#he still has Excalibur though

[albentelisa]

Hello! What if when Jim used the Khronosphere, he somehow ends up on Camelot Castle with Nari instead of waking in his room?

To make matters worse, he is in his half-troll body and with some help from Nari, finds out he time traveled to a year before Kanjigar falls.

Hi! I really like plans-gone-wrong kind of scenarios!

So, here the time travel is screwed, misplacing Jim and accidentally giving him the body he had at some point in time. Even the burden of knowing about the different timeline is heavy and here Jim has it even worse as there is nearly no one he knows to be by his side and giving the comfort unknowingly.

Jim tells Nari his story (without expecting her to believe him) and surprisingly she believes as the Kronisfere is something only a selected few know about.

After discussing the matter with Nari, Jim decides to go to the Trollmarket and be the onlooker until the right time comes. He still has his new amulet and Excalibur for some reason, and Nari believes that it may help to bring the change.

The trolls at the Trollmarket initially have some mixed feelings about the newcomer, but Jim quickly wins their hearts. He becomes Blinky's assistant at his library. Jim doesn't reveal his amulet though as he isn't sure how trolls will react to it. He also hides his origin, inventing a fake backstory about being from New Jersey.

The first complication starts when Jim realizes that he has bonded with Kanjigar too much and simply cannot let him die now (not to mention that because of Jim's intervention, Draal and Kanjigar finally manage to talk and go back to normal father-son relationship).

Jim's plan ends up to be saving Kanjigar and becoming his helper while trying to make everything work. The thing is - it doesn't work as planned as Jim miscalculates the supposed date of Kanjigar's death (it happens a day earlier).

And there is another thing Jim hasn't considered (or more like deliberately omitted thinking about it) - namely, his own human life. There is only one Jim in this timeline, so from humans' point of view, Jim Lake disappeared a year ago.

Both Barbara and Toby are devastated, never giving up on finding Jim. Strickler is upset too, but unlike Toby and Barbara, he believes that Jim is dead (between Bular, other changelings, and goblins, there are too many possible suspects who love human flesh too much). Strickler meets Barbara when she comes to the school looking for clues. Initially, he helps her with the investigation out of concern that she might stumble upon the supernatural, but gradually falls for her. Barbara starts to have feelings for Walter too and feels guilty for finding her personal happiness while Jim is not around.

Toby, on the other hand, gets close to Eli and starts believing in creeps, suspecting that those might be the reason for Jim's disappearance. Toby tries to stay positive, but deep inside he wonders if his best friend is still alive.

Toby and Eli snoop around a lot. Steve tries to follow them one day for a nasty prank - and ends up learning about the supernatural stuff too. He's still mean to both Toby and Eli, but joins them in their investigation (he is a self-proclaimed leader).

Those investigations lead the boys to the location of Kanjigar's death and Toby picks up the amulet. When Jim discovers that, he is devastated (even though it was his initial plan to have Toby as the Trollhunter). Jim comes to Toby's house together with Blinky and Aaarrrgghh, hoping to be a secret helper.

Toby, however, finds out Jim's true identity really fast. Jim has no choice but to confess, though he omits the time travel part and tells Toby he has no idea why he transformed one day. For now, Toby promises to keep it secret, even though he thinks that Jim should at least tell his mom he's fine.

Eli and Steve become a part of the team early on as Toby kinda drifts away from their previous activities after becoming the Trollhunter and they start investigating why which leads to them discovering everything. Eli is obviously excited to learn more about 'creeps', but Steve is annoyed that he isn't the chosen one. He grows a better person only after getting into several troubles and being saved by Toby and Jim.

Ironically, Steve is the second one to learn Jim's true identity and the first one who finds out about Jim's amulet as Jim is forced to use it to save him. After this, Jim tells the entire truth to his team (which consists of Toby, Eli, Steve, Blinky, Aaarrrgghh, Draal, and Vendel by that point).

There's also an issue regarding the situation with Enrique and his potential kidnapping, and Jim patrols near Claire's house hoping to prevent it. However, he doesn't know that the switch has already happened in this timeline (as Strickler discovered Nomura's Snatch earlier and used it to get himself another subordinate). Claire also starts to notice oddities with her brother earlier, which leads her to discovery of changelings' existence. She lands herself in trouble as she has discovered Strickler's true identity, but as Strickler prefers not to have another misterious disappearance, he just manages to silence her with blackmail. Strickler also uses Claire to investigate who is the human Trollhunter as he himself has no idea.

Claire accidentally notices Jim who is roaming near her house. Initially, she thinks he's one of the bad guys (as she has no idea there are good trolls and assume that all of them are on the same side as NotEnrique and Strickler). That is how Jim learns that he's failed to prevent another one of events he would rather avoid and Claire realizes that not every troll is evil. She propose the alliance and suggests leaking info on Strickler to Jim's team. While Jim is slightly reluctant at first (not wanting to endanger her life needlessly), he remembers that Claire is competent and smart enough so her plan should work.

Claire, however, tries to go beyond her initial plan and ends captured. Strickler uses her as the bait to lure the Trollhunter. There's the clash between the two sides. Jim fights Strickler, but (obviously) refuse to kill him, so Strickler escapes. Meanwhile, the rest of the team deals with Bular and Nomura. Bular is killed, and Nomura is captured.

While Strickler is out of Arcadia, and the team is planing entering the Darklands to save Enrique, Jim decides to contact Douxie and recruit him to the team. Douxie agrees after learning about everything and starts to teach Claire.

Jim isn't that worried about Strickler most likely freeing Angor as his plan is to have a proper talk with his teacher and set everything straight. Besides, Jim is sure that Strickler won't do anything dumb like using the binding spell in this timeline (as he has no idea that the half-troll who defeated him is Jim).

However, Jim hasn't considered that Strickler feels cornered and rather paranoid because Gunmar won't be kind to him and he has no tight bonds with the current Trollhunter Toby. Strickler believes that he is on his own now - and there's nothing to lose, so he is even more hostile and manipulative than in the original timeline, but it also leads to more missteps - including Angor getting free on his own and Barbara discovering Walter's secret.

Angor is deadset on killing Strickler, and only Jim's involvement stops him. Angor agrees that now that he's free, he has no reason to act like a villain and leaves to sort his feelings. Strickler is indebted to Jim though he still has no idea why this odd youngling has saved him. Jim has no choice but to tell him everything in hope to earn his trust.

Barbara is another person who figures Jim's identity herself. Initially, she is seriously upset that her son hasn't come to her once the transformation happened, but she forgives Jim eventually.

Now, that everyone is together in this, there is some thorough planning regarding the mission to the Darklands. After all, Enrique isn't the only one they will save, but other familiars too. Besides, they plan to talk to Dictatious and make him remember how he used to be (Blinky already knows about the situation and had enough time to make peace in his mind with this fact).

Strickler contacts other members of the Janus Orders (those who he believes to be willing to change sides) and warns them that they will lose their familiars soon. However, he misgudges some and those find the way to contact Gunmar and warn him too. Obviously, Gunmar doesn't care about the changelings, but for him it looks like the perfect opportunity to escape. He also has an ally in Usurna - and it turns out that some trolls at the Trollmarket would rather pick Gunmar's side too.

So, when the team marches into the Darklands, there is a riot at the Trollmarket and Vendel is imprisoned. The Trollhunters seemingly meet no resistance at the Darklands (minus several Gumm-Gumms and goblins) and save the familiars, but can't locate Dictatitious (as he isn't there at the moment). After some thinking, they decide to go back for now and return for the second time (as everyone is sure they have been stealthy enough).

Meanwhile, Gunmar has passed through the bridge with a good chunk of his elite forces and is greeted by his supporters who have control over the Trollmarket. So, when the Trollhunters are back from the Darklands, they get a nasty surprise. They manage to escape only because Claire summons a shadow portal (it's the first one for her in this timeline as she has learned different magic from Douxie). The lack of practice shows here and Morgana gets a link to Claire's mind.

Jim knows that Morgana can be redeemed but feels conflicted when he sees that Claire goes through the events leading to her possession for the second time (it's something he would rather prevent). Not to mention that Angor isn't that willing to forgive Morgana.

Jim contacts Nari, hoping that she might have an idea how to help Claire, but Nari admits that shadowmancy is beyond her competence (actually, beyond everyone's but shadowmancers). Jim decides to propose Morgana to possess him instead as he thinks that he might have a better resistance (spoiler: he hasn't).

Morgana uses Jim's body to come and bargain to Gunmar, reminding him about their alliance.

Meanwhile, Claire and Toby with Angor's assistance go to the shadow dimension to save Jim. On their way, Claire has a fight with Morgana and barely manages to win due to some quick thinking. Toby, Claire and Angor reach Jim and manage to break him out of the possession.

The team decide to fight Gunmar before Morgana starts the Eternal Night. The clash happens at the Trollmarket (some former members of the Janus Order, trolls from different clans and some local wizards come to help too).

After the fight is won, Jim realizes that they still need to reach Merlin and think about the further actions against the Arcane Order. And well, when Merlin is awake and learns about the time-travel, he isn't happy as he thinks that messing with the time has already lead to some horrifying consequences. He also isn't happy to learn that Jim still hopes to free Morgana and refuses to cooperate (which change nothing as Claire steals his staff).

Jim tries to talk with Morgana for the second time after she is free, trying to appeal to her former ideas about co-existence and asking if she actually wants to have the world destroyed. It works this time.

The team also contacts Aja and Krel when they arrive to the Earth, finally reuniting with the rest of the guardians and forming the united front. Together, they have less trouble dealing with Morando and later, Green Knight. Nari sees it as an opportunity to talk to Bellroc and Skrael and appeal to their common sense as the times have changed and humans proved to be able to co-exist with inhuman beings. Bellroc and Skrael are still skeptical but agree to wait and see.

As the peace is reached, Claire joins efforts with Morgana in the attempt to find the solution for Jim (and to some extent all the changelings who changed sides) to change forms and be able to enjoy human life.

#tales of arcadia #toa #what if scenario #post rott #jim is back in time as a half-troll #jim isn't the trollhunter in this one #he still has Excalibur though #trollhunter toby #half troll jim #jim lake jr #claire nuñez #toby domzalski #text post #ask box #anon ask

[noneorother]

The puns are never ending : Aziraphale's miraculous "visable" bullet.

Aside from this closeup diagram of how to perform the bullet catch being objectively hilarious, it's also got a pretty fascinating *spelling mistake*.

If you look closely at the part of the pamphlet in red, you'll see that the bullet should be hidden in the mouth where it won't be visable. Not "not visible". Not visable. Seems innocuous enough right? But of course, the layers are never ending.

"Visable" is actually a Middle English word, *not* a modern English one. The last time it was used was before the printing press was invented, so pretty old. Here's a little background :

What's really fascinating though, is that just like the expression "dark horse", the word has two meanings : one is "Capable of good judgement, prudent" the other is "Tractable and docile".

There are also only two examples of the word in context that I can find, and they really should be sending you into orbit :

The first one is actually from Henry Lovelich's translation of the French epic poem "The Romance of Merlin" also known as the first English treatment of the Arthurian legends. It's modernized as "He was a worthy knight, valiant and visable in every fight." Which uses the "good judgment" meaning and sounds... a lot like Aziraphale in his role of guardian and protector.

Why do we care? They are standing literally in front of Excalibur, Arthur's sword.

The other one is from "Ipomadon", another middle English epic poem about a hidden identity romance between a beautiful but proud heiress, and her dark knight in disguise. "She was... visable and virtuous, meak and mild, and marvellous." Which clearly uses the "tractable and docile" meaning, but also... kinda sounds like Aziraphale in his damsel in his distress mode, which:

Ahahahah fuck off. But wait, there's more!

I originally twigged to this error because if you, like me, also happen to speak the language of la plume de ma tante, you know there's a reason why the uses happen in epic poems that originated in France: it's a loan word from old French, and still exists today in modern French, but it doesn't mean tractable and docile...

For the non-french speaking among you, it's a derivation of the verb "viser" :

Verb 1 To aim 1.To aim, to carefully direct one's gaze or a weapon towards a goal to throw something at it.

And so, if you happen to be, oh I don't know, a demon and have been alive for thousands of years and can definitely speak all the languages on earth and happen to have participated in the Arthurian age in England, when you read that pamphlet really carefully because someone is making you do a crazy stunt and there's a miracle blocker on, you could *conceivably* have read the instructions as:

"IN THE NAME OF ALL THAT YOU LOVE, DO NOT SHOOT AZIRAPHALE IN THE FACE." ________________________________________________________ Thanks to @thebluestgreen and @embracing-the-ineffable as always.

#good omens meta #good omens 2 #art director talks good omens #go season 2 #go meta #good omens season two #wordplay #crowley x aziraphale #good omens 1941 #good omens season 2 #good omens #good omens analysis

[viandclintbarton-supremacy]

The Unkillable Lion (GN Wrestler Reader x Russio)

Warning: Mentions of blood, swearing and bad writing

W/N = Wrestler Name

Your heart beat was bumping, nerves settled in, its happening!!

