#along with different factions supporting each one | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

anarchywoofwoof · 7 months

Text

People in the U.S. are preoccupied with voting to an unhealthy degree. This is not to say that everyone votes, or thinks voting is effective or worthwhile; on the contrary, a smaller and smaller proportion of the eligible population votes every election year, and that’s not just because more and more people are in prison. But when you broach the question of politics, of having a say in the way things are, voting is just about the only strategy anyone can think of—voting, and influencing others’ votes.

Could it be this is why so many people feel so disempowered? Is anonymously checking a box once a year, or every four years, enough to feel included in the political process, let alone play a role in it?

But what is there besides voting? In fact, voting for people to represent your interests is the least efficient and effective means of applying political power. The alternative, broadly speaking, is acting directly to represent your interests yourself. This is known in some circles as “direct action.”

Direct action is occasionally misunderstood to mean another kind of campaigning, lobbying for influence on elected officials by means of political activist tactics; but it properly refers to any action or strategy that cuts out the middle man and solves problems directly, without appealing to elected representatives, corporate interests, or other powers.

Concrete examples of direct action are everywhere. When people start their own organization to share food with hungry folks, instead of just voting for a candidate who promises to solve “the homeless problem” with tax dollars and bureaucracy, that’s direct action.

When a man makes and gives out fliers addressing an issue that concerns him, rather than counting on the newspapers to cover it or print his letters to the editor, that’s direct action.

When a woman forms a book club with her friends instead of paying to take classes at a school, or does what it takes to shut down an unwanted corporate superstore in her neighborhood rather than deferring to the authority of city planners, that’s direct action, too.

Direct action is the foundation of the old-fashioned can-do American ethic, hands-on and no- nonsense. Without it, hardly anything would get done. In a lot of ways, direct action is a more effective means for people to have a say in society than voting is.

For one thing, voting is a lottery—if a candidate doesn’t get elected, then all the energy his constituency put into supporting him is wasted, as the power they were hoping he would exercise for them goes to someone else. With direct action, you can be sure that your work will offer some kind of results; and the resources you develop in the process, whether those be experience, contacts and recognition in your community, or organizational infrastructure, cannot be taken away from you.

Voting consolidates the power of a whole society in the hands of a few politicians; through force of sheer habit, not to speak of other methods of enforcement, everyone else is kept in a position of dependence. Through direct action, you become familiar with your own resources and capabilities and initiative, discovering what these are and how much you can accomplish.

Voting forces everyone in a movement to try to agree on one platform; coalitions fight over what compromises to make, each faction insists that they know the best way and the others are messing everything up by not going along with their program. A lot of energy gets wasted in these disputes and recriminations. In direct action, on the other hand, no vast consensus is necessary: different groups can apply different approaches according to what they believe in and feel comfortable doing, which can still interact to form a mutually beneficial whole.

People involved in different direct actions have no need to squabble, unless they really are seeking conflicting goals (or years of voting have taught them to fight with anyone who doesn’t think exactly as they do). Conflicts over voting often distract from the real issues at hand, as people get caught up in the drama of one party against another, one candidate against another, one agenda against another. With direct action, on the other hand, the issues themselves are raised, addressed specifically, and often resolved.

Voting is only possible when election time comes around.

Direct action can be applied whenever one sees fit.

Voting is only useful for addressing whatever topics are current in the political agendas of candidates, while direct action can be applied in every aspect of your life, in every part of the world you live in.

Voting is glorified as “freedom” in action. It’s not freedom— freedom is getting to decide what the choices are in the first place, not picking between Pepsi and Coca-Cola.

Direct action is the real thing. You make the plan, you create the options, the sky’s the limit.

Ultimately, there’s no reason the strategies of voting and direct action can’t both be applied together. One does not cancel the other out. The problem is that so many people think of voting as their primary way of exerting political and social power that a disproportionate amount of everyone’s time and energy is spent deliberating and debating about it while other opportunities to make change go to waste. For months and months preceding every election, everyone argues about the voting issue, what candidates to vote for or whether to vote at all, when voting itself takes less than an hour.

Vote or don’t, but get on with it!

Remember how many other ways you can make your voice heard. This being an election year, we hear constantly about the options available to us as voters, and almost nothing about our other opportunities to play a decisive role in our society. What we need is a campaign to emphasize the possibilities more direct means of action and community involvement have to offer. These need not be seen as in contradiction with voting.

We can spend an hour voting once a year, and the other three hundred sixty four days and twenty three hours acting directly! Those who are totally disenchanted with representative democracy, who dream of a world without presidents and politicians, can rest assured that if we all learn how to apply deliberately the power that each of us has, the question of which politician is elected to office will become a moot point.

They only have that power because we delegate it to them! A campaign for direct action puts power back where it belongs, in the hands of the people from whom it originates.

(Crimethinc, 2004)

#politics #direct action #anarchy #anarchist #anarchism #voting #us politics

269 notes · View notes

dailyadventureprompts · 5 months

Text

Faction: The University of Taloncliff

"Enter with open eyes and behold the truths of the world unending" -Inscription beneath the fountain of the pensive sage, in the gatehouse courtyard.

Founded by dedicates of Ioun who wished to study where the land met the sea and sky, the institution that eventually became the University was founded three centuries ago when the sages of Taloncliff found themselves inundated with eager pupils who had travelled far and wide seeking their wisdom.

Growing quickly along with the coastal village that supported it, the university is today one of the most famed and foremost centres of learning on the continent entertaining scholars of what seems like every discipline imaginable. If the party needs to know something, Taloncliff is the place to go.

Adventure Hooks

Gaining access to the halls of knowledge is not as easy the heroes may hope, as only those who have joined the university are allowed to peruse it's near endless archives and deep vaults of lore. That said there are other options: they might find a sympathetic ear at one of the tea-houses wherein students and faculty partake in the boisterous debate discouraged in the august lecture halls, or persuade a smuggler of forbidden literature to clue them in on the tunnels beneath the university's walls.

The easiest way to gain entry by far however, is to simply join as a student, bypassing the yearly enrolment process by earning an invitation as a renowned seeker of knowledge... or by having the party's noble patron purchase your way in.

Alternatively, you could start your campaign with students already enrolled as students of the University, engaging in a few apprentice level adventures before flashing forward to when they've graduated to doing fieldwork.

Also, I'd be remiss if I made a whole faction dedicated to learning and didn't mention my advice/system for how you should let your players research in campaigns, which you should check out before exploring the University's inner workings below the cut.

Though it appears stately and unified from outside, behind its alabaster walls Taloncliff is in fact a contradictory mess of overlapping "Curricula" like a dozen different organizations of varying sizes dressed up in a wizard's robe trying to look important. Each Curricula is named after one of the original Sages and follows generally in their footsteps, here are some of the most relevant:

Curricula Endaris: The prestigious institute of learning to which the noble families of nearby realms send their learning minded scions. Endaris gave council to kings, and her followers teach statecraft, diplomacy, history, as well as the good governance of the land itself. One of the largest factions and the one most likely to receive outside donations, Endaris maintains a strong influence over the rest of the university as holding onto its coin purse.

Curricula Jadek: Adherants of the knowing mistress who maintain the campus as part of their devotion and studies into more mystical forms of knowledge. They tend to be inward focused and act to balance out the other voices, giving them a respect that superscedes rivalry.

Curricula Gazerette: a wizarding school that functions like a music conservatory, looking to instill a basic level of competence in all students while hunting for talent that could be refined into something prodigious. Gazerette wanted only the best from his apprentices, and the cutthroat rivalries between Gazerette wizards are the stuff of legend, going back nearly as far as the university's founding.

