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amusewithaview · 5 years

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Purrfect Love (Darcy x Natasha SM AU)

A/N: Kicking off my contributions to the Darcyland Autumn Revival with Part One of a story I conceived and wrote MANY moons ago. Will post part two this afternoon and part three tomorrow at the latest (still polishing).

...

Darcy wasn’t entirely sure how she felt about this whole moving-into-Stark-Tower thing. She could understand Thor’s reasoning: with Loki having escaped Asgard (again) it was best for Jane and co. to be close to some sort of protection. On the other hand, Stark Tower had a history of being ground zero for battles and/or attacks. Darcy had seen this movie before, she was pretty sure it was of the ‘plucky sidekick sacrifices self for heroine’ stripe and while, yeah, Jane was pretty awesome and, to be honest, she probably would throw herself between the scientist and any psychos, she’d really rather not be put in that situation.

“I still don’t see why we couldn’t have hung out on the Bus,” she told Jane a few days into their stay.

“The what?”

“The Bus. At least, I think that’s what I heard Thor call it. That one agent, that guy who stole all your stuff? He’s trying to rebuild SHIELD without Hydra, and he’s got some sort of flying base-of-operations.”

Jane paused in her inventory of their machines to shoot her s skeptical look, “Are you sure this was an actual conversation and not the product of weird late-night snacks and bad TV?”

“I maintain that cheesecake and tacos are a fantastic combination,” she replied loftily.

“Uh-huh.”

“Oh, come on, it was one time, Jane!”

“You woke up screaming about blue aliens, Parks and Rec, and cherry bombs,” the scientist said evenly, “it left an impression.”

“Fine, I allow that the Tower is probably a good choice right now,” Darcy muttered.

“Good, because…I was thinking that maybe we should stay. Even after they catch Loki again.”

“You were what?!”

…

The Great Base Debate was put on hold when Thor comm’d them via JARVIS to let them know that he was returning with his friends. Loki was ‘not yet defeated,’ but he had been ‘struck a grievous blow.’ Darcy was impressed with JARVIS’s ability to imitate Thor’s speech cadence all while maintaining his trademark dry, verging-on-bored tone of voice. She wasn’t sure if it was a programmed or a learned skill, but she definitely wanted to cultivate it.

She hung back in the lab finishing what was left of the inventory, which was apparently a much more urgent task than she’d realized since Jane was considering converting this trial run to a more permanent move. Darcy knew that by the time she finished, Jane and Thor would have reunited and headed off to the nearest appropriate quarters for a more horizontal post-battle reunion. Since she’d been allocated a bedroom that adjoined Jane’s suite, Darcy thought it would be a good idea to avoid her room for a bit, just in case. Thor was surprisingly quiet, it was Jane that was the screamer.

Chalk that up as Reason #8 that most people don’t live with their bosses. There are just some things you don’t want to know about the person you collate for.

Darcy finished up, shut the lights off – asked JARVIS to shut the lights off, really – then took the elevator up to the area Ms. Potts had told them was ‘for everyone, really, I mean that.’ The ‘everyone’ area included a kitchen, small library, and TV room. Darcy planned to avail herself of the first two, not entirely because Jane might have had a point about late-night snacks and bad TV.

She was about 90% certain that Stark would have channels she’d never even heard of.

The kitchen was…not as deserted as she’d expected. There was a cat sitting on the counter next to the fridge. It was a really pretty cat, big and fluffy, its fur an interesting combination of what looked like every shade from black to white, making it look almost like a living shadow. As she got closer, she could see that its eyes were a brilliant green and that it was watching her every bit as closely as she was watching it.

She slowly offered her closed fist for a sniff, voice falling into the saccharine coo of cat lovers everywhere as she murmured, “What a pretty puss! Bet you purr awful sweet…”

The cat’s ears flicked back as she started speaking, but it held still while she reached out towards it. Darcy stopped when her hand was about two inches away from the cat’s nose, letting it decide what it wanted to do. It looked at her face for a moment before leaning in and rubbing its cheek across her knuckles.

A muffled sound behind her had Darcy jerking back and spinning to find a strange man standing on the opposite side of the kitchen island, one hand pressed to his mouth while he stifled…laughter? He had a bow on his back, so that made him Hawkeye, or Clint Barton. Darcy had yet to meet any of the Avengers (not counting Thor), they’d already headed out by the time Thor arranged for transport to the Tower.

After a moment, he recovered enough to offer her a smiley, “Hello!”

“Uh, hi?” she said. “Is she yours?” she stepped to one side, gesturing… which she realized belatedly was entirely unnecessary as there probably weren’t multiple cats wandering around the Tower. At least, she thought there probably weren’t? On the other hand, she’d been surprised to find this one, so who knew? Maybe Stark had a whole menagerie.

“In a manner of speaking,” he said, eyeing Darcy with a twinkle in his eyes.

The cat let out a low hiss.

Clint rolled his eyes. “That,” he pointed at the cat, “is Natasha Romanov. She’d introduce herself, but she’s kind of…incapable at the moment.”

Darcy opened her mouth, shut it, and then attempted a reasonable response: “Are you serious?”

He nodded, “Yep. She’s why we broke off the attack on Loki: he zapped her just as Thor was about to go in for the takedown.”

Darcy turned so she could see both the cat and the man at the same time. The cat, which may or may not have been the Black Widow, was giving Clint a very unimpressed look, but that was normal cat behavior and not really an indicator of secretly-a-person-ness. She rubbed her temples with her fingers. “This is some Prisoner of Azkaban type shit. Is it always like this?”

“The Tower?”

“Yes.”

He paused, obviously thinking it over. “This is the first time somebody’s been turned into a cat,” he offered, “but there was a de-aging incident last week and an interdimensional doppelganger the month before.”

Darcy stared at him. “I can’t tell if you’re screwing with me or not.”

He rolled his eyes, “Relax, I only fuck with people I know. Speaking of which, you are…?”

“Darcy Lewis: lab assistant to Jane, friend of Thor. He wants us here for our own safety while Loki is running amok…but it might become a more permanent thing, I guess,” she grimaced. “Assuming I can’t talk Jane out of it, I mean.”

Clint took a step forward and hooked one of the stools out from beneath the lip of the island, seating himself on it. He had an oddly intent look on his face, like he was measuring her, or something, but he was some sort of secret agent. That sort of behavior probably came with the territory. “So you’re Darcy. Thor speaks very highly of you,” Clint told her, “and I know he’s been talking about discussing a move with Jane for a while. You don’t want to live here? With all the superheroes and cool gadgets – “

“And weird magic and alien invasions?” Since it looked like he was settling in, she grabbed a seat too, snagging an apple from the bowl between them in the middle of the island. “I mean, I was there for the New Mexico thing, and the London thing, and the Saskatchewan thing, so magic and aliens and sentient tree-things aren’t exactly new,” she explained, picking at the stem and studiously avoiding his eyes, “but they’re not really normal either, and I’m just not sure I want them to become my new ‘normal.’”

He nodded in understanding, “I get it, I do. Have you looked for other work?”

She shrugged, then tried not to jump when the cat – Natasha(?) – was suddenly at her elbow, sitting not six inches away. “I have,” she said slowly, side-eyeing the cat, “but not seriously. I don’t actually want to leave Jane. I like working with her, it’s fun and it’s interesting, and she’s doing good work that matters, you know?”

“I know,” Clint said solemnly, and, well of course he did. He was an Avenger.

“Anyways,” Darcy shrugged, “It’s not set in stone yet. I’m gonna work on talking Jane out of it. I’ve got till you guys catch Loki, right?”

“Right,” he said, nodding slowly.

The cat stood, the tip of her tail twitching back and forth, and crossed over to him. The duo engaged in a brief stare down, and then the cat was climbing onto Clint’s shoulder, settling down with a satisfied-sounding, “Mrrr.”

“So,” Clint said, turning his focus back to Darcy, “that means we’ve got just as long to convince you to stay.”

“… What?”

He got up, one hand lifting to brace the cat in case she lost her balance (highly unlikely since 1) she was a cat, and 2) she was Natasha Romanov). “We’ll try and show you the normal, not-crazy side of the Tower so that, even if you can’t convince Jane to change her mind, you won’t have so many reservations about living here.”

Darcy stared at him. “You and the recently-a-human feline,” she said slowly, “are going to convince me that this place isn’t crazy?”

“We’re gonna try.”

The cat started purring.

“Why?” Darcy asked, suspicious. “I mean… no, I really just mean the ‘why.’”

He smiled amiably, “Maybe we just need something constructive to do while we wait for the magic to wear off.” With that, he turned and left the kitchen.

She stared after them. “This place is so weird.”

#amuse writes stuff #darcy lewis #natasha romanov #darcy x natasha #darcyland autumn revival 2019 #kicking things off with a darcy x natasha soulmate au #which may actually be clint x darcy x natasha poly au in disguise #why yes darcy's words to nat have been a trial for most of nat's life #and yes i figured out the words before the story #nat's words to darcy will be more normal i promise #part two will be up this afternoon

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the-quiet-winds · 5 years

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Terrors Don’t Prey on Innocent Victims (part one)

no one asked for probably the darkest fic that @ichlugebulletsandcornnuts and i have ever written together, but here it is

serious warnings though: stalking, threats of violence, actual violence

[Part 1: Tell Me You Love Me]

it started off innocent enough.

katherine would find a couple comments on her instagram every day, saying that she’s beautiful and an inspiration and all sorts of nice words.

then, things started to feel weird. the fan, whoever they were, started to become more insistent, creepy and borderline malicious words popping up on katherine’s screen four to five times a day.

back when they were simple compliments, katherine would give them a like as a sign of gratitude, but as the messages got stranger she didn’t feel comfortable doing that any more. the fan, however, seemed to take issue with that.

“why are you ignoring me?” one comment reads. “i was only trying to tell you how special you are.” eventually, katherine blocks the account, but within the hour a new one had been created and was commenting asking why they’d been blocked.

it didn’t take long for jane to notice the shift in katherine’s demeanor. she stops posting as frequently on social media, specifically her instagram, and every time her phone lights up or makes a sound, she physically winces.

jane decides to rip the bandage off and ask her right away. she sits down on the couch next to kat, who is staring at her upside-down phone on the table with a nervous lip bite.

“hey, love,” jane says quietly. “what’s going on with you?”

katherine looks up at her, startled. “hm? oh, nothing.” her gaze darts back to her phone again and her leg bounces anxiously, and jane frowns.

“sweetheart, i know something’s up. you can tell me, kat.”

katherine looks from her phone to jane then back again, and her eyes are wide and nervous. she’s silent for a few seconds, an internal battle of whether to tell jane or not playing in her mind.

without a word, kat picks up her phone and opens instagram, before showing jane her DMs. that one ‘fan’ had sent messages on messages trying to get katherine to respond, some of them borderline sexual and creepy. by the time jane looks up from the phone, katherine is in tears.

“oh, love,” jane pulls her into her arms immediately. “love, i’m so sorry. have you reported them?”

“i’ve tried,” katherine half-sobs. “they just keep coming back.” jane keeps holding kat close, running a soothing hand over her back, but her mind is fiercely angry. how someone could send katherine these messages was beyond her, especially under the guise of being a fan. a wave of protectiveness rushes through her and she murmurs soft reassurance to katherine, already trying to think of ways to stop this person from messaging her daughter any more.

“it feels horrible,” katherine whimpers. “they won’t leave me alone.”

jane is outrageously angry, but keeps her touch soft and soothing and she strokes katherine’s back and hair. she delicately kisses the top of her head.

“we’ll sort this out, kitty-kat. i’m telling you,” jane murmurs, softly but firmly. “nobody’s going to harm you, not on my watch. and not on any of the other queens’ watch either.” katherine clings to her even harder, her tears flowing faster.

“you promise?” she asks, voice shy and childlike.

“of course i do,” jane promises. “i will protect you.”

unfortunately, jane is only human, and no one could possibly foresee what would come that night.

past midnight, when darkness blankets the sky, katherine is peacefully sleeping, but it doesn’t last very long. she is awoken by a loud crashing noise. even in the blackness, she could make out the broken glass on the floor and gaping hole in the window. in the center of the glass pile sits a brick, dark and red, with a message taped to it.

“you can’t get rid of me, kitty-kat.”

katherine can’t even find the voice to scream. instead, she just runs, runs to jane’s room and bursts in. jane, already waking up from the crash, immediately sits up at the sight of katherine.

“love, what’s the matter?”

katherine was obviously distressed, face pale and body trembling. she can’t speak, instead falling into jane’s arms and bursting into tears.

“shh,” jane hushes. “what happened?”

katherine can’t talk, tears and fear overpowering her entirety. jane simply holds her tight, running a hand over her hair in attempts to be soothing.

“what the hell is this?” aragon and cleves burst into the room, tailed by parr and boleyn. in aragon’s hand is some square thing...it looks an awful lot like a brick to jane.

with a heavy gulp and a shudder from katherine, she realizes that’s exactly what it is.

when jane reads the note attached to the brick rage fills her mind. she pulls katherine onto her lap and cradles her like a child, arms soft but with a face like thunder. this person, whoever they are, had gone too far. not only had they invaded their home, their safe sanctuary, but they’d used the nickname that should only be used to make katherine feel loved. a glance around at the other queens lets her know that they are just as furious as she is; they might not know the full situation but it’s still clear that katherine was being targeted by somebody, and nobody messed with katherine and got away with it.

cleves and aragon’s faces darken significantly at the realization. there’s something malicious going on that everyone can sense, even the calm and resolute parr is nearly shaking with anger.

“hush, lovey, hush now,” jane tells the shaking girl in her arms, trying to keep her voice soft and calm. parr quietly steps over and whispers in jane’s ear, “try to get her to sleep, then we can talk.”

the other queens leave the room to give katherine some space. jane keeps holding her, soothing her with gentle words and kisses to her temple while katherine sobs her emotions out. eventually, katherine is all cried out and her eyes start to droop closed from exhaustion. jane doesn’t want to leave her in the room alone, worried about katherine waking up afraid or even worse, the person coming back. however, she also wants to work out what’s going on and how to solve it, so she gently tucks katherine in to jane’s bed and creeps out, leaving the door open so she can hear if there were any disturbances.

when she reaches parr’s room, an interesting sight is awaiting her.

some of the low lights are on, illuminating the four queens in the room. boleyn and cleves are sprawled on the bed, scrolling through the multiple profiles of the person in question. aragon is pacing the floor, debating with parr if calling the police was a next step, while parr herself is at her desk on her computer, researching any similar events. she doesn’t know if she’s relieved or frustrated that there’s nothing to be found.

jane weakly leans on the doorway, katherine’s emotional outburst taxing her as well. “we’re not safe here,” she finally says. “she’s not safe here.”

“that’s why we need to call the police,” aragon nods. “it was bad enough when it was just online, but they’ve actually found where she lives.” parr sighs and pinches the bridge of her nose.

“i want to agree with you, aragon, and i think the police should be told, but i don’t think it’s going to be enough. the only prosecutable thing they’ve done is vandalism, and that isn’t going to get them a sentence. we need to do something more to protect her.”

“none of the profiles comment on anyone’s stuff except howard’s,” boleyn chimes in. she shudders slightly as she scrolls down. “some of it is so creepy.”

cleves nods in agreement, uncharacteristically quiet. “there’s like 10 of them, all saying the same vile things.”

jane’s legs feel weak, her stomach sick, everything horrible and wrong happening all at once.

“there has to be something we can do,” she insists. “we can’t just wait for them to do something else.”

“but there’s nothing we can do right now, jane,” parr says quietly, staring vaguely towards her desk. “we just have to keep katherine safe as best we can.”

jane wants to go back to katherine to make sure she’s definitely alright; in fact, she wants to never let katherine out of her sight again. “i think we should go somewhere,” she says. “get katherine out of the house where they can’t find her.” her fist clenches with anger without her realising. “she deserves a place where she can be safe.”

“we could try,” parr says uneasily. “but if they find her again, i’m not sure what we could do after that.” she digs her thumbs into her temple and sighs. “god, this is so messed up.”

“you’re not wrong, parr,” boleyn calls from the bed, making a disgusted face at one of the comments. “listen to this, ‘you’re too talented for this group. maybe a solo career? or a duo, i’ll come too lol.’ what the hell?!”

aragon opens her mouth to speak but is cut off by a dog barking outside. their neighbor has a dog, a friendly bulldog named rufus, but he never barks. especially in the middle of the night. they glance out the window.

there’s a person standing in the deserted street, dressed in black from head to toe. their face is concealed in shadows, but there’s definitely something sinister.

“‘if you all want to talk, i’ll be waiting here,’” boleyn suddenly says. she shows her phone to cleves, where she had received a direct message from this particular person just a second ago.

“this could be a trap,” parr says evenly. “it’s the perfect way to get everybody out of the house and have katherine here alone.”

“...but it could also be a chance to find out who this creep is,” boleyn finishes the thought. “i don’t want to talk to some faceless stranger in the middle of the night,” she adds. “but it’s still an option.” one by one, they turn slowly to look at jane, who at this point is almost sheet white and leaning heavily against the doorway.

“i’ll go,” she says with as much conviction as she can muster. “cathy?”

“i’ll come too,” she answers. jane nods weakly to her, then looks to the other three. “stay here,” she commands, “keep each other safe. keep an eye on her and us. if anything looks wrong, call the police.”

“no one will hurt her. or us. that’s a promise,” aragon says.

jane nods again before leaving the room, followed by parr. she goes into her own room, where katherine lays asleep, faded tear stains on her cheeks. jane can barely hold herself together as she bends over and kisses katherine’s forehead. “they will keep you safe, kitty-kat,” she whispers so softly she can barely hear herself. “mama loves you.”

in an instant, her demeanor changes. she turns to parr, a dark fire in her eyes. “let’s go see what this bastard wants.”

the two leave the house, parr with some pepper spray tucked into her jacket pocket just in case. boleyn watches them out of the window, having promised to yell to the other two if it seemed like jane and parr were in any trouble.

the figure doesn’t move as they approach, and as they get closer they can see the person is wearing a mask. the hood of their jacket is pulled up over their hair, and they’re even wearing gloves; it would be impossible to identify them from their appearance.

“what a shame,” the person says as they approach. their voice is rough and decidedly masculine, but still young sounding. “the two irrelevant queens. it would have been nice to at least see aragon or boleyn, or even...,” he rubs his hands together with a demented glee, “queen kitty-kat herself?”

parr has to physically hold jane back. “you have no right to call her that!”

“calm down, sweetheart. i don’t want to hurt her.” his voice is light, jovial, even.

“you just want to do other vile things, huh?” parr snarls.

“not vile, never vile,” he says, with the air of someone explaining a very simple concept to a child. “no, an angel like her deserves to be appreciated properly by someone who truly sees how special she is.”

“and that someone is you, is it?” jane practically spits, her normally soft voice now unrecognizable.

“that would be correct,” the man says calmly. “we have a spiritual bond, you see. she might not know it yet, not with you poisoning her mind, but she will see the light one day.”

“you rotten, disgusting little cockroach!” jane yells, lunging towards him. parr grabs her arms and holds her back.

he tisks. “violent, are we? wouldn’t want sweet little kat caught up in all this anger, now would we...,” he pauses momentarily. “‘mum?’”

“don’t you dare,” jane hisses, almost managing to pull out of parr’s grip. “don’t you dare-”

“it’s actually quite cute,” he interrupts, and although they can’t see his face they can almost hear the smirk behind his words. “all this mother and daughter talk, i mean. as if you would ever be good enough for someone so beautiful and perfect, someone like kitty-kat.” his voice reaches an almost dreamlike tone. “tell me, is she just as perfect up close?”

“you don’t get to know anything about her!” jane hisses. “nothing! you deserve to rot in jail for what you’ve done.”

he feigns an offended gasp. “such hostility from such a kind woman. i hope you aren’t like this with kitty-kat. what’s that thing you always say to her?” his voice lowers to a soft whisper, so very like the one jane uses every time she says the words he then repeats. “mum loves you, kitty-kat. in this life or any other.”

jane freezes, completely still, and parr lets go of her arms in concern.

“how- how could you possibly know that?” jane says, voice faint.

“what kind of person would i be if i didn’t know everything there is to know about my kitty-kat?” he says, in a tone that sends a shiver down both of their spines.

“she’s not yours,” jane spits.