You are going to walk out at Wembley Stadium for the match of your life. A match in your home country, the biggest ever and in front of a sold out crowd. But not infront of your family....It sucked. Not only was your family stuck in Australia but your sister and girlfriend lost the finals of the Women's World Cup and all you could do was call and text them since thier flights were delayed. You could physically be here for them. You sighed resuming your stretching

*Crowd roars*

You glanced at the backstage monitor the screen just showed the graphic of the next match

For the Newly reinstated NJPW Intercontinental Championship

NO HOLDS BARRED

"The Unkillable" W/N

VS

"The King" Minoru Suzuki (C)

Excalibur on the commentary team "Up next will The King Suzuki be knocked off his throne? Or will The Unkillable be Killed on their home soil"

Jim ross would respond "There is no doubt that this match with be a slobber knocker"

You smiled before feeling a hand on your shoulder, you turn to see Kenny Omega

Y/N:"Great match out there today Kenny" He smiled

Kenny:"Do I ever have a bad match" giving you a really look

F/N:"Fair Point"

Kenny:"This crowd is red hot, they are gonna have your back I'd say even against Suzuki. And i have ni doubt your family and gal are gonna be watching from Australia"

You looked at him with a determined smile "Thanks Ken"

"5 minutes F/N" You hear from the gorilla position.

"Now go show them what the Elite is all about " you smirked and winked before leaving to go tear the house down

"Calm down mum, F/N will be fine."

"Well you know what i am like Jorge"

"They are a Bronze they will survive anything, right Luc?" Jorge would turn to his sister who had a far away look in her eye. Jorge slightly frowned, the impact of losing the World Cup final was still being processed.

"Luc?" Lucy felt a nudge of a leg moving her leg, she looked to her side to see Keira "Jorge was saying Bronze's can survive anything, personally i think he is correct" Bronze smiled as she looked at the tv and starred at her sibling face. She felt so much pride seeing her sibling being apart of something so big and living their dream.

"Yeah they will survive, though knowing Y/N there will be blood"

"BLOOD!" the room would jump at the sound of Alessia Russo sudden outburst.

"Bloody hell Les!" Ella Toone would say placing her arm on her chest from being startled "Sorry i just didn't know, i don't even know what this match actually is. will their actually be blood" Alessia would say looking at Bronze with slight worry but also embarrassment. She felt bad as she still didn't understand Y/N's job fully. She hated watching them get hurt but to star bleeding???

"Well basically a No Holds Barred Match is anything goes. No count outs they can use any sort of weapon, go anywhere in the stadium." Lucy would say earing the attention of some of the lionesses who were also watching and those new to the sport. Since the flights were delayed, the group decide to have a massive hang out with the team and families "And yes Y/N has a history being busted open" Lucy would say with grimace on her face. Making Alessia more nervous and scared for Y/N.

Alessia met Y/N on her first match for the Senior England Team, Y/N was supporting their sister Lucy during the match and the duo would have a brief encounter but would greet each other everytime. One of the things Russio like about Y/N was they always greeted everyone and shook peoples hands. no matter if they were players, team's family's or staff. As a wrestler Y/N always showed respect and etiquette to everyone.

It wasnt until Alessia moved to London after signing for Arsenal, That their paths would cross at a gym from there the duo would grow closer. Everytime Y/N would go across the country or abroad, Alessia would miss the charming wrestler. And when Russio did the same Y/N would miss the clumsy but talented footballer.

It wasn't until a gym session 2 months ago after the duo both hadn't seen each other for nearly two months that one thing led to another that the duo would engage in a heated night of passion..........in the gym bathroom.........and then Y/N's Car......and then Y/N's bed. Basically a LOT of PASSION happened that night.

The duo would become an item, keeping it on the low and eventually would tell thier families tho both were SCARED TO FUCK to tell Lucy. Given the fact that the last time Lucy found out F/N had a partner.....well F/N doesn't know actually their partner just vanished, no sign of where they went but it smelt of Lucy's involvement.

When the duo announced to Lucy, it was a surprise as she seemed to beam with happiness seeing her teammate and her siblings together. She knew Russio well and trusted her and when Lucy embraced Russio, she would whisper "If anything happens to them, remember it's very easy for me to find you" Before hugging her sibling leaving Les gulping slightly before smiling nervously.

Alessia's worry grew she struggles to watch F/N wrestle, seeing them getting hurt and thrown around scared her. and now blood? She would be lying is she said she understood wrestling. She was snapped out of her trance by a hand on her shoulder "Les? They will be ok. this is their job" Alessia turned to the voice and smiled at her best friend Ella Toone. "She's right. They will fuck that guy up" Russio smiled at Mary Earps comment.

*Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne plays at Wembley"

The crowd roars as the lionesses and focus on the screen.

You hear the rumble of the crowd, you wanted for your cue to leave, you couldn't wait to leave and see the crowd and start the walk to the ring.

Lucy breathed out, feeling nervous for you as Les got excited

You started to walk down the Hallway, every step the view of the crowd getting more and more in view. As you step out the crowd cheered like maniac and wanted for you to remove your hood and ignite your pyro.

"Oh my god, the colour of their gear" Stanway pointed out. Gaining the attention of the lionesses "Its the same colour scheme as our away kit" The lionesses couldn't help but feel flattered at the gesture whilst the Bronze family were filled with pride

You removed the hood revealing your face and the pyro went off to loud cheers as you screamed and shouted to the fans to cheer. you felt the breeze against your skin as you stood there for the moment to take it all in. you looked out to the sea of people. Your fellow countrymen and fans that came to see you. Lucy watched with pride, She knew the feeling you had right now. whilst Les smiled at the cute reaction you showed You nodded as you began to walk down the ramp high fiving the fans and kids in the front row.

"A year ago a team of Lionesses walked onto the pitch of Wembley and played with pride and passion to become champions of Europe. One of those Lionesses was Lucy Bronze" Nigel McGuiness paused. The lionesses ears were listening at the commentator with smiles. they may have lost the finals but they did achieve greatness with winning the euros. As Lucy's name was mentioned

"Now a year later, W/N Bronze walks into the same Arena. With the goal to become champion like their sister. This isn't a try and fail for Y/N this is a must for them. They HAVE to walk out of Wembley champion" Les couldn't help but the amount of pressure you must be under, she didn't think of the story of his match and started to worry what if you did lose. She has lost the finals of the World Cup, she couldn't bear to see you lose too "They need to win, so when they walked down the streets, people will come up to then and say. 'Hey you are the NJPW Intercontinental Champ, W/N Bronze right?.' And Not 'oh isn't Lucy Bronze your sister.'"

The group would frown as you entered the ring. Did the commentator really say that. They thought it was harsh, but Lucy knew. She hated seeing you accomplish so much but still be referred as the other sibling. Alessia also knew she would see interviews of you and every time you were undermined and Lucy was brought up you can feel your energy switch.

As you made your way to the ring, the crowd's energy continued to surge and you couldn't help but feel the support from your home country. The cheers and chants were overwhelming and it motivated you even more for the match. You knew that this was a critical moment in your career, and you had to give it your all and you couldn't LOSE

The Lionesses and your family continued to watch with bated breath. Lucy felt the pride of being your sister and couldn't help but recall her own moments of glory at Wembley. She understood the immense pressure you were under, and her heart swelled with hope for your success. Alessia, on the other hand, was torn between her excitement for you and her deep concern. She wasn't familiar with wrestling and seeing you in a No Holds Barred match with the potential for blood made her uneasy. The support and reassurance of her friends helped ease her worries, but she couldn't help but feel a knot in her stomach.

"F/N started in the outskirts of Sunderland before heading to Japan, Joining the Faction Chaos by recommendation of Will Ospreay, there Y/N would win multiple tag titles and tournaments before betraying Okada and leaving Chaos and Joining the Bullet Club. A year later F/N would be kicked out of the BC with the Elite and headed to AEW. And now to Wembley. What a journey for this Youngblood" Jim Ross said as he praised you. the commentary about your journey and the pressure to succeed struck a chord with Lucy, Alessia and your Family. They knew how much this meant to you, not just as a wrestler but as an individual trying to step out of your sibling's shadow.

The atmosphere in Wembley Stadium shifted as "The King" Minoru Suzuki made his way to the ring. He was a legendary figure in the world of professional wrestling, known for his no-nonsense, hard-hitting style and a reputation as one of the toughest men in the business.

Suzuki's presence alone exuded an aura of intimidation. His face bore the scars of countless battles, and his cold, unflinching stare made it clear that he had no intention of relinquishing his Intercontinental Championship without a brutal fight.

You watched as he swaggered down the ramp. You prepared yourself mentally as you knew he was gonna try and murder you but you were prepared to fight no matter the cost

The crowd which had been firmly behind you, was now divided. Some cheered for the local hero, "The Unkillable" W/N Bronze, while others cheered to the reigning champion, Suzuki, Hoping that he would tear you apart. The air was electric with anticipation and you could feel the weight of the moment pressing upon you.

The referee checked both competitors for any concealed weapons, making it clear that in a No Holds Barred match, anything could and would happen. The tension in the ring was palpable as the official signaled for the match to begin.

You and Suzuki locked eyes and for a brief moment, He tilted his head before smiling like a maniac, You replied with a smirk. Both of you understood the magnitude of the battle about to take place.

So you decided to throw a chop to the Japanese legend. A loud smack can be heard as Suzuki was caught off guard before accepting the challenge "Come on then wanker" You say trying goad him

Then he did, You felt the chop ripple threw your body sending electricity throughout your body. The each delivering thunderous knife-edge chops to the other. The sound of flesh meeting flesh reverberated throughout the stadium, and the crowd's cheers and gasps grew louder with each strike. Your chest and Suzuki's were both bright red from the onslaught of chops, and neither of you showed any signs of backing down. It was a test of willpower, a battle of endurance, and the audience couldn't believe the spectacle they were witnessing.

"Why why are doing this" Alessia had her hands to her face, During the chop off. She hated seeing you het hit like this and hearing the sounds of the smack echoing around the area "Fucking hit hm F/N" But lucy on the other hand was invested and wanted you to slap the shit out of your opponent

But in a sudden turn of events, Suzuki let out a deep, guttural laugh, his sadistic grin never leaving his face.

"Oh shit" You regretted your challenge

*Chop*

The crowd's gasps turned into collective exclamations of shock and your friends and family watched as the chop sent you to the ground like a bag of potatoes. Alessia squealed as she turned into her father's direction who was laughing at his daughters reaction. "Jesus Christ" Lucy would hear from her brother as he held his child in his arms. Meanwhile you laid there as Suzuki was taunting you "I think my chest is caved in" You would say feeling like you got shot. This was gonna be a war.

Many moments would happen during the match, You power bombing Suzuki through a table, him hitting you with a chair, brawling in the crowed. It wasn't until you took a barbed wire bat to the head that cut you open above the eye. Your family gave a grim look whilst Alessia shrieked and hid her face in Ella's shirt. You looked dazed as the blood dripped down your face and you spat out the blood that fell into your mouth. It was a site that made the crowd stare at you. The match went almost 28 mins before you found yourself in a Gotch powerbomb set up as he went to lift you, You countered with a DDT just as Alessia peeked out

"Focking hell" Toone would say as Your family and lionesses cheered. Alessia heart filled with excitement and amazement. You fighting with such passion made her heart flutter

And then you hit a Bronze Maker (Flatliner) when he ran for you

"BRONZE MAKER!! CAN THAT BE THE MOVE OT MAKE BRONZE, A GOLD MAKER!!" Nigel would say on commentary

As you laid down you heard the chants for you and the rhythm of claps from 81.000 strong behind you. The whole stadium was alive for Y/N Bronze. You staggered up and saw Suzuki now bleeding from the head was on one knee you had to stop him so you ran and dropkicked him into the corner

Alessia was in a trance.

Seeing your chance and the adrenaline pumping jumped to the top rope top, The crowd rumbling they knew what was next after sticking your tongue out with dried blood over your face, you hit your iconic The moonsault stomp "HERE IT COMES"

The crowd popped sending a massive shockwave throughout the arena

"HOLY SHIT!" Mary Earps said in shock

"THAT WAS FUCKING SICK" Stanway said in a hyped voice

"I FELT THAT ONE" Hemp would say as she grimaced

"GO ON Y/N" Millie Bright said a pumped up attitude

"COME ON Y/N" Lucy calm demeanour changed as she couldn't keep still and fully stood up bouncy.

"Come on babygirl/babyboy" Alessia whispered to herself

You stood over the body of your Suzuki and grabbed both arms and brought him to his knees "COME ON KID, MAKE A NAME FOR YOURSELF AND ARCHIVE GREATNESS" Jim Ross adding more excitement and goosebumps with his words and passion

"NIGHT NIGHT MOTHERFUCKER" You shouted as you used the last of your strength to drive your knee into Suzuki's head.

"LION KILLER!!!!" Excalibur shouted on commentary. The crowd roared with passion, as it was like a button you hit on Suzuki's head to make them roar. The room of Lionesses watched on with anticipation

You fall on top of Suzuki and pin him. You hear the referee land on the canvas. And everyone counted with him

"ONE" the ref screamed along with the crowd

"TWO" The Bronze's, Alessia and the lionesses screamed

It felt like forever that you watched the hand come down but eventually

Lucy had goosebumps all over her body. Could it be, Will she finally see you achieve your dream

Alessia was on the break of tears. The art of wrestling, her love and proudness of you was beaming

Finally

"THREE!" Your heart stopped. The crowd roared, your family was in a mixture of tears and joy.

Lucy was hugging and shaking Keira around with joy. She was overwhelmed by seeing you achieve your dream. She saw you start from a underdog to a champion. This meant more to her then the World Cup.

Alessia was tearing up as Ella and Mary were teasing but also cheering. She now understood the moments wrestling made and how it made fans feel. And to see you in such a moment made her cry and celebrate with her friends and lucy

"HE/SHE DID IT, W/N HAS ACHIEVED IMMORTALITY AT WEMBLEY" Jim Ross shouted with passio

You layed there, you did it. You thought looking up to the sky with the open roof of Wembley in view, you don't know how long it took until you realized the ref standing over you with the belt. You slowly sat up onto your knees and held the title staring at it like a new born baby. You then shot up with pride ignoring the pain and held it above your head and the crowd roared once again. A image will for ever be in the minds for Fans's Lucy and Alessia.