Curricula Oddolgyn: Still headed by the ancient eleven astronomer of the same name, last of the original sages. This group operates out of the university's observatory studying the ephemeral patterns of the firmament and the multiverse beyond. Currently small and thought of mostly as dabblers It's been more than a century since they were superseded by Gazerette as the foremost of Taloncliff's mages.

Curricula Narthex: Adventurous and daring, the explorers of the Narthex always seem to be recounting their last great expedition or planning their next, even maintaining their own airship docks to make it easier to seek out new horizons.

Shortly after one of the party have really proven themselves to be a true asset ( or liability) to the school, they'll receive a note that says "seek to Know the secret of the waters, at the place where Torthane met her Mistress". This requires catching up on some very old University gossip, as well as tracking down some otherwise unnoticeable histories that are always misfiled in the library. Doing so reveals Torthane to be one of sage Jadek's first pupils, one who frequently clashed with her austere teacher about his insistence that dedication to Ioun and true knowledge meant abstaining from the physical world and the "earthly knowledge" that came with it. Torthane loved Ioun, but she also loved the ladies, and was said to meet with her lovers right under Jadek's nose in a particular garden that the campus grounds have since grown to encompass.

These clues further lead the party to the statue of the fountain of the pensive sage, which boasts a statue of Jadek poking his staff into a basin of ever rippling water. One who looked closely might notice a glow distorted by the ripples of the fountain, and that if the primary spout is plugged or diverted that the glow originates from where Jadek's staff disturbs the unearthly white sand that rests at the basin's bottom. (Leave a comment if you can figure out what the party will need to draw in the sand to progress)

With the passphrase entered, a secret stair opens in the cobbles surrounding the statue, inviting the party down into a dungeon crawl that takes them to the university's flooded foundations. After battling past arcane traps, more puzzles, and creatures of the tide, they stumble into a room wreathed in cascading water, in which the images of a dozen or more cloaked figures manifest and pass judgment upon them. The question that the figures are to argue: Are these trespassers cringe?

Some of the figures will argue that the party are indeed cringe, a never-before seen collection of narcs, fuckboys, killjoys, and karens. It will be up to the party to plead their case. If they manage to win over a majority of the crowd then the waters will part and they'll be invited into the secret headquarters/speakeasy of Curricula Torthane, the resident secret society of Taloncliff made up of all those who are willing to bend the rules and collaborate in the pursuit of knowledge and those little pleasures that are so often neglected in scholastic dourness. You haven't lived till you've had wizard moonshine, so cheers and bottoms up troublemakers.

Further adventures

I'll be adding more Taloncliff adventures in the future, so feel free to check out my blog.

While the party is sure to meet no end of red tape as they explore the campus, they'll make an easy ally in Oroteia, a rising star in the Gazerette and Narthex Curricula who seeks to overturn every expectation placed on her by her by others after discovering her lowborn country origins. Blazing a trail through the University's establishment, she'll see the party as useful allies against whatever campaign level threats the rest of the institution is too set in their ways to even contemplate dealing with.

#faction #wizard #seeking knowledge #ioun #heist #press start #seaside #seaside settlement #mystery #arcane dungeon #arcane #taloncliff

178 notes · View notes

yanderes-galore · 9 months

Note

Transformers (feel free to choose the series) Optimus Prime vs Megatron with a human darling romantic concept?????

Sure! I decided to keep this general :) Sorry if it's bad since I made it a general take.

Yandere! Optimus Prime vs Megatron

Human Darling - No Particular Version

Pairing: Romantic - Rivalry

Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Obsession, Dehumanization, Overprotective behavior, Violence, Kidnapping, Manipulation, Possessive behavior, Cybertronian/Human pairing, Dubious/Forced relationship, Sadism, Isolation.

Ah yes, the Autobot and Decepticon leader fighting each other once again over something.

This is a good time to explain what I mean when I say Autobots and Decepticons lean towards a certain yandere type.

I always picture Yandere Autobots falling towards the overprotective attribute while Yandere Decepticons tend to display a more sadistic yandere type.

Optimus Prime and Megatron are very good examples of this.

Autobots tends to want to protect those they hold dear.

While Decepticons tend to take what they want.

This rule doesn't apply to everyone (For example, Pharma from the IDW comics is technically Autobot but has Decepticon traits due to working with them), yet it's a default many Cybertronians display.

Optimus Prime and Megatron, being leaders of their respective factions, would be the pinnacle of this.

Optimus Prime's goal with a human, especially if they were human, would be to protect them at all costs.

Autobots would get along with human darlings the most, Prime is no exception.

Optimus Prime already feels responsible for a team of Autobots, who that is depends on the version.

They are like his family.

A human darling would be kept very safe with him.

For this concept I'd say you'd most likely be a supporter of the Autobots.

Most humans are.

As a result you are the closest to Optimus Prime.

Prime has no idea how to display his affection to you that would br acceptable between humans and Cybertronians.

To be fair many Cybertronians don't.

As a result he settles for simple things like holding/carrying and words.

If he has a holoform in this that would be a good way to communicate too.

The biggest issue is his size when it comes to showing you he cares.

He loves you and it is romantic yet you wouldn't be able to tell unless he told you.

Optimus Prime is considerate of how a relationship with you would affect you and actually listens to you for the most part.

You are one of the people he cares for the most.

Optimus Prime's softer and more protective affection is different from Megatron's intense and destructive affection.

Being the leader of the Decepticons he is less willing to work with humans.

Megatron would see his human darling as a lesser being to him.

Optimus Prime talks to you like you're an equal, an ally who fights alongside him.

Megatron treats you like a pet even if he feels romantic attraction towards you.

He feels powerful when he holds you, he likes the sadistic pleasure your fear gives him.

He loves the feeling of you being his.

With Megatron the relationship leans more towards what Megatron wants than you.

You most likely met Optimus Prime by being saved by the Autobots.

You most likely met Megatron by an attack that the Autobots saved you from or you were kidnapped from the Autobots after meeting them.

The power struggle between the two factions now has a new reason to push.

Their leaders happen to like a particular human... and one of them will have you in the end.

Optimus Prime is the one you have a higher chance of having a "normal" relationship with.

As normal as having a romantic relationship with an overprotective Autobot can go, at least.

Megatron likes the idea of owning you, plus having you and making you fall for him can hurt Optimus.

Which is what Megatron wants more than anything.

The two would definitely fight brutally with each other over you.

However, it's primarily Megatron who aims to kill.

Megatron is easily the worst yandere of the two.

Even a "relationship" with him still makes you feel inferior.

The dynamic is one wants to genuinely provide for you, while the other wants to own you.

Autobots are never the most intense yanderes but Optimus Prime would do whatever he can to keep you with him and safe.

I can't think of him killing or brutally harming someone but he would isolate you.

Megatron would kill and brutally harm others to have you.

Decepticons do have the potential to harm others to have what they want.

Megatron would do this more than anyone to have you, even if you are an organic.

It's no doubt you'd benefit the most from Optimus Prime, yet Megatron will always be a threat trying to take you from the Prime.

Their fighting over you will persist about as long as it takes for the war to end or you expire.

Two titans of immense power fighting for their own desires.

All with you caught in the middle.

The moment you're in the hand of one, the other plucks you from them.

If the war ends and you're somehow alive, perhaps they will compromise?

It's unlikely but that would be one of the only chances you experience peace... if not with one of them dead.

A rivalry between Optimus and Megatron is about as destructive as you think.

The two already fight each other enough as is.

Until the war ends, you'll never know peace...

As long as they're both alive, they'll search for you.... Regardless of who wins you fear for your future.