“not yet,” he shrugs. “but she will be, you mark my words.”

without parr holding her back, jane flies at the man, an uncontrollable rage overtaking her. she draws back her fist but he grabs her wrist, seemingly unfazed by her attack.

“hm, i think you’re going to have to break your promise,” he hums. his grip tightens on jane’s wrist enough for her to let out a quiet whimper of pain, and parr, who had been approaching with her hand reaching for the pepper spray, freezes, not wanting to make him hurt jane any more. “looks like mummy can’t protect kitty-kat after all.”

he pauses, and a malice fills his voice. the imaginary smirk fades, replaced by what could be thought of as a snarl. “i will be back, and kitty-kat will be mine. just you wait.”

he harshly releases jane’s wrist and she stumbles back. he turns to leave.

“you horrid bastard, you will never, ever touch her!” jane half-yells.

there’s a moment when everything is absolutely still. then he whirls on his heel, his hand rising and colliding with jane’s cheek, sending her down against the asphalt. he leans over her threatening.

“i’d like to see you try and stop me,” he growls. “stay out of my way, or i will kill you, jane seymour.”

then he runs off into the night.

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tag list: @percabeth15 @kats-seymour @qualquercoisa945 @jane-fucking-seymour @a-slightly-cracked-egg @justqueentingz @annabanana2401 @wolfies-chew-toy @broad-way-13@tvandmusicals @lailaliquorice @aimieallenatkinson @sweet-child-why03 @gaylinda-of-the-upper-uplands @funky-lesbians@thinkaboutitmaybe @hansholbeingoesaroundzeworld @anaamess@beeskneeshuh @prick-up-ur-ears@theartoflazy @justqueentwo @brother-orion @paleshadowofadragon @lafemmestars@beautifulashes17@jarneiarichardnxel@idkimbadwithusernamesandstuff @sixcago@mixer1323@boleynssixthfinger @aimieallen @elphiesdance@boleynthebunny@krystalhuntress @lupin-loves-chocolate @bellacardoza16 @bluify

#six the musical #six musical #jane seymour #katherine howard #catherine parr #anne boleyn #anne of cleves #catherine of aragon #julie and jess write #terrors don't prey on innocent victims #PLEASE read the warnings

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simplysoriya · 4 years

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The Eternal Serpent

{Prologue, pt1}

Chapter 2: Unrest in Uldum

Weeks had passed since Soriya had enlisted her father's help in her tomb delving exploits. Initially skeptical of allowing another to muscle in on her claim, a concession was made as the stubborn rogue refused to drop the topic. She couldn’t deny that the pace had slowed considerably over the year long obsession as the doors continually closed on her leads. The dismal feeling of having every effort only fail and falter was beginning to wear down even the most stalwart of believers.

But Kirollis, for his part, had helped to reinvigorate the search. He asked about it constantly, whether it was morning, noon, evening or night. Probing little details and picking her brain when it came to the more obscure parts of the story. Investigative skills that she lacked were evened out with his interest, and with her faltering motivation? It provided just the right boost for Soriya to press on unfretted.

While his intent was deeply rooted in helping his daughter, and less so in unearthing ancient Pandarian legends? It was genuine effort nonetheless.

The proposed option of Uldum was chief among their discussions. Offering Soriya a completely untapped location to throw herself into. It was the missing suggestion she needed to delve deeper into the mysterious desert, a previously unconsidered option.

It wasn’t the longest journey to the Golden Sands of Uldum. While the demand for portals to the oasis among the wasteland was scarce, leading them to be discontinued in the capitol. It didn’t stop the duo from securing a ride from a cargo ship out of Zandalar. With its market now a melting pot of cultures, it made finding routes to remote locations just a little easier if one had enough coin and knew who to ask. Another task that Kirollis excelled at.

The central city off the eastern riverbank, Ramhaken, was a sight to behold. A city built next to one of the only habitable places in the whole area. Ancient sandstone structures punctuated with their own unique architecture afforded to a culture that spent its time in seclusion, hidden away from the rest of the world. A bastion of civilization in an otherwise untenable area that stood out like a jewel upon approach. Like a reprieve from the harsh sun and sand that made up most of the locale. It was an oasis, and one with running water to boot.

There was no attempts to hide her wonder as Soriya stepped through the archways into the city. Excitement in her eye as her mouth hung open while taking it all in. One of the rare locations she had never visited, when she finally saw it? The glimmer in her features was unmistakable as her seafoam colored eyes bounced from structure to person with no discernable pattern.

Eventually, however, her eyes did stop to admire the main structure situated in the center. Soon after darting over in Kirollis’ direction, “So pop…. What exactly was your plan here? You know there’s a lot of desert and mountains, right?” Soriya quipped to her fathers act first think later policy that had propelled them to the bottom of Kalimdor.

“Ye of little faith.” The rogue replied with a smirk. “You know half of investigating is like… going places and asking questions right? It’s part of the process. Heck, if we’re right about it maybe being here? I wouldn’t be surprised if the Ramhaken had a similar story that got passed down.”

“Really?” Soriya asked as that same wonderment filled her voice. “I’ve only ever met a few of them. They have such a beautiful city though, I can’t believe I never thought to visit.” The young monk added a smile along with her thoughts.

Kirollis, however, paused to give his daughter an incredulous look, “You mean to tell me that -you-, miss world traveler galore, has never been to Ramhaken?”

“Nope! Not even Uldum if we’re being honest. I mean I like sand but… not… like… sandpaper sand. I went to this beach party in Tanaris once and went wandering. I have no idea how it happened but sand even got in my canteen. I didn’t like it.”

Kirollis tipped his head to the side, finding that a valid point. “Yeah sand sucks. Especially in leather armor.” Accentuating that point by looping his fingers into his leather codpiece as if to reference it. Taking a deep breath he would add on exhale, “I can feel the rashes already.”

“Sucks for you.” Soriya replied. No stranger to shifting climates and far more malleable than her father. The young monk had chosen far more weather appropriate attire.

“Yeah, well, I don’t exactly pull off short shorts and flip flops as well as you do.” Kirollis bemoaned.

“You rocked the hell out of that bedazzled shirt.”

“You’re damn skippy, I did.” Kirollis confirmed proudly. “Anyways, I know a couple of people from back in my uh… less savory days. I’ll check in with them and see if I can kick up any dust.” Looking over to Soriya, who was still enamored by the sights, he offered, “You want to poke around the market?”

“Sure.” Soriya agreed. “Maybe I can even find you a pair of shorts.” Though one look at the native Ramhaken and their unique lower halves and that youthful face of hers soured. “I’ll have to get back to you on that one, though…”

The rogue snickered and shook his head, “I’ll be fine. Don’t get into too much trouble, okay?”

“That’s really funny coming from you.” Soriya said in a tired tone, one that distinctly held no laughter with it.

With their objectives doled out the father daughter duo split up to their respective tasks. While Kirollis had sunk into the shadows, as he often did, Soriya had a markedly different approach. Walking right up to the first market stall in the bustling city center she saw. Flashing a bright curl of her lips directed at its owner.

Breezy silk shawls and finery lined the small stall that the Ramhaken stood in. Looking every bit proud of his colorful and light wares. “Hello there. Something catch your eye, young one?” He said with a smile to match Soriyas own.

Soriya took a moment to look over the goods. Even pinching her index finger and thumb on an orange scarf to feel the material. “They’re all really pretty…” She spoke her mind. Though a brighter purple piece with golden trim did end up ceasing her attention. “Oh I like this one!” She proclaimed before pulling the garment from the rack.

“A fine choice.” The vendor replied with a confident nod. “Although… For one such as yourself? I would recommend brighter, more vibrant colors.”

“Oh it’s not for me.” Soriya stated in a chipper tone.

“Ah, I am sure they will love it, then.” Reaching a hand up to rub against his chin for a moment of consideration, the catlike Ramhaken finally said, “I will give it to you for two gold and some silver. It is very rare material, spun from the silks of a foreign spider cave.”

“Pandaria?” Soriya gasped out as her objective came to the forefront.

The Ramhaken snickered, “No, no child. There is a cave to the west.”

The young monk frowned at the revelation. Of course it wouldn’t be that easy. “Oh, I was just sort of hoping. Me and my dad are looking for this Pandarian thing we think is around here.” Soriya explained as she dug into her pocket for some coins before handing them over. Taking a moment to look at her new purchase soon after.

“That is strange. You’re the second to speak of Pandaria recently. I believe the other man who asked me is staying in the inn, maybe you can ask him about your lost ‘thing’.” The Ramhaken offered.

Soriyas eyes went wide at the revelation before they peeked over the fabric, “Wait, the inn?” Her head swivelling as if to try and spot it. “Where’s the inn?”

The vendor merely chuckled once more before pointing it out, “Good luck on your journey!” He called out to the mistweaver as she scampered off.

There was a skip in her step as she swiftly made her way toward the lodge, brustling right passed the rest of the market with a fluttering sense of interest. Even marking a few of the other stalls down as places to check out later. But she didn’t make it passed the last stall before a hand grasped onto her arm and tugged her into a back alley.

While she resisted at first, the mysterious Ramhaken merely said, “You search for the temple.” Before continuing to usher her along into a more secluded alleyway.

“Wait, what? Th- yes! Yes I’m looking for a temple. How did you know?”

The armored Ramhaken scoffed before shaking his head, “I overheard you speaking to the silk merchant.” He confessed in a deep, yet low, tone. “You are far too trusting…. That merchant would feed you to the wolves at his first convenience….”

Soriya’s brows knit together at the offered information. Though it wasn’t the first time her trusting nature had been called into question, hearing it from a stranger always stung just a little bit more. “I just figured maybe he would know where to look?”

“Mmm, and he would sooner kill you then let you in on his claim.”

“Wha--?” Soriya managed out, genuinely confused, as the telltale click of a hammer being pulled back on a revolver sounded.

“Sori, didn’t I tell you to stay out of trouble?” Kirollis appeared behind the Ramhaken with the barrel of his gun pointed toward the natives head. “Because I was pretty sure back alley deals were my thing.”

“No! Dad wai--...” Soriya tried to explain the situation, though once again she was too late to stop the litany of moving parts. Swiftly the trio was flanked by two local guards, both with sharp spears pointed at the visiting elves.

“You dare come to our city and threaten our officials? You Azerothians are all the same.” The guard grunted out before prodding Kirollis with his spear, prompting the rogue to lower his weapon.

“You’re from Azeroth too man…” Kirollis quipped in a low tone. Only to recieve a swift elbow to his side from Soriya.

“Dad you aren’t helping.”

“Take them away.” The politician stated as he flashed a sympathetic look to Soriya. Seemingly unable to stymie the situation, or perhaps jilted by Kirollis sudden threat. Whatever his reasoning, he did not seem to be a friend anymore.

“....father of the year right here. We could have gone to jail somewhere more local.” Soriya stated in an exasperated tone.

“Listen! Some weird guy pulls yo-”

THWAK the guards now pushing them away from the market whacked Kirollis over the head. “Enough talking from you.”

#story #story arc #plot #soriya duskhaven #soriya and kirollis #canon #the plot thickens

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stevenuniversallyreviews · 5 years

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Episode 124: Lion 4: Alternate Ending

“Please tell me my destiny.”

We’ve had Ronaldo as a toxic gatekeeping fan intent on harassing the creator. We’ve had Lars as a disappointed fan whom the creator is desperate to impress. We’ve even had Navy as a false fan who’s only interested in robbing the creator’s spaceship (arguably a rarer breed than the first two). So now it’s time for the obsessive clue-hunter, who parses through the creation so deeply that the original meaning gets lost in the shuffle. And this time, our fan stand-in is Steven.

Lion 4: Alternate Ending is an episode about Steven trying to ruin Lion 3: Straight to Video. All the magic from that first glimpse of Rose Quartz threatens to be extinguished through overanalysis, to the point where his discovery of a new tape is met with dread instead of excitement. For all the Steven Universe fans that get frustrated by Steven not being as invested in the lore as they’d like, well, this is what happens when Steven gets as invested in the lore as you’d like.

To be clear, I don’t think Steven succeeds in ruining Lion 3, especially because the conclusion of Lion 4 manages to enhance its predecessor. I also don’t think it’s a bad thing that he tries: it fits his post-Storm in the Room state to tear through whatever evidence he's got to figure out why he was born, and it’s properly painful to see him so desensitized to the wonder of Rose’s tape that he’s reduced it to a possible decoded message. What better way to express how Steven feels than tainting a pivotal moment with his mother?

I’m super into stories where a mystery to the characters isn’t a mystery to the viewer: the core example is Cowboy Bebop episode Speak Like a Child, where our 2070s crew is trying to solve the case of a strange antique object that a 1990s audience already knows is a videotape (although a fifth of the way through the twenty-first century, we’re already getting removed from an era where modern audiences would know what a Betamax is, even as a cultural relic). Because the writers don’t have to try to fool us, we can focus more on how the characters tackle a problem instead of trying to beat them to the punch with our own deduction skills. I wouldn’t call Lion 4 the most concrete example of this sort of story, as it’s not impossible that Rose was leaving encrypted messages behind, but to me at least the “twist” that Rose’s tape wasn’t part of some dubious master plan is obvious enough that I can just enjoy the ride.

“Enjoy” is perhaps the wrong word, because while this is an excellent episode, it’s not a fun one. There are comedic moments, because this is still Steven Universe, but watching a kid at the end of his rope struggling to understand his place in the world is bound to be harrowing stuff. Steven’s determination is compounded by his solitude: the Crystal Gems are pointedly absent, as the last time he asked them for answers his dad got abducted to a space zoo and it’s easy to confuse correlation with causation. So it’s just Steven and Lion for most of the episode, and it’s telling that Lion answers Steven’s final cry for help by bringing him to see his dad. Some things can only be fixed by talking, and for all his strengths, Lion isn’t a great conversationalist.

Before we get to Greg, this Steven/Lion solo outing uses constant activity to sidestep the dullness factor that bogged down Steven’s Lion. After a strong first impression of Steven’s mental state as he scours Rose’s tape for clues, going so far as to try to find meanings in anagrams, Lion revs up the plot by retching up a giant key. I love that Steven’s first thought is the same as mine, and likely yours: the chest in Lion’s mane that we first saw in Lion 3, which unlike Bismuth remained a mystery (and it still is, because we never saw what Steven found in there between Change Your Mind and the movie). Even though the key is comically oversized, Steven ignores the obvious and keeps trying to make it fit. So right off the bat, we get two little stories about Steven looking for answers where there clearly aren’t any and doubling down despite the futility out of sheer desperation for the truth.

From here we get a montage of past locations a la Marble Madness and Warp Tour, accompanied by a gorgeous medley of location themes from Aivi and Surasshu; I will never not complain that we don’t get to have an album of their scoring, because this episode’s soundtrack is one of their best. Visiting the Armory harks back to Lion 2 as the tape did for Lion 3, and we also get a glimpse of Rose’s Fountain and Rose’s Room to continue our references to the many known areas tied to Steven’s mom. When nothing works, Steven pleads with Lion for more information, aware by now that the cat has some answers.

While I’m not huge on Steven’s Lion as an episode due to the aforementioned dull pace, it’s awesome to see our heroes return to where Lion was first found. Buddy’s Book already did a great job of reminding us of Lion’s desert home, but now it’s time to finally investigate the area further.

Jesse Zuke and Raven Molisee paired up for our last episode, leaving their usual respective partners Hilary Florido and Paul Villeco at bat for Lion 4. The ragtag team has so far given us rich visuals, with a particularly expressive Steven and Lion (crucial for the non-talking member of the duo) and a callback to the lovely settings of the past, but every aesthetic choice they make is topped by the desert run. It’s a beautiful shot, evoking the iconic ocean run of Lion 2, but Steven’s exhaustion (aided by Zach Callison’s beleaguered performance as he narrates his thoughts) tinges the scene with melancholy where there was once only magic. Steven’s desperation is no longer the frenzied need from when Greg was kidnapped, or even from the beginning of this very episode, but has been worn down to a weary determination that just breaks your heart. This is Charlie Brown after a yanked football too many; he hasn’t been thrown a single bone in his search for answers, and this might be his last chance.

I try not to include too many images in these reviews, because they can mess with the flow of the text, but screw it this shot is also amazing:

The pyramid-like structures leading to the locked door are the first we see of a new hidden getaway, and retrospect makes Steven’s plight even worse: as we learn in Legs From Here to Homeworld, all he had to do was touch one of them to get a major hint about Rose’s true identity.

It wouldn’t have solved everything, as Garnet would likely assume they were spoils of war, Amethyst wouldn’t recognize them, and Pearl would keep her mouth shut. And it would’ve ruined the pacing of the mystery for such a strange hint to be presented, so from a storytelling perspective it makes total sense to keep this in the backburner. And it’s not like it’s that weird that Steven doesn’t feel compelled to touch what seems to be a couple of statues when he’s spent the whole episode looking for a lock and it’s right in front of him and he just survived hours of desert travel. But knowing what we know now adds to the drama of how close our hero is to the truth he deserves.

In yet another bummer, Rose’s hidden landfill is worn down to the point where most of the walls had collapsed, meaning Steven didn’t even need the key. Which isn’t to say the key wasn’t important, as it prompts his trip in the first place, but it’s just one more way that the universe seems to be throwing unnecessary hurdles at him. In the same vein, Lion not only could’ve warped him to the destination as he mentions, but he could’ve done so without hacking up the key in the first place. But we’re long past the point where we should expect straight answers from Lion, so I forgive the big lug.

The first thing that came to my mind when Steven saw the dump wasn’t Amethyst’s room, although there are obvious similarities. It was Greg’s storage locker, the place where we first talked about Rose all the way back in Laser Light Cannon, the place where Greg expressed confusion about why a magic woman fell for a regular guy like him. And as frustrated as Steven is, this room is a wonderful unspoken answer to that distant question: among Rose’s many imperfections was that, like Greg, she was kind of a slob. It’s so nice to have a mundane flaw after nearly a full season of focusing on her as a liar and murderer, especially a flaw that reminds us of why she and Greg were so great for each other.

But yeah, Steven isn’t interested in subtext, and his tantrum is both realistic and reasonable. He finds the tape for Nora by accident, right after kicking some garbage in anger, and this is where that Speak Like a Child oomph comes in. It’s crystal clear that the tape was a backup in case Steven was a girl, but he’s so primed for lies and complications that the obvious answer eludes him and he suspects the worst. I honestly can’t blame him. If you learned out of nowhere that your mom killed someone, who’s to say you don’t have secret siblings?

The contrast between harsh desert and soothing sunset is another treat for the eyes, readying is for a cooldown after two distressing acts. Greg’s excitement over seeing the old tape blinds him to Steven’s angst in a way that adds honest tension to the exchange, because he’s trying to give Steven a fun treat but has no idea how much anguish his son has been through to get to this point. To Greg, telling Steven the answers outright would be ruining the moment, but the wait is already killing the kid. In an episode without an external villain it’s such a clever way to present a final “confrontation” to overcome.

When we finally see the tape, it becomes even more apparent that it was a backup for a hypothetical daughter. Still, I love how the strange new version of a video we know and love is only half-seen, as we focus so much on Steven’s reaction at the expense of footage. Where he was once gazing at the marvels of a new glimpse of his mother, his eyes are now furrowed in frustrated concentration. As in Lion 3, he has a viewing partner, and Greg’s welling tears mirror those of Steven and Sadie from the first tape, highlighting that the Steven of the present isn’t feeling an ounce of tenderness.

Tears do come for Steven, but in the form of anxious release. When he’s told that he’s Nora, meaning he’s the person the tape was intended for, Steven still doesn’t get it and exclaims that he’s his mom and his sister; it’s sort of a joke, but boy is it rough to hear him slip that in some way he does see himself as his mom rather than his own person. So thank goodness he’s saying this stuff to Greg, who’s calm at first but leaps to the occasion when Steven frantically asks why he exists.

