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paperback-rascal · 2 years

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Have you ever wondered why in my take on archer!Crosshair, the sniper always use short, recurve bow?

Here is an answer! :D

It’s because his skill were refined by... Ewok warriors after Clone Force 99 was stranded on the moon of Endor after a mission went awry.

A bit of context for this drawing:

I hate energy bows.

I think their design defeat the purpose of a bow. Anyone who knows me slightly better, witnessed my whining about that topic at least once.

I.just.don’t.like.them.

Thanks to The Clone Wars and The Bad Batch I was sure Star Wars just... don’t have regular archery, that range of weaponry in Star Wars was either sticks and stones or blaster bolts with nothing in between.

Until...

one day, (few months ago), when I was watching/refreshing Star Wars movies with @kalm5 there was this scene in RotJ where Ewoks were fighting against Empire with... normal, traditional BOWS and ARROWS.

My faith in Star Wars was restored but @/kalm5 was flooded with DMs about that scene, ultimately shaping this idea into existance.

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STAR WARS © George Lucas/ Dave Filoni/ LucasFilm/ Disney

#star wars #star wars the clone wars #star wars the bad batch #the clone wars #clone wars #TCW #the bad batch #bad batch #tcw crosshair #TBB #tbb crosshair #CT-9904 #Ewoks #star wars ewoks #archery #archer!Crosshair #clone force 99 #CF99 #fanart

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swiftieunicat · 1 year

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the archer by taylor swift radiates major crosshair vibes (and also yoyok and bad blood to some extent)(someone should make a fancam ;) )

#crosshair tbb #the bad batch #tbb #crosshair #taylor swift #the archer #lover album #star wars

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shellshooked · 1 year

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I’ve been the archer, i’ve been the prey

Tell me, could ever leave me darling?

But who could stay?

Can we talk about omega’s characterisation in the latest episode and how she’s reacting to change around her because omg.

it reminded me of the bracca arc in season 1 where she warned hunter about the chip surgery, saying ”then i’ll be left here, with no one” and it CLEARLY shows that being abandoned /left alone is her absolute worst fear (hence why she wanted to leave kamino w tbb so badly) and in the span of the same few months she witnessed crosshair leaving, echo leaving, and the marauder, her home, where she had her very first own room, stolen—and it made me realise, that in her eyes, her worst fear is slowly coming true. Bit by bit, she’s scared the batch will eventually leave her. I’ve seen people call her ”whiny” or even ”annoying” this episode, but that’s not nearly the case.

She’s not whiny. She’s terrified.

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dreamless-daydreamer · 2 months

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TBB as Taylor Swift Songs- A Playlist

So I finally finished the series and decided to cap it off with a collection, including songs that I didn't do an analysis on, but considered doing or I think fits the character or relationship. Obviously if the songs have romance in them we're ignoring that bit(Although there is one at the end...)

The Bad Batch

This is why we can't have nice things

Long Live

Eyes Open

Epiphany

The Great War

Hunter

The Archer*

Out of the Woods

Tell me Why

Wrecker

New Year's Day*

Shake it Off

Hit's Different

Tech

Forever and Always*

If this Was a Movie

This is me Trying

Crosshair

The Alcott*

Bad Blood

Castles Crumbling

Echo

Evermore*

Tied Together with a Smile

Breathe

Omega

Peace*

Cold as You

The Outside

Who’s afraid of little old me?

Duos

Wrecker + Crosshair - That's When

Hunter + Omega - Never Grow Up

Omega + Wrecker - Begin Again

Crosshair + Tech - Exile*

Hunter + Crosshair - My Tears Ricochet*

Omega + Echo - Safe and Sound

Crosshair + Omega - State of Grace

Hunter + Echo - Dorothea

Tech - Omega - Sweet Nothing

Bonus

Tech + Phee

Message in a Bottle

… Ready for It?

If you enjoyed please like and reblog! It means a lot. If you have any suggestions comment down below and maybe I'll add them.

#star wars #the bad batch #tbb #bad batch #star wars the bad batch #star wars tbb #tbb echo #tbb hunter #tbb omega #tbb crosshair #tbb wrecker #tbb tech #phee genoa #tech the bad batch

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darklightcannon · 4 months

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THE BAD BATCH+REX+FIVES(+bonus) as Taylor Swift songs and albums

As a Star Wars fan AND a swiftie, I sometimes relate my favorite characters to some songs and also albums so I wanted to share my thoughts on a few taylor songs that remind me of my fav clones + the bad batch!

Disclaimer: those are my personal thoughts i have towards them based on the shows and fanfics I’ve read so you might disagree but feel free to tell me your own thoughts too!! or to add a few songs!

Rex:

album: midnights

songs: the lucky one, i think he knows, style, you are in love, is it over now?, delicate, so it goes…, the archer, epiphany, long story short, the great war, hits different, karma

Fives:

album: 1989

songs: blank space, how you get the girl, come back… be here, our song, the very first night, sparks fly, last kiss, superman, sad beautiful tragic, i wish you would, king of my heart

Echo:

album: evermore/folklore

songs: this is me trying, marjorie, evermore, right where you left me, it’s nice to have a friend, forever winter, begin again, new year’s day

Hunter:

album: red

songs: red, haunted, the way i loved you, i can see you, I almost do, stay stay stay, the last time, the moment i knew, out of the woods, wildest dreams, gorgeous, dress, false god, ivy, maroon, midnight rain

Tech:

album: speak now

songs: enchanted, electric touch, you belong with me, the story of us, gold rush, coney island, sweet nothing, call it what you want, ours, speak now

Wrecker:

album: lover

songs: i’m only me when i’m with you, mine, lover, me!, you need to calm down, paper rings, hey stephen

Crosshair:

album: reputation

songs: look what you made me do, i did something bad, don’t blame me, i knew you were trouble, you all over me, mr. perfectly fine, better man, innocent, babe, bad blood, this love, say don’t go, illicit affairs, you’re losing me

bonus❤️

Omega:

albums: fearless/debut

songs: the best day, fearless, stay beautiful, a place in this world, fifteen, you’re on your own kid, never grow up

Thank you for reading ❤️

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angelltheninth · 5 months

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Smut prompt 1. and 28. with big himbo Wrecker and an afab/Reader?

Wrecker is so cute in the show. I love big softies, hope to see a lot more content with him when the next rolls out.

Pairing: Wrecker x afab!Reader

Tags: smut, nsfw, implied polyamory, rough sex,, size kink, dirty talk, praise, fingering, teasing

Word count: 1.2k

A/N: I feel like Wrecker would be really careful when he has sex. At least at first, before you give him the green light to completely ruin you.

1. “I’d hold onto something if I were you.” + 28. “I just want to please you.”

Wrecker waited patiently with his arms crossed over his large chest as you bid goodnight to the rest of the Batch, kissing each of them on the cheek and then ruffling Omega's hair, at which the small archer giggled. They were off for a quick supply run, which gave you and Wrecker, hopefully enough time, to do what you needed, no wanted to do for about a week now.

"Quit your pouting Wrecker, we finally have some time alone." You had your arm wrapped around his, leading him towards his room. "Be happy."

"Yeah, yeah. Not fair that you spent time alone with my brothers first. Lucky bastards." He grumbled as he typed in the code to unlock the door, "I wanted to punch that stupid smirk off Crosshair's smug face all week."

There was only one way to shut him up now, you knew that well, "Don't think about him right now. We only have an hour or so before they're back, lets use it wisely. I just want to please you. It's only about you and me tonight. Okay big guy?" You landed a kiss on his chin, the only thing you could reach with the very noticeable height and size difference between you two.

"Yeh, alright." Instead of bending down he just picked you up like you weigh nothing at all. Given his huge mass and strength it was a small feat for him, "Gonna rock your world tonight babe."

Your lips met in a kiss, he didn't even break it to open the door, stumbling in, his arms cradling you protectively and with the slight possessiveness too. As your fingers itched under his armor he let out a little hum, his lips chasing yours as you pulled away from his arms. "Don't look at me like that, I need to get these clothes off."

His hands were faster, tugging and pushing until you were naked and pushed against the edge of the bunk beds.

Once again he demonstrated his might, lifting you up on his bunk and spreading your legs wide. Your pussy now at the perfect height to be eaten out by him. "Hey, Wrecker, we don't have time for- mmnn!"

"This is my time with you." He moves his lips against your clit, sending shivers up and down your spine, all the way down to your curling toes, "I decide how I wanna spend it. And I just wanna please you." His words made your hips jerk forward, seeking the warmth of his tongue, "Getting wet for me already girlie." You barely stifled a moan when he introduced his thick finger to your tight pussy. "Tight too. Guess they haven't been doing a good enough job with you these past days. I'll show them how it's done heh."

He kept prodding with his finger, uncoordinated, but touching every pleasurable spot due to it's thickness. Too bad he still had his gloves on. You loved them on Tech or Crosshair, but for those like Wrecker or Hunter, with such rough and scared hands, you wanted to feel everything.

"Take it off." You managed to whisper between your mewls.

"What ever you say pretty lady." But not before he pressed one more kiss against your clit and felt it pulse against his tongue. "Be right back to you. Don't get off without me."

Almost. You almost did, but you were too busy tearing your own clothes off. You could feel your empty cunt pulsing as you watched his back flex in that tight shirt when he bent down to take his pants and underwear off. Then there was his huge, veiny pulsing cock, dripping precum own the length and some on his abs too. Without much thought your fingers pushed into your pussy, three at once, making sure you were ready as soon as he got on top of you.

"Hey! What'd I say huh? No having fun without me!" Such a big man, such a cute pout, such a big fucking dick, getting closer and closer as he climbed on the bunk bed and made room for himself between your legs, "Now whose the one teasin'?" His hand wrapped around your wrist, lips turning into a sly smirk when you let out a whimper at your cunt being empty again. "Only three? You should know I'm thicker then that."

"Must have forgot. Won't you remind me?" You mirrored his smirk, and hooked your legs on his hips. You loved how he allowed himself t be pulled forward by you, all the way until his broad, bulbus cocktip pushed just past your entrance.

"I'd hold onto something if I were you." The sturdiest thing you could find was Wrecker himself, more specifically his shoulders. Your eyes roamed around his body for a moment, taking in every burn, stabbing wound, blaster scar and scratch. Pride swelled in your chest when you remembered some of those scratches were left by you scratching in the same place over and over before they had the time to heal.

As he pushed his cock inside you could feel every thick inch spreading your cunt. It was all to happy to take his girth, giving a little flutter when Wrecked bottomed out inside you. He may have teased you before but he sure as hell wasn't holding back now, thrusting so hard and deep your pussy didn't even have time to tighten before it was split open by his cock. It was a well known fact that he and his brothers didn't know what downtime was, they always found something to do, in many cases that something involved you in some way.

Wrecker was a soldier on a mission. And that mission was reminding your cunt how much it could take, and pushing the limits of it every time. "Wanna come inside you tonight babe. Wanna give your nice pussy a huge creampie."

Thank fucking Force you couldn't get pregnant then. You got that perinatally taken care of when Hunter gave you a scare. "I want that to big guy. Can you feel how much I want it?" Your gave his cock a tight squeeze with your inner walls, eliciting a rumble from him that some could easily mistake for a growl. "Been wanting you to do it all day."

"Gonna do it all night then." He promised as he lifted you into a hug, his body hunched over you, laving almost no space between your bodies. Deeper, faster, harder as the bed protected under your combined weight, "Tight. So tight. Missed this."

You trembled and clenched around him, fully locked around him, arms, legs and pussy too, your back arching into him, "Wrecker, fuck! Don't stop, getting closer!"

