genya and David on the way. At the fort you reunited with a number of the soldiers you had known when you agreed to become a healer for Nikolai’s regiment. You also reunited with Dominik who was your partner in teasing Nikolai.         

Brief introductions were made. David proved himself rather useful, helping improve the weaponry and Genya used her unrivaled tailor skills to help fix a woman’s arm and hand. It was after that when Nikolai pulled you to the side to speak with you briefly.          

You had assumed that he simply wanted to talk strategy with you first. You had healed so many of the First Army and Nikolai would often discuss strategy with you as he was healed at your hands. You had a clear knack for it, and that was only proven further out on the seas when in battles with any enemies you met out there. He reached for your hand and pulled you into one of the side rooms inside the large fort before shutting the door behind him. A number of maps and other papers were sprawled over a table in front of you. The only lighting came from the windows, which cast a dim light. Nikolai gently kissed the top of your hand before circling around the table.         

You slowly approached the maps, looking over them, recognizing the detailed works of certain parts of Ravka. You were too busy thinking through possible ideas to notice Nikolai pulling the Lantsov Emerald from somewhere inside his uniform slowly lifting it. It was when he placed it over the maps directly in your eyesight did you pay him any attention. You looked up at him and met his gaze, already deciding to protest what you knew was coming. Of course you wanted to marry him, but that didn’t mean you thought right now would be a better time than any to be engaged to Alina Starkov. You didn’t care if she had broken it off prior, surely she understood how much more alliance that could bring between the First and Second Army.          

“Save me the speech,” Nikolai said, knowing exactly what you were going to say. He leaned forward, placing a hand on either side of the ring which gave you your opportunity to share your two kruge on the matter.           

“Alina Starkov is not just a Grisha, she is the Grisha. I am just a healer, Nikolai.” That’s how simple it was to you. Maybe you were Grisha, but Alina was a Sun Summoner. The person who could tear down the Fold. Reunite Ravka once more.         

Nikolai looked both agitated and pained to hear you talk about yourself like that. “You are not just a Grisha. You are not just a healer, moi magpie ,” he insisted. “You are the healer who ran across yards of an active battleground to save a First Army soldier. You are the healer I would choose as my friend, my confidante, my spouse, my queen, Ravka’s queen. The people already respect you. ”      

His voice held this mix of passion, bordering on authorativeness. But you knew he didn’t want to cross that threshold afraid it might turn into something like a to-be king making a demand. Logically you wouldn’t think that, but considering he was proposing plus the circumstances logic was left at the door.       

“Nikolai…” was all you could muster.       

“I am asking you to be my friend, my confidante, my partner, and Ravka’s queen from now until the day I die,” Nikolai said. The passion was still there, though now it bends towards what most people would call begging. “Marry me. If we survive this, marry me. Be my healer.” The last part he whispered.     

You stood for a few moments, in silence, taking in his words, before nodding. “Yeah.” A slow smile spread across your face. “I’ll marry you, Nikolai Lantosv.”

#nikolai lantsov x reader #nikolai lantsov #alina starkov #mal oretsev #reader #x reader #reader is a healer #tv show plot

[popatochisssp]

so Vi and Hunter live in a cabin in the middle of nowhere, huh? What’s that like? Also, I know that Mal is a bit wary of his claws and it hyper vigilant with them around others, but is Vi the same way? How do those two differ personality-wise?

It works for them!

Hunter (Swapfell Fruition Papyrus) likes the outdoors and being able to do whatever he wants, whenever he wants, so he really enjoys having a place out where neighbors and rules and cops are at least a few miles off. He can head into town if he’s looking for entertainment, or company, but otherwise he’s got a place to go back to that’s remote and quiet and all his…well, mostly his, anyway.

Vi (Swapfell Fruition Sans) is away a lot for work but when he’s working from home or just getting back from a trip, he likes the seclusion too—nothing better than getting to settle in, kick off your shoes, unbuckle your belt, and go hog-wild on a box of cookies have a snack knowing no one’s around to judge you…except maybe your brother, who’s statistically more likely to be out in the woods somewhere than sitting in the living room.

