#four pillars of hip hop

[realjdobypr]

The Influence of Hip Hop Culture: Exploring Its Elements

Hip hop culture has made an undeniable impact on the world, seeping into every corner of society and transcending its humble beginnings. With its powerful elements of MCing, DJing, breakdancing, and graffiti art, hip hop culture has become a driving force in mainstream culture. It has the power to inspire, provoke thought, and spark conversation on critical social issues, making it more than just…

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#activism #African American #Afrika Bambaataa #breakbeat #breakdancing #Bronx #communication #copyright laws #cultural force #cultural innovation #cultural understanding #DJ Kool Herc #DJing #elements #entertainment #evolution of hip hop culture #exploring #fashion #founding fathers of hip hop #four pillars of hip hop #future of hip hop #genre of music #global music scene #graffiti art #Grandmaster Flash #hip hop artists #hip hop movement #hip hop pioneers #Influence of hip hop culture #innovative music production techniques

[rel124c41]

NOW PLAYING ‘I CAN’T STOP THE LONELINESS’ BY NIGHT TEMPO. jade leech

Good old Jaido is being ironic, acting happy on the worst day of his life. Why would an artist create happy music to pair it with such sad lyrics?

tags: unrequited love, angst and tragedy, hurt no comfort, complicated relationship, regrets & sorrows, friendships, bro doomed by the narrative, happy birthday to me fuckers

word count: 2,087

The first dance goes to Floyd, his brother.

This is only natural because, of course, the bride dances with the groom on their wedding day.

At his seat at the family table, Jade rolls a glass of celebratory champagne in his gloved hand. Freshly poured, it still bubbles with some last desperation. Champagne is a sipping wine but – carbonation burns the bridge of his nose with white pain as he gulps it down. Each organ in Jade stirs like kicked sediment, bubbling over. 

Floyd’s side of the table is weighed down by their father, mother, himself, and grandmother; yours is weighed down by Grim, who is trying to steal extra food off his father’s plate. The reservation hall is drowned in people though, all coming together to support your unity. 

The only one who fails to uphold this support wholeheartedly is one-drink-down-ten-more-to-go Jade Leech, the pillar of brotherhood crumbled and eroded. 

It is my own fault. Jade thinks as his mother pours him another drink. All my fault.

You and Floyd dance to ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’. Sung by Frankie Valli, each lyric and note match up with each other perfectly. There is no juxtaposition between melody and meaning. With you cradled in his arms, Floyd looks down, softly mouthing each word to you. By doing so, he expresses that each word is genuine, engraved in his soul. 

To Floyd, he truly cannot take his eyes off of you, magnetized in. When there is a break in lyrics, he steals June coded kisses – warm like the beginning of summer. You two nuzzle cheek to cheek, amorous. 

As expected, Floyd cannot stay slow-dancing for longer than a minute. Melody starts to change. From sweet, it goes to this jumping excitement as the baritone horn and baritone saxophone intensify. You two start to pull away, independent in your motions. 

Besides the tight hold both your right hands have … refusing to let go … tying the knot.

The music goes: can’t take my eyes off of you, bum bum, whump whump, bam-d bam-d, bum bum, whump whump. You shimmy your shoulders back and forth, a smile eclipsing your face. Floyd throws you a wink, hips swaying side to side. Despite the ridiculousness … no, because of your joint ridiculousness, it amplifies that sentiment of nuptial bliss: you two were destined and designed for each other.  

Moved by music, you even hop in platform heels. Then, blindsided and unexpecting Jade watches, as the beat reaches its peak. You two shout, both of you jumping, but making certain your eyes connect when you shout the lyrics: “I love you, baby!!” The crowd goes wild with cheers, clapping along to the music. 

And if it’s quite alright, I need you baby to warm a lonely night! You and Floyd throw away coordination lessons as the song continues, already the perfect dance partner for each other. 

This entire wedding feels like one big, ironic joke being played on him. 

Jade looks up from his happy, bubbling champagne when Floyd dips you so low that your spine is parallel and supine to the ground, floating only four inches or so. Both of you laugh louder than the music and cheers. A polite smile is still glued to Jade’s face. 

He says words that only the watery ear of his champagne hears, “I should have never introduced them.” Unsaid because he is swallowing his alcohol-scented sorrow: It is all my fault.

The second dance goes to their father.

You seem to remember those coordinated dance lessons afterall. Especially graceful in his father’s imposing arms. Though, you keep your stance far away from his father’s shoes. Trembling at the mere notion of just touching the side of one. Burnished elkan leather that probably costs equivalent to your engagement ring. 

Your engagement ring – ah, what a cursed, loathed object it is in Jade's world. 

He was there when Floyd bought the ring. Do you know this? Jade thinks you probably do not. The proposal spot was all Floyd’s plan while the engagement ring was Jade’s. 

“Get her this one.” Jade had pointed towards an engagement ring with a criss-crossing design on the band and a diamond the size of a dime. “Diamonds are known for their durability.”

Diamonds would be able to sustain through a wild lifetime with Floyd. 

Washing dishes and spreading cream cheese on bagels in the blissful morning light, typing on computers and holding a phone up to your ear to talk in the middle of noon, brushing teeth and reaching under the sheets to stroke teasingly at his navel, moving further down and down, in the blanket of night light. Living a domestic life until you were dissolved into seafoam. All the remains of your love. A single diamond ring on a skeleton finger. Resilient.

Even though one should be the main player in their own life, it seems Jade is destined and designed for the background. 

When Floyd told Jade where he would propose, it kicked his ribs and stomach harder than any alcohol could. ‘I’m already down, why push me further’ is what Jade’s half-a-second wrinkling expression spoke. With the news broken, Jade smiled with hidden rage, “I’m sure she will love that.”

The place Floyd proposed? It was the place Jade introduced you to his twin. 

Isn’t it ironic? Jade knew you first but he will never know you the best. You will reveal your pink love and black secrets to Floyd yet never Jade. Jade: your first friend in Twisted Wonderland, now your brother-in-law. 

The third dance goes to their mother.

You are truly more beautiful than any diamond. You are something that gleams brighter than all the jewelry on the ocean floor or in sunken shipwrecks. When Jade and Floyd were little, they used to steal stuff from each other all the time. Noses would be broken because hey, that shell you found is prettier than mine! It only makes sense that they would find themselves attracted once again to the same, shining allurement. 

They learned to share as all children do. They broke off pieces of a sturgeon’s scales together and shared that. The diamond that is you though? Jade means a lot to you, he knows it; he knows it does not go beyond friendship. 

When you are dancing with his mother, you shine. Laughter pianos out of your mouth in a genuinely happy melody. Unlike him, you do not have to force this mirth. Acrylic nails grab your wrist and twirl you so fast you could puke. Giggles are a kinder substitute. Despite your early anxiety, all is alright now. 

Jade reflects upon that. The only moment you were frowning at that wedding.

He was speaking to Trey Clover when you appeared out of nowhere, platforms clicking. The visage of you stole his breath away; then, you stole him away from his conversation with Clover, apologizing. Jade let himself be dragged by your firm hand. As the tendrils of your hair and wedding veil bounced with your pace, Jade watched the dorsal side of his diamond gleam and raced down to a secluded hallway. 

You turn on Jade, blindly bright. Sevens, you look gorgeous. Even with that frown on your face – how can he help, he wants to soothe it away immediately – you are a sight he will never tire off. 

“Am I doing the right thing?”

For a second, Jade’s world stops. 

He thinks for a second, perhaps he could be the main character. For second, the diamond on your ring finger is not so loathsome to him. Instead of it representing infinity, it turns finite. It is a piece of jewelry you can take off. It takes only a second before you speak again:

“I mean, Floyd has been so great through all this. Super understanding, super wonderful. I mean he’s put up with all my little whims. And he was so excited about seeing the dress! I mean, the tradition of not seeing the bride before the ceremony is boring and super outdated –”

Ah, he is back in the secondary character position. You were only talking about the tradition you brought over from your world. It had a little bit of your culture that you wanted to keep with you – not seeing Floyd until you walked down the aisle. 

Jade is incredibly stupid to think you were talking about the wedding. You do not seem the type to call off a wedding. He smiles and asks, “That eager?”

“Well, I,” you fluster and look away. ‘No. I’m not, but it was the only thing Floyd and I really fought on. I’m starting to realize that it is a bit silly.”

“Keeping tradition is often how we show love for the generations before us.”

You weigh Jade’s words carefully on the scale of your consciousness. He wonders if he spoke his heart if you would take that into consideration or ignore it. After a pregnant silence, you say, “But I don’t really have a family history anymore.”

Jade blinks, surprised, as you continue, “Today, Floyd is going to become my family. Or, well, I’m going to become part of his. I have nothing of myself to offer in terms of tradition anymore.”

“You will just choose to assimilate to the circumstances?”

“Wouldn’t anyone do so for love?”

Those words fall like an anvil on Jade’s heart. “Yes. I fear they might.”

“Fear is such a drastic word!”

Jade laughs as you say, “Ah but I suppose it is true. I’m actually terrified right now.” Your hands fall down to play with the hem of your gown. You run your thumb over the outfit you will only wear once. Such a monumental, life-changing piece of fabric. 

The diamond catches a flicker of light, reflective. Jade asks, “Are you having regrets?” He waits with bated breath. 

“About Floyd? No. Never.” Your expression only solidifies the truth of your words. 

“Then my advice?” You look on with eager eyes. Jade smiles through the pain. “I say you should keep with the tradition. Weddings are a merge of the very notion. When you become a Leech, you still have your identity to care for.” That is not the real reason though. Because, this. This Jade gets to steal: the first sight of you in your wedding dress.

“Thanks, Jade. You’re the best friend – the best brother that a bride could ask for.”

Hand over his heart, concealing everything, “It is my pleasure.”

The final and fourth dance goes to Jade.

Carried by a crowd that rushes, you two dance a mad dance, hands welded together. In your gown, you move like Jade imagines all those sneaky princesses that defied and tricked the Seven must have – well, six princesses. Like an oscillating dream, you lean back, arms out. Laughing, you swing right back into Jade, chest to chest and arms out to the side instead.

When your hearts connect in the dance, Jade thinks he could be foolish enough to steal a kiss. Just one to be a solution to all his troublesome pining. A shade of Venus pink, shining and alluring him into a dumb mistake. 

I had you first but I will not have you last. Or in any ways that matter to your heart. 

The song that plays is a melody that demands dancing. It is a force that moves your hips to sway side to side. Puppets you jump around, platforms banging along with the lyrics. And what tragic lyrics they are. The smile on your face would make him think he was listening to a love song. 

Fluent in quite a few languages, Jade knows better. Though, Jade is unsure why the song is structured like this. Why would an artist create happy music to pair it with such sad lyrics? It is such a cruel juxtaposition. Jade smiles when you twirl yourself so your dorsal side lies against his front, snug in his arms as he dances with you. Those Venus-hued lips pull up in a diamond grin.

Why would an artist create happy music to pair it with such sad lyrics? There is only one answer. Irony. 

Jade laughs and helps you back to your feet when your platforms catch on the bottom of your wedding gown. You thank him so genuinely. Jade never wants this particular melody to end.

Then, it does.

“Can I steal my Shrimpy back,” Floyd jokes, when the song ends. You happily launch yourself into his arms, ready to dance until your feet are sore. Stolen successfully. 

#jade leech x reader #jade leech #twisted wonderland x reader #twisted wonderland

[mmmmalo]

would it be wrong to read the core thrust of And It Don't Stop as "white rappers* naturally debase the revolutionary potential of rap by participating." like the ice cream man is technically skilled but his rhymes lack deeper meaning and he goes right back to his life at the end as if it didn't matter, when their cyberpunkish robot world might have changed.** and would it then transform the meaning of "white people acting black" in homestuck from an act of self-degradation to an act of violation. like equius would be mad at gamzee for being declasee but that's not what's ""really"" wrong.*** *except hussie, i guess. who is a weeaboo but his bushido code is the four pillars of hip hop. ** or would it maybe be more reasonable to read it as "dre shouldnt have wasted his time on eminem who sucks" ***sorry there's no question marks tumblr won't allow them.

Stelth seems to agree with you, but I don't know... the story bolsters the sense that Ice is an infiltrator by lamp-shading his design's resemblance to Solid Snake (he stops a giant robot, no less), and the way "And It Don't Stop" condenses to "AIDS" adds an uneasy edge to Stelth calling Ice "an epidemic", but both of those seem to escape the bounds of hip-hop gatekeeping and tap into a broader sense of racial paranoia (the disproportionate impact of AIDS on black communities led to widespread suspicion that it was a government-instigated genocide)

I disagree with your sense of Ice's rhymes being less meaningful. Both Stelth and Ice engage in attitudinal yin-yangs akin to those that Hussie would carry forward into Problem Sleuth and Homestuck:

On Level 1, Stelth denigrates a rhetorical woman as "overfed" but in the next line talks about how his presence makes women "feel their oats" (a term for happiness derived from well-fed horses). He lampshades his attitude shift into the appreciation of fat women with the inverted phrase "whatever boats your floats". A later stanza ends with the consonant inversion "Oxsar" instead of Oscar, another with "anti-Setimic" instead of Semitic, to similar effect. IOn Level 3, Stelth paints a portrait of his opponent as an intoxicated clown and follows with a stanza depicting himself in the same terms. Constant inversion.

On Level 1, Ice vacillates between gay thoughts and homophobia, first by establishing milk as woman (his happy spoon is his dick), then by saying he's undaunted by "non-dairy" ("God marryin' fairies"), only to declare himself "soy-intolerant" a few lines later. (There's a very Slurquest line calling soy "udder destruction", as though gayness entails the destruction of the true feminine.) The groove changes and Stelth weaves between mocking his opponent's pathetic gay sex (putting a "pawn" up a jester) and glorifying his own gay sex (inviting his opponent to wrap around his kingly pole like a womanly car crash). Rather than Ice's rhymes being comparatively meaningless, it seems like their rhymes are more or less equal stages for Hussie's juxtaposition games, alongside their rap's medium-standard assertions of sexual potency.