So was he, as uncoordinated as ever, no plan, only pleasure.

Your body went rigid as you felt him come inside you. "Wre- ah!" You couldn't summon the will to talk, only focused on how wonderful it felt to have him coming undone on top of you, his huge body shaking, his eyes shut and that strong jaw clenched tight as his kept rutting his hips into yours until the pleasure subsided.

He fell on top of you, or would have if he didn't have enough in him to roll to the side. With your body still locked around him it was easy to feel every laugh that left his body. "How was that babe?"

"Rough." Worry flashed across his face for a moment before you cupped his cheek and pulled him into a kiss, "It was just what I needed Wrecker. Thank you."

"Ah, shucks, you're gonna get me all embaressed now." That was the cutest thing about him. Out off all of his brothers he was the easiest and by far the most fun to tease.

#star wars #star wars x reader #the bad batch #the bad batch x reader #wrecker x reader #star wars smut #star wars imagine #the bad batch smut #the bad batch imagine #tbb x reader #tbb smut #tbb imagines #tbb fanfiction #star wars fanfiction #the bad batch fanfiction

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archetypesanalysis · 2 months

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Crosshair's Innate Archetype (Part 2)

This is the sixth instalment of my Bad Batch analysis. This character analysis has two parts: innate archetypes and anima. I will be referring to “Gods in Everyman” by Jean Shinoda Bolen for this first part analysis. This innate archetype analysis is split into two parts.

Part 1 | Part 2

Apollo is the God of the Sun, and he is second only to Zeus as the most important Greek god. The Romans called him “Apollo” like the Greeks, or “Phoebus”, which means “bright, shining, pure”. He is also the god of the arts (especially of music, dance and poetry), prophecy and archery. He is the lawgiver and punisher of wrongs, the protector of herdsmen, and the patron of medicine, who can also bring plagues. He is often depicted with a bow and a lyre, and the laurel is his sacred plant. His two famous precepts, “Know thyself” and “Nothing in excess” are inscribed on his temple at Delphi. Although he is noted for clarity and form, he has a lesser-known darker aspect, with both light and dark reflected in his symbols. Apollo is known as the pure, holy and cleansing god, which are all associated with the sun, his most important symbol. Swans are Apollo’s sacred birds, but so do crows and ravens, which represent his dark side. Snakes and wolves are also associated with Apollo. As a punisher of wrongs, Apollo is known to be cruel and can act vindictively.

The Apollo archetype is the most common archetype found in real people and in fictional characters. The clones have a strong Apollo archetype due to their military training and genetic modifications that cause them to be more inclined in following orders. This archetype is further enhanced during Order 66 as the inhibitor chip causes the clones to carry out orders without question. Crosshair has an enhanced Apollo archetype due to his genetic modification that grants him enhanced eyesight.

Apollo is an archer. His bow and arrow shafts are golden like the sun. It takes will, skill and practice to be an archer. An accomplished archer can aim for a distant target and be confident of hitting it, which comes naturally for people with strong Apollo archetype. People who identify as Apollo are logical and can easily relate to objective reality. They know what they want and have the will to accomplish their goal. They have a sense of future time, which enables them to plan ahead and set goals (like aiming at a target). Their targets are realistic, require effort to achieve it, and grant recognition. Crosshair is an accomplished sniper who is confident of hitting his targets from afar, even when the surroundings are a blur. In the Hyperspace Stories #10, Crosshair warns Wrecker that he can blast a flea off his back from 200 meters away in the pouring rain, and that he can do the same thing to Wrecker’s new toy. This indicates that Crosshair will do anything to accomplish his goals regardless of how difficult his goals are. Adding to his severe and unyielding personality, he has a very strong will to achieve his goals. Moreover, his goals are realistic for they are tangible and objective (for example, taking down a platoon of battle droids is a tangible goal). Like an archer, Crosshair has an excellent sense of future time, which enables him to plan out his trickshots perfectly as he knows where to place the reflecting mirrors and when to shoot to make those trickshots.

Apollo is the Greek god of prophecy, even though he himself does not prophesize. He gained this title by killing a great dragon or serpent named Python and taking over the oracle of Delphi as his temple, a site with a long history of prophetic divination. Through this myth, he was called Pythian Apollo and his priestess was Pythia. Apollo’s mediums were all women and their psychic divinations came from their communion with him. When people came to Apollo’s temple to consult with his oracle, the Pythia would enter a trance state and the priest would put questions to her and take down her words. The response would be turned over to another priest, who usually put it into the rhythm of poetry, though the meaning of the words was often obscure and ambiguous. Apollo as the god of prophecy fits his future-mindedness, like an archer who aims for a faraway target.

Crosshair has shown to exhibit some traits of Apollo as the god of prophecy, but it is usually limited to his ability to plan trickshots. He expertly places the reflecting mirrors on the surfaces as he has already predicted the movements of his targets. He also knows when to make the shot, which enables him to wipe out his targets with one precise shot. In “Return to Kamino”, Tech notices that Crosshair has placed the reflecting mirrors on the walls of the training ground. The placement of mirrors allows Crosshair to take down all four Imperial troopers in one shot, while leaving the Bad Batch unscathed. Crosshair only makes the trickshot when the Imperial troopers refuse to stand down. This indicates that he has foreseen that the Imperial troopers will disobey his order, and that he has planned their deaths. Moreover, the placement of mirrors also indicates that he has foreseen the positions of the Imperial troopers and the Bad Batch will take once they are in the training ground, and he ensures that his trickshot will take down all the Imperial troopers but not harm the Bad Batch.

@wwheeljack has shared this link that explains the observation training taken by military snipers. In this exercise, the snipers observe the various given objects for a short period of time. Then, they need to remember and describe what they have seen – they are not allowed to say the names of the objects. This exercise reminds me of how the oracle of Delphi is sought out by the Ancient Greeks, which evokes the Apollo archetype. It does feel that Crosshair’s enhanced eyesight and sniper training have enhanced his Apollo archetype.

As the goal-oriented archer and the god of the sun and prophecy, Apollo is the far-distant one. He can live in the future, always planning ahead. He can rise above the situation or “go skyward” to see everything objectively or to see his experiences as spiritual lessons. People who are like Apollo response to emotional pain by distancing themselves from these feelings and rise above their emotions through intellectual understanding, a mindful spiritual practice, or repeating their own principles to themselves. In the myths, Apollo had a connection to the mysterious realm of the Hyperboreans, and taking his chariot pulled by swans, he went there during the winter months. The realm of the Hyperboreans was the “northerly realm beyond the mountains”, and on a psychological level, this realm was depicted as a distant place of retreat, a starry world, another dimension, an Underworld or an enlightened world. Regardless of its depictions, the Hyperborean aspect of Apollo leads to feelings of isolation from others and the tendency to occasionally disappearing from this world into another.

As the far-distant one, Crosshair has the tendency to see the bigger picture. Throughout season 1, Crosshair explains his reasonings why he joins the Empire willingly, and keeps accusing Hunter that he cannot see the bigger picture. Moreover, Crosshair prefers to stay above his emotions when chaos breaks out. For example, when the food fight breaks out between the Bad Batch and the regular clone troopers, Crosshair chooses to ignore the commotion and continue to eat until his meal gets ruined. Interestingly, his transfer to the snowy planet of Barton IV can be interpreted as his travels to the realm of the Hyperboreans, despite the realm is not necessarily located in the Arctic Region by the Ancient Greeks. Though, the need to keep his helmet on can be Crosshair’s Hyperborean aspect of Apollo.

As the god of the sun, nothing hides from Apollo, like light shines through the darkness to expose every hidden thing. The Apollo’s clear-sightedness enables a person to see through lies, ulterior motives and hidden information. In the myths, on the day Hermes was born, he proceeded to steal cows from his half-brother Apollo. He hid his tracks by tying branches to his feet, and he laid down a false trail by having the cows walk backwards. When Apollo discovered his cattle were stolen, he noticed tracks that seemed to lead in the opposite direction, and he was not fooled. When Apollo demanded Hermes to reveal where his stolen cows were hidden, Hermes lied and tried to pass himself off as an innocent infant, in which Apollo did not buy into any of his lies. Helios, the god who personifies the sun in Greek mythology and who shares the same title as God of the Sun with Apollo, also exhibits the same clear-sightedness. In the myths, Helios was the one who tells Demeter that her daughter Persephone had been abducted by Hades, and Zeus had permitted it to happen. Helios was also the one who told Hephaestus that his wife Aphrodite had been cheating on him with Ares.

We have seen how Crosshair can easily see through lies and anything hidden from plain sight. In “A Distant Echo”, Crosshair quickly figures out why Rex strongly believes that Echo is alive and is adamant of rescuing him because Rex feels guilty for leaving Echo for dead at the Citadel. His deductions are based on his observations of Rex’s body language and changes to his voice tone. In “On the Wings of Keeradaks”, Crosshair uses his helmet scanner to see through the walls, and reports that their enemies and many droids are approaching them. In “Aftermath”, Crosshair is not convinced that Hunter has stunned Caleb, which caused the Padawan to fall to his death in the waterfall. He even inspects the surroundings and the bottom of the waterfall using his helmet scanner to confirm his suspicions. Then, he points out that Hunter should look down not across when he sees someone falls, showing his understanding of body language and how observant he is. In “Reunion”, an Elite Squad Trooper reported that he cannot detect any life signs aboard the Jedi cruiser because the scanner is not working due to atmospheric interferences. However, Crosshair immediately knows that Tech has jammed their sensors and that Clone Force 99 is still onboard the ship. He also manages to predict that Tech has tapped into their comms to track down their movements. In “Return to Kamino”, Crosshair immediately catches on Wrecker’s lie that they did not bring Omega with them. We know that our pupils dilate when we lie, and I am sure that Crosshair can see that even when we wear sunglasses or helmets with dark visor. I am also sure that Crosshair would never be impressed by magic tricks since they involve misdirection, deception and illusions. He is so observant that he can easily debunk the magic tricks. If you are hiding something, both Hunter and Crosshair will catch on quickly but with different methods – Hunter can sense it while Crosshair can observe it.

Crosshair’s Apollo archetype balances out his Poseidon archetype. When Crosshair unleashes his emotions, they are depicted as storms. The sun only comes out when the storms subside, indicating that he has finally calmed down and he now can see the truth. This motif is shown twice, which are in “Kamino Lost” and “The Outpost”. In “Kamino Lost”, the raging storm on Kamino has subsided by the time the Bad Batch reaches the landing platform at daybreak. The sun comes out, which is a rare occurrence in Kamino. At this moment, Crosshair’s anger, disappointment and sadness towards his teammates have returned to stable conditions after all the explosive arguments they have. When Hunter offers him a chance to rejoin the team, Crosshair turns it down because he sees through Hunter’s intentions. Hunter wants Crosshair to give up his life as a soldier and his allegiance with the Empire, which makes his offer conditional. This contradicts Hunter’s unconditional love towards his teammates (including Crosshair), and if Crosshair chooses to rejoin the team, it will mean that he chooses to sacrifice his values and live in the lie that everyone is fine with him (which is clearly not true because Tech, Wrecker and Echo aim their blasters at Crosshair, thinking that he is going to shoot Hunter). Crosshair can see through this inconsistency and he refuses to return.

