#Meanwhile Oz who was still figuring things out but who was almost sure he liked Gil That Way | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

kitkatopinions · 3 years

Text

Okay, so I’ve talked before about the many problems I have with James Ironwood’s semblance ‘Mettle’ here, but I wanted to make a post about what changes I personally would make to James’s semblance and how I would put it into practice in the show.

This is pro James Ironwood content. Ironwood haters, don’t @ me, don’t interact.

1. Change the phraseology and the way the semblance is presented. I would present it as a literal form of mind control, where his semblance makes him do whatever it takes to accomplish a set goal. Phrasing it as increasing his stubbornness and focus to the point where other things fall by the wayside makes it seem like his semblance just makes character traits much stronger, villainizes those traits, and is insensitive to people that hyper-fixate and can’t help that. Phrasing his semblance instead as centered around making him do whatever it takes to accomplish a goal, even if that changes who he is, is better in my opinion.

2. Change his semblance from passive to active This is good for a couple of reasons. People can’t control their passive semblances, which A. leaves James looking almost completely sympathetic (since, you know, he can’t fully control his actions) and it also leaves the casual viewer wondering what’s James and what’s his semblance. Did he bring his ships to Vale of his own volition or was it his semblance? Did he close the borders to Atlas himself or is it his semblance? Did he shoot Oscar himself, or was it his semblance? Etc. Etc. Making his semblance something that he himself chooses to use despite recognizing that it’s dangerous both gives James some level of culpability and it makes it much clearer to the audience what’s James’ personality and what is done under the influence of his semblance. I would make it so that James can turn on his semblance, but rarely ever does, because when he turns it on, he can’t make himself turn it off, and he can’t control himself or his responses in that state. I would make it so the only ways for James’s semblance to turn off again is if his goal is completed, his aura breaks, or he dies.

3. Make his semblance use clear through visual cues Honestly, this one isn’t as needed as the other two, but it just makes it much easier to understand and A. gives the audience another way to be clued in to when James is or isn’t under the affects of his semblance, and B. gives the characters a way to be clued in to when James is or isn’t under the affects of his semblance. In the first Avengers, when someone got possessed, their eyes would turn black and then turn a certain color of blue. A similar thing could happen with James, his eyes lightening, even if it was really subtle.

Also a change in body language would make for a subtle, but nice shift. James tends to put his arms behind his back, he tends to look people in the eye when he’s talking to them, he sighs, he acts tired out, he acts a little awkward, he gives little physical signs of affection like a shoulder to the hand, or a hug, or smiling softly. Having him do none of these things - keeping his arms at his sides, not looking at people when he talks to them or they talk to him, acting perfectly alert, not ever showing his more affectionate, warm, or awkward sides - all would make it clear that there’s something off. James isn’t acting like himself. To be totally fair to the show, there’s for sure some of that ‘James isn’t acting like himself’ stuff in the show, buuuut to be totally honest about the show, it’s clear we’re meant to see James as just an evil villain and his semblance isn’t even mentioned in the show, so... Yeah.

So in my ideal version, James’s semblance is an active semblance he can’t turn off, that forces him to accomplish a set goal no matter what and will even change his morality and base personality in order to achieve it, and it has visual cues like a change in body language and eye color shifting. Another thing to note is that James’s semblance is a secret, even to many of his confidants. The people that James has told about his semblance are Qrow and Ozpin.

Now to apply it to the show.

Adding an extra scene into the early episodes of V7.

Qrow enters James’s office and the two start talking about James’ plans. Qrow notes that it all still seems like ‘a bit much’ and James dismisses this concern, talking about how drastic times call for drastic measures, and they have to do whatever they can to stop Salem. Qrow has a moment’s pause and a guilty look (since he’s keeping the secret of Salem being immortal,) but then narrows his eyes and asks James “Is that you or your semblance talking?” James sighs, he says “You know I don’t use my semblance.” Qrow looks unconvinced, and James turns to face him a little more fully. They lock eyes and Qrow seems satisfied, nodding a little and turning away again. James asks Qrow to trust him, and Qrow agrees, with the qualification that James has to let him - and the others - help him instead of taking it all on himself, which James also agrees to, if not a little reluctantly.

Later in the episode ‘Gravity’ when Ironwood makes the choice to leave Mantle, he does so clearly under his own power. As Team RWBY start opposing him and after realizing they’ve gone behind his back, we see James hesitate. He takes a deep breath with his back to the girls and the Ace Ops and then triggers his semblance, his aura lighting up for a minor moment and his eyes shifting color to a lighter blue. The Ace Ops and Team RWBY all have a split second moment of confusion - seeing his aura flash - but then James turns and that’s when he declares he’s going to enact martial law. The scene continues on as is, with Ruby contacting the others and the Ace Ops going to arrest Team RWBY, etc.

Meanwhile, Qrow, Robyn, and Clover are all left confused and uncertain, and then receive the order for everyone’s arrest, including Qrow. Cue more confusion, and Qrow says there must be some sort of mistake. Robyn starts up the fight, Clover and Qrow try to de-escalate things, and in this version of things, Qrow doesn’t really join in the fight (Oh, I should note, I’m also erasing the Oz-punch in this version because I can do whatever I want.) When the plane goes down, he’s still trying to defend and make sense of things, but Tyrian’s coming on strong, taking advantage of Clover trying to make sure Qrow can’t get away - since he literally doesn’t know that Qrow isn’t a criminal - and Qrow being unwilling to fight Clover, and Tyrian kills Clover himself. Qrow’s distraught and affected, but doesn’t blame James, and Tyrian gets away.

He and Robyn are both arrested, and meanwhile, James and Oscar’s confrontation happens, and right before Ironwood shoots him, Oscar realizes that his eyes are different, but is then shot. In season eight and in jail with Robyn, Jacques, and Watts, we see Qrow frustrated and upset as the three argue back and forth, and all three of them are blaming Ironwood, when Qrow gets up and again starts trying to say there’s been some kind of mistake. Robyn says he’s putting too much faith in Atlas’s higher ups, and Qrow says that she just doesn’t know James like he does - which is true. When the guards come to take Watts away, Qrow says “That isn’t like him,” And Robyn rolls her eyes, but we see Qrow’s eyes widen in realization and he tells Robyn that James must’ve triggered his semblance.

Meanwhile, Oz (now back and getting the lowdown on everything from Oscar) speculates on whether or not James’s semblance is affecting his choices, but the both of them agree that they’re not 100% sure if they can give James the benefit of that doubt after Lionheart and everyone else that’s ever betrayed Oz (Note this also leaves a place where at least Oscar can say he’s sorry for how the Jinn/backstory thing went down.) Oscar doesn’t ask how James’s semblance works and Oz only really mentions that it alters his behavior. Oscar doesn’t tell the others Oz is back and Oscar doesn’t mention the semblance to the others, since neither of them are sure if it’s really at play.

Next time we see them, Robyn is pressing Qrow for details on James’s semblance and he tells her what it does and how it works. Robyn isn’t sure, but Qrow insists. He does wonder why James even turned it on and takes a moment to be angry that he did when he knows how dangerous it is - and maybe makes some comment about ‘if I could keep mine off, I’d never use it.’ Robyn hesitates, and then says “Well, I trust you, Qrow. If you say it’s his semblance, and that’s what’s really putting Mantle at risk... Then how do we stop it?” The two start making a plan to break out of the jail to get to Ironwood so they can help him.

Meanwhile, everything with Ironwood keeps escalating, the Ace Ops are still following his orders, they try to arrest Penny, delivering the bomb to the whale, find Team JRY, Winter makes her compromise, Cinder breaks in to free Watts, yada yada. When the Ace Ops bring the bomb back to Ironwood and it’s revealed Qrow and Robyn have escaped, James starts talking about how he should’ve used Qrow to get to Penny, could’ve used Penny’s friends against her, and then decides to drop the bomb on Mantle. And Winter clearly figures out something is wrong and starts getting suspicious and freaked. She tries to talk him out of it and tells him “this isn’t you, why are you doing this?” but James will barely look at her and keeps insisting, and finally she ‘agrees,’ but clearly seems perturbed and very unhappy with it.

Meanwhile, seeing the bomb threat puts Oz over the edge of thinking this is James affected by his semblance. Both he and Oscar still aren’t totally sure, but bring it up to Ruby and the others, and there’s a moment of “What the heck, another secret” before Oscar defends Oz “We didn’t know for sure, there was so much going on, I’m the one who didn’t think to mention it, it wasn’t our secret to tell,” and Jaune or something quickly says they don’t have time to argue anyway, and everyone moves on. No one is sure that it’s just James’s semblance, but Ruby declares that they have to try and break his aura and trust that there’s a fix - keeping the themes consistent, what with Emerald easily accepted right there. However, there’s still Salem reforming and the virus infecting Penny to think of, so they start making their whole plan as it is in the real show.

When Winter helps Marrow escape, she tells him that there’s something very wrong with James (even noticing about his eyes,) and he - like Robyn - thinks she’s just putting too much faith in him, and Winter sadly says that maybe he’s right, but that she just would never have believed he’d do something like that, insisting that his other choices made sense, that every war takes sacrifice, but this was just too far, cruel, evil, even. Marrow gets more serious and agrees. Qrow and Robyn, having escaped, start realizing everything that’s happening, they start to become even more frantic to find James and break his aura, which kicks into overdrive when they hear the message saying they only have an hour to go before James drops a bomb on Mantle. Qrow says “James is never going to forgive himself if that happens,” and Robyn declares “I’ll never forgive him if that happens.” Qrow gets angry and Robyn gets angry in response, reminding Qrow - and the audience - that James is the one who chose to turn his semblance on.

When the two run into Winter and Marrow, Winter starts telling them that James is planning to bomb Mantle, and Qrow gives her a quick low-down of James’s semblance. Winter then gets a quick “I knew it,” moment. Winter convinces Qrow she’ll break James’s aura or die trying and for him and Robyn to focus on getting the other Ace Ops out of commission since James will let her get close enough to land a strong enough hit. Qrow is really reluctant to leave it in her hands, but she assures him “I’m not going to let the General destroy himself,” and Qrow - despite his clear early problems with Winter, says “I know you won’t.” The fight goes down pretty much the same, with the kids still all going hard and Winter getting in the final hit that puts James out of commission. Nora, Jaune, and Oscar are all like “Did that do it, is he back to how he should be?” And Winter says she’ll bring him to a medical room. Nora and Jaune exchange an unsure look, Nora ventures “Just a medical room?” And Winter sighs, looks a little unsure herself, but then nods. Ozpin then speaks up, saying “She’s right. I... I trust him. I have to trust him.” Jaune, Nora, and Ren then agree, nodding, and then things start continuing like normal, only Winter is keeping Ironwood in a medical room instead of a jail cell.

When James wakes back up, he’s himself again. He has to deal with the fact that because of his choice to turn his semblance on, he almost caused destruction and death to innocent people at his own hand and when there was absolutely no real reason to. He has to grapple with the hurt he caused as well as knowing he literally had no control and couldn’t even feel horror or guilt over what he was doing in the moment. He could go on to Vacuo, but he knows the general population of Atlas and Mantle won’t just accept that it was his semblance at work. He’s going to be hated, maybe even arrested as a villain, his position and his ability to lead that he’s strived for in an effort to help whoever he can is gone, many of the people who were his allies will never look at him the same way again, he hurt Penny so much, and he can’t just get rid of that because he never meant to and hadn’t been able to control it - and it was still because he made the choice to turn on his semblance in the first place. But. No, in this version, he doesn’t die, and Qrow would talk to him and connect with him again somewhere down the line, and when James started berating himself, Qrow would softly and sympathetically say

“You idiot. I know you didn’t do this.”

This is by no means perfect. This is by no means without flaw. And I know my Ironqrow shipping impacted it, but you know what? I don’t care. I wrote this for me. This is the headcanoned version that’s going to live in my head rent free, canon or otherwise.

#rwby criticism #anti rwby #james ironwood #pro james ironwood #ironwood defense #pro ironwood #james ironwood defense #Again any Ironwood haters don't interact

67 notes · View notes

danurso · 4 years

Text

That's pretty D.U.M.B

Part 0 - Part 1 - Part 2

Oobleck: Which one of you is going next!?

Ruby: . . .do. . .do we have to doctor?

Oobleck: what do you mean miss rose?

Ruby: i mean that you already tested and found out that the machine works, couldn't we stop here?

Oobleck: OF COURSE NOT!!! science has in its basis constant testing! one single success can't let any scientist or researcher like me satisfied! Why did you suggest that miss rose!?

Ruby: it's just. . .i don't know, the other Weiss seemed nice but, Jaune was a bit. . .

_WBY/J_P_: Rude?/Mean?/Stuck up?/S-scary?/Abrasive?

Ruby: yeah, all of that, what if we bring another jaune like that? Or one even worse?

Oobleck: Well, considering the infinite possibilities out there, it wouldn't be impossible to bring other Mr.arcs like the previous one, but the same way a bad Mr.arc can show up, a good one can as well.

Yang: yeah. plus, we're talking about vomit boy, how many evil versions of him can be out there?

Ruby: i don't know, and i honestly don't wanna find out.

Yang: come on, he wasn't that bad, he was just like weiss cream would be if she was a boy but still had to deal with her period 24/7 and weiss cream was just like jaune if he was a girl, which, i think wouldn't change much aside from what's between his legs.

Jaune/Weiss: HEY!

Ruby: still, i'm not sure if we should keep going.

Yang: Come on, what if the next Jaune that comes up is a reaper that uses a cool gun just like yours?

Ruby: . . .it sounds cool, but still. . .i don't know about it.

Yang: *sigh* welp, then i think i'll have to go next.

Ruby: w-what? Yang you-

Yang: relax, considering what happened last time this Jaune is probably going to be a cool brawler who loves parties like i do.

Oobleck: while that is indeed a possibility ms. Xiao long, i wouldn't take it for granted until we see who's coming through the D.U.M.B.

Yang: welp, only one way to find out, right? *walks up to the D.U.M.B* you're coming vomit boy?

Jaune: err, can't we just listen to ruby and stop here?

Yang: you too? C'mon, man up vomit boy! Its gonna be fun!

Jaune: you only say that because you weren't the one watching a mirror version of you looking at you like a pathetic little bug, i'm not looking forward to that again.

Yang: come on, how bad can the next you be?

Jaune: i have no idea.

Yang: and that's why we have to find out! *holds jaune's arm and drags him to the D.U.M.B, placing both of their hands on the device*

Jaune: w-wait, yang i-

Suddenly, the device lights up with an yellow aura similar to yang's, before it fades away.

Blake: and it did it again.

Weiss: *sitting behind a table* i am not taking another explosion.

Ruby: *hiding behind weiss* me neither.

Weiss: what are you doing you dolt!?

Yang: *grinning and with her semblance on* ready vomit boy?

Jaune: *with closed eyes and bracing himself* not real-

*BOOM*

Once again the room was filled with smoke, this time though it was a yellow one, which quickly started to dissipate thanks to the open windows.

Jaune: *on the ground* oww, why does this thing has to explode to work?

Yang: *shrugs while still standing, her body covered with aura* no idea, but seeing you fly is funny.

Ruby: *still behind weiss* so? What jaune showed up?

Oobleck: *fanning some smoke away* they're probably still in the smoke ms.Rose. The device seems to have worked again, but we still need to wait to see who-

A blur then jumped out of the smoke, and in the blink of an eye collided with doctor oobleck, it happened so fast that the group barely had time to react, and only realized what happened when they saw oobleck pinned on the ground.

(A)Jaune: *wearing a white T-shirt, blue pajama pants, with several visible scars on his legs and arms, holding oobleck down by the throat and holding a handcannon on his forehead while glaring at him with scarlet eyes and black scleras*

RWBY/J_P_: *shocked*

(A)Jaune: i'll ask this only one time, and you better give me a good answer. What did you just do?

Oobleck: *sweating bullets* w-well, you see, i-i-

(A)Yang: jaune!

(A)Jaune: *looks back at the smoke cloud*

(A)Yang: *coming out of the smoke, wearing her usual sleeping clothes but with a yellow robotic right arm and rubbing her eyes* don't you think it's too early *yawn* to be causing havoc?

(A)Jaune: *looking back at oobleck* look around yang, we're not at the dorm.

(A)Yang: *looking around* huh? How did we- *notices the group, including herself and another jaune* . . .okay, what the hell is going on? Am i still dreaming?

(A)Jaune: you're not dreaming, and i'm trying to figure out exactly what is going on.

(A)Yang: by scaring the hell out of everyone around you?

(A)Jaune: do you know a more effective way of getting answers?

(A)Yang: yeah, did you tried to ask first before going straight into violence like we talked about?

(A)Jaune: hmph, do you realize how much of an hypocrite do you sound like right now?

(A)Yang: punching someone is way different from holding them at gunpoint bad boy. Now, why don't you just let poor professor Oobleck off the hook before he vomits out the rivers of coffee he's always drinking?

(A)Jaune: . . . *sighs, eyes going back to white scleras and marine blue iris* fine. *gets up and stands next to yang* but if your way doesn't work out i'll-

(A)Yang: dismember them, kill them, yeah yeah i know the drill with you, so relax and just leave it to me okay bad boy? *grins and winks at him*

(A)Jaune: *crosses his arms* hmph.

(A)Yang: i'm sorry for him, he gets grumpy when you wake him up out of the blue like that, specially on a sunday.

Pyrrha: *helping oobleck up* to the point of hurting a teacher?

(A)Yang: can we all just be happy that "hurting" was all he did to professor oobleck? If you did that a few months ago jaune would've probably beheaded him.

Oobleck: *gulps*

(A)Yang: speaking of which, what the heck just happened? I was enjoying my warm bed on a cold sunday morning and now we're on a classroom, with people that look way too much like us.

Oobleck: w-well, i am sorry to disturb you and mister arc with this experiment miss xiao long, but we are testing a new device, a device with the power to bring other versions of peoples to our universe.

(A)Jaune: *raises eyebrow* so we are in a different universe?

Oobleck: precisely!

(A)Jaune: that explains why there's another "us" here. How do we go back?

Weiss: wait, so you will just believe in what we're saying?

(A)Jaune: i've dealt with things stranger than this before, jumping into a new universe isn't anything too out of the common really. Plus, i know when people are lying.

(A)Yang: you did that before?

(A)Jaune: no, but it's not really worse than salem's shenanigans.

Ozpin: salem you say?

RWBY/J_P_: WHA-!?!?

Weiss: where do you teachers keep coming from!?!?

Ozpin: *behind the students* that's a very good question miss schnee. *sips coffee, completely ignoring her very good question*

(A)Jaune: Oz? You're here too? Guess this universe is not that different from ours. Do they know about her?

Ozpin: no, at least not yet mister arc.

(A)Jaune: good, ignorance is a blessing.

Blake: what are you two talking about?

Ozpin: nothing that really matters miss belladonna, i'm here just to observe oobleck's experiment. *sits on the farthest table.* please proceed as if i'm not here.

Weiss: why are all teachers in beacon so weird?

Yang: you talk like we're any better.

Weiss: we're not. . . .okay, point taken.

Oobleck: answering your previous question mister arc, this device has a time limit of half an hour or a manual trigger for you two to go back.

(A)Jaune: good, i'm tired and want to go back to bed as soon as i can. How does the manual trigger works?

(A)Yang: hold up you lazy bun. come on, we're in a whole different universe, don't you wanna take a look around? See if we can find something interesting?

(A)Jaune: i've already seen my fair share of weird stuff on our own world, i'm not interested.

(A)Yang: *grins* oh really? *walks up to yang, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and pulling her closer* are you going to tell me you're not interested in a world with two of me?

(A)Jaune: . . . . *blushes a bit and looks away*

(A)Yang: oh? What is that? Did you just think about something naughty bad boy?

(A)Jaune: . . .no.

(A)Yang: *grinning* li-ar~

(A)Jaune: i'm not lying.

(A)Yang: *gets closer, booping his cheek* of course you're lying, how can you not love the idea of having two me's around you?

(A)Jaune: *looks back at her* because you're the only yang i love you dumbass blonde.

(A)Yang: *blushes* . . . .that's a low blow.

(A)Jaune: you started it.

Ruby: is it me or these two really look like they like each other?

Weiss: *deadpans* wow, how did you figure that one out ruby?

Yang: so me and vomit boy from the other dimension are together?

(A)Yang: vomit boy? Why do you call jaune like that.

Jaune: oh god, please don't-

Yang: because the first time i saw him he ended up puking on my shoes.

(A)Yang: PFF! HE WHAT!? YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING!?

Yang: *grinning* i'm serious. guess seeing me for the first time was too much for him.

(A)Yang: *starts laughing*

Jaune: *red* i have motion sickness! It's a very common problem!

(A)Jaune: so i not only look like an idiot here, but act like one as well?

(A)Yang: i don't know, i kinda like the idea of a softer and dorkier version of you.

(A)Jaune: i don't.

Pyrrha: but why are you like this?

(A)Jaune: what?

Pyrrha: you are a lot different from our jaune.

Ruby: yeah, yang looks almost the same, but you are a bit different.

Weiss: a lot different actually.

(A)Jaune: judging by how he acts and looks like, he probably had a comfortable normal life, with little to no training.

Jaune: h-how-

(A)Jaune: the moment i attacked oobleck i saw everyone tensing in reaction, it's an combat instinct to get ready whenever something unexpected happens, you were the only one who didn't reacted like that, which means you have barely any combat experience.

Jaune: i. . .can't argue against that.

(A)Jaune: meanwhile, i didn't had it so easy.

Weiss: let me guess, your father was a heartless bastard?

(A)Jaune: *snaps to weiss, eyes get red and surrounded by a black sclera* say that about my father again and i'll cut your throat.

Weiss: *shivers*

(A)Yang: *flickers his forehead* hey! cut it out bad boy. i know it's hard to believe but for once ice queen wasn't trying to be mean, she was just asking a question.

(A)Jaune: R-Right. . . *sighs, eyes going back to normal* sorry.

Yang: what's up with his eyes? It almost looks like a grimm.

(A)Jaune: that's because i am partially grimm.

PR__Y: what?

Oobleck: *taking notes* please elaborate more mr.arc.

(A)Jaune: genetic enhancement. I got through a lot of experiments when i was seven.

RWBY/J_P_: SEVEN!?!?

(A)Jaune: the genetical enhancement is lethal on adults with fully developed bodies, only small children have a chance to survive.

Ruby: just a chance?

(A)Jaune: yeah, fifty children ranging from five to ten were tested on, only three survived, one of them being me.

Pyrrha: oh my god. . .that's so cruel.

(A)Jaune: not really, we all knew what we were getting into.

Blake: how can any five year old consent to something that has a chance of killing them?

(A)Jaune: because they would wind up dead without this power. We all agreed to go through this because we all had the same objective, take revenge on the organisation that killed our families.

RWBY/J_P_: . . . .

(A)Jaune: when i was a kid, a man tried to recruit my father to be part of his organization, when my father refused he blew up our home, killing my sisters and my mother, only me and my dad survived, but he lost an arm and was really hurt, he carried me as far as he could but the man found us and killed him. . .i only survived because of my mentor Qrow branwen and his sister.

Ruby: uncle Qrow? He was your mentor?

Yang: *shocked* wait. . .did you say his sister was there too?

(A)Jaune: yeah, they both saved me and took me to the Reaper organization, they offered me a choice to try and have a normal life or join the reapers, qrow wanted me to have a normal life but i didn't listened to him, i was so full of anger that i signed up and proceeded with the Reapers.

Oobleck: reaper program. . .sounds like something i heard before, but the project i knew was stored for being not very ethical.

Jaune: makes sense, the program consisted in making genetic enhancements on kids and making them go through the toughest training possible.

Blake: what kind of training?