As the celebrations went on Omega, The Young Bucks, Ibushi and Hangman came out and praised you as you were lifted onto the Buck's Shoulders. Ella nudging Alessia as she saw the jealous look on her face. But then music hit

"Woah hold on here" Jim Ross said as out of the entrance way came Will Ospreay and members of the United Empire "Its Ospreay, we saw him earlier tonight when he beat Jericho." Excaliber would say "So is the Aussie Open and Jeff Cobbs but that snake Don Callis and Takashita are alongside them." You looked confused as the young bucks set you down. Kenny, Ibushi and Hangman glared at Takeshita and Don Callis due to Earlier events.

As they entered the ring, The Golden Elite stood behind you and the United Empire behind Ospreay as the two of you had a face to face. The stadium rumbled at the sight. Making this a match they wanted. Don would step forward and in response so would Kenny. A action that made Don step back. Kenny was now to you right making it Osprey's left. Kenny glared at will, He still wasn't done with the aerial assassin. As a gesture of he wasn't finished he held up the finger triggers to Ospreay

The Lionesses were Intrigued by this situation. Alessia was annoyed that you didn't get a full celebration and wanted you to have your moment. but Lucy knew something was off by your stance.

And then

"OH MY GAWD!" Jim Ross shouted

"WHAT!! Nigel was flabbergasted

Alessia was wide eyed as most of the Lionesses. Lucy eyebrow raised in surprise

You just SuperKicked Kenny

The arena was stunned, The Golden Elite were frozen. The United Empire then rushed The Elite and started to dismantle them. As you and Ospreay starred at each other, A growing smirk came to both of your faces

"Oh don't tell me" Jim Ross would say kn commentary. You would then make the United Empire hand sign and hug will laughing. "Oh that son of a bitch!" You both grabbed Kenny as you set him up for Will's hidden blade.

You would laugh and stick your tongue out

"Oh you two are definitely related" Lucy would hear Hemp say to which Lucy shrugged smirking "It's a family thing" . Alessia however was shocked at your evil side and couldn't help but blush at the cockiness you were showing.

You then decided to lift Kenny on your shoulders and hit him with his own move. The One Winged Angel

You sat there laughing with Ospreay as your girlfriend blushed more

"Oooh you like when your playmate is a baddie" Mary bumped Alessia making her more embarrassed.

There you stood at Wembley. With your new wrestling family and champion

A few days later

"BABY!!" Alessia was caught off guard but welcomed you picking her up and holding her "I missed you so much" you placed her down and kissed her to which see kissed you back after a minute of tongue twirling of you would part for breathe. "I missed you" You said to your girlfriend. "I missed you too sweetheart"

You smiled with pride " I am so fucking proud of you babe" You said. She smiled sadly but then she cupped your cheeks "Not as proud as me champ" You smiled smugly "Well i am a talented bastard." Alessia fought back a laugh before looking down and biting her lip. You placed your finger on her chin lifting her to look at you. "Whats wrong pet" You gave her a cocky smile. Alessia loved it and knew what was happening. One of her teammates blabbed to you about her liking your bad side. She inches closer.

"THERES MY BOY/GIRL!" all of a sudden you felt yourself picked up into the arms of you sister Lucy. To which you hugged back. The two of you started to playfight "LETS GO CHAMP" Lucy would start saying. You haven't seen her this happy since the Euros. You couldn't help but be happy with Lucy's reaction to your win. Ever since you were a child you wanted her approval and recognition. She was the best sister ever. You notice people at the airport started to look at you and so did lucy. Alessia couldn't help but smile at the cute behaviour before her

"YEAH MY BROTHER/SISTER IS A CHAMPION AND WHAT!" Lucy shouted as she wrapped her arm around your shoulder and leading you away. You reached out your hand to Alessia who grabbed her stuff and your hand and walked with you "Seriously Y/N i am so proud of you bro" Lucy squeezed you closer as you rested you head on her shoulder for a sec "Thanks Lu. I am proud of you two. You were amazing throughout" She smiled sadly before cheering up "Thanks child" You rolled your eyes "That reminds me i got both of you Souvenirs from the show and Keira also" The girls smiled, Lucy was extra thankful as you mentioned her partner is was having a hard time with her injury.

The duo mentioned they got something for you two as you walked out of the airport not before a squeak came from Alessia after you gave a cheeky squeeze to her bum, showing off the cocky side once more leading to you and Lucy laughing at her flustered look

The End

this took so long, like 2 - 3 months. kept dropping in and out of it but i hope my Wrestling readers and woso readers enjoyed it. If you are a fan of both then consider yourself spoiled.

but this leads to a question would you like more wrestling x woso? let me know

and all feedback is welcome.

#male reader #female reader #gn reader #lucy bronze #imagine #england football #football imagine #lucy bronze imagine #woso imagine #england wnt #england women #england lionesses #engwnt x reader #engwnt imagine #alessia russo imagine #alessia russo #arsenal wfc #arsenal women #woso x reader #woso community #woso soccer #woso fanfics #woso #aew #aew x reader #wrestling #wrestling imagine #kenny omega #kenny omega imagine #will ospreay

[the-kingshound]

Decision - part 2 of ?

TW: suicidal/self harming thoughts, description of violence, grief.

Time has lost all kind of matter or significance. After having torn the masked person apart limb by limb, slowly, until your clothes and your hair and your skin drip blood, still tasting metal in your mouth, you have functioned in an empty shell. Their screams weren't satisfying, they wouldn't be enough for the pain caused. The wound on your abdomen is closed, but pulses and doesn't hurt nearly enough.

You took down Arthur and Saraah's bodies. You hugged them and dry heaved. You weren't able to truly cry. It hurt too much, to hold their cold boneless body, so you didn't allow yourself any more contact than necessary.

It is your fault.

You stay in the room where it all happened. An unbearable amount of time later, someone finds you, kneeling in a pool of blood like a broken useless doll.

"Oh, no..."

It's Merlin. He gets you out. He enchants the bodies you hold not to rot, preserving them. When your mind starts revolting and clawing at your chest, Merlin shushes you like a small child.

"Drink," he tells you, placing a tea in your hand. You do, only because the warm smell of it compels you to as intended.

Merlin keeps you sedated for a while. Sometimes you wake, groggy, laid inside his tent. He is either working on your injury, or making potions and teas. He makes you drink something that pulls you into consciousness again. And again. Perhaps he wants to spare you, but from the very first conscious inhale you take when you wake, pain devours you whole and doesn't stop until you fall into magic induced sleep again.

The fourt time you wake up, he does allow you too stay awake. For good measure, he puts a warm cup in your hand.

"That is just for the nausea," he explains, somewhat avoiding your gaze. As if he knew it was your fault, as if he blamed you and he SHOULD he should blame you-

"I didn't make it in time," Merlin confesses, taking a steaming mug for himself. This time, he is looking at you, and he looks so old and tired. Guilty. "Mordred alerted me. Told me where to look. But I was too late and now..."

He takes a small sip of his tea. "I never though I would have to live past my boy. I hoped I wouldn't. I am old enough, as you can see."

Your heart breaks. You want to throw up, to destroy the tent, to tear up the entire kingdom.

Merlin then places the pomel of a sword in your hand. You feel a wave of anguish, instantly washed down in favour of warm consolation. Excalibur grieves, and yet it tries to soothe your pain.

"Here. Hold it. It wanted to stay with you."

You swallow, and this time you might cry. For a brief moment you feel an intense desire to cut your throat with Excalibur but you know it will stay blunt.

You have to bring your King and your brother home.

#more angst but also merlin #merlin #enjoy the angst #hurt no comfort saga

[bluebellhairpin]

Thou So Long Hast Mourn'd

Bruce Wayne X Batmom!Reader

Summary: After Jason's passing, your grief and anger combined causes you to leave Gotham - swearing only to return when you have a perfect chance to kill the Joker for what he did to your son. (Part 2 to 'Hell Hath No Fury')

Warnings: Loss and Grief (Mentions of a funeral and repeated mentions of Jason dying. We miss Mumma's Boy Jay a lot :( ). Bad coping mechanisms all round. Clark Kent acts as a marital buffer. (Reader is fem coded; has she/her pronouns; is referred to as ‘wife’ multiple times. Has the hero name of 'Valentine'.)

Listening to: 'Skyfall' By Adele - "I know I'd never be me without the security of your loving arms keeping me from harm."

Series Masterlist || Masterlist || Ko-Fi

Yes, thou shalt know, spite of thy past Distress, - 

Jason’s funeral was attended by a very small number of people. Yourself, Bruce, Dick, and Alfred all front and center. 

For days, weeks, the media pestered asking question after question. “A tragic accident.” Commissioner Gordon would reply. It became you answer too, like a well-rehearsed prayer. 

A tragic accident. Tragic. Accidental tragedy. Accident. 

Except it was no such accident. Someone killed Jason. A man, who still walked free, murdered your son. 

Even now, a month after you buried the child, as you sat listening to rain pat against the window panes in Wayne Manor, you remembered what you’d told Bruce the night he brought Jason home for the last time. 

“I’m going to kill him.” you said. “I’m going to kill the Joker.” You told Bruce you’d do what you’d vowed to never do again. You promised yourself to avenge your son, to make sure no one else would ever lose a child to that monster ever again. 

Ever since that night you’d felt a wedge slide between you and Bruce. Dick, only sixteen and having lost the closest thing he had to a brother was feeling it - you could see it on his face, and they way he held his shoulders at dinner. How you were feeling, how little Bruce was doing about it - none of it was doing Dick any good. 

Aside from the anger, you didn’t know how you were feeling. You never thought you’d ever be a mother - you had no idea what to do to help anyone. So you left. 

Bruce was out on patrol - he dove into Batman head first, a bitter feeling in your stomach had you thinking he was compensating. Dick was out - gymnastic practice, which Alfred was in charge of tonight. You were left alone in a huge house, and you couldn’t stand to stay there any longer. 

A small bag was packed with basics - clothes, cash, a few weapons from the cave, and a single family photo taken while on vacation just that past summer (stolen from its frame and folded into a jacket pocket close to your heart). As you walked past the main living space, you stopped, and looked up towards the item hanging above the fireplace. 

The sword - Excalibur - a god-given gift to humankind to exact true justice, now resting as a collectors antique catching dust. You knew if you took it that you would be able to do what you needed to. During your time using it there was no greater pull than to execute Joker - yet something always stopped you. 

You knew it was Bruce. 

Even already, your own guilt over what you meant to do wouldn’t let you take it with you. 

Naturally, on that night, Alfred brought Dick was home first. It was already nine thirty, and while Dick would be up for a long while, he knew the boy wasn’t sleeping proper anymore. 

Alfred sent him up to his room anyway, reassuringly with a hand on his shoulder, telling him to go try and get some rest. 

But Alfred knew something wasn’t right in the Manor the moment he stepped inside. It was too quiet. Like it had been empty as long as they’d been away - even though he knew full well you should’ve been there to keep the house alive. 

Although not trained, the butler had a sixth sense for a lot of things - he was a natural at whatever he sent his mind to (in his youth it was acting, and hence so seeing through lies and reading rooms (for improvisation, obviously) went with it). He set out to find you. Looked in all the usual places, and the unusual ones, in the big rooms and the small ones. 

In the last week or so you’d taken to spending time sitting in the walk-in-fridge. He worried about you a lot. While Dick still had school and his friends, and Bruce threw himself into Batman, you only really had yourself. It wasn’t healthy. 

But no matter how much he looked, or where he looked, you were nowhere to be found - not in the house, nor in the grounds. You’d said nothing about going out when he left, he would’ve remembered. In a last ditch effort to find you, he looked in one last place. 

But you hadn’t been in the Batcave since Jason came home. 

It was there, as he walked down a set of stairs, that he noticed a piece of paper haphazardly taped to one of the center computer monitors. 

He grabbed it, and flipped it open, reading quietly to himself the words inside, scrawled in your handwriting. 

‘Bruce, Don’t look, you know I won’t let you find me. I’m going to do something you will hate me for - probably forever. I can’t keep living like this knowing Jason’s killer is out there killing more mother’s sons. Take care of Dickie. Don’t take Alfred for granted.’

The older man found himself sinking into the chair beside him.

He had a hunch this was coming - he wasn’t in the cave the night Bruce brought Jason home, instead at the time he was upstairs taking a call from an excited Dick who was recalling his day spent doing a treasure hunt around Blüdhaven for a school camp trip that lasted the whole week. Alfred had no idea how you first reacted - he didn’t know how Bruce reacted to your reaction. 

He knew it wasn’t good. Especially since in your note you didn’t even say goodbye to your husband. 

You’d been hiding in a place you knew Bruce wouldn’t ever look - he always hated visiting Metropolis, the city was too bright.  

You knew no one there would snitch on you - most didn’t even recognize you, and the one person who did, conveniently the man who was the closest thing Bruce had to a best friend, wouldn’t ever snitch on you. Not for this. 

‘I needed a break,’ you’d lied, ‘Couldn’t handle being in Gotham after…’ You never finished, and you knew Clark could see through a lie like glass - but the grief he could see. He could also see the anger simmering underneath. He never called you out for it though. 

You’d been there a while, waiting, watching Gotham from a distance Bruce wouldn’t see you from. You kept tabs mostly on Batman - although interviews with Bruce having to explain where his wife went were entertaining (in a sick, satisfying way). Sometimes you were sick, others you were out of town, most times you ‘weren’t feeling up to it’ - the latter two would be closest to the truth, not that he’d know that. 