In “The Outpost”, Crosshair and the injured Mayday endure the freezing conditions as they return to the Imperial base. Once they arrive there, the snow has stopped falling and the winds have ceased. The sun is hanging above the base as Crosshair begs Lieutenant Nolan to send a medic to save Mayday’s life. Nolan refuses, claiming that it will be a waste of the Empire’s resources. As Mayday succumbs to his injuries, Crosshair finally sees the truth – the Empire never cares about the clones because they are expendable, including him. The sun shining above Crosshair symbolizes his light side as the Empire’s cruelty towards the clones has been exposed in broad daylight. The Ice Vulture circling above Crosshair represents his dark side as Crosshair makes the decision to kill Lieutenant Nolan. The mountains behind Crosshair are positioned to look like the wings of the Ice Vulture – as if Crosshair has become the Ice Vulture. I interpret the Ice Vulture as the equivalent of the raven, Apollo’s sacred bird that represents his dark side. In the Greek myth, the raven was once white, and Apollo assigned it to keep an eye on his mortal wife Coronis, who was pregnant with his child. The bird reported to the god that she was cheating on him. Apollo responded by turning the raven’s feathers from white to black, and he killed Coronis, which he later regretted it. However, he managed to save his unborn son from her body, and gave him to Chiron the centaur to raise. This son was Asclepius, who became the god of healing and medicine. Surprisingly, Apollo’s sacred birds – swans, crows and ravens – are known for their loyalty, and the same goes for vultures. These birds fit Crosshair well as loyalty is important to him.

Apollo is the favourite son of Zeus, and he is the second most important Greek god (the first being Zeus). From his birth, Apollo proclaims that his life mission is to carry out his father’s will. As the favourite son, Apollo people are likely to be basked in parental love, approval and praises, especially from traditional parents, as if there is a brightness cast about them. They are the success in the making, a positive reflection on their parents, and an achiever in a culture that values accomplishments. If they do not have a biological father, they will seek out the approval of other people who resemble Zeus. Crosshair has this archetypal affinity to excel and to please, and he constantly seeks out approval from Hunter, who has the Zeus archetype. This is hinted in “The Bad Batch” when Crosshair smirks as Hunter praises his sharpshooting skills. Crosshair also looks up to Commander Cody and Commander Mayday, who both have higher authority than him.

When Anakin (who has the higher authority as he is a Jedi General) leads the Bad Batch and Rex to rescue Echo, Crosshair is seen following and aiding him. In “A Distant Echo”, Anakin is seen checking out Crosshair’s rifle, and Crosshair is fine with it (possibly even feeling proud that he is being noticed by a Jedi General). When Anakin is snatched away by a keeradak, Crosshair shoots a grappling line towards the flying reptile so Hunter can use it to track down Anakin. When the Bad Batch and Rex find Anakin has been pinned down by the creature and is surrounded by the Poletecs, Hunter commands Wrecker and Crosshair to carry out Plan “Rockslide”. Wrecker proceeds to push a boulder down to distract the Poletecs while Crosshair shoots an electric dart at the leg of the keeradak, forcing it to release Anakin. When Anakin tells them to split up so they can find Echo easier, Crosshair follows Anakin and saves him from almost being cornered by battle droids. Crosshair is also seen fighting alongside Anakin and Echo in the episode “On the Wings of Keeradaks”. In “Unfinished Business”, although Crosshair tells the rest of the Bad Batch and Rex to go as he helps them to buy some time, they stay back to see him performing impressive trickshots. I am sure that by staying back to watch his performance boosts Crosshair’s ego because he loves showing off and all eyes are on him. Crosshair is probably more determined to impress Anakin when he is present to witness his impressive trickshot where he destroys a group of battle droids with only one shot. Some fans jokingly say that Crosshair is disappointed that he does not receive praises from Anakin after that trickshot, so he feels the need to bring down Wrecker by jumping in to say that “he won’t top him next time”.

Apollo is the lawgiver as he provides cities their legal institutions and a structure for communities to work together and settle disputes. He also interprets law, and he supports order and moderation. He is uncomfortable with chaos, turbulence or passionate intensity. He intends to bring form and provide order through rules, laws, measure and time. As the upholders of law and order, Apollo people have a strong conviction that they know what is right and good for everyone. They may be idealists who envision a time when all people may live peacefully under the rule of law that will guarantee justice and fairness. All clones have the Apollo archetype as they follow orders without much questioning. Although the Bad Batch has a tendency to deviate from standard protocol, they still mostly follow orders. When Order 66 is issued, the inhibitor chips enhance the Apollo archetype to the point that the clones mercilessly execute their Jedi Generals that they have been working together for years.

Crosshair takes on the law-and-order aspect of Apollo strongly, even taking the saying “good soldiers follow orders” seriously. In “Aftermath”, Crosshair is somehow affected by the inhibitor chip, and tries to shoot Caleb Dume down despite Hunter keeps telling him to stand down. Crosshair later gets angry at Hunter for helping Caleb to escape and lying that the Padawan has been eliminated. To him, an order is an order, and Hunter should have completed the mission objective without considering the morality of the given order. When the Bad Batch refuses to execute Saw Gerrera and his people, Crosshair grumbles about the need to debate about morality, and states that they need to complete the mission. He believes that Saw Gerrera and his people are enemies of the Empire, and they should be eliminated. He even blames Hunter for making the team disobey orders, which causes them to be branded as traitors to the Empire.

With the effects of his inhibitor chip get amplified, Crosshair leaves the Bad Batch and joins the Empire. He carries out orders without hesitation. In “Replacements”, Crosshair orders his Elite Squad to execute the civilians associated with Saw Gerrera, and he even executes one of the members of his Elite Squad for refusing to obey his order. In “Devil’s Deal”, he follows Rampart’s order and shoots one of Senator Taa’s lekku, which allows Rampart to arrest General Cham Syndulla, his wife and other insurgents for the attempted assassination of the Senator. In “The Solitary Clone”, he carries out Governor Grotton’s order to execute Tawni Ames when Commander Cody fails to do so. In “Return to Kamino”, Crosshair reveals that he already has his inhibitor chip removed, and that he willingly pledges his loyalty to the Empire. This shocks the Bad Batch and Hunter refuses to believe it, but Crosshair says that this is who he is. It is not out of character for Crosshair to stay loyal with the Empire even without the effects of the inhibitor chip because of his strong Apollo archetype. He even chooses to return to the Empire despite he is left on the Kaminoan platform for 32 rotations because he is a soldier of the Empire. When Commander Cody talks about the rumour that more Clone Troopers have been questioning Order 66, which explains the increasing number of their desertion, Crosshair describes them as traitors like the Jedi.

Moreover, Crosshair is shown to have a strong conviction of what he thinks it is right and good for himself, the Bad Batch and Omega. In “Aftermath”, he strongly believes that the Bad Batch should have obeyed orders like good soldiers because he does not want the team to get into trouble with the higher-ups. In “Return to Kamino”, He believes that he and the rest of the Bad Batch are meant to be soldiers as this is their purpose. This is why he tells them to stop running and join the Empire because the Empire cannot protect the galaxy without strength, and he hopes to be a part of it. In addition, he tries to take Omega away from the Bad Batch and intends to send her on a shuttle offworld. He claims that this is for her own good and theirs as well. He tells Hunter that Omega is in constant danger from living among fugitives like the Bad Batch (which he has a valid point there), and that Hunter should let her go to protect her.

In Greek mythology, Apollo is known to have sibling rivalry and friendship with his younger half-brother Hermes, the Messenger God, and with his older twin sister, Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt and Moon. Competition emerged between Apollo and Hermes when Hermes stole Apollo’s cattle, and from whom Apollo received the lyre. Shortly after Artemis was born, she helped her mother Leto during her prolonged labour with Apollo. There was one myth where Apollo and Artemis were called upon by their mother Leto to avenge Niobe’s insult. In a myth about Artemis and Orion, Apollo was jealous of her love towards the hunter, so he created a challenge for Artemis, causing her to unknowingly kill Orion. As an archetype of the sibling and favoured older brother, Apollo people can easily become part of a team effort. They are also competitors, and they do it well thanks to their emotional distance. Though, they may not win the top position because they appear cautious and do not inspire others to see them as leaders. They also lack the drive to amass either power or money, the vision, decisiveness, or ruthlessness of a Zeus archetype. Crosshair has a brotherly relationship with members of Clone Force 99, and he works well with them. In the episodes “On the Wings of Keeradaks” and “Unfinished Business”, he and Wrecker have a sibling rivalry where they compete each other on who can take down the most droids. Though, Crosshair does not work well with regular clone troopers with the exceptions of Commander Cody, Commander Mayday and Captain Rex (at the later part of the Clone Wars arc).

Apollo values prudence, avoids physical danger, is emotionally distant, and prefers being an observer. This makes him a side-liner, not a hero. During the Trojan War, Poseidon challenged Apollo to a duel. Apollo turned it down and explained that he was not going to fight for insignificant, short-lived mortals. He still refused to be drawn into combat even when his sister Artemis called him a coward (and somehow Hera gave her a beating for that). Furthermore, Apollo was shown to actively dislike heroes. He refused the help from Heracles through the Pythian Oracle. He also opposed Achilles during the Trojan War. Achilles died when he was struck in the heel by an arrow, which was a vulnerable spot as that had not been bathed in the river Styx. In some versions, it was Apollo who killed Achilles, but in other versions, he was the one who guided Paris to take the shot. Apollo’s action is not a heroic act – he shoots an arrow from a distance instead of getting involved in direct combat.

Crosshair is shown to have traits of the non-hero. As stated in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Character Encyclopedia - Join the Battle!” book, Crosshair can be cynical and bitter about the war. He is not like Wrecker, who enjoys the thrill of being on the battlefield and engaging physical combat like a hero. He is a sniper who carefully takes down his targets from afar and without revealing his position. Although he carries out his duty as a soldier seriously, he does not like being in the battlefield. The book also states that Crosshair has little regard for regular clone troopers because he views them as expendables. This aligns with Crosshair telling Captain Rex that he would have left Echo for dead because he is “just another reg”.

Apollo is the archetype of the musician. The bow and the lyre are the two stringed instruments belonging to Apollo. He uses the bow to release arrows, while he plucks the lyre to bring forth music. As the most alert Greek god, he produces music that leads people to a clearly seen truth. Apollonian music expresses clarity and purity that bring harmony and lift spirits up. Moderation and beauty are the essence and the effect of his music, which helps to charm beasts and soothe the tormented mind. Aside from music, dance and poetry are also associated with Apollo. Apollonian art is associated with order, reason, harmony, clarity and structure, which is the opposite of Dionysian art (from Dionysus the god of wine and ecstasy), which is associated with chaos, ecstasy, turbulence, emotional conflicts and passion.

I have seen headcanons of Crosshair being a musical expert – he can sing well, he can write songs, and he can play musical instruments (like the piano and bass guitar). He is likely into classical music and ambient music. He also likes songs with poetic lyrics. There are also headcanons that Crosshair is into other music genres like rock, blues, alternative, rap, and heavy metal. I accept these headcanons because Apollonian and Dionysian are the opposites of the same coin. It will be in character for Crosshair to be drawn to chaos, irrationality, intense emotions and passion. In this YouTube video between 17:00 to 19:00, Dee Bradley Baker, who voices the Bad Batch, comes up with the idea of Crosshair singing “The Time Warp” from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (someone even made a short animatic about it in this link). The song talks about madness, chaos, sexual freedom, sensations, and being in the present, which are Dionysian values. Crosshair may be drawn to these opposite values. Aside from music, there are headcanons that Crosshair is a great dancer (mostly ballet), he writes poetry (perhaps to express his cynicism and bitterness towards the war), and he is into calligraphy, literature and aesthetic art, which align with Apollonian values.