As is standard by now, Greg's got fatherhood down cold. He adjusts his tone to show he’s taking Steven seriously, but rather than jump in he sits his son down and lets him talk. He addresses Steven’s concerns gently but firmly, leaving no room for doubt that he’s loved and appreciated no matter what. He brings himself into the conversation by saying he changed his name, doing so not to turn the topic to himself but to reassure Steven that it’s okay to not be stuck on one identity. And just look at how perfectly our three main characters exist in the shot during this last talk:

Steven gets those happy post-tape tears after viewing the last part of the video, and our happy ending is earned, but it’s not a full victory. Rose still had issues, but at least Steven has gained some confidence back that she wasn’t all bad. He’ll go back and forth on how much guilt he feels for her actions, but at the very least he knows now that his decisions to try and atone for her mistakes are his to make, and not a mandate from a dead parent looking for an escape route.

Whiiiiiiich means that now he’s able to try and feign a sense of control over helpless situations by assigning blame to himself in new, exciting ways. Hey, it’s not like the show could’ve solved all his problems less than halfway through Act III of the series. Lion 4 thus doesn’t have the conclusive oomph of Lion 3, which closed a trilogy of Lion Episodes as well as the stage of the show where Rose was a well-realized but distant idea more than a full character. For all its strengths, Lion 4 feels much more like Just Another Episode. But that’s okay. It doesn’t owe the past a thing.

Future Vision!

Again, those pyramids return in a major way, because they’re not pyramids.

Greg talks about Garnet’s inability to predict things about Steven, which is an element of their relationship throughout the show but gets major focus soon in Pool Hopping.

Escapism blends the two big Lion Runs by setting it back on the ocean, but making the passenger an exhausted Steven facing one last ordeal before relief in the form of his dad with a guitar.

We’re the one, we’re the ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

It doesn’t make the top twenty, it does make the top twenty-five. Just like Bismuth right before our hundredth episode, this doesn’t mean much now, but it will next time, because I’m expanding again to a Top Twenty-Five when we hit the big One Two Five with Doug Out.

Top Twenty

Steven and the Stevens

Hit the Diamond

Mirror Gem

Lion 3: Straight to Video

Alone Together

Last One Out of Beach City

The Return

Jailbreak

The Answer

Mindful Education

Sworn to the Sword

Rose’s Scabbard

Earthlings

Mr. Greg

Coach Steven

Giant Woman

Beach City Drift

Winter Forecast

Bismuth

Steven’s Dream

Love ‘em

Laser Light Cannon

Bubble Buddies

Tiger Millionaire

Lion 2: The Movie

Rose’s Room

An Indirect Kiss

Ocean Gem

Space Race

Garnet’s Universe

Warp Tour

The Test

Future Vision

On the Run

Maximum Capacity

Marble Madness

Political Power

Full Disclosure

Joy Ride

Keeping It Together

We Need to Talk

Chille Tid

Cry for Help

Keystone Motel

Catch and Release

When It Rains

Back to the Barn

Steven’s Birthday

It Could’ve Been Great

Message Received

Log Date 7 15 2

Same Old World

The New Lars

Monster Reunion

Alone at Sea

Crack the Whip

Beta

Back to the Moon

Kindergarten Kid

Buddy’s Book

Gem Harvest

Three Gems and a Baby

That Will Be All

The New Crystal Gems

Storm in the Room

Room for Ruby

Lion 4: Alternate Ending

Like ‘em

Gem Glow

Frybo

Arcade Mania

So Many Birthdays

Lars and the Cool Kids

Onion Trade

Steven the Sword Fighter

Beach Party

Monster Buddies

Keep Beach City Weird

Watermelon Steven

The Message

Open Book

Story for Steven

Shirt Club

Love Letters

Reformed

Rising Tides, Crashing Tides

Onion Friend

Historical Friction

Friend Ship

Nightmare Hospital

Too Far

Barn Mates

Steven Floats

Drop Beat Dad

Too Short to Ride

Restaurant Wars

Kiki’s Pizza Delivery Service

Greg the Babysitter

Gem Hunt

Steven vs. Amethyst

Bubbled

Adventures in Light Distortion

Gem Heist

The Zoo

Rocknaldo

Enh

Cheeseburger Backpack

Together Breakfast

Cat Fingers

Serious Steven

Steven’s Lion

Joking Victim

Secret Team

Say Uncle

Super Watermelon Island

Gem Drill

Know Your Fusion

Future Boy Zoltron

Tiger Philanthropist

No Thanks!

6. Horror Club 5. Fusion Cuisine 4. House Guest 3. Onion Gang 2. Sadie’s Song 1. Island Adventure

(Kind of unbelievable to me that a Lion Sequel doesn’t have official promo art, but luckily we have discount-supervillain’s measured take on what Nora Universe would realistically look like.)

#lion 4 #lion 4: alternate ending #steven universe #su #steven universally #review

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noddytheornithopod · 4 years

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Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker - Initial Thoughts

So yeah, this is a thing. Of course I’m gonna discuss spoilers in-depth, but I’ll put that under the cut. If you want a spoiler free summary, here:

It's not perfect, and I particularly struggled with the first act and it's really fast pacing (JJ LEARN TO SLOW DOWN), but I'm not gonna pretend I didn't enjoy it overall. As long as you're not attached to certain specific ideas and willing to accept it for what it is, you might like it well enough. That being said, I can already see this is gonna be at least as divisive as TLJ unfortunately.

Okay, first thing’s out of the way: I was aware of the leaks about the film, and I can confirm that they were pretty spot on overall. It sucks 99% of the plot got out, there’s a few moments that thankfully didn’t get mentioned in any leaks I saw, so yeah. Anyway, time to get started.

Okay, yeah, the pacing. Definitely my biggest issue with the film. It’s an issue I have with The Force Awakens’ first act too, but there it at least was able to do enough to establish the characters. Here the story moves along relentlessly. Honestly, for the first act, in fact right until Rey and Kylo Ren’s Kijimi confrontation, I struggled to keep up. So much happened, so much exposition and action I felt like nothing really got to land. There wasn’t any time to breathe or let the characters have more moments. I’m not sure if the Rey/Kylo fight on Kijimi was just a major emotional turning point that finally had me properly hooked, but from there either I finally got into the film’s groove or it actually learned to slow down a bit, at least enough for things to actually land instead of BAM NEW SCENE BAM NEW SCENE.

My other biggest issue with the film is something that unfortunately couldn’t be helped: the handling of Leia. It’s VERY clear they were writing around the cut scenes from The Force Awakens, and how vague and generic her lines were REALLY showed. Because of this, her death scene didn’t really work for me? In fact, I’m not even sure why she chose to reach out to Kylo Ren at that specific point, either it was Force shenanigans feeling it was the right time SOMEHOW knowing he was at a vulnerable point or I really missed something (see this is why you don’t pace things at the speed of light, JJ :V). THAT BEING SAID... I can’t really fault the filmmakers for this, because this is obviously the best they could’ve done without a controversial recasting (especially if they used CGI to make the new actress look like Carrie Fisher). It’s clear this was a really hard job, and I can tell they did the best with what they had.

I mentioned the first act was too fast paced, but I actually really dug the opening with Kylo Ren. Palpatine obviously sensed the First Order had subjugated the galaxy, so it was time for him to come out and reassert control with his secret Sith Fleet, hence the message in the crawl. But yeah, Kylo Ren finding the wayfinder and traveling to Exegol only to discover Palpatine was an excellent sequence that really got things getting exciting.

For specific things here: first, Exegol is an awesome planet. It’s perfectly creepy and the best place for the final showdown to take place. The sound design for the place was particularly great. Visually, it’s all epic. I’m also curious about its history - C-3PO says it’s apparently a Sith Homeworld, though I wonder if this is more like an origin point given Moraband was also a Sith Homeworld. Oh look, I’m being a nerd, lol.

I love how Snoke was handled purely because it’s so hilariously anticlimatic and I can see so many people getting mad at it. Like seriously... Palpatine so casually going “I made Snoke” says SO much. Everyone was making up elaborate theories on who he was and why he’s a thing but in reality, he’s just some dude created in a lab for Palpatine to puppet while he’s gone. :P One has to wonder how Snoke felt about the whole thing, literally being made just to be an interim ruler for former Imperials before Palpatine was ready to return, while also being a powerful Dark Side user himself (wow geez, Palpatine can make super Dark Side users now).

Palpatine himself was definitely one of the best parts of the movie, Ian McDiarmid’s performance alone was worth it. I definitely get why JJ chose to bring him back, I agree it feels appropriate for the main Star Wars villain to have a presence in the new trilogy in some way. For how he comes back, it’s curious. The way he speaks and looks, he’s pretty much dead, Palpatine literally says he died in fact. As for how he’s back, he just says his infamous “the Dark Side is a pathway to many abilities, some to be considered unnatural.” Look, it’s SO on the nose and cheesy, but because I’m a nerd I loved hearing that line again. From how I understand it, he’s basically a weird Dark Side zombie, I mean he has a downright undead appearance. It’s not actually explained how he survived, but I kinda don’t mind that it’s currently mysterious? I have some theories based on EU stuff I might go into later but basically, he’s now Zombietine and he’s somehow ended up on Exegol with his weird Sith cult devotees making Snokes and building the Sith Fleet while influencing what he can from afar. Speaking of which... his “I’m every voice you have ever known” line pretty much confirms it was HIM who was talking to him through Darth Vader’s helmet, not a remnant of Vader himself. Him using Snoke’s voice in that line even makes me wonder how much free will Snoke has, and whether him being a puppet is more literal than we think.

Leia like I said I felt despite doing the best they could it didn’t fully work, but I can see how Leia would’ve tried being a Jedi but decided not to follow through with it. I mean, ghost Luke couldn’t always show up, so Rey would need advice from the closest thing to a remaining Jedi.

Pasana was hectic. Given a lot of the first act was there, that and the Resistance scenes on Ajan Kloss were most of what really rushed. Like, you have potential great moments, but the fast pace means the story needs to move on so nothing can land. There’s attempts at character moments but they don’t have time to breathe. Like, even Lando returning just whisked by because of the pacing.

Lando was good I guess. Not much stuff for him, but what we had was cool I guess. It sounds like he was hunting for a wayfinder with Luke, though I guess one wonder why Luke was looking for Exegol? Was this after he confronted Snoke (see the new Kylo Ren comic, that confirms that was a thing that happened, oh look more nerdy shit only I care about) and was looking for answers on what Snoke was up to, did he just want to make sure the Dark Side wasn’t fucking things up, or was he feeling like something was off? Anyway, Lando: obviously he’s a minor character, but him bringing all the ships at the end was cool.

Much of the stuff on Kijimi was pretty fast up until the lighsabre duel of course, so there was issues there too. Zorri’s introduction sped by so it never really landed, she goes from “maybe I’ll turn you over” to “fine I’ll help” VERY fast. Same with C-3PO’s memory wipe scene - the story does finally start to steady a bit and it did have me feeling things, but it still goes by too fast for it to fully land. Poe and Zorri’s one on one was a bit better, though again Zorri changing her heart so fast doesn’t really work for me.

Thinking about it, I did like Poe’s arc in the movie well enough. It could’ve been smoothed out but I did like how even he was struggling with the forces they were up against, and learned to have hope even in this dire situation. That’s why I like the chat with Zorri - even if her character feels rushed, it did establish Poe’s central arc and we see how that plays out.

Finn I feel like doesn’t have much of an arc here? Like, I know his storyline in The Last Jedi was divisive, but at least he did have a major arc there and had major growth. Here, I guess his arc is concluded, but then he’s just kinda along with the crew? I really liked the scene where he met Jannah and discovered more First Order deserters, but unfortunately that didn’t really end up going anywhere. Finn and Jannah are a cool duo, but in the climactic battle they kinda felt like an afterthought? I mean, even Poe and the ship stuff kinda did, but at least I kinda got what was going on there. With Finn and Jannah it’s just “we’re on Pryde’s Star Destroyer, destroy some shit” and... that’s it? Probably the most interesting thing with Finn in the movie was how open he was to the Force. Like obviously he couldn’t sense it, but he definitely believes in and trusts it, and it makes sense how that helps a lot of decisions he makes, especially after befriending Rey.

Jannah was cool but like I said she doesn’t really get much to do. I think what people will mainly focus on is that final scene with Lando, which was TOTALLY not suggesting Lando’s her dad. It’s a shame, because the First Order deserter stuff could’ve lead to some cool stuff, but I can see the film probably couldn’t fit it in with how much it’s trying to do.

Rose was an afterthought. I didn’t expect her to be in it much so I prepped myself for that, but I was at least happy to see she was still around. :) I wonder about how Finn looked at her at the end though, was that supposed to suggest romantic feelings? Kinda funny given they drop the Finn wanting to tell Rey something plotline, which I suspect was meant to imply romantic feelings?

On the topic of romance, Poe and Zorri, meh. And to literally nobody’s surprise, the queer couple we see is two Resistance women having a kiss at the end. At least one is a character that kinda exists, even if I don’t even know her name and just know she’s important enough to be sooorta recognisable given she was in The Last Jedi? It’s pretty anticlimactic, but nobody was expecting the representation to be significant anyway. :P Still better than Endgame from the sounds of it though.

Okay, I wanna discuss Hux. His role is small, but he’s as pathetic as ever and it’s glorious. So one plot point is that there’s a spy feeding intel to the Resistance, and then when Finn, Poe and Chewbacca are captured on the Star Destroyer above Kijimi we discover... Hux is the spy. He didn’t even have a change of heart and turned good, he simply just hates Kylo Ren. :P Like damn, helping the enemy purely out of spite, that’s something alright. And as soon as the heroes escape, Pryde just knows instantly he’s the spy and shoots him without a second thought. Yep, that’s how Hux goes out. Pryde is just there to be the evil military leader of course, and he works in that part.

Rey definitely was a major force in carrying the film, like of course she is given she’s the central protagonist but her story just holds up the best for me. Probably one of my favourite things about it was that we finally got to properly explore the Dark Side in her, and of course that becomes a big part of her story here. It’s something we’ve seen in the past two films, but here it actually becomes a focus.

Okay, let’s talk about Rey’s family. Specifically, how she’s Palpatine’s granddaughter. I’m sure some people who are VERY attached to the “nobody” thing in The Last Jedi will dislike this no matter what, but I still think it works? I will however say that it’s VERY cheeky how they go “oh your PARENTS are nobodies, but your GRANDFATHER IS A BIG DEAL AND YOUR DAD JUST CHOSE TO FUCK OFF”. Weird cheekiness aside, I guess I don’t mind the reveal because for one, Star Wars is a family saga, so I see how this works into things, plus it helps justify Palpatine’s return? But perhaps more importantly, I think the film still honours the ideas from The Last Jedi in a way - yes, Rey may have found she has a major lineage after all, but said lineage comes from the most evil man in the Universe. However, her ancestry doesn’t define her, her family isn’t important, who SHE chooses to be is. Luke outright says blood isn’t everything. Luke and Leia figured out she was somehow a Palpatine descendant, but accepted her anyway because they saw her potential for good. I will say I hoped the nobody thing stuck to being literally myself, but this is a nice compromise that I can work with and has a nice message to it. Also, I should emphasise this: just because this changes how we might see The Last Jedi, it doesn’t mean that what the film explores and says is meaningless. In fact, I think the film goes out of its way to make sure it still matters even if JJ obviously had his own ideas on where to take the story. Whether she’s nobody or connected to someone significant, Rey’s destiny is her own to forge and its still about her, not who she’s connected to.

There’s also this Ochi dude who was around doing work for Palpatine while he was around, and he killed Rey’s parents. Kylo initially assumed he wanted to kill Rey, but in reality Ochi was meant to bring Rey to Palpatine early.

Luke’s appearances were cool. I’m sure some people who love TLJ and dislike this film might cynically take his “a Jedi’s weapon deserves more respect line” as a diss against TLJ, but you have to remember: TLJ was literally about Luke finding hope and something to believe in again. Of course he’d get over his cynicism, everything he said about the Jedi was right, but TLJ’s point is that instead of just burying everything wrong with the past, we learn from its failures and take what’s still good to form something better. That’s what Rey’s meant to do with the Jedi. And I mean, the reason him catching the lightsabre Rey throws works at all is because of the surprising moment where he tosses it away in TLJ.

So, Kylo Ren. I enjoyed his storyline. Like, even when he discovers Palpatine and is made to serve him, he’s already secretly hoping to get Rey on his side for them to take him out and rule together (presumably as the new Sith Lords?). He’s pretty brutal and evil in a lot of the film. Also... I LOVE how they expanded on the Force connections. I love me some freaky World Between Worlds style space bending shit. Like, they even fight even though they’re on different locations. As for the mask, I’m sure someone has a better read on it but I think with Palpatine back and being made to be subservient to another master, he puts it together to seem more intimidating again even though the cracks show the facade (the cracks are based on Kintsugi, a Japanese art or craft where repaired things have the lines of where they were broken visible to emphasise how things have changed since they were broken... someone can explain it better but yeah). With the Force Dyad, I have to wonder: is it something Snoke specifically created when he bridged their minds and left that connection to fester (as we see it still is there after all given what happens here), or was it something the Force always had with them?

So, the big scene on the Endor moon with Kylo Ren (I assume Kef Bir if it’s really called that is a different moon to the forest one from Return of the Jedi). Rey’s already struggling with the darkness after the vision of her dark self, but she goes pretty dark during her fight. She strikes Kylo down in a moment he doesn’t fight back, and said moment was him sensing Leia’s passing. Like I said, I don’t feel like her death was handled that well, though it could just be circumstance with Carrie Fisher’s passing. It’s oddly meta as well - she seemed to know reaching out to her son would kill her but did it because she believed it would save him. So she kinda fridged... herself???? It’s weird, I’m not sure how to feel about it. Is it really worth dying just for your son who’s running what will become a new Empire? And if she was dying already, they didn’t establish it at all. It just happens out of nowhere. And I mean, at least it works, Kylo Ren still has some heart left and feels sad about his mum, and then we get... Han Solo. They do say it’s a memory, but I wonder if this was Force induced. Even if the Leia stuff doesn’t work for me, I still liked the scene with imaginary Han. It’s very on the nose with its parallels to TFA, but it still works I think. Also let’s be real... Kylo Ren deciding to stop being a space fascist just because his mum died, that’s not exactly the kind of person I would still feel safe around lol.

If Kylo Ren has an actual redemptive moment, it comes later. Honestly, him showing up in the final battle to help Rey against Palpatine was pretty cool. Like I said, he’s only really doing this because mum dying made him sad, but hey at least he’s fighting the bad guys, right? Yeah, I’m sure you can tell I’m not the biggest Kylo Ren fan. I just feel like his internal conflict isn’t that compelling compared to what Anakin went through, who is much easier to empathise with, not to mention Kylo Ren is honestly pure redemption bait compared to Vader, who didn’t even have plans on redemption until he was made Luke’s father, lol. But rambling aside, his stuff in the climax was awesome. Rey giving now Ben Solo the Skywalker lightsabre through their Force connection was one of the coolest moments of the movie, and bam he just wrecks the Knights of Ren the moment he gets a new sabre (after throwing his own one away).

Palpatine in the climax is curious, because I’m not actually sure what his ultimate goal was: was it to be killed off for good by Rey, or did he always count on Ben/Kylo to show up to get the Force Dyad in place to drain their life force to rejuvenate himself? I mean, he seemed to find Leia’s sacrifice incredibly unexpected in how it made Kylo turn away from the Dark Side, so it seems like he was ready to be killed, though TBH it actually sounds like he very well could’ve possessed her. I actually want to know what this whole Sith thing is about. He says that all the Sith that have ever lived live on through him, which I guess is something that started with the Rule of Two given it follows that philosophy. The apprentice kills their master, but their master and all subsequent masters have what’s left of them transferred into them. It’s an eerie way Darth Bane can still be around for the day the Sith rule the galaxy. Still, I have to wonder how it works. For someone like Rey who wasn’t an actual Sith, it sounds like all the Sith souls would’ve corrupted her, or Palpatine would outright possess her. I know most people don’t care about this nerdy stuff, but I do so lol. This whole Sith souls thing is intriguing and I look forward to EU stuff exploring it more. I want to know if it’s like Rey and her reaching out for the Jedi souls, or the Sith literally all pile up into this monstrosity and the master becomes a single entity.

