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nikox400x · 3 months

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Kung Fu Panda 4-All the budget went to the animation (spoilers)

Hey all, its me, the guy who everyday make a tour around this site but almost never talk. How are ya?

Two days ago something arrived to the cinema's screens, something that me and everyone were waiting for since 2018, the fourth film and the begginig of the new kung fu panda triology.

You know? When I sat on that theather seat with my friends to see what Dreamworks had prepared for us, I told myself; "Maybe that post I made a while ago throwing shit at what seemed like Kfp 4 was going to be was a bit hard, I hope I can come out regretting what I said that time"

And as soon as the credits ended, it was clear to me, I dont regret a shit. Maybe it was a little exaggerated, compared to what a megamind fan would think about the terrible sequel they made, but still: the film is crappy and boring most of the time. But why?

I'm going to explain some points.

1- Po? Is that you?

I don't know you guys, but i don't think the panda we knew in the end of the third film is the same as this one. Seriously, he share more comparisons with the Po from the legend of awessonless than the one from the films, maybe its a personal thing but it feels that way. At least in the beggining of the film feel like that.

And I don't know what he was thinking about when he decided to follow a thief he doesn't know at all and who tried to steal in his own palace, and that suspiciously know who is the chameleon, whose were her plans, her past, where she lived, where exacly they had to pass through avoiding all the guard inside her home, why the others thiefs of the city hate her so much... With Po's experience with criminals this is like a chef throwing water on a pan with boiling oil, it's obvious what is going to happen.

2- Zheng- Female Nick Wilde but without charisma or half of his intelligence.

I knew it from the first moment I saw Zheng's desing, the people who know me can corroborate that; her facial expressions, her tone while she talk, her animal race, her position as thief, her final when she is part of the justice same as the protagonist... it's clearer than water I think.

Everyone could say this is forgivable if she's smart, but surprise, she's not. This character is just an absurd try of this company for """"conect with infant audience""""(I don't know in what sense, I supose for the cute design, idk). But the point is, the supposed objective of the hollywood companies is give the new generetions better things than we got at their age, but what I see is laziness for write a decent scrip only for take an advantage of a known IP and make easy money. Even the children have quality standars, this is not the dragon warrior and of course this is not kung fu panda.

And talking about the dragon warrior, having our deep and lovely Tigress with her magnific development or Tai Lung back from the spirit realm... why in the hell this character exists?! Oh yeah, for being trending topic in twitter for three days. Yay...

3- The furious five and Shifu, for us : our pretty boys, and for Dreamworks: living jokes.

What made Kung Fu Panda what it is, is not the fucking panda, it's them. They're the inspiration for Po, their allies, the royale representation of kung fu and the ones which everything started with.

Po's a comic relief, and his mission is show his development in part using his humor, but the humor in this film barely works because of the lazy script. Something that even the talented Jack Black himself can't fix, beacuse his only role there is dublin his character, unlike the rest of the residents of the Jade Palace except Dustin Hoffman.

Seth Rogen (Mantis) himself even said that he wasn't even contact by Dreamworks in the first place, only for make a scream in the credits, that's sad beacause he really wanted to see Mantis on the screen. And I know and I understand that the five are expensive, but cmon, they could just simply change the voice actors and offset it with a good script but that's not the case of course. Their role in the film is being a counter for Po's constant jokes, for not to saturate the spectator with jokes, now that's not in there anymore, thank you Dreamworks.

4-The chameleoooohhn and her "motivation".

I can't say much, basically because out of her design she's nonsense. She says that because of her size, she was reyected for being a kung fu warrior.

Yeah of course but only one little thing, what about Shifu? Viper, a warrior without tips? Mantis, literally a dawn insect? Master Oogway, a TURTLE? The masters goose? C'mon even there's a fucking master chicken! Don't talk shit chameleon!

Her importance for the plot? Its almost a lie, the others villains had links to important characters; Tai Lung (with his link to Shifu's past), Shen (with his link to Po's past) or Kai (with his link to Oogway's past), all of them related to important characters. And her? To zheng's past and present I guess? But again, anyone know this character. She's like a villain from a Disney show, you know the type of villain who say a lot of things but at the end, she don't support nothing to the lore.

And her personality is like a mix of all the previous villains, and this sounds good right? HAHAH nope. Do you remember when as a child you mixed all the plasticines of all the colors to create the final color and you ended up with a color similar to poop? well that's exacly how her personality feels like.

5- Po's dads; the only reason they're there is because they ran out of characters to make the film.

The tittle itself tell everything, they don't do anything for the script in all the film, and their objective could be done since the start.

The script of the film except for the final looks like a draft which they didn't know how to complete, everyone who watch it can see it perfecly. The animation, the music and the backgrounds are the only things notable here.

6- Tai Lung and the cheapness nostalgia.

Fan service is not necesarry bad, above all if is used in a good way, they sold us Tai Lung as a miracle but his importance for the plot feels just like a Stan Lee cameo, I like Tai Lung I can say that. But this is too weak, Shen and Kai are only characters in the background who don't do nothing except being defeated or make facial expressions (I don't even joke that Shen would show respect to Po considering what we saw in the second movie, and Kai wasn't supposed to be destroyed as a spirit, what the hell is he doing here again? *sign* I'll to stop trying to make sense of this).

By the way, anyone else think that the dragon warrior role is understimated? I mean Shifu obligated Po to transfers the role to another one just because yes, i mean he only has been the dragon warrior for less than 5 years and now they want to replace him with a random. Everything just for at the end, he choosed a thief with at least 30 crimes registred and who was a traitor during the 75% of the movie.

7- The """""""""humor"""""""", except they forgot the parts where I must to laugh.

Seeing nonsense hits only beacuse yes stopped of being funny a long time ago, and no, I don't want to talk about the bunnies of the portrait because I would get sick. I had to go to the cinema drunk to endure the filler that the movie had, no joke, it was the only way to laugh at those jokes.