(A)Jaune: several kinds, ranging from survival training to durability training, they would expose us to harsh places and teach us to survive, as well as expose us to high levels of pain, heat, cold, electricity, poison and others just so our bodies could get used to it.

Blake: that's. . .inhuman, how could they do this to children?

(A)Jaune: we did this to ourselves, we asked for the training. . .we just didn't knew how insane it would drive us.

Yang: i mean, i'm not a specialist but you don't really look that insane.

(A)Yang: that's because you met him now, he wasn't like this a year ago.

(A)Jaune: because of the grimm essence and the painful training, me and the other two kids didn't turned out very well, i was probably the most mentally balanced out of the three.

(A)Yang: and he still tried to kill me at least three times.

Weiss: and you're dating him!?

(A)Yang: *shrugs* he's wasn't that bad after you got to know him well, specially compared to his friends. One of them was a sociopath that tested the most painful ways to kill on his enemies. the other was a wild animal that killed anyone who got near him.

(A)Jaune: unless this person was qrow, oz, ironwood, raven or steph.

(A)Yang: yeah. Jaune was the least fucked up of them, yet he tried to kill me twice and two other teachers as well on his first week on beacon.

(A)Jaune: *deadpans* why do you keep bringing that up? I apologized didn't i?

(A)Yang: only after we started to get together, and every time remember you pointing that gun to me i get annoyed, *grinning* specially because your handcannon is not the kind of gun i like to see you pointing at my face.

(A)Jaune: can't you leave the dirty jokes for later? Or just stop with them altogether?

(A)Yang: you know i can't.

Ruby: so, jaune got through a lot and became a killer. . .please tell me you aren't evil too yang.

(A)Yang: well, last time i checked they didn't had my size on the killer's clothing store, so i guess i'm with the good guys for now.

Yang: what about my arm? What happened to it?

(A)Yang: i lost in a grimm attack.

(A)Jaune: *looking down* it was my fault.

(A)Yang: no it wasn't, and even if it was you still made up for it, so don't go getting gloomy because of it, okay? Basically a group of grimms came after me, i was so distracted with the fighting that i didn't noticed one had a bomb attached to it.

(A)Jaune: i tried to shield her from the explosion but in the end it still took one of her arms away.

(A)Yang: which was still a pretty cheap price to pay for the result, even though i still think you're an idiot for doing that.

Yang: what did he do?

(A)Yang: in our world, there's a woman who can control grimm, and she was the one who sent the grimms after me by request of the same guy who killed jaune's family.

Ruby: but why did he wanted you dead?

(A)Yang: because i'm jaune's angel.

Weiss: you what?

(A)Yang: angel, i'll explain that later. Well, this idiot right here *points to (A)Jaune* had the great idea to go after her even with the injury of the explosion leaving him vulnerable.

(A)Jaune: i already told you why i did that, i was angry and couldn't think straight.

(A)Yang: *glaring at him* and i already told you i don't give a damn to your reasoning, you're still an idiot. Anyways, he obviously failed and had to run away, but while he was running away he found my missing mother and saved her.

Yang: Raven?

(A)Jaune: Summer Rose.

Ruby/Yang: *shocked*

Ruby: m-mom is alive in your universe!?

(A)Yang: yeah, she disappeared during a mission when we were really young. . .we thought she was dead, but she was being kept alive in suspension so they could understand more about her. . .special powers.

(A)Jaune: i woke her up and managed to escape with her. Nowadays she is working as a teacher in beacon while trying to rebuild her marriage with qrow.

Ruby/Yang: SHE'S TRYING TO REBUILD WHAT WITH WHO!?!?

(A)Yang: i know right? It was one hell of a surprise, we had no idea they were married, but after uncle qrow saw mom again and kissed her in front of everyone, it was kind of hard to keep it a secret.

Ruby: wait, does that means i'm-

(A)Yang: uncle qrow's secret daughter? Yup, you are.

Ruby: oh my god. . .it's so much to think about that my head is starting to hurt.

(A)Yang: i don't blame you, it took awhile to digest everything weird that was happening in my life. One day i'm just good ol' me, going to beacon like i always wanted to do, and suddenly i lose an arm, my dead mom is alive and back, i find out she was actually married to my uncle, my sister is technically my cousin and i am the new angel of the guy who tried to murder me a few times when we first met.

Weiss: you mean girlfriend?

(A)Yang: *shrugs* works too, it's the same thing.

(A)Jaune: *frowns* no it's not, an angel is one of a kind, you can find other girlfriends but an angel is unique, you're the only one i ever confided with my fears and weaknesses, you're the only one who ever saw me cry and the only one who i ever showed my love to, you might be my girlfriend but before that you're my angel, because only an angel like you to bring peace to a demon like me.

RWBY/J_P_: . . . .

(A)Jaune: . . . *red* can you stop staring at me like that?

(A)Yang: *smiling* i can't, i love when you get on your poetic mood, it's too cute.

(A)Jaune: ugh, i should've just stayed shut.

(A)Yang: yeah, you should've known better than giving me ammo to tease you at this point.

(A)Jaune: i hate you.

(A)Yang: nope, you don't. But putting the cheesy and cute poetry to the side, an angel is like a break to the reapers, they usually don't trust anyone and are terrible people, but when they find someone special that they can trust they change a lot. I told you about jaune's friends earlier, the one who liked to torture people as a hobby now likes to plant flowers and care for them on his free time with his angel, meanwhile the psycho animal got just like me, a fun guy who loves to crack jokes and tease other people, though he isn't as cool as i am.

(A)Jaune: but is still a lot more perverted than you. . .if that's even possible.

(A)Yang: i know right? I don't know how that girl survived dating him for so long, if all the reapers have the same level of stamina i wonder how she isn't on a wheelchair.

(A)Jaune: now you're just being dramatic.

(A)Yang: remember when we first did it? And i couldn't stand without my legs shaking like leaves for almost a whole day? Imagine a girl going through that almost every day.

(A)Jaune: . . . . . .yeah, you got a point.

(A)Yang: i know. though, if she keeps having sex with him so much it's because she likes it, sometimes i imagine how it feels to do it all the time.

(A)Jaune: *deadpans* knowing you, i'm sure you do.

(A)Yang: *grins* are you saying that you don't think about that too? We're almost on our vacation you know? We could go out for a few days and find out~

(A)Jaune: *blushes* y-you-

(A)Yang: pff *chuckles* you're too easy to mess with sometimes.

(A)Jaune: *sighs* Can we leave already?

Oobleck: *looking to his clock* well, since you've been here for twenty seven minutes and forty three seconds i don't think there is much time left anyways.

(A)Yang: well, it was good while it lasted.

(A)Jaune: yang, we didn't do anything but tell them how our world is.

(A)Yang: *ignoring him* It was nice to meet you awkward jaune, i mean, vomit boy. *winks*

Jaune: *chuckles awkwardly*

(A)Yang: oh, and other me.

Yang: yeah.

(A)Yang: you better not let him slip, i had to work a lot to make this jaune here soft, you already got a softy ready for you, they might not be the same but if he's also jaune then i'm pretty sure you're not gonna regret.

Yang: i'll think about it.

J_P_: you WHAT!?

Yang: what? If i'm the one saying it then it must be true. Not to mention that Jaune does look cute so its a double win for me.

Jaune: *blushes* i-i'm cute?

(A)Yang: good. *starts glowing along with jaune* i don't know much about your jaune, mine was a knucklehead most of the time but when he wanted to be, he was very kind and supportive, he helped me to deal with a lot of old issues, and i'm pretty sure your vomit boy isn't different on that aspect.

Yang: right. . .i'll keep that in mind.

Ruby: err, other yang?

(A)Yang: yeah?

Ruby: can you do me a favor?

(A)Yang: i don't think i have much time left to help you other rubes.

Ruby: no, it's nothing really big, just. . .when you go back, can you please tell mom that i love her?

(A)Yang: . . . *gives her a small smile* sure, i promise i'll tell her when i get back.

Ruby: *with a shaky smile* right. . .thank you.

(A)Yang: and hey, please don't cry, my ruby or not i still don't like to see you sad.

Ruby: right. *sniff* i'll try.

(A)Yang: good. *glow gets stronger* Bye everyone, it was nice meeting you.

Yang: same.

*(A)Yang waves one last time before vanishing completely from the room*

Blake: . . .once again, that was something.

Yang: ruby? *puts a hand on her shoulder* you okay.

Ruby: y-yeah, i'm fine, i just. . . *sighs* i wished i could go there myself, even if i could just go for a minute to see her. . .

Yang: yeah, i know how you feel.

Oobleck: well. . .it seems that you just got through a very sensitive moment mr.rose, would you like to take a break?

Ruby: no, it's okay, i. . .i think i'm fine.

Yang: you know you don't need to push yourself, right ruby?

Ruby: i know, and don't worry, if it becomes too much i'll stop, but for now. . .mr.oobleck?

Oobleck: yes miss Rose?

Ruby: can i go next?

#rwby #jaune arc #yang xiao long #weiss schnee #ruby rose #pyrrha nikos #jaune x yang #yang x jaune #rwby dragonslayer #dragonslayer #jaune x harem #colorguard #That's pretty D.U.M.B

189 notes · View notes

razorblade180 · 3 years

Text

Twin Snowflakes 22: Ground Zero

Part 21 -> here! <-

Bad luck has been a part of Qrow’s life for as long as he could remember. It manifested in a variety of ways but there was one in particular that was absolutely the worst, travel. Flat tire on a road trip, inconvenient. Plane delay, well that one was probably not his fault, but it felt like it! Certain cases like that were always a little iffy on if it was him or life. As the veteran huntsman stood on the deck of his son’s boat in the pouring rain with a Kraken raising from the depths, Qrow was sure of one thing. This one had to be his fault.

“I didn’t think grimm this big were still around. We’re in the middle of the ocean for crying out loud.” Qrow sighed, grabbing harbinger.” It’s cases like this he’d usually leave. Two big problems though. Problem number one, Sparrow was already firing cannons at it. Problem number two, it was waving Oscar around like a toy. He seemed okay though.

“CAN I HAVE SOME HELP HERE!?” He screamed, louder than the roaring winds and rough seas. “THIS GUY IS REALLY SLIMY!!”

“Slip out then!” Sparrow shouted in earnest. Oscar might’ve been far away but Sparrow could tell the man was not amused by that response. “What!? Do you want me to shoot that arm with you in it!? Penny will have a fit if I shot you!”

“PENNY WILL HAVE A FIT IF I'M EATEN!!!” Oscar wiggled and squirmed before finally managing to create an orb to push the tentacle off, then dispelling the orb to drop straight down. Cannon fire rained down on the center mass like grand finale fireworks, but only angered the beast. More tentacles cut through the air to reclaim its lost hostage.

“Give me a break.” The rain continued to pour down and sting against Oscar’s skin. He paid no mind to the whirlpools forming or the ship deck quickly approaching. Oscar simply closed his eyes. “Hey it’s been awhile. Mind lending a hand?” He called, subconsciously to his old friend.

“Hehe Oscar, do you even have to ask?”

Oscar smiled, opening his eyes and seeing Oz smile back through the reflection of the rain drops before seeing his own again, complete with white hair and golden eyes. “Let’s get to it shall we?”

xxxx

Nick remained quiet as Weiss drove back home from school. He was happy he made it back in time. A gigas dragging him away after his fight with Valerie would’ve made the entire incident worse. Though if he was being honest, fighting a gigas sounded cathartic in a way. He gently pulled up the window switch over and over, repeatedly.

Weiss took note of her son’s unusually sad demeanor. “Alright, wanna tell me what happened in there? You were full of energy before getting your work, and I doubt the workload has spooked you.”

“Nothing I’m not used to.”

“Ah, Valerie troubles.” Weiss glanced over and saw Nick glare at his own reflection. Looks like she was right on the money. “Take it from me, I’m sure whatever happened had more to do with her own personal feelings and not the feelings you have for her.”

“You say that with such confidence.”

“I was a teenage girl once too, you know? One with plenty of personal hurdles I tried to associate with other people instead of myself. It doesn’t ever really stop truthfully. You just get better at accepting the fact the problems fix itself when you decide to change how to respond to it.”

“Do you think I have a problem I should change? Loving a girl who pushes me away, it probably makes me look like a joke.” He tried rolling down the window again but found the switch had been locked. Yet another thing to make him sad.

“I think it’s not the wisest thing you’ve done, but it’s definitely the most normal teenage thing about you. Joke or not, feelings are feelings. They’ll work themselves out. Just don’t force anything and before you know it, you’ll see things a lot clearer.” Weiss reached over and ruffled his shaggy hair. “Who knows, maybe you’ll see this dew of yours needs to finally change.”

“As if!” Nick laughed, “I look too much like uncle if I cut it, and any longer makes me look like dad.”

“Not if you style it. Oh, or grow it out even longer. Like when you’re little! “Weiss cooed, “You and Summer were really hard to tell apart then.”

“Yeah, and people kept calling me ‘she’ and stuff. Nooooo thank you!” He folded his arms in protest.

“That won’t happen now that you got your father’s looks. You’ll just be a pretty boy. Then if you get facial hair!? Nick, let me make you gorgeous! I have Coco on speed dial!”

“This is why you had a boy and a girl, mom! So I can escape this torture.”

Weiss pouted, “Summer likes doing her own makeup and hair. I should be proud considering it’s my old look from waaaaay back, but I still wanna change things up. I’d give this entire family a makeover if you all weren’t so whiny about it.” Weiss looked in the mirror at neck length hair. She remembered how free she felt the first time she cut it. Having twins meant twice the hair pulling, three times if she counted the one person she wanted to pull her hair. Thinking back, there was a good chance it was one of times Jaune pulled it that gave way to the discussion of kids in the first place.

“Hmmm, maybe I should grow my hair out. I miss the old length sometimes.”

“Summer would be so upset.”

“Good, then she’ll change it. That’s one family member down.”

Nick playfully rolled his eyes. A makeover didn’t sound too annoying actually. Maybe after the tournament? He’d think about it. “Hey, mind if we train again today? I got a lot of pent up energy and new ideas.”

“I suppose. Someone has to make sure you don’t overdo it. Winter is coming over too, so it’s for the best I warm you up anyways. I’m positive after your recent school events that she has a few words for you.”

Nick gulped, knowing he was in for a workout. “Well now…guess I’m dying today.” He could already feel his muscles ache.

xxxx

Meanwhile in the woods, Summer and Veronica had crossed into unfamiliar territory, casual conversation. It wasn’t going well. They both agreed to chat but neither of them were actually talking! They were just walking with Veronica taking the lead, leaving Summer awkwardly following a few steps behind.

The girl had finally pulled herself together after her little episode. In truth, she was a little embarrassed to say anything after it. She hated looking weak, especially in front of Veronica, a girl who manages to look strong against even the harshest of critics and peers. It was quite envious, her attitude. Summer would give just about anything to have it. Summer looked down at her scroll for what must’ve been the tenth time. Still no missed messages.

“Expecting a call?” Veronica finally said, noticing the Schnee’s gaze consistently drifting. “Got a boyfriend or something I don’t know about?”

Summer felt like that might’ve been a jab but chose to ignore it. “Nick always calls me if Shiva gets out or nearly escapes. He’s always had a sixth sense for knowing her moves. It’s unlike him to not immediately call, even if he’s doing something urgent.” Summer put her scroll away. “Him not calling is odd.”

“Are you telling me she almost got out earlier? I didn’t really smell anything.” Veronica looked back to see the girl look at her confused. A fitting look honestly. “The one time Shiva was out and even when we argued yesterday, I smelled peppermint, a disgusting amount of it. The diamond dust smells the same.” Veronica pointed to her nose, “I didn’t smell that earlier.”

“Oh.” was all Summer could say. It should’ve been a relief, but it wasn’t. “Great, my panic attack was just unhinged. Even when she’s quiet, she’s ruining my day.”

“Are you saying Shiva tries escaping when you’re hysterical?”

“Apparently not, or at least not all the time? Agh, it’s impossible for me to tell.” Summer was even more perplexed than before. “Just when have I been talking to her? They’re not all fake, but...they’re not all real either? I can’t afford not knowing the” Her train of thought was broken when a snowball thrown by Veronica hit her coat. “Hey! Wh-”

Veronica quickly covered Summer’s mouth. “Shhh! Grimm.” She pointed several yards into the distance where two sabertooth grimm were roaming. “Alright, do your thing.”

Summer looked at the grimm, then back at Veronica, who gave a casual thumbs up. “Wait, you’re not helping?”

“Nope.”

“Whhhhyyyyyy exactly?” Summer questioned.

Veronica sighed, because one of the reasons I wanted to be out here is to better see you in action. Why else would I tell you to bring your blade?”

“You lead me here under the assumption of a fight…” Summer deadpanned, “Couldn’t you have looked up old videos of me? I didn’t see you drag Nick off to fight grimm so you can make his outfit.”

“Nick has double the videos of him fighting, as well as him figure skating. Also, I pay more attention to him than I do you.” It might’ve been rude, but it was the honest truth. Summer didn’t even seem surprised. She just looked at Veronica with judgment. “What?”

“Nothing, much.” Summer drew her blade and put a glyph at her feet. “Any requests for data purposes?” She could not believe this was happening.

“Just handle them how you would normally, oh huntress in training.” Veronica teased lightly.

Summer pointed her sword out with her right hand and her right foot forward, then took off. The distance between her and grimm was closed in a matter second. She leaped over one, slicing it’s head off through the back of its neck. Another glyph formed midair behind her. Summer used it to kick off right after the attack and thrust her blade through the second grimm’s eye socket. Not even a snarl was heard before it died instantly.

Summer looked back at Veronica. “Cake walk. You’d get more data out of a video than th-”

“BEHIND YOU!” Veronica shouted.

Summer looked over her shoulder to see a third one already pouncing. With a subtle breath, Summer slowed its approach and then back stepped to safety. One more glyph was put under the paws of the beast and pulled out like a rug to trip it. Summer spun the chamber of her Myrtenaster and threw into its ribs like a javelin. The chamber landed on flame dust, setting it ablaze.

“Phew! That was...unexpected.” Summer said, coming down from a surge of adrenaline.

Veronica ran over to Summer, surprised. “How did you do that, the breath thing?” Veronica asked, “That’s a trick I’ve never seen.”

“ Oh that? Well…” Summer took her left glove off and focused. Little snowflakes started floating upward from it in place like a snow globe. “I’m not too good at it, but I can control a bit of Shiva’s powers. Only when I’m cold though, or freaked out, but that second one is more involuntary.” Summer put back on her glove, “considering the potential risks and conditions, I don’t use it in fights. Explaining it to officials would be a pain anyways.”

That made sense. Veronica could smell a hint of peppermint coming off Summer. That was Shiva’s power alright. This also explained the mass amount of ice she saw Summer create in her video fighting the Paladin. “Permission to touch you?” Veronica asked, like she always did. Summer nodded. Veronica reaches out and places two fingers against the pulse in Summer’s neck. “Any other Shiva related tidbits to share?”

“Ummm, we share a subconscious, sort of? More like a neutral ground.”

Veronica paused momentarily, “what?” She said, annoyed by all this cookie cutter information. “Gonna need more tidbits?”

“It’s hard to explain. I don’t understand it either.” Veronica looked at Summer, unblinking. Apparently that wasn’t a good enough answer. “Look, imagine something like...an ocean, just water and the sky above. Now flip it upside and make that ocean completely frozen. That’s more or less what the subconscious looks like. There’s ground to stand on, but I can’t really see. Depending if I’m actually dreaming or in a certain place, then that’s what the subconscious can look like. The only constant is that ice ceiling.”

Every sentence from this girl felt like a fever dream to Veronica. “Summer, I doubt you're lying to me, but do you by any chance also do drugs? You know, the hard kind.”

“As if!” Summer swatted Veronica’s hand off her neck. “First of all, drugs and I don’t mix. Second, be serious!”

“It was a valid question. Rich kids do a lot of things. If Nick told me he tried it before I wouldn’t be surprised. Saddened, but not surprised.”

“While I would be hounded by you no doubt?”

Veronica crossed her arms, “I’d berate anyone who would do drugs.” Her tone was stern and cutthroat, “It’s an ugly slope that goes down fast.”

The way she spoke about it was rather serious compared to what Summer was used to. “Have...you done drugs?” Summer asked cautiously.

Veronica thought about her answer carefully for a moment. “For a brief time, yes. I’m past it however, totally clean. I thought it might help control my instincts.” Veronica slouched over with a sigh, “Unfortunately, noooo dice. Come on. Let’s keep moving.” Veronica continued to walk.

Summer stood quietly for a moment, then followed as well. She wasn’t expecting to get to the topic of Veronica’s genetics in such a personal way. Then again, someone’s very birth is nothing but personal. Curiosity began to get the better of her. They did make a deal after all.

“V-Veronica…?” Summer stuttered, “I held up my end of the bargain. The only other thing that may be worth mentioning is Shiva only knows what I know when she tries escaping, and I only know what she does if I’m conscious. Other than that I think all the dribble about the state of mind would make you snore. So…..”

Veronica could tell where this was going. “Relax, I’m not about to break a deal that I proposed in the first place.”

She reached for a nearby branch and plucked a silver flower off of it. It’s five petals were spread wide Veronica placed it in her own hair. “I take it that even your school isn’t bold enough to ignore basic faunus knowledge and history, despite their…questionable place in said history?”

Summer nodded, “Hey, Atlas isn’t the kind of place to bury the leads. Older society and its people simply do what they want, how they want.” Summer cringed, “Not that doing so is exactly better in the long run. Besides, you think rich tycoons wouldn’t tell their heirs and shady dealers how they amassed their fortune? Atlas’s people might know too well the benefits and contributions the faunus play in our history and in a work capacity.” Summer felt sick saying that. “It’s disgusting really.”

“Couldn’t agree more. With all that said, how much do you wanna bet there’s aspects glossed over?” Veronica wagered.

“I could’ve sworn you made it clear that you have no interest in money?” Summer quipped.

Veronica let out a humorous breath, “Tah, a girl can change her mind can’t she?” Veronica watched Summer reach in her pocket and pull out a hundred lien casually, giving it up. Veronica was surprised. “We didn’t even make the bet yet.”

“If I knew everything, then I wouldn’t be curious about this in the first place. Odds of you teaching me something new about your people is a given.”

Maybe it was the fact that Summer was made of money, or had good intentions for learning more, but Veronica couldn’t take the money. She could only waved it away. “Geez it was a joke. Making you pay would look bad.” She said, in a forest with nobody but themselves around. “Qualities Like night vision and other adaptations aren’t the only animals traits given. It’s fundamentally built into everything about us. Disposition, personality traits, social skills, everything; the animal you are influences all of these in a variety of ways in varying amounts.”

“Like how faunus with nocturnal animal traits tend to take night jobs?”

“Veronica nodded, “Yes. A bird faunus might choose a home at high elevations, even if they don’t have wings. A deer or rabbit faunus may have to work harder at public speaking than let’s say a wolf faunus. The subtles can get even tinier; or as obvious as a feline faunus loving fish.”

Summer never really thought about it, but that made sense.“What you’re basically telling me is for a faunus, nature vs nurture takes on an entirely different level of complexity? Nothing stops a rabbit faunus from being a motivational speaker, but it would be more work, unless their parents or even their environment had predisposed them to be apart of a more vocal and outgoing lifestyle?” Summer’s eyes lit up. “That’s actually really fascinating, sowhere do you fit in with all of this?” She asked, wanting to learn more.

Veronica was taken off gaurd by how interested Summer was. “For a person who apparently hates school as much as I do, you look eager to learn.”

“School sucks because of social pressure and redundant information.” Summer deadpanned, “Anyone would get bored of learning material that is forced upon them and is as quickly discarded.”