As for Vi’s claws, they never got as sharp as Mal’s (Swapfell Sans), because Vi didn’t have to fend for himself (and his brother) in the same way. Vi’s not weak, but he’s not as strong as Mal either. He’s smart, and fast, and he can hold his own in a fight but he’s not a finisher because he was never meant to be and—because Gaster was in the picture to ensure that Hunter developed into the asset he was meant to be—Vi never had to.

For the same reason ('he never had to'), Vi never really developed a lot of people skills. Mal is charming and knows how to say what people want to hear, to get them to do what he wants them to do. That was a vital skill for him to learn and lean into as a young skeleton on his own with an even younger skeleton to look out for, to disarm enemies, make allies, earn sympathy or reciprocity from those who otherwise might not care what happened to him (and Rus).

But for Vi, people weren’t a potential source of help or favors. For him, people were just eyes and ears—and more importantly, mouths, that could report on things they saw or heard, to people who shouldn’t know those things. Loose lips could tip off a target early, or identify him and Hunter as involved parties, or worse, let some things about Vi and his future plans get back to Gaster.

So while Vi is very aware of people, they were more a thing for him to avoid, steer clear and duck the notice of, and that’s pretty apparent anytime he actually has to talk to someone. He’s not smooth, he’s not charming… he’s very direct and straightforward, awkward and tends not to be much for social niceties beyond the bare minimum of basic manners, leaving the moment his goal or obligation is completed.

As for how he and Mal compare, I’d say they’re both calculating and shrewd, both paranoid as hell, both self-motivated and driven regardless of sacrifice…but Mal shines in social situations and loves to impress, be envied, be feared, be respected, be known to those around him.

Vi would much rather disappear, be hidden, be unseen, unknown—though he does notably run hot and cold on it and sometimes being perceived is the only thing he wants… but he tends to squash that want deep, deep down until it goes away. It might be easier for him to demand ask for attention from a partner he trusts, if he can ever manage to find himself one of those.

#anonymous #headcanons #swapfell fruition #sff!sans #sff!papyrus

[saibug1022]

Choices Masterlist

This is my masterlist for my choices fics. Also just to clarify, most of my ILITW fics also take place in the same universe as ILW because I've accepted it into my personal canon for my It Lives MCs. ALSO also, all of these are of my MCs, the character profiles for everyone are at the bottom

Blades of Light and Shadow

Walls of Regret

Tyril Starfury x MC, Mal Volari x MC, hints of Tyril x Mal

Hurt/No Comfort

Summary: During an encounter with Valax in the Shadow Realm, Asterin, Mal, and Tyril learn that Asterin's missing year was worse than any of them could have possibly imagined.

The Last Time

Aerin Valleros x MC

Hurt/Comfort, Angst

Summary: After getting injured by Valax in a fight Asterin awakens to find himself being cared for by Aerin and he can't help but think about the night they shared...and how Aerin left.

Funeral of Faith

Aerin Valleros x MC, referenced Tyril x MC and Mal x MC

Angst, Hurt/No Comfort, Evil MC

Summary: The Shadow Realm has a new Prince.

My Heart Won't Start Anymore

Tyril Starfury x MC x Mal Volari, references of Aerin x MC and Valax x MC

Hurt/Comfort

Summary: Finally, Asterin breaks. But this time he doesn't do it alone.

Love, I See You Now

Aerin Valleros x MC, reference Tyril x MC and Mal x MC

Angst

Summary: When Asterin gets hurt in the Battle for the Whitetower Rift, the Shadow Aerin thought he got rid of comes back in a burst of rage and fear. But it may not be enough.

It Lives In The Woods

Val's Resurrection Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Lucas Thomas x MC, hints of Noah Marshall x MC

Hurt/Comfort

Summary: After years, finally, finally, Valen Ebony is saved.

It Lives Within

The Morning After

Abel Flint x MC

Fluff

Summary: A sweet little morning scene after the scene in Ch 14.

The Sun's Final Breath

Lincoln McQuoid and MC, Abel Flint x MC (background)

Angst

Summary: Castor Athantis is dead, and something is glowing in Lincoln's pocket.

Revelations

Abel Flint x MC, General

Angst

Summary: "I'm not Castor Athantis...I'm not even human."