#yandere transformers #yandere megatron #yandere optimus prime

216 notes · View notes

judgementdaysunshine · 5 months

Note

Can I have a Damian priest x Fem!reader

Possible friends to lovers with the prompt:

“you're not like the rest of them.”

🫂

Not like the rest of them

Pairing: Damian Priest x Fem reader

Description: You realize just how much Damian loves you when he tells you how special you are to him

Laughs could be heard between you and Damian as the two of you walk in the stadium backstage to the locker rooms where the two of you talk to each other in your locker room. The two of you had been friends for years since NXT instantly becoming peas in a pod joining WWE together and becoming a well known tag team before he joined the Judgement Day but even with his persona with them he still talks to and spends time with you leading each member of the faction to slowly spend time with and get to know you realizing immediately the feelings between the two of you that were held back for fear of rejection and losing the friendship the two of you held dear and close to your heart's until things changed as you lay your head on his shoulder feeling a sense of safety in the moment of quiet with just the two of you in the private locker room where things change in a second and changes things between the two of you, "You are dear to me" your heart flutters as you look at him closing and locking the door as you walk in the room noticing the look in his eyes that made your knees weak and your heart skip a beat as he slowly steps closer towering over you but not in a terrifying way but more in a tender way. "You're different from everyone else, I care more about you than I have shown to you and I want to show you the way i really love you if you'll let me" you nod making him smile sweetly before grabbing your chin and pulls you into a long passionate kiss following him out of the arena back to the airbnb that the two of you along with the rest of judgement day were staying in, the two of you smiled holding each other in his bedroom after seeing that everyone else had left probably for one last work out session before heading to the arena to stretch and get ready for Raw tonight which was in six hours. The two of you share a slower tender kiss turning to putty as he kisses and lightly bites your neck and shoulder sending chills throughout your body caressing your hand across his body after he took his shirt off slowly stripping you down admiring your body so gently with caresses and warm kisses before kissing down your body taking time to shower you in praises "You're not like the rest of them, God so beautiful" he takes a slow pace kissing your thighs before licking along your clit taking time to know what you liked kissing back up your body wiping the tears the flowed down your face in the moment of intimacy and vulnerability "So sweet and kind, always showing support and love for the people in your life and that made me fall for you even more than I already did" your hands intertwine together while sharing an emotional kiss as he slowly thrusts inside you. The two of you wake up two hours later slowly getting ready sharing a few small kisses before driving back to the arena stretching and talking with the rest of judgement day who notices the glances between the two of you looking at your phone when you get a text seeing it was from Rhea that said "You guys did it didn't you? 👀😏" you turn a bright red and flip the finger making Dom burst into laughter when rhea shows him the text she sent you quietly telling them about you and damian before running out for your match against Dakota Kai winning and cheering for everyone else during their matches laughing when damian lifts you in his arms sharing a kiss before hugging everyone else who each look at the two of you with faces of joy and looks that said "Finally" as you and damian change and sit in the locker room watching the rest of raw hand in hand.

#wwe x reader #wwe #damian priest #damian priest x reader

78 notes · View notes

kaihuntrr · 6 months

Text

part three: birds of a feather

The main couple of the fic finally see each other again <3

here's the cover for this arc, i very much enjoyed working on it >:D

To read the tumblr version, check out the read more!

It was good to be back.

The feeling of solid ground underneath Martyn’s boots and the crowds greeting him gave him a warm feeling. These were the people he’d given his life to, the reason he was out on the wild seas to do what he does; to protect those who couldn’t protect themselves. He’d live and die a hunter, he remembered promising to his parents, and he’d stick to it.

Buildings wedged themselves around the port, many stalls and stores at the forefront to serve the returning ships. This left the entrance to the town narrow and filled to the brim with people walking and talking. Ships of all shapes and sizes docked by the entrance along the pier. The rhythmic hum of engines was one of the first things people could hear upon entering.

Martyn ran through the streets, passing different buildings and people as he followed the familiar path.

Almost there.

It was never a dull moment in this town; children ran and played in the streets, older folk bartered with sellers, and hunters like the Canaries came by every so often to deliver their goods. But there was one place in particular Martyn frequented; the local tavern, The Golden Apple. He was very familiar with this tavern’s owner. He ran out of breath, panting as he stopped at the entrance.

Steady breaths, Martyn. Breathe in. Breathe out.

The building had a sturdy stone base, cobblestone pillars for support with walls made of spruce with a roof partially covered in moss and overgrowth. Vines of flowers spiraled up the sides, neatly trimmed bushes lining the little courtyard, tables and benches sat neatly arranged outside. It was uncommon to see buildings with so much greenery, but that just made the place all the more special. People walked in and out of the place, and Martyn took in a deep breath and smiled before opening the door.

Everything was the same, just as Martyn remembered it. Big barrels were mounted on the walls, holding all sorts of alcoholic beverages. Lanterns hung from the ceiling as jeers from the second floor rattled the interior balcony. Tables and chairs were scattered across the room, strewn with bottles and mugs and plates full of freshly cooked food. Wooden beams held up the inside, with people lying or sleeping against them as their hands gripped their drinks. People bustled around, carrying drinks and hot meals to tables and booths, sharing stories and toasting to whatever, some were dancing to the tunes the bards sang. Clinks of glass, coin, and utensils filled the air. The place was just as busy as usual.

The place was alive.

The hunters who saw Martyn greeted him with a smile, patting his back as he bowed and waved back to each one. Socializing. He’d missed that. He loved the crew, but even he could go insane if spent his entire life with them alone. But they were off preparing for the king, all he needed to worry about was Scott.

The man he was hoping to see was across the room, talking to people Martyn would rather have him not talk to.

The two hunters had their backs turned, seated on bar stools, but he knew one of them, Mythical Sausage. Not him! Sausage was a piece of work; narcissistic, rude, and a braggart. He always found ways to annoy people and had such a smug grin while he did it. The long-haired blonde beside him was probably a lackey of his. The two wore contrasting clothes, Sausage in light blues while the blonde in red, but both had a long yellow cloth hanging from their waist.

Kestrels.

Martyn didn’t want to think about it. They were loud, mischievous, and a bunch of spoiled rich brats. Sure, they were a decent faction, but this crew in particular grinded his gears. He grit his teeth.

Scott was seemingly happy in his conversation with those two, smiling and giggling, before his eyes locked with Martyn’s and his smile grew wider as he waved Martyn over. Oh boy, this was going to be something.

Scott tilted his head, Martyn was sure there was a slight tinge of red on his cheeks. “Martyn! I was wondering when you were going to return. How’s my favorite hunter doing out on the seas?” Scott always knew how to make a man blush. Heat rose in Martyn’s cheeks as he stammered, Scott resting his head on his hand as he leaned closer from the counter.

Martyn scratched the back of his head, “I’m- I’m doing great! I missed you a lot–” Scott giggled, making Martyn more nervous as his eyes looked at everything else but Scott. “The- the normal amount of missing someone.” Oh, he was messing everything up already. So much for a decent entrance and welcome back.

Scott smiled, placing his hand out on the counter, inviting Martyn to put his hand on top. He did and Scott closed his hand around Martyn’s. Scott rubbed his thumb over the hunter’s knuckles, his eyes focused on their hands before looking up at Martyn. “I missed you too.”

Sausage cleared his throat, much to Martyn’s annoyance, “Are we interrupting something, or is he cutting our conversation short?” There was clear venom in his voice, and the man’s eyes narrowed as he glared at Martyn. Martyn narrowed his eyes back and growled. He did not want to deal with them.

Scott glanced between the two Kestrels and Martyn before looking back at Sausage. “I think you are. We’ve been chatting for a while, and I’d like to entertain this one now,” he smirked, raising an eyebrow, “No hard feelings, yeah?”