There are hints of racialized animosity between the two in the middle rounds: Ice describes his opponent's rhymes as "constipated", "toilet splatter", "fecal matter", etc, and positions himself as the cleaner. Stelth replies on Level 5 by first telling a rhetorical woman (implicitly Ice) not to "confer on what don't involve her", i.e. to step off, then by reasserting the power of brown that Ice disparaged: he makes the rhetorical woman (Ice) step in a bucket of shit. Stelth's retort retroactively colors Ice's lines as racial epithets -- and, like the "epidemic" accusation, it recolors Ice's claims of cleanliness with genocidal overtones.

So it seems to me that the central concern is not so much the "revolutionary potential of rap" and its despoiling so much as black fears of being targeted for extermination by bigots (ironically enough, Ice has several bars lamenting the hatred that seems to infect his peers) -- maybe those things are comorbid, idk, but I see more outright reference to the latter

#race mapping #and it don't stop

[ramakantthinks]

Timeless Moments In Music History

In the vast symphony of human existence, music resonates as a universal language, transcending borders and eras. Join me on a melodious journey through iconic moments in music history that have left an indelible mark on our hearts and souls.

The Birth of Rock 'n' Roll: Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel"

In the mid-1950s, a young man with a voice that could set the world on fire burst onto the music scene. Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel" not only marked the birth of rock 'n' roll but also catapulted him into superstardom. The raw energy, rebellious spirit, and hip-shaking charisma of Elvis transformed the music landscape forever.

Also Read: Create Personalized Playlists With These Music Apps

Beatlemania Takes Over: The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show

February 9, 1964, witnessed a cultural phenomenon that would echo through the decades. The Beatles, a British sensation, made their American debut on The Ed Sullivan Show. With their mop-top haircuts, infectious melodies, and charisma, the Fab Four ignited a craze known as Beatlemania, captivating the hearts of millions and reshaping the global music scene.

Woodstock 1969: A Peaceful Revolution

In the summer of '69, half a million free spirits gathered on a farm in Bethel, New York, for the Woodstock Music & Art Fair. This iconic festival became a symbol of the counterculture movement, promoting peace and love through the power of music. Performances by legendary artists like Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin solidified Woodstock as a pinnacle moment in music history.

Also Read: The Impact Of Music On Our Emotions

Queen's Live Aid Triumph: A Show for the Ages

Fast forward to 1985, when the world witnessed one of the greatest live performances in history. Queen, led by the incomparable Freddie Mercury, took the stage at Wembley Stadium for the Live Aid concert. Their electrifying set, including "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "We Will Rock You," showcased not only musical prowess but also a commitment to making a difference.

Thriller's Global Domination: Michael Jackson's Masterpiece

Released in 1982, Michael Jackson's "Thriller" wasn't just an album; it was a cultural phenomenon. With hits like "Billie Jean" and the iconic title track, Jackson revolutionized music videos and set new standards for pop excellence. "Thriller" remains the best-selling album of all time, a testament to the King of Pop's unparalleled influence.

Nirvana Redefines Sound: "Smells Like Teen Spirit"

The early '90s saw the rise of grunge, and Nirvana led the charge with their groundbreaking single, "Smells Like Teen Spirit." Released in 1991, this anthem became the voice of a generation, encapsulating the angst and disillusionment of youth. Kurt Cobain's raw vocals and the band's unconventional sound marked a seismic shift in the music landscape.

The Rise of Hip-Hop: Tupac Shakur vs. The Notorious B.I.G.

In the '90s, the East Coast-West Coast hip-hop rivalry dominated headlines. Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G., two titans of the genre, engaged in a fierce musical duel that tragically spilled into real-life violence. Despite the controversies, their impact on hip-hop culture remains immeasurable, shaping the genre into the global powerhouse it is today.

Also Read: Top Music Apps To Find Indie Songs

Conclusion

As we traverse the annals of music history, these iconic moments stand as pillars, supporting the vast tapestry of musical expression. From the birth of rock 'n' roll to the global triumph of "Thriller" and the revolutionary sounds of Nirvana, each chapter has left an enduring legacy. These moments, etched in the collective memory of music enthusiasts, remind us of the transformative power of a simple melody, capable of echoing through time and resonating across generations.

#music #songs #iconic #history

[cherelyn-maranguit51]

Cherelyn lauron maranguit is a young girl with a passion for dancing. Born on December 16, 2005, she has been gifted with a talent that allows her to express herself through movement. Cherelyn is not only skilled in dance but also possesses an infectious enthusiasm that radiates from her every step. Growing up, Cherelyn has always been drawn to the art of dance. She started taking lessons at an early age and quickly developed a deep appreciation for the discipline and dedication it requires. Her favorite styles of dance include ballet, hip hop, and contemporary, each of which allows her to showcase her unique style and flair. In addition to her love for dance, Cherelyn is also an avid reader and enjoys spending time with her friends and family. She has a kind heart and is always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. Her positive attitude and contagious smile are just some of the many qualities that make her such a joy to be around. As Cherelyn continues to pursue her passion for dance, she aspires to one day become a professional dancer. She knows that this goal will require hard work and dedication, but she is more than willing to put in the effort to achieve her dream. With her natural talent, infectious enthusiasm, and unwavering determination, there is no doubt that Cherelyn will go far in life.

My friends are the glue that hold me together. They are my support system, my confidants, and my partners in crime. They have seen me at my best and at my worst, and they have always been there for me. They challenge me, inspire me, and make me a better person. Together, my family and friends are the pillars of my life. They have taught me the importance of love, loyalty, and compassion. They have shown me that no matter what life throws my way, I can overcome any obstacle with their support. I am grateful for each and every one of them and I look forward to creating more memories with them in the years to come.

Throughout my life, I have had many accomplishments that have shaped me into the person I am today. I have always been driven and determined to succeed in whatever I put my mind to. From academic achievements to personal growth, I have consistently strived for excellence. One of my greatest accomplishments was graduating with honors from college. I worked tirelessly throughout my four years, balancing a rigorous course load and extracurricular activities. I was involved in many clubs and organizations, holding leadership positions in several of them. My dedication and hard work paid off when I was awarded my degree, summa cum laude. This achievement not only made my parents proud but also inspired me to continue pursuing excellence in all areas of my life. Another significant accomplishment was starting my own business. I had always been entrepreneurial, but never had the courage to take the plunge until recently. After much planning and research, I launched my own company, which has been successful beyond my wildest dreams. I am proud to say that my business has not only provided me with financial stability but also allowed me to make a positive impact in my community. In addition to my academic and professional accomplishments, I have also made significant personal growth. I have learned to embrace my strengths and weaknesses and use them to my advantage. I have become more confident in my abilities and have developed a strong sense of self-awareness. I have also learned the importance of self-care and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. In conclusion, my achievements are a testament to my hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I am proud of everything I have accomplished and look forward to continuing to grow and learn in the future.

My family is my rock, my support system, and my source of unconditional love. They are my biggest fans and my biggest cheerleaders, always there to encourage me and lift me up when I'm down. My parents are hardworking individuals who have sacrificed so much to give me the life I have today. They have taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. My brother is my partner in crime, my best friend, and my biggest rival. We share a special bond that only siblings can understand. We compete, tease each other, and support each other all at the same time. He is my sounding board, my confidant, and my inspiration. My extended family, including my aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents, are also an integral part of my life. They have provided me with countless memories filled with laughter, love, and joy. They have taught me the importance of family traditions and the value of spending time together.

[trascapades]

🎙#ArtIsAWeapon

Happy 50th BDay #HipHop

Salute #CindyCampbell #HipHop50

#IfItWasntForTheBronx #BronxKeepsCreatingIt

Reposted from @musicsermon You can't always pin down a catalyst moment for a cultural movement. Hip-hop can. While the elements of hip-hop culture in its original four pillars (MC'ing, DJ'ing, breakdancing and graffiti) and the sounds and techniques that gave us the music had been evolving for a time, Kool Herc's back to school jam, in the rec room of 1520 Sedgwick Ave in the Bronx, on August 11th 1973, is the amalgamation point.

Happy 50th Anniversary to the culture that raised me and sustained me.

#Bgirls #BBoys #Emcees #DJs #ForTheCulture

#31DaysOfHipHop50

[sristiglobalschool]

Why Should Parent Enroll Their Child in Sristi Global School?

Every parent wants the best for their children, from the best education to the best extracurricular. Sristi Global School, Bangalore provides you with the best for your child, helping majorly in carving a path for your ward to a brighter and better future.

Sristi Global School strives in educating young children for a decade and has established a chain of Pre-schools. It has been awarded the most prestigious Indian Education awards for being the most “Innovative Pre-School in Bangalore”

Sristi Global School believes in preserving the traditional values of the Gurukul system and Global gravitas for complete learning, leading a disciplined life, and realizing & achieving the highest inner potential of children.

Its mission is to create a Child Centric environment to encourage every student to Engage, Explore, Experience, Enjoy, and Excel to master the art of learning. They promote enduring interest, excitement, and curiosity through their integrated learning program.

Their team strives to harness your child’s potential to provide an education that challenges and inspires.

Sristi Global school provides quality education and facilities at affordable fees. Some of the facilities that the school provides are:

Smart Board

Computer Labs

Science Labs

Library

Art Corner

Yoga and Meditation hall

24*7 CCTV surveillance

Infirmary with medical staff

Fire safety equipment

Safe pick up and drop facilities

Robotics Lab

Language Room

Swimming pool

They believe that instead of mere teaching, their students should be taught how to develop themselves which builds their competence to master the art of learning.

Their classes are child-centric, purposeful, and supportive places, where individual accomplishments are keenly celebrated. They encourage each child to achieve their personal best and discover their strengths in different aspects of school life, especially those that are more challenging. They have divided the classes as per National Education Policy [NEP ]2020. The new NEP is based on four pillars which are Access, Equity, Quality, and Accountability.

Sristi Global school also focuses on giving its students the best forms of extracurriculars:

Dance: Bharatnatyam, Ballet, Hip-hop, Jazz

Vocal Music: Carnatic Music, Hindustani Classical, Folk

Instrumental Music: Keyboards, Guitar, Violin, Drums

Martial Arts/ Physical fitness: Karate, Taekwondo, Judo, Yoga/Meditation

Indoor games: Chess, Carrom, Gymnastics, Table Tennis

Outdoor Games: Cricket, Football, Skating, Basketball, Hockey, Badminton

Drawing/Painting: Acrylic Painting, Oil Painting, Pencil Sketch, Watercolor painting, Color pencil sketching

With a proper balance of academics and extracurricular activities, Sristi Global School also focuses on the well-being of students at each level of learning.

Aarambha

Aadhya

Madhya

Poorna

Student counseling cell

Digital learning

Well-versed in child development, PE instructors ensure that the curriculum comprises age-appropriate activities that support growing minds and bodies. They adapt lessons to make them appropriate for their groups and ensure that they do not overwhelm children with skills or requirements that may be too advanced. At the same time, they understand when students are ready to be upheld. PE improves motor skills and increases muscle strength and bone density, which in turn makes students more likely to engage in healthy activities outside of school. Furthermore, it nurtures children on the constructive benefits of exercise and allows them to understand how good it can make them feel.

In short, academics and character development go hand in hand at Sristi Global School.

This article is originally posted on: Why Should Parent Enroll Their Child in Sristi Global School?

#top schools in bangalore #schoolactivities #school #affordable cbse schools in kr puram

[mollah42o]

How vintage is hip-hop?

The beginning of hip hop is thought to now lower returned to Aug. Eleven, 1973, wherein DJ Kool Herc, really referred to as Clive Campbell, and his pal hosted a again-to-college birthday party in the Bronx, big apple. Eighteen-12 months-vintage Campbell and his friend Coke los angeles Rock are often referred to as the fathers of hip-hop.

The primary DJ:

History of DJing

In 1935, American radio commentator Walter Winchell coined the time period "disc jockey". In 1943, radio DJ Jimmy Savile launched the sector's first DJ dance celebration by way of playing jazz statistics inside the upstairs function room of the reliable Order of ancient Shepherds in Otley, England.

The four fathers of rap:

Numerous founders say that Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa, and Melle Mel—those normally credited because the creators—will admit they had been stimulated by means of manner of a generation of HipHop that existed in advance than 1973.

The 4 factors of hip-hop:

While there's some debate over the range of things of hip-hop, there are 4 elements that is probably considered to be its pillars: deejaying, or “turntabling”; rapping, also known as “MCing” (emceeing) or “rhyming”; graffiti portray, moreover known as “graf” or “writing”; and break dancing, or “B-boying,” which encompasses.

Fast rap is known as:

Chopper is a hip-hop track subgenre that originated in the Midwestern u.S. Of us and has competencies of rapid-paced rhyming or rapping. Individuals who rap in fashion are known as choppers, and rapping inside style is from time to time known as slicing.

Gradual rap is called:

Mumble rap

Mumble rap is relative to a derogatory time period for some artists. But, in plenty of techniques, it is an honest description of a fantastic rap style it simply is famous proper now.

The 3 styles of hip-hop:

A short manual to the numerous forms of hip-hop. Gangsta. Lure. Cloud Rap.

Gangster rap is known as:

Gangsta rap or gangster rap, to begin with called reality rap, emerged in the mid-to past due Eighties in l. A. Is a debatable hip-hop subgenre whose lyrics assert the life-style and values standard of city American gangs and road hustlers.

South African music is referred to as:

The South African song scene consists of each famous (jive) and folk paperwork like Zulu isicathamiya creating a song and harmonic mbaqanga. Exceptional popular genres are Marabi, Kwaito, house music, Isicathamiya, Gqom, rock song, hip hop and Amapiano.