People like Apollo tend to live in their heads, rather than in their bodies, emotions or imagination. Hence, Apollo men are not lovers. Their single-minded focus means that they are not easily distracted by attractive partners. Their relationships with women usually lack passion and emotional depth, which lead to both parties having a brother-sister relationship instead. With this arrangement, Apollo men tend to work best with Artemis and/or Athena women because these women are independent, competent and competitive, just like Apollo men. Though, Apollo men can be attracted to their opposites, which is shown in the myths where Apollo is in love with Sybil and Cassandra, who are psychic women – emotional, irrational, impractical and often unimpressed with him. Most Apollo men find these women fascinating, frustrating and unpredictable, and they may try to control them.

Although Apollo is handsome, virtuous and dependable, he is unsuccessful in love as he is rejected by Daphne, Cassandra, Sybil and Marpessa. Even his love for Hyacinth ends in tragedy when he accidentally kills Hyacinth in a discus-throwing contest. Jean Shinoda Bolen interpreted the women Apollo desires but gets rejected by them as the same women who also may reject Apollo men. These women reject Apollo because he lacks depth and intensity, emotional closeness and expressiveness, or sexual spontaneity. Some women reject an Apollo man because they sense that he is too attached to appearances.

Marpessa was loved by Apollo and a mortal man named Idas. Zeus allowed her to choose her lover between the two. Marpessa wisely chose Idas because she was aware that Apollo would desert her when she became old and grey. This myth can serve as a metaphor of choosing a “human” relationship that has the potential to grow and change over time, rather than a relationship with the unchanging Apollo.

When it comes to his relationships with Sybil and Cassandra, Apollo mistakenly assumes that love can be given in exchange for what he can provide. Apollo granted Sybil the gift of prophecy (which was how the famous Sybilline oracles came about) but she rejected him. Apollo taught Cassandra the art of prophecy on the condition that she became his lover, but she did not keep her word. Apollo got his revenge by cursing her that nobody would believe her. With the onset of the Trojan War, Cassandra continuously tried to warn everyone about the future calamities but she was shut away as a mad woman.

Although an Apollo man is cut away from his instinctual, sexual, and sensual thoughts, these thoughts may arise occasionally. His ability to focus on goals combining with his sexual desire may cause him to pursue the person he loves with great enthusiasm and passion. This is similar to the myth where Apollo was struck by an arrow shot by Eros (also known as Amor or Cupid), causing him to fall in love with Daphne and he actively pursued her. If the woman has not fallen in love with him, like Daphne in this myth, she is unlikely to relate to the intensity of his feelings due to the lack of intimacy and communication in the early stages of the relationship. She may feel like a pursued Daphne and may flee from him, as she feels more like an object he wants to possess than a woman being wooed. The myth of Apollo and Daphne ended with Daphne turning into a laurel tree to escape from the god overtaking her. Apollo still loved her, and the laurel became his sacred tree, with her leaves being made into wreaths that adorned his hair.

Even if an Apollo man manages to win a woman’s heart, she may become disappointed at him with his tendency to “go away” as a lover. She may even be unfaithful in his “absence” like the myth of Apollo and Coronis as stated earlier. If a woman desires substance rather than form, needs emotional depth rather than the security of an enduring relationship, or her nature is passionate, intense and in the moment (like Aphrodite the Goddess of Love and Beauty), she will be unhappy with her relationship with an Apollo man. This is because an Apollo man often does not see the importance of sexual attraction, physical affection and intimate verbal communication. When facing relationship difficulties, the Apollo man often withdraws as he does not see them as his problems. He can stay comfortably in a relationship or a marriage marked by emotional distance and lack of passion. His partner may feel lonely because of his lack of emotional and communication depth. She may become more like Apollo and start to cut herself off from her emotions, or she may become more irrational or hysterical in an unsuccessful attempt to get him to react emotionally.

Fortunately, Crosshair has the Poseidon archetype to balance out his Apollo archetype. This means that he is “handsome, virtuous and dependable” like Apollo, while also capable of depth and intensity, emotional closeness and expressiveness, intimacy, and sexual spontaneity like Poseidon. This archetype combination may make him an ideal partner, but with Poseidon’s relentless passion combining Apollo’s single-mindedness, he risks mirroring the myth of Apollo and Daphne if his desired partner does not reciprocate his feelings. Moreover, there is a tendency that he may occasionally sway too far into one archetype if he is unbalanced. This is because Apollo and Poseidon are the opposites – Apollo is associated with emotional distance, while Poseidon is associated with overwhelming emotions. If Crosshair chooses to distance himself emotionally, he may go too far to the point of inadvertently pushing people away and becoming lonely. However, if he chooses to give into his intense emotions, he may carry out his actions too far and inadvertently hurt other people, which can cause them to become terrified of him. Hence, it is important for Crosshair to find his centre or “Self” so he can take on the best aspects of both archetypes while reducing the risk of being “taken over” by either of them. This is possible if his “Self” is strong, which is associated with Hestia, the main archetype of Echo.

Since Apollo is “above it all” due to being the sun god, he is emotionally distant. This causes him to communicate about his emotions indirectly. When people seek his advice about something that he does not clearly understand, Apollo speaks through the Delphic Oracle, which contains ambiguous messages that require interpretation. People around an Apollo person often have to interpret the cryptic words that hint at their feelings. The Apollo person will withdraw further if they get the meaning wrong or if they try to draw them out. It is ironic that Apollo, the god of clarity who can make a person speak so precisely and clearly about an impersonal subject, is unable to make a person express themselves clearly. Furthermore, Apollo’s emotional distance also means the tendency to avoid emotional conflict, like the god refusing to respond to Poseidon’s challenge to fight during the Trojan War. He prefers to assess or judge the situation or the person from a distance. He is unwilling to “get close up” – be vulnerable and empathic – in order to truly know someone else.

It is clear that Crosshair struggles to express himself and his emotions through words – he prefers to express it through action. In “The Bad Batch”, Jesse gets angry at Crosshair because he interprets his words as insulting the regular clone troopers and disrespecting Captain Rex. In “A Distant Echo”, Rex interprets Crosshair’s words as he does not care about Echo, which causes him to angrily punch Crosshair. In these occasions, Hunter does not call out Crosshair or intervene when Rex punches Crosshair, possibly because he knows that Crosshair does not mean it. In “Aftermath”, Crosshair’s inhibitor chip is somehow activated, which causes him to become adamant about following orders. Crosshair does not understand what is wrong with himself, and his inability to properly communicate his issues with his teammates only worsens with the effects of the inhibitor chip. To make matters worse, Hunter, Tech, Wrecker and Echo do not understand what is wrong with Crosshair. They are confused of his behavioural change since they never have an issue with disobeying orders as they do it all the time. In addition, they are more focused on trying to escape the makeshift prison then dealing with Crosshair’s antics. Crosshair feels frustrated that they do not understand him and he withdraws from the team. He withdraws further when Omega tries to draw him out. In “Return to Kamino”, Crosshair offers the Bad Batch to join the Empire so they can have a purpose again. Hunter counters that Crosshair does not get who they are. Crosshair feels hurt that they do not understand his intentions and feelings towards them, and warns them not to make the same mistake twice and become his enemy. Hunter tells him that they never are enemies. Throughout “Kamino Lost”, Crosshair keeps on explaining why he chooses to join the Empire willingly, but the Bad Batch does not get him and they struggle to accept that he does this without the influence of the inhibitor chip. This causes Crosshair to withdraw himself further to the point of refusing to rejoin the Bad Batch.

People who identify as Apollo are influenced by their innate characteristics, culture and family of origin. If their family discourages emotional expression and perception, as well as enforcing a culture that disapproves vulnerability, encourages competition, and rewards acquiring power, the Apollo person, especially if they are intelligent and good-looking, may become narcissistic. This negative aspect may be worsened if they have narcissistic parents. These parents are likely to make the Apollo child to become an extension of themselves. They feel better about themselves when their Apollo child “wins” and demand that their child reflects well on them. This child feels the need to win in order to retain the conditional love of their parents, which can lead to anxiety and they end up performing worse.

An Apollo person whose life is full of successes may become arrogant. Their sense of self may become inflated, as if they identify with the god or the archetype. They may forget that they are human, and may assume that they can take on much more that they are able. This can lead to disastrous results, just like what happens to Phaëthon, the son of Helios. In this myth, Phaëthon was told by his mother that he was the son of Helios, and the young man boosted about it. When he was not believed in, he set forth to find Helios to confirm the truth. Helios acknowledged his paternity, and to assure Phaëthon further, he promised to grant him any favour he wished. Phaëthon requested to drive the sun chariot across the sky for one day. At daybreak, Phaëthon put on his father’s sun crown and climbed into the chariot. The great horses of the sun felt his unfamiliar and inexperienced hand on the reins and left the usual path taken by the sun. Phaëthon lacked the strength or experience to check their flight, and the blazing heat of the sun scorched the earth. To save the earth from further damage, Zeus struck Phaëthon down with a lightning bolt. Helios, distraught over the loss of his son, allowed the earth to go without light for one whole day, before once more putting the sun chariot on its regular course. Jean Shinoda Bolen interprets Phaëthon’s assumption that he could drive Apollo’s chariot as “an ego trip” that hurts others and causes him to be struck down.

The Bad Batch consists of Hunter, Tech, Wrecker and Crosshair, who are all enhanced clones. Crosshair views himself and his squad as more superior than the regular clone troopers or ‘regs’. In “The Bad Batch”, Crosshair sneers at Jesse and tells him that they usually do not work with regs. In “A Distant Echo”, Crosshair says that he would have left Echo for dead too because he is “just a reg” (though his actions say otherwise). In “Return to Kamino”, Hunter realizes that Tipoca City is being decommissioned, which is not a good sign because he has been informed that the Empire is phasing out clones next. Crosshair is unconcerned of it because he thinks that his loyalty to the Empire, his exceptional sharpshooting skills and his superiority will mean that he gets to keep his position. Moreover, he tries to convince the Bad Batch to join the Empire as they are superior to the “regulars” and their strength can help the Empire to protect the galaxy. When the Bad Batch refuses his offer, he tells them that Kamino, the regular clones, and the Galactic Republic's time are over. He claims that the Empire will control the entire galaxy and he hopes to be a part of it. Crosshair’s assumption that he would be important to the Empire is his “ego trip” which hurts the Bad Batch, and it eventually causes him to be “struck down” when he realizes that he is disposable in the eyes of the Empire in spite of his skills, abilities and loyalty.

Apollo is known to be cruel and punitive, especially when he has been humiliated and dominated by someone else. He does not show mercy when he defeats a rival or when he enacts his revenge. In one myth, Marsyas the Satyr challenged Apollo to a musical contest, with the agreement that the victor could do whatever he liked to the loser. There were many variations of the contest, but the most notable one was that Apollo won the contest because he could play the lyre upside down, but Marsyas could not do it with his flute. As punishment for his hubris to challenge a deity, Apollo had Marsyas tied to a tree and stripped his skin off alive, which is inhumane and cruel. In another myth, after Cassandra did not keep her word, Apollo allowed her to keep the gift of prophecy, but he proclaimed that nobody would believe in her. This punishment is both creative and cruel as Cassandra suffers both for knowing the horrible future and living through it.