Nightbound

The Wrong Engagement

Nik Ryder x MC

Angst

Summary: Just one more morning. Alex just needed one more morning with the love of his life. One more morning before he married someone else.

Into the Wind-Verse

Link to full universe masterlist

A New Start

Magnus Bishop & Wind Velez

Summary: The story of Magnus getting recruited from unemployment in Ohio after being fired from his firm, to McGraw-Byrne.

Bad Liar

Magnus Bishop (MC) & Wind Velez

Summary: Magnus Bishop, just trying to do his work. Enter Wind Velez, here to remind Magnus he scared the shit out of his boyfriend, hadn't slept in three days, and needs some goddamn friends.

Come Morning Light

Magnus Bishop/Marcus Sharpe

Summary: Magnus is awoken when his boyfriend stirs in the night. He may not be the most adept at empathy or comforting people but for Marcus? He'll try.

Feeding Schedule

Wind Velez/Martin Vanderweil

Summary: Magnus is secretly a walking talking disaster. Wind knows this. Now he needs his boyfriend's help for a unique request.

Choices Sequels We Deserved

Elementalists 3

Nightbound 2

My MCs

Blades of Light and Shadow - Asterin Nightbloom

Crimes of Passion - August Rose

Murder at Homecoming - Valentine Damian Stone

It Lives In The Woods - Valen Ebony/Aquino

It Lives Beneath - Leon Vance

It Lives Within - Castor Athantis

It Lives Within - Julian Athantis

Hero - Callum Wyland

Endless Summer - Taylor Vaanu/McKenzie

The Elementalists - Apollo Solaris

The Elementalists - Lance Hartley (OC)

Immortal Desires - Eros Blackwell

Bloodbound - Mattheo Lazarin

Laws of Attraction - Magnus Bishop

#playchoices #choices #pixelberry #blades of light and shadow #bolas #crimes of passion #elementalists #it lives in the woods #ilitw #it lives beneath #ilb #it lives within #ilw #nightbound #choices hero #endless summer

[esuemmanuel]

La gente tiende a herir sin pensar en las consecuencias de sus actos, poniendo como excusa lo mal que les ha ido en la vida o las vicisitudes por las que les ha tocado pasar, sin pensar en quién se llevan entre los pies al caminar. Si bien el dolor es algo humano, el hecho de pensar antes de actuar también lo es, pero eso sólo puede hacerlo quien se sale de sí mismo y mira a su rededor cuidando de no herir a los que le acompañan. Todos pasamos por malos momentos en la vida, mas, eso no debe ser un pretexto para causar un conflicto que agrave la situación que ya es por demás penosa. Enemistarse con la gente que nos ama sólo nos causará más sufrimiento y a la larga nos orillará a estar solos, porque nadie soporta a los que se desquitan con los que ninguna culpa tienen de las penurias que pudiese uno estar experimentando. Cuidemos a quienes nos aman asumiendo nuestra responsabilidad y, si ya perdimos a la gente, que nos quede la enseñanza de cuidar lo que tanto trabajo cuesta obtener: una verdadera amistad.

People tend to hurt without thinking about the consequences of their actions, using as an excuse the bad things that have happened in their lives or the vicissitudes they have had to go through without thinking about who they are carrying between their feet when they walk. Although pain is something human, the fact of thinking before acting is also human, but that can only be done by those who step out of themselves and look around them, taking care not to hurt those who are with them. We all go through bad times in life, but this should not be a pretext to cause a conflict that aggravates the already painful situation. To be at odds with the people who love us will only cause us more suffering and in the long run will lead us to be alone, because no one can stand those who take it out on those who are not to blame for the hardships we may be experiencing. Let us take care of those who love us by assuming our responsibility and, if we have already lost people, let us learn to take care of what we have worked so hard to obtain: a true friendship.

#esu emmanuel #el hombre de la soledad #escribiendo en soledad #escritores en tumblr #the man of solitude #writing in solitude #poetas en tumblr #writers on tumblr #poets on tumblr #pensamientos #2023 #responsabilidad afectiva

[thebluestbluewords]

Anything You Like - the soulmate theology part

*

“They’re a gift from God,” Claudine says confidently. “He sends them to us so we know where to find the good people in the world. The ones who are meant for us, for us to love and learn from. That’s why so many parents will mark their children.” 