So I think about applying the same method as in any movie with bad jokes, ignoring the jokes. I tried to do the same thing but with the pace that the film managed, such a thing was impossible, the pace of the movie seems to be made for Tiktoker children with attention deficit. From the chaos in the quarry until Po takes the bitc... uhg fox out of prison, only 10 fucking minutes pass, all of that for what? So that you feel like the baseless information and the nonsensical plot that they tell us is of any use? they could simply make a non-canonical short and that's it, but no, yes or they were going to tell us a story written by rotten old men who spend the entire day watching Tik Tok. It's not going to be that the child who sees this doesn't get bored, we know that much today's children don't have many neurons as they say, but even to make movies for them you have to have a certain talent.

In some point at the beguining Po make a joke about the ausence of the furious five saying that at least he had them in cardboard posters, and this would be a good joke. Only if the stupid film could be prove that the franquise can do something memorable without the furious five, but again, that's not the case.

Don't have any respect for this movie, look what it had with you. I understand that it is enjoyable because of the animation but it does not go beyond that line, it destroys important things about the canon and spoils its teaching about the need for change by treating it in a terrible way.

Coclusion: KFP 4 is just another Po's adventure as Shifu says, it won't tell nothing to you or make you feel different, it's a shame but after Megamind 2 I imagined something like this. It's a dark era for film, expecially the animated one so like Scar said; Be prepare, there're worse things waiting for us.

Do you want something with real quality? You don't even need kung fu panda 1,2 or 3, for make it easy to this film let's take this marvelous example; kung fu panda: secrets of the scroll (2016). You'll say; "An animated short, this is not like-" Shhh Just watch it, you won't regret it.

If you think I'm wrong in something, just rewatch the film. And if still you aren't agreed with me, well, I respect you and I'm happy you like it. I wish I could love it as you do, but that doesn't mean that the movie isn't bad, because if you watch it with your brain on or remembering the previous movies it's terrible.

. Me? I've to write a story, I love you all. Except you, Dreamworks, I'm mad with you, expecially when you do this at the same day as Akira Toriyama's death :(

#kung fu panda #secrets of the scrolls #kung fu panda 4 #kung fu panda 2 #tigress #furious five #akira toriyama #dreamworks #po ping #lord shen #tai lung #general kai #kung fu panda 3 #the lion king

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rosietrace · 1 month

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「 “Princess” 」

⊱───────────────⊰

Central Character ; 『 Davidson Novellion, “Atlas’ Prodigy” 』

Others (Central) ; 『 Ellis Clawthorne 』 |『 Lancelot Novellion, “The Second Son” 』

Mentioned ; Roya Callistis | Gwendolyn Schnee | Malleus Draconia | Marina Baleen

Pairing(s) ; Ellis & Davis | Ellis & Malleus | Roya & Gwen | Lance & Marina (Implied)

【 All Ocs belong to their respective owners and will be credited at the end. 】

Synopsis: “Ellis has a great day, everyday; But Davis only has a good day if Ellis looks at him.”

Warning(s): Low-key possessive Davis, potentially ooc, jealousy (over MallEllis), Ellis being Davis' personal eyesore, pining (up to interpretation if Ellis reciprocates), Davis being very “silly”, Lance getting dragged into his brother's bullshit /j, 0% angst, can Davis just be a warning /j /j

[ Apologies for any out of character moments ]

⊱────────────────────⊰

⊱────────────────────⊰

Davis liked watching Ellis when she wasn't looking.

To Lance, it felt creepy on Davis' part, but he didn't see it that way. He found it romantic, a testament to the yearning, the infatuation he'd developed for this one girl he just happened to meet during a joint event between Night Raven and Royal Sword.

He tried, genuinely— he tried to hold off on whatever he began to feel for Ellis. He cursed himself in the mirror every morning for every failed attempt to lose sight of those… feelings.

Davis hated that he loved Ellis. But what he hated more was how oblivious Ellis seemed to be for the feelings that harbored his cold, black heart.

After yet another attempt at forgetting the feelings he felt for Ellis by sparring with Roya — and losing — Davis slumped his shoulders, sitting with Lance during their lunch break and lazily chewing on his french fries with ink black ketchup.

Lance's nose wrinkled at the sight, but didn't comment further. Instead, what he chose to comment on was, “you should really channel your romantic feelings into actually pursuing Miss Clawthorne, instead of…”

He made a vague gesture to Roya, who was acting disgustingly lovesick while writing one of the many, many, many letters he's been sending to some ‘Gwendolyn Schnee’ for the past 2 weeks. Whoever that was.

Davis scoffed, eyes rolling back. “I don't like Ellis.”

“I have many reasons to doubt that,” Lance grumbled, taking one of Davis' fries and tossing them into his mouth. “You aren't exactly subtle.”

“And you are as horrible at flirting as Roya,” Davis snapped, then a beat passed before he added, “... Possibly worse.”

Lance didn't bother to comment on that, either. Coward.

“I'm just saying, shouldn't you at least… give courting her a shot?”

“And why,” Davis' amber hues stared daggers at the boy he calls little brother, “would I do that?”

“You definitely seem to like her a great deal.”

“I do not.”

That got him Lance's most exaggerated eye roll, and a click of his tongue. “Why must you put your pride before everything else…”

“What was that, little brother?” Davis sent him a sharp-edged smile, a warning.

Lance knew the man his older brother was. Stubborn as he may be, if he sees potential competition for something… someone he seems his, he'll play the role of the competitor.

The only thing that put Lance out of his bored, frankly tired state of mind was the text he received from a certain siren he held near and dear to his heart.

⊱───────────────⊰

It was a bit of (not a bit of) a controversial topic for Davis to admit, so he never actually voiced his thoughts aloud… but if he was being completely honest with himself, he did not like Malleus Draconia.

He already had a number of reasons to dislike the crown prince of Briar Valley; it seemed to hurt Davis' pride at the obvious revelation that in a world like Twisted Wonderland, there will always be someone more gifted, more powerful than he could even fathom.

He didn't see the point in Malleus wanting to study amongst the ‘lowly mortals’ of Night Raven College when, by Davis' account, Malleus was more gifted than most of the entire academy. If it were him, he wouldn't have attended an arcane academy to begin with, if he had even a sliver of the power that emitted from Malleus’ being.

But now, as of recently, Davis had now discovered a new reason to dislike the soon-to-be ruler of the abyss— his closeness in relation to Ellis.