Crosshair has been shown to be capable of cruelty, especially towards those who disobeys his orders. In “Replacements”, ES-01 questions Crosshair’s leadership and the efficiency of the clones. He also tells Crosshair that the Empire is currently hiring human recruits, which means Crosshair may soon be replaced. This must have been humiliating to Crosshair, and with his emotional intensity, he is not going to let it slide so easily. When Crosshair decides to execute the civilians in compliance with the order to wipe out Saw Gerrera’s camp, ES-01 refuses to comply because he feels that the order is wrong. He takes over leadership as he tells the squad to ignore Crosshair and they should bring the civilians in for questioning. Crosshair coldly reminds ES-01 that the reason he is put in charge is because he is willing to do whatever it needs to be done. Crosshair then shoots ES-01 in the chest and in front of the squad as a punishment of his insubordination. Although not as cruel as Apollo flaying Marsyas alive, it is enough to cause the rest of the squad to obey his command and execute the civilians.

In “Reunion”, Crosshair hunts down the Bad Batch for being traitors to the Empire. He and his troops surround them at the end of the ion engine chamber, and he orders one of his troops to activate the engine. His plan is to trap the Bad Batch within the ion engine and force them to surrender as to avoid being burned by the engine flare. However, the Bad Batch manages to outsmart Crosshair and escape from being incinerated, while Crosshair gets burned by the ion engine. In “Return to Kamino”, when the Elite Squad Troopers reject Crosshair’s order to stand down, he makes a creative trickshot to execute all four of them at once.

Although Apollo is known for his clarity, moderation and healing abilities, the Ancient Greeks also believed that his poisoned arrows brought pestilence and sudden deaths to mortals. Jean Shinoda Bolen interpreted these poisoned arrows as “venomous words” uttered by an Apollo person. When a moderate, rational Apollo person unleashes his fury, he unleashes his repressed emotions that are primitive, undeveloped and irrational. The Apollo person becomes a venomous snake that harms others with words. His hostile words are often directed towards his loved or respected ones who have hurt him, humiliated him, or did not live up to his expectations. Though, his own positive self is the major casualty. Dee Bradley Baker describes Crosshair’s voice as “a coiled snake”, and his words are ��deliberate and ready to strike” – resembling the dark aspects of Apollo. We have seen how his venomous words have wounded many people around him. In “The Bad Batch”, Crosshair’s words have incited Jesse’s anger, which causes a conflict between the regular clone troopers and the Bad Batch to break out. In “A Distant Echo”, Rex is wounded by Crosshair’s words and he punches the sniper in a fit of rage.

Throughout Season 1, Crosshair accuses Hunter’s failed leadership as the reason the squad is in trouble, which causes Hunter to start questioning his leadership skills, and he blames himself for leaving Crosshair behind. In “Kamino Lost”, Wrecker is hurt by Crosshair’s mocking his intelligence, and he points out that Crosshair never once tried to reunite with his teammates by his own volition, and that they would have accepted him back. In the same episode, Omega tells Crosshair that she wants to believe that the inhibitor chip has made him like this but she is wrong, indicating that she is hurt by his claim that he already has the chip removed and he willingly joins the Empire.

Since an Apollo person tends to live in their heads and uphold their values, they are often ruled by an idea of what it should be. They care greatly about their appearances, and they want order to their own worlds. They are unlikely to make choices based on their heart, emotions and instincts because these are devalued within them. As a result, an Apollo person can remain in a boring and meaningless job, an empty marriage, or a study course they are not interested in, despite knowing that something better exists out there. With their tendency to emotionally distance themselves, they are able to appear unaffected by the loss.

Crosshair is a sniper, which means he only takes the shot when he is absolutely certain that he can hit his target. Any slight miscalculation will give away his position and possibly compromise the mission. With that, I can see that Crosshair is a risk-averse person. This is evident when Omega suddenly shoots the rifle out of Crosshair’s hand, taking him by surprise. When she starts spraying several blaster bolts in his direction, Crosshair chooses to retreat as he cannot predict her movements, let alone predicting that she can use a blaster well.

We know that Crosshair is proud of being part of Clone Force 99 for they are known for their 100 percent success rate. This makes Crosshair believe that they deserve challenging missions as seen in the Hyperspace Stories #10 when he initially complains that the mission to investigate battle droids can be done by regular clone troopers. Being part of Clone Force 99 also means that Crosshair sees himself and his teammates as the more superior one. In “The Bad Batch”, when Rex takes charge of the mission to the Cyber Center, Crosshair challenges his authority because Clone Force 99 has been called in to help Rex, which means they (or more specifically, Hunter) should be in charge, not Rex.

With the rise of the Empire, the Bad Batch decides to defect because they do not agree with the Empire’s orders. They become mercenaries while also taking care of Omega. On the other hand, Crosshair doubles down on what he is made for and what he is always good at – as a soldier. He believes that the Bad Batch is made to be superior soldiers, and that the Empire will benefit from their skills and abilities. In “Return to Kamino”, Crosshair offers the Bad Batch to stop running and join the Empire to have a purpose again. To him, being a soldier is all that matters, and it does not matter that his allegiance is to the Republic or to the Empire. He is angry that Hunter chooses to throw away the squad’s legacy and defect. He feels that Hunter has brought chaos to his ideal world and has tarnished the squad’s reputation. He even tells Hunter to let Omega go and stop pretending to be something that he is not – a father figure to Omega. He also looks down at Omega because she is a child, despite that she has proven many times that she is a helpful ally, and she even saves him from drowning.

Even if Crosshair knows that the Empire is bad news, he is unwilling to break away from his values and his ideal world. He tries to justify the Empire’s action of destroying Tipoca City, saying that the Clone Wars is over and now the Empire will expand their control across the galaxy. Although he is left stranded on Kamino for 32 rotations, he still chooses to return because he is a soldier of the Empire. Since Crosshair cannot see what lies ahead if he chooses to give up being a soldier, he is unwilling to take the risk and run away. He stays with the Empire because they can bring structure and stability to his life, like providing him food, weapons, clothing, shelter and payment. He even scoffs at the thought of being more than a soldier as he sneers at the Bad Batch for scavenging like rats in “Reunion”. He also calls the clones that are questioning the Empire’s orders as traitors like the Jedi in “The Solitary Clone”. His tendency to live in his head and his decision to choose order above all else have made him physically and emotionally distant from everyone. The more detached he becomes, the lonelier he gets, which is shown throughout Season 2.

It is necessary for an Apollo person to grow beyond their rational and logical mind, and be in touch with their heart and body. Jean Shinoda Bolen has proposed four methods to grow beyond the Apollo archetype. The first method is to make room for Dionysus in the psyche. Apollo shared his temple at Delphi with Dionysus. Inside the temple, there was a grave of Dionysus, and the cult of Dionysus celebrated his death as an adult god and his reincarnation as a new-born infant. During the three winter months, Dionysus was worshipped and celebrated there, while Apollo went away to the realm of the Hyperboreans. Jean Shinoda Bolen interprets it as the Apollo person must realize the need to live in the moment, and to be absorbed in sensation, feeling, inner imagery, or outer experience, which will allow Dionysus to be present.

Many Apollo people can gain access to the Dionysus archetype through Dionysian music and dance. Dionysian music and dance are perceived as a bodily experience that invites people to dance spontaneously and without self-consciousness. They respond to the music instinctively, letting their bodies move with the flow of the music. In romance, Apollo people are goal-oriented and technique minded. They tend to stay aware of the clock and they may be self-conscious in how they express their love. By allowing Dionysus to take over the romantic aspects, the person becomes more focused in the present and becomes less conscious of their sensuality and methods of expressing love. The relationship will feel like a soulful communion or an emotional merger. I have seen fans describing Crosshair being critical of his appearance and becoming anxious in pleasuring his partner, and I think these are true to his Apollo character. With that, he must learn to let Dionysus in his romantic life, and this can be done with encouragements from his partner.

Hunter is innately Dionysus while Crosshair is more like Apollo. They are the opposites and they balance each other out. When Hunter focuses too much on his body or other people, Crosshair likely helps to shift his focus. For example, in “Aftermath”, Crosshair wants Hunter to focus on the mission and stop being bothered by Omega. It is possible when Crosshair stays in his head for too long, Hunter encourages him to let go and live in the moment. I have mentioned that Dee Bradley Baker once proposed the idea of Crosshair singing “The Time Warp”, which evokes the Dionysus archetype. Dee Bradley Baker once joked that Crosshair would be the one that sits in the back of the classroom eating a bottle of glue (link here), which also evokes the Dionysus archetype. This means that it is possible for Crosshair to move his Apollo archetype aside for the Dionysus archetype.

One of Apollo’s principles is “Keep the woman under rule”, and Jean Shinoda Bolen interprets as an Apollo man’s tendency to suppress his anima, the unconscious feminine of a man. Carl Jung views the anima or inner woman as the realm of emotions and relatedness, which is linked to the man’s emotionality and capacity for closeness and receptivity, which is usually undeveloped. With that, the second method to grow beyond the Apollo archetype will require one to liberate the anima or inner woman. This liberation means to have a positive regard for “feminine” values, which allows one to honour their own feelings and the feelings of others. This method helps an Apollo person to get out of their head and into their heart or body, which enables them to feel connected to nature and all living beings. According to Jean Shinoda Bolen, most Apollo men gradually develop their anima through loving women who do not live in their heads and who can speak for their feelings. An Apollo person often hurts other people’s feelings unconsciously or due to their self-centered attitude. The Apollo person must be willing to listen and learn about feelings so they can be more caring towards others and not wanting to offend others.

Although Crosshair is surrounded by his brothers, he is free to liberate his anima (which is discussed in this link) under the encouragement of his brothers. Hunter has a strong Demeter anima, which is the mother archetype. Wrecker has a strong Aphrodite anima, which is the lover and creative woman archetype. Echo has a strong Persephone anima, or more specifically Persephone Queen of the Underworld. Demeter, Aphrodite and Persephone are associated with emotions, instincts and connectedness with others, which can help Crosshair to develop some positive regards for these values. Echo also has a strong Hestia anima, which is the wise maiden aunt archetype. This wise maiden aunt archetype can encourage Crosshair to follow his heart. Like Echo, Omega has a strong Persephone archetype, but it is more towards Persephone the Kore, which is the maiden archetype. This maiden archetype can encourage Crosshair to have a hopeful outlook in life, to be willing to trust others, and to be kind and compassionate. Even though Tech has a strong Athena anima, which is a feminine archetype that leans more towards living in one’s head and becoming detached from the heart and body, he has the Hermes archetype to counter it. Since Hermes is known to be an alchemist, a guide of souls and the rescuer of the child, he has the ability to unite masculinity and femininity, which is extremely helpful for Crosshair. By surrounding with people who view emotions, instincts, sensuality, and connectedness with others as positive values, Crosshair can learn to listen and be more considerate of other people’s feelings.

When a person is a sun-blessed Apollo, they begin life with a favoured status and with some advantages that help them to succeed in this world. The successful Apollo person usually takes credit for their accomplishments and assumes that their success is well deserved, leading them to become prideful. They may also blame others for not succeeding, without considering other factors such as circumstances, status quo, personality or intelligence. Hence, the third method to grow beyond the Apollo archetype will require one to learn humility. An Apollo person may need to actually be in someone’s shoes, or to suffer loss and feel grief, before they realize how arrogant they were and how much they did not know or appreciate. They may need to make a terrible mistake and be forgiven to experience humility. They may need to grow older and go through humbling experiences to become wiser.