The Naija music is referred to as:

Famous music genres loved with the aid of Nigerians and now globally embody Jazz, Highlife, Jùjú, Afrobeat, Reggae, and Afrobeats. Fela Kuti became instrumental in the adoption of Jazz and Afrobeat. A current mainstream track referred to as 'Afrobeats' or 'Afropop' takes cues from beyond patterns.

Afro-pop track in South Africa:

Afro-Pop is a seize-all-time period encompassing the wealthy style of modern-day African music patterns -- usually city, electric-powered dance songs.

The tune is first inside the world:

The earliest fragment of musical notation is placed on a 4,000-12 months-vintage Sumerian clay tablet, which incorporates commands and tunings for a hymn honoring the ruler Lipit-Ishtar. However, for the call of the oldest extant tune, most historians factor in “Hurrian Hymn No.

Began African song:

African song modified into first recorded by Egyptian musicians in the third millennium BC. The Egyptians used a massive form of musical gadgets, which encompass harps, flutes, drums, and cymbals.

The biggest song on facts:

For day-by-day wit & records, be part of the Almanac e-newsletter.

The longest recorded pop music is “Apparente Libertà,” by Giancarlo Ferrari, that is seventy-six mins, forty-four seconds long. This passed the preceding report of “The satan Glitch,” by way of using Chris Butler, it really is sixty-9 mins lengthy.”

Ok-pop is famous in South Africa:

South Africa is the top market for good enough pop in Sub-Saharan Africa. The most well-known K-pop artist is BTS, their Coldplay collaboration song My Universe being the maximum streamed okay-pop track on Spotify.

[fmhiphop]

African Queens Ground-Breaking Netflix Series Narrated By Jada Pinkett Smith

Netflix began streaming a powerful and spell-binding series narrated by Jada Pinkett Smith, African Queens on February 15, and it is a jewel. What is African Queens? African Queens is a rare and in-depth look at Africa’s often overlooked royals. It is a recreation of a retelling of the narrative of the most powerful, bold, fearless, and beautiful women who ruled in the great continent of Africa. It is told through the voices of scholars and historians, and its dramatized for greater effectiveness. While the lens is trained on the narrative of the queen, it examines the whole of her surroundings. African Queens examines the culture, political structure, customs, and practices of those who are her people. It is a selection that exquisitely showcases so much of Africa, the regality of the leaders, the innovativeness, societal structure, and the raw and natural gloriousness of the land they inhabit. However, it does so without sacrificing some of the uglier truths. Instead, it gives a robust perspective offering context while educating its viewers. The Project Jada Pinkett Smith not only narrates the moving docu-series, but she also serves as Executive Producer. However, it is told from an African perspective. According to iAfrica, African Queens is written by Kenyan-born storyteller Peres Owino and British diplomat NneNne Iwuji. This project comes via Smith’s Westbrook Studios and independent film studio Nutopia. However, for Smith, this series is a passion project, a means to educate and empower. According to iAfrica, “Pinkett, who was a key force behind the project, has cited the imperative nature of reviving these stories of African female leadership to empower today’s young, black women.” While it does much to empower female viewership, it is an offering that inspires the whole community. Queen Njinga (Nzinga) The segment now streaming focuses on Queen Njinga of Ndongo. And it retells her story so that the world will not only know her name but remember her legacy and impact. As iAfrica cites, “Queen Nzinga of Ndongo and Matamba came to a position of power during the 17th century, when she ruled over Angola and fought off Portuguese settlers., a feat worthy of the annals of history. Hip-Hop and the Promotion Hip-hop is a culture, a movement, a complex structure held up by multiple pillars. There are four basic tenants or pillars, or in some circles, classed as elements that some hip-hop scholars define as language. And those languages are breakdance, rap, deejaying, and graffiti. While these are the primary pillars, they are not the only pillars. According to an article by Midnation, there are rather nine pillars. One of those remaining five pillars includes knowledge. Midnation notes, “In the book The Fifth Element of Hip Hop Knowledge, Travis L. Gosa affirms that knowledge is the fifth fundamental pillar of this culture. Without it, the other elements would not be cohesive." So as a celebration of hip-hop and black history, FM Hip Hop aims to uphold the pillars of spreading and sharing a wealth of information that informs the populace and promotes, uplifts, and advances the culture. In Conclusion For those interested in a cultural exploration of kingdoms and rulers of the great African continent and the empires that stretched across that land, tune in to African Queens. https://youtu.be/5z6TntNvGZI Read the full article

[cyarskj1899]

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#WEMISSYOUMEG: 7 Most Memorable Megan Thee Stallion Moments

Posted on 2 hours ago - ByShannon Dawson

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Megan Thee Stallion turns 28 years old today. And boy, does she have a lot to celebrate. With three Grammys, four BET Hip-Hop Awards and several prestigious accolades underneath her belt, the Houston hottie has shown that she is an unstoppable force.

Whether she’s dominating the music world with her infectious tunes or empowering fans to be confident and fearless, Megan Thee Stallion has become a pillar for those who dare to the take the road less traveled.

Related Stories

SZA Sends Love To Megan Thee Stallion: ‘We’re All Rooting For You’

In A Come To Jesus Moment, 50 Cent Apologizes To Megan Thee Stallion For Insensitive Internet Trolling

A Black Gender Divide Became Painstakingly Obvious When Tory Lanez Was Accused Of Shooting Megan Thee Stallion

Her fans, who she affectionately calls the “Hotties,” appreciate her authenticity and the way she has been open about the challenges and hurdles she has faced during her come up in the rap game.

Even at the height of her career, Meg continues to give back to her community while using her incredible platform to champion a myriad of social causes. From domestic violence and mental health to women’s rights, Megan’s positive impact on the entertainment and society at large is abundantly clear.

She’s, sassy, bougie and classy, and today we have to give the hit maker all of the flowers for her big day. Here are some of our favorite moments from the hot girl’s career.

Megan Thee Stallion graduates from Texas Southern University

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While dominating the hip-hop center stage last year, the famous femcee fulfilled her lifelong dream of obtaining her Bachelors of Science in Health Administration. In December 2021, Megan walked the stage during her graduation at Texas Southern University donning a big smile and a fierce beat.

On Instagram, the rapper gushed about the significant moment to fans, telling her 30 million followers: “I want y’all to remember that you can do whatever you wanna do and be whoever you wanna be, cause look at me!”

During an 2020 interview with PEOPLE, the “WAP” rapper said she was driven to obtain her agree as an ode to her late mother Holly Thomas, who died in March 2019 after a difficult battle with brain cancer.

“I want to get my degree because I really want my mom to be proud,” the hip-hop titan shared, adding that she hoped to make her late grandmother proud of her accomplishments, too.

Megan Thee Stallion takes a stand for Breonna Taylor during 2020 SNLperformance

In 2020, Megan Thee Stallion used her big performance on Saturday Night Live to slam Kentucky attorney general Daniel Cameron, after he failed to deliver justice for the tragic police shooting of Breonna Taylor.

During her energetic performance of “Savage,” the Houston hitmaker stood before a scrolling backdrop that bore the words “Protect Black Women” in bold. Halfway through the song, the music cut into the sound of loud gunfire, as Meg and her dancers stood silently in front of a screen filled with riddled bullets.

The jarring soundbite was immediately followed by a recording of activist Tamika Mallory, calling out Cameron for his decision to drop charges against the officers responsible for Taylor’s shooting death.

After the soundbite ended, Megan spoke directly to the audience:

Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B shock the world with “WAP”

Megan Thee Stallion joined forces with Cardi B in 2020 to deliver their raunchy hit single “WAP,” a boppy hip-hop tune all about the power of femininity and sexuality. After the track soared across the Billboard charts, Republicans and conservatives clamored with anger and disgust due to the song’s suggestive lyrics. Heck, some people even called in and complainedfollowing the duo’s epic performance of “WAP” at the Grammys in 2021.

Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi’s bold display of fearlessness and divine feminine energy shook up a lot of people. But the two rap powerhouses never faltered. Even in the face of adversity, Megan remains confident and unapologetic.

Thee Stallion Twerks with Lizzo

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When two Black queens at the top of their game link up, you know it’s going to be iconic. Megan Thee Stallion and Lizzo did just that in 2020. A viral video of Megan twerking while Lizzo played a funky tune on her flute sent fans into a tizzy that year.

Showing off her sturdy knees and bodacious backside, Meg dropped down and twerked her bodacious clappas.

The hilarious moment captured a tender glimpse of Black sisterhood. It also left many fans feeling eager for the duo to collaborate on music.

Hopefully, there will be a Megan Thee Stallion and Lizzo collab in the near future!

Megan Thee Stallion can be sassy and gushy, too!

Megan Thee Stallion is filled with spice and a little bit of sugar, too. The Billboard award recipient has been happily boo’d up with rapper Pardison Fontaine for the last two years. They have been a strong example of Black love and resilience. The couple has managed to cherish and hold on tight to one another through gossip and salacious headlines.

Last year, in honor of their two-year anniversary, Meg took to Instagram with a gushy tribute post, showering Fontaine with praise for his love and affection.

“Yr 2 with U 💙,” the “Hot Girl Summer” rapper captioned a photo carousel of tender moments throughout their relationship.

For Valentine’s Day this year, it looks like Meg and Pardi enjoyed some quality time together. A photo obtained by the Shade Room, captured the couple toasting shots of liquor in heart-shaped glasses, presumably celebrating the holiday.

Every strong Black woman needs a good Black man by her side. Together, the possibilities are endless.

Megan Thee Stallion testifies against Tory Lanez, creates mental health resource website

Source: Jason Armond / Getty

Megan Thee Stallion made the ultimate display of courage after she testified against Tory Lanez during his 2022 shooting trial. The rapper’s testimony came after a grueling year long smear campaign from the media, with several sites alleging that she may have lied about her 2020 shooting at the hands of Lanez.

Dressed down in a custom purple suit, the “Savage” hitmaker finally opened up about the harrowing night and slammed those supporting Lanez throughout their turbulent case.

“Every man in a position of power in the music industry has taken his side,” she told the Los Angeles courtroom.

The star also admitted that she was hesitant to open up about the incident out of fear that it may hurt her career.

In December 2022, Tory Lanez was convicted of shooting Meg.

Before the verdict, the hip-hop titan created a mental health database for fans in need. The website featured a wide array of helpful resources for domestic violence victims, therapy and sexual violence counseling.

Megan Thee Stallion makes hilarious cameo in She Hulk

Megan Thee Stallion’s talents have no bounds. Fans were reeling with excitement when the star made a brief appearance on the Disney + show She Hulk last year. The talented femcee played herself in the comic-book inspired series. And towards the end, she even dropped down low to shake her tail feather in one scene.

This wasn’t the first time Meg flexed her acting chops. Before entering the Marvel universe, the rapper, who also goes by the moniker Tina Snow, made her acting debut on P-Valley.

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During an interview with The Cut in August 2022, Meg said that her passion for acting was inspired by the careers of Queen Latifah and Ice Cube, two rap stars who were able to find success in Hollywood.

“When I look at them, it inspires me to take it further than just music,” she told the magazine. “I don’t feel like I’m only going to be an actress — I feel like I’m also going to be a director and I’m also going to be a producer,” Megan added.

RELATED CONTENT: SZA Sends Love To Megan Thee Stallion: ‘We’re All Rooting For You’

Categories: Celebrity News

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[one-boring-person]

Hey, if you take requests, can I ask Eric x Reader where he’s obsessed with her? Ps. "Stiff, huh?" Is so intense ... Eric is wow

I do take requests! Thank you for leaving this, it was fun to write! I hope this is alright! And I'm glad you enjoyed the other fic 😊💛💛

I'll Cover You.

Eric Coulter x reader

Warnings: swearing, injury, blood, violence, gun use

Masterlist

A yelp inadvertently escapes me as a sharp bolt of pain goes through my right hand, my punch falling short as I flinch back in surprise. Biting my lip, I shake my hand, glancing around at the other initiates nearby, thankful that no one has noticed my brief moment of weakness. Discreetly, I unfold my fist and examine it, trying to discern exactly what caused the sudden discomfort, looking over the purple bruising dusting my knuckles, as well as the grazes adorning the same areas. I frown, unsure of what happened. Shaking it off, I simply get back into position and go to strike the punchbag again, tensing my core before I do anything.

A stern voice interrupts me, however, as a familiar figure steps up beside me.

"Take your thumb out of your fist, initiate." Eric commands, staring me down with his icy blue eyes.

"S-sorry?" I stutter, unsure of what he means as I look down at my fists.

He rolls his eyes and sighs, forming a fist with his own hand.

"Like this. It's not hard." He shows me, gesturing to my own hands.

Trying not to look at his bulging muscles, I observe his hand and copy it, only now realising what he meant.

"Never punch with your thumb in your fist, or you'll end up breaking it. Wouldn't be a great start, would it?" Are his only words before he stalks off, going to watch over some other initiate, leaving me blinking in his wake.

Keeping my hands as he showed me, I start beating the bag again, ignoring the slight stinging from the grazes as I work on the efficiency of my blows. With each punch, I make sure to hold my composure, stepping back from the bag as if my opponent were retaliating, keeping my eyes trained on it, so much so that I completely zone out the area around me. That is until I hear my name being called.

"(Y/n)! Kai! In the ring, now!" Eric orders us, voice resonating around the training area as it always does, his authority lacing his tone.

Swallowing nervously, I cautiously walk over to the raised platform, terrified at the thought of facing off with this particular initiate. People stare as I climb up, their eyes roaming over my body critically, comparing me with the hugely muscular boy across from me. Kai is massive in every sense of the word: bulging muscular arms, visibly toned torso, thighs like pillars and with a towering height that looms over the tallest of people. Surprisingly, however, his personality is much softer, the guy being relatively friendly with everyone, only really using his strength (gained from hard work in the Amity fields) for good use; he almost always apologizes for hurting someone. As I square up to him, I feel myself becoming more and more nervous by the minute, his fists easily the size of two of mine, but I ignore the rising sense of dread and wait for Eric to start us off.