“Well, I guess that’s true. I wouldn’t say I’m in love with any aspect of school, but learning is the least problematic part of what I had to think about it. Anyways, what I’ve told you so far applies to all faunus. With the way the world is and all the kinds of possible traits, finding a place to fit in isn’t difficult. Those animal instincts are very much submissive compared and don’t hinder our ability. Like you said, a rabbit faunus can do public speaking. A bat faunus can absolutely walk around in broad daylight. However, there’s a minority among faunus that have their animal gene act way more dominant than the majority. Roughly 13 to around 18 percent of the faunus population, if I remember correctly. This group, my group, are easily recognized by having exaggerated or extra features. Extra large wings, skin more animal than human, cold blood-”

“Ears and a tail?” Summer interjected, “appearance wise, you seem to have gotten off easy. You covered in fur or having whiskers would be a little distracting. Not gonna lie.”

“Externally, I’m just a tick higher on date lists for everyone with disturbing cat girl fantasies. Make no mistake though, I’m not the average faunus. Super faunus, the minority, have their animal qualities cranked up and deformed. I can’t see in the dark, but my nose is keener than any dog I’ve encountered. All those little traits I mentioned before? They tend to manifest in my people aggressively and often. To put into perspective, I have more in common with my grandpa than I do my mom, on an animal level.”

“Wow, that’s…intense. Your grandpa roars and gets all apex predator on people when he’s pissed- oh! Wait, your temper is shit because of your genes!?”

Veronica inhaled, ignoring the insult for the sake of conversation. “To a degree, yes. I cannot pin the blame entirely on my DNA, unfortunately…” she added that last bit quietly. “Despite what people write online about my family, we aren’t just cats. We are big cats. I’m a panther for crying out loud.”

Summer squinted, “Well, seeing how you’re mostly blonde, aren’t you technically more of a jaguar or a leopar-”

“Panther.” Veronica said, this time with feeling. “I could dye my hair red and that doesn’t change my DNA, Summer.”

For her own safety, Summer wisely chose not to make a very easy pink panther joke. She thought about it, but this conversation didn’t need to fall apart for the sake of Summer wanting to be a smartass to Veronica for once. “Fair enough, continue.” She said, still thinking about the joke.

“My athletic ability is exceptional, hearing too. My tail gives me balance more than other faunus. Despite the term super, anyone with the mutation would tell you how daunting it is. The type of animal, like everything else, determines what the faunus might deal with. For me it boils down two major things that contradict each other. Problem number one, not eating enough meat.”

“What happens?”

“Same thing that happens to any starved predator. I become impulsive, irritated easily, confrontational, my senses get...sensitive, adrenaline makes me dizzy-”

“So you’re super hangry?” Summer said without thinking. She immediately tucked her lips in and accepted the “you are an idiot” look that Veronica gave her without mercy. “Why the hell did I say that?”

Veronica groaned, “Minutes ago I heard you bring up nature vs nurture for comparing and explaining what I’ve said. Now you compare things to being hangry? It’s not even about how full I am, it’s the nutritional and instinctual part of devouring meat that my brain wants. It’s no different than your body craving milk for calcium. If I’m not careful and reach my limit, I tend to lose sense of reason and even blackout into a haze of instinct. Essentially, I go feral. Your brother can tell you that it’s not a pretty thing.” Veronica frowned.

The bruises on his face that day after school started to make a little more sense. No way he’d just let Max and Darren get clean hits in! He was dealing with an enraged Veronica. It actually put a lot of things in perspective. Summer couldn’t count how many times Veronica looked like she wanted to actually claw a person’s eyes out. She might’ve actually been thinking it over! That...was a scary thought. “What’s problem number two?” There was no way it could be just as bad.

“Eating too much meat. That’s when I’m an apex.” Veronica said, giving a thousand yard stare. Summer immediately took her statement back. That sounded way more problematic. “My attitude shifts. My fuse isn’t as short as when I’m starved but let’s say I can be very...demanding. Yeah, let’s go with that.”

Summer raised a brow, skeptical of that statement. “Are you saying-”

“Better think twice before saying I’m already demanding. Neither you or Nick has seen me when I’m caught up in the euphoria of being what I am. I’d put that girl Amber to shame, and my physical prowess are even better. I’m wild in a completely different way. Filter, broken. Can’t even put that state into words. So yeah, that’s my genetic mishap in a nutshell.”

“You being a food snob and all of your diets make a lot more sense now. Why keep this to yourself for so long.”

“Simple, it’s not anybody’s business what I’m dealing with. It’s handled, and doesn’t need to be explained among faunus. Living normally isn’t hard when you know what you’re dealing with, which is why I’m shocked every resource hasn’t been poured into figuring out your problem.”

That stung a bit. “Oscar is currently crossing the sea to potentially find answers, I have you know.” Summer said defensively.

A scoff came from Veronica. “No offense, but that sounds like a waste of energy.”

“Saying no offense doesn’t make me feel less hurt.” Summer folded her arms. “How would you know? Unlike you, my affliction has no prior information to go off of, and isn’t a genetic thing at birth. Any move could be closer to the truth, or a shot in the dark. For all intended purposes, you were born and live normally like anyone else.”

“Hate to make you sound stupid, but a test tube baby isn’t normal in most circles. Two moms, remember?” Veronica said, coldly.

Summer stopped walking. For some reason, that didn’t sit right with her. “Isn’t that name...an insult?”

“Yep.” Veronica kept walking, “Keep up. I’ll leave you out here.”

Summer listened. Maybe it was her imagination, but that atmosphere between them felt like it changed again. They had both held up their end of the bargain. Now things felt cold between them like before. Summer wasn’t expecting to learn as much as she did. Many things were answered today, so why did it feel like she knew less about Veronica. Blanks were filled into a picture she never knew the true size of, and still didn’t. One of those pieces felt out of place. The piece that helped put build up to this situation in the first place.

“Veronica…?” Summer uttered, “By any chance, does any of what you told me having anything to do with the torn pages in your-” suddenly, Summer’s words were stuck in her throat. Veronica had turned around to look her dead in the eyes, coldly and without care. Summer felt herself become small and beneath Veronica yet again, inferior.

“Never bring this topic up again, got it?” Veronica had to stop herself from balling up her hands, or she’d cut them with her nail. “Got it?” She said again, doing her best not to blow a fuse.

“S..sorry. I just...thought-”

“You thought wrong.” Veronica said. She turned around and kept walking. “We’re not friends.”

Heat rose to Summer’s face. It was impossible to know if she was feeling embarrassed, upset, or anything. All she knew was for a moment, she felt tears well up before vanishing. She breathed through her nose and bit back. “Yeah, I’m well aware.”

xxxx

“Sloppy!!!” The commanding voice of Weiss’s sister cried, knocking her nephew into a bush for the tenth time today. “You’re unfocused! Surely you can do better?”

Weiss witnessed her child stumble back to his feet, hair messed up and panting. He stabbed his sword into the ground to brace himself momentarily. His aura was still high, and yet… “Winter, he’s still under the weather. Ease up.”

“This is me easing up. You simply coddle him too much. Nick is more than capable of continuing. I don’t remember going as easy on you when you asked for training all those years ago. You turned out fine.”

“I wouldn’t exactly use our relationship as a standard.” Weiss mumbled.”

Nick raised his sword quickly. He channeled a fire ball to the tip of his blade as fast as he could, but was still too slow. Winter had already rushed towards his left. He had no choice but to abandon the fire attack for a block that barely withstood his Aunt’s blade. Nick slid backwards on the stone ground.

Winter shook her head. “Once again, you waste aura and energy not because the attack was a bad choice, but because you simply cannot use your semblance fast enough.”

Winter shot off a fire ball not even a second later. She waited closely for Nick to raise his block, then used a standard glyph to propel herself forward. Her speed surpassed the fireball, and Winter was able to position her blade behind him as the flame made contact with his.

Nick looked over his shoulder at her, frustrated, but not willing to yield. He pivoted around with his blade held out to direct hers away, then put a glyph between them. By the time he did so, Nick already knew she was on the move again. “Don’t count me out!” His left hand pulled a summoned sword from the glyph. Nick swung it out to the left and around to his back while his actual blade was swung right. The weight to Winter’s attack came from back and was blocked, perfect. He leaned his body left with his blade as he felt Winter shift that direction to his opened side.

Winter could only smile as she went in to strike. Nick just played her and she knew it. Her blade still clashed with the summon weapon, leaving his right blade free to use the momentum from the lean and make a clean stab with no chance for her to block. Winter did the wise thing and jumped back, abandoning her assault. His left side was never really opened. It was bait. Both swords were used to block wherever she came from. The right one only stopped short because the left one did the job of making sure she aimed for his back by swinging outward. Winter would have either been hit or blocked if she immediately attacked left or right, and the glyph protected the front. By making her attack his back, he all but ensured she would aim left next because it was the only unguarded spot, a spot he was ready to defend and attack from simultaneously. It was this kind of quick thinking and reckless style that separated Nicholas from anyone else. Even his sister. Especially his sister. Winter loved Summer to death, but the girl was quick to panic if plans fell apart.

Normally Winter would hear him say something self-indulgent. Nope. Just a quiet stare and a fireball he had to fire off thanks to the distance between them. Still…

“Nice effort.” Winter said, knocking it away with ease. “But no. The simple fact you can summon the sword of an Arma Gigas so easily yet remain sluggish with more basic functions of your semblance is a baffling talent. If it wasn’t for your unconventional swordplay that you somehow make work, I’d say getting a gold medal would be impossible. Still might be. It only does so much.”

“Well it’s a little late to change my style now. This is what I know best.” He dropped his sword and slowly let out a breath, filled with irritation. “I know I’m lacking.”

Winter raised a brow. She looked at Weiss confused, “What’s wrong with him? The usual?”

“No. Well, yeah, but he’s been stretched thin in general recently.”

“I’m not stretched thin. I just...nothing feels like it’s enough. Training in particular. Like you said, I can make swords in my sleep. All the other things our family is supposed to be good at, I’m average!”

Winter turned off mentor mode for a moment. Clearly this is more than about training, but she’ll play along. It was time to be an aunt. “Nick, you are in a class of your own. Sixteen and this skilled by no means is average. In regards to us, your family, no one here was perfect. Nobody here is perfect. Your mother still over extends her strikes from time to time and your father definitely wasn’t a genius by any means.”

Weiss narrowed her eyes, “Hey, I’m free game but be nice to my husband. You’re right, but be nice.”

“Like me, you choose to wield two blades. Unlike me, it’s your go to stance.” Winter informed, “Our semblance works best when we have a free hand. That’s why shields aren’t a good option for us. The choice to use two blades isn't bad by normal standards. I’ve faced many foes that pressured me with similar tactics, even beat me. Though only one is real, another sword has made it harder for you to use glyphs. At least it should be, but summoning and a video of your exam says otherwise.”

Nick looked at his summoned blade in frustration. “I still don’t know what I did differently that day. I was faster and more in control than I have ever been. Not only did I actually make a gigas, but even all my other glyphs felt on par with Summer’s.”

“Remember Nick, You and Summer excel at different things.” Weiss reminded him. “Yes, her fundamentals and use of dust are better, but she has a knack for it. That’s her edge. In a fight, Summer’s wide range of dust and glyph combinations always means she’s never out of range to attack or control a fighting space. You may not have that but your speed, stamina, and reflexes make up for it. In close quarters, no one your age matches you in Atlas.”

“That merit just so happens to have made you neglect the need to sharpen your other talents. Do you know how dangerous you could be with-”

“Time dilation? Yeah, mom told me.” He interjected, “something about those other things simply don’t click in my head. Can’t even get a fireball right.”

He sat down on the ground and took another breath. “The way I fight, it isn’t like I built it to be the most versatile. My offense is my defense. The use of momentum to add power behind my strikes helps keep in moving. It’s why my stamina and speed is good, to push my body for relentless attacks.”

He didn’t say it out right, but he didn’t have to. Nick made a style that didn’t make him good against a variety of people in mind. No, Nick thought of style against Shiva. In the end, that’s the only fight that matters. Beating others with it was a way to refine it for the moment it mattered. Abandoning it was not an option. Only improving.

Winter could only look upon the boy's face and see someone who only ever has the best intentions for others slowly begin to waver. Her teenage years were long gone, but no one ever truly forgets the confusion they went through during that time. Winter walked over to her young nephew and sat in front of him, legs crossed. “Why is it always the most caring of people who can never give themselves the break they give others? Nicholas Schnee, you are a kind, hardworking young man that never doubts himself often. Much like your mother, you take hold of what you want and clench it tight.”

“Lately holding on seems to hurt more than letting go. Nothing...feels right. Not just in training either. I feel like a gap between me and everyone else has been growing, like I’m out of a very important loop. Val, Vee, even Summer.”

“This time of year gets people stressed. It’s possible every one just needs a breath. I can speak much on a gap, but I’m positive time will mend it. Despite my feelings towards the young Belladonna, it is pretty clear the two of you get along. Confide in her.”

Weiss and Nick went bugged for a moment. They both looked at each other and then back at Winter.

“Wow.” Weiss spoke, “That’s pretty big, coming from you. Anytime you see that girl, you have nothing but disappointing looks.”

“Yeah Auntie, I’m shocked.”

Winter turned a little red, “I don’t see why. I may find her a bad influence on you and your sister, but my opinion is one of many. With you, Veronica is a welcome distraction to break up your daily routine. I’ll give her that much.”

“How generous,” Nick said sarcastically. Veronica was starting to sound more like a battle tactic than a person. Though she probably wouldn’t mind if it meant spending time with him. Regardless, “I appreciate the suggestions, but my time is better spent training at the moment. If I can be half as capable as I was during my exam, then I chalk that up as good progress.”

Winter hit his head. “Fool, you’re not getting it!”

“Ow! What!? All I said was- Ow!” Weiss also hit his head, much lighter though. “Stop hitting me! I thought this was a pep talk!?”

“It is.” Winter stated, “It’s also a lesson. The way you are now, you can’t progress much further. I urge you to really think about what made that day different from now; what made your last attack against me different even. That is all the hints I will provide to him. I do hope your mother keeps quiet as well.”

“Hey! I get I’m a little...lenient with him, but I would never skip an opportunity to watch him grow. Besides, telling him wouldn’t mean he could do it any faster anyways.” Weiss teased. She could hear Nick’s ears practically buzzing.

“If that’s the case then say it!” He asked eagerly. He was given no answer. Winter and Weiss walked away from him like they didn’t peak his curiosity. He assumed training was about to resume like normal. However, it didn’t. A look of shock came to him when both of his elders faced him, blades drawn.

“What, both of you at once.” He said nervously, grabbing his sword and rising quickly to his feet. “What happened to me being under the weather, mom!?”

Weiss smiled, “Hey, you wanted fast results. Until you find the answer to your glyph problem, we’ll double down or swordsmanship. Brace yourself. I’ll hold back.”

“I will not!” Winter smiled.

Nick didn’t even get a chance to blink before the two of them came after him. He gulped, “Should’ve stayed in bed.” Nick prepared himself when suddenly, a cold chill went down his spine. Weiss and Winter immediately recognized the look of fear on his face and stopped their approach while he pulled out his scroll to call his sister. “Pick up. Come on Summer, pick up!” He muttered.

xxxx

Summer felt like an idiot. Of course nothing has changed. Why would it? A talk didn’She walked faster, out pacing Veronica.

“Hey, slow down. I haven’t told you where we’re going.” Veronica said, but Summer didn’t listen. “Hey!”

“Leave me alone! I may not come here often but I live here. I’ll find my way without you.” Summer said, grunting as she forced her way through dense branches and bushes.

“Can you not act like a child for once!?” Veronica yelled, running after her. “And stop ignoring me!” Veronica was near her wits end.

“.........”

And then she reached it. Veronica’s tail and tensed up. “Summer!” Veronica yelled again, going through the bushes. “I said stop ignoring-” the potent odor of peppermint invaded her senses out of nowhere. Veronica looked around the area, seeing nothing. Nothing, but a frozen lake, shimmering with diamond dust below the surface; and Summer standing in place, shivering.

“Summer…?” She said, concerned this time. Her words didn’t reach, not immediately. The scent wasn’t only coming from the lake. Veronica didn’t dare to move as she watched a finger point across the water. Her eyes looked in that direction to see nothing but scared trees and large rocks that had been chipped rather deep.

“A fight?” Veronica thought. She looked closer. All the markings looked to be going outward and from one spot. A spot several feet off the lake. Even with all the dust, it was clear that spot smelled the most foul. “No, an explosion.” Her attention went back to Summer. “A dust explosion.” Veronica yelled again. “Hey! Summer! Answer me, please!?” She could no longer be calm. Veronica ran to the girl screaming her name.

Summer might as well have been deaf to Veronica’s voice. All she heard was laughter. Her laughter, coming from Shiva skating on the ice.

“Hahahahaha! Oh wow! We haven’t been here in ages Summer!!!” Grinning and filled with joy, Shiva extended her hand, “Summer, come join me!” The glow of her eyes grew more dazzling, as well as her smile. “Just like before….”

#rwby #rwby au #sparrow branwen #rwby twin snowflakes #weiss schnee #winter schnee #nicholas schnee #summer schnee #qrow branwen #veronica belladonna #oscar pine

35 notes · View notes

serararku · 3 years

Text

Eyes of Amethyst Finale

The tower groaned and rattled, throwing Thalen onto his stomach. The floor rolled like ripples over a pond before the room began to tilt and turn. He didn’t have time to think when the whole place began to collapse, and he watched helplessly as his prey and the woman slid down the ledge and into freefall! Osric had been watching from the base of the tower, eyes narrowing as he’d heard the gunshot. Already preparing to leap - he froze, the sound of the explosion and the ground shaking breaking his concentration. “Gods damnit, Thalen.” This was why he liked details. He quickly glanced over the structure - trying to figure which way it was likely to fall before his attention was drawn by a woman’s piercing screams.

He didn’t have time to calculate - the Dragoon crouched as low as he could go, planting a fist into the grass as he focused his aether into his legs. The dirt beneath his feet shot up with him when he launched himself high and far into the air, the wind hissing past as he aimed at a nearby tree. As soon as his feet touched the trunk he was airborne again, bouncing off the forest and skybound, heading straight for the falling woman. “URF!” The air was knocked out of her lungs when he managed to wrap an arm around her; in her panic she coiled her arms and legs around his body and squeezed for dear life. With a grunt and a turn Osric planted his feet against the tree he’d been rushing towards and drove his lance in to balance himself, quickly scanning for Thalen. Kiban rushed past with his maniacal laughter, but the Dragoon ignored the Strangler -- the bounty was of no concern to him. “Hold on.” He whispered in her ear, but she was too terrified to respond. The Gunslinger was dropping fast. He used his tail to twist himself upright, and was clinging to a chunk of stone in a desperate attempt to cushion his fall, but at this height…

His eyes darted to a hundred places in under a second, highlighting the path he would take to lead him straight to his partner. “There you are…” Osric adjusted his hold on the woman and pushed off the tree - ignoring the creaking sound it made as he focused on his target. The Dragoon didn’t go up, but forward, lunging head first into the lethal shower of stone, wood, and fire.

Osric’s feet landed on the side of a wall before he jumped again. Four steps down a wooden beam and he was gone. He tucked his legs in as he soared through a hole, his lance swatting away anything that could potentially harm or kill from the woman’s head as he landed on and clung to a spiraling and smoldering boulder. Then he pushed off again, weightless, sailing through the billowing smoke, flipping and twisting in the air like a dancing dragon. It was the first time he could cut loose in over half of a year -- he almost forgot what he was doing. Almost.

He wouldn’t be able to hold Thalen the way he had the woman, but it’d be better than letting the man continue to fall. He grunted as he made contact with Thalen’s falling form - trying to focus on manipulating the aether around them to slow their downward progress as he braced for an...uncomfortable landing. Osric landed in the grass like he was stepping off a six fulm drop, graceful like a strider floating on the surface of still water; he bent his knees and cradled the woman in his grasp, but nothing was broken or injured -- not a scratch. Thalen on the other hand was a different story.

“Fuck! Shit! Godsdamnit!” The Miqo’te landed hard on his feet and rolled down the incline to keep himself from snapping his ankles and shattering his knees. He lost control after his third flip, spiraling out to flop and slide the rest of the way. Yet despite his grunts and curses, he still wasn’t a piece of modern art on the side of a rock thanks to the Dragoon. He stopped on his back at least, so his face was at no risk of grinding against the stones beneath him. He slowly opened his eyes with a grimace just in time to see the rubble blown skyward from the explosion coming down on their heads. “AHK-!” He flinched when a rock the size of a brick buried itself into the ground between his legs, almost permanently removing one of his most precious tools for his most beloved vice.

“What was that about this being an ‘easy’ job, Thalen?” Wielding the lance with one hand wasn’t an easy feat - but the grip in his left was a work in progress, and the woman - who now stood behind him as he knocked away falling debris - was still in shock, unable to do much more than cling to the back of his armor. He shot an annoyed look over his shoulder as the last of the debris settled - before turning and guiding the young woman towards Thalen - waiting for the man in question to right himself so they could leave.

Thalen rolled onto his stomach and pushed himself to his feet. He checked his body for any serious scrapes or bruises, but thankfully Osric’s acrobatics saved him from being crippled or worse. “Yeah, yeah… least nobody got hurt, aye? Now where’s that bastard?” As soon as he finished speaking, both Thalen and Osric glanced over across the wreckage to see Kiban laying in the grass, his body twisted and broken, but he was still very much alive; somehow he survived that terrible fall, but it was unlikely he would survive til sundown. “Beautiful… now we just scrape 'em off the ground and-” SPLAT! A crumbling part of the tower slid off another rock and rolled over the Strangler like a boot stepping on a grape.

“You were saying?”

Thalen looked like a priceless vase just slid off a table right in front of him, and he was just out of reach to stop it. He stared at the red stain beneath the rubble, as the Twin Adder guards and the onlookers came rushing in. The Gunslinger was almost trampled over when they swarmed Osric, their deafening chorus of cheers growing louder in a fever-pitch. They clearly had front row seats to his double-rescue.

Osric’s eyes widened at the rush of people, taking a step back and holding his right hand out to give himself - and the woman standing behind him some space. “Easy - if you don’t mind. She’s had a bit of a day and some space would be beneficial.”

"Back up! Back it up!" The Deputy shouted out from behind the crowd. "Clear out! Give them some room!" The crowd continued to swarm the hero of Quarrymill, reaching out to touch his arms and shake his hand. "I SAID GET OOOUUT!!!" Like a knife gliding through a loaf of bread the masses split in half at the bellowing of the Roegadyn officer. A representative of the Conjurer's Guild ducked under Grand Talon's massive tree trunk arms and stepped around the Dragoon to check the woman for any wounds. Meanwhile the Deputy plucked Thalen off the ground like he was a vegetable. He turned to his assistant before grunting, "Search the rubble for any bodies. We need to get that paperwork started now."

"Uugh…" Thalen groaned, remaining limp in his grasp. "All in a day's work…"

"Kiban deserved the noose for his crimes, but if it weren't for the Warden's incompetence those civs would still be alive." Grand Talon nodded at Osric before his grimace returned when he gazed at the Miqo’te. "But what's done is done. Make sure this is the last time I have to deal with you and your recklessness, K'thalen." Without another word he dropped him onto the grass, turned his back on the duo, and began making his way to help his team identify the bodies.

"Never heard him so calm before…" Thalen sighed, rubbing at his shoulder. "Gonna be sore somethin' fierce tomorrow. No payment neither… but at least we saved the girl, aye?" He glanced up at Osric while he strained to stand, cracking his back with a wince and a gasp. "Good jumpin' by the way, Oz. Couldn't a pulled this off without ya. And… thanks for not lettin' me splatter. My next scheme'll be less risky for sure."