You often looked fondly at whatever information came though about Dick - he took out the gymnastics first place for his age bracket in the Gotham state. The picture made your heart ache - his smile was wide and toothy, but even though your printed newspaper you could tell it wasn’t reaching his eyes. 

Who you were watching most, though, was the Joker. You combed through old reports and new ones. Even called up Harley Quinn a few times, just to get a perspective on him from someone who was - at one point - much closer to him. She asked you why you wanted to know. 

“I need to know.” 

“O-kay. And where exactly have you been Val?” she’d said, voice crackling down the hotel landline, “You ain’t locking yourself up in that Mansion are ya?” 

“No. I’m not in Gotham right now.” 

“So what’s even the Joker to ya if you ain’t even here huh?” 

“When I come back,” you said, “I’m going to kill him.” 

You became a Joker expert in almost one night.

You got a late night visitor less than a week after that phone call. Clad in red and blue, with a gaudy cape and that stupid ringlet you and Bruce would always bitch about on late nights under bed covers. 

You were a little happy to see Clark - you actually had nothing against him, it was all just in jest (or solidarity because Bruce was your husband). He was let in pretty quickly. Mostly to avoid questions from the nosey couple who’d been staying in the room next to yours for the past three days. 

He stood around awkwardly while you watched him from the seat next to the room’s microwave, posture screaming Clark Kent, journalist, even though he looked like Superman, world-know superhero. 

“I’m, uh -” he started after you stared at him hard, wordlessly willing him to speak, “- I’m worried. I think you should go back to Gotham soon. To Bruce, specifically.” 

“And why’s that?” He looked at you like you’d just said you had Kryptonite in your pocket. 

“Because you’re in trouble.” 

“I’m here in Metropolis, I’m with you right now, I couldn’t be in less trouble if I tried.” 

“You know I have super hearing.” he said sheepishly. It was like he was telling his Ma he ran over her peonies with a bicycle. You put two and two together quickly though. 

“You’ve been spying on me?” 

“For me!” He said, stepping back with his palms towards the sky, “I feel better about not telling Bruce if I know what’s going on with you.” 

“And so what part of your spying brought you here tonight?” Both your arms and legs crossed, you could tell from his face he didn't mean for you to get so offensive so quickly. 

“You were talking to Harley Quinn?” 

“Oh that,” you scoffed with a wave of your hand, “Even Bruce does that. She’s not so bad. Taught me how to roller-skate you know.” 

“About the Joker?” 

“That happens often when my husband is being a pain in my ass,” you said, “Reminds me he could be much, much worse.” Clark motioned his head - ‘fair’, but then he returned serious once more. This time it wasn’t a question. 

“You said you were going to kill him.” 

You knew he couldn’t read your mind, but he could hear how your heartbeat picked up. He had to know you knew you’d been caught. He sat down on the edge of the bed, waiting for your answer in the most approachable way he knew in that moment. 

“I’d be doing everyone a favor.” 

“Bruce - I don’t know what he’d do. He could hate you.” 

“I’m sure he hates me right now anyway.” 

“You can’t believe that,” Clark said, looking up at you with blue eyes that almost looked like Bruce’s. “You don’t really believe he hates you right now?” You took a great interest in the patterned carpet. Clark said your name, and you reluctantly looked back at him. 

“He misses you.” 

“I miss my son.” You bit back at him bitterly. His face remained hard. This was suddenly no longer Clark. You were talking to Superman now. 

“I’m not sure how to say this kindly,” Clark said with a firm voice, “But you’re so focused on the child you lost that you’re abandoning the one that’s still here. Bruce misses you, but Dick misses you even more. He doesn’t need to lose another Mom.” 

His stare was hard, stubborn - he wasn’t going to let up. Your stare was hard too - sour and angry, not because you didn't believe him, but because you knew how right he was. 

“I think you can leave now.”

Two weeks later, after a late night grocery run that consisted mostly of chicken noodle cups and instant coffee, you found a lump of black sitting in the dark with its back against the door of your room. 

Clark told Bruce. 

He didn’t seem to notice your approach, but once you stood toe-to-toe with his polished Oxford shoes, you kicked his leg. 

“Get up.” 

His head of messy hair lifted, and when his brain fully processed you - his wife, finally! - standing before him, he almost jumped to his feet. Uncharacteristic of him outside his prior - and now ditched - playboy persona. 

He breathed your name, stepping forward with hands outstretched as if to hug you. You took a step back. Clark, apparently hadn’t told him everything - if he had, he was taking it very, very well. 

“Where’s Dick?” 

“With Alfred,” he said, hands falling to his sides again after you hummed in acknowledgment. You both stood in silence for a while, before you gestured to a door with a full hand. He got the hint, stepping away, then taking the bags away from one hand as you fumbled for your keys. 

The quiet continued as you let yourselves in, you sat the shopping on the bench, and he made himself at home at the table near the door. You sat back down in the microwave chair, the furthest place from him you could be while still staying in the room. 

“Been keeping busy, Bruce?” you asked, he turned to fully face you in his seat. 

“Not really,” he said, “I’ve been looking for you. Never thought you’d be here,” You almost smiled, thinking about how right you were for coming here. Almost. 

“Heard you went to Saudi Arabia while I’ve been gone.” 

“It was nothing. Really.” 

“You couldn’t have been looking too hard if you were able to take a ‘nothing, really’ trip to the Arabian Mountains.” 

“I’m not here to fight with you,” Bruce said, resting a palm on his knee, “I’m here to ask you to come home. We all miss you.” his last words came out very quietly. “It’s been months. Nothings going to get easier if you stay away.” 

“Are you listening to yourself?” you said with a soft scoff, “He who literally spent every single night after Jason died away from home. He who spends every moment he can down in a dark damp cave rather than with his family - I don’t think you get to tell me where I should be.” You felt tears well in your eyes - hot and fat if they fell, but you willed yourself not to let them. Bruce’s shoulders softened, and he stood and walked closer slowly, coming to kneel before you with his fingers just touching yours. 

“We both haven’t been doing well, have we?” his head shook and his voice was barely audible. It was like he was speaking to himself. His admission - finally, his own pride and stubbornness aside, and it made yours disappear like dust in the wind. 

“You need to see my bathroom,” you said. His head cocked, a sly smile twitched onto his lips. 

“Oh?” he said, “And what might I find there?” But you weren’t smiling. You were trying to be honest.

“Just go look.” you said, turning away from him, bringing your hand away. Telling him with your actions that you weren’t going to be talking until he did. 

He stood, opening the bathroom door behind you and flicking on the light. You could feel how still he was. Taking in the room, and what was inside it. 

All across the mirror and walls were taped up newspaper clippings and photos and articles printed off from the library, old and new, a few of him - Batman - but most of the Joker. Beside the toilet was a case - one he knew would hold parts of a rifle (parts he'd seen you pull apart and put back together in a minute flat) - and across the sink were knives and gun magazines. 

Bruce stepped off the carpet and onto the tile. There was a little list in the center of the mirror, written in red and with the last line underlined.

‘Kill the Joker’. 

When he returned to you, he was holding the list in one hand. 

“When were you planning on doing this?” he asked. You weren’t able to meet his eyes when you answered. 

“Whenever I go back to Gotham.” His body went rigid beside you. Audibly, he let out a breath.

“I’ve thought about it too. Just getting rid of him like that.” he admitted, voice quiet and with a rough edge, “But I know it won’t help. It won’t bring him back.” 

“This isn’t about bringing him back. If I knew it could bring Jason back I’d have done it weeks ago.” You looked up at Bruce as you spoke, watching as his face crinkled in disbelief. 

“You’re so serious about this.” 

“How could you still think I’m not serious?” you said, standing to help convince yourself you weren’t as unsure as you felt. “I will do it. A time will come when that monster dies - wherever it is I will be standing by watching.” 

He watched you. Analyzing your face and the way your eyes moved. His face set like stone, hard and sure and you knew he was much more upset now having found out than what he was when you were missing. He took a step back. 

Bruce was moving towards the door. 

“I won’t stop you. I couldn’t bear to.” he turned, hand on the door handle, “But Batman still will.”

As far as you knew, you’d made it back into Gotham City undetected. 

You knew the route’s Bruce - no - Batman, took while out on patrol. You knew the surveillance he constantly would check. You knew because for years you’d helped him do it all. 

Thankfully, you had a not-so-little little helper - Joker assassination aside, Harley was more than happy to put you up for a while. After you’d killed Joker you’d planned to turn tail and leave again - maybe hide someplace in Australia where no one barely goes. It wasn’t like you had to put up with her long anyway. 

Harley was great, but you’d have to love her a whole lot to live with her longer than a week. But you weren’t planning to stay that long. 

You’d tracked Joker to an apartment complex near Arkham - you knew he wouldn’t stay there forever, so you needed to act fast. 

Your weapons of choice were clean and ready to go, your escape routes A through to D were memorized, a hood and bandana combo were acquired to hide your identity long enough for no one around to know it was you. By all means and definitions you were ready to go. 

You left Harley’s place wordlessly. You were sure she didn’t even know you left. 

A cloak and the shadows of night concealed you from most passersby. Slowly, slowly you stalked towards where you knew the Joker to be. When you climbed the fire escape to find your vantage point, you almost didn’t make it all the way there because you saw Him. 

Sitting, lounging. Acting like there was not a single thing in the world to worry about. It made you so angry you could scream, claw your eyes out, you could do so many things all because that man couldn’t care less about your son dying. 

In fact, you didn’t make it to your original vantage point. 

You settled right there, three levels lower than planned, and took the rifle off your shoulder. Clipping on the scope, twisting the silencer on, packing the magazine in. Settled your body into a comfortable position, then raised the gun to look at your target through the scope. 

With greasy green hair and yellow teeth, you watched him smile through the crosshairs. With a sneer you flicked the safety off. You were ready to take the shot.

A flash of red, green and yellow came in front of the Joker. You frowned, confused. Pulling the scope back you looked again with a wider range and saw something that made your heart drop. Someone was tied up and presented to him like a present. 

The Joker had Robin. 

Your Robin. Your son. Your Dick Grayson. 

Suddenly this was more than just a chance to avenge Jason. A switch flicked inside your heart. This wasn’t a chance to avenge Jason anymore; this was you, saving the son you had left. This was you not giving that monster the chance to keep you in black. 

The lethal rifle was ditched right there on the fire escape, not caring if a lowlife found it before you could return. The knives you’d stashed - ‘just in case’ - were now your swords. Their piercing blades becoming the only thing shielding those who stood in your way a feral beating from bare fists. 

No one was standing in your way of taking Dick home safely. 

Your veins pumped white hot, you saw red all over. This was not going to happen a second time. It wasn’t ever going to happen again. 

A goon at the door stood in your way, he was met with a knee to the crotch and a wound to his shoulder to keep him down. More on the stairs were thrown over bannisters. One had his head smashed into the doorway of the Joker’s apartment. Another was given a hard elbow to the back of his neck. 

You weren’t aiming to kill - you were aiming to get them out of your way, and keep them that way. 

When you reached the room which window you saw through, there were only four other people aside from yourself, your son, and that murdering bastard. They all stayed quiet, goons waiting on a call to action from their boss. You missed the way Dick’s eyes widened as he realised his Mom was here. You were busy staring down the Joker, trying to make him feel just how much pure hate you had for him without a single word. 

“Give me Robin,” you said, voice low, venomous. Dangerous. 

“Well if you want him so bad, and since you asked nicely,” His smile spread wide and uncanny. “Come and get him.” 

So you did. 

Like a blur of back and blue, you had all four men either out cold or groaning on the floor. The Joker himself was under your kneeling form with his teeth now stained red and an eyes swollen shut. 

“Listen well because I’ll only say it once.” You said, your hand a rough fist in his hair to make sure he looked into your eyes and saw exactly how much of a threat your promise was. 

“I spared your life today. I will never do it again. I am not the Batman. The next time I find you trying to pull something with one of my Robin’s and you see me coming you'd better run the other way because I will kill you.”

After untying Dick, retrieving your abandoned gear, and throwing Joker into Arkham, you reconvened with Dick on a nearby rooftop. 

You barely stood upright on two legs before he barreled into you, arms thrown around your waist with his face squished right into your collarbone. He’d grown taller in the time you’d been away. You felt tears fall as your arms wrapped around him in kind. 

“I’ve missed you Mom.” he mumbled into your shirt, “Please don’t go away again. Please.” 

A hand raised to the back of his head as you pressed your covered nose into his hair. You took a deep breath with your eyes closed, then opened them, peeling you both apart just enough to take in each other's faces. Even with his mask on you could see how much he was pleading with you to stay.

You brushed his hair away from his face - he needed a haircut soon. 

You wanted to stay, you never wanted to leave him ever again, not after tonight. But would Bruce let you? 

Out the corner of your eye you saw a black drop fall onto the rooftop a little ways off. Batman. He stood, tall and intimidating. In that moment you had half a mind to take a step back even though he made no move closer to you. 

Instead you just held Dick a little tighter. 

Bruce's hand reached out to you, palm open, outstretched, and empty. Waiting for you to take it. 

“I think we can go home now.” he said, “We all can.” Like that, Batman disappeared. Bruce was here. You guessed he bluffed - when it came to you Bruce was always there. 

Things were not going to go back to normal. They weren’t for a while. But the best thing you could do was stay together, all together. As a family. 

Nothing was going to push that away from you again. 

- And all those Ills which thou so long hast mourn'd;

#the adventures of batmom #bruce wayne x reader #bruce wayne x batmom #batman x reader #jason todd x batmom #dick grayson x batmom

[i-write-sometimes-maybe]

Unbearable- Lesso X Never!Reader

Synopsis: It’s the final battle, and it all seems to go according to plan, but plans change.