"Go." The leader simply grunts, watching closely as we start circling each other.

Controlling my breathing, I move my weight onto the balls of my feet and hold my arms over my body, providing some protection from the oncoming onslaught of blows. Judging his step, I make eye contact with Kai briefly before suddenly ducking into his space and jabbing my fist out at his lower abdomen, striking his rock-hard abs with some force. Instantly, I recoil back out of reach, prepared for some form of retaliation in reaction to the blow, somewhat surprised when he shows minimal pain. Distracted by this, I quickly receive a blow to the stomach, having left it unguarded from my previous attack, the breath leaving me as his knuckles make contact. Grunting, I stumble backwards, ducking over my body to protect myself, only to accidentally make myself into an easier target as he grabs hold of my head and smashes my face into his lifted knee. Tears spring to my eyes as my nose audibly crunches, blood starting to pour from it as I begin to lose some focus, the pain raising in my face very disconcerting. 

With my head still in his hands, I feel him lift it again for yet another blow with his knee, my mind racing as I jerk out my arm and jab it into the space between his thighs. A grunt escapes him at this, instinctively releasing me as he goes to protect his intimate regions. Relieved, I slip out of his reach and readjust, taking note of his slightly hunched position. Moving swiftly, I get closer and swing my leg round in a sharp kick to his jaw, throwing his head to the side painfully, the muscular boy spitting out a mouthful of blood as he goes, one of his teeth coming loose from the sudden impact. Triumphant, I go to repeat the action, only to find my leg grabbed by him, his hand closing around my limb tightly. Smirking, he quickly uses this hold on my leg to pull my feet out from under me, easily throwing me over his shoulder and smashing me into the ground, pain blossoming in my chest as it collides. Winded, I lie there, only just managing to twist onto my back as he lifts a foot over my head, ready to kick me into unconsciousness.

"Stop." Eric's cool voice interrupts us both, breaking through the haze.

Both our heads snap round to look at him, my vision spinning as I do so, confused as I stare at our leader through blurry eyes.

"Go to the infirmary and get yourselves fixed up. Now." He commands us, turning away from us and going to stand a little way away.

As soon as his back is turned, Kai crouches down to my level and offers me a hand, grey eyes clouded with concern.

"You alright? I'm sorry, I went too far." He says, helping me upright, slipping his arm around my back and lending me his shoulder to get me walking.

"It's fine, Kai, don't worry. It's what we're supposed to do, after all. I'm sorry about hitting you...there." I apologise, wincing as my chest heaves slightly, my ribs clearly bruised.

"Don't worry about it, it's fine."

As we walk, neither of us notice Eric's eyes following us out of the room.

*

For once, I don't barely climb onto the train as I speeds by, my arms somehow managing to pull me inside with time to spare, a smile working its way onto my face in triumph. Usually, I seem to struggle with having the distance, but tonight I managed it with some ease, meaning I didn't have to embarrass myself under the watchful eyes of Eric, who stares down at me as I straighten again. As always, his face is blank, his arms folded tightly across his chest, his muscles straining under the fabric of his coat. Suppressing the smile on my face, I bite my lip and look away, ignoring the slight twitch of his brow as he looks me over, eyeing me carefully as I go to stand with Kai, who has quickly become a good friend of mine, the huge boy turning out to be very caring and enjoyable to have around. 

"Where do you think we're going?" The brunette asks me as I go to lean on the wall beside him.

Shrugging, I watch as the rest of the initiates join us, the Dauntless-born easily springing onto the moving train whilst the others, like Kai and I, struggle a little. Four is last to hop up, as always.

"I don't know." I inform my friend, looking to the bags at Eric's feet.

"Well, if you wait patiently, you might just find out." Eric suddenly bites out, his gaze fixed on the two of us.

Surprised, we both now, exchanging a glance between us.

"Oops." I mutter to him, falling silent as we watch the leader step forwards into the middle of the initiates.

"We're gonna play some Capture the Flag tonight. Four and I will each lead a team, each of which hides a flag and has to defend it. First team to get the opposing flag wins." He explains briefly, bending to unzip one of the bags at his feet, pulling out a type of gun I've never seen before, "You'll each get one of these. They're loaded with neurostim darts, which will simulate the pain of a gunshot wound without actually injuring you. They hurt like a bitch, so watch yourselves."

As he says this, Eric allows his eyes to fall on Kai and I, narrowing them as he finds my friend.

"Ok, Eric and I will now pick our teams. Eric will go first." Four chips in, gesturing for the leader to start.

"I'll take (Y/n)." He chooses, staring at me as I double take in surprise. Dumbfounded, I nod once, signifying that I heard him.

Four appears surprised momentarily, before he blinks and chooses one of the Dauntless-born.

Five minutes later and we've all been picked for a team, each of us sidling over towards our corresponding team leader as the train starts to come to a slowed pace. Kai was picked for Four's team, so I shoot him one last look before going to stand with the rest of Eric's team, taking one of the proffered guns and comfortably resting it against my hip, keeping the safety on for now. Looking up, I make eye contact with the stern leader, just catching his eye before he quickly glances away, saying something to Four as we prepare to leave the train, having been told to do so.

Without warning, Eric and Four throw themselves from the vehicle, landing somewhere in the darkness as the rest of us follow hastily, unwilling to be left on the train. Slinging the gun over my shoulder, I launch myself into the black night, my feet colliding with the ground seconds later, causing me to roll to absorb the shock, my hands scraping slightly on the uneven gravel. I'm quick to right myself, however, taking the gun off of my shoulder as I take out my torch and light it, easily locating Eric and going to stand with him. The rest of the team joins us and we leave the main area, walking for a few minutes until Eric stops.

"We'll need a tactic. Four is good at this, but I've beaten him most times so we need to make sure we don't lose to him tonight, got it?" The leader briefs us, holding out the luminescent flag to one of the Dauntless-born, "Go hide this in that old ticket booth over there. It's easy enough to defend and it's hard for them to find. The rest of you, find somewhere to hide around it. (Y/n), you're coming with me."

Surprised, I look at him but agree anyway, glad to have some alone time with the leader, watching as he elects one of the more experienced initiates to take charge of the defending team, before he signals for me to follow him. Taking the safety off my gun, I do so, keeping my footfall light and gentle, staying low to the ground to avoid being seen. Eric does the same, his movements calculated and practiced, his muscular frame somehow managing to step stealthily over the uneven ground.

"What did you want me for?" I hiss at him, keeping an eye out for any attackers.

"I need you to climb that tower and locate their flag. And you have the best aim, so I'm gonna need you to snipe out any guards if you can, so that you can then go in and get it." He whispers back, pointing to a nearby tower.

Frowning, I go to respond.

"And what about you?"

"I'll cover you, obviously." He replies matter-of-factly.

"Right."

As we approach the tower, he breaks off and goes to hide behind a nearby dumpster, reinforcing his plan to me as he does so, expecting me to scale the riveted wall of the abandoned structure by hand. Swallowing, I replace the gun over my shoulders and look over the rough surface before me, wondering how the hell I'm ever going to pull this off. Finding a handhold, I start ascending, using the marks to my advantage as I hoist myself higher and higher, ignoring the aching protests of my arms. Grazes litter my fingertips, my muscles trembling with each pull up, the gun knocking gently against my lower back. 

It takes me a few minutes, but soon I'm high enough that I can see the area around us, my eyes roaming the dark area with scrutiny, looking out for the fluorescent flag. I spot it easily, the colourful fabric glowing brightly on top of another nearby tower, just a little way away, a figure guarding it alone, though there are most likely others at the base of the structure. 

A sudden cry of pain snaps my attention down to the ground again, my eyes swiftly finding the silhouette of a body lying on the floor, Eric swiftly moving out to make sure the threat stays down, his fun levelled in preparation. Upon seeing this, I start climbing back down, spotting another three oncoming opponents just a little way away from us, their voices somewhat raised. Taking note of this, I hasten down, managing to hop down in time to face off with the newcomers, who are faced with a swift barrage of darts. Two fall, clutching at their legs in pain, the third taking a little more to neutralize before he too drops to the floor, squirming in agony.

"You find it?" Eric questions me, secretly checking me over for any injury in the darkness, aware that he can't really see much 

"Yeah, it's this way." Turning, the two of us run in the direction of the other tower, thankfully staying clear of any enemies until we reach the low wall surrounding the structure. Circling it, we soon figure out why this particular tower was chosen.

"There's only one way into the tower past this wall, and they'll all be around that area." Eric muses, stopping with his back pressed against the offending architecture, "Any ideas?"

Thinking for a minute, I eye the wall carefully.

"I think so. We didn't get shot at as we approached it, which means they must all be at the other end, or not paying any attention, so one of us could climb over the wall  and get in that way, but they'd be vulnerable when they were climbing the tower." I suggest, tapping my weapon slightly.

"I said I'd cover you. You climb and I'll shoot the bastards, then I'll join you at the top." Eric confirms, gesturing for me to go.

Nodding, I make my way around to another part of the wall, starting to scale it in the darkness as I did before, hoping no one will catch me. Gritting my teeth, I haul myself over the structure and drop into the enclosed area, glad to hear the cries of alarm coming from a different part of the circle as I run over to the base of the tower. Thanking my aptitude for climbing, I start making my way up the building, trying to ignore the possibility of falling to my death as I start to get higher and higher off the ground. It takes me a little while, but I eventually manage to pull my aching limbs up and onto the balcony of the upper floor of the tower, somehow still out of sight of the guard, who is shooting at what I'm assuming is Eric down in the circle. Quietly, I slip into the shadows and ready my gun, shooting the unsuspecting initiate into the back, their sharp cry of surprise and pain resonating loudly around the room as I take up the flag and go to the open window. Leaning out, I scream out to the people below, waving it around triumphantly as a chorus of groans escapes the gathering of defenders, Eric already climbing the steps inside the tower. 

Ecstatic, I shake the flag around more, happy that I may have proved myself as capable for once, my face split into a proud grin. Behind me, Eric suddenly bursts in, coming over to me with a smirk of his own.

"Congratulations, (Y/n)." He says, seemingly considering something.

"Thank you." I murmur, fighting off the blush as he stares at me, his eyes concealing a different emotion to what I was expecting.

Suddenly, he leans in and presses his lips to mine, swallowing my squeak of surprise as he starts to move with me. Cupping my face in his hand, his other at my waist, pulling me closer, Eric continues to kiss me, the sensation stirring up butterflies in my stomach, my body craving his touch as he presses himself flush against me. Briefly pulling apart for air, he manages to say something before he closes the gap again.

"God, I'm obsessed with you."

#divergent #eric coulter divergent #eric coulter #Eric Coulter imagine #Eric Coulter x reader #jai courtney

[kyoupann]

here's the second crack-prompt-turned-whatever fic.

Screenshot of the ask at the end so that you can have fun trying to guess what the original prompt was.

Word count: 769 Warnings: nothing, it's just uuh...

Three hours.

They had been staring at the engraving on the pillar for exactly three hours and counting

At first, it was entertaining to see every boy try to solve the puzzle in their own way. They came up with explanations of how it looked like something they had seen and done before, repeating what they had done before, just to be met with nothing. Not a single mechanism activating nor even a tiny rock moving out of the way.

He never thought that it would ever come in handy in a situation like this. But here he was, probably kilometres below the ground, trapped in a cave system that seemed endless, and with a group full of youngsters who apparently had never attended a normal celebration once in their lives.

Sky had suggested lightning the torches in the room one by one in cardinal order.

Twilight had supported that and when nothing happened, he proposed putting them out with the Gale boomerang counterclockwise.

That didn’t work.

Legend had looked at the sequence again: right, left, right up, left up.

The torches in the room didn’t work, which had left the 5 rays of dim light coming through the top.

Legend tried to block and unblock them in order. Nothing happened.

Wind and Four had suggested pushing the pillar so that it would be aligned with the one on the other side of the room. Nothing happened. Maybe they had to move the other pillar instead.

It had been fun while it lasted. But now, three hours and fifteen minutes in, Time had grown impatient. So without any word, he just walked towards the pillar, opening his way through the crowd. He stopped the Veteran from throwing a punch at the Captain, his patience having grown inexistent. Though he must admit, he would have done the same, the Captain’s suggestion to solve this little riddle was plainly idiotic.

He stood in front of the pillar, examined it once more, just to make sure his assumption was right. And it was; the sequence was clear, as clear as the worn-down rock showed it, but clear nonetheless. If anything, he could only spot one minor difference from the version he knew. No worries, he could easily adapt to it; it was a good thing then that he wasn’t as pressed about accuracy as Malon, as he was sure that not following would not only be a waste of time, but also extremely embarrassing for him if it didn’t work at all.

He had to focus and put on his best poker face. He put his right hand out, then the left one. Now with both arms stretched in front of him, he turned his right palm up, followed by the other.

Confusion settled in the room, but Time hadn’t tried anything yet and everyone was curious to see what would happen, so they let him do whatever that was.

He crossed his right hand on his left shoulder and repeated the same movement with his left hand. He brought his right hand to the back of his head, his left hand mirroring the other once more. One by one, he put each hand on the side of his hips

“What the fuck is going on,” he heard one of the boys say, probably Legend, just proving how uncultured they really were.

“Some sort of… spell? Dance?” Hyrule tried to explain, “it’s hard to tell by how dead he looks."

But he did not let such comments stop him. He was confident in his moves and that in no time they’d be out of that place.

Finally, he moved his hands to the back of his hips, rocked his hips from side to side in a quick motion and on the last sway, he hopped and jumped 180° degrees, finally facing the group of heroes in varying states of shock.

The room was completely silent for a few seconds and seeing that nothing happened, shame was starting to slowly colour the tips of ears. However, he did not let it show on his face; he kept a straight look. Then, a clicking sound reverberated through the chamber. On the far end to the right, a passageway opened.