“That’s stupid,” says Mal, who is eight years old, and has exactly two soulmarks, one from her mother and one from her future-henchman in training, Jafar’s son. “My mom’s the worst of the worst. She’d never let some silly god tell her who to mark.” 

Claudine glares at Mal from behind her thick glasses. The effect is a bit like being glared at by an especially nervous monkey, one of the creepy ones with huge eyes who sometimes come on TV in the hours-long marathons they get of the stupidest children’s shows imaginable. 

With all of the fury in her six-year-old body, Claudine sticks her tongue out at Mal. “Then you’re stupid, and so’s your mom!” 

“My mom could crush you dad like a bug.” Mal says carelessly. “And probably his god too, if he’s wasting his time giving people soulmarks. My dad’s the most powerful god on the island, and he doesn’t have any soulmarks.” 

“That’s because nobody loves him!” Claudine says, full of confidence in her own correctness in a way that only children can be. Mal would punch her teeth in, if she thought she could get away with it. “If God made somebody to care about your dad, he’d have found them by now and you wouldn’t even be here.” 

“Take it back!” 

“No!” 

“Take it back right now or I’m gonna hit you!” Mal shouts, clenching her hands into fists so tight that she can feel the tiny points of her nails start to cut into her palms. “My dad’s the most powerful god on the isle and he’s gonna hurt you if you don’t take it back!” 

Claudine frowns, screwing up her whole face. “My God can protect me,” she says, but they’re a shadow of doubt to her words now, and Mal knows that she can win this. “He’s the most powerful of all time, not just here.” 

Mal, with the honing instincts of a child who has never been told to shut up, goes for blood. 

“Then why don’t you have a soulmark? If your god is so powerful and cool and loves you so much, why didn’t he make anyone who loves you back?” 

“I—“ Claudine sputters, face crumpling behind her glasses. “I— I, um, I’m waiting. For the right person.” 

Mal frowns. She’s more evil when she pretends to care about people first, that’s what her mom says. “I thought your god was supposed to show you the right person. If he didn’t give you anyone, I think it means you’re just an unlovable freak.” 

“You’re mean,” Claudine whispers, her face damp behind the shield of her glasses. “I’m gonna find my person someday, and you’re never gonna get any more soulmarks because you’re mean and  God hates you.” 

Mal laughs. “There’s no god on the island, stupid. Your dad just lies to you because he doesn’t want anyone to know that you’re a freak.” 

Claudine sniffles. “You’re mean and that’s worse.” 

Mal takes a step back. Crying is disgusting and only for babies, and at eight years old, she’s very much not a baby, and being seen with someone who’s crying could hurt her burgeoning schoolyard reputation. Making someone cry because you hit them is one thing, but standing next to someone who’s crying is a sign of weakness, and there’s no space in Mal’s world for acting weak. 

“Says who?” she demands, from a safe distance away. Bullying distance is further than comforting distance, and it should be clear enough to any onlookers which one she’s standing at. 

“My— my dad,” Claudine manages, sucking in an enormous snotty breath. “And all his followers. Being mean is the worst thing ever, that’s what they said.” 

Mal laughs wickedly. Or at least, close to wickedly. She’s still practicing her Evil Laughs. “Well, my mom says that being mean is how you get ahead in the world. And my mom’s the ruler of the isle, and yours is dead, so I’m pretty sure I know better than you.”

#my fic #descendants #descendants fic #mal bertha #claudine frollo #the side characters from the isle of the lost books are so funny to me so I’m just borrowing them a little bit here #will I borrow more later??? #maybe #anyway soulmarks in this world are unspecified magic and I will not elaborate on their actual cause #only that characters with religious trauma may or may not believe they’re meant to be guidance from god #kidfic

[theamityelf]

Who gets worse in the entire Descendants franchise? Lonnie or Audrey? I’ve heard that Lonnie was ignored by the fandom, even Descendants instagram didn’t show her as much while Audrey was a broken girl.

Interesting question, and I'd say it depends on how you look at it. (Also, I'm talking about just the movies here, because watching the animated show or reading the books, those are separate choices, and most people will just watch the movies.)