“Your next ‘scheme’? The company has plenty of work - couldn’t you take one of those jobs if you’re low on gil?” Osric crossed his arms over his chest as he took a step towards Thalen - giving the individual from the Conjurer’s Guild space to do their work.

He simply shrugged at Osric halfheartedly, like he always did. "Newbies been floodin' in recently, and there ain't enough solo jobs to go 'round. Plus…" Thalen paused as his ears lowered a bit; the telltale signs that a Miqo’te was undecided to reveal something personal. "Bah, 'nother story for 'nother day."

"Who… are you guys?" A timid voice called from behind. The woman they rescued was sitting on a fallen log, revived from her stupor but still clearly trying to process what happened today. She reached up and brushed her pastel blue hair away from her deep purple eyes, and her focused gaze darted between Osric and Thalen inquisitively. "You're not Twin Adder…?"

Osric turned around, giving a small bow in the woman’s direction. “No, we’re not. I’m Osric Slater - this is K’thalen Tia...we’re members of the Ashen Wolves.” She slowly blinked at him, appearing more coherent with each passing moment.

"I'm Coroh… Coroh Veldha." She gave Osric the faintest of smiles. "Thank you… for saving my life. I um… I don’t want to think about what would have happened to me if you two didn't show up when you did… I've never been so scared in my life."

"Gonna get worse with all this madness goin' 'round, darlin'. You outta learn to protect yourself… these'r some real dangerous times we live in." Thalen stepped to Osric’s side so he could get a better look at her. "Good job givin' Kiban that revolver I kicked over, aye? Woulda been messier if you tried to play hero."

The woman began to tremble as she wrapped her arms around herself; the adrenaline must be wearing off. "Are you adventurers? Bounty hunters? … mercenaries?”

Osric gave K’thalen a pointed look as he motioned towards the women. “It looks like giving the young lady your jacket for a moment or two wouldn’t be the worst thing...don’t you think, Thalen?” He turned back towards Coroh with a nod, as Thalen gave him yet another shrug before pulling off his weathered leather jacket. “Adventurers...At times I suppose we’re bounty hunters, and I did work with a mercenary company or two before I signed on with the Wolves.”

“Thank you…” She timidly murmured, almost disappearing under his jacket. “I wish I could be as brave as you guys… I might be stuck in this dead-end job for the rest of my life...”

Osric tilted his head. “What job is that?”

“Working here… at this mill.” Coroh gestured to the rundown town surrounding them, and the billowing smoke from the wreckage of that tower. “I just… push lumber through saws all night. I want… I want to be like you guys.” She paused to gaze up into Osric’s eyes. “You know… like heroes.”

Osric blinked, reaching up to rub the back of his neck. “‘Heroes’ may be a bit strong.” He tilted his head. “Well - if this job is no longer meeting your needs, what stops you from finding another one?”

The woman opened her mouth to answer, but the words never came. Her gaze dropped to the ground and she fell silent for a long time, seemingly struggling to find a reason why she couldn't just leave. Thalen decided to clear his throat to break the awkward silence they were all trapped in. "Ain't nothin' gonna change unless you take charge, lass. Me n'Oz here… we didn't wake up one day n'just become adventurers. 'Slotta work… sometimes dangerous, sometimes scary. People die in this profession too… good friends and wicked foes alike. But there ain't no courage without fear. And if'n you don't chase your dreams, then…" Thalen gave Coroh a gentle and sympathetic smile. "You'll regret it for the rest a your life."

She seemed to light up a bit and sit up straight, but she was still slightly trembling; she would need some serious time off to work through this traumatic experience. "Thank you both again… I'll never forget your kindness!" Coroh lifted Thalen’s jacket off her shoulders and handed it back; turns out she wasn't cold after all.

"A pleasure." The Gunslinger turned to Osric to pat him on the shoulder. "Let's get outta here 'fore the Deputy decides to give us some trouble. First drink's on me."

Osric hummed thoughtfully, gaze shifting to Coroh for a moment. “Would you like us to walk you home before we depart?” His eyes narrowed as he felt the hand on his shoulder and turned to look at the Miqo’te man once again. “Are you sure you didn’t mean to say ‘drinks are on me’? After all - you’re not currently a stain on the ground - seems like that fact alone might be worth more than one drink.”

“I know a place nearby.” The woman chimed in, shooting to her feet. “Buscarron’s Druthers is only down the road!”

“Fixin’ to be a ramen and tap water kinda night…” Thalen could feel the last gil he had left burning a hole in his pocket, but the temptation to throw it away for drinks was too great to resist. “Bah… alright, alright. We kick it for a few bells, then I gotta head back. Deal?”

“Deal!” Coroh sang, looking to Osric for confirmation.

He nodded, waiting for the woman to turn and lead the way to the Druthers before pulling a small pouch of gil from his pocket and handing it to Thalen. “For drinks this evening....” He whispered in a low voice. “And try to save some of it for food. It should last you until the next decent job comes in.” Thalen blinked at the Dragoon, as his smile slowly returned.

“You know what, Oz? I don’t care what people say about you. You’re alright!”

---

Collaberino: @osric-slater-ffxiv

6 notes · View notes

prose-for-hire · 4 years

Text

I [still] know what you did last Halloween...

Part one // Part Three // Part Four

Pairing: Scooby gang x reader (platonic)

This is the second part to a platonic story with the reader as part of the Scooby gang. Set season 3. This is a multi-parted serial killer/slasher fic for Halloween. Yes, I had to include Spike. Yes, I am sorry. Reader lived with Giles, but is not related.

Warning: It is a serial killer fic, main characters are going to die (I’m sorry, it’s Halloween). Violence. Blood mention. Alcohol consumption. Swearing.

Sunnydale students: SOS

Sunnydale Express, October 1999.

The Sunnydale slasher strikes again, leaving one teen dead and two injured. There was a house party last night [12/10/1999] which left the student body with one less. The identity of the teen, who is yet to be identified based on extensive injuries should be announced to the public after the family is informed.

However, it makes us at the Sunnydale Express question: was it the teens fault for breaking curfew?

It was the day of the funerals. There was to be two back-to-back.

The first funeral was Giles’. It was an intimate ceremony, the core group and a Watcher who had never met Giles alive. He was there to ‘oversee’ matters but Wesley told him where to go. This had surprised you, the man wasn’t usually so forthright but he had appeared to be fond of Giles in some way.

Your group stood, staring into the open grave. You were now minus two members. There had been some crying earlier, but everyone’s faces were stony now. As if they were set in place. Exhausted from crying, not sure if you would die from dehydration if you wept another drop.

All of the colour had been sucked out of the world and you were all now aware that you were only briefly passing through this life. You weren’t aware everyone else was sharing your cynical thought, but they were.

You felt the most immeasurable guilt. You felt guilty for Giles’ death. For being the reason he was gutted so brutally. Used to write a crude message on the wall. His life had come down to being the ink in someone’s pen and it angered you that this was what his life had been reduced to. But mostly, it sickened you.

And, as Willow tapped you on the shoulder and gestured that it was time. Your mind still trying to wrap your head around the imagines you had seen in the past week. It was never going to get easier.

It was all a blur. It was screaming and rushing of bodies all around you.

The room had started to thin. Only the injured and your friends remained. Willow had started to mutter something, a kind of protective spell - she grabbed your hand needing your strength.

The slayers danced around each other, their fight mean and brutal. he appeared human, but his reflexes were good. Almost, too good.

He was blocking them at every turn. He appeared to be enjoying it. He was studying them. Learning their movement. Anticipating what would come next. They fought hard. Buffy hissing as the tip of the scythe cut into the flesh on her upper arm.

Then it happened. You could barely stomach thinking about it. Xander had walked into the room-

Xander had been a good friend to you. He was never perfect and you liked that about him, he never pretended to be someone he wasn’t. He looked out for you and he had been there for you when you had almost broken down and run to the police months ago. He had been firm that it had to be kept secret what you had done, but never refused you a shoulder to cry on.

His funeral was a lavish affair, his parents turning on the waterworks despite everyone knowing how they would treat him at times. They had paid for only the best, with a large number of people attending. The church was packed out. It made you wander that if any of them knew what he had been involved in with the rest of you, would they be so quick to say they had always liked him? Always seen him as brave and strong?

Any time the family saw any of the people that were there that night they scowled. They glared. And they burst into more tears. Why were you spared, when he wasn’t?

The six of you huddled together. Oz was more distant than usual, his hand on Willow’s shoulder as she couldn’t control her sobbing now. Buffy was sat with you, trying to hold it together as you wrapped an arm around her - willing yourself not to fall apart either. Cordelia and Faith had started bickering. It was getting progressively louder and your group was getting funny looks. They eventually stopped but only when the priest shushed them and started to say the final words before Xander was cremated.

Bravery. It was a word that had been said a lot that day, in that stuffy church hall. But it rang true, clearer than the tolling bell.

He had been brave.

Everything stilled when he entered the room, as if time had been slowed for that one moment. And who knows, maybe it had. It was Sunnydale. The masked figure stopped fighting Buffy and stepped over an injured party-goer. He had been waiting for this. the guest of honour.

The masked figure had just been killing time fighting the slayers. Xander’s fate was decided before he had got to the party that night.

Xander’s face had twisted in horror, his eyes met yours and you started to scream. He nodded, resigning himself to what was coming. The figure swung his scythe back, shrugging Faith off him who had tried to tackle him and swung at Xander.

A sickening noise. A splatter of blood sprayed the entire room. Willow dropped your hand in horror, stunned into silence as Xander’s head rolled to Buffy’s feet, the same look in his eye.

There were media crews set up everywhere outside the church. They were using Xander to tell their stories. It would anger you, but you felt too washed out to say anything. You didn’t even comment when you overheard Harmony on her fifth interview, now talking to the local news outlet.

“Did you know the victim well?”

“Well, yeah. He was a total dork- which was so cute we all loved him” She smiled saccharine sweet making sure nobody had noticed her initial look, “Like, everyone wanted to date him he was a total stud-bucket”

“Were you there that night?”

“Yeah – everyone was, duh! But Carrie totally crashed and I don’t hang around with losers. Even being seen with her is like social suicide!” Harmony maintained firmly, as if that was the most important thing she had been interviewed on, “So I left early”

“Okay- that’s great Harmony. One last question: how are you and the rest of your high school class going to cope after this devastating loss?”

“Well, we’re all gonna graduate as long as we’re not all dead first. I am going to be a counsellor at Camp Crystal Lake in the summer. I’m just pleased to have a break from Sunnydale – senior year has been kind of a bummer so far what with the killings” Harmony shrugged and turned away, swishing her long blonde hair as she walked and her clique followed her. Even Cordelia rolled her eyes as Harmony walked past your group.

You stood motionless for a moment, it felt like a second to all of you but to onlookers there had been enough time to paint a detailed impressionist painting. The only title fitting was: loss.

“Where do we go from here?” someone finally spoke up.

“To the function”

“I-I don’t think I can” Willow sobbed into Oz’s shoulder.

“It’s worse if we don’t show our faces. Even if it’s just for a minute…” You suggest, really wishing the words hadn’t come out of your mouth. You didn’t want to have to face Xander’s family again, “Angel said he might come, what with the sun going down soon”

“Free alcohol. Score” Faith smiled.

“You’re right” Buffy said, still staring into the distance.

“You wanna get drunk?” Faith raised an eyebrow that lowered when Buffy shook her head.

“No. Y/n’s right. We should go. But we all need to talk – in private, when our heads are clearer. Need to figure out what’s going on” Buffy spoke, her usual self-assured tone was weakened slightly. Her voice hoarse from all of the crying.

You all nodded distantly, walking into the function room together, but feeling miles apart.

Death! Destruction! Mayhem!

Sunnydale Express, October 1999.

Rioting of many stores in the centre of town has been widely reported by those on the ground. Many young people, have taken to the streets to ‘protest’ the curfew. These troubled teens do not understand the importance of hard work and have instead taken to looting and picking up where the killer left off: damning our town.

They have old friends to meet; Disco music to dance to and big ticket items to steal from struggling small businesses.

Meanwhile, the death toll of the cases related to the ‘Sunnydale Slasher’ is now 5, and we ask the residents of Sunnydale: when will they learn?

You walked into the magic shop, one of the only shops on the row that appeared to be untouched. Maybe people knew better than to loot a magic shop. The rest were fair game. You had been hoping to find some kind of ingredients that would help you sleep. Or at least, allow you to relax for even a minute. You felt responsible. For everything and you weren’t sure how to deal with it anymore.

But apparently, this store hadn’t been untouched by those taking what they wanted. You stumbled in on a vampire having a midday snack. Spike. Shit.

You started to back out slowly, but he had seen you. He dropped the corpse of the shop-owner and stepped over her, walking slowly towards you. You sighed, you really weren’t in the mood for this. Everyone around you was dying and now you had to talk to one of the undead.

“Don’t move” He warned, pointing at you as he licked the side of his mouth to catch the blood that had been dripping there. When he noticed that you weren’t even scared, almost a little bored – waiting for him to finish he got annoyed, “You know what I could do? I could snap your neck and-”

“I already have one killer after me, what’s one more?” You sighed again. He raised an eyebrow and you just shrugged, not willing to get into it. Not until he said something.

You had sat, sliding down the wall and he had for some unknown reason (to either of you) decided to join you. He was sobering up and needed some kind of distraction at any rate. He had been staring, sitting beside you and scanning your features in a way that would make you feel uncomfortable if you had cared what he was deciding on.

“You seem different, y/n. From last time, I mean. Not sad, but damned near it - you’re almost making me feel better about my Dru”

“I killed someone. Well, not me, but I helped cover it up…” You admit, after a huge sigh. Spike barely even blinked, this kind of confession didn’t phase him in the slightest.

“Who did?”

“Slayers”

“I think they have a licence to kill, love. Don’t make it right but there it is” he shrugged, ready to get back to his feet and look for some liquor. Until you spoke again.

“He was human” You say softly, “Mr Bates. He had a name and a-a family-”

“I’ve killed hundreds of humans, so what?” He spoke over your turmoil. He didn’t feel guilt in that way, so he couldn’t really relate to your low mood.

“It hurts. It aches… but worst of all it makes every experience I’ve ever had… tainted. Wrong in ways I can never describe. It’s like I’m walking through a nightmare, and everyone else is right there with me. It’s not as if I can go to the police. Or talk to anyone else about it… not properly”

“Thanks, that’s sure to make a fella feel special” implying he wasn’t counted in anyone. But he wasn’t very hurt by the statement. This was the first full conversation you had together, he wasn’t that invested in your relationship.

“You know what I mean” You shrugged. And he did. He started to explain to you why he was back. About Dru and everything that had happened since you last saw him. You tried your best to wade through your own thoughts and chip in here and there. He clearly needed to vent too.

You and Spike eventually left together. You had convinced him, after hearing of his predicament, he needed to convince Dru to take him back and he agreed. You walked part of the way before he was going to go and get into his car and you were going to head home.

Night had fallen and you were about to part ways when he came for you. Spike heard him before you saw him. But the figure still made the both of you flinch slightly, before Spike rolled his shoulders and decided he would have to fight doubly hard for showing that weakness.

The hood was down and you could see the mask properly. It was a black material, with a chiselled grey skull etched so forcefully it was as if it was his actual face. The bones were harsh and looked as if it could cut despite it being a plastic mask.

Spike ran straight for him and started to match his offensive blows with his own. Spike appeared to have the upper hand as you just stood and watched. You knew if it came down to it, you could be collateral damage and neither of them would be too bothered.

Somehow, Spike had been knocked to the floor and before he could get up, a scythe had been lodged deep into his torso, hitting the ground beneath him with a horrible metallic sound. The reaper hacked at Spike, who hissed and cursed at him, but didn’t die as the killer had suspected. The reaper stepped back a few paces. It allowed Spike to get to his feet. There was a lot of blood running down Spike’s torso. His shirt was in tatters.

“I bloody liked that shirt!” He snarled, looking down. Trying not to choke on the blood that was moving up his trachea. If he had been mortal, he would have died ten minutes ago.

The masked figure cocked his head, figuring something out. Not working. Not human.

Spike charged at him, throwing punches and blocking the scythe easily. He was stronger. Spike had bit into him and knocked him to the floor. He started to stamp on him repeatedly until a gargled choking sound was heard from behind the mask. He landed on more swift kick for good measure before deciding he was as good as dead.

Spike turned back to you, for some unknown reason, and for probably the first time in his un-life he went to check on you. A human. He felt that you had some kind of bond after you both shared your woes. He was about to ask if you needed any help before he drained the killer and left to find Dru, but the words never left his lips.

“Spike!” You screamed as you saw the killer rise to his feet and remove a stake from his pocket. It all happened in slow motion. Spike wasn’t able to turn quick enough, he had been caught off-guard. Bollocks. The killer plunged the wooden object directly into his heart and the bleach-blonde vampire exploded into a pile of dust.

“You did this” He spoke for the first time. His voice like gravel. He knelt and took a handful of dust and walked towards you. You stumbled back, hitting a brick wall. You had nowhere to run. You were backed into a corner. He threw the dust over you, leaving you spluttering and rubbing your eyes. You were expecting death any moment, but it never came.

When you opened your eyes again, there was nobody except you in the street.

Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust

Sunnydale Express, October 1999.

Many have petitioned the Mayors office due to the large volume of litter and dust that has appeared, often overnight, leaving citizens having to take matters into their own hands. The large number of ash filling our streets tells us that unauthorised fires and barbecues have been set up through town with little being done by authorities to subdue this illegal activity – especially after our newly enforced curfew.

We implore the mayor’s office to make an immediate press release and ensure there is enough man-power to make sure our humble town is cleared during the night.

You were in Giles’ house. It had been left to you. You were touched, but every footstep you made in that house filled your body with guilt.

You were hosting a scooby meeting. You didn’t have any food in, everyone had started to pass around Giles’ single malt, drinking it straight from the glass. Even Buffy took a sip every now and again. You all needed it. Life was starting to become unbearable. Cordelia had joined late, rushing straight from cheer practice.

“What do we know?” She asked as she set her bag down and looked around as if you had the killer tied up in the bathroom, waiting for her to come so you could unmask him.

“Zip. Nothing”

“The killer is targetting us, that’s all we know. Some kind of twisted revenge. We just need to find out how he knows and why he’s so strong”

“Simple then” Faith shook her head.

“Oh and he takes out anyone in his way, so it’s not just us”

“What did the swim team ever do to him?” You wondered out loud

“It’s the tight pants, he likes a little modesty” Faith snickered and you scowled. How could she be so okay with this? She was the one that had stuck the stake in his hear, finished him off. You were feeling all this guilt and she just didn’t seem to even care.

“But does he even have any proof? Let’s just go to the police and say we’re being targeted”

“Yeah there’s witness protection! We could get new names!” Willow backed Buffy up quickly.

“That won’t change anything. We’re still killers” You mutter and everyone stopped. You had never said anything like that out loud before. You were usually the one that kept everyone optimistic. But it was too hard at the moment.

“Shut up! We’re not! It was an accident. Just an accident”

“How do you explain Giles?” you said glumly, glancing sideways to where his body had been.

“What is up your ass today? God, people are dead. We all feel it. But you’re just giving up! It’s not right!” Cordelia shouted.

“I’m living in our dead librarians house. Rent free” You sighed, “The house we cleaned and made look like an accident”

“Can it, y/n. None of this is our fault. We gotta do this or we’d be in jail”

“But if we keep doing this, we’re going to die” You replied, “Like Spike… he was gone. Just… dust”

“Well, I can’t say I’m gonna shed many tears” Buffy muttered.

“He was… nice. The last thing he did before he died was come over to check on me”

“Oh come on, y/n! He was probably gonna eat you”

“Whatever. I know what I saw and I can’t help feeling that you’re suddenly on team psycho” you muttered. Faith was watching in interest, but didn’t speak up again. She took another swig of alcohol and shrugged. You couldn’t help think you saw a satisfied smirk on her face, but it may have been a trick of the light. Or the whiskey. You set the glass down and went to see what Willow was looking at some research.

Giles had left some books open on his desk. He had been looking into the Sunnydale slasher, it seemed. When the books gave you nothing, you turned to the internet. You all started looking for some magical solution. There had to be something.

As the night wore on and the words got blurrier, it was getting harder to concentrate. And harder to get along.

“There’s no- no trace!” Willow said, getting more frustrated, “I can’t find anything”

“Maybe if someone did less cheating on her boyfriend and more reading” Cordelia snapped.

“That’s so not fair! I’m doing more than you!”

“Will, you’re doing the same amount as her” You offered. Cordelia had been researching too.

“Why are you always on her side – you’re supposed to be my best friend”

“I’m just being fair”

“You think this doesn’t involve you, huh?” Faith suddenly stood up and stared you down. You had been the first to admit you were at the centre of it all, but the way she phrased the comment, just made you snap.

“Well, you were the bitch that killed the poor man and managed to be surprisingly cool about it. Maybe you’ve done this before. Maybe, you did it on purpose!” You shouted and Faith pushed you hard. You landed on your ass.

“Fuck you!” She screamed. Not as cool or collected as you thought. The flash in her eyes spelled danger. It concealed guilt and deceit. It told you everything you needed to know. You got to your feet, walked straight out of the room and slammed your bedroom door. Allowing them to let themselves out.

Cordelia had gotten worked up as you stormed out, standing up to Buffy and shouting, “Sunnydale would have been better without you in it! All you do is attract stuff like this. You know who I blame, Buffy? You. You’re a Slayer all wow and look at me but what have you done? What have you done to protect any of us?!” Cordelia flung her arms out in annoyance, the glass that had been holding the whiskey flying out of her hand and crashing to the floor.

“Cordelia-” Buffy started.

“No, let her speak” Faith said nodding along.

“They’re picking us off one by one and of you – either of you – have done anything except hide bodies and celebrate that you’re slayers so you’re not gonna die! What about us!? What about people that are meant to be your friends?” Cordelia shouted. She was scared. She was angry. She couldn’t trust any of them anymore. You had given in. Willow just agreed with Buffy and she had a history with her. Buffy and Faith didn’t seem to be anything and she just wanted to escape. Hopefully with her life intact.

“Cor, we’re doing everything-”

“You’re not! You’re so not!”

“So what’s your plan then, huh? Lay down and wait for the killer to come get you? ‘Cause I haven’t heard anythin’ helpful come out of your mouth” Faith

“Shut up anyway, you just got here and you expect us to care? I hope you go next!” Cordelia screamed in Faith’s face. Faith just shrugged, but the whole room could tell that had stung her. She then turned back to Buffy, “This is your fault, Buffy. This, everything that has happened since last Halloween is your fault”

“Get out” Buffy said firmly, “Go!” she raised her voice as a tear slid down her cheek and Willow quickly went to comfort her.

“Fine. I’ve had enough! I’m leaving – I’m moving! I don’t wanna see any of you ever again!” Cordelia shouted, slamming the front door behind her and cursing every single one of you as she huffed and stalked away into the night.

34 notes · View notes

ververa · 5 years

Text

Not afraid any more part 4

Part 3

So, this is something I started writing some time ago. It’s probably not what you have expected and I’m not really happy with it, but I hope you like it.

Also if you have any ideas for this story, let me know. I’ll be happy to try and write them <3

Ally Mayfair-Richards x Fem!reader

As the time passed you and Ally became almost inseparable. If you could you would do absolutely everything together, but of course both of you had different responsibilities. But even that couldn't be a problem, as you're head over heels in love with her.

You felt safe and loved and that was something you're lacking quite a bit. Though you were used to that the good things cannot last long. Also this time your happy life had to be deranged.

It all started at work - that you lost. Your boss made you choose between a job and your relationship, but decision was rather obvious - at least to you. You chose Ally and you didn't regret it, even though you got fired. Fine - you thought - at first you're pretty optimistic. You were sure that since you're good at your job it wouldn't be too hard to find a new one. Apparently, it was.