He only cocked his head chin towards the new entrance , commanding the boys to follow after him.

“What the fuck was that?! Why did it work?!” Legend shouted at him.

Time shrugged and turned to inspect the tunnel, “whoever designed this had a sense of humour.” He simply said as he crouched down, “anyway, looks like this gets smaller the further it goes. Sailor, Smithy. You two go first and get back to us on how to proceed.”

* * * * * *

Original prompt:

Spoiler: the next room is achy breaky heart but fast aka payaso de rodeo

I know I asked for this but anon this was too much. I don't even know how or why I just. I just got whiplash when I read this one. This was a real challenge, I'll give you that. I hope you're proud

Anywussy, check my AO3 for some decent stuff (mostly Four-centred), or my tag Kyo writes for some quick, light-hearted reading material (: and if you want to send another crack prompt for me to write eventually, feel free to do so! and thanks for reading, tkm y'all <3

#linkeduniverse #linked universe #lu time #prompt fic #I do whatever I want #kyo writes #ask #prompt ask #kudos to the anon who sent this #big chaotic brain energy #this week should be chill #so I'll try to finish all of these #but at the same time I'm not too pressed about it #because I don't want to flood y'all's dashboards with these silly ficlets jsjsjs #I guess you can block the tag #'I do whatever I want' as I will be using that for these <3 #turns out asking for prompts during one of your busiest weeks isn't a great idea sjsjsjjs #i really said fuck my social service #but this week is evaluation week <3 #also hi i don't know how to write time and this just reminded me that I have to write an entire chapter about him for the Four fic #and i'm just #dreading #in fear #at least with wild i was dreading it because of annoyance #but this is just F E A R in cursive #perritos malvados perritos encarcelados #the song is stuck in my head

[kkeidawrites]

That Night

Chp. 3

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Another banquet was in full swing in the next couple of days that the moon goddess had first arrived and once more the same activities from before resurfaced. The sunrays of Asgard minimized to a light hue of yellows and purples, it would soon be night.

Gods and Goddesses, Dukes, Duchesses, Lord and Ladies alike littered the alabaster halls of the banquet hall. Each one dressed to impress, all colorcoded for the theme. How can anyone have so many parties every other day? It’s exhausting to say the least. Just imagine how much the servants had to prepare in such little time, it will amaze you.

This time the party was held in the gardens, overlooking Asgard’s lavish lands of green fields. Men and women rode horseback to play games, others included themselves in a fighting ring while everyone else lounged about and talked.

The food never disappoints and it seemed to never run low. Before your head would turn away from the lavish feast, it would automatically refill itself. Everything looked beautiful, the gold trim that surrounds the white pillars and green shrubbery elongated and twisted in beautiful vines around the pillars and added a bit to the dining tables as well.

For someone who has never been to Asgard and this was their first time they would be enthralled with the beauty of this place; the gold, the alabaster stone walls, the food, the style, the attire. It was like a dream come true. Except maybe a certain, moon goddess, who thought differently.

Mawu was bored. Stupid bored in fact. She was that bored that she had brought along Irawo to the banquet to keep her entertained. And let’s not forget the God of Mischief himself to keep her company as well. How delightful.

They stood at two different tables although it didn’t help the fact that Frigga used her powers to make sure that the tables were at least facing each other and with it she spelled the tables to only allow them to walk to and from their tables.

“Three hours you two,” she told the two as her fingers flexed to allow her magic to filter from her fingertips. “The spell will break once the hours are up, until then why don’t you both talk. Get to know one another.” She gave her charming smile and left the two beings.

“‘Get to know one another’.” Mawu mocked them scoffed in annoyance as she watched Irawo hop around on the table.

Mawu saw that there was no point in trying to break the All-Mother’s spell and occupied her time playing with Irawo; Loki in the meantime was doing everything in his ability to break his mother’s spell. From time to time you would see the illuminated green light of his spells.

Mawu feeds Irawo another carrot and the chunky rabbit munches it down, greedily and wiggles his nose in Mawu’s direction, happily waiting for the next carrot to be given to him and the goddess smiles.

“Sorry, Irawo. I don’t want you to pass out on me and go into a carrot coma,” Mawu teases and the rabbit stomps his foot.

“No more carrots right now, okay?” She watches as the rabbit begins to groom his head aggressively to show that he was unhappy. Mawu shakes her head and placed a hand under chin as she watched the festivities unfold.

She couldn’t believe that she had to stand in this one spot for the next, now two hours, and not be able to move anywhere. Mawu so desperately wanted to go horseback riding, and use swords against the opposing team. Hell, even the fighting ring looked appealing. It was much more entertaining than stand here and be bored.

“Damn it.” She hears Loki sigh out in frustration and looks to her right to see the green wearing God cross his arms and lean against the table in frustration.

“Having fun over there?” Mawu teases and Loki glares at her.

“I thought we agreed to only tolerate one another until you left Asgard.” Mawu rolls her eyes and turns back to Irawo.

“You spoke to me about it. I didn’t agree to ahem, tolerate you. As long you don’t bother me I won’t bother you.” Mawu tells him and Loki grits his teeth.

Irawo turns to Loki and wiggles his nose, sniffing the air and his gold eyes noticed the carrots on Loki’s plate. He squeaks and jumps from the table making Mawu gasp.

As he landed on the grass, Irawo uses his paws to groom his face once more then used his nose to snif around the area then pounces over to Loki’s table.

“Irawo! Come back!” Mawu calls to the black bunny, who promptly ignored her and began pawing at Loki’s leg to have him pick him up.

“Heh, little mongrel.” Loki reluctantly picks up the rabbit and placed him on the table where he quickly grabbed a carrot from his plate and proceeds to eat.

Mawu sighs heavily and moved over to Loki’s table to look down at the rabbit. She placed her hands on her hips and glared, disappointed at the bunny.

“I said, ‘no more carrots’.” Mawu said and watched as the rabbit takes a lettuce and eats that just as quickly as the carrot.

“You would refuse your pet food? How cruel of you, I thought you were the Goddess of Knowledge and Wisdom, shouldn’t you know that everyone has the chance to eat?” Loki says and Mawu frowns in annoyance.

“I am trying to limit him from eating so much, he had dinner less than an hour ago and the snacks I had was his snack. Breaking him of this, won’t allow him to limit what he eats.” Mawu says trying to pick up the rabbit but, Irawo squeals and moved over to Loki, the God of Mischief barks out a laugh in victory and Mawu glared at him.

Irawo snuggles his muzzle into the God’s hands and Mawu crosses her arms.

“Fine, stay here with him then.” Mawu pouts as she returns to her table and takes a sweet bun and begins to chomp on it, annoyance written all over her features.

Loki grins triumphantly and scratches under the rabbit’s chin to have his foot stomp in pleasure of the scratches.

“Well done, little hare.” He praises the furry creature. “Well done indeed.”

The next two hours went by excruciatingly slow and Mawu breathed a sigh of relief as the feeling of restraint on her body lifted off of her.

Stretching her arms, Mawu sighed and looked to Loki’s table to see the trickster playing with Irawo. He dangled the silk rope that held his cape against his back, above Irawo as the rabbit hopped to try and grab it.

It would seem that she didn’t need to keep an eye on Irawo and Mawu hopped that Loki wouldn’t do anything to her little friend. Not sensing any ill intentions towards Irawo from Loki, Mawu made her way over to the stables where the horses were being tended to for tonight’s parties and approached a stablemate. She could see that all the horses were gone and prayed that at least one horse was still available.

“My lady we unfortunately do not have any available horses for you to use.” The young male stablemate told her and Mawu pouted a bit.

“I guess it can’t be helped-” The sound of neighing turned Mawu’s body to watch as two stablemates that could be strongmen in the circus back on Earth, hold the reigns of a large black unicorn. It tussled with the reigns it was bonded in and pulled on it to make the men stop pulling it.

The unicorn neighed in anger and stomped the ground to force the men to drag it. Mawu was amazed at how big it was and seemed drawned to the unicorn.

Mawu felt her feet move as she approached the mystical being. The stablemate watched her in perplexed fear and reached out to stop her.

“My Lady, you mustn’t approach him!” The stablemate stepped in front of her making Mawu stop and look down at the young man.

“That colt was bred by a demon horse and ever since it has been a struggle to keep it under control. It won’t let us come close to it and we have to use force in order to control it-”

“Him.”

“M-My Lady?”

Mawu glared at the young man.

“Do not call him, ‘it’ he is a strong horse and surely calling him out of his name does little to gain his trust.” Mawu says as she walks past the man and continues her travel to the two bigger men.

The one on the right holding the unicorn’s reigns turned to Mawu and fear lit up in his eyes as the Goddess continued to approach the horse, who reared back in effort to be released from his clutches.

“My Lady, please stand back! He’ll kill you!” He warned but Mawu stops and turns to the two men.

“Let him go.” Was all she said.

“But-But, My Lady-!”

“Let. Him. Go. Please.” Mawu says again, still watching the unicorn who began to huff out angry air from his large nostrils. His green and gold eyes glared at the goddess and stomped his upper left hoof in anger.

The two strongmen looked to one another and then released the reigns taking several steps back readying themselves for the horse to begin to buck and cause havoc around the stables.

The unicorn did indeed rear back on its hind legs and Mawu watched him intently, being mindful of his hooves. Once the horse returned to all fours, Mawu raised a hand out, her palm facing the horse who huffed out another angry snort.

Trotting around Mawu, the Goddess didn’t let up from her spot, her hand still out, waiting patiently. Her plan was to allow the unicorn to relax around her and let him come to her. Let him trust her in his own time.

As the unicorn calmed, he nods his head up and down, snorting the last of his anger out and trots over to Mawu. He sniffs the back of her head and then nibbles her neck, making the goddess stifle a giggle. He then moved to the left side of her face and sniffs her some more. All the while the three stablemates stared in disbelief. They have been trying to get close to the unicorn for the past two months and the moon goddess was able to allow him to get close to him in less than 30 minutes.

Mawu showed that she wasn’t a threat to the unicorn and her calming aura allowed the horse to calm him down.

The unicorn then nibbles on her raised hand then sniffs it. Taking a step back, the unicorn looks in the goddess’s eyes and sees that he was indeed not in danger and hesitantly allows his muzzle to press into her palm.

Mawu gently rubbed his muzzle then moved her other hand and scratched under his chin. The unicorn neighs in delight and moves his head closer to receive more scratches.

“What is his name?” Mawu asked her eyes still trained on the unicorn.

“H-He d-does not h-have a name.” The youngest stablemate says and the unicorn neighs softly.

“Hmm....how about Gbekele?” Mawu asked the horse who unexpectedly nodded his head, then nibbling her scratching hand.

“My-My Lady, do you p-plan on riding him?” The young man asks the goddess.

“He still does not trust me, I do not think he would let me ride him.” She says and grabs the unicorns reigns, leading him to a stall. As he approached the stable Gbekele began to trot in place, fear returning to his eyes as Mawu did her best to calm him down.

“Gbekele, please calm down,” she tells the beast but, it rears back in terror making Mawu release his reigns.

“Lady Mawu, stand back!” Her eyes cut to the left and she sees Thor and two more stablemates come rushing into the stables.

“No! Don’t come any closer!” She tells the men but, they seemed to not hear her as the four stablemates run past her and try and grab the reigns of the beast. Gbekele rears back and neighs in anger.

Mawu felt his aura become more and more confused and his anger rose tenfold.

“No, please! Don’t touch him!” She yells to the men who once again either ignored her or didn’t hear her. One man was able to grab the reigns and another grabbed the back of his bridle. The horse rears back in anger and begins bucking. The unicorn spins in a circle as he continues to buck and Mawu was unfortunately close enough to luckily miss the hooves of the horse, make her stumble on her feet and fall hitting her head on the large salt lick.

Mawu couldn’t open her eyes anymore and allowed unconsciousness to take her.

A few minutes prior to the accident...

With Loki

Growing tired of playing with the rabbit, Loki sighed and looked around the area at the many nobles. He was insanely bored and he honestly wondered where that little moon goddess went. Now that he thought about it, he never realized how beautiful she looked tonight. For someone who is undeniably insufferable, she was a beautiful woman. Loki twisted his fist under his lips and felt his cheeks flush.

Yes, he thought about her, and what of it? She was beautiful, headstrong, and she spoke of war games like a veteran. She was perfect. If anyone offered her hand in marriage she would make a great queen. He didn’t know what it was that kept making him follow wherever she went, but, he didn’t want to stop.

It was fun messing with her, and mess with her, he shall. He wasn’t named the God of Mischief for shits and giggles.

He saw she had went to the stables and decided to check there. Not wanting to leave the rabbit, he used his powers to make Irawo disappear and made his way to the stables.

As he grew closer to the stables, the sound of shouting and a horse grew louder. Something inside of Loki made him begin to feel a sense of worry in the pit of his stomach. Walking closer, a yelp of pain was heard and by the time Loki turned the corner to enter the stables his eyes widened at the scene unfolding before him.

A black unicorn was stomping his hooves in the hay based ground being held by the reins by three men and Thor and a younger man was helping up a smaller body up from the ground. Loki’s eyes looked where the body once was and his green irises noticed the blood on the salt lick and then his eyes traveled to the one person he has been looking for this evening. Mawu was cradled in his brother’s arms bleeding profusely from the head and Loki phased over to his brother’s side.

“What. Happened.” Loki gritted out as he glared at his brother.

“A stablemate came over while I was in the fighting ring and told me that Lady Mawu was in trouble. I wrangled a couple more stablemates and I saw that Lady Mawu was trying to tame the beast but, it reared back and made her hit her head on the salt lick.” Thor explains and Loki takes the goddess in his arms and gently turns her head to see the extent of damage. He then stands up, while carefully holding the goddess in his arms. Her head landed on his chest, her lips were close enough to his neck and he held in a gasp from the sensation.

“I will take her to the medical clinic,” his eyes turns to the slightly calm unicorn that huffs in Loki’s direction.