On one hand, Lonnie is given the grace of having her microaggressions toward the VKs largely forgotten/ignored by the franchise, much like Jane, whereas Audrey's microaggressions are taken 100% seriously. On the other hand, they botched the cultural aspects of Lonnie's character on so many levels I'm not qualified to outline (like, her name, her wardrobe, etc.), and Audrey didn't get that axis of mistreatment.

In Lonnie's case, it was more like the series was cheerfully dismissive of her. The writing says, "We don't care about her internal life; she's here to move forward one story beat in the first movie and rehash the plot of Mulan in the second movie and then we're done with her." (Narratively, that is. Beyond that, she's there as continuity fanservice for people who like Mulan.) Lonnie finds out Ben has been captured. How does she react? She doesn't have any questions or concerns; she just wants to go with the VKs to save him so she can sword fight. Lonnie visits the Isle of the Lost. Wow, how would someone like her react to something like that? She doesn't. She gets there and she has a sword fight and she does a good job at the sword fight and she leaves, and Jay learns a lesson about how Auradon is sexist and really, thematically, the whole Lonnie thing was there as a way to have him acknowledge a good thing about his Isle heritage. In the first movie, she's there as the catalyst for the VKs to realize parents who love their kids treat them differently. In the second movie, she's there as a catalyst for Jay to realize that his upbringing had some positive aspects, too. (Granted, you could also make a real argument for Jay's arc in D2 being crafted around the idea "Lonnie but Mulan now" as an afterthought. Like, Lonnie is given more attention in that subplot than Jay is. But I think that's more symptomatic of the series never really knowing what to do with either of them.) But the writing likes her. Like, it doesn't care about her, but it likes her. She's treated like candy; they toss her in there as a treat.

The writing doesn't like Audrey, but it cares about Audrey. Her feelings get focus and have weight. She's not just there to do cool stuff or give focus to the protagonist's feelings or remind people of a good movie Disney made years before this one; she's a character with feelings and beliefs and experiences that are interrogated and explored. Not very well, but I'd say about as well as anyone's are. Like, how well do we know Mal? What does Mal believe in? What does Mal care about? What does Mal want? I would say we can answer those questions in about as much detail for Mal as we can for Audrey.

What does Lonnie want? Well, she wanted to join the R.O.A.R. team, and she did that now. I don't know what she wants now. What does she like? ...Cookies? Sword-fighting? What does she dislike? ...? Who is she close friends with? Who isn't she friends with? What, in the land of meticulously color-coded characters, is Lonnie's color?? Was she into R.O.A.R. in the first movie? She never seemed to be characterized as sporty until D2. She disappeared in D3. Why did she have that haircut if she didn't like it?? Lonnie is not insecure and does not have a strained relationship with her mother like Jane, so why does she have so little agency in her appearance? On a day to day basis, what do we expect Lonnie to habitually do? Well, she's captain of the R.O.A.R. team now, as of the end of the last movie she appears in, so...probably that. (In comparison, we know that Jane organizes school/kingdom events and sometimes delivers messages to her mother. We know Evie has a lucrative design business. We know that Audrey is a cheerleader and has been since before we met her, we know Audrey hangs out with Chad between classes, we know she's close to Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather.) That's the thing, is that we have little details of Lonnie that we can use to craft her character if we want to, but it's work the filmmakers didn't care to do. We know that Lonnie has a good relationship with her mom, we know that she likes and is good at sword fighting, we know that she's generally positive and energetic, and we know that she used to have a haircut she didn't like. I can't visualize a day in the life of Lonnie based on that; I would have to use my imagination and make up new things about her.

So, Audrey is a character who is treated spitefully by the writing, but she is a character who is allowed to feel and express feelings that are informed by her own wants, beliefs, and experiences. Lonnie cries in the first movie because she finds out the VKs' parents are neglectful, then in D2 she doesn't blink an eye when she goes to the actual island where villains and their kids live in squalor. Why? Because it's not plot-relevant for her to care, so she doesn't.

#disney descendants #li lonnie #princess audrey rose #sorry i organized this by ideas so some of the paragraphs are long