Warnings: Hurt/No Comfort, reader can see/communicate with the dead, mentions of death/dying, talks of slaughter though no descriptions really used.

Word Count: 1.3k

A/n: This may not be the saddest most heart wrenching H/NC, but I can guarantee some of y’all will still be mad at me lol, I love you guys! And if this does well I might do a part two with a better/alternative ending.?

© This is my work, you have no right to repost my work for any reason without my explicit permission, all rights reserved.

☁︎︎☁︎︎☁︎︎☁︎︎☁︎︎☁︎︎☁︎︎☁︎︎☁︎︎☁︎︎☁︎︎☁︎︎☁︎︎☁︎︎☁︎︎☁︎︎☁︎︎☁︎︎☁︎︎☁︎︎☁︎︎☁︎︎☁︎︎☁︎︎☁︎︎☁︎︎

"And I shall slaughter you, just as I did her." You saw red whenever this man spoke, and you knew he was just trying to get under your skin.

Rafal had his arms outstretched, a wicked smile on his face.

As a Never, you adored the thought of Evil winning. But the way he treated your friends and your love, you'd do everything in your power to be sure that he doesn't walk the Earth.

But you knew something he didn't, you had the Excalibur. You smiled inwardly at the way his aggravating smirk faded as you revealed the sword.

It took everything within you to defeat Rafal. You had nearly collapsed from his strength, but you needed to prevail. Not for you, but you needed to win for Lesso. You needed her to know that love fights for you, not with you.

Ironically, you felt as if you could finally breathe once Rafal was lying on the floor, abdomen sliced open all thanks to you.

You were hunched over, the pain from your wounds and the absence of breath in your lungs was almost overwhelming. But you noticed something, something that helped you ignore it all.

You looked up to see the redhead, the amazing fierce Dean of Evil, looking around the disarrayed room before her eyes finally landed on you.

"We did it." Your words did nothing to hide the breathlessness and exhaustion you were feeling.

"No, you did it." She clarified.

You stood up and began walking to her as she made no attempts to walk towards you, "I'm so glad to see you. Everything I do, I do for you."

She smiled softly, "I wish there was a way to thank you for all you've done for me."

You looked in her eyes, "I just want to leave with you, to go anywhere but here."

"Darling-"

"We can now, we can do it! We can go and live our lives together."

"No, we can't."

You were beyond confused, to say the least, "What? Why not?"

"Darling, I'm not... I'm not here."

"No... NO! YOU CAN'T LEAVE ME. Where- where are you?" You stuttered as the realization hit you.

You knew your power was to be able to see and communicate with the dead, but you never thought it would be as cruel as it was to play this trick on you.

"I'm just in the corridor, I was on my way to you-"

You didn't let her finish as you ran out to her. You kept running, not caring that you still hadn't caught your breath and certainly not caring about your sore body.

You kept running until you saw a familiar figure, lifeless on the corridor floor. Your lip instantly quivered as tears silently fell down your face.

You slowly crept closer, afraid of the reality laid before you. But then she reappeared next to you.

You desperately wanted to face her, to see her as you remembered her but that's not fair. You knew that wasn't how things would get to be.

"I never wanted to leave you like this."

You couldn't believe that Rafal had actually spoken the truth, the cruel truth that you never wanted to face.

You were frozen in your spot, only just a few steps away, staring at what was once your lover. Her spirit beside you, broken at seeing how destroyed you currently are.

"Please, say something," Lesso pleaded, never has she seen you so defeated, so hurt, so lost at what to do.

But you knew just what had to be done.

"I have no other choice."

Lesso was confused but remained silent to watch you continue.

You hesitantly kneeled beside her, your heart breaking all over again as you saw her pale face even paler than you've seen before. No emotions to be found on her face, at this moment, your decision was solidified.

You pushed a strand of hair out of her face, placing it gingerly behind her ear.

Her spirit watched on, knowing she couldn't do anything to console you. She tried with words, but she knew that hearing her words while seeing her in the way she was, meant nothing.

You placed one of your hands on her head, and the other on her chest above her heart. The spirit's confusion only grew.

"What, what are you doing?" Lesso started to feel funny, watching as your eyes closed to stay focused.

"I never told you the extent of my powers." You spoke in just a whisper, knowing she'd vehemently disapprove of your move.

"Okay? You can tell me."

"I can not only communicate and see the dead..." You started to feel woozy, though you weren't in perfect health at the beginning of this you still knew it would work. "I can bring someone back from the dead as well."

"There's-" Lessos spirit felt woozy as well, almost as if she were glitching, and that's when she saw her body twitch the slightest bit. "There's something you're not telling me."

You sighed, not stopping this ritual, "I can only bring back one."

"W-why would you only be able to bring back one?" Though her spirit was fading, her body was getting stronger, it was clear to you both.

Just as it was clear to her that you were fading even more, more than her spirit was and faster than she seemed to.

"Because," Your breathing was labored and your body was feeling heavy. "It's your life, for mine."

Lesso's spirit kept fading and fading fast. But you didn't mind as you saw her body grow stronger.

"Then stop! Don't, please don't do this. It's not worth it!" If Lesso's spirit could cry, it would be balling.

"I don't want to live if I don't get to live a life with you."

Just as you collapsed on the ground beside your lover, her Spirit vanished and her eyes opened.

It all happened so fast, yet it's as if it were in slow motion.

Just as Lesso finally had the strength to sit up and take probably the deepest breath she'll ever manage, she looked over to you, her freshly beating heartbreaking at the sight of you.

Now, you were the lifeless one. Body limp on the ground with flushed features. Your heart no longer pumping, lungs no longer breathing.

"That was so stupid! Why, why would you do that for me?!" Lesso wanted to be angry with you, wanted to be mad at your decision. But she also knew that if she could, she would've done the same thing for you.

Lesso moved closer to you, her heartbreaking down to dust while feeling how rapidly your body was going cold. Though she was still weak, she still found the strength to pull you up on her lap.

"No... you can't leave me too. I can't do this without you. I don't know how..." She's holding your lifeless body, frozen in time.

She mimicked the same move you did, brushing some loose strands of hair from your face. She felt shattered, so broken her body couldn't bring itself to make tears, to make a sound. She wasn't only broken, she was frozen. She didn't look away from your face, not once.

Not when she felt residual pain from her injuries. Not when people came in to see the damage done. Not when Dovey came in to count the survivors and gasped upon seeing her friend entirely a shell of who she once was.

Nothing could take her attention from you.

Nothing else matters.

Not now, not without you.

She is but a bird without a nest, without you. Without you, she has no place, no home, and nowhere she truly belongs anymore.

🝮🝮🝮🝮🝮🝮🝮🝮🝮🝮🝮🝮🝮🝮🝮🝮🝮🝮🝮🝮🝮🝮🝮🝮🝮🝮🝮🝮🝮

Taglist: @inlovewithgreta @v3nusxsky @just-your-casual-nerd @bigolgay @hxzxrdous @pebbleswritessometimes @i-like-reading @scream-queenlover @darkth1ngs @sgelessoanddoveykissing

#hurt/no comfort #character death #fanfic #oneshot #charlize theron #lady lesso #lady lesso x reader #sapphic #leonora lesso #leonora lesso x reader #soft lady lesso #lesso x reader #lesso x dovey #lady leonora lesso

[prince-kallisto]

Hassel and Baxcalibur Analysis

This has been bugging me for a while, and I won’t be surprised if there’s already a post like this. But Hassel’s eyes are so interesting! There are several shots that specifically zoom in on his eyes

His eyes are incredibly detailed compared to the average Pokémon eyes; the ombré effect is very stunning. Fiery, almost. It fits well with the background of his skills. Even though he’s a lovable, emotional art grandpa, there’s power that goes generations back. But I can’t help but notice his Baxcalibur, the leader of his team in the Elite Four battle.

The eye markings and color are remarkably similar! I don’t know if there’s a deeper significance or if it’s a design choice to connect these two together; but the eyes were the first sign of a deliberate connection between Hassel and Baxcalibur, and I find this rabbit hole to be quite interesting!

The TCG cards for the Baxcalibur line really stunned me, in the best way possible!

These cards are gorgeous! They’ve been outdoing themselves with the card art. I don’t know what these cards could be referencing, but they seem to be very abstract and artistic. Perhaps something else connect Baxcalibur and Hassel together?

What really intrigued me was Hassel’s connection to “royalty.”

His Friendship Quest reveals that he came from a long line of prestigious Dragon-type Trainers. He was supposed to be the next head of the family, but he ran away from this pre-chosen ‘destiny.’ He is the heir, so to speak.

In all of his battles, Hassel makes more references to royalty. He refers to himself as ‘a dragon,’ and later says that only a dragon deserves a throne. When he terastallizes his Baxcalibur in the E4 battle, he refers to the Tera Jewel as a ‘crown.’

Looking as Baxcalibur’s name, it is a reference to Excalibur, a legendary sword in Arthurian legend. It is said that the one who wields the sword will become the great king of Britain, which in the legends, was King Arthur. Seeing the deliberate connection between Baxcalibur and Hassel, it seems like Hassel was supposed to be this ‘King Arthur’ of his family. He was supposed to lead his family to greatness.

The Japanese name for Baxcalibur (Seglaive) also intrigued me. Seglaive seems to be derived from ‘glaive,’ a European polearm weapon. I thought I reached a dead end with this one, as I couldn’t find anything interesting with glaives. But then looking into it, the polearm subclass of weapons used to be fashioned from farming equipment. Looking at it, it really is a stick with a knife on the end. Due to this, it was the preferred weapon of farmers and in peasant rebellions. Hassel’s storyline is literally rebelling against his inheritance because it’s not his dream.

(Edit: I want to think this is a purposeful connection, because Baxcalibur’s back spines look nothing like a glaive or gladius xD maybe I’m on to something)

This last point may be a stretch (but when is it not when it comes to me haha) but Baxcalibur seems to be inspired by kaiju, strange beasts in Japanese media. Kaiju are often humanoid in shape and stand upright because a human needs to fit inside the kaiju costume. The first kaiju film is considered to be 1954’s Godzilla, directed by Ishirō Honda. Godzilla is known to be the King of the Monsters.

I think some sort of metaphor can come out of this, with Hassel’s family trying to force him into the role of the Dragon-type heir, as if the role was a kaiju costume.

Haha I went farther down the rabbit hole than I expected; this was initially supposed to be about the eyes! Seriously though, I’m a huge defender of how much love was put into this game, and it’s a shame that it was rushed. These characters have a lot of depth. I definitely stretched some points, but I think some of this still holds water. There’s a deliberate connection between Baxcalibur and Hassel, and I hope to see more of them in the upcoming DLCs! ^_^

#Pokemon hassel #Hassel #elite four Hassel #pokemon #pokemon scarvi #baxcalibur #hassaku #pokemon hassaku #kallistopost

[queerofthedagger]

I'm really curious about the Uther things you mentioned?

Ahh hey! Yeah I can talk on that a bit (for context, I think I said that I do find his character intriguing and that my opinion on him has evolved quite a bit, influenced by mostly disagreeing with what a lot of people tend to say?)

So the thing about Uther is that I feel people tend to either go "He's evil, everything he does at any given time is evil, I hate him and there is nothing more to it," or they go "Oh but he loved his children!!!" in a kind of, redeeming-quality-kind of sense. I'm somewhat hyperbolizing, of course, but I do think fandom tends to a very black and white view.

Don't get me wrong, I hate Uther. I hate Uther with a burning passion, and I love to hate him. He's terrible. But I do think the show actually did go to quite an effort to make him complex beyond a simple "tyrannical son of a bitch" (that he was) or "Oh okay but he loved Ygraine and his kids 🥺" (which he did!).

Of course he is terrible. He murdered hundreds if not thousands of people over the guilt he could not bear to live with, that was, in the first place, the consequence of his own actions. I do believe he didn't know that the price would be Ygraine's life; he was still willing to sacrifice someone's life. Which is very Uther. Yes, at the root of that lies grief, and at the root of grief lies love, but the thing (and also imo the crux of Uther's character) is that being capable of loving people doesn't somehow, magically (ha. sorry) make you less of a bad person.

Terrible people can love other people. In fact, I think you'd be hard-pressed to find people no matter how atrocious their actions, who don't have people they love. And most people don't set out to "do something evil;" Uther, in all his atrocities, always had justifications to himself.

I think it says a lot that despite the brutal war he wrought, he was by and large not considered a bad king, per se, by his people and allies. We could dismiss all those instances where the show makes a point to reiterate this as fear of speaking up - and I'm not saying that didn't play a part - but I think that's making it too easy. There is a whole other essay on propaganda and how the war on magic worked, but I'll get to that another time. My main point is that, as uncomfortable as the thought may be considering just what horrors he wrought, he wasn't a frothing, mad bag full of cartoonish evil.

That doesn't mean that he "wasn't that bad, really." Which kind of brings me to the other side of things, the way people like to throw "Well, but he loved his kids," into the mix as a kind of. I don't know, counterpoint to the "tyrannical son of a bitch" side. And like, the thing is, he did. The thing is, that doesn't change a thing.

Yeah, Uther loved both Arthur and Morgana. We see enough proof of that through the seasons, whether it's in the Excalibur Episode where he fights in Arthur's stead at any cost, or in Le Morte d'Arthur where he openly weeps, or with Morgana in various instances to a degree where some people think he loved her more (and again, yet another essay on how his love for Arthur is tangled up so much in his guilt and the hatred that caused, but I digresss), not least in how her 'betrayal' broke him.