How petty, below my station, Davis thought, biting his tongue before one of his snarky opinions let loose and wreaked havoc while he and the rest of RSA were paying a visit to Night Raven College.

He watched Ellis and Malleus share some small talk, most of which consisted of Malleus making some mundane joke Davis couldn't hear from this distance, and Ellis laughing along with him.

Whether or not she was doing it out of pity or not, Davis didn't know. And he pretended that he didn't care.

Oh, but seeing the smiles they gave one another… the playfulness in which their conversation seemed to shift back and forth in an endless cesspool of affectionate filth…

To say Davis wanted to punch a hole through Draconia’s chest was an understatement.

So, one could say with utmost confidence that when Malleus most unfortunately had to leave Ellis to her own devices, that Davis automatically stole her away at the quickest opportunity.

If it was an understatement for Davis wanting to punch through Malleus' chest, it was just as, if not even more of an understatement when Lance decided to give his older brother the good-old-fashioned stink eye.

“It appears you are alone,” Davis said with an intonation that clearly suggested that his intentions were far from friendly.

Ellis hummed. “You're in a cheerier mood since the last time we talked…”

He chuckled at her skepticism. “What, is it wrong for me to smile every once in a while?”

“No,” Ellis quickly deflected that assumption with a flick of her wrist, “but it's definitely not something I'd see everyday… then again, I don't really see you everyday, either.”

“Why?” Davis began to tease, “do you wish to see me more often?”

Ellis deadpanned. “That isn't what I said.”

“Well, it sounded like it.”

“But just because it did, doesn't mean I meant it.”

“Oh, you wound me dearly, Princess…” Davis sent her a pout. “Do you truly detest being in my company that much?”

“What I detest,”— she said with crossed arms, her voice mimicking, mocking the intonation of arrogance that dripped from Davis—“is being in the vicinity of someone who so clearly doesn't have any good intentions, whatsoever.”

Davis scoffed melodramatically loudly. “Oh, how quaint! The representative of the common folk is speaking up against a man of higher station.”

“So it would seem.” Ellis harrumphed, turning her heel and making her way further from Davis.

“I guess I was right to guess your status was at the level of your high horse!”

Davis sighed to himself as she walked further and further away from his line of sight, then childishly stomped on his foot at how dreamily he'd done it.

He turned a corner, his eyes darting about the room until he caught sight of his little brother having idle chitchat with… some girl.

He heard Lance clear his throat, uttering the words, “you smell like saltwater,” and making Davis — and Marina — grimace at how… questionable Lance's choice of words were.

Then again, Davis thought, striding towards Lance, my baby brother was never a man of many words.

“I… smell like saltwater,” Marina repeated, blinking more than once to try and process that she definitely heard him right. That she wasn't hallucinating.

Lance seemed to realize at how poorly he'd chosen his words and was ready to try and explain himself, when all of a sudden Davis had strode past him and Marina, held a tight grip on Lance's forearm, and dragging him to one of the darker corners of the room.

“Wha-” Lance yanked his arm from his brother's grasp. “What are you doing-?”

“That thing.” Well, that didn't seem to narrow it down.

Lance narrowed his eyes. “What thing?”

“That thing you mentioned to me, the other day.”

“The- The courtship…?”

Davis snapped his fingers to shut him up, which suggested that that was, in fact, what Davis meant.

“By the Seven…” it was impossible for Lance to hide his exasperation for his brother's antics.

“Please don't tell me you're going to treat it like a competition.”

“Pffft-” Davis held in his chortle. “Oh please, even if it were, I'd win.”

“Ellis isn't a prize to be won.”

“You think I don't know that?”

“If you do know that, you wouldn't be treating her like some trophy you'll get after- What, pursuing her??”

With a flick of his fingers to Lance's forehead, Davis released a huff. “Oh, worry not about such dilly-dallying nonsense, dearest little brother of mine.”

“It can't be that hard, can it?”

⊱───────────────⊰

It was, in fact, harder than he'd originally anticipated.

With the vastness of the Lucretius family's wealth, Davis could spend as much of it as possible and he could get away with it… as long as he does it under the guise of an important investment.

He wasn't too worried about trying to figure out what Ellis wanted. With the circumstances of her living situation, at first, Davis had thought about buying her some essentials so she could live less like a street rat living in a hobo hut.

… Until he saw the various ideas Roya had come up with for this “Gwendolyn Schnee” girl, and just went off of that.

And now, he was here; standing before Ellis, who sat on a bench in the main street of NRC, reading yet another one of her pretty little books.

Only this time, his attention was solely on her. Not the scenery, not her book— her.

Ellis looked up from her book, up at the man obscuring the light that allowed her to actually see what she was reading.

“To what do I owe this dubious honor?”

Davis snorted at her tone. “Owe it to the man calling himself your admirer.”

“You?” Ellis tilted her head, putting a bookmark on the page she was reading and setting her book down on her lap.

Davis flinched, grimacing. Well shit-

“No! God- No,” he said, laughing it off with a smug little smile on his face. “I am… simply relaying what he requested me to give you.”

Ellis blinked. “Really.”

“Really.”

“I never pegged you to be all that benevolent…”

“Wha-! I can be nice when I want to be!”

“So, you choose to have a stick up your…” Ellis trailed off, giving him her most dubious side eye.

… Cute, Davis admitted in the back of his mind.

After a moment of silence, Ellis sighed and extended her hand to Davis. “Well, I guess my curiosity's getting the best of me, once again. Bring in the ��gift’, Davidson Novellion.”

There. He gave it to her. A keychain of a bouquet of pink roses, with her initials engraved in the back.

Quietly, there was some part of Davis that fretted over whether that gift was the right choice, or not. A part of him asked himself if this was even worth it.

But seeing that small, yet unexpected smile on Ellis' face seemed to be enough of an answer for him. A light shone over his darkness, glistening, glimmering in all its elysian glory; a safeness Davis hadn't felt around… anyone in a long time.

It made him smile, as well. And Ellis was quick enough to catch it, but didn't comment on. Better to accept this gift from an ‘anonymous’ admirer than to wound Davis Novellion’s pride.