“Get rid of that beast. I don’t want to see it in any stables of Asgard.” Loki says and a green light allows the God to disappear from view.

Arriving at the medical clinic, Loki kicked the double doors and called for a physician. Not a second later, a woman in grey robes came rushing towards him and she saw the injured goddess in his arms.

“Place her here, your majesty.” She instructs, pointing to a cot and Loki carefully set Mawu down moving back to allow the physician to do her job.

Loki didn’t know what to do. How did this happen? Why did he allow this to happen? Loki moved the cloud of hair she possessed and held her cheek.

“Thankfully, her wound is not severe,” the physician says making Loki look up at her.

“I will have to monitor her for the rest of the night.” She continues and Loki nods.

“Keep me updated on her well-being.”

“Yes, your majesty.” She bows and Loki uses his powers to disappear.

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The God of Mischief slams the doors of his room open and stomps over to his bed, plopping down in anger. Why was he so angry? He didn’t even know. Or perhaps he did.

He was frustrated about seeing her that way, but, then again why did he care so much anyway? Running his hands through his inky locs, Loki sighed in irritation then used his powers to allow Irawo to reappear. The rabbit snuggles into the side of his thigh as soon as he was released then squeaks.

“Your mother is in the clinic,” he tells the rabbit and the creature tilts it head. “She was hurt. How she handled the situation was so reckless of her!” He ranted to the rabbit as the furry begins to groom his head.

“She should have realized that that beast was unruly and she goes and gets hurt anyway!” He continues as he stands up and begins pacing, ranting still.

“She’s such a insufferable, uncouth, bratty, disobliging...beautiful, caring, degnified woman.” Loki’s rant slowly turns and he returns to sitting on his bed sighing with his hands folded in his lap. Irawo squeaks and Loki casts a spell and hands the rabbit three carrots. It happily eats the treats and Loki grins wryly.

“At least you are a better listener than Thor, then again I wouldn’t go to him with my problems, he’s just as insufferable as the Goddess.” Irawo squeaks once more as if agreeing with the trickster.

“You’re right, he is much more unbearable. My mistake.” He scratches under the rabbits chin and then thinks about the well-being of the moon goddess. Hoping, praying she would be alright.

Something like this was unfamiliar for the God of Mischief but, perhaps it was finally melting his frozen heart.

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Ch. 1⬅️

Ch. 2⬅️

Here’s Chapter 3 enjoy it! Like, comment, reblog and be sure to ask me anything in the inbox.

See you guys!

#black reader #black!reader #fanfiction #my writing #loki x black!reader #loki marvel #loki laufeyson x reader #black oc #marvel x black!reader #african!goddess reader #that night chp. 3

[zhaozaipalooza]

Your Weekly Drabble! - Day 1 | Festival

The missing drabble for LuZhao mini-week where I brought to you Holi? — here it is! ✨

The court painter fiddled with the array of tools at his side - paled slightly, lips forming a curse - then quickly bit it down, stammering about getting a few supplies before he excused himself. Red curtains framing the prince’s portrait-to-be settled behind him.

Lu Ten sprang from his seat. He paced to drum out his annoyance through the silks lining the floor. When that didn’t work, he ducked out of the same opening. 

A massive, tiled chamber cleared of the average riches piled in a palace room, sunlight streaming from the corridor outside, gave him more breath than his lungs knew what to do with. When the day glowed, he couldn’t resist the same - not as a child, not as a princeling aware of his place in a turning world, fire in his heart and fingers. Dance with me, sing with me, run with me, said the sun… and Lu Ten followed.

The rays guided his eyes over ornate fixtures, twisting pillars and rosy walls, to a guard stationed beside the open door. His helmet was clutched in a free hand to keep it from slipping over his eyes. He caught Lu Ten smiling, and mustered a look of confidence. 

Peace that uncommonly smoothed Zhao’s face - in his presence, no one else’s - was knocked off when Lu Ten jabbed a fist into his side. “Yip!” His eyes bugged, rubbing at the sore spot.

“Loosen up! You’re only in charge of me and the, uh…” he cleared his throat, “snail sloth. And no thief is going to steal the wallpaper.”

“It’s only been half an hour.” He gripped the helmet. “Anything could happen. Do you know how much this sort of position pays? To serve inside palace walls? I’ll never go hungry again.” His lips turned firm. “I wouldn’t have managed to land it without your pull. I can’t go risking it now.”

Zhao grabbed in air when the headpiece slid neatly off his topknot. The prince tucked it in the crook of his arm. “You won’t go hungry again. Ever.” 

“I promise.” Their eyes met, something of more absence than they knew what to do with fleeing their lungs. 

Lu Ten blinked off the daze first, hauling him by the arm behind the curtains, where the painter had abandoned his things. He was first to press his lips to his and linger slowly, sweetly.

Zhao’s laughter was between a rumble and a sigh. “You thought you could get bored when I was right outside?”

“Pah... I have you around for more than that.” He strung a lock of Zhao’s hair around his knuckle, thumb skimming his cheek. Within an instant, Lu Ten tugged free, jumped onto the chair where he was meant to sit motionless for hours - looking so daring and heroic that it was comical. “We’re adventurers! The gods threw us together, watched us train together, conquer together. We’re meant to make history, not lounge around waiting for history to make out who we were from a painting.”

“Hm, now there’s a good point.” His disbelief mingled with awe in Lu Ten’s shadow - one he barely noticed. Zhao laughed more, the sound crinkling with a soft snort. How are you so full of life?

“We could cross the tundra, climb mountain ranges where airbender ruins still whisper to the living,” Lu Ten pantomimed an otherworldly sensation, with a swirling mock of airbending - Sozin’s descendants weren’t taught much in the way of regard. Neither was the nation; Zhao fought a grin. “Or! We could master our firebending under the greatest there ever were… the very first benders to learn from the dragons.”

“The Sun Warriors?” He leaned against the wall, hoping it wasn’t indecorous - some part of him would always feel like an ugly blot in the lap of luxury. Zhao’s memory tingled, “I read of them. Once. Sounded like a tall tale to me. If they existed, they’re far gone now.”

“I say they’re alive and well.” He hopped down. The legs of the chair jerked back. “Fire of every color thrives there. Blue, purple, green, all blazing hot. Colors that don’t have names! There’s a thousand stairs to reach the golden temple behind a sea of clouds, and once you-”

“Come on, green fire? Your head’s stuck in a sea of clouds. I say tundra.”

“Stuck in a- you hate snow!” The prince’s huff spoke easily for him after all the time they’d spent together: dream a little! He gave Zhao one of his father’s looks and went to the pigments sitting in neat boxes in a larger hinged case, and grumbled again. This one stood for that sore loser…

“He hasn’t even mixed the powders into paints. I can tell where he sourced some of them - the white is crushed seashells, it looks like. Fragile, tiny shells… Four hours is starting to look like ten.”

“Green fire, purple fire, ooh,” Zhao was teasing, “What’s next, each of them stand for a pillar of society? Yellow for contracts, green for tea, pink for… hm, intercourse? I think we should start with that one when we get th-”

A creative itch had sprouted a full-out snarkfest; the prince suddenly twisted, flinging a fistful of ground powder in his guard’s direction. Outside of these walls they were lieutenant and ensign, soldiers homeward-bound if luck was on their side.

“Or maybe it stands for paying a little more respect.” Lu Ten smirked, hands at his hips. “Not that you’ve ever followed that pillar of society.”

Zhao shielded his face too late, swiped off the glimmering traces. Face ajar and upturned at his nerve.

Here, they were a lot younger, and they were home. As young as they should be.

“So that’s how it is.”

One half-hour stretched out for twenty more minutes, the seconds passing like snow in a blizzard. Fun thinned time, after all, dragging the sun higher into the sky, melting down their reservations. “You want to learn from the Sun Warriors? Well, I’m twice the warrior you are, and Agni knows my family has the divine blessing of the sun - so why not learn a lesson or two?”

“You’re on.”

Lu Ten ripped each box loose and scattered them outside the curtains; clouds of mushed petals, the deep green of palm leaves, a reddish rust like clay shingles, and pale alabaster shells - all drifting in the air like trails of smoke. The prince was splattered, his friend powdered head to foot like a circus novelty, and their laughter shook the gleaming (once spotless) hall.

“Get back here, get back here- oh no you d- ack!” Fingers smudged like they’d been rooting in the royal kitchen and licking off cream, sleeves rolled and rumpled, armor stripped so their feet could race lightly back and forth on the slippery floor.

“I’m over here, old man!”

Endless, Zhao thought, let this moment be endless. Bare skin freckled in a dizzying prism of sight and scent; he’d thrown something of tartness, plunged through the aroma of flowers to streak Lu Ten’s beaming face. He ceded him the point, returned with a swipe of orange made from dried seeds, dusting the top of his head like a showy plume. He puffed out a pale wisp. Lu Ten folded, cradling his colorful, aching gut.

They ended sprawled wide, one on top of the other, undistinguished from anything. Littering the crook of his collar, neck, cheek, and ear with kisses, the one pinned muffling a fit with the back of his palm.

“Hey,” Zhao rolled aside, the both of them heaving, trained on the hazy light pooled in the ceiling. “Don’t fire that painter.”

“Huh?” Soaking in the quiet, Lu Ten glanced over.

“He’s new to this. Wracked with nerves. Who knows if he’s trying to make ends meet? Give him a chance.” Like you did me.

The prince thought it over. “Of course. Snap judgements are more my uncle’s thing.”

“Oh gods, does he scare me.” They spent the little breath they’d scraped together snickering.

The Firelord’s firstborn accompanied the worrisome painter to pay his son a visit… No sooner had they entered the corridor did the spray of lavender on a flowerpot clue the artist to go lightheaded.

Iroh hurried to promise his compensation, divined the prince’s likely attitude to having to wash off and remain statuesque until dinner, and decided the best course of action.

The painter was redirected to capture the fiasco in a sketch, nearly abstract: both boys with their arms looped over shoulders, a smile held in their eyes as long as their warmth was close. The young man tutted under his breath as he improvised, following the stains and speckles on Lu Ten and Zhao with a deft fingertip. In the final touches, he seemed to have enjoyed himself, too.

“You should join us for dinner.” It was sundown. The prince held the piece of parchment gingerly, softening whenever his eye crossed it again.

Adventurers.

His father had extended the gesture, son nodding along. “No, no, I couldn’t.” Zhao held up his palms, still tinged with a sea of floral and earthen smells. “The pay as a royal guard is plenty, even for a temporary station… I can look after the rest myself. I know how.”

“It would be bad manners for us to let a guest leave without experiencing the most of their stay.” The general’s eyes twinkled. “And here is the best of the best! Meals so fulfilling they leave room for fifth helpings.”

“You are more than a royal guard here.” A warm, heavy palm took Zhao’s shoulder. “As close as you are to my son, I think of you as my own.”

All he knew, even decades after the best meal of his life, was that things would have gone a lot differently if he had refused.

- - -

What a dark path, the one that lay down the other fork in the road. Thankfully, in this life, Zhao had not strayed.

The city was rife with celebration, lanterns dazzling the canals as their reflections bobbed in the water. Brilliant red, jade, and silvery powders made from starch and ground herbs coasted the night air. 

A young girl in braids scampered down the pavement - chin purpled, hair smattered with blues and greens - and leaped into Zhao’s arms. He spun on a heel with her momentum, hearing a shriek of delight before her fists anchored themselves in his front. 

“This is the best! I never want to sleep again. And Ma bought me these!” She placed a warm cake before his face, expectant, and he nibbled off one end. Sweet bean paste.

Her smile revealed the gap between her teeth; snuggling to his chest again, she sighed in content. “It’s so pretty… How come this wasn’t around when you were a kid?”

“Well,” Zhao rocked her gently, an unconscious swaying that soothed her since she could crawl. “It’s actually for someone very special. He was alive when I was young. I knew him. Firelord Iroh wants the world to know him, too.”

Her eyes lit up. “I read about him in school. I tell my friends, ‘My daddy knew a prince!’ and they ask so many questions.” Zhao laughed softly, and she asked, “What was he like? Really like?”

He thought it over. “… Like this. Just like this.” Like what? Lights and colors flickered over the darkness, an endless sun, a glow that rose and went on forever. 

“Wonderful.”

#ray's friday ficlets have evolved into: a palooza submission! #luzhao #sideburns are a war crime #zhao #lu ten #iroh #zhaozai palooza 2021 #your local clown writes!

[rubymoon-snape]

Disclaimer: I don't own Thundercats (1985), but I do own Ruby.

Summary: Pumyra has a nightmare of the day Thundera exploded, but she lost more than her home planet that day. Her mate had perished as well or so she had thought.

Author Note: This is Pumyra/OC (named Ruby). This starts off with Pumyra, Bengali, and Lynx-O trying to escape the destruction of Thundera. The beginning part comes directly from the movie, "Thundercats Ho!"

"Reunion"

Pumyra, Begali, and Lynx-O were running to board their ship.

"There's the ship that was assigned to us! Hurry!" Bengali called out.

Another tremor shook the planet, causing a chasm to open and the ship to fall over and explode.

"The ship!" Pumyra exclaimed. Her eyes widened in realization. "No! Ruby!"

Bengali wrapped his arms around his friend. "I'm so sorry, Pumyra. I know you and she were close."

"She was my mate." A tear slid down Pumyra's cheek.

"Our poor countrymen," Lynx-O added.

"Look! Another ship ready to take off!" Bengali drew their attention to the royal flagship.

"Let's try to reach it," Pumyra sniffled.

A fiery pillar fell over, blocking their path and blinding Lynx-O, causing him to cry out. Bengali and Pumyra paused and went over to his side.

"Lynx-O, are you all right?"

"I-I-I think I've been blinded, Pumyra. You and Bengali run for the ship. Leave me!"