You did not tell Ally, as you knew she would most probably blame herself. She already had enough on her mind and you didn't want to add to it. You just wanted her to avoid unnecessary worrying, which you knew that was her thing.

It was your decision and you were well aware of the consequences it may bring.

You tried to find a new work, however it didn't give you a desired effect. You had some savings, of course, but your rent was quite high and after almost two months you were condemned to move back to your parent's house. You hated that place. It always brought back negative memories of your miserable childhood - a father alcoholic and nothing, but domestic violence. But that was your only option.

At first it wasn't that bad - your father a great believer Christian didn't know you were in a relationship with not only a woman, but also a senator who he couldn't stand. He claimed that such a position wasn't designed for a woman and her actions were just ridiculous to him. You tried not to pay attention to the comments that he lavished on Ally every time he was drunk and she's performing on TV. He was just sick - you kept on telling to yourself ever since you were a child.

It wasn't easy to hide your relationship and being redundant. At times you felt as if you were living a double life. You managed to do it for about two weeks. Cause that's how much time your father needed to find out. It happened accidentally - Ally drived you home after the lovely evening that you had spent together. It's quite late; you're sure that everyone was asleep already, so you didn't hold yourself back from kissing the other woman goodbye - especially that she's going to leave for a few days the same night. Unfortunately for you, your father saw everything. He's observing you - sitting on Ally's lap and kissing her passionately. He waited for you to come inside. As you did he turned on the lights and you froze. You already knew that he must have seen you and Ally and you're more than scared to make any move.

"Who was that?" he asked even though he already knew

Suddenly you felt as then when you were a teenager and he got angry. You're so small and terrified that you couldn't form a coherent sentence.

"I asked you a question!" he yelled coming closer

He was close enough for you to smell a distinct scent of vodka. You were paralyzed by fear of what may happen.

"When I ask you answer!" he took you by your wrist and squeezed hard enough to bring tears to you eyes "Who was that, Y/N?"

"A friend..." you mumbled

"A friend?"

You nodded not trusting your voice

"Do you always kiss your friends goodbye like that? As if you were a slut... Huh?" he pushed you

"Stop it" you cried

"What?"

"Stop. Please"

"It was that woman from TV. That bitch" he hissed "You brought her to my house, when I've clearly told you I hate that whore!!!"

"Don't call her that!"

"Or what?" he pushed you again and you took a few steps back

You're shaking; your legs became so weak that you were sure you could collapse at any time.

"I won't tolerate such a misbehaving! You're living under my roof! You're supposed to follow my rules! Do you understand?!"

"Y-yes" you spluttered choking on your tears

"I can't here you! What did you say?!"

But you weren't able to repeat any more. That's when he grabbed you by your hair and almost dragged to the huge mirror, which was hanging in the hallway.

"You see that?" he squeezed your chin with the hand that wasn't holding your hair and made you look at your reflection "See?!"

"Y-yes" you cried in pain

"Look closer. You know what I see when I look at you?" he spoke; his voice filled with venom

You shook your head slightly, as he was still holding you making it unable to move.

"I see" he continued "The biggest disappointment of my life. You're only a burden. I've told your mother not to keep you, but she's stubborn. And how are you repaying?! Decide now! You're with me or with her?!"

It's not like you were hesitating. You're simply afraid what he would do to you when you answer.

"I see. You don't want to talk, huh? Well, I can make you speak"

You knew how to defend yourself and if it were in a different situation you would most likely do it, but it was him. It was your father and you felt helpless around him, especially when he was drunk. He took a swing at you and you automatically closed your eyes awaiting the hit. But it didn't come

"Look at you! You're pathetic!"

You slowly opened your eyes

"Choose! Now! Which side do you pick?"

"Ally! I choose Ally!" you cried

"You ungrateful slut!" he slapped you

You stumbled at the force of the hit. And before you managed to recover from it his hand was on your throat. He pinned you down to the mirror with such a force that it broke - hurting your head. You didn't know what would happen if it hadn't been for your mother who pulled him away from you. As you caught a breath you left the house and not thinking much you went to Ally's place. She had given you a spare key to her house saying that you can come whenever you want to.

And it's that moment. You went there to compose yourself. You were sure the house was empty, as she left and Oz was at his friend's.

At first you didn't feel the pain. You didn't even realize you're bleeding that much, but as the warm water began to flow down your bruised body and hit the wound on your forehead you flinched. At one point you felt as vomiting - it was just too much. Too much blood, pain and nerves.

Meanwhile Ally came back home. She forgot to take something and needed to come back. As she entered the house she almost got a panic attack. She hadn't seen that much blood since the cult and it made her freak out a bit. Nonetheless she followed bloody spots and got inside the bathroom only to see your week and trembling figure under the shower.

"Sweetheart?" she whispered afraid to scare you

But you did got scared. You didn't know what to do. What to cover first - your injured head, red scratch on your cheek or your arm that was hurt because of the mirror too.

"A-Ally..." your voice was cracking

You turned to her, but didn't dare to look into her brown eyes. She on the other hand was quick to move towards you. Ally took you in her arms not caring about you being wet and still covered with blood. That's when you couldn't hold yourself back any more. You broke down in her arms. You sobbed miserably as she was holding you.

"Hush baby. Hush. I'm here. Nothing's gonna hurt you ever again"

You said nothing. Not that you were able to talk, but she seemed to know that. She let you cry for a while and when you calmed a little bit she helped you to wash the rest of the blood. She dressed the wound in your head and arm. Only then did she speak. She asked you only one question. The one you feared the most.

"Who...? Who did this to you?"

"A-Ally..." you stuttered

"Please. Tell me, so that I can act"

"No, no. Please. Don't do anything"

"Y/n" she started sternly "I won't do anything without your permission, but I need to know"

@666youwh0re

@aeschyluslover

@cakexblankett

@cordwliagoode

@misssmephisto

#ally mayfair richards #ally mayfair richards x reader #sarah paulson x reader #sarah paulson imagine #ahs imagine #ahs cult #not afraid any more #part 4

129 notes · View notes

bluemoon-writer · 4 years

Text

Childhood Friends AU: Max and Markov (Marxkov)

Part 1- In which Max ‘makes’ a friend

(2.6k words)

Masterlist Here

A/N: I got a bit carried away while writing and this became less of a list of bubbly making headcanons and more of a tragic origin story, so it’s a little different from the Marikim headcanons, so let me know what you guys think.

------

-Max’s mother, Claudie, gets pregnant with him at age 18

-he was an accidental pregnancy

- his father, Adam Kante, had just enlisted in the French Armed Forces and his mother was just starting university

-it wasn’t ideal circumstances, but his parents loved each other and didn’t want to give up

-So his dad proposed, and was stationed in Paris until Max was born

-unfortunately, then he was sent off to an overseas base

-Luckily, Claudie’s brother steps up to help out.

-Two years older than his sister, he was very different from her and her husband. While both of them were disciplined and fact oriented, he was more laid-back

-His dream was to be a stand-up comedian, and his stage name was Mark Oz

-He worked at night so he was able to watch Max during the day so Claudie could go to school

-With Adam away for so long, Mark became a father figure of sorts to Max

-They would spend most of the day together, and Mark realized early on that he had a child-genius on his hands

-So he bought extra learning material for Max

-He encouraged Max as much as could to peruse whatever academics interested

-Max was only 3 though, so nothing truly interested him more than Transformers

-Mark played the cartoon as background noise one day, and Max was instantly hooked

-He watched every episode

-For his birthday, he received only Transformers figurines

-when he started school he would draw new transformers in Art class

-For his 5th birthday, his mom bought him a robotics kit (a child-friendly robotics kit)

-and his Uncle bought him a coding Manuel

-Max found his new passion

-him and his uncle spent days building simple robots

-he was so fascinated by robots that he spent most of his free time learning more

-he dreamed about one day creating his own transformer

-and his Uncle helped him.

-He was never super academic but was still had the family brains.

-He full heartedly threw himself into Max’s passion

-inadvertedly, it helped his career. He created one of the most unique stand up comedy routines ever heard in Paris, those lucky enough to see it raved about it for years

-Mark Oz was finally hitting it big time, and he did not give a shit

-the only person he cared about making smile everyday was his nephew

-together, the two of them continued to hone Max’s robot building skills

-Mark bought a big black notebook and in it he wrote down every robot Max wanted to build

-max would dictate the details and Mark would write it, and then Max would attach a picture he drew of it

-despite being a child genius, he was still a child and had atrocious handwriting

-Slowly they were crossing robots off the list, starting with the most simple

-a basic walking robot

-eventually, and Mark didn’t know how long it would take, but they’d get to their last robot

-a fully functioning AI

-When Max turned seven he started taking advanced classes

-His mom had just finished her PhD, one of the youngest ever to complete the program, and was considering applying to become an astronaut

-Both Mark, Max, and her husband encouraged her to go for. Adam offered be discharged from the military to look after Max, but Mark insisted that he wouldn’t mind taking care of Max

-“Neither one of you should put your dream jobs on hold. I’ve been watching Max for seven years, I love the kid, and I’ll take care of him for the rest of my life if he still wants me around.”

-And Mark kept that promise

-Unfortunately, he kept it because his life was cut short.

-It was after a late show, the driver was intoxicated and didn’t see Mark crossing the street.

-Claudie withdrew from the astronaut program and took up a job as a train driver so she could be around for Max

-Adam returned from his deployment, but things just weren’t the same. He enlisted in a third campaign after a month

-Max was devasted. His uncle was the only one who understood him.

-He didn’t speak a word to anyone for a year.

-His mom is concerned, but therapists insist that Max just needs time

-Meanwhile, Max works his way through his robot list.

-His mom offers to help him, but he refuses.

-If he can’t build them with his uncle then he’ll build them alone

-a year later he’s halfway through the list

-His mom almost cries when he asks her to come see his robots

-He spends the entire day showing her the different ones and explaining what they do

-After that, their relationship improves greatly. Max talks a lot about everything he’s interested in

-Claudie is barely able to keep up

-She’s afraid that he might have an unhealthy attachment to his robots though, and is afraid of what will happen when he completes his list

-So she introduces him to a new hobby, video gaming

-Mark had tried to get Max into it a few times but Max was more interested in Robotics and programming at the time

-Now though, in memory of his uncle, he gives it a go

-and fucking loves it

-He and his mom spend the weekend playing old games that his uncle had

-He doesn’t give up on his robots though

-Two years later, he’s down to the very last robot on his list

-His father comes home that same week, his three year campaign ended

-Once Max started speaking again, his father would video call him. Max would show him his latest robot, and his father, who didn’t know a thing about robots, would ask him as many questions as he could come up with about it

-It was slightly awkward at first, seeing his dad in person, but soon it faded away

-Max still didn’t want help with his robots, but he was more than happy to play video games with his father

-his dad was skilled, particularly in fighting games, and Max almost never beat him

-at first

-his dad taught him a few tricks, and Max practiced and practiced until he could beat his dad

-Max was doing pretty good

-Still, though, he seemed to have an aura of sadness around him

-His dad asked him one day what games he liked to play with his friends

“I don’t have friends”

-It was the advanced classes. They were filled with older kids, and none of them wanted to befriend a 10 year-old

-His parents decided to pull him out at the end of the year.

-For college, he’d be going to a regular (though very good) school with kids his own age

-Francois Dupont had a great reputation, and offered him an academic scholarship

-His dad enlisted in another campaign

-Max was sad to see him leave, but was feeling happier than he had been in a while

-He continued to work on his last robot

-He turned 11 and started school at Francois Dupont

-He had no idea how to interact with kids his own age

-He was seated next to a hyperactive kid who introduced himself as Kim

-They were in the very front row and Kim joked that the teacher was already trying to keep an eye on them

-it wasn’t very funny, but Max almost fell over laughing

-“Wow, if you thought that was funny, just wait till you meet my friend Marinette!”

-“I’m sorry its just that…I would never disrupt class. Knowledge is the most valuable thing we can gain, and I intend to gain as much as I can.”

“I don’t know man, that sounds kind of like something a mad scientist would say.”

“well, I am trying to build the world’s first sentient AI in my mom’s basement.”

-Being at a regular school is a relief to Max

-The homework is extremely easy in comparison to what he’d been doing before, which gives him more time to work on his robot

-(bare with me through this next part guys, I do not know anything about science, mechanics, or engineering so this will probably be a heaping load of bullshit)

-the biggest difficulty in the creation of this robot was not creating an AI, many people have done that before, but rather figuring out how to allow it to feel without programming emotions into it

-Max had been doing a lot of research on Markov chains lately

-He believed that being able to code the ability to predict events would lead to a breakthrough on how to code the comprehension of emotions

-but the Markov process and chains were extremely complicated

-but, Max was out of ideas

-so he spent weeks reading about all the research and experiments. He read about modern day applications of it, analyzed the codes he could get his hands on

-and then he made his own.

-He didn’t need his AI to study systems, but rather humans

-ideally, if he did his code right, the AI would scan the web for all examples of human behavior to catalog and process it. Hopefully, then it would gain the ability to comprehend human emotion

-Max figured he would know if it worked if it was able to predict how people would react to different things being said to them

-sure enough, he was right…in a way

-Max didn’t think he’d be able to achieve true sentience like what the transformers had

-He was trying to give his AI the ability to understand emotions, not the ability to feel

-and yet, somehow, from the first day the robot was online, he seemed to have emotions

-it confounded Max

-He spent all of winter break talking to the robot

-trying to determine if it really felt

-He started just by talking to it

-it had access to all the knowledge on the internet, yet it seemed to have trouble grasping many theories about philosophy and morals

-Max accidentally stayed up the entire night discussing moral relativism with it

-He counted it’s ability to ask questions and hold a conversation in it’s favor

-however, that’s what Max was aiming for in the first place, and it didn’t convince him it had feelings

-he had to admit though, he truly hoped it did as he was quickly considering the robot as his first true friend

-in the weeks they spent talking Max told the robot his life’s story

-and the robot replied with genuine sympathy

-Max connected with it in a way that he’d only connected with one other person before

-he showed it a video of his uncle’s stand up routine

-when the robot started laughing Max was blown away

-not by the laugh, but by it’s reaction to it

“Oh no! Max, I am afraid I had a malfunction! Do you think it is possible for auditory signals to transmit a virus?”

“What? No, that’s laughter. It’s natural, especially when you’re listening to someone as funny as my uncle.”

“Yes, the brother of your mother. You mentioned he had a career as a comedian, and a quick scan of the web shows that he was quite successful.”

“Yeah, he was.”

“You sound sad. Were you close?”

(it’s only because it’s a robot and has advanced hearing sensors that it’s able to hear Max’s “Yes”)

-Max really hopes the robot truly is sentient

-What finally convinced him is when he heard it cry

-He’d left it in the basement to get eat dinner, promising to be back in half an hour

-but got drawn in to a round of video games with his mother

-sure enough, a few hours past before Max remembered he left the robot in the basement

-he shrugged it off as an accident until he got to the basement door and heard quiet sobs

-when he went down the stairs it was the robot crying

-when Max came into hearing range, the sounds stopped

“Max! You’re back! I thought you had abandoned me!”

-it didn’t seem possible, but Max could hear the happiness in the robot’s voice

-in that moment, Max made a decision

-“How do you feel about the name Markov?”

“Like the chains?”

“Yes, but Markov also sounds like…Mark Oz.”

“…I would be honored to be named after someone who was so important to you.”

-Max introduces Markov to his mom

-She’s literally at a loss for words

-like, she knew Max was a genius, but this was something on a whole other level

-She’s incredibly proud though

-and wants to tell everyone about it

-But Max stops her

-Markov isn’t just a robot, he’s a sentient being, and more importantly, he’s his friend

-if people learned about him, they would want to take him apart to figure out how he works

-Max doesn’t want that and neither does Markov

-So his mother keeps silent

-Plus there’s still more work to be done

-Markov might be built, but there’s still a lot that could be improved

-For starters, he’s huge

-Max built him out of three old computer monitors and can’t even lift him

-luckily, Max doesn’t have to do all the work himself

-Markov creates the blueprint for a smaller body

-they go from three monitors to two to two

-but it is slow going

-the first downsize took six months because Max didn’t want to risk accidentally destroying Markov

-he’s the happiest he’s been in a while

-but Markov thinks he could be even happier

-Max hasn’t been interacting with his classmates much

-he’s on good terms with them. No one trips him or throws things at the back of his head, and he talks to some of them every now and then

-his seatmate, Kim, asks him how he’s doing every morning

-Max doesn’t realize that he could be getting an even better experience out of school

-but Markov does, he’s analyzed enough books to know that it’s vital for a young child to have multiple human friends

-so he encourages Max to reach out

-Max is hesitant, but asks Kim if he wants to come over and play video games sometime

-Kim’s response is a resounding HELL YES

-(minus the swear word bc he’s like 11)

-Max is nervous as all hell, but the moment he has a game controller in his hands it goes away

-Kim is pretty tough competition, but Max still wins most of the time

-before they know it, it’s dark outside

-The next day when they need to partner up for an assignment, Kim asks Max if he wants to be partners

-Max smiles for a week straight

-With Markov’s encouragement, Max slowly befriends most of his classmates

-He’s particularly close with his seatmate Kim and a girl from Class A named Alix

-He also meets Kim’s friend Marinette, who’s in Class A with Alix

-and her friend Nino

-Still, Max considers Markov to be his best friend

-He sits in the basement with him everyday and tells him everything that happened that day

-Markov eagerly listens to all of it

-he wants more than anything to be able to go out and things for himself.

-but for now he’s stuck in the basement

-he’s sure that one day Max will make him small enough to transport

-for now, he’s happy to listen to his best friend’s stories

-----

Bonus:

------

A/N: I didn’t mean to make Max’s life so tragic, I swear.

If you want to be added to the childhood friends taglist or removed from it, please send me an ask or message me.

Taglist:

All Miraculous Ladybug fics:

@ravennightingaleandavatempus @crazylittlemunchkin

All Childhood AU fics:

@charlietheepic7 @krispydefendorpolice

#miraculous ladybug au #marxkov #miraculous ladybug #ml headcanon #mlb #max kante #markov

58 notes · View notes

ask-stjerne-and-logan · 4 years

Text

BaFS Fanfiction Chapter 4: The Rain Falls

Stjerne layed on the couch, her head resting on Ozpin's lap. The two had fallen sleep on the couch after they had eaten the food Ozpin had bought out for them. Glynda walked in with Qrow by her side.

Qrow was a tall, gangly man with greyish black hair and dull red eyes. He wore a grey dress shirt with the sleeves slightly rolled up, along with dark grey pants and shoes. A tattered red cape was attached to his shirt, and he wore an expression that said 'Grimm may care what I think.'

The second she saw them go asleep, Glynda immediately signalled Qrow to shush up. She quickly grabbed the fleece on a chair nearby and spread it over Stjerne and Ozpin. As the the two turned to leave, Ozpin stirred slightly and lifted his head.

"Glynda? Qrow?" He said softly. Glynda flinched when she realized the two were awake.

"Sorry Oz. We didn't mean to wake you." She whispered.

"It's fine. I'll fall asleep again, I'm sure." He reassured them. Stjerne turned herself towards Ozpin and moaned softly in her sleep.

"Heh. The kid's a strong sleeper." Qrow scratched his head.

"I know. A lot like Verusium." Ozpin agreed.

"How do you know that?" Qrow asked.

"Saffron told me." Ozpin's face fell at the rememberance.

"Right. Oz, Glynda told me everything and....I'm sorry." Qrow said.

"I know." Ozpin said quietly.

"So you're really taking the kid in?"

"There really isn't any other choice. Stjerne has no other living relatives as far as I know. She's better off here in Beacon, where we can keep an eye on her. And her growing powers." Ozpin shook his head, "Besides, Peach is the only other person here who would know how to take care of Stjerne."

"Makes sense. Saffie would be happy if she saw this." Qrow gave a sad smile as he used his old nickname for Saffron. He and Saffron had worked together enough times to give her a nickname. Plus, team SPVM was close with team STRQ, so it made sense.

"Thanks, Qrow." Ozpin smiled sadly at Qrow's attempt to cheer him up.

"Well, I came down here to check if you wanted to go into the city with me tomorrow for the weekly grocery shopping. Peach...... obviously isn't feeling up to it and I feel like we should do it for her, just this once." Glynda spoke up.

"I could use another breath of fresh air. I'm sure Stjerne could use it too. The both of us will go with you tomorrow." Ozpin affirmed.

"Alright. Airdocks at 11:30 AM then?" Glynda asked.

"I'll be there. Glynda. Oh, one other thing. Do you by any chance know where Saffron's apartment is?" Ozpin asked.

"I have her address, Yes. Why do you ask?" Glynda answered.

"Well, I think we best pay the place a visit. We may need to retrieve her belongings."

"If the police will even let us in." Glynda shook her head.

"I don't think we'll have any trouble. The place is unoccupied, so it shouldn't be a problem." Ozpin gave her a reassuring smile.

"If you say so." Glynda shrugged.

"I'll meet up with you guys tomorrow. I just got here and I feel like a need a nap." Qrow stretched.

"Qrow, you didn't see a big black bird by any chance, did you?" Ozpin asked, knowing that he should confirm his suspicions for Stjerne's small accident.

"Why would you ask that?" Qrow asked, sweating slightly.

"Stjerne got a bloody nose from hitting her head on this table. She's fine now, but she said it was all because of some 'Dusty. Old. Qrow.'" Ozpin annunciated every word of his friend's given nickname, grinning maliciously at said friend. Qrow paled and looked ready to make a break for it, but Glynda glared at him and grabbed onto his cape harshly before he could run.

"I'm sure I'll enjoy hearing about this one Qrow." She snarled.

"Oz...some help?" Qrow stammered. Ozpin shook his head at him.

"Glynda, see that he gets a good beating in detention." Ozpin waved.

"With pleasure sir." Glynda drag Qrow by the cape out of the room.

"Oz! You owe me for this!!!" Qrow growled as he was dragged off.

"Well, you shouldn't have taunted Stjerne in the first place."

"I didn't taunt her!!! I was observing!!!" Qrow yelled.

"This is what you get for drinking early in the morning!" Oz gave a small laugh at his taunt.

"What was that noise?" Stjerne sat up, rubbing her eyes.

"It's nothing. Let's just rest for now." Ozpin answered, lying down. Stjerne climbed on top of his chest and yawned, falling asleep again. Ozpin threw the fleece over them and fell asleep again, his hand on Stjerne's head.

_______________________________________________________________________________

The next day, Ozpin, Glynda and Stjerne went to Vale for the faculty's grocery shopping. Normally Peach made these trips because they often had to restock the pantry in the lounge. When they landed, Qrow was there waiting for them.

"Ah, there you are." He drunk from his flask. Stjerne seemed scared at the new arrival. She hid behind Ozpin and held his hand tightly as she looked up at the tall, gangly man before her.

"Stjerne, I don't believe you met Qrow Branwen. He's a trusted colleague of mine." Ozpin knelt down next to her. Stjerne still didn't say a word, hugging his arm.

"Heh. Nice to meet you kid." Qrow smiled gently. Stjerne blushed and hid her face shyly in Ozpin's arm.

"I think that she may be a bit shy." Glynda remarked.

"Not surprised. I'm used to it though." Qrow drunk again from his flask.

"Shall we commence our shopping?" Glynda asked, holding up the list.

"Of course. Let's go." Ozpin nodded.

The group made their way through the streets of Vale. Stjerne walked by Ozpin's side, holding his hand tightly. The crime scene had been cleared up and it seemed like everything was back to normal. However the thought of the murder still weighed on some minds, causing them to murmur amongst themselves. People who recognized Stjerne as the daughter of the deceased, often gave her occasional gazes and whispered amongst each other. Stjerne didn't like all the attention that was directed at her. She held Ozpin's hand tighter and stayed closer. Ozpin seemed to notice this and gave her a reassuring smile. This didn't seem to help though, as she whimpered at a couple of adults who gave her a pitying glance. Glynda looked at Ozpin with worry.