The blonde Kestrel sighed, hunched over on his stool as he glared at Martyn, “Why even bother? This little songbird’s not going to fly forever, you know.”

Martyn’s grip on Scott tightened unknowingly. His eyes narrowed and he snapped, “I’d keep my mouth shut if I were you, Kestrel.” Scott placed his other hand over Martyn’s, making him flinch and loosen his grip.

Scott was here, looking at him. Martyn shouldn’t make any rash decisions. He didn’t want to cause a scene. He didn’t want Scott to have a bad opinion of him.

Just keep your mouth shut.

Sausage pushed himself off the stool, the metal screeching against the floor causing people to start staring at them. He placed his hands in his pockets, tilting his scarred face with a grin, “Fighting words for someone who used to be one, eh?”

Stay quiet.

Sausage raised his voice. “A songbird so cowardly he couldn’t fight with his crew, especially when they needed him.” If only a few people were watching earlier, Martyn was sure more had their eyes on him as Sausage spoke.

That was a long time ago. Martyn wanted to forget; thinking about the Kestrels made his head hurt. He didn’t want to live through all of that again. There were some good memories, but those final moments were…

Martyn groaned, he stared at the floor. His hands trembled, fist clenched. His eyebrows furrowed. He did not want to deal with this. With them. Too many bad memories.

Scott seemed to notice his discomfort.

Scott gave Martyn’s hand a pat, causing the blonde to look at him. Scott smiled at him before turning to the Kestrels. His smile dropped and he raised his voice, “Enough. Sausage, Joey, get out of here. I don’t want to hear about this from either of you.” Scott pulled his hands away from Martyn’s and crossed his arms, raising his eyebrows at the two of them.

It seemed like he didn’t want to deal with them either.

Sausage’s confidence dropped. He faced Scott, his brows furrowed and eyes narrowed, “Scott–” Scott placed his hands on the counter, glaring at the two Kestrels. “I said, get out,” he grinned with insincerity, leaning up towards the taller man, “Or do I have to repeat myself?”

There was an edge to Scott’s voice Martyn didn’t understand, as if the man was growling at Sausage.

The blonde, Joey, placed a hand on Sausage’s shoulder, shaking his head. Joey looked at Scott and narrowed his eyes with a sharp sigh, “Fine. We’re leaving.” Scott leaned back, his eyes still locked on the two as they retreated. The tavern was silent.

If only people could mind their own business.

Martyn looked away from the two Kestrels as they left. Joey paused close to Martyn, but neither of them looked the other in the eye. “This isn’t over, songbird.” Joey hissed. Sausage huffed and shoved Martyn against the counter. Martyn grit his teeth as the two left the tavern.

Hopefully they wouldn’t see those two again.

The tavern slowly filled back up with sound and jeers. Better than the silence from earlier. Why were they there? Talking to Scott out of everyone in here? Martyn glanced at where the two were seated, noting the lack of food or the intoxicating smell of alcohol. They were just there to talk. Maybe they knew Martyn came by this area, and this was all some scheme to guilt and taunt him back into the Kestrels. Maybe he was going crazy thinking about it. The Kestrels had left a sour taste in his mouth, and he wouldn’t want to go back to that. To them. To him. He wouldn’t go back to his ghost.

That was years ago.

Martyn flinched when Scott placed his hand over his clenched fist. Scott looked at him, his eyes narrowed in a look of worry, “Are you okay?” Martyn glanced at Scott, seeing his concern, but he turned his eyes back towards the empty stools.

He hated how much his mind focused on them.

It was spilling out of his head too, he started thinking out loud, “Why did they even come here? They didn’t even drink anything.”

Scott chuckled, rolling his eyes as a smile formed on his face. Martyn raised an eyebrow and Scott motioned to him, “You don’t drink, but you come here.”

Martyn hummed. He shrugged, giving Scott a little smirk, “Fair point. That could change though.”

Martyn was a lightweight drinker. A horrible lightweight. He never really drank, despite all the tragedies that enveloped in his life he never felt the urge to drink. The taste was awful. But Martyn could indulge himself. He was in a tavern, talking to its owner, and everyone around him drank. What’s the worst that could happen?

“It won’t change the fact that you’re a lightweight, hunter.” Scott winked at him, causing Martyn to blush. Scott raised an eyebrow, clearly amused.

Martyn hesitated. A quick shot or two won’t be so bad, right? Something to ease all this tension should be fine enough. Martyn smiled and nodded. Scott pulled out a shot glass from the bottom rack and one of the many whiskey bottles from the shelf behind him. A small ‘pop’ sounded from the bottle as Scott poured the contents into the shot glass and offered it to the hunter.

Yeah, just a couple would be fine.

Scott watched as Martyn took a sip out of his glass. A few might be fine, but drinking a shot all at once was a little too much for him. Scott closed the bottle, placing it on the lower counter as he faced Martyn. “You didn’t answer my question, though,” he leaned forward, “Are you okay?”

Martyn took another sip. Yuck. The burning sensation in the back of his throat was so weird. How are people able to drink all of this at once?

Martyn sighed, mindlessly swirling the liquid in the glass. “Yeah, I’m… I’m fine.” He took a third and final sip, chills running down his spine as he swallowed. “...I just don’t like them.”

That was simplifying. He wasn’t sure how he felt about them at all.

Scott hummed, glancing at the shot glass then back at Martyn, “Anything I should be concerned about?”

Martyn shook his head. He didn’t want Scott involved in all of that. That would probably confuse his mind even more. He stared at the ground, “No… not yet. I just…”

What was he supposed to say? Talking about the Kestrels was weird. It was like a scab he desperately wanted to scratch off, but he knew scratching it off would make him bleed. But he had to talk about it eventually, it wasn’t something that would heal on its own.

Scott popped the bottle open again, filling the glass with the weird, burning liquid, “You don’t need to say anything you don’t want to, got that? We can talk about something else.” Something else. Something else was good. Scott handed Martyn the glass, smiling, “Like how you’ve come here without any bandages this time; I’m impressed.”

Martyn laughed. He couldn’t tell if his face was heating up from either Scott’s compliment or the alcohol invading his system. “Well, a certain someone kept telling me to look after myself, so I did.”

He took a sip out of the drink. Scott snorted and giggled, and god, his smile was so pretty.

Scott rested his head on his hand, his mismatched orange and blue eyes focused on Martyn. “Do you need someone to tell you to take care of yourself?”

Scott had such pretty eyes. Martyn had never seen anyone with such vibrant eyes, he hadn’t even known someone could have both of those eye colors at once. Scott’s eyes were really pretty.

Scott was really pretty.

Martyn paused, his reactions slow as he registered the question. Martyn took another sip from his drink, formulating an answer in his head. “Yes? No– maybe? Uh…”

Wow, this alcohol was strong. He didn’t know what he was doing, but he was here with Scott. What was he so upset about earlier?

Scott laughed, a charming, adorable laugh, “Ah, it’s a bummer you don’t need anyone to do that,” he smirked, “Maybe if I tell you to take care of yourself more often, I can keep you all to myself.”

Scott moved in close to Martyn, their faces so close Martyn swore he could feel Scott’s warm breath against him, purring. He didn’t even notice Scott moving the shot glass from his hand to the lower counter.

Scott had such kissable lips. His eyes glimmered and his expression was playful and cute, the only thing running through Martyn’s mind was how this beautiful man kept flirting with him. Martyn tried to flirt back but he’d always end up a blushing mess. He probably was one at that very moment.