“... I like it,” Ellis said, endearment cursing Davis' name. “Feel free to tell my secret admirer that I appreciate the sentiment.”

“I like keychains, so… it means a lot that they chose one for me. Even if it probably doesn't seem like much.”

Davis wanted to scoff at her, hold her by her chin and tell her that a keychain like that cost a lot. Platinum and an equally skilled artisan, to be exact.

With a clear throat, Davis replied. “Very well. I'm sure they'll be in high spirits knowing you liked such a gift.”

He very much was, in fact, in high spirits; quite possibly already thinking ahead of the different gifts he could give to her in the near future.

The two of them barely exchanged any words other than that, with Davis giving Ellis an uncharacteristic pat on the head, and walking off without another word… other than the defensive responses he began giving Lance after dragging him away from Marina.

And yet again, Ellis smiled. Bigger, brighter.

And it wasn't because of the keychain.

【 Taglist / Credits 】

↳ In order of OC appearances/mentions

Ellis Clawthorne — @starry-night-rose 🩷

Lancelot Novellion — Me! 😈

Roya Callistis — Me! 😈

Gwendolyn Schnee — @/starry-night-rose 🩷

Marina Baleen — @/starry-night-rose 🩷

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rawliverandgoronspice · 10 months

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Ok so weird thing: Puppet Zelda. I mean, it was pretty obvious as a player Imo? But what I don't get: The tears show her ONCE! and it's the scene right before Ganondorf gives Sonia a backbreaking back massage. It's alluded to that she (he) did some other weird stuff to mess up for Sonia and Rauru, and it's not expanded upon at all. I was so put off by that, because it feels like that would have been a big chance for ACTUAL character development for ALL the characters from the past. What did P-Z do? Where was Ganondorf? Was he hidden, or was he inside the castle? How did Sonia react to it? How did Rauru react to it? How did Sonia catch on? Why was it only Sonia and Zelda confronting P-Z? Why wasn't Rauru somewhere hidden as well? I doubt Rauru would have dismissed such a serious accusation. Sonia confronts P-Z, Zelda comes out, then Rauru lies in wait to check for extra danger. The time it takes for Rauru to arrive also kinda makes me think he wasn't that far away? P-Z is a cool concept, but I'm still just so baffled by the absolute "non-story" they built by alluding to her bullshit.

Okay so. Yeah. I completely, 100% agree, and I want to use the opportunity to air out a very particular complaint I have not really seen a lot of people talk about, because I just rewatched that scene and I am shocked all over again.

The teacup scene, after Ganondorf submits, is, in my opinion, horrendous. Like not because of secret Problematisms (though yes also this, we just saw them asking their enemies to kneel and the very next scene they're having a little tea party with cake between royals while armed guards protect them and it's not supposed to be a red flag and it's wild to me), but because the actual writing, at a craft level, reads like a first draft at best. There are three narrative information beats that matter in this entire scene:

The war has stopped

Zelda wants to help her ancestors and not only return to her own era (??? okay, she already did and the problems are technically over already as far as they know??? and it's not a choice she's making since she still can't master her powers and never learn to btw)

Rauru learns Link's name

I'd argue the only real important thing is that Rauru learns Link's name, and it could have been done in a much more interesting and dynamic way.

Instead the scene just goes on and on with lore dumps that never go anywhere, reiterations of the bond between Zelda and Sonia we had already established, dialogue that is... shockingly bad...

Actually, let's examine just one case: "Ah. I can see that you have absolute faith in him."

Like, just, general pro-tip: if you use "I can see that X" in dialogue and it's not ironic or used as de-escalation and just there to reiterate what we have just immediately established, cut that line. It's doing nothing, it's dead weight, it's just grinding the pace of a scene to a halt for no reason (unless you want it to be about stagnation, like I could see a David Lynch dinner scene where every character restate each other's actions by saying "I can see that you really like the gravy." over and over but it's not.... very applicable to more generic situations). This is writing 101, and the scene is full of these nothing sentences that go nowhere and establish nothing about the characters or the world and set up nothing and pay off nothing and it's driving me wild!

(also it does my least favorite thing in game writing aka the game praising the player character for an unreasonable amount of time, but I realize this is a pet peeve and not as important but it always makes me roll my eyes incredibly hard when it's not earned and it wasn't earned or useful here, the fact that the scene ends on everyone being like yaaay link!!! is... completely disconnected from the actual story happening in the past and shouldn't be the focus of the characters at that moment --it would be more powerful if Zelda used Link as an image of strength to inspire Rauru after Sonia's death later, for example)

It's a scene that completely undermines the tension built in the previous memory, makes the timeline of events confusing, and it leaves a ton of questions open, like: where the hell is Ganondorf? What is he doing? What did Rauru mean by "keeping him close", if he isn't actually close? Do they think he returned to the gerudo lands while he actually stayed hidden in their palace to do his Puppet Zelda shenanigans? I don't know! There is no way to know, because we're being told about teacups and how Link is amazing instead of anything relevant to the plot!

So yeah. Would have *gladly* done away with that teacup scene and focused more on a very tense moment of Sonia and Puppet Zelda where she acts very suspiciously and maybe aborts a first attempt at stealing the stone that goes nowhere, and this is when Sonia catches on that something is off? Honestly, I would also have killed for an actual scene of tension between Zelda and Ganondorf where they, like. Talk to each other. Instead of this actual current version of the story where they never do. And maybe this is how he realizes that she has a special connection with Sonia and it's how he tries to get her.

But yeah. Sorry, I kind of hijacked the ask into a "this damn teacup scene!!!" *shakes my first at clouds*, but I think it mirrors the thought that priorities were not given to the actual tension points laid down in the story. Puppet Zelda inherently calls upon ideas of fear of imposture, of abuse of power, of insecurity, of a twisted version of what Hyrule *could* be, which is so interesting and ripe with conflict and counterpoints.