Ultimately, though, he also put Arthur in harm's way again and again. He certainly rarely ever told him he loved him, to the point where Arthur is shocked to hear it. He puts his children in chains and locks them away and drugs them and threatens them in all manners, he lies to them and hides the truth from them (Ygraine/Morgana's parentage in the first place) to the detriment of their well-being, and so on. His love is conditional. His love demands obedience and submission. We could argue until we're blue if that's really love in the first place, but at the end of the day, it doesn't really matter all that much.

People can love other people, and it can be entirely inconsequential, because frankly, most parents love/"love" their kids. That doesn't mean they're automatically good parents, or even good people. In Uther's case it really isn't a redeeming quality at all. It just makes him complex and interesting and multi-dimensional as the villain/antagonist. Because it makes us grapple with the really very unfortunate but inevitable fact that even terrible people are still people. They aren't some removed monster that no one can ever relate to. They love and they laugh and grieve, and they can still turn around and burn people in their frontyard on the daily without missing a beat. They can be willing to die for their children and threaten violence and exile in the next breath.

I think with Uther, at the end of the day, for me it's really both. His atrocities started out of love, and his love is steeped, inevitably, in the violence and twisted moral framework of his character; it's not an either/or thing at all, it depends on each other. And he is a goddamn son of a bitch, of course, even if every once in a bluemoon he still sheds honest tears for his unfortunate children.

#answered asks #mona rambles #tansyuduri #bbcm #merlin meta #uther pendragon #this got so long and I'm not even sure it's super coherent but yk. feel free to ask clarifying questions if you wanna lmao <3 #mona's rambling

[aloekat]

giving pokemon teams to d20 characters!

The Unsleeping City S1 & S2

pt 2/?

part 1 || part 2

second verse same as the first, check out part one for my guidelines on how i made the teams! short version is only 4 pokemon per team, no repeats, and little to no shinies or legendaries

fun fact the unsleeping city was actually the first season i thought of pokemon for, and why i started to make teams in the first place!

i also like unsleeping city a uhhh a lot less than fantasy high so my fantasy high picks (part 1) are a lot more thought out and maybe cooler than these picks but hey i'm still happy with these!

oh also unsleeping ch. 1 and 2 spoilers ahead of course :]

Sophia

Purugly - symbolizing La Gran Gata! also it just feels like Sophia would have this pokemon it fits her Vibe

Furfrou (Heart Trim) - she is a hair stylist!! of course she would have the hair stylized dog!!! she mainly keeps her as the heart trim but it doesnt 100 percent always stay that way

Mienshao - cool and cute monk pokemon for obvious reasons lol

Raticate - represents kugrash after he dies(?). shockingly the raticate and purugly get along well, and are actually pretty nice with each other

Ricky

Boltund - there’s no dalmatian pokemon (which there should be maybe) so this is the closest i got to representing Ox! boltunds are VERY fast though so it still works lol

Blastoise - what better pokemon to have as a fireman than a giant water tank? probably got a squirtle when he was young and it evolved as he grew up :]

Kleavor - represents the fireman ax he carried

Machamp - Ricky is all about exercise so naturally i gave him the super buff pokemon. they probably train together and like do pushups or whatever fit people do

Kingston

Dachsbun - representing both the dog he gets in season 2 along with bagels in general, which seems to be a symbol for him (see the vox populi pin)

Drampa - similar to how i imagine the dragon of bleaker’s street would look, it also just feels like an old man of a pokemon (which kingston is)

Blissey - i like to imagine doctors/nurses get blisseys once they like are hired in healthcare to help their trainers with the patients (and also blisseys are absolute TANKS in terms of defense)

Magnezone - Kingston did that cool tech shutdown/takeover thing in one of the season one battles at the stock market and i thought that was cool. and also it fits because Vibes

Misty / Rowan

Gardevoir - a beautiful pokemon that always looks youthful, just like Rowan

Primarina - a singing pokemon that wouldve helped Misty practice her singing for plays

Meloetta - same reason, a singing pokemon lol

Scream Tail - rather than a standard Jigglypuff i would like to imagine an ancient thousand year old one was much more interesting! it also ties to Rowan's reincarnation thing she has goin' on

Iga

Goodra - a dragon to represent the storybook dragon inside of the chest she has! i didn’t do charizard because i saved that one for a future season team (take a guess who)

Gimmighoul - a chest pokemon because. she. she has a chest thats very important to her. yeah!!!

Perrserker - pure vibes i just feel she would have this pokemon lol

Hatterene - also mostly vibes, she Is a psychic so it works but yeah she gets a hatterene because i say so

Kugrash

Rapidash (Galarian) - unicorn totem

Unfezant (Male) - spicy pigeon totem

Ladyba - juicy cockroach totem (i didn’t do kricketune because i want to use it for a later team. can you again guess who)

Arceus - our first true legendary! kugrash literally becomes omnipotent so you know what he can have pokemon god on his team

Cody

Aegislash (Shiny) - it’s literally The sword pokemon of course Cody would have one. it’s shiny because if he spent a long time growing his real sword collection he can spend a long time finding a shiny. also it’s black and red like Thirsting Blade Dark Excalibur Mega Genesis

Grimmsnarl - the most emo pokemon ive ever seen so of course Cody gets it. as a treat

Houndoom - “but aloe why didn’t you give this to Fig?!” shshhhshshhhh. listen my sweet child. houndoom is for the emo boys. which Cody is. and also also it parallels the other paladin on the team, Ricky, and his dog pokemon, Boltund. does that make sense….

Corviknight - emo pokemon #3 on the team. also knight means sword so in a roundabout way it’s another sword related pokemon

Pete

Polteageist - Pete has a teapot in his official art and while yes. it is blue and so is the non-shiny form i think purple in general fits Pete a LOT more than blue so here we are lol

Musharna - literally the dream pokemon this was an easy peasy pick and very obvious

Hypno - another dream-like pokemon but much more scary to maybe represent a sort of nightmare compared to the sweeter dreams from Musharna

Vivillion (Garden Pattern) - representing Luna his green butterfly familiar! i feel like everyone (including the PCs) forget Luna exists and it makes me a little sad :(

=====

that's all for this new york team! i plan on doing a crown of candy next :]

have any suggestions or changes you would make? let me know i would love to hear your takes on the teams :D!

#unsleeping city #the unsleeping city #dimension 20 #d20 #d20 the unsleeping city #the unsleeping city chapter 2 #sophia lee #ricky matsui #kingston brown #misty moore #rowan berry #iga lisowski #kugrash #cody walsh #pete the plug #pete conlan #pokemon #pokemon team #aloe.txt

[reginaldqueribundus]

be bo-katan

look for mandalorian excalibur to reunite your scattered people

help out some dumbass getting jumped by fishermen

he has the nicest armour you've ever seen in your life and drives an absolute piece of shit spaceship

hardcore religious nutjob tho, gets all weird when you & your gf take your helmets off in front of him

get him to help steal some shit, dude's pretty handy in a fight

offer him a job but he turns you down, he's busy looking for a daycare for his magical gremlin baby

send him to go find some chick who beat your ass 20 years ago got kicked out of magic school and is probably dead

drinking at the bar a couple weeks later

same guy walks in with fucking goddamn boba fett and says you gotta help rescue his kid from the fucker who stole excalibur

agree to go on dangerous mission so you can get excalibur

he gets excalibur by accident even though he doesn't want it or know how to use it

almost get killed by robots

your posse & your gf leave you bcuz no excalibur

feelsbadman

sulk in your palace for a year

fundy weirdo shows up, says he has to climb down a wet hole on your home planet for religious reasons

give him directions and threaten to shoot him if you ever see him again

his kid lands on your doorstep next day like Lassie telling you someone's in the well

drive him back to the homeworld and find mr single dad getting his ass kicked and his blood stolen

rescue him

he still wants to go get baptized or whatever, falls in the water like a total dipshit and almost drowns

rescue him again

imperials blow up your sweet mansion

weirdo says he has a place where you guys can lay low

now you've accidentally joined a cult

#bo katan kryze #the mandalorian #the mandalorian s3 spoilers #din djarin #greentext #a post by me™ #star wars #100

[albentelisa]

Hello ☺️

I know you've done general Jim, jlaire, and troll dad Blinky headcanons, but do you have any specific to the new timeline and even beyond? I love all of your ask posts btw, such fantastic Au's and our hc generally almost always align!

Hi!

Thanks for your kind words ❤ ❤ ❤

My oldest headcanon about the new timeline exists since July, 21, 2021 (when I wrote this oneshot https://archiveofourown.org/works/32729335 ). This one is that Jim keeps the new amulet and Excalibur in the new timeline.

My other headcanons about the new timeline and beyond were build through the two and half years (a lot of stuff keeps expanding, to be honest).

So here's my really long post about the happy ending for everyone.

Jim has managed to make everything right in this timeline, even with some stuff he didn't predict (like Enrique was still kidnapped - it just happened on a different date).

Everyone in the new timelines has these odd hunches about things they experienced in the first timeline. Like Claire having some odd attraction to Jim, Blinky being fatherly to Jim, and Barbara getting random thoughts that Strickler might be inhuman. Toby has it the worst as he can't help but think that everything is not his adventure and that Jim would be a better hero.

Because of hunches both Claire and Barbara find out the truth way earlier.

However, Toby is the first who realize that Jim somehow knows about all the incoming events. Jim has no choice but to confess about the time travel. He keeps the details from everyone though, especially those that might cause complications.

Jim brings Douxie into the team before the final encounter with Bular. Claire requests Douxie to become her magic teacher once she joins and he agrees.

Aja, Krel, and Varvatos join once they arrive on Earth.

Draal lives. Vendel is injured but also survives.

Angor gets his soul back this time. He isn't happy with Strickler but decides to let it go per Jim's request.

Toby spares Bular (much to Jim's shock). Bular starts to live in Toby's house, trying to reconsider his ways. Initially, Draal watches his actions and they eventually become friends.

Morgana fails to possess Claire. She possesses Angor instead.

Strickler manages to convince some changelings to switch sides, so more changelings survive.

Jim doesn't allow Merlin to transform anyone into a half-troll. He shows Merlin Excalibur (leaving the latter speechless), so Merlin begrudgingly agrees to try Jim's plan first.

After Gunmar's death, Bular inherits Decimaar and uses it to liberate all the trolls his father controlled.

Jim and Claire talk Morgana into trying to give co-existence a second chance. She isn't convinced fully but agrees to wait.

The residents of the Trollmarket never go to New Jersey, which means that Aja and Krel have more people to help them.

Jim is deadset on never letting anyone be hit with an onyx shard. He ends up taking the hit for Claire - only to discover that it has no effect on him (as Excalibur cannot harm his owner and Jim is technically another owner because of the time paradox).

Merlin isn't happy to learn that the Green Knight is actually King Arthur. The same goes for Morgana, but she blames Merlin for her brother ending that way.

Merlin finally realizes that he has been too stubborn all the time, refusing to see other options. He uses all his magic to seal Bellroc and Skrael and entrusts Douxie with leading the new king of Camelot.

AND NOW TO BEYOND

Jim is technically the King of Camelot now, which makes him rather uncomfortable at first. However, with Douxie's encouragement, he realizes that more than an authority figure, he's King of knights, a noble protector of both humanity and magical beings, and the first among equals.

Claire continues with her magical studies, fully determined to prove that shadowmancy isn't always evil and can bring much good to this world. She consults a lot with Morgana, even though she still considers Douxie her teacher.

Toby is still this timeline's Trollhunter but lately, he mostly deals with small errands from Bagdwella and other trolls. He doesn't mind as it feels a lot like vacation after everything the team has gone through.

Blinky succeeds Vendel as the leader of Trollmarket. He thinks about bringing some reform to the Tribunal and some obsolete traditions, thinking that trolls should start a new page in their history.

Aaarrrgghh always helps Blinky in his endeavors, but he protects peace in Arcadia. He's much like a local celebrity and kids love him.

Mary and Darci start a blog about various magical creatures, trying to show humans that the supernatural isn't that harmful. Mary also tries to date a troll at some point. It doesn't work, but only because of personality differences, not because their species are too different.

Barbara returns to drawing. Strickler uses some of his connections to promote her art a bit. Surprisingly, Barbara's art becomes really popular.

After some consideration, Strickler opens the school where different creatures, aliens, and humans can exchange their culture. He takes over as a principal and also teaches human history. Blinky comes over for troll history lessons, and when Claire is older she starts to teach Human World Literature there.

Eli is still the Earth ambassador at Akiridion-5, he's rather popular there. Eli is also the one who proposes the start of technological exchange with the Earth. Due to his efforts, Earth's technical progress is busted tremendously.

Steve the head of New Camelot Knights. However, eventually, once he is sure that everything is peaceful on Earth, he moves to Akiridion-5 to support Aja and help Eli. Even though Steve is officially married to Aja, he isn't that accepted at Akiridion-5 as it is technically breaking traditions. This time Aja informs him about all the nuances of akiridion reproduction. They still have kids, but only once both ready and consented to that.

Aja has a lot of stuff to solve, dealing with all the consequences of her parents' rule. She brings in lots of reforms and eventually limits her own authority, taking over the role of the main Akiridion-5 protector, while leaving everything else to those more fitting for it.

Krel moves to Earth, becoming Akiridion-5 ambassador and trying to popularize interstellar travels and exchange. He also has a side career as DJ Kleb.

Varvatos retires and starts living with Nana. Toby calls him granpa, which he doesn't like.

Douxie and Zoe go on the world tour with ADP once the world destruction is prevented. Claire, Mary, and Darci join them as Mama Skull.