Martyn smirked, chuckling, “Oh, I’d like that.” He reached his hand out, wanting to hold Scott’s hand. Scott glanced down and giggled, placing his hand on top of Martyn’s and holding it. Scott had such soft, fragile skin. It felt oddly comforting next to his own, rugged hand. “Give me some time,” Martyn smiled. “Then I’ll be all yours.”

Scott sighed, leaning away. He crossed his arms. Did Martyn upset him? Scott’s eyebrows furrowed, “How long would that be?”

Martyn hadn’t thought of that. He wasn’t sure how long it’d be until he completed his goal, his purpose being a hunter. More than a protector.

Scott shook his head, “You can’t keep me waiting forever, hunter. This could be the last time you see me.”

Martyn’s shoulders slumped, his voice low, “That’s… That’s a depressing thought, Scott.”

It was a thought Martyn was familiar with. The feeling of uncertainty, being so far away that he couldn’t imagine how the other was feeling, what he was doing, or if he was even alive. It was a punch in the gut to remember how much time had passed between when they could see each other.

Scott shrugged, “I know, but these are just things you need to think about. Have you ever thought about it? Staying for a while?”

The winter months were coming, so they could spend time together then. Though if he remembered it right, Scott would be busy with something during the winter months. What that something was, however, Martyn didn’t know.

He thought about the months after winter. There was no guarantee he’d stay on land longer than a few days. There were always beasts to kill, always something new to discover, and more people to protect. He couldn’t risk being out of service for too long, even if it killed him to admit that. He was still deep into his passion for hunting, but his heart always sang a different song.

A piece of him wanted to stay, but another called to the open seas.

Martyn’s eyes shifted away from Scott as forced a smile, “Yeah...” Not now. Later on, maybe. But now? It wasn’t possible. Martyn shook his head, a dizzying feeling beginning to twist his mind as he smiled at Scott, genuinely, “I promise. One day, I’ll have a final hunt. When I do, and I come home, I’ll stay with you.”

“And what does the legendary hunter, Martyn Woods, want for his final hunt?”

Martyn looked Scott dead in the eye, his eyes widening and his smile dropped, “...A sea prince.”

Scott’s head tilted, his eyes narrowed. He didn’t say a word. Martyn stared back, equally as puzzled, “What? I’m serious!”

It was a dream of his since he was a young boy. The idea of finding and hunting such a mythical beast has been embedded in his head for a very long time.

Sea princes were folktales Martyn heard as a kid; he’d been raised with the stories his whole life. Sea princes were larger than any beasts ever seen or documented, shaping the ocean however they desired. They commanded armies of beasts to do their bidding. They bleed in glittery silver and gold, and they guarded a treasure so legendary and powerful one glance could turn any human into a god.

He wanted to prove they were real.

Scott giggled, waving his hand, “No, no, don’t worry about it.” He placed one of his hands on his hip, the other resting on the counter. “It’s just… very outlandish? Very fitting for you though.”

Martyn grinned, smiling like a little kid telling his parents he accomplished an impossible task, “Trust me, I have a whole speech planned and everything.”

Scott looked like he was about to laugh, but Martyn could tell it was because of his passion for things like this. It never ceased to amaze Scott just how much Martyn knew about the sea prince stories, the horrors they gave, and the promises of power under the waves.

Martyn puffed out his chest. “I’ll walk up to the prince and go all,” he placed a hand on his chest, his tone theatrical and playful, “The sea can finally be free of one of its biggest threats. Give up your life now, and we can start living in the new world.”

The alcohol was definitely getting to him.

Martyn paused, trying to remember the rest of his speech before Scott sat on the counter, a smirk forming as he raised an eyebrow. “Oh, and you’re sure you can kill me, a powerful beast of the ocean? I could crush you here and now,” Scott lifted Martyn’s chin, holding it in his hands as he moved closer, whispering, “Or I could eat you. You’d be like sweet candy to me, dear hunter.” He winked, sending shivers down Martyn’s spine.

Oh.

Oh he liked this.

Martyn laughed, holding Scott’s wrist, “You can’t kill me, I’ll kill you, and I’ll bring your body to shore to show all humankind that we can take down an ancient evil.” This sounded fun to play. Sea princes don’t talk though, but the thrill of it was something else.

Scott blinked and moved away from Martyn. He was back to looking confused, “...You’re serious?”

Martyn tilted his head, “Yeah? Did I say something wrong?”

He was so stupid for drinking those shots. Was Martyn supposed to play as a helpless victim then? Maybe it was better to think of that later, if they were ever alone. He realizes doing this in public is definitely a bad idea, a blush appearing on his face.

Scott shook his head, sliding off the counter, “You’re fine. I just didn’t realize how handsome you’d look while saying all that. Charming.” He winked again, giggling.

No hard feelings then. That was good. He hoped the next time they did something similar, Martyn would get it right.

Martyn nodded, internally breathing a sigh of relief. “I try to be,” Martyn hummed, thinking of what else to add. Oh, right! “Ah! I wanted to show you something, let me just get my–” He opened his satchel, only to find his sketchbook missing. He could have sworn he’d placed it in his bag. The Canaries teased him for drawing on it all the time. He knew he kept it on him. He shuffled around, checking his pockets if he placed it there instead.

Where did he put it?

Scott looked on as Martyn started to dig more furiously through his bag. Scott called out to him several times before snapping Martyn out of his thoughts, “What’s wrong?” Martyn paused, looking around before turning to the door. He turned to the empty stools.

The forceful push from Sausage. The push would’ve made him unable to notice the sketchbook being slipped out of his satchel! He should’ve really closed it. A lesson learned, but not one he wanted to learn from those Kestrels.

Martyn groaned, his face in his hands. “Those two,” Martyn huffed, Scott raised an eyebrow, tilting his head. Martyn sighed, “They took my sketchbook. I wanted to show you what I did...”

Martyn loved to show Scott the little drawings he’d of the events that happened over the month, though he would skip all the pages he’d drawn Scott on. Martyn would sometimes sneak in some live drawings when Scott was busy working and not paying attention to him. He was really, really pretty to look at. Could he be blamed for wanting to draw a pretty figure over and over?

Actually, it was a surprise Scott had been entertaining him for this long. He should’ve been called to do more work by now, but it didn’t look like a priority for him. His other workers seemed to have it covered.

Scott cooed, a blush rising to his face, “You’re sweet. I’ll get it back for you, promise.” Martyn shook his head. He could do it. Sure, he’d hate having to confront them, but it was his sketchbook. Scott shouldn’t be the one covering for him on that. The blame was on Martyn for forgetting to close his bag properly.

Scott didn’t budge. His eyes narrowed, “They make you uncomfortable, Martyn. Let me do this.” He raised an eyebrow, gently tapping Martyn’s shoulder, “Let’s just call this an ‘I owe you’ kind of deal. So you’ll owe me a favor.”

Martyn could sense something stirring in Scott’s head. A deal sounded interesting to say the least, especially from Scott, “What kind of deal would it be, then?”

“I don’t know, maybe something…” Scott glanced at the ceiling, his voice trailing off. Martyn leaned in and Scott smirked, “...special, for the two of us. What do you think?”

“Deal.”

Martyn had never agreed to anything faster than that.

Scott giggled, but his eyes landed on the door as it swung open. “Good– ah, just in time. Your hunter is right here, mostly in the right headspace.” Who was he talking to– oh.

Martyn looked behind him to see Grian and Joel, glancing between him and Scott. Martyn gave them a small wave.

Joel’s eyes widened as he looked at Martyn, “Scott, did you give him alcohol?” Scott technically didn’t give Martyn alcohol, at least he thinks so. Martyn asked for it, Scott shouldn’t take the blame for it.