I would have done unruly things for a Zelda arc where she is struggling to be a ruler and she's still very insecure and wrecked by guilt over the Calamity thing and feel disconnected from the land because of the whole "being locked 100 years away fighting a demon" thing and her daddy issues, and this is this insecurity that Ganondorf picks up on and preys on by trying to dismantle Hyrule using her very image as he plans his Big Comeback, and our role is to unite all of Hyrule against this weird nasty caricature of her created by an envious man who was furious to see his rule rejected and his rebellion considered less important than peace, then go to her acknowledging the immense and unjust sacrifice she made becoming a dragon and being like "hey Zelda we all love you and we will all fight for you because we made the choice to believe in the future you want to build" and it would have been soososo powerful and I would have perhaps shed a tear or two or ten. ;_;

#asks #thoughts #totk #totk critical #totk spoilers #when will my brain return from the imprisoning war...#zelda #writing #thanks for the ask!!! sorry my brain went Places with it #but yeah I just.... I'm sorry but I don't understand people who defend the writing of this game #you don't have to buy into the “it falls into pretty nasty imperialist storytelling patterns” to be like “this is just written badly”#that teacup scene is just a prime example of how.... amateur it feels #this is why I don't think Nintendo realized they were doing weird imperialist parallels with this one if THIS is their standard of quality #which it usually isn't! it's usually not that bad!#botw was not high art when it came to its writing but #it was not *that* egregious

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detroit-grand-prix · 2 months

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letzte rose - prologue

Toto Wolff x Susie Wolff Royal/Historical AU

Summary: The year is 1849 and one of Europe's Great Powers, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is on the cusp of burgeoning unrest. Parliament is trying to seize more authority while the provinces are fighting for more autonomy. An increasingly conservative chancellor seems to hold all of the power these days, as Emperor Christian I has become practically a recluse in recent years. But, a night at the opera has the potential to change everything.

Notes: I've been toying with the idea of some sort of Susie/Toto historicial AU for a while, but @totowlff approached me about this royalty AU and it's been impossible to get my mind off if it. She wrote most of this chapter (I edited it pretty heavily) and the chapter outline we have so far, and I'm really excited to see how it develops. Thank goodness for her pretty much encyclopedic knowledge of old European monarchies! I hope you like it, too. We are striving to make it as historically accurate as it can be, minus the fact that obvious major "characters" have been replaced.

There are certain moments when a person knows that their life will never be the same.

For Toto, it was a warm night in May of 1812, when he was just 15 years old.

He didn't remember anything exceptional about that night before he was woken up in the middle of a dream he was having.

A little confused, it took him a few seconds for his sleep-filled eyes to focus on the face of Karl, his Kammerdiener. Holding a small candelabra, his expression hid something that the young archduke could not puzzle out as he rubbed his eyes.

— What…

— I beg your pardon, sir, but your mother requested His Imperial Highness’ presence in her chambers.

— But why? — he asked, as he pulled his covers back and sat up in bed.

— Unfortunately, I don’t know, Your Highness — Karl replied, placing the candle on the bedside table — I’m just following the orders I received.

After helping him to his feet into a robe, Toto’s valet walked him through the halls of the Hofburg. Toto wondered what could be so important that she would get him out of bed in the middle of the night and walk halfway across the palace to Amalienburg, where the apartments of Archduchess Johanna of Austria were located. However, as he approached his mother's quarters, he noticed there was an awful lot of staff milling about, especially for the middle of the night. “Something is definitely wrong”, Toto thought, as his mother’s valet opened the door for him to be announced.

From then on, everything became a blur. The slow steps towards the anteroom. The sight of his mother sitting in one of the armchairs, her wet eyes indicating that she had been crying. Her deep breath before saying the words that changed his life forever.

— Long live the Emperor — Johanna said, before bowing deeply in front of him.

Toto left his mother's room a few minutes later, in complete silence. Accompanied by Karl, he headed back to his own quarters feeling completely numb.

That night, it wasn't just his grandfather, the old Emperor Rudolf VI, who had died. In a way Toto had, too. Toto, the boy who loved numbers, who protected his family with all his might and who liked to race horses was gone too, along with the boy who thought his destiny would have had the courtesy to wait a few years.

From the moment his grandfather’s death was pronounced, there was only His Imperial and Royal Apostolic Majesty, Christian The First, By The Grace of God.

Distrust was his constant companion, especially in the early days of his reign. Whispers about how he was too young and inexperienced for the role filled the palace halls with uncertainty. In the opinion of many, including politicians and the court, Toto should entrust matters of governance to the hands of those who understood the empire’s politics and go back to playing with his horses.

However, it was not in his nature to leave his responsibilities to others, especially to men who only thought about themselves and their own legacies. Toto wanted to govern for his people, for the people who looked to him and his family as a model to follow. Over the next nine years, he took over the reins of his own country, assembling a cabinet capable of forging a new Europe. Toto would always remember the relief on his mother's face when she spoke about Napoleon Bonaparte’s death in exile, definitively ending his reign.

— Your aunt will be immensely pleased to know that, finally, the devil is in Hell like he deserves to be, and he won’t be coming back this time — Johanna said with a wide smile on her face, during Toto's daily visit to her apartments.

— I don't know if that's the most appropriate way to speak of the dead, especially considering that he was, in a way, part of our family — he observed, pursing his lips. In order to reestablish peace between Austria and France, Toto's grandfather arranged for his other daughter, Elisabeth, to marry Napoleon. The union produced a single son, named Alexander, who became the presumptive heir to his father's ambitions and a major headache for the great powers. However, his proximity with his maternal family was the allegation that Chancellor Metternich said in the meeting with the other chancellors to convince them that Toto’s cousin was not a political threat to Europe.

— Alexander will always be a problem, especially considering that you still haven't resolved the issue of your marriage — his mother replied, brushing a dark curl away from her face.

— I just turned 24, mama…

— When I was your age, I was already married and had both you and your sister — she replied, as Toto shook his head — And there's no point in making that face, you know you have a duty to this country.

— Yes, my duty is to govern it. That is what I am primarily focused on.

— And what good is governing if you don't provide security for your subjects, my son? Nothing gives a nation’s people more security than knowing they don’t have to worry about any bloody succession crises. You don’t want what happened in Britain to happen to us, do you? Even your grandfather couldn’t feel at ease until you were born...

— Considering that Lili already has a son, I’m not overly concerned about who my successor will be — Toto said, with a small smile. This made his mother jump from her seat, giving her son a venomous glare.