"I'm beginning to think that it was a bad idea bringing Stjerne along." She whispered.

"We didn't know that they would still be this affected. News normally blows over overnight in Vale, unless it's something as big as what happened a week ago. I'm surprised that the people of Vale still haven't gotten over this." Ozpin remarked.

"Hmph. If this gets out hand, someone has to stop it." Glynda snorted. The group finally reached the shopping district. Glynda offered to take Stjerne from Ozpin for a bit and headed inside grocery store to get what they came for. Meanwhile, Ozpin went with Qrow to the police station, aiming to get some more detail on the murder. However, the police could give them little info.

"We examined the evidence we had and so far, we got little next to nothing." The detective said.

"Are you sure?" Ozpin asked.

"How well did your men examine that crime scene?" Qrow asked.

"As well as we could, believe me. The only evidence we got was the blood sample from the victim and a blade." He took out a bag from a drawer to reveal an ashen blade. It looked elaborate and well made. Almost as if the assassin's semblance was making weapons.

"Any fingerprints?" Ozpin asked.

"We dusted the entire blade and still no fingerprints. The assassin must have been wearing gloves, or something. We checked our weapons database and we found no match." The detective shook his head.

"Were you able to figure out what the weapon was made of?" Qrow asked.

"Well, we identified the substances and learned that it was made of a mixture of dust and glass." The detective answered.

"What?" Qrow coughed on his drink.

"Glass?" Ozpin seemed just as surprised.

"Yes, glass. The dust I can understand but Glass?" The detective shook his head in disbelief, "how anyone is able to make a weapon out of glass, I don't know. But facts are facts."

"Is that all you were able to get?" Ozpin asked.

"Unfortunately yes. I'm sorry. But it looks like whoever the assassin is of this murder will remain a mystery."

"I wouldn't be so sure. Sometimes a mystery will become as clear as....glass itself it seems. I'm sure this assassin will show his or her face in due time." Ozpin stood up.

"Heh. If you say so Headmaster. I heard you adopted that girl found that night. How's she doing?" The detective asked.

"Stjerne is being very well-looked after at Beacon I assure you." Ozpin answered.

"Well, if you say you knew the huntress yourself, then she must trust you enough to look after her kid. So we trust you." The detective nodded, standing up as well.

"Hm. Thank you for your help, detective." Ozpin nodded and left the room, Qrow right behind him. Once outside the station, Qrow took a deep breath.

"Well, that's that." He sighed. Ozpin shook his head.

"I have a feeling that this won't be the last we see of this assassin." He said grimly.

"Heh. I don't suppose we can hit the Crow bar real quick? After all, you still owe me for that beating." Qrow grinned, shook his flask a bit, the sound of alcohol evident as it sloshed.

"As much as I would love to Qrow, I think we should save that for another time. Besides, like I said before, You had it coming." Ozpin gave a small smile.

"Alright." Qrow rolled his eyes.

"Why don't we make our second stop and then go back to meet up with Glynda and Stjerne." Ozpin suggested. With that, the two men walked down the street towards their second destination.

____________________________________________________________________________

Meanwhile, Glynda had managed to grab everything needed on the list. Stjerne helped here and there, finding things when Glynda couldn't.

"Alright, now the last thing we need is.......hot chocolate. Ugh." She groaned. Ozpin was normally the one who drunk the stuff and he often went through a whole can of it every week. This often irritated Glynda.

"What's wrong?" Stjerne asked.

"Well, your surrogate father goes through hot chocolate like wildfire in dry grass. I wish he would drink coffee for once." Glynda answered, dialling down her temper for Stjerne's sake.

"Yech." Stjerne made a wry face at the mention.

"Well you never drunk coffee before, haven't you?" Glynda asked.

"I did once by accident. It tasted terrible." Stjerne shook a little.

"Hmph. Oh well, let's go get the last item." Glynda walked through the coffee section and looked at the hot chocolate brands, trying to determine which one to get. Recognizing the brand, Stjerne picked up a big canister of it and put it in the basket. Glynda felt the basket weigh and looked down at Stjerne.

"Stjerne, are you sure he needs this much?" Glynda whinced at the giant can.

"Well, my mom used to say: 'the more coffee beans there are, the longer it takes to run out of them.'" Stjerne said. Glynda took a minute to think about this.

"Fair point." She admitted, and checked the brand, "are you sure he drinks this stuff?" Glynda asked.

"I've seen him scoop it out of a can that looks like this one." Stjerne affirmed.

"Well, alright. Let's head to the checkout." Glynda said as the two walked towards the counter. On the way, they passed the candy aisle. Stjerne grabbed a box and tugged Glynda's skirt.

"Glynda?"

"Yes Stjerne?" Glynda looked down from her purse.

"Can I get this?" She held up the box.

"Of course, but this much?" Glynda seemed a bit amazed that Stjerne would chose something like this.

"It's not for me." Stjerne said seriously.

"Oh. Alright then." Glynda added the box to the basket and continued walking.

As the checkout clerk scanned their items, Stjerne eyed some dust crystals. Not being able to ignore how shiny they were, Stjerne snuck off, looking starry eyed at the dust. Suddenly she heard some loud whispers. She looked to the side counters to see a group of three women nearby, gossiping amongst themselves.

"The poor child!" One of them said.

"It's a shame really. That girl should be put in the care of a family that would love and protect her." Said another

"Yeah, not in the hands of some careless warriors." The third spoke up.

"Especially that headmaster Ozpin." The first snorted. Stjerne froze in shock. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Suddenly, the woman noticed her presence.

"Oh hello there, are you lost?" The woman knelt down, asking in a honey sweet voice.

"I....I'm not allowed to talk to strangers. Especially strangers who talk badly of my family." Stjerne repulsed in disgust.

"Oh, so you're that girl that was adopted into by that huntsman? You poor child. Huntsmen are total barbarians." one of the other women cooed. Stjerne grit her teeth. Anger got the best of her

"You're wrong." She said with her childish rage and her eyes glowing with a rage never known before. The women looked at her, amazed and shocked.

"I beg your pardon?" The women at her level laughed.

"You don't have a clue. None of you do!" She snapped.

"Excuse me?!" One of the women said.

"Ozpin looked after me as well as anyone would have. He does it even better then you!" She pointed at the women.

"How dare you?!" Another woman said.

"At least I'm not ignorant, like you!" Stjerne said.

"Heh. This is exactly what we've been talking about. I mean, you're just an ordinary child! What could they possibly teach you at Beacon, other then how to fight to get what you want?!" The women stood up, smiling smugly. Stjerne closed her eyes and clenched her fists.

"I'm not an ordinary child. I am the daughter of a huntress. A huntress who can do this!" Stjerne opened her eyes, revealing them to be glowing with a furious fire unknown to man. Suddenly the dust nearby exploded into power. Lightning dust struck on the feet near the women who shrieked in fear as they jumped, scared of the sudden moves caused by the young girl staring them down.

"They'll teach me what they know to be right. All people like you can teach me is how to be ignorant of the truth." Stjerne closed her eyes and sighed gravely. "For example, I noticed that you were picking on a guy with fox ears down the street. You called him an animal and told him to go scrounge in the garbage. Faunus are people too! You guys are the real animals." Stjerne said coldly, "So I'll make this promise: One day, I'll become a huntress. And I'll be strong enough to protect both humans and Faunus. At least the humans and Faunus who will be grateful to all hunters who protect the innocent!" The women gaped at the seriousness of the 6-year old girl that stood before them.

"There you are. What is going on?" Glynda walked over, having finished her payment.

"If you're the surrogate mother of this child, then we will see that the authorities take her back!" One woman yelled.

"Apparently, your 'headmaster' didn't teach this child very good manners." Another scoffed.

"She's also a freak!" The third woman shuddered.

"Stjerne, what did you do." Glynda asked calmly. Stjerne explained everything, including her accusation of the faunus abuse. Glynda listened to every word and glared at the women angrily.

"Well under normal circumstances I would apologized for her actions, but as of right now I wouldn't condone her behavior. Such actions that you committed yourselves, certainly doesn't help the good of the world of Remnant." Glynda stepped closer to the women, drawing Stjerne behind her, "and by the way, I am one of the authorities. Surely you don't want me to report your abuse to the police."

"Hah! You really believe what she said?! That girl is nothing but a lier!" The third women yelled.

"Stjerne is not a lier, nor will ever be one. Not if I can help it. She had every right to yell at you because such gossip as yours should not be tolerated, nor repeated. If I were you, I'd bury those dark habits of mine deep in the ground, and never speak of them again." Glynda used her telekinese to summon a shield glyph. "Now do us a favor and stay clear of our way from now on. Unless you wish to be shown the true potential of my powers." Glynda said slowly. The women backed away, frightened by the sudden show of power.

Seeing their fear, Glynda deactivated her glyph and picked up whatever bags she placed on the ground with her telekinese and took Stjerne in hand. The women stared in amazement as the two walked out of the store quietly, as if nothing had ever happened. Glynda and Stjerne were joined by Ozpin and Qrow outside.

"What happened in there?" Qrow asked.

"We'll explain later. Any luck?" Glynda asked.

"From the station no." Ozpin shook his head.

"From the apartment, yes!" Qrow held up a small suitcase, containing Stjerne's clothes and other small belongings.

"Good." Glynda nodded at Qrow, then looked at Ozpin. "I'm sorry."

"It's fine. For now let's just focus on taking care of this small star we have here." Ozpin smiled as he gestured towards Stjerne, clutching her box of candy.

"Let's head back to Beacon, shall we?" Qrow grinned.

Stjerne nodded in agreement and stepped closer to Ozpin, hugging him.

"I have an idea." Ozpin smirked at Qrow before picking Stjerne up and placing her on Qrow's back.

"Whoa!" She laughed a bit.

"Oz, seriously?" Qrow rolled his eyes.

"Well, at least she'll have fun."

"You two never grow up, you know that?" Glynda shook her head.

They crossed the street and walked from the bank to there. From Qrow's back, Stjerne espied a young Fox Faunus, who was sitting on a bench, rubbing his ears. Stjerne recognized him and tapped Qrow's shoulder.

"Can I get down?" She asked.

"Hey, sure kiddo, but why?" Qrow placed her on the ground.

"You'll see!" Stjerne skipped towards the young Faunus and tapped his shoulder.

"Ack!!! Please don't hurt me!?" He wailed.

"It's okay! I just wanted to give you this!" Stjerne held out the box of candy she had in her hands.

"Huh? Is this some kind of joke?" The Faunus asked.

"No. I saw some women picking on you, and I felt sorry. People should be nicer to faunus." Stjerne smiled innocently. The fox faunus slowly took the box from her hands.

"Thanks...." He said sheepishly.

"It was no trouble. Someday, I'll be strong enough to protect you and all other Faunus." Stjerne promised.

"That's very ambitious for a kid your age." The fox grinned, "Thanks again!"

"I'll see you around then!" Stjerne bounded back towards the others, who watched the whole scene in surprise.

"Let's go!!!" Stjerne tugged Ozpin's hand.

"Uhh right!" Qrow answered, as they continued walking. Glynda shook her head.

"So that's what you wanted that box of candy for!" She marveled.

"Did you know about this, Glynda?" Qrow asked.

"Well she asked for some candy and she said it wasn't for her, I assumed that she wanted it for Peach. You know how much she eats when she's upset."

"Peachie is upset?" Stjerne asked, "I should have asked for two boxes instead of one!"

"Don't worry. Peach has a whole ton of candy at home, so I don't think you need to worry." Glynda reassured her.

"Oh, okay!"

"Uh Oz, What do you think about all of this?" Qrow asked. Ozpin was quiet as he observed everything.

"Saffron taught her well. That's all I can say. But one thing confuses me. How did you know about that Faunus in the first place?" He asked, looking down at Stjerne.

"Well, when we were on our way to the store, I saw a group of women hitting and pulling the ears of the Faunus back there. I saw them in the store and they were talking about how I should have been put into another family." Stjerne looked at Ozpin, "they said that I was being looked after by careless warriors and that huntsmen were barbarians. They also said mean stuff about you." She grinned smugly, "But I stood up to them and stared them down with my death stare of Doom!" Stjerne punched the air with her fist. The two teachers, minus Glynda, stared at Stjerne. It took them a moment to process what she just said.

"Okay. One, how did you manage to observe all of that? Two, did you really stand up to them and stared them down? And three, what is your 'Death stare of Doom?'" Qrow asked.

"One, My mom taught me to keep my eyes and ears open for anything and everything. Two, Yeah. I stood up to them. And I regret nothing. Three, my death stare of Doom is when I get so mad, I'm able to make my eyes glow. But only when I'm really mad." Stjerne answered. Glynda looked at Stjerne with a knowing smike. Ozpin was slightly amused, slightly worried and Qrow took a moment before laughing really hard.

"Oh man! I would have loved to see you do that!" He laughed.

"You don't believe me?" Stjerne asked slowly.

"I believe alright. It just took me a minute to process all of that." Qrow wiped his eyes.

"Ozpin, what do you think about all of this?" Glynda rolled her eyes.

"Well, first of all, I'm impressed that you were able to observe that much without us noticing. Well done on that. Second of all, I appreciate you standing up for that poor faunus, and I'm sure he appreciates it too, however, you don't need to stand up for me as I can stand on my own two feet, as well as fight on them. But I appreciate the the gesture all the same. Third of all, well.... we'll get to that later." Ozpin picked Stjerne up and carried her with him back to the airdocks.

Once back at Beacon, they walked into the lounge to find Peach still wrapped in a blanket and eating ice cream, all the while sobbing uncontrollably. Port and Oobleck stood nearby and shook their heads.

"We tried everything, but she still won't..... You know." Oobleck shrugged.

"This affected her more then any of us." Port agreed.

"Hey Uncle Port! Hi Oobleck!" Stjerne ran and hugged the two professors. Throughout her visits at Beacon, Stjerne had befriended Oobleck and Port a long time ago, so she was no stranger to their exsistance.

"Ah, hello girl!" Oobleck picked Stjerne up and spun her around as she laughed.

"Heh. One big happy family. Those hags won't know what they're missing." Qrow smirked, referring to the women that Stjerne had talked down.

"Well like I said, I wouldn't condone her behavior. Such abuse and gossip those ladies must have committed, certainly doesn't help the good of Vale." Glynda crossed her arms.

"On that, we agree, Glynda. Vale and the rest of Remnant." Ozpin nodded.

"If you don't mind me asking, what happened in Vale that we missed? Again?" Port asked. Oobleck was too busy playing with Stjerne to notice.

"Heh. Believe me when I say it's something we all missed." Qrow answered.

"People in Vale are still talking about Saffron's.....well, you know." Ozpin explained, looking back at a depressed Peach.

"As well as abusing innocent Faunus. Don't forget that" Glynda nudged his shoulder.

"Right. And that." Ozpin finished.

"Dreadful! Simply dreadful. This exactly the kind of behavior that breeds violence!" Oobleck stated, striking his usual history pose while holding Stjerne under one arm.

"Yeah!" Stjerne punched the air with her fist.

"On that, we all agree Barty." Port stated.

"Yep." Qrow nodded.

"Indeed." Glynda agreed.

"Precisely." Ozpin stated.

"Ughhhh." Peach groaned.

"What's wrong with Peachie?" Stjerne asked, looking at Peach.

"She's still upset." Oobleck answered.

"Oh yeah...." Stjerne nodded.

"Peter, Bartholomew, can I ask you two a favor?" Ozpin asked.

"Of course, sir!" Port said proudly

"Whatever it is, I'm sure we can handle it!" Oobleck agreed.

"I appreciate your enthusiasm. Could you watch Stjerne for a little bit, while Glynda, Qrow and I need to go up to my office to discuss something?" Ozpin asked.

"Of course. The girl should be no trouble at all." Port answered.

"I'm sure Stjerne will behave well enough for you two." Glynda commented, as she started leaving the room with Qrow.

"We'll be back in a while Stjerne. Please be good for Oobleck and Port's sakes." Ozpin called as he left.

"I will!" Stjerne waved cheerfully. The trio closed the door behind them, and left for the office.

"What's wrong Oz?" Qrow asked.

"It's about Stjerne. I'll discuss it when we reach my office." Ozpin promised.....

------

Here you guys go! Enjoy!!!

@cinnamon-pineforest, @phoenix-no

#Hope you all like this!!!#I'm probably gonna cry over posting this later #b/c i feel soooo goshdarn embarrassed whenever i go thro my stuff like this!!!!!#BaFS Fanfiction #bafs fanfiction #star fic

19 notes · View notes

kineticallyanywhere · 5 years

Note

Timetravel au where the RWBY+JRN+Oscar end up back in time during the start of the series and they all have to lay low pretending to be their past selves so they won't get caught but they sometimes get confused which version of someone they're talking to like Blake would be trying to act like her season 1 self and Ruby's just like 'blake it's me' 'oh thank god' but it's really hard for them to see everything back when it was peaceful and JNR has a hard time seeing pyrrha alive 1/2

2/2 but eventually they decide they have to warn people about Cinder so they go to Ozpin and then there's the adults like Ironwood all making a big fuss about what they should do and if they should believe the kids meanwhile Oz is kinda eying Oscar because he knows Oscar is his next incarnation &this is the first time he's known who his next incarnation is going to be which means he can prepare like never before but Oscar's like 'no I know what you're doing you want to kidnap past me stop it'

RWBY Time travel anon here, 1. Please consider Oscar meeting Ozpin and finally having someone understand what it's like to be an incarnation of Ozma& having someone able to teach him and get rid of some misconceptions he has 2 Please also consider past Oscar waking up on his farm one day only to have all these really important huntresses and huntsmen trying to get him to join a hunter school, Ironwood& Crow are fighting over custody of Ozs next incarnation &past Oscar is like 'wtf is happening?'

This was all I thought about at work today please accept this offering of a scribble

MORE THOUGHTS:

I love the image of them all trying to be able to pass as the people they were just two years ago

Blake spacing out and Ruby coming over, like you said

Ruby: Hey Blake, whatcha doin?

Blake: U-UH-- BROODING!

Ruby: Blake it’s me, chill

Blake: ohthankgods

Oscar seeing Vale for the first time!

Oscar: Beacon is so cool whoever designed this place I wanna shake their hand

Nora, to Ren: Wouldn’t he just shake his own hand?

Ren elbows her

I’m thinking alt/disconnected timeline. A universe that’s almost identical to theirs (maybe the phone numbers are different, or Blake’s ears are a different color) but it’s not. So they don’t have to worry about paradoxing themselves out of existence and they can change things here

They def don’t know that for sure at first tho. can’t pass up all the Shenanigans for initially trying really hard to not break time

for example: JNR+O are going around Vale, looking for something, but turns out JNR don’t remember the area as well as they should.

Oscar: Why don’t we just ask somebody? That person looks nice!

Oscar goes to talk to them, JNR about jump out of their clothes to duck and hide

Oscar meets Pyrrha. She gives him directions based on her teammate Nora’s favorite ice cream place

Weiss has to hear herself talk, it’s amazing

Ruby has to hear herself talk, it’s amazing

Zwei

After future! RWBY JNR+O have their dramatic info-dump with past!Oz Crew, they start looking into how far Salem’s Fall of Beacon plot has gotten, and look into the “exchange students”

Pull up a picture of Cinder

Yang: That’s the bxxx.

Speaking of that dramatic info-dump, I’m already thinking about That Conversation with Ozpin and Oscar because same hat my dear anon I’d love for Oscar to have the chance to talk to someone else, openly, who gets it. Who knows everything he knows now, and can’t lock himself away, and who gets it.

I think (if this somehow happened just after volume 6 and present!Oz is still keeping his distance) Oz would at the very least speak up to Oscar in private, even if he doesn’t know what’s going on. I think he’d warn Oscar against talking to Ozpin, or letting on to Ozpin who Oscar is. It could lead to too many ideas or thoughts or emotions about things they have no actual power to change or control. That it would probably cause more problems than it solves (he’s not exactly wrong)

They do a pretty good job just writing Oscar off to the Oz Crew as just a kid they picked up in Mistral. They get through the conversation about timelines and where to go from here and what to do next without Oscar’s history or Oz’s backstory coming up. They’re pretty sure they can brush it off

but then everyone’s leaving Ozpin’s office and Ozpin says: Mr. Pine, If I could speak with you a moment?

Oscar’s nervous, and Oz wants him to leave, but Oscar’s pretty sure there’s no getting out of it. Then it’s just Oscar with Ozpin behind his desk.

Ozpin’s looking out the window with his mug, and he asks: How old are you, Oscar?

Oscar says: Almost fifteen.

Ozpin sighs. He has to set his mug down. He asks: How long?

Oscar: I’m... I’m sorry?

Ozpin: How long have I been with you?

(Ozpin figured it out. Not right away, but through little things and little realizations stacking up. “I stand like that” “He asks the questions I want to ask” “He keeps looking to the side like he’s listening to somethi-- oh snap”)

(Step four: cry)

When the secret’s out to the past!RWBYJNPR teams that the future!RWBYJNR teams are there (because of course it gets out) Jaune marches up to himself, points to Pyrrha across the room and is like

“DO YOU SEE HER? LOOK AT HER. NO, LOOK AT HER AGAIN.”

Then he smooshes his face in his hands and is like

“You sweet summer imbecile take her on a date before the sun sets or I will fill you bed with molasses”

From here it’s like re-imagining season 3 but with all these extra characters. Imagine the training fights oh man

I kinda love the image of Oscar just hanging out in Ozpin’s office a lot, like during class periods he would otherwise enroll in if he wasn’t even younger than Ruby was when she started at Beacon. A 15 year old prodigy from a family of huntsmen and huntresses who’s been to combat school and breaths huntressing? okay. a 14 year old who’s never been to combat school, picked up a weapon less than a year ago, as is escalating in skill faster than conceivably possible? that’s a raised eyebrow or twelve

still dying for an Ironwood reaction to Oscar (volume 7 please)

oh, backtrack: future!RWBYJRN+O don’t give themselves up as time travelers on purpose. They hold the cover pretty well until someone spots Yang with a robot arm and then it’s all out the window. past!Jaune probably sees her pull it off and shrieks dramatically

seeing Qrow in 100% Support Oz mode is probably a little unsettling for them now

oh man how do they break it to them?? do they??

this is all I’ve got so far but it’s only been like a day

#rwby #oscar pine #ozpin #aus #time travel #time travel aus #me talking #ask KA #tagged the #wizard of ozma #s #first because i have them playing the biggest here because im biased a bit so sue me #boy i dont wanna tag everybody #jnpr #close enough #Anonymous

182 notes · View notes

knowingoverseer · 4 years

Text

==> Reunion

As quickly as you were wanting to resurface, Elsa started to slow the further up you went, worried about your reaction to the sudden change in pressure. Thankfully, as they hadn't gone down as far as they could have, and the fact you were breathing in water not compressed air, you weren't seeming to have too bad a time. Ears popping, feeling more lightheaded than ever, sure. But you’d live. You try to push them forward, extremely curious of the two dinosaurs that had shot up out of the Loch’s depths.