Scott shrugged, “Only a little. He needed to loosen up a bit.” He raised his hands up to his chest, “Entirely on me and free of charge, don’t worry about it.”

If Martyn wasn’t such a lightweight, maybe he would’ve been able to drink a little more…. Didn’t he hate the taste of alcohol? The burning feeling sucked, but spending time with Scott made it oh so delicious and addicting.

Grian nudged Martyn’s shoulder, chuckling, “Don’t say anything stupid when we’re at the castle, Martyn.” Grian looked at Scott and smiled. Martyn didn’t know much of Grian and Scott’s relationship, but Grian would sometimes drink, if not for fun, then….

There are so many things not to think about.

Grian waved at the tavernkeep, “We’ll see you around, Scott. It was good to see you again.”

Scott nodded in response. Grian and Joel each held one of Martyn’s shoulders as they brought him out. “You two as well,” Scott called after them, “Safe travels!” Martyn looked back to see Scott waving at them, a grin forming over his face as he winked. Martyn blushed, smiling back. Oh, he had missed Scott. He had missed him a lot.

#the sea prince au #sea prince chapters #limited life smp #limited life #life series #life smp #trafficblr #majorwood #mean gills #coral kids #scottyn #scott smajor #smajor95 #smajor fanart #dangthatsalongname #martyn inthelittlewood #martyn itlw #inthelittlewood #inthelittewood fanart

109 notes · View notes

brujitaadinbo · 7 days

Text

hello everyone… late coming back but here I am to close this segment of "enemies then lovers" with one of my favorite couples in Naruto and I can assure you that it has so many parallels with Din and Bo katan.

"Shikamaru and Temari" or for fans of this shipment "ShikaTema"

And the truth is that the similarities in both couples are very obvious.

For example; age. Even with a small difference, Temari is a little older than Shikamaru.

Just as Bo Katan can be a little older than Din but without exceeding the rank so much.

After Shikamaru, belonging to another village and another tribe, which at first were in conflict with Konoha, later the Sand village (to which Temari belongs), becomes an ally, since Naruto and Gaara are involved in this. This is how Shikamaru and Temari begin to unite more in joint missions and as allies in battle.

Coincidentally (obviously not LOL) Din and Bo katan unite their tribes to then resolve quarrels between both groups and get them to get along and this is when Din and Bo begin to be battle allies and feel closer, more intimate.

Shikamaru and Temari at first were enemies in combat, they did not get along but coincidentally, for some reason he feels attracted to her and allows her to take command in some circumstances.

She also felt him as an enemy but suddenly she felt the energy he emanated, an attraction for him, which several times made her save his life, when this boy got into trouble.

When the villages become allies and become companions and allies in battle, you feel the chemistry in both characters, they talk very closely, they support each other, they take care of each other, there is previous flirtation, glances, very notable body language. Even Naruto himself (who is supposed to be a fool in these matters LOL) manages to see the interaction in both.

The best of all is that even though Shikamaru's character is very apathetic and tends to be discreet in certain aspects, with Temari he usually looks very different and seems in love. When Temari feels this, she falls too. And although her character is strong and tough, she can become bossy, with him, she begins to give in. It is a healthy relationship in certain ways and at the end of the day they are mature, bilateral feelings are noticeable.

And if we go with Din and Bo katan; We find that they first hated each other, Din spitting at Bo Katan that his only priority was the child, she calling him a fanatic. Afterwards the relationship improves, they come together, they become stronger; They manage to remedy their problems between both of them and between their factions. You feel the chemistry between them, as allies, companions and friends.

But suddenly you start noticing things they do and you think "ok; friends don't do this, because well "Friends don't look at each other like that, they don't approach each other like that, they don't talk to each other like that."

You begin to see that dynamic of looks, their body language, their way of speaking and their dynamics. Obviously you can't avoid shipping them.

I'm hoping Din and Bo end up like Shikamaru and Temari; together, happy and with many family adventures ahead.

This is the way.

#the mandalorian #star wars #dinbo #bo katan kryze #bo katan x din #din djarin #bokadin #din x bo #this is the way #clandetres #lucasfilm #naruto #shikamaru x temari #shikamaru nara #temari #temari x shikamaru

13 notes · View notes

best-underrated-anime · 6 months

Text

Best Underrated Anime Group I Round 1: #I8 vs #I1

#I8: Magical girl club gets silly and depressing

In her everyday life, Yuuna Yuuki is a hero. As proof, she is in her middle school's Hero Club, where she does her best to help others and bring a smile to everyone's face.

But Yuuna, always up to any task, is about to become an even bigger hero. Mysterious destructive forces called Vertexes begin threatening the world she loves, and the Hero Club is called upon by a strange phone app to save it. Along with her best friend Mimori Tougou, as well as sisters Fuu and Itsuki Inubouzaki, they must transform into magical girls in order to battle the Vertexes.

#I1: The 86 are forced to fight someone else’s war.

According to the Republic of San Magnolia, their ongoing war against the Giadian Empire has no casualties—however, that is mere propaganda. While the silver-haired Alba of the Republic's eighty-five sectors live safely behind protective walls, those of different appearances are interned in a secret eighty-sixth faction. Known within the military as the Eighty-Six, they are forced to fight against the Empire's autonomous Legion under the command of the Republican "Handlers."

Vladilena Milizé is assigned to the Spearhead squadron to replace their previous Handler. Shunned by her peers for being a fellow Eighty-Six supporter, she continues to fight against their inhumane discrimination. Shinei Nouzen is the captain of the Spearhead squadron. Infamous for being the sole survivor of every squadron he's been in, he insists on shouldering the names and wishes of his fallen comrades.

Titles, propagandas, trailers, and poll under the cut!

#I8: Yuuki Yuuna is a Hero (Yuuki Yuuna wa Yuusha de Aru)

youtube

Propaganda:

I adored this show from the moment I watched it because throughout it all, it’s hopeful. These girls go through a lot. A LOT. A lot of horrible, horrible things, and yet they bounce back. These girls bounce back pretty much every single time and do anything to help their friends do the same. To me, that is insanely inspiring.

The cast of characters here are also insanely compelling. They feel like actual, real friends—doing things together, hanging out, comforting each other and laughing with them all the same. This point I feel helps that sense of hope this show has absolutely.

The character designs in general too are absolutely breathtaking, and are nothing like I’ve ever seen from any other magical girl anime. Also, one last thing: this show’s soundtrack is done by MONACA. MONACA is also known for doing the first two NieR games. Take that what you will :)

Trigger Warnings: Flashing Lights, Self-Harm, Suicide

#I1: 86 (Eighty-Six)

youtube

Propaganda:

The characterization and character development in this show is amazing. It also has a very good depiction of survivor’s guilt/mental health, which you don’t see a lot. The animation is great and the soundtrack is done by Hiroyuki Sawano, who’s amazing and it’s one of the best soundtracks for a show ever.

Trigger Warnings: Child Abuse, Graphic Depictions of Cruelty/Violence/Gore, Racism, Suicide.

A main subject of the show is racism. Active war, lots of violence. Character acts without regard for their life, so suicide was included. Child abuse relates to the backstory of a character.

If you’re reblogging and adding your own propaganda, please tag me @best-underrated-anime so that I’ll be sure to see it.

#anime #best underrated anime #polls #poll tournament #tournament #anime tournament #animation #animated show #group stage #group stage round 1 #tournament polls #group i #yuuki yuna is a hero #86 #86 anime #yuuki yuuna wa yuusha de aru #eighty-six

40 notes · View notes

bullet-prooflove · 2 months

Text

Beachside: Arlo Turk x Reader (NCIS:LA)

Tagging: @kmc1989 @alexlynn16 @mini-bee-bee @scorpio-1357

I just love him so much, your honor!