Anyway yeah, Palpatine drains Rey and Ben to rejuvenate himself so he can live again. This is the exact kind of creepy Dark Side stuff I’m here for. Ben tries to stop him, but he’s thrown down a chasm. Sheev immobilises the entire Resistance fleet, but Rey is able to draw in his attention, and when she uses both the Skywalker and Leia’s lightsabres she calls on the souls of past Jedi to give her the power to defeat Palpatine (something foreshadowed at the start where she tries to reach voices of past Jedi). So there’s lots of juicy cameos for sharp eared listeners. First, we hear Obi-Wan saying a homage to his TFA line, but with final instead of first steps. We hear LOTS of Jedi, but I was just happy we heard Anakin. I would’ve liked him to have a bigger appearance, sure, but I’m happy he existed at all. He says something like “bring balance again, just as I did”, which is pretty cool, and further cements Anakin as The Chosen One. It’s just Sheev refusing to stay truly dead caused another fuckup that Rey needed to solve. This arguably could change how one reads the Chosen One prophecy, but it still works with it being Anakin. Rey is stopping the Sith from being revived because as I said, Palpatine is basically a zombie and arguably not even really alive. I’m sure one could argue it’s changed, and Yoda DID say the prophecy could’ve been misread, but I’m sure it might feed interesting discussions... I just hope they’re not shitty toxic ones like we always get. For me, the coolest moment was when it concluded with QUI-GON JINN. You know, the Jedi who started it all. Look, Jedi voices is obviously fanservice, but this is fanservice I eat up like the hopeless nerd I am. :V We also heard non-movie Jedi like Kanan (I got so excited when I saw him in the credits I had to explain to the guy next to me my outburst lol), and it seems even ex-Jedi like Ahsoka were included. Given these are Jedi who are supposed to have passed on into the Cosmic Force, I have to say this doesn’t look good for Ahsoka. Not sure if Ezra was in there either, but if he was, then welp indeed. I’m officially worried for them, and whatever evil plans Dave Filoni has for them.

So yeah Rey beats Sheev, but it takes the life out of her to do so. BUT WAIT... BEN SOLO LIVES. Well, for now. Not gonna lie, I got excited when I saw him climb out of that chasm, I was like YEAH GO SAVE REY MAN. I literally heard someone cheer when he climbed out too. Rey of course did the Force healing thing on him before (and earlier on a serpent creature), but to bring her back Ben uses that same ability at the cost of his own life. But before he dies... Rey kisses him. Okay Reylos, you win. Not gonna lie though... I actually didn’t mind that moment? *raises internet hate mob shields* Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suddenly a Reylo convert so no need to cancel me or whatever you guys do, but for what it was, I didn’t mind it? Ben comes back knowing he’s going to probably die saving Rey, but does it anyway. When I said I feel like his true redemptive moment comes later than moping about Leia, this is what I meant. Before, he joined Rey to not betray his mother’s ideals and because of his connection with her. But now, he knows he’s a goner but wants her to live so he sacrifices his life to revive her. Like, this is a proper selfless act. He probably thinks she deserves to live more than he does after the shit he’s put everyone though anyway. It also averted my biggest concern with the Reylo thing - I was worried that it would end up making Rey’s story about saving Ben Solo like all the fan theories wanted, but here it was still firmly Rey’s story. If anything, Ben came to serve her story by letting her live on lol. So yeah, Reylo happened for like a minute... I somehow expect BOTH sides of the debate to be angry. The hardcore Reylos and “Bendemption” people will be upset because Ben dies, but the anti-Reylo people will hate it because Reylo happens at all, even for a second. And here I am, who’s just here like “that was a nice sweet moment plus yeah I want Rey to live over Ben lol”.

Okay, I should say that the whole climax got me smiling. From all the ships across the galaxy arriving to help to Rey getting power from past Jedi, to them melting away Palpatine (yeah he’s not surviving literal disintegration from force lighting deflected with the help of dead Jedi lol), to them taking out the Sith Fleet and everyone celebrating, it just was happy and more importantly, hopeful. Look, I get why people might not be into this movie, but I was genuinely giddy during this climax of not just a film or trilogy, but a now nine part saga (and yes it’s definitely staying as a nine part Skywalker Saga after Ben died, Rey only takes the name to honour the past). It really did feel like a big epic finale. Sure, like I said some of the stuff in the battle could’ve been fleshed out more, but the dumb nerd part of me enjoyed the epicness of it and its climax anyway.

The final scene was nice I guess. Rey finding an identity for herself she feels secure in, and the Luke and Leia ghosts was nice. Also the yellow lightsabre’s first film appearance signalling something new to come.

D-O was there I guess. Didn’t focus much on him and BB-8. C-3PO of course had a fair bit going on and his memory wipe did have some emotional impact even if we recover quickly because FAST PACE. R2 had some nice moments, I felt bad for him when 3PO didn’t recognise him actually, though of course R2 backs up whatever memories he has left of him (IDK what memories R2 had though). I wonder why C-3PO had a thing in his memory blocking him from translating Sith runes though.

Yeah, okay, there were a few fanservicey moments, I already mentioned some of course. Some felt like natural parallels but just with JJ’s lack of subtlety, there were a few that felt on the nose, but many were genuinely fun. Since it’s not just Return of the Jedi 2.0 but a new story that still has a few parallels (naturally, I need to dig for the ROTS and Phantom Menace ones next), it doesn’t feel as in your face as The Force Awakens which called back to so much of A New Hope and the Original Trilogy. But I mean, stuff like the Wedge cameo was cool (though ouch his son in law is dead, JJ killed off one of his best friends in Snap Wexley lol). IDK what the Tantive IV is back, but hey I can work with it. Since it’s capping off the whole saga, it calls back to all three trilogies and doesn’t hyperfocus on just one so it feels less over the top, to me anyway (or maybe my Prequel bias is showing lol).

So yeah... definitely not a perfect film, with a pretty rough first act, but I don’t think it’s a disaster like some people see it as. Could some things have been handled better? Definitely. Would I have preferred George Lucas’ ideas for the Sequel Trilogy instead despite them probably having less popular appeal? Yeah, I’m a weirdo, I know. But look, I went into this film simply wanting to enjoy it for what it was. And for what it was, I’d say it was mostly good. Sure, there’s rough patches, but the good parts are really good.

#sw spoilers #star wars spoilers #star wars #episode ix #episode 9 #the rise of skywalker #sequel trilogy #skywalker saga

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bryonysimcox · 4 years

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Life in Lockdown: Week 8, Spain

It’s been seven of the weirdest days of our life: where the freedom of vanlife turned into quarantine in a 4m2 space. I look back on our documentary progress and life in València under lockdown.

The week started with the announcement that the biggest event in the Valèncian calendar, Las Fallas, was cancelled. This came as a real shock to us (just as I was wrapping up last week’s blog post) and at the time, almost felt like a bit of an over-reaction. Of course, those closely following the development of Coronavirus around the world, and particularly in nearby Italy, would understand the motivation behind such a big decision.

On Tuesday morning I attended a free event about Innovation and Design in cities, hosted by a group called ‘Designscapes’ who are conducting research on the topic in the hope of developing public policy. I’d been invited by Ramon Marrades who we’ve been working with at La Marina, and I quite enjoyed attending an academic event after being outside of the urban design industry for a while. I wrote an overview of some of the key takeaways from the event here, which included speakers from the International Centre for Design and Research, Aalborg University and The Tavistock Institute. Unfortunately, the event was considerably impacted by Coronavirus, and not only was attendance greatly reduced but many of the speakers were also unavailable to be present.

Attending the Designscapes Policy Forum was certainly a wake-up call about how seriously Covid-19 might begin to affect public gatherings, but I would still not believe the situation we’d be in just one week later!

While the cancellation of Las Fallas had affected some of our commercial work, the next few days felt as though most other things were unaffected. Plans for the documentary that our channel Broaden are making about La Marina charged ahead.

On Tuesday afternoon, we met up with Ramon to discuss people we’d like to interview about La Marina, València’s seriously impressive waterfront precinct. He took us inside ‘La Base’, the old headquarters for the Swiss Alinghi sailing team, a relic from when València hosted the America’s Cup back in 2007. La Marina now uses the building for events and offices, and while it’s not yet used as often as it could, it has so much potential and is one of many cool assets in the marina.

(images, left to right) Attending the Designscapes forum on innovation in cities, enjoying the sunset on the marina blissfully unaware of the lockdown that would soon be in place, and moody scenes from inside ‘La Base’, a building full of potential.

Filming for the documentary began on Wednesday morning, when we interviewed Manoel, a charming guy who has worked at La Marina for over a decade. Starting out as a deck hand, Manoel is now a senior staff member managing the nautical side of the marina, with its hundreds of moorings and associated facilities. It was fascinating to learn more about the operational side of running a place like this, and we were even treated to a guided boat ride around the marina which offered such a different perspective on this place we’ve both been documenting and staying in for over a week.

The following afternoon, we filmed our second interview, this time with with Julia Pineda, a socially-oriented architect from the co-operative practice ‘Crearqcio’ who has worked closely with La Marina. I was especially interested in the community engagement she had done, and the participatory processes with local residents and other stakeholders to explore names for new streets and decide on future uses for buildings there.

As George and I continue to work together as a videography duo, we’re refining the process of interviewing people, arranging shoots, preparing equipment and getting the perfect footage.

(images, left to right) Taking a boat ride around La Marina, speaking to Julia in Crearqcio’s office, and interviewing Manoel on a gloriously sunny day for the documentary.

Friday the 13th did indeed turn out to be pretty unlucky, as that’s when the situation in Spain relating to Coronavirus really escalated. We managed to squeeze in another interview with a member of La Marina’s team, the third of five interviews we had planned. Barbara was really accommodating and positive on camera, but even just the general vibe in the office while we were filming communicated that things were about to dramatically change.

By early evening, we were informed that some of our other commercial work would have to be completely cancelled, as all operations in Spain were starting to completely shut down.

It was Friday evening when warning came of the state of alarm which Spain was about to enter.

The declaration was made on Saturday: to ameliorate the spread of coronavirus, everyone in Spain is to stay at home, leaving the house only to buy groceries or medicine. All bars, restaurants, museums, cafes, and any other establishments that carry out public activity are to be closed and no one is to use public spaces. As the week continued, further measures have been put in place, such as the closure of the country’s land borders.

And that is pretty much when the predictability of my and George’s lives ended. Just like that: an extreme measure is brought into place which affects every aspect of your life - your income, your freedom to move, your travel plans, your activities and your family. Of course, that extreme measure has been brought into place because of an extreme situation, but if only I could warn Bryony from a week ago, perhaps I would have told her to prepare in some way. What might I have said? To stock up on food essentials, to buy a couple more books, to have more money saved up and most critically, to brace herself for the physical and emotional challenge of being confined to living exclusively inside Suzi the Van.

(images, left to right) Powering through confinement in a van by writing letters and eating icecream, George going a teeny tiny bit crazy in our mini house, and sitting just outside the van on my virtual ‘balcony’.

We have left the van once since Friday, to go out and buy some food. I’m someone who likes to get out and about, so this level of confinement is pretty intense.

Aside from the supermarket run (to Lidl, which was surprisingly well-stocked), George and I have ‘stayed at home’, here in Suzi at La Marina. I’ve been really keen to go and find a camping spot out in the countryside, where there might be more possibility of getting some fresh air and a walk, but we’re conscious that where we are right now has all the amenities we could need: flushing toilets, hot showers, a laundry, rubbish bins, water, drain, and even electricity (which we’ve resorted to using today amid stormy overcast weather). Plus, if the last week has taught us anything, it’s that you can’t be sure of how the next week may play out. The safest option is likely to stay put.

As people have reiterated online, a period of isolation is a pretty unique opportunity for many of us to indulge in activities we don’t get around to. Whilst I’m privileged to have already incorporated diary and blog writing as well as a lot of book-reading into my routine in the van, these last few days have seen me do that more than ever. I also made another collage, and even got around to editing together a collection of images I took back when I was working in Sydney. This short stop-motion animation (below) had me thinking about seeing something inspirational in the same repetitive scene.

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A post shared by Bryony Simcox (@bryonysimcox) on Mar 16, 2020 at 9:42am PDT

Might isolation do wonders for society’s increasingly short attention span and need for variety?

The current situation is a bizarre mix of feeling very isolated and very connected all at the same time. George and I use our phones a lot, and get constant updates both from formal news outlets and from friends and family. Anecdotes from Sydney and the UK, where measures aren’t quite as extreme yet, contrast with the sobering sentiments of scientists on podcasts or videos of Italians and Chinese who have been dealing with a total lockdown far longer than we have.

At times, I’ve even turned my phone off to try and tune out of the noise. Now that George and I are in lockdown, we aren’t able to contract Covid-19 nor spread it. So to a certain extent I feel as though keeping up-to-date as the crisis unfolds only makes me feel increasingly miserable and helpless.

(images, left to right) The deserted walkway next to our van, empty offices at La Marina, and the beach as viewed from the closed gate which confines the part of the marina that we’re parked in.

If you let your mind project the implications of this virus in the future, it’s not too hard to find yourself in a dark place. Already, I see the failings of an economic system addicted to growth, the selfish panic-buying and disregard of facts by large swathes of people and the unfair advantage of exploitative multinational corporations. Take for example the fact that the aviation industry (led by millionaires, might I add) have banded together to ask for government payouts while young people, creatives, self-employed and zero-hour contract employees face a future of complete financial uncertainty.

I’m left asking questions like “how will people pay their rent?”, “where will this leave already vulnerable members of our society?” and “how will we even begin to rebuild life if and when this virus is tackled?”.

Of course, there are so many positive sides to be seen during this time too, and some of which offer answers to that last question. Already, we are seeing signs of generosity and kindness from health workers, neighbours, friends and strangers. We are seeing the emergence of an informal economy built on reciprocity and trust, where not just economic capital has value. We are seeing innovation on a massive scale, as people seek new ways of keeping their businesses alive, of cooking food with what’s left in their cupboards, of keeping the virus at bay and managing its spread, of boosting morale and of pooling resources.

(images) I’m trying to see beauty in things and keep positive-minded, even if that means snapping these colourful scenes from the desolate streets on our walk to the supermarket.

In some ways, perhaps we needed an event of this magnitude to shake up the entire way in which we exist, and to rethink our systems of living.

The irony is that we already have another event which threatens humanity in this way, but which we have been largely ignoring. This is, of course, climate change and the terrifying rate at which the earth is warming up. Mother Nature has been shouting about the catastrophe we are charging towards for some time now, and yet it has taken direct deaths on home soil and a tangible ‘thing’ like Covid-19 for us to react in a collective and decisive way. It also goes without saying, that my heart breaks for all of the victims of this terrible virus to date, and I would never wish that it would take fatalities to call us to action.

This blog is usually a very personal reflection on a very personal journey: where my partner George and I attempt to cross the world in an old Japanese campervan, making videos along the way. But the arrival of this virus and its direct impact on our journey has triggered a different type of reflection. Perhaps in the coming weeks, during which I presume we will remain in lockdown, I will continue to write and reflect on what I think it is to be human in a difficult time, and to assess the situation which we are now all in, together as humanity.

I hope that my writing brings us together in some way, across oceans, balconies and phone screens. Whilst I’m pretty sure that George and I will still be parked up in a marina on the Spanish coast this time next week, who knows where we’ll be, collectively?

#traveldiaries #SuziTheVan #toyotahiace #overlandadventures #digitalnomads #BryonyandGeorge #vanlife #coronavirus #covid19 #stateofalarm #estadodealarma #vanliving

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faunusrights · 5 years

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‘AFTER THE FALL’ - LIVEREAD II

Part I (prologue to chapter three) here!

According to other people reading this alongside me, I have yet to even see the true extent of how, um... interesting some of the characterisations are? So, we can only do one thing: keep reading, even though I’m relatively sure the corpse of a sizeable moth was batted onto my copy :I

We’ve reached chapter three, and only now do I realise what a considerable chunk of the book that is? Blimey.

CHAPTER THREE

/gets six lines in /shuts the book

Look, I said I wasn’t gonna say it because we know I hate it but ughghghgh I hate canon Velvet soooooo muuuuuuuuuuch she’s SO boring I’m SO sorry but GOD--

Okay. Okay. Moving on. Yatsu is our narrator now so let’s hear how he sounds!

“Ash started crying and crying and crying--”

I know it’s inevitable that most names I picked for OCs will crop up elsewhere but... Ash? You tryna take Ash “Bottom Energy” Scarlatina away from me now? Can’t I have anything?

So, it was mentioned that apparently a recurring thing I’ll be seeing in this novel is Yatsu and Velvet being hitched together on the character development front, and honestly, I can see it happening here. They’re being made into one sort of unit and Yatsu keeps calling attention to that, which isn’t... great, ‘cause I’m kinda hoping we’ll see more individual development? But the current consensus is that It Ain’t Happening, so we’ll See, I Guess,

Okay, I love that Velvet makes spreadsheets on her Scroll. I deeply enjoy her making chats to keep track of stuff, because honestly what a mood that is.

‘Yatsuhashi whirled around in confusion, but Velvet was gone. He didn’t like losing sight of her; what kind of trouble was she getting up to now?’

Predictably, I don’t like Velvet being babies in any sense of the word, but I do like that Yatsu’s first worry is what trouble can she possibly fucking cause now? Velvet and her high chaos energy, whomst I Adore,

Also what the fuck is a breadfruit.

‘Professor Greene’s Stealth and Security class--’

UGH I wish we knew more about the classes they took in Beacon. Do you know how hard it is to write an AU in which the Fall of Beacon never happened and having to pull classes outta your ass? It’s HARD, Y’ALL,

Yatsu’s Semblance is... making people forget things? That’s. Weird but alright??? Sure??? Whatever???

Me, every time Velvet snaps: why is it I only get the Velvet I’m after when she’s being such a bi-- oh wait I have a type sorry continue as you were,

But actually God I miss chibi!Velvet pour one out for the cancellation y’all

“This is bad,” Yatsu said sadly.

Me to myself: I know it’s not good writing I know and you know but don’t say anything just move on--

Okay before I move on, I’m definitely seeing a lot of that Yatsu/Velvet hitching, and makes me Nervous because I love Yatsu and I love Velvet but I also love them separately so I’m holding out hope that they get split up at Some Point because they really have been written together pretty much the whole way, huh?

CHAPTER FOUR

OKAY CHAPTER FOUR LET’S GO LET’S GO

It’s Fox time, and we’ve got an introduction to Copper, Fox’s mentor (someone mentioned it’s totally a 'The Fox and The Hound’ reference). And-- ah, he’s dead. That was quick.

‘Velvet sometimes let her feelings get the best of her, Fox thought.’

You think that’s bad? You should meet murpverse!Velvet, that bitch has never held a thought in her head for more than five seconds.

I’ll confess I’m now reading pretty far ahead before I have any commentary of note. I’m enjoying Fox’s narration far more than anyone else’s by a pretty considerable margin, and it’s probably ‘cause Fox -- despite saying literally nothing in canon -- saw a lot of people reach the same conclusion to his character? So this one is much easier to settle into. Also, maybe it’s ‘cause he was such a blank slate that the writing works better for him. I dunno.

Story-wise: Edward is-- okay, actually, side-tangent: Edward? We seem to really jump in and out of the colour scheme, huh? Anyway, Edward’s a shady mfer and LET VELVET DO SHIT ON HER OWN!!!!!! LET HER BE A DUMBASS OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!

‘That was the last time he;s underestimate [Velvet].’

Told ya, dipshitte.

Ooh, everyone’s Angery about Everything. Seems like the Mood Bombs are also more passively AOE than just being a Sudden Boom, because everyone’s got a MUCH shorter temper? Then again, mine would be Non-Existent in a desert to begin with, so maybe they’ve all got sand up their butts. Also, Gus is to blame for the Mood Bombs anyway! That’s a big F, kiddo.

CHAPTER FIVE

Flashback to the dance!

Awh, Ruby made her own outfit and cape. Li’l seamstress! Oh, dang, do you think Summer taught her? Or, at least, showed her how her cape was made? Aaaaa--

Lien remains... weird. I thought it’d be closer to a currency rate like Yen to the dollar (so thousands are worth much less), but the implication here is that twenty Lien is more like $20? The currency here is very weird and even I’m at fault for flip-flopping on it, but I honestly expected it to be more like Yen. Huh.

Coco likes Ruby’s outfit look at that senpai GO.

Oh, okay, so they met at the dance? For some reason, I thought they’d already been acquainted? I thought they mentioned that team CFVY were away in the show (and therefore knew them at least in passing) but apparently not.