When you both finally reach the surface, the first gasp of air leaves you choking, water having a hard time leaving your gills. It takes a few hacks, but you’re breathing normal again soon enough, though your head feels like it’s swimming. Hoo, you were dizzy. But Elsa had you and you just needed to hang on. You’d resurfaced roughly in the middle of both shores, and the two dinos from before were surfaced and huddled against the shoreline. They both seemed very distressed. The sun had gone down by now, and there was a cold chill in the air. You couldn’t imagine it was comfortable for either of them. As Elsa swam closer, you tried to take note of their appearance. Ultimately, they looked like very large Lapras to you, just, really smooth and lacking a shell, or ears. And their heads kinda looked more like a fish than anything else. Reptile fish, not quite like a shark. One, the larger one, was mostly black. Or at least, in the dark of night that’s what it appeared to be, with a lighter grey underbelly. The other, who was smaller but only by a bit, was more of a beige-y brown with darker splotches on it’s topside. Neither was the bluegrey you’d hoped they’d be. Yet.... you were pretty sure neither one had made that horrifying sound earlier either, so you still had hope. Both only had about half their body out of the water, their back flippers trying to push them further up to shore, but that seemed rather unwise. Maybe they could move themselves on land, but you were worried they’d just beach themselves. You weren't really sure if you could calm them, but you don’t end up with the chance to get close enough to try. Before you could even get half way to the shore, something comes up from under you both and sends you flying out of the water. What, you couldn’t tell, in fact you’d almost say it was the water itself. You both crash, and you no longer have hold on Elsa. Swimming back to the surface, you find yourself being hit this time from the side, again it just seems to be water that’s hitting you, but it’s water that has a very solid shape of it’s own. Not ice, but maybe a water spirit or elemental? Or a waterbender?? It pulls you under with it, then throws you back into the air, and if you weren't already so dizzy you’d try and stay there, but no you’re crashing back into the water once again. At least it had thrown you more toward the shore, though a ways off from the two dinosaurs. It starts racing toward you, kicking up water as it does so, yet still seemingly just water, but Elsa gets in between the both of you, taking the brunt of the hit but kicking off an Ice Beam attack, sending your attacker reeling back. There’s a cry of anger, and your ears flap upward cause holy fuck, you recognize that noise! It was a pokemon! Your elation at recognizing the cry is short lived as a Hydro Pump gets directed at the both of you in retaliation for that Ice Beam, and once again you’re sent flying backward, even skipping across the water at first, only to hit the shore hard. You’re thankful for your armor, but you can feel a scrape or two along your arm, even if the underarmor hadn't torn. Rocks were rocks, man. As you’re trying to push yourself up, Elsa is spinning though the air, having dodged the attack, and going after the creature in a more direct manner. Still seeming to be fighting water, Elsa plunges into the last known spot the Pokemon had been, before coming back up releasing a few Power Gems. What seemed to be a blob of water twisted itself about, trying to avoid the gems but failing, splashing back into the Loch moments later. Before hitting the water themselves, Elsa released a flurry of Swift attacks into the water, the little stars chasing after your attacker. You watched as the glowing bright stars chased an invisible enemy under the rolling waves, and Elsa took this chance to return to your side. Whatever had attacked you seemed to be outmaneuvering the stars, however, just a bit too quick. Still, they couldn’t dodge them forever, swift couldn’t miss, it would keep chasing them till it hit something- Or, well, soon the water blob had sprang up on shore, taking form into a glistening pink Vaporeon, who bolted toward you, then past, and the next thing you know you’re being pelted with swift stars, which had you falling back over again. Ugh, great. The Vaporeon, the Shiny Vaporeon, turned to growl at you, positioning theirselves between you both and the dinos, almost bristling. It seemed to be protecting them. “yo- hey, wait a minUte we’re not trying to hUrt them-” But before you could even try to negotiate, Elsa was launching another Ice Beam at the Vaporeon, who dodged and returned with using Surf, forcing more water from the Loch to wave up and crash into the both of you. Again, you were knocked to the ground, and gosh you were so dizzy you just didn’t want to stand back up again. Elsa was furious now, spinning toward the Vaporeon with an aggression you haven’t seen them fight with in a long time. “no- stop, elsa! qUit it!” The Vaporeon dodged, but seemed startled. Elsa was veering up for another Ice Beam, but you interrupted. “elsa damnit, Up is down, day is night!” The Starmie stopped charging up it’s ice attack, huffed a bit, and then blasted at the Vaporeon with a confuse ray. It didn’t seem to be necessary, however, because the Vaporeon was looking between the two of you extremely confused already. It promptly sat down, continuing to look between the two of you, it’s eyes progressively getting wider, glossier, like it was on the verge of tears. Carefully, you got back to your feet, trying not to fall back down again. This... had been a chaotic night so far, but hoo boy you were not expecting to find a pokemon out here. “y-yeah, s-so like i was... was saying, we’re not here trying to hUrt anyone. are... are yoU okay?” You take a few shakey steps toward it. The Vaporeon really does start crying now, yelping, and bolting forward. It tackles you to the ground, again, and you grown in pain, fully expecting more attacks. But, no, the Vaporeon is seemingly trying to cuddle you? Aggressively? And it’s crying. At first, Elsa had seemed ready to defend, but backed off..... You sit up, putting an arm around the poor thing, and it presses itself into you. It’s crying so hard, and you didn’t understand, but you hold it all the same. “hey, hey, it’s okay, yoU’re okay. we’re not going to hUrt them, or yoU, anymore. are yoU okay? dear, are yoU okay?” Elsa is now close, gem glowing a soft purple light. At first you think it’s an attempt to be comforting to the Vaporeon.... but. ..... “bloodmoney?” The Vaporeon absolutely wails a sob, clinging now to your neck, and licks your cheeks aggressively. You hold him tightly, absolutely stunned. This.... this was..... This was Meenah’s Vaporeon. “oh gosh.... bl-bloodmoney, holy- holy fUck, how did yoU even get here? oh gosh, is meenah here with yoU???” You pull him away to see his response, but if any of the sobs thus far had been bad, the response to your question was utterly heartbroken. He almost seemed to be trying to curl in on himself, and you pull him close once again, finding yourself crying now too. Holy shit, holy.... holy shit. Meenah and her pokemon had been missing for years now. Sweeps. But at least you always thought they’d been together. Oh gosh, oh shit. You hold him tight, and Elsa huddles against you both, an old friend of BM’s. By the time things quiet down, you realize the two dinos had left their scared spot on the shore, and were now swimming just offshore, staring at the spectacle you three were making. You assumed they must know BM, and this was probably really uncharacteristic for him. Sniffing, he finally removes himself from your person. You’re sure he had questions, and he seemed to be looking around for where Chess, your talking Absol, might be. “chess isn’t here, we’ve been stranded.... it’s jUst me, elsa and a ninetales named oz i’m afraid. oz is on the other side of the loch.” You point off in the direction of the Bed and Breakfast you had left him in. BM’s face fins fell, but he shook it off. It would be harder to communicate, but they’d figure it out. Instead, he turns and barks up at the dinos. You don’t know what he’s saying, but they get closer to you after that. The smaller even bending it’s long neck down to sniff at you both. You’re still disappointed that neither were showing signs of holding a shard, but you’re delighted at the interaction regardless. And even if you don’t find a shard or titan at all. Finding Bloodmoney made literally this whole 3 plus month endeavor worth it, tenfold. You sit there a while, letting everything sort of catch up to you. Let your dizzyness pass, and actually absorb everything that just happened. Meanwhile, BM and Elsa chatted between themselves, and the two dinos slipped back below the surface. It was starting to get really late, and you needed to get back to Oz soon, so after about an hour your stand up and tell the two water pokemon to come on. BM seems hesitant, looking off more inland, then back to you both. He barked, looked back, then back at you again. He wanted to show you something, or.... he had somewhere he needed to go. “we need to go back and get oz, bloody, woUld that be alright? maybe.... maybe we can follow yoU tomorrow morning? woUld that be alright?” BM thought about it, then finally nodded. Yeah, that would work, it seemed. The three of you headed back into the water, only ferrying across the surface this time, back where you had started. It seemed like your adventure wasn’t done yet, but you were tired, Elsa was tired, and you couldn’t even begin to imagine how BM was feeling right now...

#action!post #drabble /#long post /#okay that's it for the night :U))#there should be one tomorrow but i make no promises. at the very least there should be some within a few days though.))

1 note · View note

kob131 · 5 years

Text

https://magicalhunterpaladin.tumblr.com/post/179157882878/you-want-to-talk-about-wasted-potential-lets

And just like ‘muh wasted potential’, you fundementally misunderstand the show’s goal.

Then Summer became pregnant with Qrow’s daughter, Ruby. Here the details get fuzzy, but the version of the story that makes the most sense to me is that the pregnancy caused Summer and Qrow’s relationship to break down. The two would have been unable to see each other for nine straight months; meanwhile, Tai would have stepped into the role of caretaker for Summer and eventual father figure for Ruby. Summer grew closer to Tai as her relationship with Qrow became increasingly strained, until the two finally broke up and Summer took up with Tai. Somewhere in the midst of this, Ruby was born, and the three parents agreed that Summer and Tai would assume the roles of mother and father to the two girls while Qrow would act as their uncle.

Does...does ‘oh you came pregnant so I’mma gonna break down this relationship’ sound like something Qrow OR Summer would do? This is on par with ‘Oh Aang didn’t give his kids enough attention’ in how contradictory the character is used. Qrow is basically defined by loyalty with how he fondly talks about his team, how vehemently he defended Ozpin, how betrayed he sounded when Raven used him and how broken he was by Ozpin’s betrayal. I don’t think Qrow would betray Summer or Ruby. And Summer? Doesn’t sound like the ‘I’mma keep this child’s parentage a secret’ type. Doesnn’t even make sense. Why would Taiyang care?

Summer and Tai have a few pleasant years together before Summer disappears. If Qrow hadn’t already become an alcoholic in response to the breakup and being unable to see or care for his own child, he becomes one now. -

Because a guy constantly watching people die, his family ditching him to go live with murderers and thieves and forced to research fucking SALEM wouldn’t be enough to justify his alcoholism alongside a dear friend dying?

This is really pushing things.

He’s lost the woman he loved, first because of his semblance and then because of other mysterious forces beyond his control.

Yeah, kind of makes you want to see him dead. That’s a pretty big issue for a show like RWBY.

Years of grief and loneliness follow as he waits for Yang and then Ruby to become old enough that they stand a fighting chance against whatever bad luck he drags along with him, at which point he throws himself headlong into their combat training.

Great, we’re also now erasing Taiyang from this since HE taught Yang, not Qrow. And you’re expecting me to think that Qrow would believe two untrained kids would stand a chance while the fully trained team leader didn’t? No, I’,m not buying that. Especially not from the woman who bitched that Yang shouldn’t have abandonment issues about Raven.

He loves both girls, but he and Ruby always shared a deeper bond. She takes after him in the way she dresses and even designs the same type of melee weapon for herself as the one he uses. Despite everything, their father/daughter connection still holds strong.

Several people have pointed out that Yang being torn up about her biological mom leaving when she was a baby doesn’t make a whole lot of sense since she never had the chance to get attached to Raven and she still had a loving and stable family with Summer and Tai, and I think that really gets at how the parental abandonment trope is supposed to work and why RWBY utterly failed at implementing it.-

Nuh uh, you already set a different standard.

But it’s too late for Qrow to turn back the clock on the person his grief made him into. He’s a drunk and a philanderer. He pushes everyone except the girls and Oz away - Oz, who’s too powerful to fall victim to the forces that cost Qrow his lover; Oz, who gives him a greater purpose than his lonely existence, even if it is as a pawn in questionable power schemes.

...

You JUST said Qrow threw himself into their training. For someone who bitches about RWBY;s writing, you sure suck at this.

And what of Qrow having a drinking problem? People can be functioning alcoholics you know.

Oh, and what part of Ozpin’s stuff a ‘questionable power scheme’? (You know, aside from ‘penis.’)

This is the version of Qrow that we could have had - a Qrow who was actually tragic and sympathetic and struggling to find his way after great loss. But the version of Qrow we got has almost no reason to be a womanizing alcoholic jackass. His entire drunkle schtick is rooted purely in self-pity. Now there’s a time and a place for a character like that, but it is not in the role of goofy, likeable hero that RWBY tries to play him as. And the more times passes since word of God declared that Qrow is not Ruby’s dad, he’s just like that, the more I wish Qrow would make like Sun and leave.

So basically this is a temper tantrum.

Okay then, let me tear into this stupidity-

A. Qrow is already tragic and sympathetic. As someone with depression, I’ve fallen into many of the same mental pitfalls as Qrow so my guess is you have no idea what you’re talking about. The man is a walking diaster area whose been stabbed in the back by his leader and sister while finding out his colleagues have all died. Pay attention.

B. WHERE exactly did we get ‘womanizer’ from? He made a comment about a woman’s skirt once to distract his niece and smiled at a waitress who FLIRTED WITH HIM. You don’t get to use memes the fandom took out of hand.

C. No shit, your version is also rooted in self pity. Your version is all about pitying himself to the point he broke down part of his relationship and ditched his kid while never telling her the truth. If anything, your version is WORSE because he’s basically a worse version of Taiyang (you know, that guy you hate.)

In fact D. This is basically Taiyang plus alcoholism. It even runs on an unsubtainated fucking meme. we don’t need another Taiyang.

E. how is Qrow a goofy likeable hero when he was portrayed as confrontational, rude, blunt, prone to drinking his feelings away and moody? These are all flaws the show points to, flaws you would be aware of if you paid attention.

And F. By this point, I don’t want Qrow to get better. At this point, the show has beaten him down to the point that I want him to die so the show can’t fuck with him anymore. You took a character in a show all about facing the darkness and doing what is right and made me want him dead out of pity. That is a spectacular failure.

Your ignorance has made this version to be not only the same character but with less consistency and actively attacking the show’s themes.

And you wonder why I don’t listen.

#magicalhunterpaladin

13 notes · View notes

vvitchcrvfttm · 5 years

Text

* . ROSS LYNCH, TRANS MALE, HE/HIM. — looks like CYRUS GOODE is attending AURORIA UNIVERSITY in auradon. they're the TWENTY-ONE year old child of THEODORA / THE WICKED WITCH OF THE WEST ( ADOPTED BY GLINDA ) , which means they're from OZ . heard they're OBSERVANT & CHARMING , but can also be INSECURE & LONELY ; we all have our bad days. people normally associate them with BLACK BRIMMED HATS & DIAMOND HEADBANDS , CANDLES LIGHTING BY THEMSELVES , BLONDE HAIR WITH DARK & INGROWN ROOTS , BLACK POLISHED FINGERTIPS CLINGING TO A STAR-TIPPED WAND.

❛ dreams unwind and LOVE’S a state of mind. ❜ playlist. pinterest. to listen as you read.

yeah I cracked. I saw ‘oz’ n immediately had 2 bring my og witch child... this oc i’ve had for like, three years?? and he’s changed so much over my course of writing him bUT doing that is literally so !! fun n I’mm so excited to introduce him 2 u guys. please proceed w/ caution however bc the following contains trigger warnings for toxic relationships , manipulation , depression , and mentions of drug / alcohol / cigarette use. none I dive deeply into , but pls be cautious !!

HISTORY

He’s conceived as a product of an affair between the Witch and the Wizard - as of course , the story does start out when he first arrives in Oz and she , still kind and innocent , falls for a conman’s game. But the events that follow after spiral so quickly that she doesn’t even know she’s pregnant until everything’s over , and she gives birth in seclusion.

Well , almost seclusion.

The only person there is Glinda.

It’s slated for her crimes against Oz that she be sent to the Isle - and Glinda knows for multiple reasons that sending her child with her to the Isle of the Lost will be a horrible idea.

1.) The Isle is essentially a large prison. A child can’t be raised in a prison.

2.) All of the good that Theodora held inside of her , all of the love in her heart , was stolen and taken away from her by her wicked sister. And that’s not Theodora’s fault - but can she give a child love and affection when she’s in such a state ?? Maybe it’s possible , but it’s risky.

3.) If the child is Oscar’s , the child will have to at least have a chance of experiencing life in Oz. Even though , the Wizard has to keep up his facade.

4.) When he settles down from his crying , he looks up at Glinda with innocent , big brown eyes that she finds her heart melting for. He doesn’t sport the same green shade of skin his mother does , but his eyes are Oscar’s and his features are similar to Theodora’s before she turned wicked. And she can’t turn away a face like that.

Glinda selfishly makes the decision to hide away the child and raise him as her own - and Theodora is sent to the Isle , knowing that her baby is in the good witch’s hands and anguishly lamenting for days - until of course , he’s an afterthought.

But the baby does indeed get care from Glinda - too much , in fact. Her child is spoiled - thankfully not rotten , given that a good witch teaches her child to be a good child. And every time he talks to her , she gives him the utmost love and care a mother can give - when he discovers his identity , she’s more than willing to accept him and makes adjustments around Emerald City so everyone else knows to as well. Whenever he’s hurt or sad or sick , she refuses to leave his side so she can comfort him and protect him as much as he needs. Whenever he asks for something , if it’s not out of reason , she can’t say no. He’s spoiled - but not rotten. He’s spoiled sweet.

But Glinda can’t protect him forever - and she knows she can’t hide his real origin from him forever. He doesn’t know why he’s had such a weird allergy to water since he was little , hence why he bathes with heaps of soap and bath salts so the water becomes a solution that won’t sting. He can’t stay in the ocean for too long since the saltwater’s definitely not pure , but will hurt after a long while. And soon he’ll begin to ask questions - and Glinda prepares herself while Cyrus experiments with other means.

Boys included.

Falling for another Auradonian boy is expected , and Cyrus sees him as the perfect gentleman. But underneath the flattering words and sweet nothings lies an ulterior motive to break into Glinda’s quarters and steal her wand since his parents were followers of Evanora’s - and Glinda killed her. And before it even comes to a breaking point , the relationship grows toxic , growing more and more evident that he’s being used for not only his status in Oz , but also because of his parentage.

It finally ends when he breaks into Glinda’s palace , finding not only the wand but the crucial information that Glinda’s son is not her biological son. And when Cyrus catches him , he firstly tells Cyrus that he’s never loved him ( along with the million things he finds wrong with him that drill into the young man’s self-esteem ) and that his mother - his mother who’s done nothing but love him his entire life - has lied to him. His biological mother is a dirty criminal on the Isle , and Cyrus will probably be just like her when he gets older.

He’s thwarted , thank Oz ; but there’s enough damage already done.

Cyrus grows confused and cold - disgusted that he gave his trust away so quickly to someone so VILE , but also wondering how he could easily believe the lies from both that individual and his mother because he doesn’t get it. He doesn’t understand. And a heated argument with Glinda - probably the first awful one they’ve ever had - leads Cyrus to running away from the palace for a few days , now feeling like a good portion of his life has been a lie.

He spends his time wandering around the Emerald City - at least his mother knows he’s safe in the Emerald City , so she keeps her distance. And in the meanwhile , he researches the woman who gave birth to him to a T , reading about how she used to be so kind and sweet but then the Wizard led her to giving her heart away , and she turned wicked soon after . . .

Her story matches up with his up until the part she turns wicked , so he’s left worrying if that’ll be his fate , as well.

When he returns home , he’s become DISTANT AND ANGRY AND MOODY - while he lets his mother hug him and kiss him and tell him how much he loves her , he’s closed off still and allows himself to fall deeper into a low he can’t seem to get out of. Everything hurts. Everything hurts and nothing seems to make it better so he decides he must have to change in order to stop it. And the only way he can seemingly change is if he takes after the roots he’s only dug up now.

To try and start anew , Glinda proposes they move to Auroria. He finishes prep school and graduates at eighteen , moving onto University ; but the change of scenery means only it’s a different palace and a different area with a bunch of faces that will also probably judge him for being different. He’s always been a quiet loner of a child - and he wants it to end.

So yes , he starts going out more. And in that sense , he starts making himself more social with parties and drinking and smoking and learning to do things his mother can’t imagine. He makes a reputation for himself as a DELINQUENT as he starts to act out , getting into fights with people he disagrees with and even using that magic she taught him for petty vengeance. Also , for business - since he’s growing talented with potions and enchantments.

While maybe he’s opened back up to his mother , he’s still different. He’s no longer sweet and trusting and his heart is no longer upon his sleeve - instead , there’s a MASK , a mask of cockiness and callousness to hide the fact he still hurts , and he throws himself into discomforting situations to dedicate himself to acting like he’s someone he isn’t. And the more he plays into this , the more he wonders about who he really is , and who the identity of ‘ Cyrus Goode ’ is.

It used to be easy to answer the question , ‘ Are you a good witch or a bad witch ?? ’

Now . . . he’s not so sure. And with now people coming from where his mother lies , he’s wondering if he can figure out that answer. Especially maybe if he can fit in with people . . . like him.

CHARACTER & FACTS

So yES thank u sm for reading that super long backstory !! Again Cyrus is one of my deeply beloved OCs , he’s a rly confused boy trying to figure out who he is while also trying to convince himself he’s someone he isn’t to lessen his pain of being hurt. That being said , lemme be frank - how he is on the outside vs. how he is on the outside are two very different things.

On the OUTSIDE , he’s a cocky loudmouth who probably gets into way more trouble than he needs in. He’s also willing to indulge into more risks considering he thinks it’s going to numb him. A party boy through and through , he’s . . . an acquired taste. He acts careless , like he’s invincible and there’s nothing you can do to break him.

But on the INSIDE , he’s still sad , lonely , scared - but immensely sweet and soft. There’s a part of him that still wants to be himself , to openly trust and love and all - but he doesn’t think that’s an option anymore since he let himself get hurt so easily. But he’s not proud of the person he’s becoming but he doesn’t think . . . he has many options.

Sometimes , though , that mask will crack , and Cyrus will break. Sometimes it’s when he needs a release , and other times it’s unwarranted. He’s so afraid of that happening in front of other people since the fear of being vulnerable is too real , since he’s worried that’ll lead to him being taken advantage of again.

So even if he does have a lot of ‘ friends, ’ not many he’s close with. And while he has a habit of flirting and sleeping around , relationships aren’t his thing - despite the fact he actually WANTS love and validation and affection to a t.

But that isn’t to say his charm is fake - no , not at all. He’s naturally a bit of a charming kid , extremely observant with body language and reading the atmosphere. And he’s pretty good at keeping a conversation , genuinely knowing the right spots to hit as well as how to keep a conversation going on how to end it. It’s what makes people want to keep him around despite the fact he can be fucking annoying at times.

He’s a good kid underneath everything - there’s just a lot of confusion & denial & fear covering it.

He’s EXTREMELY talented & bright in both magic and art !! He’s fond of painting and sketching and often expresses his true emotions in his artwork - it’s a bit why he’s so hesitant to show him to people.

And magic.... well , Glinda taught him everything he knows. And his own studies made for him to teach himself valuable practices , as well.

He’s a practicing witch religiously , as well. Crystals , sigils , tarot cards , etc. He’s an expert in all of it. He almost ALWAYS has at least one crystal on his person - and a lot of the jewelry he wears is enchanted.

SPEAKING OF JEWELRY & AESTHETICS ,,,, dude’s fashion sense has changed a bit since he’s tried to embrace more of his inner West Witch but I will say. Both styles are cute.

When he was more in tune with his ‘Good Witch’ side , he wore very nice silver , blue , white etc. vests with glittery patterns over nice white shirts with rolled up sleeves. Yk how Glinda has her crown ?? He had ( and still has ) multiple bejeweled headbands bc frankly they look cute on him.

Over tIME THOUGH he’s definitely embraced the ‘witch in all black’ thing 100%. Likes the big, floppy black hats and almost always has a black headband to accompany it. Choker necklaces, biker gloves, leather jackets - also his own pair of ruby boots , but they’re not powerful or anything they just look cute. Also almost always has some pair of sunglasses on bc they make a nice accessory even when you’re wearing them on the top of your head and not ur face.

And again - both ways , 100% is always wearing a few crystals and enchanted pieces of jewelry.

To express himself a bit more he’s also gotten a few tattoos !! Mainly on his arms for now , but there’s one exception since he has a teeny , tiny star on his right cheek. It looks more like a little freckle if you’re not up close - but other than that , it’s stars and stuff along his arms as well as sigils , spells , etc.