Douxie opens his own cafe together with Jim. While they both are co-owners, Douxie enjoys taking over as a waiter occasionally, while Jim often cooks. It's the place where every creature is welcome, and well the Guardians often use it as their gathering spot.

Nomura becomes the leader of changelings who wish to return to troll society. Draal helps her a lot to fight for acceptance and against prejudices. They claim each other as mates, which causes an uproar in some circles. Even though both claim to be disastrous parents, they are great once they have their own kids.

Vendel retires, fully enjoying his rest. He comes to give blinky advice occasionally, but he's mostly a grumpy grandpa for everyone at the Trollmarket.

Dictatious takes over the troll library, adding some stuff he learns.

Angor goes on a travel (for an atonement, as he claims). He's seen all over the world, fighting against slavery and injustice at night. Soon enough he becomes a kind of city legend, and a lot of criminals are scared of him.

Bular goes to the Darklands, fully intending to reform the Gumm-Gumm tribe and get rid of the stigma they have.

Barbara and Strickler have their planned wedding and adopt some of the changelings' familiars, including Strickler's and Nomura.

Ironically, despite Jim and Claire being sure of each other feelings, Toby and Darci have their wedding first. It's the final push that makes Claire propose to Jim.

Enrique grows up to be a party monster, much because of NotEnrique's influence. They both tend to start parties which only Jim can stop.

Zelda (Nomura's familiar) is a huge fan of classical music, so they both can chat about it for hours. No one else is able to follow.

Wallie (Strickler's familiar), however, finds history boring. He's more of an IT and Math kid and is extremely talented. Strickler tells him the truth about their connection, and Wallie goes to live with Jim for some time to sort out his feelings. He forgives Strickler after some time though.

The world keeps changing as humans and supernatural beings learn to co-exist. Trolls take over dangerous mining, trading some difficult-to-get minerals. Humans also realize that trolls can eat some waste, which creates new ways to save nature. Nari feels that it's the world she, Bellroc, and Skrael wished to have before giving up and hopes that one day the rest of the Arcane Order will be unsealed and admit they were wrong.

#tales of arcadia #toa #post rott #my headcanons #jim lake jr #claire nunez #toby domzalski #barbara lake #walter strickler #blinky galadrigal #aaarrrgghh #douxie #aja tarron #krel tarron #basically everyone #happy ending mega post #text post #long post #ask box #blueheaven adw

[starclast]

NSR: SOUL EATER AU 🌜

Ever since I saw a Soul Eater AU fanart made by @Anger-ey...I couldn't stop thinking about it 😅 So I tried to come up with what would the NSR characters would be in such an AU!! (P.S: Its been a little while since I last saw Soul Eater, so if there's any mistake you find, please take that into account 🙏)

Mayday-weapon, freshmen at the academy. Since the very beginning gave her teachers and potential partners a headache, thankfully, now that is partnered with Zuke is not as dangerous...most of the time. Looks up to Kul Fyra and that's why she decided to enroll in Shibusen ever since she discovered her powers as a weapon. Decided by herself to partner up with Zuke ever since they first met and eventually, managed to convinced him. Though it may seem cliché, her weapon form is a bright red scythe.

Zuke-meister, on his last years at the academy. Sometimes his friends make fun of him for now having a younger partner. During his first year and a few more, he was partnered with EvE, but they fell apart after a certain *incident* while fighting a witch with fire powers. Spent a long while without partner until May came to his life like a storm. Since its known for being a very balanced and serene meister, sometimes teachers ask him to help in demonstration and classes for freshmen students; coincidentally, that's where he met May.

DJSS-weapon, and a very, very powerful one indeed. But much like Excalibur, he is just too picky and too much to handle for anyone. That's why doesn't have a partner at all. Teacher at Shibusen, but not really that excited about his job. his weapon form is a staff with a disk at the end which can control space.

Sayu-witch, and oddly enough, a friendly one. Lives in a small town cheering the villagers with her songs and taking care of a little group of orphans (a.k.a Sayu's team). Only wants to make people happy and spread love around the world; because of that, is really despised by the other witches. Mayday and Zuke try to hunt her but end up sparing her after noticing how important she is to the villagers. Fish motive witch and water powers, still pretty much like a mermaid.

DK West-weapon, to everyone's surprise. Is not affiliated with the Shibusen because he just wants to wander around the world freely, still, if they really need him, would gladly lend a hand. Though he is not really picky about his meister, his life style, carefree personality and flirty demeanor has made a lot of people deny a possible partnership. his weapon form is a shadow lantern which controls and attacks by shadow puppets.

Yinu-weapon/human hybrid. Still too young to be taken into missions but her potential has already been acknowledged by the academy. has regulars check ups about her condition and powers because her mother fears it may be too much for her, specially at such a young age.

Mama-weapon, but no longer on duty. During her young days was so powerful that many mistook her as a witch. her husband was her meister and the only partner she ever had. Currently a teacher at Shibusen while training and taking care of her only daughter. her weapon form are strings that can grow thorns and even control the nature around the battlefield. her powers where kind of unstable during her younger years, and that along with the false rumor that she was a witch made it really difficult to find a partner...until she met Papa, of course.

Neon J-meister (still a cyborg though). Teacher at Shibusen and one of the oldest members among them. has experienced the war against witches since practically the beginning. Lost his old partner and most of his body in a battle against a powerful witch. Made the 1010s as a project to be able to fight against witches even if the academy loses all their weapons/death scythes available.

1010-all weapons, all pistols of different powers. What not many know is that they are *artificial* weapons, created by none other than the well known Neon J. Very known and loved around the female population at the academy. Since they are all weapons under Neon J's command, they sometimes take the role of teachers aids and even act like a disciplinary committee to the students.

EvE-weapon, which has conflicted her ever since birth. Used to be Zuke's partner but due to certain *problems* between them and circumstances, they fell apart. Still a student, but over a higher rank than others since she is under the direct command of Tatiana. her weapon form is a mirror which alters the senses of the enemy and can create color living nightmares out of their minds.

Tatiana-weapon, Death Scythe to be more specific. Teacher of high rank at Shibusen. Devoted to justice and order at all cost since she lost her meister to the madness. Tries to maintain all about her past, old *name* and the identity of her last partner a secret, specially to the students. Mayday has given her quite the headaches since she came to the academy, even though these has lessened since she has partner up with Zuke...they have in fact not ended at all. her weapon form is a fire power spear pretty similar to clock hands.

#no straight roads #no straight roads fanart #no straight roads au #nsr #nsr fanart #nsr au #soul eater au #Soul Eater!NSR #nsr mayday #mayday #nsr zuke #zuke #nsr djss #djss #nsr sayu #sayu #nsr yinu #yinu #nsr mama #nsr neon j #neon j #nsr 1010 #1010 #nsr eve #eve #nsr tatiana #tatiana qwartz #b2j #bunkbed junction #traditional drawing

[knightly-bastard]

Hello!! I've been meaning to ask for a while. In Nexo Swap what are Clay's motives to become evil? Are they like Jestro's from the show or is there anything more to that? I'm sorry if that's a dumb question , I'm just really interested in this AU.

Nah, it's not a dumb question at all! Glad you asked actually, as this was a main concept idea I was working on during my mini absence from Nexoswap fkjekjfe. While it’s not necessarily finalized and most likely would change in the foreseeable future, it's much more than I had before when I first brought this au to life.

To answer, Clay’s motivations to become evil are somewhat different than Jestors on account all the personalities in this au the same as in canon. This results in several events changing to fit on how the characters would act in certain situations, but still allow the story to progress the same.

In the beginning, the graduation events are still similar, if not almost identical, to what happens. The most change is with the rest of the knights as their intros have to change with what role they are presenting, Jestro and Clay however, are the most indifferent. Clay is still top knight with honor by his side, and Jestro is still the clumsy court jester.

But after the knights get handed their shields...an incident happens

I'm still struggling to come up with the events that lead up to the incident, but it still has the kingdom going into complete darkness. In short, a civilian in the audience ends up severely injured/dying when Clay was trying to save them during the incident. This...REALLY shook the kingdom, especially Clay due to witnessing the tragedy first-hand. Tying into his fear of failure, this really messed him up severely. Not even 10 minutes into his shielding, he fails to do the one thing he was sworn to do as a knight. Regret, same, and pure guilt consumed him into a full-blown panic, till eventually, he ran off just like Canon Jestro. He dropped his shield and sword in the process, mainly thinking he doesn't deserve them anymore after what he did. Jestro, who came out to see what the hell was going on, only managed to catch a glimpse of Clay as he ran off into the castle. 

After all that, Clay ends up in that familiar situation of confronting this au's "Book of Monsters" (which is a sword known as 'The Tainted Excalibur'). There, he gets gaslit into feeling he had no other option than to be a villain. He felt like he already failed as a knight, he feels like the kingdom already turned its back on him, he feels like his friends wouldn’t forgive him, his mind was in an awful place at this moment...So he ends up agreeing

Keep in mind, he isn't 100% willing, deep inside he didn't really wanna do this, but as soon as he grabbed the sword, it kinda did something to him. It's sorta like mind control/brainwashing in a way, just not as powerful, but it pushed him to dive deeper into the path of villainy that deep down he really didn't want. Unlike canon, the two were a bit more thorough with searching for specific books, resulting in the first evil book Clay technically touched/got was the book of Betrayal...and you know what that technically does.

Clay though, wasn't able to give a part of the sword's magic back to him as he was quickly interrupted by Jestro, who just wanted to give Clay's stuff back and to comfort him.

Things happen as normal, Clay summons Monsters using the sword as a staff (the Monsters got controlled in the process), Jestro gets beat up, Monstrox finds this happening and kills himself, etc. Thus begins the story of Nexo Swap

As I said, still revising this idea so that it feels like it fits within the Au/makes sense. It may change in the future, but at least provides a basis for everything. :)

#I apologize for traumatizing the boy #nexo knights #nexo knights au #nexoswap #nexo swap #clay moorington #jestro #knightly-bastard art #concepts #nexoswap concepts

[abuddyforeveryseason]

It's the Buddy for April 22nd! He's wearing the Capricorn Cloth (being a capricorn himself) of the classic Masami Kurumada manga Saint Seiya.

I loved Saint Seiya. I have all the paperbacks, even, I liked it when I was a kid. It's an interesting manga, in that it doesn't make much sense in retrospect, but when you're reading it, you're more interested in the beat of the plot than in the big picture.

The plot, as I understand, is that this rich girl Saori is the reincarnation of the goddess Athena, so her dad arranged for ten boys to get trained to be her protectors (the saints), wearing bronze armors based on traditional constellations. Then they get into a martial arts tournment to win an actual gold cloth, but complications start making it so they need to stop fighting amongst themselves, and start fighting actual bad guys.

In a way, it's a very toyetic story - each character has their own unique armor (or cloth) which is fits both them, and can be assembled to resemble its constellation, so kids had a lot of expensive toys to collect. And since the golden cloths (belonging to the strongest saints) are based on the twelve zodiac signs, kids already have a favorite character picked out for them.

Me, I'm an Aquarius, so my favorite was Aquarius Camus. The one with the ice powers. He also won a Literature Nobel, you know. But I never related to him, really. He's an ice guy, which is cool I guess, but, not the power I'd choose.

The manga's also very camp. The art's really old-fashioned, looking almost like sometihng from Tatsuo Yoshida's generation. Not a lot of attention is paid to proportions and depth, and the fight scenes are not dynamic. But that's one of the things I like about it, to be honest. It feels like there's a closer dialog between the artist and the reader when the art is so direct. It's the opposite of something like the manga version of One-Punch Man, for instance.

And the designs of the cloths, characters and enemies is also pretty unique, it's got that simplified design quality of eighties manga that's not as popular anymore.

One aspect that Saint Seiya, like Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, isn't shy about is the gay subtext regarding some characters... it's most obvious with Andromeda Shun and Pisces Aphrodite, but also Virgo Shak, Aries Mu... it's an intentional aspect of the story, but when me and my friends were kids watching it, we thought it was pretty "gross".

Even though it doesn't really make sense and it's pretty much design to appeal to kids' love of shiny stuff and fight scenes, Saint Seiya is one of my favorite franchises. I'll be honest, I didn't know much about greek mythology when I first watched the anime, so I assumed a lot of the stuff Kurumada made up was actual part of ancient Greek myth. Still makes no sense why Capricorn Shura had the power of Excalibur, though... what does Excalibur have to do with Capricorn? Should be a Draco thing, or even Ursa Major...

The Capricorn print in the background is a public domain image.

#ab4es #drawing #manga #Masami Kurumada #Saint Seiya #Zodiac #Capricorn #Capricorn Shura #Knights of the Zodiac #jojo's bizarre adventure #one punch man #Tatsuo Yoshida #Pegasus fantasy #pegasus seiya #excalibur #aquarius #Camus #Albert Camus

[yellowmagicalgirl]

This AU was made in April 2023, and is inspired by @emwritesfanfics' Heirs to the Arcana, but with a twist: Krel didn't get Skrael's powers. Aja did.

This doesn't really change anything. The world still ends. Aja tries to protect everyone with her new ice powers and fails.

Krel had been denying his feelings for months. He was standing next to Douxie when Aja was killed. Krel realized that he had lost the person he loved most, and the person he loved second-most would die without ever knowing about Krel's feelings. And so in one last desperate action, Krel kissed Douxie.

Jim wakes up with fire powers and the excalibur amulet. (Whether or not he gets the daylight amulet depends on if I were to use my no-time-travel version of Wizards or not. If I used canon Wizards, it'd be Jim to prevent an unstable loop involving troll!Jim. If I didn't, then Toby or Claire would become the trollhunter so we'd have one more person w/memories, this time regaining their memories the first time they transform in the armor.)