Okay, so Coco’s dialogue is... weird? I’m not totally down for the voice the author’s chosen to give her, and the more I see of it the more I’m starting to notice it. That said, I can’t believe Coco has reeled off Ozpin’s whole speech for Ruby. I’d have forgotten three words in.

Still jumping back and forth on Coco’s dialogue. I’m not sure if I like it. Moving on.

Weiss is Big Bitch Supreme, I see. This flashback is striking me all wrong for some reason, but I cannot for my life of me say why.That said, Weiss unironically saying besties is the funniest thing I’ve read all week, so there’s that.

UGHHHHHHHHHHHH TIME FOR VELVET AND RACISM UGHGHHGHGHHHHGHGH IM GONNA GO GET LUNCH FIRST--

WAIT BLAKE’S THERE

WAIT NO I’M GETTING FOOD FIRST EVEN IF BLACK VELVET IS RIGHT THERE--

Okay I ate too many calories and walked my dog let’s do this before I have to take said dog to the groomer. On that note, I’m like halfway through the book already? This really is short as heck.

“You had something to say to me?” Velvet asked. The boy clamped his mouth shut.

Do ya? Bihh.

Also I LOVE that highlights from the initiation are playing so that Blake literally looks a thousand times more intimidating. I wish we’d seen more of that kinda thing in the show, with RWBY being the new hotshots and the dynamic they had with Beacon as a whole. But that would have involved not blowing Beacon up to fuck and then having the writers go ‘uh, what do we do now?’ so what the hell do I know.

OOUGH THIS BLACK VELVET,,, HHH,,,, MURPHY’S OTP IS HERE,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

“What should we do with him?” [Blake] looked at Velvet.

Kill him... and then... kiss....................................

“I don’t believe in fighting prejudice with violence,” Velvet said.

I wish y’all could have heard the sound I made at that. Canon Velvet you’re just so... soggy bread about this.

Blake shook her head. “that’s not how we deal with people like him where I come from.”

Blake yr so HOT... hey you should teach Velvet how you deal with people like him and then kiss. That said, are they talking about Menagerie there? Or the Fang? If it’s Menagerie, that’s even funnier because I love the idea of an idiot running their mouth and then having five families and a baby wail on them.

Blake hates dog-ears in their books. Bad news, asshole, it’s the BEST way to mark PAGES bookmarks are for the UPPER CLASSES who don’t realise BOOKS are TOOLS of EDUCATION--

Anyway. Moving on-- YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANG.

Yang beat the assholes up anyway I love her!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE HER!!!!!!!!!

CHAPTER SIX

Back with Velvet. Blessing or curse? Who knows.

Edward and Gus make for an. Interesting duo. This plot hasn’t captured my interest crazy well, and if I didn’t know this was RWBY and such I’d probably pass on it ‘cause it’s pretty... eh, but I do like their Semblances and this could’ve been a pretty decent side-plot thing in the show! Such as in My Hero Academia with, uh, whats-his-name... Eraserhead. I dunno. I’m thinking this was a good idea that hasn’t had enough space to breathe.

Emotions are Flying High and Whomst will be the first to crack like Egg? I am liking the method of raising tempers because everything’s a little sloppier and unpredictable! Also, that’s the end of chapter si-- what? Wait, chapter six was only ten pages? Yeesh.

For all in-tents and porpoises, I am tryna keep track of OOC moments, but having everyone be out-of-sorts is making is pretty hard to track. Rip.

CHAPTER SEVEN, I GUESS?

We’re with Yatsu again, and he’s talking about his Semblance to... make people forget shit! I still don’t know why this is his Semblance, or the use of it anyway, but whatever! I’m in this cart and the horse ain’t stopping until M+K says so!

I’m with Velvet here; why is she constantly being relegated to the backseat? Coco needs to fuckin’ get her shitte together on this front. Even Fox said earlier than he has to stop underestimating her, but they’re still doing it now.

OH MY GOD THERE’S A GRIMM JACKALOPE??? Holy shit I’m losing all of my marbles shouldn’t these guys have, like, other names????????????? No??? Okay!!!!

Battle scene. I’m not hot on combat in writing because I find it. Kinda boring. But it is what it is so I’m speed-running it.

And so ends chapter seven. I’m gonna stop here because. I want to! I feel like this story is very short and it could’ve already had more to it than this faffery in the desert, but that’s just me!!!!!! I guess!!!!!!!!!!! Next time: another flashback to the goddamn dance.

#after the fall #after the fall spoilers #rwby #liveblog #liveread

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aces-to-apples · 5 years

Text

May The Fourth Be With You (And Also With You)

I don’t have anything ready to post for May the Fourth this year, boo!, but instead I’ll steal Dharma’s idea of posting a snippet of all my applicable WIPs, yay!

“Sugar and Spice” aka The Nika Fic aka genderbent AU crosses over with canon-verse a la Universe Collisions by Sroloc_Elbisivni

The Jedi took a couple more shuddering breaths. “Anyone else need a top-up?” she asked, voice steady but gaze fixed on the dank rock wall.

Rex exchanged looks with Kix, who straightened and surveyed his patients, clearly weighing who among them could use the help. The men themselves—Onyx, left hand useless from taking a swing at a clanker when his power-pack ran out; Honeycutt, nursing a couple cracked, possibly broken, ribs; Fives, unable to stand on his right leg—shared a non-verbal conversation of their own.

“Onyx can't shoot and Fives can't walk.” Honeycutt gave up the names with vicious pragmatism, ignoring both men as they silently threatened to space him once they were back on the Vigilance.

The Jedi looked between them with a small smile—at Fives who was stubbornly trying to get to his feet in protest, at Onyx who gripped his deece in his non-dominant hand like he was contemplating bludgeoning Honeycutt with it, and at Honeycutt himself with his arms crossed over his chest, one hand subtly nursing the injured ribs. “What about you, tough guy? Need a hand?”

“I can walk and I can fight,” Honeycutt said defiantly. He jerked a thumb at the other two. “That's more than these idiots can claim, and you're the one who asked.”

“True enough,” was her easy reply, but her eyes held a challenge. “How well can you breathe, though?”

He bared his teeth at her. “Well enough to argue with you… sir.”

Rex was prepared to step between them, to apologize for Honeycutt’s disrespectful attitude, but held back another beat. As half of him suspected she would, the Jedi threw her head back and cackled.

“Oh, I like you,” she announced with a grin, the color swiftly returning to her cheeks and her eyes sparkling. “You got a name, tough guy?”

“… Honeycutt,” he replied, looking from her to Rex and back. Rex couldn't do more than shrug, because he didn't know either. “Corporal Honeycutt.”

“Pleased to meet you, Honeycutt. I'm Nika.” She held out a hand to him, palm up, and watched his eye it distrustfully, shell-pink lips curved to one side. After a second, he took it and she hauled him to his feet. “Now, let’s see what we can do about those ribs, shall we?”

(Working title:) “Friends, Foes, and Telling the Difference” aka part three of “A Non-Comprehensive Guide To Force-Sensitivity”

The boy watched their interaction with the same lackadaisical interest the young Zabrak had demonstrated during their journey. “What does the Force feel like to you?” he finally said, blinking owlishly as Dooku refused to choke on his Tarine tea and delicately cleared his throat. “When Ben talks about it, it’s all very mystical-sounding. Cool winds and noiseless whispers, like a friendly ghost or a helpful spirit. Feelings and stuff. But when Maul talks about the Force, it’s more like instincts and heightened senses. It’s more physical than, I dunno, spiritual. So I wanted to know what it’s like for you.”

“That,” Dooku replied, placing his teacup on the table just so, “is a very personal question, young Skywalker.”

Anakin tilted his head innocently and said, “Oh, is it?” but his even his shields—well-made and well-maintained both from within and without—do poorly to contain the bright, bubbling amusement he was polite enough to hold back. Clearly, he knew very well what he was doing, and Dooku had to admire the tenacity of a such a young boy teasing a Jedi Master whilst genuinely seeking information.

He hummed pointedly and stared the unrepentant boy down, but considered the question in earnest. Knowledge for the sake of knowledge was a worthy pursuit. “Your brothers,” Dooku said the word carefully, weighing its meaning as he met the boy’s eyes, “were both correct. The Force can manifest in various ways, and it’s likely different for every being who experiences it. For many, whether they purposefully follow the ways of the Force or not, it acts in a more passive manner: a feeling of wrongness when danger is near, a keen sense of distrust when one is being deceived, or even just a quiet knowledge of where to go or what to say at a certain moment.”

Young Skywalker nodded thoughtfully, his eyes far away. “That’s very interesting, sir,” he said after a moment. “I think Ben will like you, if you ever meet. You both talk the same way, like you’ll get a prize at the end of the day for how many questions you can avoid answering. That, or he’ll hate your guts. It’s hard to say with Ben.”

Queen Amidala smothered a giggle.

“Well,” Dooku drawled, picking his tea back up, “Maul seems determined to dislike myself and my companion, so I think not.”

The boy shrugged and gulped down the rest of his milk with a grin. “Maybe, maybe not,” he cheerfully declared. “Those two disagree so much, I think it’s on purpose. Mom says they were like two tomcats until I was born, always arguing and hissing at each other, so Ben might decide he likes you just to be contrary.”

“An interesting way to raise a child,” Dooku noted, dry as the desert air outside. “If they disagree so often, you must have quite a bit of conflicting information on a great many topics.”

“Dab’ika Vaar’kara” aka the Camp Half-Blood AU an anon accidentally requested when they combined “summer camp” and “magical accidents” during a trope mash-up ask meme

“Now, as new arrivals, you're given a certain amount of leeway when it comes to the rules, regulations, and realities of living in the Godsworld.” Rex fixed the little ones—nearly fourteen and just barely scraping in under the wire in regards to the required claiming age—with a hard stare. “After orientation, you will be expected to either figure out what you don't know yourself or keep your trap shut. Understood, cadets?”

It was a blatant lie, of course; Cody could already see Kix’s bunk littered with sheets of flimsi covered in drawings, diagrams, and written explanations. Still, it was the spirit of the thing, yeah? A’sev had scared them witless when they’d first arrived at camp, and now that he was off doing Paladin shit, it fell to them to keep the tradition alive. It was a beautiful cycle, really, and watching the tiny shinies straighten up and shout “sir, yes, sir” like Rex was a fucking drill sergeant was hilarious.

“First off,” Rex continued, beginning to pace rather impressively in front of the duo. Cody had a hard time not joining the boys in their next snickerfit. “Congratulations on surviving your first monster encounter—besting an abaia while it’s got a home-field advantage is no easy feat. You did yourselves, and all your brothers, proud.”

The rookies straightened up that much more under the praise and Cody felt his need to smirk warring with the impulse to coo. “Whose idea was it to get it to charge into the rocks?” he asked curiously. They'd taken bets, watching from the shore.

“Mine, sir,” the one with the crew-cut said, taking a small step forward. A ripple spread through the cabin as they all noticed he'd subtly placed himself between his twin and Rex. That kind of body-language, combined with the late claiming, didn't bode well.

“Well done,” Rex acknowledged with a nod. “It was reckless, but well-executed. Just the kind of thinking we need in Mandalore Cabin. You got a name, shiny?”

“Ferdinand, sir,” the kid said without any hint of irony. They all winced in sympathy, because yeesh. “This is Emrys.”

Seeing that Rex didn't quite know how to phrase it, Cody asked, “You boys got nicknames?”

Their reaction was… worrying.

“Sir, no, sir,” Ferdinand—poor fucking kid—immediately denied, panic well-hidden to anyone not used to reading every variation of the face the Mand’alor’s poor decisions had stuck them all with. “We’re proud to carry these names and would never—”

“Anyone here calls me Emrys, I’ll break their fucking nose,” the long-haired twin cut in, stepping forward so that they stood shoulder to shoulder. “Got it?”

“Blood On The Ice” aka the Skyrim AU that I’ve world-built wayyyy more than I’ve actually written

The first glimpse of Coruscant—snow-dusted, crumbled stone reeking of despair—holds true as Ahsoka enters the city proper. Barrels of supplies do little to mask its deepening poverty when the cobblestones themselves shift beneath her feet.

A little Human girl, clad only in a threadbare red dress, entreats her to buy a wildflower and Ahsoka’s heart breaks at the girl’s gratitude when she agrees. She’d heard of Skyrim’s civil war back home, but had thought the children would be spared from adult pettiness. In Valenwood, the Green cares for younglings nearly as much as their parents; in the home and hold of the Storm-Hand, it seems, children shiver and starve. Not yet an hour in his hold, Ahsoka finds herself unimpressed with the rebellious Human king.

Unsure which path to take from her ingress, she chooses randomly and goes right.

Lined with homes and shops in various states of disrepair, Ahsoka regrets her choice until she spots an older gentleman lingering in a doorway. Her shoulders slump with relief to see one of her Twi’lek cousins, even bundled in the furs and leathers needed in the harsh Skyrim climate, rather than colorful Morrowind silks.

“Greetings, nerra,” she says warmly, stepping closer and holding out a hand.

The man appears nonplussed for a moment but replies with an affable, “Welcome, numa,” and clasps her forearm. “Are you new to Coruscant, gida?” he asks, nodding at her bow and daggers. “Most elves know better than to appear before the Stormhands so armed.”

untitled time-travel fic currently referred to in-house as “first battle of geonosis time-travel fic” aka this fic

And on it goes, a litany of ghosts and brothers lost to the stars. He matches numbers to names as they speak through the darkness: Fives and Echo, Jesse, Hardcase, and Kix, Onyx and Honeycutt, Razzy, Ringo, Tup—even Dogma, quietest and most hesitant of all. The barest bones of Torrent Company; eleven dead men walking, and Rex makes a full squad.

Numbers are and ever will be your greatest strength, your keenest advantage, he recalls the woman saying at one point, somewhere between his failed intruder alert and the imperious wave of her hand that sent him to his knees, heaving.

“Where the frip’s my bucket,” a voice gripes—Ringo, by the sound of it. The only reply he receives beyond repetitions of the same question, “Prob’ly right where you left it,” comes from Razzy, no question. It's both a relief and a punch to the gut to hear Ringo gripe, “Umbara, then, with the rest of me.”

“Oh, hey, mine too,” Hardcase pipes up, saying it like a joke, like it was funny. “Anyone else kick it on that sith-hole?”

“Yeah, Krell,” Five answers into the uncomfortable silence. It sounds like he’s smiling; the smile doesn’t sound very nice.

“Ori’haat?” Hardcase says, intrigued and vaguely impressed. “You do the honors?”

And finally, “chasing a dream” aka the summary and first couple sentences of the Treasure Planet AU that I absolutely forgot I was going to write at some point

Her name isn’t Hawkins. The cyborg isn’t silver. And the closest thing she has to a father isn’t a caninoid species. They’ve got the makings of greatness in them all the same.

Ahsoka is six years old when she meets her very best friend in the whole wide galaxy. He's a Guardian—only a little one, though, like she's only a little Jedi—and he's got the same warm brown skin and golden-brown eyes that his brothers do, but he's also got a bunch of bright yellow hair.

#may the fourth be with you #by apples #star wars #the clone wars #fic bits #skyrim au #treasure planet au #camp half-blood au #nika fic #a non-comprehensive guide to force-sensitivity #time-travel

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littlemisssquiggles · 5 years

Note

So, I've read some of your, admittedly, amazing analysis posts about RWBY, and I just have one question. Now that V6 is over what are your thoughts on the future of our favorite villain duo, Emerald and Mercury? With the revelations and concerns brought up in Volume 6, what do you think is going to happen to them moving forward?

Hiya Cats! Thank you so much for the lovely comment. Pleased to hear that youenjoyed my RWBY Musings posts. To answer your question; prior to V6’s premiere,I shared RWBY Musing #49 voicing my thoughts and theories for what I perceived to be the futuregoing forward for the Jaded Duo.

After V5, I was under the impression that theFall of Cinder would’ve led to Emerald and Mercury going rogue with Hazeltagging along with them. I figured that these three would’ve decided to notreturn to Salem out of fear of her punishment, especially Emerald since hermonstrous apparition of her back at Haven clearly painted her terrors of thewicked witch.

I was later disappointed to learn that theydid indeed return to Salem in V6. Moreover, I was disappointed with how theseries left Mercury and Emerald’s story. At least in the case of Tyrian, Wattsand even Cinder who are all on their way to Atlas, nothing concrete was really setup for Emerald and Mercury.

The story touched based on them in V6 C9,sprinkled some interesting titbits regarding Mercury’s past and then…nothingelse. Tyrian interrupted their moment and gave them some advice, if you’d callit that, but beyond that---I’m not sure what is going to happen of these two.

If I had to guess, my safest bet is thatwhile Tyrian and Watts are at Atlas, Emeraldand Mercury would be deployed to Vacuo along with Hazel. Before being interrupted with the news of Ozpin’s reincarnation, Salemmentioned Shade Academy being her next target.

What’s interesting is that Salem wasn’t focusedon claiming the Relic of Creation. Heck she wasn’t even that much concernedwith the failure to obtain the Relic of Knowledge either. The only reason sheswitched gears was because she learned that Ozpin is back, leaving the windowopen for him to reunite with Ironwood. To me it seems like Salem is more interestedin sparking conflict between the kingdoms by using Atlas as their scapegoatagain. In C9, Tyrian told Mercury and Emerald this:

“…There’sbeen a change in plans. Her grace must act swiftly if we are to prevail. IfGeneral Ironwood comes to his senses and calls upon aid from Vacuo, all may belost for us. So the Good Doctor and I are being sent to Atlas to prepare…”

My theory is that Salemplans on possibly using Atlas Kingdom to spark a second Great War starting withVacuo. Not only would another war provide theperfect cover fire for Salem and her forces to swoop in and claim the remainingrelics undetected, but it will also feed into Salem’s true scheme for thedamnation of humanity.

The cards have already been laid out for us.In the Lost Fable, the God of Light revealed to Ozma in the Realm Between Realms that thecombined power of the Relics doesn’t grant anyone God-like power. I mean magic is the closestin canon equivalent to the power of a god and unlike Ozma, Salem still has allof hers. Instead the Relics will summon the Brothers back to Remnant. Fromthere, humanity will be judged by the brothers. If it is shown that peacereigns throughout the lands then the brothers shall return to Remnant andhumanity will be ‘made wholeagain’ as the God of Light described. However if warand anarchy prevails then the Brothers will consider mankind irredeemable andRemnant as we know it will be wiped out of existence.

The God of Light provided humanity a secondchance to rebuild themselves with Ozma and the other Wizards throughout timeworking diligently to uphold that. However I believe Salem’s plan is to causethe destruction of Remnant. I believe Salem’s ultimate plan is to spark anotherwar between the four kingdoms, throwing the world into chaos as it was 80 yearsprior and once the war begins, Salem will complete acquiring the Relics and usetheir combined power to to summon the Gods back to Remnant.

Seeing humanity reduced to chaos, the Godswill provide Salem what she wants. The destruction of humanity and Remnant. Idon’t know if Salem’s other plan is to also take down the Brother Gods,becoming the Goddess she claimed herself to be and using her newfound status toremake the world in her image as well. But that’s another theory.

Returning to the Jaded Duo, I’d like tobelieve that Salem hasn’t abandoned pursuing the Relic of Destruction. I feel likeshe would send her remaining three pawns (Mercury, Emerald and Hazel) to Vacuo.

While it wasn’t how I pictured it, I’mactually a little intrigued by this possibility. Vacuo has been described asthis sort of place where anyone can make a home and start anew so long as theycan survive the desert. Before V6, my original theory was that Emerald would’vebecome the Fall Maiden, unintentionally inheriting Cinder’s power. Then amonstrous grimmified Cinder betrays Emerald completely and returns to try andtake the maiden magic back---Emerald would kill Cinder and together with Hazeland Mercury, the three would head for Vacuo to start anew believing it to betheir safe haven where Salem would never find them or something like that.

While Emerald didn’t become a Maiden as Ithought, Tyrian’s last words to her and Mercury definitely left me curious. Tyrian toldthem that if they do not love what they are doing then they are in the wrongprofession. Even though the option of leaving was immediately debunked, whyhave Tyrian say it if it’s not mean to be a hanging question that’s going to beon Emerald and Mercury’s minds going forward?