He’s definitely not as strained w/ his mom rn since he’s taken a chance to like. Think things over. Since it’s been about 4-5 years since the initial reveal his biological mother is Theodora. While he’s still very confused about . . . everything , he stills takes walks with his mom through her garden and routinely talks to her about stuff. Maybe it’s not super duper close like before , but it’s better than four years ago.

It takes a lot to earn his trust. Like , a shit ton. If u rly wanna form a close bond with him and earn his trust ur gonna have to work for it bc Cyrus is determined to not let himself get hurt again and that means he’s extremely guarded.

Still has that water allergy : ( But it’s not all liquids it’s just !! Pure / natural water. So the more gunked up the water is with a solute , the less likely it is to make him sizzle.

Also has 100% taught himself how to ride a broom thx to his mother aka ‘SURRENDER DOROTHY’

and also smoke cigarettes out of crushed poppy seeds bc again, gotta stay tru to mother

Again I think I specified this earlier ago bt he’s determined to try and fit in with at least some Isle kids since . . . his mother’s on the Isle. She’s a villain. His mom is Glinda but his mother is Theodora and he wants to be closer to her and he thinks he’s sort of doing so by embracing the Isle kids and wanting to be a part of them.

I still feel like he’s very. Teeter tottery on it since he grew up in Auradon and probably has some meaningful connections there and he doesn’t want to say goodbye to that but also he learns now it’s by a twist of fate he didn’t end up on the Isle and almost wonders if he was meant to.

I’m going very ‘Fire Emblem Fates’ on this idk I just found the idea of an AK adopted when he was supposed to be a VK as. Intriguing.

He’s also dealing w/ like. If his Mom ever decides to like , retire or something ?? Is he the next Good Witch of the South or is he destined to be the next Wicked Witch of the West ??? It’s tough.

Also bc I forgot to mention it already !! He’s panromantic pansexual and 6′3 bc I fckin said so. May or may not have researched height spells to make himself taller.

I also just wanna let u all know if this intro seems v. Serious I promise u Cyrus is a witty memefucker and not in a Luke ‘deadpan snarker’ way he’s just. Loudmouthed n uncensored and makes jokes at every given minute he can bc eVERYONE likes a funny guy.

Again he’s like. A comfort character. This dude means so much to me n I’m so excited to throw him at u guys.

I wanted 2 list characters that helped inspire who he is today bt. I think I might save that 4 like... a graphic or smth. :^)

WANTED CONNECTIONS & PLOTS

PLEEEEASE GIVE ME OLD FRIENDS OF HIS IN AURADON THAT KNOW HOW SOFT HE IS INWARDLY

Also friends that r just. Rly shocked by how much he’s changed. and kinda miss how he used to be before he got hurt : (

friends that sorta prefer how he’s changed?? maybe partygoing friends n stuff???

folks who are lowkey ‘wow goode got cool/hot/badass/etc.’ bc it’s definitely a signficant Shift

VKs who are encouraging him to embrace tht side of him more n dig down to his roots !!

AKs who are encouraging him to not have to try n change for that n be how he always was !!

Ppl in general who just rly would like for him to be himself and embrace who he is rather than trying to stick to a single side !!

AKs who see him as kind of like. A traitor 4 wanting to get close with the VKs

VKs who see him as too much of an AK and r basically like ‘idc if ur mother literally coined the term ‘wicked witch’ u can’t sit with us.

Rly I’m just so addicted to this ‘CHOOSE A SIDE’ thing like I generally find that as a plot so. Interesting n I def want all the connections that are sort of impacted by it since Cyrus is discovering so much abt himself

I also wld love some folks in generals he can like... be soft around. Let down his walls around. Slowly they get to know him and take the time and patiently earn his trust even tho he rly is a lot to handle.

Ppl who solely like him for the fact he can do magic bc again haha y’all can deffo use him idm

Ppl who rly dislike him whether it be for the fact he acts like a cocky dick on the outside or they don’t like how he’s trying to change himself and he doesn’t seem authentic at all literally Cyrus can b kind of sucky so pls make ppl dislike him. None of my OCs get along w/ him. Luke maybe dated him for a day n got tired already.

He’s a lot 2 handle.

Okay he’s kind of a flirt like Luke and even tho he’s not nearly on their self-proclaimed philanderer level he still kinds. Gets around so pls gimme hookups on either end

Old crushes he used to have in Auradon when he was a lil kid, in middle school, high school w/e that never happened for whatever reasons

Also an angsty unrequited crush bc I love pain

Exes that were folks he tried to date in Auradon after he got hurt bt it just. Didn’t work out for w/e reason - probably bc Cyrus is terrified of getting hurt again.

Would also lov that one longterm relationship that lasted for like. A year or so while Cyrus was going through his shit that was probably rly good for him and they though it’d last but he had to break it off out of his own fear : (

First healthy love plot based off of San Francisco by TDE per piacere?

Listen I kno I already have a first love plot wanted for Luke bt this one’s sad for dIFFERENT REASONS

I’d lov like ?? A will they/won’t they where Cyrus kind of has to open up n’ stuff before they can rly be together and it’s just up in the air even tho there are mUTUAL feelings ?? I wanna explore the relationship part of this tho instead of just. Throwing them into a ship n the next day they’re 2gether. Also would have to b discussed when seeing chemistry between the characters since. Ya.

WLD DEF B OPEN 2 A POLY WILL THEY/WONT THEY TOO

I already cleared thru enemies but again pLS GIVE ME RELATIONSHIPS THAT SHIFT BETWEEN LIKE. FRIENDS TO ENEMIES. EXES TO ENEMIES. ENEMIES TO FRIENDS. BACKSTABBING BITCHES. THAT SHIT. I LOVE IT. GIVE ME THE DRAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Thats it.

me: i kno i just listed the obligatory shippy stuff but i want to remind u again i love it when other characters hate mine

I love just exploring. Connections and relationships between characters in general whether they’re hostile, platonic, romantic, etc. like I love exploring that stuff like I’m here 4 everything.

ibh sometimes i worry abt posting shippy connections just bc i dont wanna give the impression thATS ALL I WANT even tho i think i listed more non-shippy connections than shippy

...i still worry.

bt yeah licherally give me anything. I’m a plot hoe even tho I suck at it.

#usoa:intro #abt tag tbd #i think like. 3/4 of my ocs are attending auroria so yes i lack variety.#bt hey at lEAST I TOOK UP ANOTHER AK #...TECHNICALLY #hannah montana said u get the best of both worlds #i think this is. easily my longest intro tho.#he just means a lot 2 me.#the fire emblem & zelda influence is so strong here tho #toxic relationship tw #manipulation tw #depression tw #alcohol mention #drug mention #smoking mention

8 notes · View notes

jeaneybean · 5 years

Text

So I haven’t done a recap in a while

TL;DR previously on this campaign we broke into a vampire’s house, murdered him, looted it, the gang dug up a body and ‘let’ her brother take her somewhere that wasn’t a mass grave, and Vera lied like no other to a vampire’s major domo.

Last episode left off with Vlad’s father tearfully greeting Fyodora, asking the group why they’d came and how they met and whatnot. And that’s when Havilah failed his first control shape check of the full moon, turning into a wolf right in that great hall. He instantly grabbed his wolf and went outside to sulk, despite Vlad’s father Valery being like ‘no that’s just something that happens’. Werewolf dad is pretty chill with puppy problems.

Vlad and Valery go out hunting to get meat for the table and everyone except Havilah have dinner in the great hall. Introductions are made around the table, Vera giving a very diplomatic telling of how the party met up with Vlad. Jake does his normal Jake stuff after popping out of the necklace and Magnolia starts throwing rolls at him. Wolff Wolf skitters behind him and snaps up the rolls every time they hit the floor. Valery tries to figure out how Nitahn got his affliction, mostly trying to see if it was Vlad doing it. Vera doesn’t confirm or deny this, stating that it was necessary and bringing up how Juno would’ve turned him int he great hall anyway and they got to one up her. The entire party confirms that Nitahn is a big ol puppydog.

Valery offers the party sanctuary for however long they need, and Oz def makes a note that Vera mentions nothing about taking it despite being into her sixth months of being preggers. After dinner Vera brought Nitahn some Venison and talked to him for a bit, squooshing his face and wiggling his nose because he’s a cute wolf and also because ‘I can’t mess with you like this when you’re a human’ before heading back inside.

Jake also bothers Nitahn, using his newly gotten suggestion spell to have Nitahn fetch. This annoys Nitahn severly, and pisses off Oz pretty bad because Oz doesn’t like the entire Enchantment school. Oz scolds Jake pretty badly for taking away their friend’s free will before being like ‘yeah it’s probably best we don’t talk for a while’. Oz then goes to Nitahn and tattles on Vera for not asking to stay despite her state and puppy Nitahn is like ‘thank you for bringing this to my attention, boof.’. After that, Oz goes to Magnolia and again tattles on Vera.

Meanwhile Vera is having a time up in her room, finishing letters and getting herself real upset. This follows down to breakfast, where she’s very quiet. The mail carrier shows up to the distrust of everyone but Vera, and letters are passed out. Nitahn got a few from his family and three from Jasna, Vera got three from her husband and two from Nik, Oz got one from his mom and one from Vera’s husband. Vera sends off four letters: one to her husband, one to Nik, one to Jasna, and one that it takes her a bit to hand off. She instructs the carrier that it isn’t to be delivered to the Medvedev house, that it is to be left in care of either Mishti Isha or Vera Medvedeva. It’s a letter to her brother. After that Vera excuses herself from breakfast and goes up to her room, where she stays. Her letters get her caught up on city goss and Nik’s scrounged up every bit of werewolf/vampire politic information that he can.

Jake goes down to town and tries to get a loan from the bank, going with all of his usual chaos. He tries to get a loan to open a pancake shop, turning into a short copy of Vlad when the banker says he’d need a voucher. He also tries to use suggestion, leading the banker to realize that he’s tried to alter his mind but still is super confused about what’s going on. He tells Jake to come back tomorrow and Jake happily leaves.

Vera doesn’t show to dinner, citing not feeling well. Valery visits her in her room where she is hiding behind Bear and offers to let her stay in the keep until after she has the baby. Vera’s mostly dead to the world and is like ‘yeah, whatever they decide on I’ll do’. Which is good because Vera’s normal reponse would be basically ‘aw heck no’ to the idea of staying in one spot.

Valery repeats this offer to the group and Oz tattles on Vera to Valery, and Valery’s like ‘yeah no she’s very pregnant’. Magnolia spends another meal chucking rolls at Jake and Wolf-Wolf gets more snackums.

Jake heads back to the bank the next day to fuck with him more, and Vera tracks down Oz to ask him about something he’d mentioned during the great hall, about how dying wasn’t so bad. Mostly she just wants to tell him that should he need help in Spee, Selina isn’t that far away. Oz advises her to forget he said that, as he’s not legally allowed to discuss it. Vera is like ‘cool. Just remember if you need help I’m a lwayer.’ and Oz also realizes that Vera is looking bad. He inquires if she’s okay and Vera’s like ‘yeah, no, not really’ and eventually admits that now that they have downtime she’s got time to think on stuff. A year ago she was in the capital dressed in nice things going to parties, and now she’s out here up to her elbows in blood of terrible people. And she really, really prefers the second to the first. Oz tries to comfort her by saying that it is the blood of awful people, but Vera doesn’t seem to comforted.

She also finds Magnolia and brings up the idea of silvered claws for bear. Magnolia agrees to the idea, and also brings up that Vera looks pretty wrecked. She offers to spend time with Vera, and Vera’s like ‘yeah I’ve been crying a lot and I don’t like people to see me cry’ and Mags is like ‘well, I can look away’ and Vera admits that’s what her husband does.

They have a bit of downtime, and one day Fyodora comes up to Nitahn and is like ‘so there’s someone talking to my father and i am not cool with them, come with me?’ and they go to eavesdrop on official business. Nitahn, however, recognizes the voice: Anton Bellek. He instantly bursts into the room and is like YOU.

Meanwhile, Vlad knocks on Vera’s door and is like ‘So there’s someone here to meet my father on offical business and I don’t think he’s good. We should get the group together?” And vera’s like “Fine, help me put on my armor” “I think his name was Anton Bellek?” “-sounds of Vera scrambling across the room, throwing her door open- Okay let’s fucking go.’

They go down and vera’s like ‘so will you be okay heading in there?’ to Vlad and he’s like ‘Yeah, no, it’ll be fine.’ “He (Valery) wont’ hit you?” And that’s when Vlad learns something about Vera he probably didn’t want to get confirmation on and is like “Yeah, no. That’s not the kind of person he is.” And they initally hold back, but they hear Nitahn inside and Vera’s like ‘oh goddamnit’ before breaking in themselves.

Anton greets everyone pleasantly. Vera holds onto her temper for a bit and apologises to Valery for bursting in before turning to Anton. Anton’s looking for allies! Anton is also still super evil, though not enough to knock Vera unconcious. Magnolia’s hiding behind Vlad, making sniping comments whenever she can.

Anton gives a grand speech and he’s good at it, and Jake’s like ‘yeah no he sounds legit’ and the whole fucking time Vera is grinding her teeth and quickly losing any composure she has. She starts calling him out on about every point, adding in there the whole ‘hey, I’m a paladin, I can literally see you’re evil’ and he tries being like ‘I kill people to eat, I have to drink the blood of living creatures’ and Gremlin Oz is like ‘what about getting concent first’ and Vera’s like ‘Can’t you eat animal blood? I’m not evil because I eat meat’.

She goes on her own rant about understanding the desire of being up to your elbows in blood and she admits: She wants a war too. She all but begs him to fight against whatever nature he’s got from being a vampire and offers out her holy symbol as kind of a peace offing. Anton doesn’t take it and curls his lip up at it.

Anton departs, making some dark comments about Vlad and Valery as he goes. The enitre party sees shadows detach from the walls and go to him, and Oz passes a knowledge arcana to know there’s a preestige class that lets you summon shadows. Vera’s like ‘yeah, that tracts’.

Vlad is goaded by Magnolia to talking with his dad for the first time since they first arrived and he’s like ‘listen laws are there for a reason, but Anton’s right. We have to change. We can’t be a neutral party or we’re going to be targeted by everyone. We can’t stick to the old ways when there’s almost no one left here’ and Valery seems to be ackwnolaging this.

Vera makes a parting note to everyone to watch the shadows, and goes to Vlad’s room and is like ‘hey can I stay here tonight and make sure you don’t get eaten by shadows’ and he agrees. She spends her night laying on bear and quietly praying, because vera doesn’t afraid of anything but herself, and she just admitted to everyone that she wants to start a war and she really likes being covered in blood.

Things are chill for a while, until one day at dinner Oz hears a crash int he kitchen. Before we can prepare, but with enough time to make sure there’s no sneak attacks, nine werewolves storm the room. Three enter from the kitchen side, six from the main entrance. One wolf goes for Jake, two go for Valery. On the other side, one goes for Vlad and two go for Vera, while all three archers take shots at Valery. They hit him in the shoulders, and one in the face directly in his eye. He reacts by hulking out into a werewolf. Y’know. Like you do. Vlad doesn’t turn into a werewolf, choosing to instead swing his axe at one of the werewolves previously attacking Vera.

Magnolia and Oz take a quick second to talk about Vera, who has neither armor nor arms on her because she hasn’t been wearing them. Oz assures Magnolia he can protect Vera, and Magnolia encourages Vera to climb up on the table. Vera’s like ‘yeah, that was my plan’ as she climbs up on it and summons Bear in her place. Bear responds to this by going for the wolf that Vlad attack, full round attacking and killing it. Magnolia climbs on the table and reaches out to tap Valery with a Bear’s Endurance. Oz blocks Vera in from the other side and casts Slow on the remaining five werewolves on our side because Oz is an unholy terror. Jake hits himself with mage armor like a good boy. The werewolves with their crossbows drop them and draw short swords before slowly starting to move towards the group.

Valery slashes at a nearby wolf and Vlad turns into a werewolf for the extra beef. Vera slaps bear with Divine Sacrifice and turns him loose on the werewolves, where Bear starts to just slap them the fuck around. Werewolves have DR. Bear doesn’t care. Bear overwhelms it. Magnolia casts Foundations of Stone on everyone on the ground. Oz casts stoneskin on himself.

A few other highlights: Bear did what I’d been hoping he’d do forever, crit on a Divine Sacrifice blow. 46 damage in one hit, he turned one wolf to mush. On our side of the room he tore through everything. Oz got hit once and shrugged it off thanks to stoneskin. He also cast haste on the party, and flesh to stone on one of the werewolves. Valery dragged a werewolf that pulled a silver dagger on him into a melee with Nitahn climbing in. Vlad offered Vera his axe to protect herself and Vera very unhappily had to turn it down because she’d probably fucking use it. Mags cast Balor Nimbus on herself and went to join the scrap of werewolves.

A vampire droped from the ceiling and hit Jake with a sneak attack for 46 damage, killing him. As Jake died, he felt himself pulled somewhere else. Death appeared before him, and as Jake watched, the skeletal form shifted until Death looked like him. The not Jake tipped his head and was like ‘fascinating’.

Meanwhile, as everyone starts to freak the fuck out about Jake, he pulls off of the sword, looks down at himself, and was like ‘Fascinating.’

#The idiots do a adventure

3 notes · View notes

himbowelsh · 7 years

Note

Winnix for the ship thing? You choose which one!

meme my heart away (ACCEPTING)

who hogs the duvet

Nix, for sure. He’s shameless about it. Sometimes he’ll steal the blankets even when they’re both awake, just to get Dick closer to him.

who texts/rings to check how their day is going

Neither of them, to be honest! Dick is usually pretty busy during the day, so while Nix is always in the back of his mind, he rarely feels the need to check up on him. Nix is also very good at keeping himself busy. The only time Dick might text/call to check up on Nix is if he knows he’s having a rough day.

who’s the most creative when it comes to gifts

Dick always gets very practical, down-to-earth gifts. Meanwhile Nix once bought Dick an elephant from the zoo. Just, like. The entire elephant. Dick is now the legal guardian of one of the zoo’s baby elephants. Her name is Susie, and he visits her every time he gets the chance. She likes apples.

who gets up first in the morning

Dick has had being an early riser ingrained into him since the day he was born. Meanwhile, nothing short of an earthquake or a freak incendiary bed incident is capable of waking Nix before 10am.

who suggests new things in bed

Dick is surprisingly interested in exploring? He’s willing to do lots of new things, and comes up with a few ideas, but Nix is the one who generally does the research and suggests things.

who cries at movies

Neither of them really tear up at movies! Dick can’t remember one movie he’s ever cried at, and the only thing that’s really gotten to Nix was The Wizard of Oz. He doesn’t know why. It’s not something he likes talking about.

who gives unprompted massages

Some days, Dick is so tense from his day at work that he just needs something to help him unwind, and Nix is more than happy to put his hands to work. He loves Dick’s back in general (it’s so strong, and covered in freckles!) so getting to ease out the knots in his muscles is a treat for both of them.

who fusses over the other when they’re sick

Whenever Dick is sick, Nix kicks into protective mode in the extreme. Dick has taken care of him enough times that he almost feels he owes it to him to look after him in return.

who gets jealous easiest

He doesn’t like confessing to it, but Nix has a jealous streak a mile wide. It’s frustrating, because not only is Dick seemingly incapable of getting jealous, he never notices when Nix is, either – so Nix always has to do something to make it clear to him.

who has the most embarrassing taste in music

Dick likes really old-fashioned songs, Elvis and Billy Joel and a lot of 1950s-1960s stuff. Meanwhile Nix likes classical music, dubstep, Taylor Swift, and pretty much any music in a language he can’t understand. This ranges from everything to European musical theatre to K-Pop. He always tries to sing along.

who takes the longest to get ready

They’re both pretty easy to get out of the house on normal days, but to be honest, Nix doesn’t care if he walks out of the house looking like a hermit seeing the sun for the first time in years. Dick always has to be clean shaven, have his hair neat, and make sure his clothes are in order. It doesn’t take him long, but it takes him a little bit.

who is the most tidy and organised

Dick, for SURE. Nix thrives in organizes chaos – everything has it’s proper place, even if to everyone else it looks like a bomb exploded in the middle of his room. Dick, meanwhile, organized things “like a sane human being, Nix, why do you have your socks hanging on the lampshade?”

who gets most excited about the holidays

Nix thinks holidays are largely over-commercialized bull, but Dick was raised in a family that turned every holiday into a chance to bond and celebrate with each other. Holidays have a big place in his heart, and he makes sure to show Nix the real beauty of holidays – getting to spend time with the people that matter to you.

who is the big spoon/little spoon

Nix is the little spoon. Sometimes he just really needs to be held close by someone, and Dick is always more than happy to oblige. When Dick’s having a rough night, however, he’ll be reluctant to say anything about it, so Nix will have to figure out other ways to comfort him. On these nights, he’s more than happy to hold Dick – and usually Dick allows it.

who gets most competitive when playing games and/or sports

It was very much an accident, but Nix never lets Dick live down the one time he knocked him out with a tennis racket.

who starts the most arguments

They, like… they don’t really argue. It’s not even that they’re a particularly open couple (even though they do communicate well, and they get each other) but there’s so many undertones to every argument they have. They could be talking about one thing – say, burning the toast this morning – when they’re both well aware it’s about something completely different, like Dick’s work hours or Nix’s alcoholism. Their arguments never have any real resolution, either, because they sort of just settle it with each other, and when they’re both content the conflict will die. They don’t hold onto things for long, but they’re also not the best at solving their problems. Dick internalizes his negative emotions and doesn’t share them; Nix channels them into drinking and then drunkenly spews negativity like a faucet. Their arguments are rare but complicated.

who suggests that they buy a pet

Animals love Dick Winters, and he loves them back. However, Nix was the one who just had to get a dog, so Dick rolled with it. They picked out puppies together and wound up with a very friendly german shepherd who they named Charlie.

what couple traditions they have

They wash dishes together. It’s hardly an exciting thing, but they banter back and forth while Nix scrubs and Dick dries the plates. They also decorate for the holidays together! Dick once taught Nix to make popcorn stings, and it took him hours to get it right, but it’s one of their fondest Christmas memories.

what other couple they hang out with

They can frequently be found with Harry and Kitty (Harry’s thrilled not to be the third wheel anymore), and they’re also good friends with Ron and Lip.

how they spend time together as a couple

They read together a lot. It seems like a such a quiet thing, but they really enjoy it? They’ll read together in bed, in the living room, in the kitchen – often different books, but sometimes one will just rest his chin on the other’s shoulder and follow along with whatever book is in his lap. They also like watching sunrises and sunsets. There’s something so peaceful in it that it really gives them a sense of tranquility.

who made the first move

Nix is the one who confessed to Dick in a moment of liquor-drenched desperation. When he tried to kiss Dick, a stunned Dick eased him back into bed and rushed away. Nix was sure he blew his chances until the next morning, when he was met with a very anxious Dick at his door. His hungover ass was almost sure he was dreaming when Dick took his hand and, very sincerely, asked it Nix still meant what he said the night before.

who brings flowers home

Dick, whose moments of over-the-top romanticism are rare but just about the cutest thing Nix has ever seen. (His default response is, “For me? You shouldn’t have?” while Dick rolls his eyes at him.)

who is the best cook

They’re weird, okay? Nix is very much a seat-of-his-pants, “I’ll just toss all this together and see what happens” sort of cook, but he can usually put together something that tastes really good. And then there’s Dick, who follows recipes and does everything he’s supposed to, but somehow his efforts in the kitchen never come out the way he wants them to. Nix is usually in charge of the kitchen.

#winnix #ship meme #zim-zam-god-damn

25 notes · View notes