— I think this should worry you even more, since your sister is younger than you and has already done more for the future of this family’s dynasty. Something about that statement annoyed Toto deeply. Slowly standing up, he turned away from his mother and walked towards the window, taking a deep breath. He couldn't be fragile, not now, not in front of her.

— If the matter concerns you so much, mama, I give you leave to resolve it — he said. His voice was solemn, but indicated clearly that he was done discussing it.

It took a few years to find a suitable match, but in 1825, at age 28, Toto was standing in the foyer of The Hofburg, greeting his new wife for the first time as she arrived from Munich. She was a Bavarian princess from the house of Wittelsbach named Stephanie. The marriage was arranged at the behest of Johanna and performed per procura before she and Toto had even met. They had exchanged a few letters, and Toto had seen her portrait, but this was the first time they were meeting.

With a shy smile and her blonde hair hidden under her wide-brimmed bonnet, she was clearly scared by it all, especially given how tightly he was gripping his hand.

— Nervous? — he asked her quietly.

— A little — Stephanie replied, nodding to some courtiers that were lined up to see her arrival in the palace for the first time — Let's just say I wasn't expecting...

— All these people?

— No, I'm talking about, well… Your Majesty.

— Was the portrait I sent not true to life? I told the painter not to make my nose so much smaller than it is, but they never listen to me — Toto said, as the air around them filled with quiet chatter and the clinking of military medals as highly decorated courtiers bowed in respect as the imperial couple walked by.

— Actually… I’d say that you are much more handsome than they made you look in your portrait — the princess said sweetly, her cheeks flushed.

It was with that sweetness that Stephanie entered Toto's life and heart. He didn't know how to feel about her at first. She was beautiful, certainly, and kind, but was Toto in love with her? Hardly. Love wasn't the purpose of their marriage; people like Toto didn't get the privilege of marrying for love.

As time went on, though, Stephanie proved to be a measured and gentle sort, who had no trouble taking on her role as the Empress of Austria and winning over the hearts of the courtiers and public, and eventually, she won Toto's heart as well. It took a few years for their family to grow, but the entire country celebrated with the arrival of the long-awaited heir, a boy named Benedict. Two years later, a little girl followed, and they named her Rosa, contrary to Johanna’s wishes, who had hoped for the girl to have her name.

For years, The Hofburg was a place full of light and joy, and Toto ruled a thriving empire from within it. With his family together, he was sure that nothing could shake him, not even the biggest challenge.

Until one bitter February day in 1836, Stephanie whispered his name as she closed her eyes for the final time.

All of the light and joy that filled the palace was buried with her in the Imperial Crypt.

#f1 fanfic #f1 au #f1 historicial au #f1 royalty au #series: lezte rose #toto wolff fanfic #toto wolff x susie wolff

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sorp-trrmasterlist · 1 year

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Chasing the Moon, Chapter Two: Finding Her Place

Book: The Royal Romance

Words: 2,550

Rating: Chapter PG-13, Series is Mature

Summary: AU to The Royal Romance where Olivia and Drake were involved before the social season. What would happen when the newcomer from New York arrives in Cordonia and upsets the balance of old friendships and old love?

Olivia was disappointed Drake had not found his way to her room last night. But it was the social season now, and reluctant as she was to admit it, she did need to act like she wanted it.

Olivia thought back to the bonfire a few weeks ago. She sat beside Drake, his arm wrapped around her holding her close. Liam sat with his legs outstretched, silently sipping on scotch. Even Maxwell was quietly sitting cross-legged on the ground. This was the beginning of the end for their group. Liam would become king and was about to choose his future wife. But it wasn't just that. They were all changing.

Maxwell was struggling to maintain his fun-loving mask, and the group was becoming aware that something more was going on with him. Drake was still grieving the loss of his sister. In addition, the strain of their difference in position was becoming more significant as the years passed, creating an invisible divide between the friends. They sat, silently supporting one another knowing that things were soon coming to an end. They could no longer be the 'palace brats' the nickname given to their group by others at court. They needed to grow up and none of them were ready.

"So how are you holding up Li?" Drake asked.

Liam took a long swig of scotch straight from the bottle.

"I've been better," he answered, trying to hide the burn of the liquor.

"This really sucks, Liam," Maxwell comforted.

Liam stood up pacing as he continued to drink his scotch.

"I just wasn't prepared for this. Not now. I knew that I would eventually marry but I thought I would have time." He sat back down taking another draw of scotch. "Maybe I was naive, but I thought I would get the chance to fall in love."

He looked down saddened and threw the remnants of the bottle into the fire, the alcohol causing a burst of flame. They all stood and moved over to Liam. Olivia sat next to him softly rubbing his back.

Drake offered decisively, "I think we should talk about the social season. Li, you're going to be the king."

"Is it that obvious Drake?"

"Li, there are some fucked up bitches at court," Drake offered.

Olivia agreed. "We have all met Cuntess Madeline!"

Drake continued. "If you don't find a suitor, I mean someone you truly like, someone that you think can handle the crown and make you happy… then I think you should choose Liv."

All three of them snapped their heads to Drake.

"Drake," Olivia started to protest but Drake stopped her.

"Listen Liv, this is forever for Liam. And it's not just finding a wife but running the country with him."

Olivia stared at Drake, mouth agape.

"He has a point, Liv.” Liam interjected, “But, only if you're willing." She turned to Liam with tears in her eyes. "You would be an amazing queen, and we would all still be together. You and Drake could still be together, I mean." He shrugged sheepishly.

Maxwell agreed, "It might not be what you want right now Livvy, but Liam needs you....if he can't find someone better."

Olivia chuckled, swiping at the unshed tears.

"Gee thanks, Max."

"Come on, that's not what I meant, Livvy," Maxwell reassured her.

Liam reached out taking one hand and Drake took the other.

"I know it's a lot to ask but I can't do this alone, Liv. I can't spend my life with someone I despise just because it looks good to the court. I hope maybe there will be someone that I develop feelings for and that can rule with me, but if not...." he looked up, his eyes meeting Olivia's as Drake rubbed soft circles on her hand.

Olivia turned to Drake.

"You would want this?"