The water has always been a soothing place for Arlo, it’s one of the reasons he lives in a rundown yellow mobile home just a few footsteps from the beach. He doesn’t need much for him and Deogey, just a place to lay his head and chill his beers. They’d lived in much worse places back in Mexico, his last place of residence had been a camp bed in the corner of the garage he’d ‘owned’.

The first thing he does every morning is surf. It helps to clear his head of the nightmares that plague his sleep. He takes Deogey with him, the German Shephard likes to sniff out the driftwood along the shore while Arlo’s on the water.

Things are a little different today because you slept over last night. The two of you had laid outside on a blanket looking up at the stars until the early hours of the morning, holding hands, sipping beer. He’d spent the night telling you about all the shit he’d gotten up to in Mexico, the good, the bad and the down right ugly. You had told him about the man after him, the one you’d left at the alter because you just couldn’t bring yourself to close the door on Arlo.

They still call you Runaway Bride back at the office.

He leaves you to sleep in, his fingertips brushing the hair away from your peaceful features as his lips brush over your forehead. He still can’t believe what a lucky son of a bitch he is. Most women would have run a mile after laying eyes on this place, not you though, never you. You get why he needs to be this close to the ocean, how it helps to quiet his mind.

He spends a couple of hours out on the water, catching waves, letting his mind process the details of what you’d told him last night. He can’t stop thinking about what your life would have looked like if you’d gone through with the wedding, if you’d married Michael Plank, the man whose making a run for governor.

You would have been bored to death, he knows it.

The reason the two of you work so well is because you’re wired the same way he is. The difference is you just hide it better.

The best sex he's ever had was in the cab of his truck after you’d been caught in the crossfire between a couple of warring cartel factions. All that adrenaline spiking through your system, it was like putting a spark to a keg of gunpowder when the two of you were together.

Raw. Passionate. Explosive.

He’d worn your brand all over his skin for weeks after that. Love bites, scratch marks, fingertip bruising, each and every single one a reminder of just how good you fucked him.

A man like Michael Plank couldn’t keep up with that. He couldn’t understand the thrill, the excitement, not the way Arlo does. He would have tried to temper that fire, douse it. Arlo, he just wants to let it burn, he wants it to shine so fucking bright it dazzles anyone who looks at it.

His gaze flickers up to the beach and he sees you sitting there on the shore, wearing one of his t-shirts and the pair of denim shorts he’d tugged down your thighs last night when he was going down on you. You have a cup of coffee in one hand and Deogey’s rope toy in the other. The German Shephard shakes his head as he tries to yank it from your hand but you hold firm, making him work for it.

Arlo can’t help but smile as he sits on the surfboard and watches the two of you. He never thought he’d have this again, that he’d feel happiness in his heart. Being back here in LA, it’s good for him, you’re good for him, and when you look up and give him that smile, he thinks he may be good for you too.

Love Arlo? Don’t miss any of his stories by joining the taglist here.

Interested in supporting me? Join my Patreon for Bonus Content!

Like My Work? - Why Not Buy Me A Coffee

#arlo turk x reader #arlo turk x you #arlo turk #ncis los angeles #ncis la #max martini

14 notes · View notes

deathbirby · 1 month

Note

TIL that the way Japan views silent protagonists is much different from how the west sees them. It has ties to Buddhism and how Japan view the "self" much more differently than the west, with more de-emphasis on the "self"/individuality and instead trying to connect with other people and nature with the idea that "everything is transient and we're all suffering so we should connect with one another and support each other." or something along those lines.

With that in mind, I think the idea to make Byleth the silent protagonist in 3H was intentional on the developer's end, especially when you consider the other ties into Buddhism the game has with the "Enlightened One/Nirvana" mentioning how CF is the "Path of the Beast", and even with how the game is structured by bonding and forming relationships with the class/faction you choose and trying to help people out. 3H really is a Buddhist-centric game.

damn this gave me a brain blast moment

i always viewed it as byleth just being a stoic silent mercenary thing but this is very cool. 3h does seem to take a lot from buddhism

#grey borb #fe3h #damn #idk what to add to this #this is just #mwah

9 notes · View notes

transparencyboo · 7 months

Text

I recently played through Mystic Ark (1995) each night before bed during the last week or so. I initially saw a promotion for the game next to Terranigma (a longtime favorite) in a Famitsu magazine earlier this year, and got mesmerized by its Labyrinth-esque cover artwork in particular. I immediately knew I had to play whatever this was.

So I took the slowburn approach by first going through The 7th Saga and Brain Lord, two previous games by developers Produce. While not remotely essential for this venture, they still gave me some neat context and groundwork for the game's roots. I think they ultimately helped me appreciate this game all the more.

In Mystic Ark you wake up alone on a desolate eerie island and need to travel to different worlds in search of the titular arks to grow stronger and regain your freedom. These worlds act as self-contained stories with distinct vibes, genres and presentation. It's a delightfully novel idea for a game to take an anthology approach, and I wish more games would attempt this because it's highly effective in keeping up intrigue and wonder. Every time you depart for the next world is a big mystery and you usually need a moment to piece together what each new tale is gonna be about.

For example, the first world is a light hearted tale about war and conflict told through two rivalling factions of pirate cats. The game sees you meandering in back-and-forth fetch quests to support both sides' advances towards the same goal, it has a lot of cheeky humor about this and presents itself in a very cute and endearing fashion.

Another story has you enter a mysteriously abandoned world devoid of even monsters, only populated by a few orphaned children who play in a ghost town by day and then go home to a mansion run by a suspicious nun. As you go along with their antics and babysit them out of dangerous situations, the situation only keeps getting stranger.

One world in particular locks you inside a horror story without your party members, as you work your way through a labyrinthine haunted house by solving puzzles interspersed by ominous scribbles by a paranoid previous resident. The atmosphere hangs heavy and the suspension has you on needles, it's a lovely showcase of Mystic Ark's core concept that it effectively pulls these twists and turns without ever feeling jarring.

One aspect I enjoyed in particular was the semi-point and click flavour in your interactions with the world. Many points will pull up an extra menu with a nice picture of what you're looking at and various options of how to fiddle and prod at it. Supposedly the 1999 Playstation sequel Mystic Ark: Maboroshi Gekijo leaned even further into this, and I'm not at all surprised. Would love to play it whenever someone decides to translate it or I get good enough at Japanese. Whichever one comes first.

Mystic Ark is a gorgeous and rich experience that continuously rewards the player for sticking with it. Even though the individual tales all have satisfying conclusion, the game still maintains a lot of mystery by keeping the finer points untold. You rarely get the full picture and that only helps to make you keep wondering. The ending to the game itself is as vague as it begins, and allows for many different interpretations. My take is that the game, through its anthology structure, tells us about the many little worlds we can find all around us, the stories that reside in anything. The worlds are entered by interacting with regular objects like a ship model, a painting or a storybook, and recurringly we must return to the island to gather figurines of lost actors in the stories to progress. I think Mystic Ark emphasises the player's power as a sort of story teller, fiddling with the plots in interesting ways, to build a genuine interest. At the end we are seemingly encouraged to take this depiction of narratives and inspiration to go out into our own world and find our own stories to tell.

It's a mesmerizing all-timer and for sure a new favorite of mine. /Kiki

(Extra note: The game was only released in Japan, so I played a fan translation. There are two of them and after some comparison I went with the one by Dynamic Design because it felt a bit more vibrant and inspired in its word choices. Your preference may differ though and they both seem to be good.)