What would have been interesting is if theCRWBY Writers had had Emerald pursue Cinder. Like perhaps Emerald leaves on her own to find Cinder because shebelieved in her and the relationship they shared despite Mercury’s words. Thatcould’ve been an interesting subplot to follow.

However…it seems as if Emerald has gottenover Cinder; even after discovering that she’s still alive. If there’s onething I’m still hoping for with Emerald’s character, it’s the nature of herbond with Mercury and Hazel to grow.

I’m still banking on Hazel and Mercurybecoming the family that Emerald never got to have. I’m still hoping that Hazel will come to see a surrogate little sisterin Emerald. Be the version of Gretchen he failed toprotect. His willingness to accept punishment for Emerald during V6 indicatedthis to me. I loved that. I want more of it. I want more opportunities forHazel and Emerald to grow and develop a brother and sister type ofrelationship.

And since I am a Jaded shipper, I wantEmerald and Mercury to evolve in their dynamic as well. I’m not sure if romance is truly in thecards for these two. Nonetheless, I mostly want to see Mercury come togenuinely care for Emerald and see her as someone he wishes to protect and keep by hisside. Someone who can possibly love him or at least provide him the care and compassion that he wasunfortunately denied as a little boy.

“…I’m sorry youdidn’t have a mommy that loved you but I had a father who hated me…”

Mercury has only known hate. Hate breedshate. It’s funny, when Cinder first met Mercury, one of the first questions sheasked him if whether or not he was like his father. You can even say that partof Mercury’s drive as a character is to be someone who was better than his fatherand it showed during his monologue to Emerald in C9.

“…He neverwent easy on me. Every day of training was a beating and when I unlocked mysemblance, he stole it with his. This is a crutch. This makes you weak. He toldme I could have it back when I was strong so I got strong. But I never got itback.

I’ve had to work harder than anyone to get where I am. You may not likeit here without Cinder but I think I’m right where I’m supposed to be…”

This single paragraph of dialogue revealed moreto me about Merc and how he thinks than anything else he’s said throughoutRWBY. That’s the proof in the pudding. Mercury isn’t with Salem because he generally believes in her cause.He chose her side because apparently it’s the side with the least amount ofeffort. To Mercury, siding with the forces of evil is the easy route.

After suffering a life where he spent more ofit working hard and pushing himself past his breaking point only for hisefforts to reveal no true payoff in the form of him never regaining his lostsemblance, Mercury had enough. I saw this scene as Mercury’s way of implyingthat he’s given up on hope. Why bother working hard to maintain peace and order when it’s easierto spark disorder since, as Jinn put it, the hearts of man are easily swayed.Why bother fighting to thwart an enemy that can’t be killed when you can justside with said immortal enemy and aid them in their endeavours to ensure yoursurvival.

In Mercury’s head, siding with Salem---theimmortal goddess who no one---not even the Great and Powerful Ozpin can kill(and still hasn’t figured out a way to kill in centuries, mind you) is the winningside. She’s the easy way and to a guy like Mercury who’s had to work hard for everything, that’shis best option.

In a weird way, Mercury’s justification in C9highlighted the other side of learning the truth about Salem. Throughout RWBY’srun, we’ve seen three reactions to main characters learning of Salem’s immortalityand invincibility.

On one end, you have our heroes who stillbelieve in protecting humanity from Salem and believe in working towardstopping her in spite the impossible odds. One another end, you have those likeLionheart and Mercury who sided with Salem because they saw her as the easy wayout as opposed to being killed trying to fight her and then there’s Raven endof simply running away from it all and doing your best not to get involved. Fascinatingdeep stuff, right?

Going back to Mercury. As I said, Mercury hasnever known what it’s like to care or be cared by someone else. He’s only knownto care for himself and look out for his own survival. But what’s intriguing tome about Merc is that there are traits that defy this selfish aspect of hispersonality.

Despite acting like he doesn’t care, Merc has been shown to care for Emerald. He’s even been shown to kind of flirt with a bit too hence why I started shipping them. His introduction lineto Emerald from V2 still gets me every time.

“…Whatever.You want me.”

Despite being raised by an abusive father,Mercury isn’t anything like him. Mercury hasshown to have a soft side forEmerald. It’s even highlighted in V6 C9.

Let’s all be real. Mercury could have easilykicked Emerald’s ass during that first scene especially in hand to hand combat.But I found it rather interesting that Mercury seemed to have gone easy on Emerald. Sure he acted callously towards her at first but…even aftershe struck at him in frustration, Merc held back.

Yes he countered Emerald’s attacks but as I’llsay again, Mercury can easily overpower Emerald in hand to hand especially sincehe can read her frantic movements from a mile away. Mercury is ruthless withothers but surprisingly lax with Emerald. In his own way, he cares for her. Sheis possibly the one person whose well-being he values as much as his own and itcould be exciting if the story tackled more on that.

Not to mention that I’m VERY interested inseeing Mercury interact more withHazel. I feel these two alpha males might clashover what’s best for Emerald but for the most part I think Hazel could providethe healthy paternal relationship that he never got to have with his real father.

At this moment, I don’t think Hazel is awareof Mercury’s abuse. Makes me wonder how he would feel toward him and treat himafter that. Could be very cool to see granted that we get to see it movingforward.

To concludemy answer: That’s pretty much my thoughts on Jaded. I hope this answers yourquestion Cats.

On one last note, I don’t think we’ll beseeing the Jaded Duo for V7 though or…most of the Atlas Arc. I wouldn’t besurprised if Emerald and Mercury fall into the pit of obscurity for the AtlasArc and we might not see them in the story again until the Vacuo Arc. Unlessthe CRWBY do a thing where they cut back and forth between Atlas and Vacuoduring the Atlas Trilogy. It wouldn’t surprise me if they did since they didcut back and forth between Mistral, Atlas, Vale/Patch and Menagerie between V4and V5.

Then again…this was mostly due to our mainfour girls being separated and in different locations. I mean in V6, the storydid take it’s time to hone in on our villains so perhaps we will get to Emeraldand Mercury’s story continued with Hazel going forward.

Like while the heroes are settled into Atlas,the story could occasionally cut to scenes in Vacuo where Emerald and Mercuryare with Hazel on pursuit for Shade Academy. And along the way, they can crosspaths with Vacuo heroes like Team SSSN and Team CFVY. That could be cool.

I’d actually think Emerald going to Vacuo wouldbe pretty great given her character inspiration. Isn’t Emerald not inspired byAladdin? Vacuo is technically the Agrabah of Remnant so…Emerald will be in herelement. Literally. In the desert among thieves and pickpockets like herself. Anyways,that’s my theory for now. I could be very much wrong about all of this but weshall see.

~LittleMissSquiggles(2019)

#squiggles answers: rwby #emerald sustrai #mercury black #hazel rainart #rwby theories #catsintei

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ausllygo1direction · 5 years

Text

Instrument of Darkness

So I’ve decided that I’m going to use my tumblr to kind of promote some of my fanfiction. For those who aren’t aware, I’m Austin And Ally Go 1 Direction on fanfiction.net, and AAG1D on AO3.

The following bits are some excerpts from my latest fanfiction which was set in the Star Wars universe but with the Sherlock characters. It was originally meant to be a short 8,000 word Sherlolly fluff one-shot, but the Sherlolly fluff dies pretty quick (It still ends with Sherlolly, but the story was kidnapped by a plot-line so the fluff got thrown out the window), and in the end it turned into an 80,000 word three-shot monstrosity of epic proportions. I don’t know if anyone would be interested in checking it out, but if you like the following excerpts I’ll place the link to the story at the end so that you can go read the whole thing :)

Without further ado, I give you some bits of Instrument of Darkness.

///

The wind whipped harshly across the planes of the desert, sand scrapping unforgivingly against the weather-worn figure that stood amongst the nothingness. The lean body was wrapped in scraps of beige fabric and nearly blended perfectly in with the environment. It was only the shock of dark hair and the crudely made staff that contrasted the figure with the dunes of Jakku.

It didn’t matter though. Sherlock Holmes was always out of place in the desert.

Why he had been abandoned as a child on such a wretched planet was beyond him. The desert had hardened any soft edges he had once had, and the physical demands of survival were more than evident in the leanness of his form and the callouses on his hands.

Sometimes he wondered what he had done in a previous life in order to have been dealt such a cruel fate. A life as a scrapper was barely a life at all, and the endless sand had washed Sherlock’s mind of any good memory he might’ve had as a child.

The only thing he could remember was Molly.

The name was his only constant companion in his solitary, and the image of a face that time seemed unable to erase. The edges were blurred almost as though something had tried to rid him of the memory-

A sharp pain caused Sherlock to grit his teeth and close his eyes against the harshness of the sun, seeking a reprieve to the headache that flared up when he reflected too much on the emptiness of his mind. There was something missing, but he didn’t know why.

His only hope seemed to lie in this Molly woman.

For as long as he could remember, his only goal in his meager existence was to get off the back-water planet he had the misfortune of calling home, and search for the woman he was sure held the answers to his questions. The name itself brought a wave of incredible longing to the forefront of Sherlock’s mind, and he was certain that he loved-

Another burst of pain. This one caused a grunt to break the stillness of the desert.

Putting his musings aside, Sherlock carefully unclasped his water skin, before allowing himself to enjoy a few refreshing drops of the too-little supply of water. They did little but coat the grittiness of his tongue, but Sherlock knew better than to indulge in any more. Refreshed as he was ever going to be, he resumed his trek across the barren wasteland.

There were too many holes in his memory to truly understand his past. Thus, it only made sense to try and move forward. He had a plan. Get off Jakku. Find this Molly. And then hopefully the rest would come with time.

But for now, to focus on the present.

Besides, the smoking wreck up ahead looked promising.

///

JN-1871 was not having a good day.

On top of breaking some rebel pilot out of prison, commandeering a ship to escape the only hellhole he had ever known, and then having said escape plan go marvellously to hell, he also had somehow managed to crash land on Jakku.

To top it all off, he wasn’t used to being in harsh environments without the protection of his Stormtrooper armour, and he could just feel his skin beginning to burn.

Life was just peachy.

At first, his plan seemed foolproof. Break the pilot out of prison, steal a ship, use said pilot to fly said ship, and finally be free from the hell known as the First Order. It was a stellar plan.

Except for the variables he hadn’t factored in.

Variable one: The pilot was a cheeky tosser. Mary Morstan, as she introduced herself as, did not take orders and apparently had a sense of sass that outweighed her sense of self-preservation. By the time that they had finally gotten to the ship, JN-1871 was already wishing that he had left her in Kylo Ren’s interrogation chamber if only to have saved himself a headache.

Then there was variable two: The First Order wasn’t exactly, well… you know, pleased with his escape attempt with their Resistance prisoner. Hence resulting in a red alert being signalled before they had even reached the bloody ship.

He really, really hated shooting.

Especially when he was on the active end of the barrel.

By the time that the (ex)Stormtrooper and (ex)prisoner had made it to the TIE fighter all hell had broken loose, and Mary had jabbed several buttons on the control panel before shoving something into JN-1871’s hand and shouting “I’ll distract them. If I don’t make it you need to go to Jakku and get my droid. It has the map that Lady Smallwood needs.”

“What- wait! I don’t have a bloody clue how to fly this thing! That’s why I broke you out in the first place!” JN-1871 protested from where he had been all but shoved into the pilot’s seat.

Mary rolled her eyes as she continued punching buttons and yanking on wires. “I’ve enabled autopilot and set the coordinates for Jakku. I’ll keep anyone off your tail.” With that the lights for the ship flicked on and the hum jolted JN-1871’s bones. The pilot flashed the (ex)Stormtrooper a cheeky smirk. “See you on the other side.”

“No- wait!” It was too late – before JN-1871 could so much as move the top of the fighter closed and Mary was running towards the next TIE fighter, JN-1871’s gun going off in her hands (When did she get that?). The (ex)Stormtrooper barely had time to click his seatbelt on before the ship was whooshing out of the corridor, blasters going off behind him.

The rest had been a blur (And admittedly his eyes had been shut for, like, ninety-five percent of it). There were explosions. He was vaguely aware of another TIE fighter following his that seemed to keep the enemy fire at bay, until something went wrong, there was a blast of fire, the looming yellowness of Jakku, and enough tumbling to make JN-1871 puke more than enough for an entire lifetime.

At some point his seat must’ve ejected, and then, pain, and death, and oh my goodness he had just wanted a quiet retirement.

He had woken up to a mouthful of sand, an unforgiving sun burn, and the scattered remains of the fighter littered around him.

His mind was in a numb state of shock as he watched the bulk of the wreck begin to disappear beneath the sand.

He was stranded.

On Jakku.

JN-1871 wanted to cry. Not only did every single part of his body ache, but he was now also a fugitive of the First Order and was stuck on a planet that was uncomfortably close to the Finalizer.

His eyes travelled down to the odd thing still clutched in his hand.

It was a scarf. Specifically, the Resistance pilot’s scarf that she had shoved into his possession before running off. He wasn’t sure why she had given it to him – perhaps it was a way to find the droid she had mentioned? His head hurt, and it wasn’t just from thinking about his predicament.

Perhaps the droid was his way off the planet. Yes. The pilot had thought he was with the Resistance anyways, and perhaps if he got the droid to this Lady Smallwood they’d offer him amnesty. Besides, the pilot made this map thing sound important, right? So it was almost guaranteed that they’d bargain for it.

New plan in mind, JN-1871 turned his back to the wreckage.

Time to find a droid and a way off this back-water planet.

///

On the whole, Mary Morstan was a fairly adaptable person. She had to be – as a pilot for the Resistance it might as well have been a job requirement. In all her years of service, she had been in her fair share of sticky situations and had seen more than enough trouble for a lifetime.

There was a reason she was so cocky.

And yet out of everything that she had seen and done, getting captured by the First Order and being personally interrogated by Kylo Ren certainly took the cake – and the wind out of her sails.

That said, if anything was able to raise her spirits it was the sight of a specific YT-1300. Even if it wasn’t being manned by its original owner, the ship and its cargo were the best thing that the pilot had seen all week.

“What- Mary?!”

Offering a slightly sarcastic salute with her good arm, Mary took that as an invitation to waltz further towards the duo. “Hello boys.”

Although the ‘Trooper she had escaped with had lowered his pistol (Mary had to hold back a snort – he hadn’t been fooling anybody with his whole Resistance impersonation), the tall stranger only tightened his grip on his staff, eyes narrowed.

“Who are you?”

Mary eyed his fighting posture warily. Despite all her bravado she was in no condition for a fight, and the other man knew it. Thankfully, the ‘Trooper responded for her.

“It’s alright, Sherlock. She’s Redbeard’s pilot.”

Mary’s eyebrows hitched at the name. “Did you name my droid while I was gone?”

The other man – Sherlock – finally lowered his weapon, though he managed a somewhat haughty sniff. “I wasn’t going to call him a sequence of letters.”

She rolled her eyes. Mary had a feeling that she would be doing that a lot around these two. “Where is he?”

The ‘Trooper took over once again, turning to head back down the hall. Mary stayed close to his heels, overtly aware of how Sherlock’s eyes followed her every move – and not in the good sort of way.

“He’s up in the droid port piloting the ship. We ran into a snare, hence why we’re currently out of motion. Sherlock was fixing the wiring when you showed up.”

Mary made a humming noise of acknowledgement in the back of her throat. “I take it that means you haven’t had the map delivered to Lady Smallwood yet.”

The ‘Trooper shrugged awkwardly. “The coordinates are set for D’Qar, we just need to recalibrate the-”

“Nevermind D’Qar,” Mary asserted, slipping into the vacant pilot’s chair and ignoring Sherlock noise of protest as her fingers began flying over the wires. “We have a new destination. The map can wait; There’s some more pressing issues at hand.”

It was only the weight of something very solid suddenly upon her collarbone that caused Mary’s fingers to freeze their musings. The ‘Trooper’s sudden protests were lost to her as her senses directed solely at their current danger.

Sherlock stood menacingly beside them, his staff held dangerously against her chest. Any sudden weight, and Mary was certain that he could snap several of her bones without even batting an eye. There was something in his eyes, a kind of… madness that made Mary’s flesh crawl. The ‘Trooper was still going off the rails.

“…Sithspit Sherlock, she’s on our side!”

Sherlock didn’t pay him any heed, his eyes still trained dangerously on Mary. Finally, his baritone cut off the ‘Trooper’s ramblings.

“I was told we were going to D’Qar where I would be given transport to go my own way. I am not interested in taking a detour.”

Mary raised her hands, and turned slowly so she could face him better, though her own eyes were narrowed. “Well, if we don’t get to Sector 7G pronto, there may not be much of a galaxy left for you to fly through.”

The staff didn’t move.

“What are you talking about?”

“A weapon,” Mary was irked at sharing the information with someone with an obviously different agenda from the Resistance, but the weight on her collarbone hadn’t left her with many options. “The First Order has designed a weapon that they call Starkiller Base, and it doesn’t just take out a single planet, it can take out an entire system. If we don’t get over there and sabotage it now, we might not get another chance before half of the galaxy’s gone.”

A moment of stillness as her words sunk in. Then:

“Sherlock if that’s true then searching for this Molly person would be pointless. She could be dead before we’re even to D’Qar.”

Mary’s ears perked at the information, but she was more intrigued by how Sherlock responded to it, his eyes hardening in resignation while his mouth twisted in dislike. After a moment’s more of silence, the metal was finally removed.

Sherlock didn’t look any less defensive.

“Fine. We go to this Starkiller Base” He said the name derisively, and Mary couldn’t blame him, “And destroy it before it can inadvertently kill Molly. And then I expect to be transported somewhere and given a ship and the supplies needed for my search as thanks for saving the galaxy.”

Sherlock’s eyes darted between the other two people dangerously, as though daring them to contest his statement.

Neither did.

Giving a sharp nod of his head, the strange man spun on his heel and disappeared down the corridor. The ‘Trooper gave her a half-muttered apology, before dashing after the errant man who had threatened her life just a moment before.

Within a breath Mary Morstan was left alone with the circuit board, still trying to process what was happening. She blinked, before a scowl marred her pretty features.

“So I’ll just fix the ship myself then, shall I?” She shouted into the empty space.

Unsurprisingly, nothing shouted back.

///

Destiny could be a funny thing.

Some people felt that it was set in stone, that once a future was determined it couldn’t be changed. Others felt that while the future wasn’t exact, the fundamental attributes of a person would always result in them making the same choices, leading to an inevitable destiny.

Sherlock thought that destiny was garbage.

And that the Force was too.

He remembered waking up to ash. Pain had coursed through his brittle flesh that had been all the wrong colours in all the wrong places, and his lungs had seized at the filthy air around him. He had tried calling for help, for his parents, for Myc, but his body couldn’t take the sudden movement, and instead he found himself curling up in the ash and soot, sobbing silently as the world passed on in silence.

That was how Lestrade had found him. Broken, and helpless, and covered head to toe in fiercely angry burns and black, black ash.

If he had believed in destiny, he might’ve even said that the state in which Lestrade had found him in had foreshadowed that which he would become.

Destiny was bantha fodder though, so Sherlock dismissed the thought.

For a while, though, it was near impossible to believe otherwise. The darkness had simply been so all encompassing that Sherlock struggled to keep afloat. The other Masters and students had been rightly terrified of him, and more than once Sherlock had overheard stray thoughts throughout the Force, wondering when he would be lost to the darkness for good.

For a while, Sherlock had felt that he had no other option other than to forever be entrenched in the darkness. He was a monster, an abomination, a sithspawn, and he had lost any hope he might’ve once harboured.

After all, when everyone else fears the darkness within you, it hardly seems polite to disagree.

Then, he had met Molly and everything changed.

For the first time in his life, he had felt like he could be good. That perhaps he wasn’t destined for a future drowning in darkness.

His mistake, however, was in thinking that he could learn to swim.

For although he tried, the darkness never left. And although he went through the motions, he never truly could be a Jedi.

After all, he had all but thrown himself at the darkness in order to save Molly.

Now, as he traversed the uneven ground with the bitter breeze threatening to blow his hood off, Sherlock still didn’t give destiny any credit. After all, what had it done for him? But he did have to admit that if it did exist it clearly had an ironic sense of humour.

Why else would Sherlock be on his way to find the one person who had betrayed him when it was most important? The one person who could hopefully save the galaxy and answer some very pressing questions. The one person who had found him over twenty years prior.