Drake shrugged, "You guys are nobles. It's your duty to put the crown first, I get that. I'm not bound by that same obligation. You two may not find the kind of love you were hoping for but you could still have love in your marriage. That's a hell of a lot better than most nobles I know.”

Oliva looked down thinking. The problem for Olivia is that she had already found that sort of love and she was not sure she was willing to give it up. But they had a point. She couldn't leave Liam to the vultures at court. She looked back up meeting Liam's eyes.

"Okay."

He smiled, "Really?"

She nodded "Yes. But for the record, I hope you can find someone you really love to rule beside you."

"I can't tell you how much this means to me, Liv, " he leaned over, placing a kiss on her cheek then pulling her in, hugging her tightly. He also pulled Drake into the hug and Maxwell joined too.

"Well, House Beaumont still does not have a suitor, so who knows, maybe we'll find the love of your life at the last minute and sponsor her in the social season."

They all laughed while opening a new bottle and sharing a drink.

Olivia pulled herself out of the memory and back to the present. It was derby day and Olivia always loved going to the derby. She loved the fashion and prestige of it all while Drake loved the horses and the racing. It brought something raw and even more manly out of him and she felt her body tingling thinking about what it brought out in the bedroom the last time they went.

Typically their foursome occupied the royal tent, Olivia and Liam sipping on champagne and Drake and Max enjoying a cold beer. Olivia realized she would likely need to stay with the other suitors this time but she hoped to sneak a little alone time with Drake tonight.

Olivia went down to the boutique to choose her outfit for the derby. As far as Olivia was concerned a derby hat was a must. She chose a large floppy black hat and a white dress with sheer sleeves and white polka dots. It was derby perfection. She smiled at herself in the mirror as she caught a glimpse of Samantha behind her. She smirked, turning to her.

"I'm surprised to see you're still here."

"I'm not planning on going anywhere, no matter how bitchy you are to me, Duchess." She gave her an exaggerated bow as she turned to look over the dresses.

Huh, Olivia considered. She's got spunk even if she does lack class.

"Look, I know you've probably never been to one of these before but you really must dress the part. Hats are a must." She winked at her as she confidently strode out.

Upon arrival at the derby Olivia was guided through the throng of press answering questions eloquently, as always. She was the Duchess of Lythikos and the press and people had fallen in love with her over the years. She joined the suitors’ tent mingling with the other ladies but had not seen Drake or Liam since her arrival, assuming they were having a private party in Liam's tent.

Olivia excused herself to use the restroom and caught sight of Drake leading Lady Samantha over to Liam's tent. Her arm was wrapped through his and they were talking and laughing together. Olivia felt her smile drop as she watched them. They seemed to have an easy comfort despite only recently meeting.

Drake turned as he opened the tent for Samantha and caught sight of Olivia. He offered a quick wink as he entered the tent. Olivia turned on her heel heading for the restroom. She rested her hands on the counter leaning forward attempting to catch her breath. She hated admitting it to herself but she was jealous seeing them together. They even looked good together. It was almost like they fit, both casual and athletic.

Olivia took a deep breath composing herself and exited the restroom. She started walking briskly back to the suitors' tent when she almost bumped directly into Drake holding three beers in his hands.

She looked down taking in the beer then looked away continuing her walk.

"Liv." She heard Drake call after, catching up to her a moment later. "What, you can't even say hello?"

She stopped turning to meet his eyes, blinking back the moisture.

"You look busy entertaining other suitors."

Drake cocked his head. "Liv, she's in there for Liam. Don't be like that."

"Still, you two look pretty comfortable together."

Drake smirked. "Are you jealous Duchess?" Olivia rolled her eyes at him. He leaned in toward her. "Liv don't be like this. I'm trying to help out Liam. He asked me to watch out for her. The ladies of court have not exactly been welcoming," he raised his eyebrow knowingly.

"Whatever. Go deliver your beers. I'll see you later."

"That you can count on," he winked at her as she made her way back to the tent for the race.

Olivia kept busy watching the race and socializing with the other suitors. Several started asking questions about where Lady Samantha was, but Olivia brushed it off, even providing excuses for her absence. ‘Bertrand is probably busy lecturing her about the picnic.”

After the race, she watched as Drake escorted Samantha back over to the suitors' tent. They were both smiling and laughing and she was casually resting her hand on his arm.

Olivia could not help but feel the green-eyed monster stir within her, especially as she watched Drake turn back for a second look as she walked away. His smile instantly fell as he met Olivia's eyes and offered her an uncomfortable wave.

Her heart thumping, Olivia turned and walked swiftly to her Rolls Royce to carry her to the picnic. Once in the privacy of her car, she allowed her feelings to surface.

How could things have changed so drastically in just a few days? Or maybe it had never been to Drake what it was to her. She wiped the moisture from her eyes and pulled out her makeup bag to quickly freshen up. She finished just as the car halted at the picnic. Olivia's driver opened the door for her as she gracefully exited, joining the procession of suitors waiting to greet Queen Regina. Olivia watched as Hana and Samantha joined the end of the line next to her. The two appeared to become fast friends. The Herald sounded and Queen Regina appeared accompanied by Madeline.

Olivia heard Hana and Samantha whispering about who the blonde was.

Olivia scoffed, "That's Cuntess Madeline. She was engaged to the former Crown Prince Leo but he dropped her as fast as he could once he abdicated. I suspect she's not done in her quest for the crown."

"What do you mean?" Hana asked naively.

"Just wait and see."

"Queen Regina" Olivia curtsied, "Maddie" she scoffed taking in the Countess.

"Why Duchess Olivia. Always a pleasure to see you,” the Queen greeted and then lowered her voice to a whisper. "You keep these ladies in line.”

Olivia grinned. "It's what I do best."

She continued down the line greeting Lady Hana and Samantha taking extra time grilling Samantha. It was already clear she was the favorite. The procession then moved over to the croquet field for the ceremonial game. Regina chose the Countess for her partner, officially announcing her as a contender and Liam chose Samantha.

Olivia couldn't help but notice how Liam's face lit up when he spoke to her. It was disgustingly adorable, she had to admit. Olivia made her way over to the refreshments tent when she felt his presence behind her and his breath on her ear.