The events of “The Outpost” finally gives Crosshair the hard lesson of humility. By working alongside Commander Mayday, Crosshair is able to actually feel the fit of a different pair of shoes. Although Mayday is a regular clone trooper, he is highly experienced, confident without a hint of hubris, and caring towards others. Yet, Lieutenant Nolan looks down at him for being a clone. After Crosshair and Mayday realize that the stolen cargo that they are sent to retrieved contain Stormtrooper gear, Mayday gets upset that they and their fellow brothers are thrown aside despite their combat service, sacrifice and loyalty. From here, Crosshair finally sees and feels himself in the same position as Mayday – the Empire still chooses to cast him aside despite his loyalty, exceptional skills and his supposed superiority as an enhanced clone. Later, Crosshair loses Mayday and he feels immense grief over his death. He is furious at Lieutenant Nolan for refusing to provide medical attention to Mayday. Lieutenant Nolan represents the worst aspects of an Apollo person – arrogant, cruel, thinking he is above everyone else despite lacking of command experience, and disregarding others who are below him. Upon witnessing and experiencing Nolan’s cruelty and hubris, Crosshair finally realizes how arrogant he was in the past. He also finally realizes that he did not appreciate the Republic, the Jedi, the Bad Batch, regular clones like Rex and Cody, and Omega, who are all better than how the Empire treats him and other clones. Crosshair’s decision to kill Lieutenant Nolan represents his decision to kill off his arrogant self and choose to become humble.

An Apollo person has a tendency to always do what is expected of them, without questioning whether they really want to do it. Since young, they gain love and approval for conforming to the rules, which is not difficult for them based on their archetypal nature. It often takes around the time when a mid-life crisis hits to make them start questioning their life. The fourth method to grow beyond the Apollo archetype requires one to make decisions based on love instead of logic. Once an Apollo person starts following their heart, they step out of the boundaries of their “known” rational world. They become human: they know that they are now vulnerable and they may make mistakes, but they are willing to take risks. They also give up the emotional distance that both protect them and keep them isolated.

Crosshair has a natural tendency to do what is expected of him, and he does it without questioning. He gains love and approval for being a good soldier that follows orders. His self-worth is based on what he is good at – as a soldier and as a sharpshooter. As a result, he does not see himself being more than a soldier and a sharpshooter. However, throughout the series, we are seeing Crosshair starts to follow his heart. In “Reunion”, Admiral Rampart orders Crosshair to execute Clone Force 99 for their desertion have made them traitors to the Empire. However, Crosshair reveals that he never intended to kill them in “Return to Kamino”, which means he is going against the Empire’s orders. Moreover, in “Rescue on Ryloth”, when Howzer chooses to stand up to the Empire and helps the rebels to escape, Crosshair does not choose to execute him for treason or for going against orders, which he has done previously to ES-01 in “Replacements”. Furthermore, in “Kamino Lost”, Crosshair chooses to save Omega from drowning even though his action does not fully regain his brothers’ trust. Although Crosshair is disappointed that the Bad Batch refuses his offer to join the Empire, he still chooses to protect them, lying in his report that they have perished in the bombardment of Tipoca City. In “The Outpost”, Crosshair gives up the mission to retrieve the stolen cargo, and chooses to bring Mayday back to the Imperial base in hopes that he will get medical treatment. In “Tipping Point”, Crosshair shoots the Stormtroopers but he chooses to stun Emerie Karr instead. He does this because Emerie has been at least kind to him, and it is possible that he knows that she is a female clone like Omega. When he attempts to escape, he sends Plan 88 to the Bad Batch, warning them to hide as the Empire is after Omega. He puts his brothers and sister above his need to be rescued. Of course, this journey won’t be easy for Crosshair, but as long as he continues to put an effort to let love be his motivator, he would gradually see himself as more than a soldier and a sharpshooter, and realize that his self-worth is not determined by people with authority. He would also learn to be vulnerable and be willing to take a leap of faith into the unknown.

I have the Apollo archetype as my animus. I was born into a well-off family that prioritizes education. I was able to earn very good grades and show off my various talents. With that, I was treated as “the golden child” in the family, receiving many praises from my family, relatives, teachers and even strangers. Many of my uncles and aunts would compare me with my cousins, saying how I was better than them in every way. I have to admit that all the love and approval had made me arrogant and judgmental. During my college and university years, I went to study law under my family’s suggestion. The reason was that I could work in the legal firms owned by my uncle and aunt. Besides, being a lawyer meant that I could gain a higher status in society and I could protect myself from people who wanted to take advantage of me.

I thought I have a clear future path ahead of me. However, the day after I took my first examination to become a lawyer, I had a terrible realization: my father would have never recognized me as his daughter if I wasn’t smart or talented. My parents separated since I was three, and my father had pretended that I never existed in his life. That all changed when I started to perform well in school, and he started introducing me to his business partners and workers. He was proud of my achievements and boosted about how he was a great father to me, when in reality, he was rarely there for me emotionally throughout my childhood. This realization devastated me. I almost lost sense of my identity. I did not know myself beyond my intelligence, skills and talents. I found myself only being held in high esteem based on what I could give to my family – excellent grades, high status, the perfect image of a family that raises a child to be a successful woman, etc. I was lost, not knowing where to go – this was not the life I wanted.

Then, I was denied by my uncle and aunt to work in their legal firms. I also failed my examination, which shocked my family because I always passed my examinations in my first attempt. They pressured me to retake the exams in hopes that I could pass and become a lawyer. They wanted me to earn the high status and get a stable job. Though, I had lost the motivation to become a lawyer, and I failed my retake. Since then, I became “the black sheep” in the family, and now my family threw various words to berate me. I also failed in my first relationship, which hurt me immensely. I wandered around aimlessly, unable to find a job because I could not find one that piqued my interest. I slipped into depression once more as my future became bleak and uncertain.

When I watched “The Outpost” and saw what Crosshair was going through, I saw myself in him. I saw a proud child, doing everything in their power to please those with authority, only to find that their efforts mean nothing to them, and they get casted aside instead. I was touched by the episode, and I had compassion towards Crosshair. As I saw him starting to move beyond his Apollo archetype, I found myself doing the same. Currently, I am studying a Master’s Degree in the field of education, which I have found a passion for it. My father has apologized for causing so much childhood trauma on me and he is willing to make amends, which strengthens our father-daughter bond. He now tells me that I can be whoever I want to be, and that I am more than my intelligence, skills and talents. I start to become more in touch with my instincts and emotions. I learn to be humble and less judgmental. I learn to embrace the positive and negative traits of Apollo, while choosing to move beyond this archetype. I hope to see Crosshair continuing this journey, just as I am doing now.

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tinywitchgoblin · 19 days

Note

Oya vod! I’m brand new to this, so hoping I’m doing it the right way. :)

Could I request a ship?

I’m a 6’6”, relatively fit terrestrial ecologist (biologist) and a horseback archer. I have a passion for all wildlife, especially avian creatures. I spend a lot of time in the outdoors assessing habitats, identifying birds (sometimes at long distances) by sight and sound and just enjoying the freedom of the natural world. I should probably just go ahead and build a cabin in the forest, because that’s where I feel most at home. Owing to having to work twice as hard to gain the same amount of respect respect in the traditionally male-dominated field of biological science I’m pretty independent and self-reliant but am flexible and can work as part of a team too.

I find large social situations challenging, and am generally slow to connect with people but once I do they are part of my clan for life. ;) People tend to perceive me as confident and capable, but in truth people mostly make me anxious. I connect with animals far more easily - they’re honest!

When I’m not in the forest, I can probably be found with my horse, firing arrows at targets as we gallop across a field, shouting along to metal tunes while driving my Jeep on trails, or working on some ridiculous craft project (probably a wool bird sculpture or leather armour that no one will ever see). Come to think on that I have some rather contrasting traits, haha!

Thank you! These have been fun to read!

Of course, I'm glad you're enjoying them!

I ship you with...

Crosshair!

Our resident sentient toothp(r)ick enjoys spending time outdoors, especially alone, where no one can bother him and he can have some peace and quiet. Just like you, he doesn't like large social gatherings and is very hesitant to let people in. However, once you accepted each other and started dating, you spent a lot of time alone together.

Once he finds out that you do horseback archery, he begged asked you to teach him everything show him a couple of things, and you happily obliged. Initially, he wasn't very good at it because it was so different from his usual skills as a sniper, but eventually, he started showing some improvements. There are few people in the galaxy more stubborn than Crosshair, and he was determined to be good at horseback archery, so help him god.

Having grown up with Tech, Crosshair is very familiar with listening to ramblings about various topics (animals included) and identifying local flora and fauna. However, having it come from you instead of his brother made it very different. He asked Tech for some resources to learn about the various birds in the area (which Tech was very curious as to why Crosshair would want all of that information all of a sudden. suspicious), so when you and he went birdwatching, he had at least a basic knowledge of what you were seeing and hearing, and it made you happy that he put time and effort into such an activity- because as much as he refuses to admit it, your smile is far prettier than any bird.

Thanks for reading! If you want a ship request like this one, drop it in my ask box, and don't forget to reblog 💚

#the bad bois #the bad batch #crosshair bad batch #the bad batch crosshair #crosshair #crosshair x reader #crosshair x you #crosshair tbb #tbb crosshair x you #tbb crosshair x reader #tbb crosshair #star wars x reader

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my-favourite-zhent · 4 months

Text

New Tricks - Chapter 3

Ch1 | Ch 2 | Ch 3 | Ch 4 | Ch 5

Status: Work In Progress Version: 1.01 Pairing: Rugan x AFAB!OC Rating: NC-17 (eventually, this chapter is more of an R) Genre: Adventure/Romance Summary: Misadventures of Rugan and the original Zhentarim Gate's crew before and during the year of three sailing ships.

Table of Contents Read on AO3 here or below the cut.

New Tricks - Chapter Three

Rugan saw the dainty foot leverage the transom, adjusting its angle from the outside.

He observed quietly as the window was opened fully and a second foot joined the first, before a whole figure came swinging in through the opening.

There was a soft thud as the woman in green landed on the floor in a roll. Had she swung in from the roof?

Rugan stared disbelieving for a moment before stepping from the shadows to grab her roughly by the wrist, other hand clamping over her mouth to smother the expected scream. The woman did give a small yelp of surprise but thankfully not as loud as he had been expecting.

“I thought I told you the tower was off-limits.” His voice was low and threatening as he removed his hand from her mouth.

She stared at him wide-eyed for a moment, completely caught off guard by his presence. The woman was panting from effort but quickly found her composure.

“It's off-limits to you as well I'm certain.” Her whole body was tensed and no doubt her blood was rushing from that little display of acrobatics. Her voice however, while low, was even and confident.

“Says who?”

“Says the unlit candles, says the fact you didn't want anyone to hear me scream. And most damning of all: You're. Still. Whispering.”

“That right?” He arched a brow, trying to bluff, afterall she was just guessing. “Maybe I'm here to catch a thief, wouldn't want her getting spooked. And if she's got a little sidekick waiting in the wings? Wouldn't want them to get spooked either.”

“Shall I test my theory then? Give a little scream and see who comes running? Maybe I can tell them that you dragged me in here.”

‘Impudent little thing.’ He thought.

“There's no need for that now. It's my men that are outside the door, you'll be dead before the duke’s staff even get up the stairs.”

“And you'll be caught red-handed.”

He couldn't argue that point.

“Just what is it you're after anyways little sneak-thief?” He still held her wrist tightly in his grasp, and while her outward demeanor was calm he could feel her quickened pulse. She was afraid and rightly so, a Zhent’s crosshairs was not a good place to be.

“Same as you, I’d wager. The runic tablets.”

“You're supposed to be the competition?” He chuckled. “No offense, lass; but you don't look like much.”

She scowled and jut out her chin defiantly. “I think I liked you better downstairs.”

“Aw come now, I didn't mean it like that. It's just that I doubt you could take me in a fight. Still happily give you another kiss, pretty thing. Don't want you leaving completely empty handed.”