Yes, Sherlock Holmes didn’t believe in destiny.

But destiny believed in him.

And that was why he was always meant for the darkness.

Because destiny knew that he could also be more.

///

In the throne room, Sherlock was doing very, very badly.

With his attention split between the fight and his Force Bond with Molly, he didn’t stand a fighting chance on his own. Molly had momentarily stepped back in her attacks as the two Praetorian Guards kept him busy, but if he didn’t figure out how to get through to her soon, his momentary relief would not last long.

In the end, it was his own stubbornness that did him in.

Mentally chanting that he was strong enough to keep up with the attacks despite the fact that he most certainly was not, Sherlock didn’t have the energy to pay attention to his form. As a result, his right elbow clumsily was left out of position at the tail end of one of his blocks, causing a solid hit to the arm from one of the guards to loosen his hold on his saber.

In the next moment, the blue was extinguished and Sherlock’s lightsaber went clattering to the ground, stopping next to the ugly throne where the Supreme Leader was watching the events unfold with an unsettling grin.

Weaponless, Sherlock barely managed to duck in time, the vibro-voulge of one of the guards skimming too close to his head for comfort.

Panicking, his body went on Jakku survival mode as his foot swung out to catch the guard closest to him, sending him to the ground.

Somewhere in his head, the Jedi part of him was shouting to use the Force to reach for his weapon.

But a much larger part that had witnessed first hand dirty fights in old wrecks of starships was muddling any useful thoughts. He grabbed the vibro-voulge of the fallen guard, the shape familiar enough to his staff that the Scavenger part of him was able to relax slightly in ease.

It lasted about a half a heartbeat before he was bringing the voulge up to block the oncoming attack of the other guard.

Which was, of course, when Molly had to join the onslaught as well.

In his haste to stop the lightsaber from separating the top half of his body from the bottom, he forgot about the body of the fallen guard, and his foot went out from under him. His eyes widened and his breath got caught in his throat, but it was like he was a child again and unable to control the Force.

He hit the ground hard, vision slightly blurry.

It was mere reflex that had him bringing the voulge up to block the lunge of the guard. He blocked each attempted swing desperately, his grip on his temporary weapon weakened due to the awkward position and constant assaults.

His head lolled to the side slightly, and his eyes caught on the handle of his saber.

Trying to fight down the panic, trying to regain some semblance of control, Sherlock reached his hand out.

He was a dead man if he couldn’t rely on the Force.

Please.

The handle twitched and the blade went flying.

…Right past Sherlock’s hand, and into Lestrade’s waiting one.

///

John and Mary were panicking.

Read: Mostly John was panicking.

It had been over five minutes and they were still as stumped as they had been before. Mary had taken to reading every single label for the switches (Luckily for them, Stormtroopers were bad at nearly everything, meaning that the labels for each switch was incredibly precise). Unfortunately, however, there was simply such a multitude of switches that she was still nowhere near finishing.

John was in a corner muttering to himself. Up until a minute before he had been reading the labels too, but then he suddenly stopped without explanation and took up an almost trance-like murmuring about the plan.

Mary was getting fed up with the useless play-by-play.

“This would go a lot quicker if you helped, you know.”

John blinked owlishly at her. Her vocal intrusion seemed to finally break him of whatever spell he was under, but then he opened his mouth and hollowly said something that Mary never expected to hear.

“I think Sherlock’s dead.”

Mary froze, the words on her label suddenly spinning. Then her head snapped towards John with horrified precision. “What?”

John gulped, a shaking hand coming up to card through his hair. “The, uh, Force, thing. It- it-” He shook his head in an attempt to gain control of his actions. “Someone powerful and important just died. It was as though the Force cried out for a moment before settling. I don’t know how else to describe it.”

Mary fought to keep control of her own panic. “But we don’t necessarily know that it was Sherlock. Couldn’t it have been the Supreme Leader?” She reasoned. “He’s also powerful.”

But John merely shook his head. “They were good in life. Otherwise the Force wouldn’t have acted as it did. I don’t know how I know that, but I just do.”

The weight of his words was crushing, and Mary felt as though the room they were in had just shrunk several feet. “If he’s dead… then we’ve failed. The Supreme Leader lives.”

But John was already spiralling into grief, his having said his fears aloud allowing them to solidify into as good as reality in his mind.

“He was my best friend,” His eyes were distant, ears unhearing. “I didn’t know him that long, but he was my best friend. And now he’s gone.”

Mary was having none of it though, her grief doing the opposite and surging through her with new-found determination. She stepped forward and grabbed John’s shoulders, giving his loose frame a good shake to snap him out of it.

“Listen to me,” Her voice was steady, for which she was grateful. “Perhaps he is dead, okay? But that doesn’t mean that we are. Not yet, at least. And I can bet every last unit I have that he wouldn’t want us to give up now, you hear me? I believed in Sherlock Holmes,” Here her voice did crack, ever so slightly, “And now, we must live for Sherlock Holmes. You understand?”

Despite the haze that settled behind his eyes, John nodded ever so slowly.

“Good,” Her bravado was slowly slipping away, so she turned around so that John wouldn’t see. “Now let’s get back to work.”

///

A/N: Okay, so a lot of that doesn’t make sense because I had to cut a lot to avoid spoilers, haha. But if you want to read more (With a much more cohesive plot, I promise) please check out the full story. It’s set post-original trilogy, and basically follows Sherlock from age 7 till age 27. The first chapter is completely set at the Academy, with the second and third being set within two weeks of TFA and TLJ timelines. Hope you guys enjoy!

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/16282052/chapters/38077163

ff.net: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13078770/1/Instrument-of-Darkness

-AAG1D

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theradicalscrivener · 6 years

Text

Bull Milk Femme

I finally managed to finish a long-due trade with @whatinsomnia (although I don’t know if he uses tumblr anymore. [You can check out his stuff on FA though]) It’s a follow-up to the Bull Milk story I did a while back, and features much of the same kinks, but this time there’s two new bulls ready to join in the fun.

[Previous Chapter]

The introduction of the new line of Bull Milk had been a smashing success. The board loved the new feminine version of the award-winning growth serum, and Insom loved his new form – not that there was much of a risk even if he hadn’t loved being so big and busty. He had the ability to revert back to his big and burly beefcake bod at any time he wanted, but he just could not get enough of his current voluptuous form. He loved the way his huge, thick thighs swayed as he strode around. He loved the way his massive tits bobbed and wobbled with each step he took. He couldn’t get enough of how his jugs felt as they constantly seeped milk. It was as if his nips were super sensitive cocks which were always in the throes of oozing pre. He had to stop himself from lifting a teat to his lips and suckling them in public, that’s how great it felt!

If there was anything that was a problem for him, it’d be that his teats never stopped leaking milk. He had to put some super-sticky, super-absorbent tape over his teats just to get them from spurting milk 24/7, and even that was just a stopgap measure at best. Even with the X-shaped strips of tape strapped over his teats, milk still seeped through any shirt he tried to wear! But this was only a minor issue. Nobody seemed to mind that he constantly had large, wet splotches on his tight tank top shirt where his nips seeped milk through his shirt.

Even without the splotches on his chest, Insom was quite the sight to behold. His hips and jugs were so huge that he was almost as wide as he was tall! And that was saying nothing of his other dimensions. His dick was almost as long as his hips were wide! His massive, four-foot-long cock and enormous, yoga-ball-sized nuts barely fit into the pouch of his jock strap. In fact, the pouch of his jock strap bulged obscenely. It hugged his cock so tightly that the very shape and size of the folds of his foreskin and the veins of his cock were plainly visible, and his balls were even less well covered! His nuts spilled out the sides of his jockstrap pouch giving everyone a tantalizing glimpse of the brownish flesh of his furry sack, but even that paled in comparison to the indecent exposure of his backside. He didn’t bother wearing any form of pants over his strap which left his massive, shapely ass exposed for all to see, and what an ass it was! Not only was it huge and supple, but his hole refused to be eclipsed by the supple mass of his enormous ass cheeks. His transformation had left his asshole bloated and swollen into a large, donut-like shape which poked out for all to see. Somehow, his hole seemed to glisten enticingly for anyone who so much as dared glance at it, and there were plenty of eyes drawn to the sight of that inviting pucker.

Insom didn’t have any interest in changing anything about his beautifully bulky form, but that didn’t stop him from hitting the gym from time to time. Even without the need to work out to build muscle, he still loved to get the old endorphins raring, and after a long and boring day of meetings and marketing, he found himself desperate for the feeling of a good pump. In fact, he didn’t even bother going back home to use his own personal, private gym. He headed straight from the meeting hall and down the elevator directly down to the corporate gym.

The place was deserted when he arrived, but that was not too surprising. It was the middle of the day, after all, and most people were still going about their daily work activities. Insom made his way across the small, corporate gym, and settled his voluptuous girth onto the treadmill. The whole room trembled almost as much as Insom’s shapely body jiggled as he plodded along atop the treadmill, and it wasn’t long before Insom settled into a trancelike state as he bobbed along to the rhythm of his footfalls and the music in his headphones.

It was tough to say how long he was alone with his thoughts and his tunes, but eventually a pair of interns from the offices above entered the gym where Insom was exercising. Even clad in their office attire, the pair of bulls looked right at home in the gym. Their bulging muscles were a testament to either their love of working out, or more likely, their love of the Bull Milk product that they worked to sell. Their thick, sculpted muscles strained against their form-fitted slacks and button-up shirts. Their huge cocks strained against the front of their slacks. It was clear that both bulls were packing. The outline of their cocks snaked down their slacks so far that even the shorter of the two reached all the way to the bull’s knees, and both bulls had nuts that were at least the size of soccer balls.

No sooner had the duo entered the gym than their eyes fell upon the seductively shapely form of the creator of both blends of Bull Milk himself, Insom. It was tough to say whether or not they even recognized him as their boss. Their eyes were immediately glazed over with lust over the body which jiggled and jostled on the treadmill before them. Insom’s gaze met theirs, and there was a brief moment of silence that seemed to say it all. Insom’s gaze quickly canvassed the impeccable specimens of masculinity that stood before him. He was so enrapt by their bulging muscles that it was a miracle he even managed to notice their nametags which clung to their shirt directly atop their bulging pecs. He quickly made a mental note of their names, Clyde and Schultz, before his gaze continued his lurid trek down their sculpted torsos until his gaze fell upon the bulges in the bulls’ slacks. A sultry smirk played at the corners of Insom’s lips. They hadn’t even been introduced yet, but already Insom was imagining what it would be like to get a feel for those fat cocks in his sensitive hole.

One of the side effects of Insom’s growth into the buxom bull he had become was that his hole had become increasingly sensitive. Even just feeling his puffed-up pucker smooshed between his supple cheeks was enough to get his massive cock chubbed up and drooling pre. His hole craved stimulation so much that it seeped its own special lubrication giving his puffy hole a glistening appearance much like that of a freshly glazed, fresh-out-of-the-oven chocolate donut. His hole twitched at the mere thought of having even just one of those huge cocks crammed inside of it. In fact, his hole dripped in anticipation.

The two interns stood there and stared on like deer in headlights. They were so completely enthralled by the bulky form of the big bull that waddled on the treadmill before them that they couldn’t even move. They probably would have stayed that way for hours had Insom not taken the initiative. He shifted his voluptuous girth off of the treadmill and strode directly towards the duo. In no time at all he was standing so close to them that his cock and tits budged into them.

Insom’s gaze traveled from one fine specimen of manhood to the next and back again. They were both so hot that it was hard for him to decide which one he wanted where, but in the end it all came down to cock size. Clyde simply had the bigger dick of the two, and Insom’s insatiable hole was so hungry that it would take every fat inch of massive cock he could find to even begin to satisfy it.

Insom smirked down at the exceptionally hung stud and licked his lips in anticipation. He was so desperate for a good dicking that he could practically feel the cock already sliding into him. His desire to be dicked down was so intense that his cock was already seeping pre through his overstuffed jock! If he didn’t get some action soon he was likely to lose his mind! Fortunately, Clyde didn’t require much coaxing to get into the mood. Insom could see that the stud’s hand had worked its way down towards the bulge in his slacks and was already stroking his fat cock. Even so, Insom decided to sweeten the pot a bit for his would-be breeder. Insom reached over and placed a thick hand on top of the bull’s head and pulled the stud in close, burying the bull’s head into the cleft between his massive, supple mammaries. Feeling the bull’s head buried into his breasts got Insom so worked up that his already boned and pre-drooling cock got even harder and oozed pre even faster and his nips started to leak milk even faster than before. The tape now did little to stem the flow of milk from his nips, causing droplets of rich, creamy milk to dribble from his tits and splash down against the floor below.

Clyde was in heaven. It was so warm and so soft between Insom’s boobs that it was like having his face buried in between two warm pillows, but there was more at work than just the feeling. The scent of Insom’s body and pre filled Clyde’s nostrils and clouded his senses. Clyde’s already hard cock grew more and more rigid by the second until he was so hard that he could barely stand it. He needed to get his cock out of his slacks, and soon! Fortunately, Insom was also ready to move onto stage two of their festivities. Insom pulled Clyde’s head out from between his boobs and smirked seductively down at the shorter bull.

One look was all it took. Clyde knew exactly what to do, and he was more than happy to do so. He staggered back a step, but he moved no farther than he needed to to give him room to whip out his dick and then it was time to get right back into the thick of things. Clyde staggered forward as if in a trance and made his way around to Insom’s big, beautiful butt. Clyde took one glance at Insom’s glistening, glazed donut of a puffed-up pucker and knew the he wouldn’t be satisfied until he felt that tight hole wrapped firmly around his own fat cock. He quickly peeled off his slacks and tore off his shirt, and soon was standing completely nude behind the enormous, voluptuous ass of his shapely boss.

No sooner had the tip of his cock pressed against Insom’s swollen pucker, than Insom let out a loud, low moan that seemed to reverberate through the entire gym. Having that cock inside of him felt so fantastic that Insom’s legs felt like jelly. He almost collapsed to his knees right then and there, but he refused to cave so easily – not when the cock he so craved was so close to entering. Insom was so hungry for cock that he wasn’t even going to give Clyde the opportunity to set the pace. Insom began to jut his ass out to take more and more of the bull’s fat cock deeper and deeper inside of him. The bull’s fat cock slowly slid into Insom’s over-sensitive hole. Each inch that slid in felt like an orgasm in and of itself. As the bull’s enormous cock slid deeper and deeper into him, Insom’s own cock rapidly stirred to life. It didn’t take long at all for Insom’s cock to be so hard that his jock couldn’t even handle it. The fabric of the jock’s pouch began to tear under the strain of his massive, four-foot-long dong. The sound of the fibers of his jock strap straining against his swelling cock filled the gym. Pre flowed freely from the tip of his gigantic cock. Soon his strap was so saturated with pre that it was practically transparent. The fabric clung damply to the tip of his massive, oozing cock which just made it even more enticing for poor Schultz who was fighting a losing battle with his own libido.

Schultz didn’t know what to focus on first. His gaze kept drifting back and forth between Insom’s magnificent rack and his astonishing cock. Both assets drooled and dribbled enticingly. Schultz could practically taste the milk and the pre on his tongue. The mere thought of suckling any part of the bulky bull’s leaky form drove Schultz absolutely wild.

Some part of Schultz’s mind knew that he shouldn’t get it on with some guy he had never even met – even one so amazingly endowed as the thick, shapely dude who jiggled enticingly before him, but he just couldn’t stop himself. Before he knew it, he was so close to the tip of Insom’s cock that he could practically taste it. He could feel the heat of that fantastic cock against his lips. He could smell that warm, wet pre. It filled his nostrils and flooded his senses. He knew he needed to suckle that cock no matter what!

It wasn’t long at all before Shultz lost the battle with his own libido. His lips touched the tip of Insom’s massive, spongy, pre-drooling cock head and that was it. Schultz completely surrendered himself to his base desired and began greedily suckling the tip of Insom’s cock.

What Shultz had no way of knowing was that the man who stood so seductively before him was none other than the source of the brand-new Bull Milk Femme product that had hit the markets mere days beforehand. Another factoid that Schultz had no way of knowing was that the fluids that seeped out of Insom’s body were several times more potent than the stuff they sold on the open market. Schultz was about to experience what such intensely concentrated Bull Milk could do to someone firsthand, but even had he known these things, there was no way he could have stopped himself. His desire was far too strong for that.

Meanwhile, Clyde was in for a different dosage altogether. While the fluids from Insom’s cock and nipples were laced and laden with the femme serum, the glistening liquid which coated Insom’s insatiable pucker had a different effect altogether, an effect that Clyde was already beginning to feel the effects of, but he was too far gone into his trancelike state of sheer bliss to notice that his already hefty cock was creeping up in size as it slid deeper and deeper into Insom’s hungry hole and that huge nuts had swollen from the size of NBA certified basketballs upwards to the size of prize-winning pumpkins, and they were still swelling by the second.

While the duo worked Insom from both sides, something strange began to happen. Up until now, Insom had had no trouble keeping the flow of milk from his immense tits from making any more than a controlled dribble, but with the arousal coursing through his entire body from the huge cock playing with his oversensitive ass, and the feeling of Schultz lips suckling the tip of his dick, Insom’s hormones kicked into overdrive. The flow of milk from his teats began to ramp up more and more by the second. Insom could feel the pressure growing as milk struggled to spurt out of his nips only to be thwarted by the strong tape which sealed his nips shut. The intense feeling of his nips crying out for release was so intoxicating that Insom almost ripped the tape off and began suckling his own nips, but he was too lost in ecstasy from the treatment that the two bulls were giving him to do so. Instead, he left his teats to their own devices and surrendered himself to the bliss.

Clyde meanwhile had managed to get his full cock buried deep into Insom’s hungry ass. Insom’s enormous, supple ass jiggled enticingly as Clyde slid his cock in and out of Insom’s ass, but that was only the tip of the iceberg. Insom’s swollen, self-lubricating pucker made for the most amazing sensation Clyde’s cock had ever felt! Not only did it grip every inch of the stud’s thick cock, but it was also nice and slick so he could slide his cock in and out of Insom’s hungry ass with the greatest of ease, and the fact that Insom was rocking along in time with Clyde’s own thrusts made the sensation even better.

Clyde was so lost in bliss that he didn’t even realize that with each pass he was pulling his thickening cock out further and further, and yet the tip of his dick never came close to popping out of Insom’s hungry donut. Even when Clyde had over two full feet of fat cock sticking out of Insom’s ass, he still had over half his immense schlong deep inside the bull’s insatiable pucker, and it wasn’t just his cock which had more than doubled in size. His enormous nuts already rivaled that of Insom’s own yoga-ball-sized stones. Clyde’s nuts were so huge that they rested firmly on the ground, and still they kept growing!

Meanwhile Insom had his own changes wracking his already immense, voluptuous form. It happened so slowly that the trio wasn’t even aware of it. At first it was just a bit of discomfort in Insomnia’s tits, but Insom could feel the fabric of his tank top digging into the sides of his torso. His shirt had always been tight, but now it was getting so tight that it was actually starting to hurt! Same with the straps of his jock. Before they had dug into the sides of his oversized, shapely booty in such a way that they made his already amazing booty look even more enticing, but now the straps were starting to dig directly into the side of his ass so tightly that it actually hurt!

The pain was only a mild discomfort though. It didn’t bother him enough that he wanted to stop the festivities. After all, his ass and cock felt so amazing that it would be a shame to stop, and the two studs who were servicing him seemed to have no interest in stopping just yet either. Even as the fabric of his shirt began to tear under the strain of his expanding form, Insom didn’t let that stop him from enjoying the amazing cock that was working his hole or the supple lips that were servicing his cock.

As it was, though, Insom wasn’t the only one whose clothes were beginning to get a little more snug than before. Schultz was only vaguely aware of the strain his shirt and slacks were under as he suckled the tip of Insom’s cock. He thought nothing of it, though. In fact, he couldn’t think anything of it. He was so enrapt by the amazing cock that stood enticingly before his very eyes that he couldn’t even focus on anything else. Even as the seams of his shirt and slacks began to pop and fray, he still was only focused on the colossal cock before him, but soon the situation reached a breaking point – literally!