#mystic ark #enix #super nintendo

24 notes · View notes

midwestmade29 · 4 months

Text

Changes ❤️‍🩹

To Anonymous: Thanks for sending in your request! One of my favorite parts about it was picturing Adam as a protective big brother 🥺 so cute! I hope you enjoy it 🖤 Original anonymous request: Ooo sis, anyway I can request a Christian Cage , Copeland!Sister Reader imagine? The reader is obviously Adam’s younger sister and they all grew up up together, fast forward to present day, Christian and the reader are together and have been a long time (possibly even engaged, your choice) and it’s a relationship that’s been played up some for the fans throughout the years they’ve been there. I can see the reader being due for a heel turn and was suppose to be aligned with her lover but when her brother arrives, plans change tremendously. Instead she’s pushed harder as a baby face and with that comes a bit of heart break. Instead she’s aligned with her brother against their child hood best friend and the love of her life and apparently Christian gets a new on screen lover in Shayna. The reader ends up breaking things off at that and Christian spends weeks and months trying to show her there’s no one else and never will be and that nothing is happening between him and Shayna no matter what’s portrayed on screen. He even has to go as far as to have Shayna try and talk to her. I can even see Adam wanting to kill him a bit because even though that’s his bestfriend, she’s his baby sister, and he’ll go to war over her.

I don't really have any disclaimers for this story. There are a few curse words and jealousy is portrayed throughout, but that's about it! 🙂

GIFs are not mine. All credit goes to their original creators. I selected each GIF to help further visualize each part of the story.

Word count: 1,469

Big changes are in store for you when your big brother signs with AEW...

“I’ve made the decision to sign with AEW! Looks like the gang is getting back together!” your big brother beamed while squeezing you in a tight bear hug. For the duration of Adam’s career, he worked for a different wrestling company. His contract with them had just run out and he had a decision to make, retire or join his little sister and best friend in AEW. You, Adam, and Christian grew up together and it was rare for the 3 of you not to be seen together. Ever since you were kids, you and Christian were smitten with each other! Your relationship was still going strong even after all these years. At first, it took Adam some time to get used to seeing his best friend and little sister kiss and hold hands, but once he saw just how happy you and Christian were together, he gave your relationship his full support. You remembered Adam telling you about the conversation he had with Christian after he found out the two of you were together. It’s funny thinking back to it now, but at the time, you were so embarrassed! You can only imagine the look Christian must’ve had on his face when your 6-foot 5 brother warned him that if he ever broke your heart, he would knock his teeth so far down his throat that he would have to stick a toothbrush up his ass to brush them. Thankfully, that never happened! (😂)

At first, you were ecstatic having your brother work for the same company as you and Christian, but after he made his debut, it set off a series of pretty big changes. Before Adam arrived, the plan was for you to join Christian’s faction, turning heel and shed your babyface ways. It had been several years since you and Christian were aligned together, so being side by side again was something you both were looking forward to! He was the most diabolical heel and the hottest commodity in the biz, and you couldn’t wait to join forces and show the world just how powerful the two of you are together! Somewhere along the way, a new storyline had been decided on, aligning you with Adam instead. You were to remain a babyface and work alongside him to try and put an end to Christian’s tyranny and get justice for all his wrongdoings. The fans LOVED seeing you, Adam, Christian and Luchasaurus interact together! Everything was going well until Christian took AEW’s newest signee under his wing.

Nick Wayne was officially “All Elite” at the young age of 18. He had already been dubbed the hottest thing since sliced bread! You and Christian realized right away how talented Nick was and the 3 of you really hit it off! What you didn’t realize was Nick’s mother Shayna and him were a packaged deal. The decision for her to be Christian’s new onscreen lover was one you were very conflicted about. Shayna, Christian and you had set some ground rules and boundaries that you all were comfortable with. Things started to get messy when your jealousy rose to the surface, putting a strain on your and Christian’s relationship. “You’re spending an awful lot of time with her, Christian. I just don’t like the way she looks at you or how she’s always near you. I thought I was okay with the two of you working together, but it turns out I’m not.” You explained to him. “Y/N, I promise you have nothing to worry about. Shayna is a coworker and nothing more. What’s portrayed onscreen is 100% an act.”

He kissed her. Right in front of you, your brother, and the entire world. You and Adam watched Christian and Shayna lock lips from across the ring with your mouths wide open and hearts hammering against your chests. Your natural response was to waltz across the ring and stop them, but Adam held out his arm to hold you back. The cameras were eating up the situation from all angles, so he knew you had to stay in character. Somehow you managed to pull yourself together and finish the segment, even though your heart was aching. Once the 4 of you were backstage, you couldn’t hold in your hurt any longer. “What the hell was that?!” you shouted. “Whose idea was it for the two of you to kiss? Someone please tell me who thought locking lips on live TV was a good idea!” Adam was standing next to you seething, his voice filled with irritation when he spoke to his best friend, “Hey, dumbass! My sister asked you a question! I suggest you start talking.” “Y/N, I know you’re upset. I’m sorry for not telling you beforehand! It was a last-minute decision and there wasn’t enough time to run it by you. I can assure you the kiss meant nothing, and it was strictly for storyline purposes,” Christian explained, but you didn’t want to hear any of it. “You know, I think what hurts the most is that you chose to go through with something that you knew would upset me. Your kiss twisted fantasy and reality together so much that I’m not even sure if it was real or not! You played with fire Christian, but I’m the one that ended up getting burned.”

Days turned into weeks, and they all seemed to blur together. This had been the longest you had ever gone without talking to or seeing Christian. The night of the disastrous promo, you told him that you needed some time apart and he protested of course. He apologized for kissing Shayna and for not talking to you about it first. He admitted that it was a poor lack of judgement on his part and reiterated that the kiss meant nothing, but you still walked away. You had missed phone calls and text messages from him that you couldn’t bring yourself to answer. The large vase of flowers he sent you last week were wilting on the table. Christian even had Shayna try and talk to you about everything! Adam tried to remain neutral on the situation but was ready to go to war over his little sister if he needed too. Seeing his little sister and his best friend like this bothered him greatly, but he stayed out of it. That is, until one night when you were at his house having dinner with him, Beth, and your nieces.

“Christian wanted me to give this to you. I tried refusing, but the crestfallen look on his face when I told him no persuaded me. Just open it and see what it says Y/N. If not for him, do it for your big brother.” Adam handed you an envelope after saying his peace. A battle between your head and your heart went on all night as you tried to decide which one to listen to about opening the envelope or not. Once you were home, your heart ended up winning the fight! It hammered against your chest as you ripped the envelope open, revealing a folded-up piece of paper inside. Tears welled in your eyes as they read over the words you had written to Christian after having your very first fight years ago.

“A life with love will have some thorns, but a life without love will have no roses. To the world, you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.” -Dr. Seuss

You are my world, Christian. I’m sorry about earlier. Forgive me? -Y/N

Your phone dinged on the counter while you read over your letter again. You were going to ignore it, but something told you see what it was about.

Christian: Adam told me he gave you the letter. My world has been filled with thorns without you, Y/N. I’m sorry for everything. Please forgive me.

You drove as fast as you could to Christian. When he opened the door, you threw your arms around his neck, almost knocking him over from the force. He wrapped his arms around you in return, holding on tightly as if he was afraid you would run away if he let go. Both of you tried to speak at the same time, but Christian insisted on going first. “I was so stupid to risk everything we have for work. I’m sorry for being so insensitive to your feelings and not telling you about everything first. Your feelings matter and they are important to me, just like mine were to you after we had our first fight. I’ve kept that letter all this time, and I read it often. When you gave me that letter, that was the moment I knew that there was no one else in the world for me, and there never will be Y/N.”

16 notes · View notes