“And why should I leave empty handed? Have you even found them yet?”

“Because I'll be taking those tablets therefore you won't be. And I'll find them soon enough.”

“I don't need the physical tablets, I only need to copy the glyphs. Our goals are not mutually exclusive.” She gestured to the tubular purse strapped across her back, it somewhat resembled an archer's quiver. Rugan also noticed for the first time that her party shoes were dangling from her belt. Of course, can't scale a tower in such delicate footwear.

Rugan released her wrist then and motioned to her pack intrigued. “Alright then, show me.”

Carefully she slid the bag off her shoulder and pulled out its contents. Long scrolls of blank parchment that had been rolled inside as well as some long pieces of charcoal.

“Very clever.” He was genuinely impressed. “Now we've just got to find the damn things.”

“We?” She asked, eyebrow raising.

“Well, no sense in being oppositional if we can both get what we want.” More like, no harm in letting the girl do some of the leg work for him. She certainly had the legs for it.

The woman eyed him a moment, trying to gauge whether or not this was some sort of trap. She licked her lips apprehensively before nodding. “Alright. I doubt he's put it somewhere out in the open, but they must be in this room where his Netherese linguistics collection resides. That is, if he truly means to study them.”

“Sure, linguistics, of course.” Rugan nodded along, Zarys hadn't given him any details about the job aside from the fact that the tablets would be in this room. No reason she had to know that though.

The woman stared at him for a long moment and he realized she had already seen right through him. After a beat he gave a resigned sigh. “Alright, what should we be looking for exactly?”

She shook her head, but seemed amused. “Look for anything regarding Jergal, the Netherese or Nakasr. He probably kept it close at hand.”

“Right, death gods and dead people, got it. I'll take the east side, you take the west.”

The pair split up and began canvassing the bookshelves from opposite sides of the room.

Rugan could feel his eyes glaze over as he read over the various titles.

‘Volo’s guide to monsters’

‘Cormanthor: War amidst the trees’

‘Myth Drannor, City of Songs’

‘Oh, hello there, it's the Quarta Sune.’ He was running his finger along the spine when he heard her hiss.

“Zhent, over here.”

Following the sound of her voice he found her kneeling in front of a section of wood paneling.

“See these seams on either side? It doesn't match the rest of the wall. And those books there on the side table are all in Netherese.” Rugan glanced at where she was pointing and sure enough all the titles were entirely unintelligible to him.

“It's got to be this panel but it's jammed, I can't seem to pry it open.”

“Stand aside then, I'll take a crack at it.”

She scuttled back onto a rug and Rugan slipped his fingers under the top lip of the panel. With a grunt of effort he tugged, there was a popping sound and the whole thing swung open like a door. Behind it, embedded in the wall was an iron safe.

“We make a good team, the brains and the brawn.”

“Not just the brains, I'm also the beauty.” She smirked at him.

“I'll fight you for that title miss.” Rugan noted her smile as he bent down in front of the safe.

“I've some picks.” She reached back into her bag when he waved her off.

“No need, you're not the only one who came well supplied.”

He retrieved the ring of keys from his back pocket and began examining them. One in particular was smaller than the rest, it slotted into the hole with ease and made a satisfying click when turned.

Sure enough there were five long clay tablets inside the safe which he gingerly removed and placed on the floor. “Ladies first.”

She blinked at him surprised but quickly leaned over to examine them. “Hmm they're just clay pressings.”

“Will that be a problem?”

“No the glyphs are perfect copies since this was pressed against the originals. I was just hoping to see something Netherese in person.”

“You sound more like a wizard than a thief.”

“Perhaps I missed my calling.” She placed one of her slips of paper over top the clay and began rubbing the piece of charcoal over top. Sure enough the glyphs appeared as inverted copies. They sat in comfortable silence as she made not one but two copies of every tablet.

One bundle she rolled carefully into her pack, the other she tied with a loose bit of string and handed to him. “Here.”

“What do I need these for if I have the tablets?”

“You don't want those. If it has been the real stones, sure, good money for Netherese relics but it's just a copy. No value outside the glyphs.”

Rugan accepted the bundle and paused to consider. Zarys had asked for the tablets specifically but he doubted she had many details on why they were wanted, otherwise she’d have shared that information. Besides she did say they didn't want the Zhentarim implicated in this job. No implications to be made if technically no crime had been committed.

“Let's say I believe you. Just remember it's not wise to cross the Zhentarim, lass.”

“Cross you? Come now I've been perfectly amicable.”

“More than.” He stared at her meaningfully. A smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth as he watched the blush creep up her cheeks. “Still got that kiss for you, lass, if you’d like.”

She gazed back a long moment before patting the rug. “C’mere then zhent.”

Rugan moved to kneel in front of her, one calloused hand gently tucking her hair behind her ear before gliding down to palm her cheek. She tilted her head up to meet him as he lowered his own, his kiss hot and rough and agonizingly slow. When they finally parted her lids were heavy, chest panting softly.

“Did you mean to climb back down the tower?” He asked at length, his voice low and husky.

“I did.”

“I wouldn't chance it, not without a good rope at least.”

“Are you offering to hoist me down?” She smiled at him lazily.

“I could convince my men to let you pass down the stairs. For a fee of course.”

“A shakedown? You villain. Where would I even hide any coin in this flimsy thing?” Rugan enjoyed the way her mouth formed in a mock pout and idly imagined what else those lips might do.

“Perhaps there are other valuables on your person.”

“Feel free to search me.” Her voice teasing and inviting.

Slowly, he slipped the sleeve of her gown off her shoulder so that one breast was exposed to him, its peak stiffening in the cool night air.

Grasping her shoulder he lowered his mouth to her chest. Her skin smelled of soap and wine. Rugan lathed his tongue across its point, her low moans providing ample encouragement.

Suddenly three sharp raps came at the door, startling them both.

“Hurry up in there, the next change is soon.” Came Bellar’s hiss.

Rugan gave a sigh of disappointment, reluctantly he pulled away before fixing her sleeve.

“I was hoping to perform a more thorough investigation.”

“Pity that. I do like to see a professional at work.” Gods, she was a tease.

With another sigh Rugan moved to return the tablets to the safe. Carefully locking it and closing the panel. The girl in turn put away her remaining supplies and slung the pack over her shoulder, rising to her feet.

“Have we forgotten anything?”

“The window, I promised I’d shut it when I left.”

“Promised who?”

“A girl has her secrets.”

He quietly swung it closed and locked it in place while she put her shoes back on.

“Here.” She retrieved his bundle from the floor as he turned back to her. Rugan unrolled the papers and instead carefully folded them and slipped them into his leather vest.

“Right then, we’re off.”

+++++

“What the hells took you so long?” Bellar hissed when the door to the office finally swung open.

“Not to worry, got the job done.”

He patted the breast of his leather jerkin where the papers were folded and tucked away. Behind him slipped out a small woman in a green dress.

“Rugan!” Came Olly's scandalised cry.

“How? Just how?”

“Keep your voices down.”

“I do not jest when I say Zarys is going to cut off your balls.”

“Whatever for? I'm just helping a lost party guest find their way.”

“I'm sure.”

“Listen, who's in charge here? Because last I checked it was me. The jobs finished, and we've done a little creative problem solving, is all.”

“How is it you're in charge anyways?”

“It's called seniority mate.”

“If it's all the same to you.” Came the woman's voice from behind Rugan's shoulder. “I think I'll just climb back out the window.”

“Don't be silly, lass.” Rugan gently grasped her wrist as she reached for the door handle. “You'll come down with us, and the lads will be on their best behaviour.” This last bit he looked at Bellar rather pointedly.

“Yeah, yeah.” Came Bellar's exasperated response, arms crossed. “Come along then miss.”

+++++

They made their way out of the tower without incident.

“Do you need to go find your date?” His interest was entirely logistical. Entirely.

“Hah, better he stay lost, and better for me to get off the grounds before anyone asks questions about my pack.”

“Would you like an escort?”

“Escorting the escort?” She teased, before pausing to consider, lips pressed right together. “If you could get me to the outer keep I'd appreciate it.”

Rugan held out his arm for her and she took it readily.

“Here then lad.” Rugan tossed the ring of keys and Olly caught it deftly. “Make sure that gets put back before it's missed.”

“Sure Rugan.”

“I'll see that the lady gets off the property safely. Let's meet back at the main house.”

“Will do.” Olly nodded before sprinting off towards the kitchens.

Bellar rolled his eyes and walked off muttering something about professionalism and a proper time and place.

+++++

“Your friend seemed a bit displeased.” She murmured when they were out of earshot.

“Ah, he likes to play it safe. It'll be fine.”

They reached the inner gate with ease and Rugan insisted on escorting her the rest of the way.

“You're rather chivalrous for a mercenary. Not planning to kill me once I'm over the wall are you?”

“And bloody up my good shirt?” His voice raised in faux alarm. “No lass, you're safe with me. I should warn you though, I'm not chivalrous in the least.” He roughly spun her then and pinned her by her wrists to the outer wall. “In fact, I'm a bit of a cad.”

“A bit?” She leaned closer to brush her lips against his. Rugan accepted the invitation and pressed his mouth against hers, hot and eager. Her soft sighs and darting tongue were stoking his fire again and Rugan had to pull away before he was too far gone. There wasn't any time left for fun. With a sigh he released her wrists and stepped back from the wall, though he found himself reaching to grasp her hand in his.

“Would you like a boost over the wall?”

“No need, there's a hole behind that shrub.” She gestured to it with a nod of her head.

Rugan barked out a short laugh. “Well that's a bit of a security risk. How long's that been there?”

“Oh it took me about a month to get it big enough, but I only finished last ten-day.”

“You're a strange one lass, would've been easier to just leave with your date.”

“Doesn't hurt to have a back-up plan. Besides, you've met my date.”

Reluctantly he released her hand and she moved to push aside some branches. Sure enough there was an opening in the stone wall where some bricks had been removed. The woman stepped in before turning to regard him.

“It was nice working with you zhent.”

“Aye, lass.”

She smiled and with a rustle of branches she was gone.

Rugan sighed wistfully before turning to make his way back to the main house.

+++++

“Un-bloody-believable.” Bellar shook his head as Rugan approached.

“What? No one bat an eye about how Olly got the keys.”

“Because Olly didn't tell the bloke what we were bloody doing with them. Be a bit different if he brought him up to the actual crime scene.”

“I actually did just ask him nicely.” Olly added quietly, though neither man was listening.

“First of all, I didn't bring her up there. Lass climbed in the window.”

“Then you should have pushed her right back out, very easy thing to do. In fact let's head back over and I'll give ya a demonstration.”

“That might’ve attracted some attention, woman falling out a window.” Interjected Olly.

“Thank you Olly.”

“Don't defend him Olly, worse than Brem, he is.”

“As I was saying,” Rugan's voice rose to cut over Bellar. “she helped me find the runes. So it all worked to our benefit.”

“And if she's a Harper spy?”

“She's not, trust me.”

“Bet that's what Brem thought too.”

“She's Not.”

“You're right, more likely she's part of that Waterdeep thieves guild been giving the local Zhents so much trouble. Xanathar’s crew was it?”

Now this suggestion did give Rugan pause.

“Oh lookit this Olly, he didn't think of that before, our venerable leader.”

Olly did look a tad distressed now.

“Alright, alright. Mayhaps there is a slim possibility that she's in such a guild. Nevertheless, we got what we came for. So let's all just keep mum about the details, yeah?”

“I'm no snitch.” Agreed Olly.

“Fine. S’your head if something goes wrong cuz of her though.”