Insom’s shirt snapped under the growing pressure of his swelling torso. His enormous jugs spilled out for all to see, and without the added pressure of the shirt to hold the tape in place, the strips of tape lost the war with the swelling pressure of Insom’s growing teats. The strips of tape shot off like corks being popped. The strips of tape arced through the air, and so too, did the spurts of warm, sweet milk from Insom’s massive knockers. The feeling of pure, unadulterated, euphoric bliss that wracked Insom’s body was beyond anything he had ever felt. It was as if his two nips were cumming harder than any cock had ever cum before. He was so overwhelmed by the sudden surge of euphoric bliss that a huge, thick rope of cum spewed forth from his cock and slammed Schultz directly in the face. The force was so strong that Schultz was sent sprawling onto his ass – his ass which seemed strangely softer than he expected.

Schultz stared up in awe at the buxom bull who stood shuddering and cumming before him. Cum spurted from Insom’s cock and milk spewed forth from his tits. Both fluids arced through the air and crashed down on Schultz’s stupefied form. In no time at all Schultz was completely coated in milk and jizz, but there was something else there too. Unbeknownst to him, Schultz’s own nips had begun to dribble bits of milk. The volume was nowhere near as much as what was flowing freely from Insom’s recently liberated teats, but it was a sign of something else which was only just beginning.

While he had been suckling on Insom’s massive cock, Schultz had been only vaguely aware that his clothes were feeling even more snug than usual, and in his current state of shock and awe, he was even less aware of the changes that were going on in his own body. He was too enthralled by the massive, jiggling mass of Insom’s shapely, voluptuous body to care about his own body, but had he been able to focus on himself, he may have noticed that his chest had much more give to it than before. His enormous pecs, which once were made of thick, sculpted muscle, had become softer and more pillowy in the course of his worship. Even his ass, which was once a round yet firm, muscular bubble butt now filled out his overstuffed slacks far more than they had mere moments before. His soft, shapely ass had begun to spill over his waistband and then some, and that was to say nothing of his cock which now rivaled even that of his cohort in crime, Clyde’s old size. Schultz was completely incapable of comprehending any of that. All he could focus on were the huge, jiggling tits which now bobbed and swayed freely before him. Insom’s rack was such an alluring sight that it even stole the show from Insom’s amazing cock. Schultz was completely captivated by those colossal knockers. It was all he could do to keep himself from throwing himself upon Insom’s bulky, buxom bod. Instead, Schultz opted a more measured approach.

Schultz managed to slowly stagger to his feet and began to undo the fly of his slacks. Schultz barely managed to get the zipper started when the zipper broke from the weight of his enormous package which now nestled beneath it. It was just as well though. Schultz’s cock and balls were feeling so cramped in his slacks that even had he not been desperate to put his cock to use, he would have been desperate to get his bait and tackle out in the open. With the zipper out of the way, Schultz was free to fish his cock and balls out from beneath his slacks, which he did almost immediately.

Schultz quickly whipped his dick out, all the while his gaze remained firmly fixed on Insom’s amazing tits. It wasn’t just the sheer size that captivated him. There was something about those milk-spurting teats that really drove him wild. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but fortunately he didn’t have to. His dick seemed to know exactly what it wanted, and what it wanted was to feel those nips firsthand. Schultz didn’t even question it. He didn’t even give it a second thought. He stepped forward a few steps until the tip of his dick lined up perfectly with one of Insom’s milk-spurting nips and began to slowly push his cock against Insom’s tit.

What happened next was more amazing than anything Schultz had ever felt. His cock actually began to slide into Insom’s milky teat. It was as if Insom’s tit was sucking his cock in, and Schultz was more than happy to let it. Insom’s nipple felt like the most amazingly wet and warm mouth Schultz had ever had working over his cock. It was tight, but just tight enough to feel fantastic. In felt so amazing that Schultz could barely keep his eyes open, but even as he struggled to keep his eyes open, his gaze fell upon Insom’s other exposed tit.

Schultz reached over and grabbed onto Insom’s free-flying teat. Just the nip of Insom’s massive jug was so huge that Schultz could fit his entire hand around it and still have some sticking out the other side. Schultz had seen cocks smaller than Insom’s swollen teats! Insom’s nips were so huge that it would be a chore just to get his mouth around one of them, but Schultz was nothing if not determined. He lifted Insom’s heavy jug up to his mouth, brought his lips to the tip of Insom’s teat, and began to suckle it as he had done to Insom’s cock mere moments before. The sweet, sweet milk passed his lips and cascaded across his tongue. Schultz was in heaven. He couldn’t imagine a sweeter taste. It was as if he was drinking the nectar of the gods themselves. This ambrosia was so amazing that he couldn’t get enough of it. Before he knew it, Schultz had foregone all pretense and began greedily sucking on Insom’s nip, slurping down mouthfuls of the delicious milk all while continuing to rock his hips and pump his cock in and out of Insom’s other massive teat.

The changes had been minor before, but there was no doubt in anyone’s mind that something was happening to Schultz’s body now. The fabric of his clothes popped and frayed faster than before. The stitches in his slacks snapped. The buttons of his shirt popped off. A loud, shredding sound split the air as the large gash appeared on the backside of his slacks. The noise was so loud that it even snapped Insom from his orgasmic daze.

Insom’s jaw dropped at what he saw. There was no doubt about it. Schultz was changing before his very eyes. Schultz no longer was the buff, burly beefcake who had walked through the door. The bull was now soft all over as his body took on a more feminine form. His once sculpted pecs were replaced with an impressive pair of tits which would have made even the largest commercial bra struggle to hold them in. His thick, muscular quads had smoothed and softened until what remained were a pair of thick, supple thighs which rubbed together as he slurped down more and more of the delicious milk. His butt, which was once bubbly but firm was now so huge that it caused his slacks to split right down the back. Insom smirked at the changes that the office worker had undergone, but made no attempt to stop them. After all, Schultz seemed to be enjoying every second, and it wasn’t like Insom wanted the moment to end either. Clyde was still going to town on Insom’s hungry ass, reaming Insom’s glistening, glazed donut of a hole with all his might, and Schultz was happily slurping away at Insom’s exposed nipple while fervently fucking Insom’s other teat. All the actions felt amazing. Insom’s whole body felt so fantastic that he could not stop cumming or spurting milk.

While Schultz was busy reaming Insom’s tit, Clyde’s cock was still working over Insom’s hungry hole, but Clyde was finding more and more that he was little more than a passenger in this act. Insom’s ass was doing most of the work. It wasn’t that Clyde didn’t want to take the lead in reaming Insom’s ass. He was quickly finding that he wasn’t able to do so! It wasn’t just that Insom was fervently rocking his hips, causing his thick ass and hungry hole to slide along the length of Clyde’s steadily growing cock. Clyde’s nuts had grown so huge that they got in the way of his ability to plunge his cock into Insom’s ass! Clyde’s enormous nuts were now getting to be the size of sofas. He could easily sit atop just one of his enormous nuts. In fact, he was close to doing something similar. He had leaned into his own nuts and was now resting atop them like a mermaid resting atop a rock. As his nuts continued to creep up and up in size, his toes began to lift off the floor until soon he was no longer even able to reach. He found himself completely resting face down atop his own cock and balls.

Clyde’s nuts were absolutely massive now, but even they paled in comparison to his cock. His dick was now wider than even Clyde’s broad, burly shoulders. His dick was longer than he was tall. In fact, his cock was bigger than his body in every imaginable way and yet it was still steadily growing. Perhaps the most shocking part was that no matter how huge his cock seemed to be, Insom’s insatiable asshole stretched and stretched to keep pace with Clyde’s steadily swelling schlong. Insom simply could not be satisfied no matter how huge Clyde’s cock continued to grow and grow. Even now, as Clyde’s cock reached the size of a small sedan, Insom continued to rock his hips and take several feet of the cock that was as thick as he was into his ass, and as Clyde’s cock and balls reached even larger sizes, Schultz too was still growing.

A few more buttons popped loose from the front of Schultz’s shirt allowing his now ample bosom to spill out. Even with his own hefty, milk-leaking tits now out in the open, Schultz couldn’t bring himself to stop sucking on Insom’s exposed tit or humping Insom’s other enormous knocker. He was like a bull possessed. He slurped down mouthful after mouthful of the sweet liquid and reamed away at Insom’s warm, wet, tight tit, all the while his body continued to change and expand. Soon his thighs were so huge that they burst clean through his slacks, and it wasn’t long before the front of his slacks followed suit. Schultz’s now yoga ball sized stones sagged heavily before him. His dick was now as thick as his midriff, but Schultz couldn’t even focus on how huge his cock had become. All he could do was pump his dick in and out of Insom’s nipple which seemed to be getting tighter around his dick by the second.

Soon, Schutz’s slacks gave up the ghost altogether as his hips grew so wide that the waistband could no longer accommodate them. The waistband snapped. The few tattered remnants of his slacks fluttered to the ground like ticker tape at a parade leaving him completely nude from the waist down. He was now almost completely naked. All that remained was his shirt, and even that barely even constituted a garment. With the front popped open, his huge tits were free to hang out in the open. He had little more than a pair of sleeves on, and even those weren’t long for the world. His once burly biceps had softened and thickened to the point where his sleeves now dug into his arms, and as his body grew wider and wider, it was all the back of his shirt could do to hold together. Soon, though, the garment lost the battle with Schultz’s bulking form. His shirt shredded straight down the back and the sleeves shredded up the sides. What remained of his shirt fell to the floor in ribbons leaving the now buxom bull completely nude.

All three bulls were in the throes of mind-blowing ecstasy, but no one more so than Insom himself. Not only was his insatiable ass filled to the brim by a cock that rivaled a car for sheer mass, but the tit that was being passionately plowed by the now buxom bull before him felt so amazing it was as if his milk-spurting nipple had become a sopping wet pussy. Schultz’s now massive cock filled Insom’s nipple to the brim and then some. Schultz’s cock plugged Insom’s nipple so full that he couldn’t even spurt any milk. All that excess milk was left to collect in his swelling tit like water in a balloon. Insom could feel the pressure building in his bosom. It was as if his tits were experiencing the biggest case of blue balls ever recorded. He felt desperate for release, but at the same time the sensation of Schultz’s massive cock plowing his teat felt so fantastic he didn’t want it to stop. Eventually though, things reached a breaking point.

The pressure growing in insom’s breast was too much for Schultz to handle. He was already losing traction due to the mixture of milk and cum that coated the floor, but with the added pressure of the milk building in insom’s tits pushing back against him, he was no longer able to even slide his cock into the Insom’s overflowing tits. It wasn’t long after that the pressure grew to be so intense that Schultz found himself being pushed back by it. Soon, he had been pushed so far back that only the tip of his dick still remained firmly planted inside Insom’s thick nipple, but that wasn’t going to last for long. A sound like a cork being popped from a bottle split the air as Schultz’s cock slipped the last bit of the way out of Insom’s tit.

Insom let out a moan that reverberated through the gym as a huge spurt of milk erupted from his pent-up teat. The force of the blast knocked Schultz clean off his feet and knocked Insom’s other nipple out of Schultz’s mouth in the process. Schultz landed with a splat flat on his thick, jiggly ass onto the milk and jizz soaked floor. The impact reverberated through his whole body causing his massive tits to bob and wobble in front of him.

This was the first time that Schultz was truly aware of the extra weight up front. He had been so enthralled by Insom’s cock and rack that he hadn’t even given his own features a second thought, but the feeling of his own immense rack threatening to throw him off balance was enough to finally break the spell Insom’s voluptuous form had cast on him. Schultz gawked in awe at what he saw when he glanced down at his own body. He had grown every bit as thick as the amazingly stacked and hung hunk who stood before him. His tits were so massive that they rivaled plush recliners for sheer size, and his cock was so massive that it reached up past his head as it stood straight up between his immense tits in front of him. Schultz couldn’t even see his balls beneath his rack, but he could sure feel them. The enormous orbs weights down on his thick thighs. They had to be almost as big as his tits!

Schultz’s gaze shifted to his sides so he could get a better look at his jizz and milk soaked body. It was clear from way his butt felt beneath him that he no longer had the muscular ass he was used to, but it wasn’t until now that he really knew just what had become of his backside. His ass was huge! His hips and butt cheeks were now as wide as his enormous tits, and his backside was so thick that he was sitting on over a foot of extra padding.

Insom smirked as he stared down at the office worker’s enormous new bod. It was clear from the look in Schultz’s eyes and the quiver of his cock that he loved what he was seeing almost as much as Insom did, and the changes weren’t even done. As more and more milk and cum rained down upon the already beautifully buxom form of the swelling bull, Schultz’s tits, ass, and cock continued to grow and grow. Just watching Schultz continually swell up got Insom so hot under the proverbial collar that he could feel the need to cum welling up inside his nuts even though he had just drained them mere moments before. Insom was so hot and bothered that his need for a huge cock deep inside of him once again took center stage. He had for the past few minutes been content steadily rock back and forth along the top few feet of Clyde’s car-sized cock, but now Insom’s swollen, glazed pucker demanded even more. Insom threw him entire weight into riding Clyde’s cock for all it was worth, all the while watching the changes that had wracked Schultz’s body.

Insom rocked his hips back and forth, causing his enormous ass to slide back and forth along the length of Clyde’s several feet of fat cock. With each motion, Insom took Clyde’s cock all the way down to the base, causing Insom’s huge ass to nearly eclipse Clyde’s entire body. Clyde soon found himself pinned against the wall under the weight of Insom’s bulky form, but he didn’t mind at all. Watching all that ass bounce and jiggle as it rode his cock was so hot and the feeling of Insom’s insatiable ass stroking and gripping every inch of his huge cock was so amazing that he never wanted it to end. That said though, it wouldn’t be long until he reached his limit.

Insom was so hot and bothered that he not only continued to ride Clyde’s cock, but he stroked his teats as well. At first, he was happy to just stroke his nipples as if they were huge, thick, supple cocks and send his milk spurting out and coating the already drenched and growing Schultz, but all that milk spraying about made Insom thirsty for his own brand. Soon, he settled into a routine of bringing one teat up to his lips and suckling his own nipple and he sprayed Schultz down with the other. Insom reveled in the feeling of his nips being stroked and the sweet, sweet taste of his own milk washing across his tongue, and the feeling of a huge, thick cock buried deep in his ass. The only thing that could have made the moment any better was to have someone working over his own enormous cock, but poor Schultz was too stupefied by his own swelling to do anything other than play with his own tits.

As Schultz continued to grow and swell he reached in front of his and took a teat in each hand and tugged and stroked them. His nips were so huge and so sensitive that it was like having a huge, fat, beer-can-thick foot-long cock in each hand – cocks that were constantly in the state of wet and messy orgasms as milk spurted continuously from them. The constant tugging at his teats caused his enormous, swelling mammaries to rub his cock in between them further enhancing the already orgasmic sensation. The constant swelling sensation, coupled with the stroking of his nips and cock brought Schultz closer and closer to the edge. He knew he wouldn’t last much longer at this rate, but he was too enrapt by the sensations to slow down. He continued to tug at his teats and stroke his cock with his enormous rack even as his cock shuddered in anticipation of what was sure to be the messiest climax of his life.

Meanwhile, Clyde’s cock and balls were still swelling before his very eyes. His enormous nuts had gone from the size of a small sedan to the size of a large Humvee! His cock had grown from the size of a car to the size of a school bus! His package was beyond massive, and yet Insom’s ass was able to stretch to accommodate all of it, and it wasn’t just his ass that was stretching. Insom’s gut bulged out several feet in front of him as he took Clyde’s bus-sized schlong all the way to the base. His gut bulged out even further than his own four-foot long cock stuck out in front of him.

The three bulls were all in the throes of ecstasy, but it was Schultz was the first to blow. He gave both teats one last, taut tug as a loud, low moan escaped his mouth. A huge, thick spurt of spunk erupted from his cock with such force that the rope of jizz knocked one of the tiles out of the ceiling. Schultz came and came again. Each thick rope of spunk as massive as the last. It seemed like no matter how much he came, his swelling balls were nowhere near running out of spunk to spew. Similarly, his nipples were so stimulated that even once he stopped tugging and surrendered himself to the throes of ecstasy, milk continued to spew forth from his nips. He was cumming so hard from his cock and nips that his mind completely fogged over.

Watching Schultz spurt milk and spunk all over was the straw that broke the camel’s back for Insom. He was already close to creaming, but he had fought it until then. He surrendered himself to his own bliss and leaned his full bulk back into taking every last inch of Clyde’s cock and then some. The already constant spray of milk from his nips ramped up and cum flew forth from his rock-hard cock further drenching the already soaked Schultz.

Clyde was almost completely eclipsed under Insom’s enormous, jiggling ass. Insom’s massive booty was so huge that Clyde’s head barely peeked out above the thick mounds, but despite the weight baring down on him, Clyde was in heaven. Not only was he buried under the most amazing ass he had ever seen, but he was also balls deep in it! Insom’s insatiable donut gripped every inch of his cock. The whole scenario and sensation was so amazingly erotic that Clyde was fighting a losing battle with his own libido. With what little mobility Insom’s ass afforded him, Clyde gripped and groped Insom’s amazing ass. Feeling the supple flesh in his hands further amplified the amazingness of the moment until Clyde could take no more. He dug his feet into his own immense nuts and tried his hardest to thrust even deeper into Insom’s ass, and amazingly managed to eke out a few more millimeters. It was then that Clyde gave in to the pleasure. He gasped for breath as he came again and again. His thick ropes of cum fired deep inside Insom’s insatiable ass.

Eventually, all three bulls were completely spent. The last spurts of cum began to wane, and even the steady spew of milk from Insom’s nipples tapered down to just a trickle. Even the spray from Schultz’s own tits became little more than a dribble.

Insom shifted his weight to let Clyde out from under his enormous ass, and the exhausted, buff bull immediately slumped down onto his colossal nuts. Insom meanwhile plopped down atop one of the nearby workout benches which groaned audibly under his immense bulk. The three bulls then sat in silence while each one recovered their breath and came down from the mind-blowing afterglow. Eventually, Schultz recovered enough to take stock of the transformation he had undergone. To say he was enormous would be an understatement. He was absolutely gargantuan! Each enormous knocker was close to the size of a small sedan, and each massive ass cheek was almost as big. His cock was now longer than he was tall by a good margin. The beast was so massive that it reached all the way to the ceiling even as he sat on his enormous ass. His colossal cojones were each the size of small car, and yet despite how huge Schultz’s cock had grown it paled in comparison to Clyde’s own cock.

Clyde’s cock was so long that even soft it reached all the way to the opposite side of the gym. He now had easily twenty feet of fat schlong. His nuts were the size of hot air balloons, and his cock and balls were still steadily creeping up in size as the last of the growth steadily tapered off. It was plain just from looking that there was no way that Clyde would be able to move on his own with such a massive set splayed out before him. Schultz, too, was far too massive to be able to move. Try as he might, he was pinned under the weight of his own enormous knockers, and his massive cock and colossal nuts weren’t doing him any favors either. Yet despite this neither bull seemed too worried. In fact, they looked as content as could be. They both loved their new forms and wouldn’t change anything. Insom, too, was happy with his handiwork, but that didn’t mean he was just going to leave them high and dry…

The following days were a blur of press appearances and business meetings in the wake of the success of the new Bull Milk Femme line of products. It was nearly a week before Insom had a chance to check in and see how his two new friends were doing. When the chance finally presented itself, Insom made his way from the meeting hall after yet another meeting and down to the gym which had been renovated into something completely different.

When Insom entered the room, he was greeted by the sight of Clyde and Schultz sitting back and enjoying the various pumps that were hooked up to their leaking cocks, and in the case of Schultz, his leaking tits as well. Both bulls were blissfully unaware that Insom had entered the room at first. The sheer orgasmic bliss of constantly being milked had them in a constant state euphoria that they never seemed to come down from, but it didn’t take them long to realize that they had a visitor. The sound of the door slamming shut was enough to snap them out of their stupor if even just enough for them to glance towards the source of the noise. When they realized it was Insom standing there ready to greet them they both perked up and their massive cocks gave a shudder of approval at what they saw.

Insom chuckled to himself at the state that his friends were now in, but their new lives were only just beginning. Insom knew the look of hunger in their eyes. It was the same look that he himself had. The two bulls’ eyes were glued to Insom’s package as he reached down and slowly undid the zipper on the front of his overstuffed slacks. It was plain to see that all three bulls were more than ready for round two.

[Previous Chapter]

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