"No! We will not abandon you, old friend. Get his other side, Pumyra!" Bengali had already grabbed his friend's right arm and draped it over his shoulders, and Pumyra did the same.

The three of them walked towards the ship slowly.

"No! I'm holding you back!"

"Don't argue, Lynx-O. I'm not losing another loved one! We're almost there!"

The three stumbled slightly on their trek, and the ship took off.

"Hey! They're leaving!" Pumyra exclaimed.

"They have no choice, Pumyra. A second more and they would have been destroyed by the quake!" Bengali reasoned.

%%%

Bengali was sleeping peacefully next to Pumyra, who was having a nightmare of the time she lost not only her planet but her mate as well. Tears were coursing down her cheeks, and she twitched in her sleep, disturbing Bengali who woke up. He realized what was going on and reached over to shake her awake.

"Pumyra! Open your eyes, please."

The puma's eyes flew open in slight panic, her breaths coming in pants. "Ben-Bengali?"

He drew her into his arms, providing comfort to his best friend. "Was it Thundera?"

She clutched onto the white tiger. "Yes."

Neither one mentioned it was also the time she lost her mate as she was also assigned to the same ship they were, the one that exploded. She still felt the loss as keenly as she did that very day.

Just then, an alarm sounded in the tower, and the two rushed to the control room, where Lynx-O was typing away on the Braille Board.

"What is it, Lynx-O?" Bengali asked.

"We are getting a distress call from space. It has a Thunderian signal."

"We should contact Cats' Lair and form a rescue party," Pumyra suggested.

"That's a good idea, Pumyra. Tower of Omens calling Cats' Lair. Does anyone hear me?"

"This is Cats' Lair. Go ahead, Lynx-O. Is there a problem?"

"You could say that, Tygra. We received a distress call from a damaged Thunderian ship."

"We just received the same one and were about to assemble a rescue party," Tygra replied.

"I want to join you. There might be injuries I can take care of," Pumyra offered.

"We're sending Kit and Kat over with the Thunderclaw, and you can ride it back, so you can join us in the Feliner," Lion-O mentioned.

"Understood."

"Cats' Lair out." The view screen went black.

"Are you sure you're okay with going, Pumyra?" Bengali asked.

"Yes, Bengali. A relief mission is what I need to take my mind off of it."

"Another nightmare, Pumyra?" Lynx-O asked.

"Yes. It's not unexpected. It's been a year since the destruction."

Bengali wrapped an arm around her shoulders and gave her a tight squeeze as they waited for Kit and Kat to arrive, which didn't take too long. The kittens landed the Thunderclaw outside the tower and passed Pumyra, who was anxious to get going. She boarded the craft and flew it to Cats' Lair. She landed it in the hangar under the left cat's paw and hopped out, heading for the Feliner, where Tygra, Lion-O, and Panthro were going over the pre-flight check-list.

"Are we ready to go?" Pumyra asked.

"Just about. Go ahead and climb aboard," Panthro answered.

Pumyra climbed in and took a seat in the back. She couldn't explain it, but something was telling her that she had to be on the relief mission. She didn't tell anyone, but she never ignored it when she got one of those feelings.

It wasn't much longer before the three males joined her, and they took off in the direction the distress signal was coming from. They noticed the damaged ship was an older model and was just drifting in space. They tried calling the crew, but no one answered. They managed to land on and board the ship.

The four of them searched the various rooms, not coming across anyone until they reached the second room. Pumyra rushed forward and checked for a pulse, not finding one. She shook her head. The old tigress wasn't alive. They continued their search and came upon several more dead Thunderians.

They reached the main bridge, and Pumyra continuously checked everyone for a pulse. She was getting dismayed at all the dead surrounding her. She turned around to check the next body and paused, sure she was seeing things. The fair-skinned Thunderian laying face down had purple hair, which was an unusual color. The tips of her hair were so dark that they looked black. Pumyra reached out with shaking hands and felt the side of her neck for a pulse.

"This one's alive!" Pumyra felt around her chest under her blue sleeveless tank top and was relieved to find no broken ribs. She gently turned her over, and she gasped. The dual, red cheek stripes were a distinctive and highly unusual trait that she had only seen on one cat, her mate, Ruby, but hadn't she perished on Thundera?

Noticing Pumyra was starting to shake, Tygra came over to her side. "What's wrong, Pumyra?"

"I-I-Can you-This is.." Pumyra took a breath.

Tygra understood what she was trying to say. "Go check the others for a pulse, and I will determine her condition."

Pumyra hesitantly nodded and checked the remaining Thunderians for anyone else who may be alive. However, no one else was alive. Pumyra made her way back to Ruby's side. "How is she?"

"She doesn't seem to be injured, just unconscious. We should take her back to the Lair. I take it you recognize her."

Pumyra nodded. "She's my mate, but I could have sworn she perished when the planet exploded."

"How certain are you that this is her?"

"Her cheek stripes are an unusual trait. I haven't seen anyone else with stripes. Her parents named her Ruby because of them."

"She sounds certain to me," Panthro spoke up. "Let's head back to the Feliner."

Tygra gently picked up the unconscious cougar and carried her to the Feliner. He laid her down in the back, and Pumyra sat down next to her head. She brushed her hand through her purple hair, caressed her cheek stripes, and smoothed down her blue shirt and black pants. She couldn't believe she was reunited with her mate after all this time and also couldn't wait to hear how she survived the explosion of the ship there were assigned to.

Pumyra was so focused on her mate that she didn't realize when they had left the ship or when they arrived back on Third Earth. When she didn't move, Tygra gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Pumyra?"

"Huh? Oh, Tygra."

"Let's take her to a room, and let her wake on her own."

Pumyra nodded and let Tygra take Ruby to an empty room, following close. She sat down in a chair next to the bed. "Are you sure she's okay?"

"Yes. Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Yes. I would like Bengali to be here too."

"I'll give him a call." Tygra left the room, leaving the two females alone.

Pumyra grasped Ruby's left hand. "How did you survive? How did you get on that ship? How many nights have I dreamed of being reunited with you?"

"Too...many."

Pumyra watched as her mate's red eyes opened slowly and her pointed ears twitch. "Ruby, you're awake."

""Myra, is it really you?"

"It's me."

Ruby slowly sat up, and the two hugged. "I can't believe we're together again."

"Ruby? It can't be!"

The two females separated and turned to the door, where Bengali was standing. "Bengali, it's good to see you."

"How did you survive? Weren't you assigned to the same ship we were?"

"Yes, but you know me. I couldn't be on time to save my life, and ironically, that did save my life. I was late coming to the ship, but I caught a ride on a different ship. True, they had too many people for such an older ship, but they couldn't just leave me there, especially since I am a healer." Ruby patted the smaller one of her blue hip bags.

Pumyra noticed that there were two hip bags instead of one. "What's in the other bag?"

Ruby grinned. "It's my collapsible bow. I just need arrows to use it. So, where am I?"

"You are on Third Earth in Cats' Lair. The Thundercats rescued you and brought you here." The three Thunderians looked at the door, where Tygra was standing. "It's good to see you're awake. How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine. Better than I had, now that I'm back with 'Myra." Ruby grasped Pumyra's hand again. Pumyra smiled and settled on the bed next to her mate. She was finally reunited with her mate and was never going to be separated from her again.

Fin

#80s thundercats #thundercats #Pumyra/OC #pumyra #Bengali #Tygra #Lynx-O #f/o x s/i #writing

[itstittycitybaby]

Flirty (Lin Beifong x reader) Part 5

a/n: brooooo. liinnnnnn. pulllll uuppppppp brooooo. kiss?? kiss for monty?? right here?? please?? also this took like. two fucking hours to write lmao. i just want that to be known.

Warnings: This is VERY angsty and sad. Proceed with caution.

You waved Opal off with the others as the airship left. It was sad having to see her go. You knew she’d do great training with the other airbenders. She was so sweet and clever. Opal seemed excited to join the other benders at the air temple. Even though you felt happy for her it didn’t stop the ping of jealousy in your heart. Maybe if you had finally become a bender your mother and father would’ve been proud of you. Maybe they would finally love you.

You glanced to your side. Lin stood next to you with her arms were crossed and and a frown on her face. She looked annoyed and tired. You snickered. “What are you laughing at?” You shook your head, grinning. “Nothing. Couldn’t help but realize how grumpy you are. Sad to see her go?” Lin scoffed. It seems like you were right. 

The sky was pink and purple as the sun set. The metal shields whirred to life, slowly covering the pretty sky. You watched them sadly as they closed in on one another. The sky was so beautiful at night. If only you could see it.

*****

The metal roof was cool underneath you. Azure was curled up in the collar of your turtle neck sleeping. Ruby pecked at the bird seed in your hands gently. The lights in Zaofu glowed softly, illuminating the streets. It was really a beautiful city.

Lin was more distant lately. She didn’t seem to pay any attention to you or care about the others. You knew that it’d happen eventually, but it still hurt. It made  the stone in your stomach roll more. It sunk heavily underneath the surface and jabbed at your heart. The anxiety of being abandoned still jostled and tore at your soul. It never seemed to go away. At this point you figured it never would.

 Thirty years was a long time. So much had happened in thirty years. A lot of loss and heartbreak had tore you down, leaving you on the ground defenseless. Even though life seemed to always strike you down you stilled waited. Waiting for a miracle to happen as you laid there reflecting. Now, it seemed like it was your chance. It didn’t matter how long it could take. You’d always wait for Lin.

She still held a fondness for you. Her eyes softened for a second once she saw you and she wasn’t as snarky. It was a start. As much as you wanted to kiss her face and hold her close, Lin needed time. She was impatient but you weren’t. The waiting game was something you were incredibly talented at. Thirty years of waiting you thought was the test. Now, it seemed like it was more of a test than ever. You glanced up at the covered sky. The stars had always comforted you before, it was a shame they were hidden now.

Ruby stilled in your hand, peering into the distance. “What is it Ruby,” you asked, jutting your head forward. Your eyes narrowed and your brows tugged together. Azure pecked you in the neck for waking him up. “Sorry drama queen, but you gotta go home!” Immediately, Azure flew out of your collar. You watched him go until he was out of sight. “Ruby, go fetch Lin! Bring her to me.” She sqwaked and flapped her wings. Grabbing your grappling hook, you aimed it at a crevice in the building in front of you. The button was smooth once you pressed it with the pad of your thumb. It shot out immediately making a soft swoosh sound. It clinked softly against the beam you aimed it at and swung you forward. Rotating your hips, you glided into the air. You wiggled slightly for better control and momentum. Your boots met the roof and your grappling hook quietly zipped back in place. Once you got to your destination,  you rolled onto the pavement with a soft thud. In the distance you could see them. Four people were creeping at a window. Korra.

****

“What,” Lin groaned, tugging her pillow over her head. Ruby shrieked and pecked at her fingers. She tried swatting at the bird but to no avail, Ruby wouldn’t let go. “Ow! Little shit. When I find them they’re gonna-”

Boom! Lin bolted up from her bed, flinging open her door she saw Mako and Bolin tumbling onto the pavement. Bang, Bang. Lin snapped her head. Speak of the devil.

There were two weapons clutched in your hands tightly. They were shooting out some weird metal pellets. You grunted as you swiftly dodged some sort of water arm. “Lin,” you shouted, “They’ve got Korra!” Lin broke into a sprint, guarding Mako and Bolin as they came back to their senses. Her scanned the area quickly and followed where you aimed. Four people stood in the middle of the court yard. There was a woman flailing her arms at anyone who dared to come closer, along with a lady that was creating explosions with her mind.

 Lin rose her fists and the metal around Korra’s attackers surrounded them. Your pellets hit the metal as soon as they came up. You cursed, taking cover behind a fallen pillar and loaded your pistols again. Suyin and her sons ran to you raising the rest of the metal around the attackers. All four of them were trapped.

“We have you surrounded it’s over!” Ruby landed on your shoulder as you trained your eyes on the target. “Good girl Rubes,” you whispered, stroking her softly. Suddenly, a rumbling noise shook the ground under you. Lava lazily slid out from the metal panes. “Lava bender,” you shouted, “Everyone, hop back!” You jumped back a few feet from the quickly pooling lava. The metal fell with a creak from the lava. It surrounded them, pushing you all fifteen feet away from Korra.

“No way. That guy’s lava bending! That’s awesome!..ly not good for us,” Bolin murmured. You stifled a laugh. Lin glared at you with her fists clenched. You shrugged in reply before getting back to the fight.

****

An explosion was sent your way for what felt like the twentieth time. You barely dodged it; the wind of it grazed your side. Ruby fluttered about, dodging their attacks swiftly. She couldn’t decide if she wanted to be by your side or fly from the danger. You couldn’t blame her; you wished you were back on the metal roof and not having your joints aching like hell. Ducking, you behind a metal pane as soon as another explosion swept by. Your boots skidded onto the pavement. Ruby flew to your side immediately. “You’re doing great girl,” you comforted her. 

Lin, Mako, Bolin, and Asami joined you behind the metal cover. “What should we do,” Bolin cried as he and Mako started hurling fire and rocks at the attackers’ way. Asami crouched in nothing but her nightgown. “Hey Asami?” “Yea?” You handed her one of your daggers. “Just in case,” you said, sending her a smile. She looked thankful as she gripped it.

“Look,” Lin shouted, pointing to the airbending guy. “They’ve been split up now!” A guard somehow had managed to get him away from the group. In the distance you could see Korra laying on the rock with lava around it. Mako hurled another fire ball at the explosion lady but the water bender blocked it with her arms. The chick focused on the four of you, a lazer starting to form from her forehead.

The explosion collided with another metal plane. Asami snapped her head behind her. Suyin and her sons blocked the lazer just in time. They caught up with the five of you and all eight of you huddled for protection. Your body blocked anything coming Asami’s way as you stood on the defense side of fighting.

 “How did they get in here,” Lin yelled over the explosions. “I don’t know, but they won’t get away,” Suyin exclaimed. 