Aja wakes up with ice powers and immediately rushes over to check on her brother. (Also, she and Steve did not have kids. At most, she had been researching if they could ever have kids and if not then how to preserve House Tarron.)

Douxie wakes up with plant powers and the taste of Krel's lips on his own.

Krel's like "sure, this might as well happen" about Aja having ice powers and being from the future. Everyone's always said that Aja was extraordinary, and he was normal. At least she's more mature. Aja's sad that Krel doesn't remember.

The coup still happens, despite Aja's best efforts, and they end up on Earth (maybe even earlier bc Aja's attempts to fix things went badly). Douxie decides not to say anything about the kiss to Krel or Aja, though he had confided in Jim late one night.

They grab Gaylen's core earlier and move it elsewhere for safe keeping. Krel becomes obsessed with it

And then he merges with it

And he remembers everything

Once all the other craziness of "Krel wtf why did you merge w/Gaylen's core and why do you have wings" dies down, Krel has a quiet conversation with Douxie

Krel: I'm sorry I kissed you. Douxie, internally: Yep, it's just what I thought! He panicked at the end of the world and doesn't have feelings for me! This is part of why I never brought it up and now he's bringing it up! Krel: I didn't want to die without telling you, but now that I have context I know I must've made you deeply uncomfortable. I hope you can one day forgive me. Douxie: Uh actually do you wanna kiss me again? Please?

Also, post-Gaylenifcation Krel is more physically affectionate and less grumpy, which isn't actually that much of a change but seeing the rapid change weirds everyone out

#tales of arcadia #krel tarron #aja tarron #trollhunters #jim lake jr #hisirdoux casperan #krexie #my au's #time travel #rise of the titans #gaylen!krel

[southfarthing]

a world we will dream of

word count: 2167 

tags: merlin & arthur, merlin & daegal, arthur & daegal, canon divergence, s5e8: the hollow queen, angst, major character injury, self-reflection, pov arthur pendragon, protective daegal, open ending

summary: When Arthur sets out to find a missing Merlin, he comes across someone who thinks Arthur is a danger to Merlin.

prompt by @lightasthesun – sorry this took like a whole year and... a rather different direction haha <3

crossposted to ao3

The forest air is oppressively still as Arthur urges his horse on.

It has been a week. The Sarrum has come and gone, and still, Merlin hasn’t returned.

The Valley of the Fallen Kings, Gaius had finally said, his voice shaky, his concern clear. That was where Merlin was supposed to have found the herbs he was looking for.

The Valley? Arthur had said in horror. Alone? Why would he not take a knight with him?

Gaius had paled. Opened his mouth once, twice, but no sound had come out, and Arthur had turned to the door.

Arthur, too, is alone now. The difference is that he has horses, armour, a sword – and he knows how to use it.

He tries to focus on his annoyance, more than anything else. Merlin went without a word, without a care for his duties or even his own safety, and now Arthur has to go out of his way to see what’s taking him so long. To haul him back to Camelot and put Gaius out of his misery.

But the more Arthur tries to use his exasperation as a cover, the more his worry bleeds through.

He thinks of the tremor in Gaius’s voice and how he’s never seen Gaius so fearful for Merlin in all these years of Merlin following Arthur into every danger. He thinks of Merlin, small and alone in this cursed part of the forest, unable to fend off man nor beast; lost and afraid, or injured and hungry, or in the hands of bandits. And Arthur’s hands clench the reins a little tighter.

The Valley is silent. Arthur unmounts and leads his horse and the second he brought for Merlin under an outcrop where they will both be hidden from unfriendly eyes. Then he unsheathes his sword and begins to walk.

He passes through the valley, scales the cliffs, ventures into the surrounding woods, all with mounting dread. Nothing moves at all. He doesn’t even see birds or rodents, as though something about this place has sent them scampering to safety long ago, and Arthur is searching for life in a graveyard.

The Valley isn’t that big: if Merlin is here, Arthur should have found him by now.

Ahead is a clearing, and Arthur soundlessly steps towards it, wondering how the sun can shine so brightly at a time like this. It burns his eyes; he closes them. It burns his skin. He lets it.

Gaius had been so reluctant to tell Arthur where Merlin might be, despite his obvious fears – why? What was he hiding from Arthur?

Arthur tries to think back to the last time he had seen Merlin. What had they spoken of? Had Arthur said or done something to make Merlin upset? He doesn’t remember any of it, and that almost makes it worse. Merlin’s disappearance makes no sense.

It carries no meaning. It is silent, unassuming – so unlike Merlin himself. He was simply there one day and not the next. And Arthur stands here in the most perilous part of Camelot, alone, unsure what to do or where to go.

And this time, Merlin isn’t here to murmur advice in Arthur’s ear.

Arthur rubs his hand over his stinging face and finally opens his eyes again. It takes a moment for them to adjust to the light once more, but when they do, his heart sinks. Nothing has changed. The clearing is the same.

He presses his lips together and looks down at Excalibur. It glints in the fierce light, and the runes seem to melt into the metal. He wouldn’t have it if it weren’t for Merlin, always pushing him on, always making him reach for the courage he needs.

And that is when he hears it – a rustle in the trees ahead, when there was no wind.

Arthur grips the sword hilt and advances. This time, he spares no thought for anticipation. It has brought him no reward.

And this time, he is met with the sight of Merlin, bruised and bloodied, on the forest floor.

The sound that leaves Arthur’s mouth is foreign to his own ears. He rushes forward and falls to his knees, Excalibur somewhere at his side.

Merlin’s eyes are open, but they stare blankly ahead.

No.

He touches Merlin’s face. It isn’t cold, but his relief is short-lived. It is too hot, sweaty, sickly, and Arthur takes in the transparency of Merlin’s skin. The imminence of his death.

‘Merlin,’ he says sharply, but his voice cracks on the first syllable. He doesn’t clear his throat but says Merlin’s name again and again, each time growing louder and more desperate. Merlin’s eyes don’t move.

Arthur presses the back of his hand against his mouth to stifle whatever unkingly sound may tear out of it next. Merlin is alive – but for how long? He can’t even see –

Taking in a ragged breath, Arthur searches Merlin’s limp body for a wound, but there is nothing to be found. No blood other than the cuts on his face and hands.

Arthur shakes his head. So why won’t Merlin recognise him? Why is he burning up like he’s moments from death? Why won’t he –

‘Who are you?’

Arthur snaps his head up; a boy, not yet fully grown, stands close by, his eyes wide.

‘Who are you?’ the boy says again, and then his expression hardens. ‘Stay back.’

Arthur instinctively grabs his sword and gets to his feet. It is only then that he sees there are no weapons in the boy’s hands. Only leaves – herbs, he thinks.

‘Are those to heal him?’ Arthur asks quickly.

The boy doesn’t reply. His gaze has caught on Excalibur.

‘If those are to heal him, you have nothing to fear from me.’

There is no time for this. Merlin is – is dying, and this boy is just stood here, not moving, not talking. Arthur opens his mouth to repeat himself.

‘They are,’ the boy finally says.

His appearance is haggard, like he, too, has been on the road. He looks something like a druid, but Arthur doesn’t ask: he only nods and sheaths Excalibur again, his heart racing.

The boy hesitates before approaching Merlin, whose eyes are still glassy, staring up at nothing. He begins to grind the leaves into smaller pieces with the jagged edge of a rock, glancing up at Arthur every so often. It’s all infuriatingly slow.

‘What’s wrong with him?’ Arthur demands. ‘Did you see what happened?’ If there’s no physical wound, then it must be something else. Poison, or – or sorcery.

The boy is silent as he struggles with the rock.

Arthur clenches his jaw. ‘Here,’ he says, pulling out a small knife and tossing it at the ground by the boy’s hand.

The boy jerks away before the understanding sets in, and he gingerly picks it up. Whatever he was doing before, he does more quickly now, without glancing at Arthur. He shifts, and Arthur sees that he has been preparing a tincture of some sort.

‘I’ll need your help to hold him down,’ the boy says as he moves to kneel by Merlin’s head. He drips the liquid into Merlin’s open mouth. ‘Now.’

‘What?’

‘Now – please!’

It’s the agitation in the boy’s now raised voice that pushes Arthur to action, and not a moment too soon. He’s only just placed his hand on Merlin’s shoulder when Merlin’s body begins to shudder violently. Arthur presses down harder; uses his other hand, too.

It’s a horrid sight. The feeling of it, against his own palms, is worse. Merlin twitches and gasps, the pain clear in his face.

Arthur has never felt more helpless in his life. He can’t stand it – he wants it to be over, for Merlin to still and breathe properly and say something stupid and stop making those agonising sounds – and then it finally, finally stops.

Merlin stops moving, and his eyes close.

Arthur immediately reaches to feel his pulse: it’s still there. He’s breathing, too. He’s alive.

‘What was that?’ Arthur hears himself say. ‘What just happened?’

‘I don’t know,’ the boy admits, ‘but it keeps happening. He knew it would.’

Arthur frowns, trying to make sense of it all. ‘He’s been awake, then? He’s spoken to you?’

Silence.

‘Yes.’

Arthur nods, his eyes still on the rise and fall of Merlin’s chest. How long has this boy been trying to save Merlin? Why? And – why is Merlin here in the first place?

He doesn’t understand any of it, and this boy is being so difficult about it all, despite its urgency.

‘What’s your name?’ is what Arthur settles on.

In a quiet voice, the boy says, ‘Daegal.’

Arthur bites back his impatience. ‘Did you find him like this? Or did you see what happened?’

Daegal says nothing again.

‘Was it sorcery? I asked you–’

‘Are you a knight?’ Daegal interrupts.

Arthur glares at him, but Daegal’s eyes are wide and expectant.

‘Yes.’

‘You were shouting his name. You know him. You’re a knight of Camelot?’

‘I’m the king,’ Arthur snaps.

It’s not his proudest moment, and he regrets it when Daegal shrinks away from him in shock.

‘You’re – you’re Arthur.’

‘Yes.’ Arthur purses his lips.

The way Daegal is staring at him now, with his shoulders drawn in and his mouth agape, is uncomfortable.

‘Merlin’s my – friend,’ Arthur says as calmly as he can, hoping it will ease the boy’s mind. It’s the truth, after all. ‘I need to get him to safety. Do you know what happened to him?’

‘I think you should leave, sire.’

Arthur doesn’t think he’s heard right. ‘What?’

‘Let Merlin recover, please,’ Daegal says. He trembles, looking as though he is surprised by his own courage, but he doesn’t back down. ‘Just let him be.’

Who does this boy think he is?

‘You don’t know what you’re talking about.’

Arthur moves to dig his hands under Merlin’s arms and pull him up, but Daegal stops him with an outstretched hand.

‘Please,’ Daegal says, begs, his expression wounded, his body bent forward over Merlin’s, as though shielding him from – from Arthur.

Arthur stops. He doesn’t know what to say. What to think.

‘He’s so good, please. He’s – good. Let him get better here, in peace. Away from Camelot.’

So Daegal knows Merlin, then. They’ve spoken, and Daegal has decided that something in Merlin’s words has shown Arthur – Camelot – to be dangerous.

Or Merlin said it himself.

Arthur looks at Daegal’s clothes again. Even if he is a druid, it doesn’t matter. Druids live peacefully in Camelot lands, now, as long as they don’t commit sorcery. There’s no reason to be afraid of Camelot.

‘He’s coming with me,’ Arthur says firmly, one hand on Merlin’s shoulder, and the other on Excalibur’s hilt.

Daegal pales.

‘Camelot has a healer. He will recover there.’

Arthur’s words don’t have the effect they were supposed to have; Daegal recedes, but it isn’t because of anything Arthur said. He pulls back in defeat – there is no other word for the way he looks away, his eyes teary, as though he has failed. Failed Merlin.

Arthur wants to say something more, to convince Daegal that he’s wrong, that Merlin will be better under Gaius’s care than out here, but he doesn’t.

He tells himself it’s because Daegal won’t believe him, whatever he says. But the truth is that he doesn’t know.

He doesn’t know if the journey back will make Merlin worse, or if Daegal could actually heal Merlin – maybe he could have used magic, if Arthur hadn’t been there – but he doesn’t have it in him to not do something. Staying here and pinning his hopes on a boy who just met Merlin – he can’t.

Gaius will know what to do. Gaius will make Merlin better. And Merlin will wake up, and he won’t hate Arthur for bringing him back. He won’t cower or wish he were away from Camelot, no matter what Daegal says. He won’t.

Arthur grits his teeth as he pulls Merlin up and slings him over his shoulder. Merlin is terribly light.

Daegal looks at him one more time, his mouth pressed tightly into a thin line, his care for Merlin evident. It makes something in Arthur burn and bite at the same time: the thought that he is what is harming Merlin. That Merlin needs to be protected from him.

But he turns, and he walks purposefully back to where he left the horses, leaving Daegal alone at the edge of the clearing.

The horses are still there. Arthur carefully sets Merlin down onto one and straps him on. Merlin’s limp body slumps forward against the horse’s neck, and Arthur hates the sight of it.

‘You will get better,’ Arthur says. If he could order it, he would.

Merlin won’t die. No matter what some lost boy in the woods thinks, Arthur is Merlin’s friend.

Arthur has known Merlin for longer – knows Merlin like he is an extension of Arthur himself – and Arthur will save him.  

#merlin #bbc merlin #merlin fic #merlin fanfic #bbc merlin fic #bbc merlin fanfic #arthur pendragon #merlin fanfiction #bbc merlin fanfiction #merthur #merthur fic #daegal #emrys #mine #my fic #*merlin #merlin: fic