Rugan put his hands up in a sign of acquiescence. “Agreed. Now if we can put the matter to rest, let's rejoin the others. Party’s bound to be wrapping up soon.”

#rugan #bg3 rugan #rugan bg3 #zhentarim #bg3 fanfic #bg3 fanfiction #new tricks #bg3 smut #bg3 fanfic: new tricks

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dramaticpandabear · 4 months

Text

Crosshair would be the best stealth archer if he was plopped into Skyrim/The Elder Scrolls

#he probably has lvl 100 in archery #crosshair the bad batch #skyrim #the bad batch #star wars the bad batch #tbb crosshair #the elder scrolls #tesblr #skyrim shitpost

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chaosteddybear · 3 months

Text

Mix

Information gathered and finalized

Playlist

Age: 30

Height: 5'5"

Pronouns: he

Sexuality: pan/demi

Relationship style: probably forever single but he does pine

Species: elf

(picrew)

Star Signs: leo sun, scorpio moon, cancer rising

Alignment: True Neutral. He doesn't really have inclinations towards or against good/evil chaos/law. He just has his own set of things that are important and will protect.

Soul Coin: Matte black, looks like a plastic disc but is magnetized. When you touch it it'll vibrate for a bit then settle, like those magnetic rocks.

Backstory: Mix was born into a dangerous time and place, his family was noble but known to dissent from the more strong families. He learned skills such as archery from the best mentors, but his childhood ended early when his whole family was murdered. He had been on an excursion on his own - Mix always liked to be alone - when it happened, and he came back to his home burned down and being cleaned up by neighbors who explained what happened. From that moment on there was no more turmoil between nobles of the area, as the rest fell terrified in line, so Mix decided to just leave. Nowhere safe or good for him there anymore.

He packed up some necessities and walked aimlessly from town to town, killing time in taverns but never finding one he wanted to stay at. Eventually he found a very relaxed town nestled between coast and woods, where he met Turgi first. They hit it off right away, sharing many interests in combat styles and loving to hear each other's foreign ideas. They became inseparable, just the two of them until their group grew.

Goals: Mix is an attack dog in human form. He will fiercely protect his loved ones, and if it's too late he will take revenge.

He's also very sweet. He works to cultivate a caring and loving environment within his close circle, so in order to balance these two things his brain works in a very friend or foe kind of way 🤔

He doesn't like killing, more torture.

Mix is an archer, and very sociable when he needs to be, so he has a vast collection of unique arrows from his travels to get jobs done...

Fear: Mix is afraid of losing his chosen family, or feeling like he didn't do a good job of protecting them.

Food: He likes warm comfort foods. He also likes dipping breaded things in bot drinks! Because why not?

Misc Q&A answers, collected

- Sees love as a weakness. Why would he need anything more than his inner circle anyway? He loves them all. And sure he does more with some of them.

- Modern AU Mix would probably be a chef or a dishwasher. Whatever he does he works in a kitchen ♥️

- His exes probably think he's too protective of his friends. If they ever tried to turn him against one of his pack, he would chew them out and toss them to the curb. Anyone who has wronged one of his favorites thinks he's an asshole, chasing and torturing them. Additional enemies would be anyone he has successfully scared away before they could do harm to his friends, and they would think he's an absolute psychopath and will run if they see him again. He doesn't really have enemies other than that.

- Mix wishes he was more powerful - he is plenty effective but he'd like to be *really* powerful - and it bothers him, but he hasn't consciously accepted this yet. Thank devil he has Turgi to clean up the scraps between his goals and his ability. But he'd probably make a deal with Raphael if it meant being able to protect his friends even better 😳 Since he doesn't really acknowledge this about himself he would certainly never admit it!

Mix is also oblivious of people and their intentions unless they're in his pack and he knows them *well*. Again he is not good at acknowledging this and Turgi must protect him smh.

- Feral boy would hold his wine glass differently every time. Maybe by the rim sometimes to be honest.... Drinking it like a hot coffee 😂

- Mix doesn't really consider lying day to day but will if it's part of trying to lure someone in his crosshairs into a trap.

- He as a jewelry collection, mostly full of sharp edges. He likes to play with the spikes and use them against his skin to stim, especially when he needs to bite his tongue as he watches Sasli make what he deems to be bad decisions, or anyone treat her as anything but a queen.

He also has a small thumb piano that Turgi got him so he can try to jam with her, but he's usually too nervous to try since he doesn't consider himself musically inclined. But he wears it on a hook around his waistband so he's always ready, should the confidence emerge. Turgi and Sasli decorated it with geometric patterns using paint.

- likes scotch and rye, particularly smokey and dry. With nothing but one large piece of ice. Without alcohol, he likes hot chocolate, thick and spicy, with marshmallows.

- Physical touch: Hates it from strangers, is apprehensive from friends, and revels in it from his pack members but doesn't seek it himself.

- Love Languages: Penguin pebbling AND gift giving. Dude will give you a golden bracelet he stole on a random day then a pretty leaf for your birthday and not understand why you're confused.

- If he had access to my closet he would definitely steal my stiffest jeans, the ones that are just cotton no elastic. And undershirts, the muscle shirt kind, and some nice jackets too, a denim or leather.

- Mix feels jealousy all the time. About things, people, relationships. He's jealous of everyone Sasli spends time with, as he's very in love with her. He's jealous of all bards, as he wishes he could make people smile like that. And so on and so forth. But he keeps his jealousy inside.

#Long post #Write up #Mix

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fictional-love-is-my-life · 3 months

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Heyy heyy chuchu❣️🙃

Could you do some Bay bots headcanons with a young friend (between 18 and 21 years old), being a talented archer? Something like green archer or Neytiri, the friend who has practiced archery since childhood and has a huge passion that's why he's very good at what he does...Could you make a connection with Cade Yeager? (Platonic please)

Bumblebee:

Bee met them after Cade introduced them. They were one of his friend's kids.

Bee was happy to meet a younger human because they were someone he could closer connect to.

Bee is fascinated by archery and always watches every time his new friend practices. Bee will help set up targets and try to put them far away to challenge them.

Bee also tried it himself after begging them to let him try. He pulled so hard that the bow snapped, and he felt really guilty about it. Cade paid for a replacement (and grounded Bee). So from now on Bee will only watch.

Crosshairs:

He doesn't get archery. If they have guns, why would they want some sharp sticks that fly through the air?

He often commented that it's a useless hobby, which he thinks most human hobbies are. And he'd tease that they wouldn't be much good in a real fight.

That is until he actually sees them practice. He watches them shoot a target, watching the sharp arrow tip go straight through right on the bullseye.

Crosshairs doesn't make any negative comments any more. He doesn't make any positive ones either, but they often see him watching anytime they practice.

Drift:

Drift was thrilled to meet them. He's surrounded by bots who prefer guns to other weapons. Not that he hasn't used a gun himself, but he prefers his swords. So he finds it refreshing to meet someone interested in different weapons.

He knows they don't use them to fight, only to enjoy the hobby. But Drift is still happy. He likes to talk to them about archery and swordsmanship. They often share stories and talk about their training.

Drift likes to watch them practice. He also likes to train together. He lets them shoot arrows at him while he tries to slice them in half. It's fun for both parties.

If Drift could get a Cybertronian-sized bow, he would like to take up archery. Perhaps he could get Cade and his new friend to work on making him one. Then he could use Crosshairs for target practice and shoot arrows in the green mechs aft.

#ask #transformers #bumblebee #crosshairs #drift

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theawkwardartist12 · 10 months

Text

Elven Archer Playing Card - Sketch Commission

I was told I could design the character however I wanted to as long as it was an elven archer

Did I make him look like Crosshair Bad Batch?

Yes

Yes, I did

#art #artist #dnd #dungeons and dragons #digital art #digital artist #commission #star wars #star wars fanart #crosshair #crosshair tbb #tbb crosshair #the bad batch #the bad batch crosshair #tbb #the bad batch fanart #tbb fanart

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dreamless-daydreamer · 2 months

Text

TBB as Taylor Swift Songs - Song+Character Analysis… Part One

(Part two) (Part Three)

Okay so the writers told us that last Crosshair is Bad Blood and Wrecker pre-chip removal was Shake it Off.. But I needed more, so here it is.

Hunter - The Archer

I almost gave this to Omega, and it could easily be hers too, but I thought the lyrics ring true for Hunter, especially in season 2

Combat

I’m ready for combat

I say I don’t want that, but what if I do

Throughout season two, Hunter struggles to balance being a soldier and being a brother/father. He wants to lay low and avoid contact with the empire, but he knows that taking these jobs are the only way to survive. He’s unsure about settling down on Pabu because as much as he wants to provide a stable live for his family, they’re still soldiers, aren’t they?

I never grew up, it’s getting so old

Help me hold onto you

This line is commonly just interpreted as someone being childish and never becoming an adult, whereas for Hunter it reads that he, alongside his brothers never had a childhood. The clones were basically soldiers as soon as they could walk. Because of this Hunter puts in so much effort to make sure she has the childhood they didn’t get.

We see the stress start to bear weight on Hunter in Season 2, he spends most of the season in a state of depression and he’s not as close to Omega as he was in the previous season. We watch him grow jealous as she spends more time with Phee, and we see him throughout the season always close to her, but not conversing with her nearly as much as he used to, he wants to be with Omega and spend time with her, but he feels so much pressure to be a perfect father that he struggles to do anything more than trail behind her.

Dark side

I search for your dark side

Hunter, but also the entire batch, minus Omega, have evident trust issues. Hunter has a hard time accepting help from others, and it clearly takes a while for him to trust Cid, and Phee. He’s waiting for them to turn on him, and Cid eventually does.

You can tell that Hunter struggles with the reveal that Crosshair removed his chip. He has a hard time accepting it at first, and by season two he’s accepted it, and as such doesn’t believe that Crosshair really defected from the Empire.

Screaming, who could ever leave me darling?

But who could stay?

In the first season, Hunter struggles with what to do with Omega. At first he instantly wants her to stay with them, because she’s their sister, she belongs with them. But then it becomes glaringly obvious that Omegas a child, and doesn’t belong with soldiers. He tries to send her away, for her own safety but also because of his own fear that he can’t take care of her.

They see right through

Can you see right through me?

They see right through

They see right through me

I see right through me

As Crosshairs words of doubt ring true in Hunters ears, he takes upon himself on a growing pressure to do everything right, to always make the right call, to keep his family safe. He grows anxious and closed off from his family, but we see that he always tries to put on a brave, kind face for Omega. And yet as soon as she turns away we see how tired he is. He’s scared to fail the way Crosshair told him he had. Crosshair saw right through him, Hunter sees right through himself, and he’s scared that Omega will see through him too.

The Archer is a song about anxiety and that in of itself relates it to Hunter, but Taylor’s musical genius shines in this song in that the music never drops. It builds and builds and builds, but never hits a breaking point the entire song. This is how we see Hunter in season two. His anxiety and stress builds and weighs him down, but he never breaks. He bottles it in, refusing to crack. Even when Omega is taken at the end of the finale, he’s angry, but he’s cold and reserved in his anger, instead of the rage and grief we know he’s feeling on the inside.

Okay, I was planning on having multiple in one but this actually might take so long I might have to do one post per character. I’m also planning on doing a song for relationships between characters . I already have an Idea for Crosshair and Hunter’s song(I bet you can guess what it is.)

#star wars #the bad batch #tbb #bad batch #star wars the bad batch #star wars tbb #the bad batch season 3 #tbb omega #tbb hunter #hunter bad batch #hunter #tbb tech #tbb crosshair #tbb echo

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