“There’s no way to cross,” Asami muttered, as she watched the guards being flung from the metal bridge they had built to the four criminals. Suyin eyes narrowed as she observed the scene in front of her. Her green eyes lit up as an idea striked through her head. “We don’t need to. Lin and I can get up there and use our cables.” “Good idea,” Lin replied, following her gaze to where her sister looked. “How are we going to get past her?” You followed Lin’s eyes. “Don’t worry. Bolin and I will have your back.” Her brows furrowed. “How?” “I don’t know,” you answered honestly, “But you have to trust me.”

Lin furrowed her brows. She didn’t say anything but eventually agreed. “Alright, I trust you.” You smiled. “Take Ruby with you.” “Why?” “I don’t want her getting hurt. Besides, she’ll be the first to warn you in the air.” Lin looked at you with disbelief but stretched her arm out to the red bird anyway. “Take care of her Rubes,” you whispered, as Lin and Suyin disappeared into the air.

You raised your pistols. “Bolin! I need you to hit the third eye lady!” Bolin yelled, “I can’t get a good shot!” “Keep trying,” you yelled, firing more pellets.

****

Bolin’s rock hit her square in the head. She stumbled, and her face pulled in anger. Taking this as your shot, you fired a pellet in her damn forehead. Lightening shot out once it made contact. “Holy,” Bolin and Mako murmured at the same time. The lightening traveled through her body and it reached her face. A scream ripped out of her chest. The water armed lady snapped her head towards her. Lin’s eyes widened in shock as the explosion chick toppled over. “Lin!” Suyin’s voice snapped her out of her surprised state. Taking this as her chance, Lin grabbed Korra, swinging her over her shoulder. Korra groaned but laid limp. Ruby’s screeching pierced through Lin’s ears. Lin swung her hips to the right and the water bender’s arm reached out to were she was seconds ago. “Clever bird,” Lin muttered, eyes wide as she slowly raised up into the hidden panel.

The air bender scooped up the unconscious third eye lady. The lava bender and the water bender sent a death glared towards you. “We failed! Move out,” he commanded. Twirling his staff with one hand, he swept  air above the four of them. It became darker and darker from the smoke and flames. The four of you coughed from choking on smoke. When the air bubble slowly dissipated, they were gone.

****

Korra laid on one of the green couches in Su’s study. She was awake but her voice was hoarse. Lin and Suyin hovered over her as Aiwei treated Korra. Bolin, Mako, and Asami sat on the couch across from them. Asami had given you your dagger back once you all met up in Suyin’s study. Ruby stood on your shoulder with you by the door. She wasn’t hurt thankfully, but she was very skittish. “You’ll be getting all the almonds you want tomorrow,” you told her, stroking her feathers. She tweeted softly, beak nuzzling your hand softly.

“You assured me this was the safest place in the world,” Lin said harshly as Korra drank the bottle Aiwei gave her. “It is,” Suyin argued defensively, “don’t blame me! It was well planned, how could I have known?!” Your face tugged in thought as you listened to their arguing. The metal shields that came up prevented from anything entering or leaving. There was no way they could’ve got in..unless...

“You have a traitor in your city Suyin,” you said softly. “That’s how they got in.” Aiwei got up and cast Suyin an apologetic look. “They’re right. It seems the four of them had some inside knowledge in Zafou.”

“We searched throughout the entire estate. There’s no sign of them.” A guard stood in the doorway of Suyin’s study. “Well keep looking,” Lin snapped. They nodded and left.

“The- The guards. It had to be one of them.” You all snapped to Korra. She rubbed her head with the heel of her palm as she sat up. She sounded so weak. “I agree,” Aiwei said. “Question them all!” Suyin sounded so angry. You cast a glance towards Lin. Her brows had sunk in anger and her green eyes twinkled dangerously. Everyone looked nervous and afraid. “This has been one hell of a night,” you mumbled to yourself. “I could use a drink.”

****

“We’re getting no where,” Lin growled, as Aiwei dismissed the guard. “Things like this take time Lin,” you reassured her softly. “We’ll find them.” Lin grumbled and crossed her arms. Bolin looked at her surprised. Usually she’d snap and berate anyone who dared to talk back at her. Now that he thought of it, Lin never seemed to snap at you. He tilted his head at you questioningly. You waved him off, eyes turning back to watch the interrogations.

“You should be doing this,” Lin huffed, turning to you. “It’s your area of field after all.” You hummed, “You’re not wrong.” Suyin interjected, “Aiwei is a trusted member of my council. He’s family. Are you saying he can’t be trusted?” 

“It’s better to investigate everyone,” you said. “Never know who it could be.” “Exactly,” Lin gritted out narrowing her eyes at Suyin. Su scoffed at her. “Are you insinuating it could’ve been me.” “Someone higher up could’ve done it.” Suyin rolled her eyes. “Fine. Aiwei question me. I’ve got nothing to hide.” He nodded, “If you wish.”

****

Suyin rose from her chair. “She is telling the truth,” Aiwei confirmed, turning to Lin. She groaned. She couldn’t believe this. Zaofu was supposed to be the safest city in the world. Who let these criminals infiltrate the city? Aiwei’s eyes turned to you. They narrowed suspiciously. “Oh my god,” you huffed, crossing your arms. “You’re not even considering me are you?” “Sit.” You sighed, moving around Korra to the chair across from Aiwei.

“There’s no way they could’ve done it,” Bolin interjected. “They were the first ones there! If they were on their side they would’ve been with the others!” “It’s fine Bolin,” you reassured him. At least someone had your back. “It’s just an investigation.” He shrunk but you could see his green eyes still filled with worry.

****

“They’re lying.” “What?” You laughed in disbelief. “I didn’t do it!” “(Y/N).” Your eyes snapped to Lin’s. Surely, she had to believe you. Oh how wrong you were. Lin’s eyes were cold as she stared into your soul. Her fists clenched by her sides and her aura felt betrayed. The blood in your veins ran cold. The air in the room felt suffocating and your heart tore into two. She didn’t believe him did she? “I suggest we search their place.”

They all got up and left for your chambers. Except for Lin. “Lin-” “Don’t. Say. Anything.” Her hard voice made you flinch. Lin shook her head in disbelief. Her back was turned to you, trembling. Lin swallowed thickly before muttering, “None of this was real.” Her voice shoke with every word she spoke. Lin shook her head one last time before leaving.

****

“This is a mistake!” The sound of the guards harshly pulling your drawers out and threw your clothes out rang in your ears. This can’t be real, this can’t be happening. “Hey!” A couple of guards shuffled through the plans on your desk aggressively. Ruby and Azure screeched in their cages. “Be careful with that,” you shouted as a guard picked up a project you had been working on for Suyin. You watched them helplessy destroy your chambers. All you could do was stand there and watch all of your hard work be destroyed. They went as far as flinging off the sheets from your bed along with the comfy pillows. 

“Found it!” Mako called, holding up a slip of paper from your desk. Suyin and Lin’s head perked up. Korra and Bolin stiffened behind them. Aiwei’s hand reached out for the slip of paper. Mako handed it to him sending a glare your way. Your jaw clenched tightly, but you didn’t say anything. Aiwei’s eyes widened and he lifted his head to you. “Team assembled. Ready to Rendezvous.” “And look at this,” Asami piped up from the bookshelf. She handed Aiwei a green book with fancy gold carvings on it. The silence in the room as he read through the pages made your heart sink even lower. The whole world was against you.“It’s the guards logs,” he muttered darkly as he flipped through it. “It’s filled with routes and their schedules.” 

“No,” you whispered. “It wasn’t me!” “Guards, seize them.” “Hey,” you shouted, as the guards swept towards you. Their hands tightened on your arms and they hauled you up. You swung your legs trying to get out of their grasp. “Wait a minute,” Bolin shouted, “Let them talk.” “We have enough evidence.” Lin. You snapped your eyes up to hers as the guards hauled you at. Her eyes were cold and unforgiving. She felt betrayed. She trusted you. They all trusted you. You were finally in her grasp and she latched on too quickly. She allowed the avatar to be vulnerable, because she trusted someone who wanted nothing to do with her years ago. This is why we can only trust ourselves, a voice told her, this is why we’re alone. “Take them to the interrogation room.” The doors swung closed muffling your shouts of protest. Lin felt her heart shatter again. No one said a word as they eventually shuffled out one by one. “Lin-” “I don’t want to hear it Suyin,” she muttered to her sister. “Just leave me alone.” Suyin’s eyes fell but she didn’t say anything. She gave a slight nod and left. The doors closed softly behind her. All Lin could hear was the soft twittering of your parakeets and the clock ticking on the wall. A cry left her throat. The tears flowed freely now and she raised her hand to her mouth, clamping it shut. Lin felt like she was going to vomit. She stood in the destroyed room alone. Paper was scattered and torn on the floor.

Lin clenched her jaw tightly. It begun to ache from her teeth grinding so hard. Another cry left Lin’s throat. She was a damn fool.

****

The cuffs on the table were cutting into your wrists. They were heavy and cold. The circulation in your blood was being cut off. Your ass felt numb from the stiff metal chair you were trapped in. The cold, sturdy metal dug into you. How long had it been?  Minutes? Hours? There wasn’t a way to tell. Tears welled in your eyes. Lin looked so disgusted with you. She wouldn’t listen to you. It was perfect, too perfect. Everyone was now against you in a matter of minutes. How was the evidence there? Someone must of snuck into your room and planted it there. But when? 

Aiwei. You chuckled; there was no joy or humor in it. “That bastard,” you snarled, nails digging into your skin. You ignored the pain that flared up in your palms.

Creak. The metal door opened slowly.You perked your head up at the it. You felt the lump in your throat tighten at the sight of her. Lin stood in front of you with no emotion on her face. Her green eyes were dull and her posture was upright once she sat down. There wasn’t an ounce of softness in her eyes anymore. The light had been replaced by hate. “I swear to you didn’t do it,” you whispered weakly, head hanging low. “I would never put you or Korra in danger.” “Liar.” You snapped up to her. Lin swallowed thickly as she peered into your soul. Her eyes were hallow. You’d rather have her look at you with anger then seeing her eyes filled with nothing.

 “I wouldn’t hurt you Lin. What could I gain by forming an attack on you and the avatar? You know I care about you.” Lin’s jaw clenched and her eyes narrowed into angry slits. “You think your words are going to make me care? I thought you were better than that. Now, I don’t know what to believe anymore. ” Her tone was cold. The walls around her were back up again. She looked at you with disgust. But more importantly, she looked at you with hurt in her eyes. 

“The evidence. Explain that.” “It’s not mine..Aiwei...” you whispered. The tears in your eyes fell freely. Your lips pulled back into a grimace and you whimpered. The darkness in the room swallowed you. “Are you claiming that he had something to do with it? How childish, now you’re putting the blame on someone else. Grow up.” Her words made you flinch. No longer was it Lin sitting in front of you. It was your mother.

 “Please... you have to believe me I-” “(Y/n).” You looked up at her. “Who were those people?” “I don’t know,” you replied, voice slightly raising. Lin arched a brow. Your stress levels were high. It was dark, it was too dark and you felt like the room was choking closing in on you. The woman you loved now looked at you with hatred in your eyes. Your breathing became shallow and you choked on the stale air in this shitty interrogation room.

“Breathe,” Lin commanded, “Get your fucking shit together!” Her hands slammed down on the table. It echoed throughout the cold and dark interrogation room. You swallowed your breath and choked an exhale out. Tears poured out of your eyes. Your heart in your chest was being sliced up and bruised from Lin’s harsh words. Spirits, why was everything spinning so fast.

I didn’t want it to come to this,” you whimpered. “I never wanted this to happen.” She swallowed thickly. “I hope you’re proud of yourself. Do I even matter to you?” You sniffled, “Of..Of course Lin. H-how could you say that? I told you I’d do anything for you!” Her nostrils flared. “Then why are you lying to me?” “I’m not,” you cried. “I’m not, I do love you Lin.” Lin’s eyes widened. Her eyes started to water and her throat tightened. She refused to cry in front of you. She had been weak before, she wouldn’t be weak now. “No, you never meant a single word that you said to me. You’re a damn liar.” Your lip quivered and you let out a whimper. Everything was falling apart.

She looked so disgusted with you. Your presence was a reminder of how frail she really was. Lin would never be the strong and tough woman she had always aspired to be. You saw the cracks in her facade and manipulated her for your own gain. Everyone’s life was on the line because of her. Korra almost got kidnapped because she had been so careless. Lin was ashamed at herself for believing your lies and making her feel happy again.

“You know what? I was wrong. You never really meant anything to me. You’re broken, you’re beyond fixing, you’re not something I want to take the time to handle.” You bit your quivering lip. You choked on the cry that wanted to cry its way out of your throat from swallowing it. The two of you stared at each other for what felt like an eternity.

She slowly rose up from her chair. The clinking of her metal armor was the only sound in the room. Her hand hovered over the door handle. “Lin.” She stiffened. Your voice sounded so heartbroken and sad. Her hand balled up into fists as she turned back to look at you. It hurt more having to see the tears and fear in your eyes. “Don’t give up one me.. I can’t loose you too.” Lin laughed. You flinched; the pain in her laugh echoed in the small dark room. “This is all your fault. It always comes back to this with you doesn’t it? Save your tears.”

“Why can’t we talk about this? Why can’t we just-” “Does it ever occur to you that I’m done talking? That I am done reflecting my words and actions? Can’t you just take a fucking hint that I’m done with you? I don’t want anything to do with you anymore.” You didn’t say anything. The tears made your vision blurry. The stunned silence gave the cue to Lin that it was time to leave. “Hope you’re proud, I’m done here.”

The sound of the door slamming shut was the thing that broke your resolve. The dam you had tried so hard to close had its walls torn open. Sobs left your trembling body. You cried so hard your throat begun to ache and your face became sluggish. Aiwei’s actions had been your undoing. Now, you were the one paying the price.

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