"Meet me behind the tent?"

She nodded, immediately missing the heat from his body. She sipped her lemonade and then slipped around the tent to find Drake waiting for her. He grabbed her arm pulling her flush against his body. He smirked looking down at her brushing a few stray strands of hair from her face.

"Liv," he leaned down, planting a soft kiss on her lips. She returned the kiss but then pulled away. Drake exhaled frustrated. "What is it Liv?"

She shrugged, "I'm not sure. Things are changing. It doesn't feel good."

Drake nodded. "We knew things would have to change with the social season, Liv."

"I know. It's just not in the way I expected. Not with you."

"What do you mean?" He moved over to her, lifting her chin to look into her eyes. He saw the moisture there.

"Liv…"

She pulled away.

"It's fine. I just...it's nothing." Olivia felt like a jealous schoolgirl. She shook it off and wrapped her arms around Drake's strong shoulders. He leaned down, capturing her lips, aggressively. Olivia moaned as he slipped his tongue into her mouth tasting her familiar taste. His strong hands roamed down her body pulling her in closer to him so she could feel the effect she was having on him. Olivia let out a soft moan.

"Hey, have you guys seen Sammie?" Maxwell's head peeked around the tent.

Drake and Olivia both turned to him scowling at his interruption.

"Okay. I'm gonna take that as a no.” He slipped back into the tent.

Olivia scoffed. "I swear I have never met a bigger cockblock than Maxwell Beaumont. It's like he has special radar or something."

Drake chuckled cupping her cheek in his hand.

"Will we continue this later?" Olivia nodded as Drake gave her one more short but steamy kiss before slipping away.

Olivia took a moment to fix her lipstick and compose herself before heading back into the tent. She grabbed a glass of lemonade and walked into the sunlight on the lawn. Her eyes scanned the crowd spotting Liam, Samantha, Lady Hana, Maxwell, and Drake all sitting together chatting happily. She brushed off her feelings as Drake met her eyes giving her a soft smile. She returned it and walked over to Lady Penelope and Lady Kiara who were currently complaining about the Countess's return.

Later that evening Olivia waited in her room for Drake to stop by. She was wearing a red satin robe with nothing underneath. He was taking longer than expected and she found herself drawn to the balcony of her room, breathing in the salty Mediterranean air. She heard voices in the distance and laughter. She looked to see a group walking up the grounds. She made out Liam, Lady Hana, and Maxwell. Then in the rear were Drake and Lady Samantha. Behind all of them was Bastien, who looked up to meet Olivia's watery gaze.

She pulled her robe tightly around her and entered her room. Olivia slumped onto her bed unable to stop the tears from flowing this time. She had spent most of her life as an integral part of a foursome of friends...the palace brats. But in a matter of days, she had been replaced. It wasn't just the feeling that she was losing Drake that upset her so much. It was no longer having a place, no longer being needed. Their tight-knit crew had changed, and she was no longer a part of it.

@twinkleallnight @kingliam2019 @alj4890 @tessa-liam @walkerdrakewalker @karahallowayalloway

#choices trr #drake walker #liam rhys #olivia nevrakis #trr fanfic #trr #king liam #trr fandom #trr au #chasing the moon

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trhor · 1 year

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What was your initial inspiration for your story? What idea came first, the plot or the characters?

Hi Anon, thanks for the question. I did in fact ramble and so to save everyone time, it's under a read more.

I've always been a fan of history and English history has always been a point of interest for me. It's amazing how one small island in the northern Atlantic can have such a messy history with so many twist and turns. I can see how GRRM took inspiration from the War of the Roses when he was dreaming up A Song of Ice and Fire. English history in many ways is very sanitized, a similar issue when we're trying to talk about American history. Which means further research is always needed to develop a fuller picture. So I started digging into the very tension relationship between Scotland and England and there's so much that's either not really touched upon or is just explained in a single line before moving on somewhere else. Same issue with Ireland, Wales, and Cornwall, that's without even talking about England's colonization of half the world and the nightmare that was the English imperial empire.

I'll find the point and explain it soon but a little more background. I have been actively and passively following the on goings in the royal simblr tag for about two years. I thought it was amazing that so many people were finding a new way to play the game, that I had loved such I was a little girl in the early aughts that had lost it's spark for me because of the lack of depth with the gameplay. So seeing all the amazing stories happening gave me a spark of inspiration but I didn't necessarily engage with right away. For a while, I didn't have an idea worthy of sharing and so I let the idea collect dust in my mind till something better happened.

So back to that point, I started doing more research on Scottish/English history and there was this one fact that just really stuck with me. Let's talk about St Edward's chair and the Stone of Destiny.

The Stone of Destiny is an ancient symbol of Scotland's monarchy, used for centuries in the inauguration of its kings. Seen as a sacred object, its earliest origins are now unknown. In 1296, King Edward I of England seized the stone from the Scots, and had it built into a new throne at Westminster.

It should be noted this isn't the only stolen item that has been used in ceremony and regalia of the British Monarchy, but for my purpose this is the one I'm focusing on. It's obvious or at least to me, that Edward though the stone held power beyond being a trophy that proved he had defeated the Scots. No, this wasn't any stone it was the only that had been used to inaugurate Scottish Kings for centuries. Maybe Edward seeing the power in the stone believed that by using it in his own coronation, it would prove that by the divine rights of kings he was a ruler chosen by god. That's honestly just my theory, so take it with a pinch of salt.

So the idea that snowballed this whole thing was the idea that a Scottish person really should be the one on the throne if you believe in the divine rights of kings, because that stone belongs to Scotland. Yes, I know there was the brief Stuart dynasty but Charlie I, was such a bad king he started a civil war and died. His son was the King of Partying, but left a mess behind and so I'm not using them as inspiration. Sorry Stuart fans ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I rambled, sorry back to the point of this whole thing. I really liked the idea of what if Scottish person took the English throne and never gave it back. What would that mean and all the trappings that come with it

Right, so as an American the idea of Monarchy has always been a fascinating one from an outsider's perspective. In the real-world context, it’s debatable. Monarchy as a narrative device provides so many possibilities and it’s one that I wanted to explore and so here we are. It depends, sometimes I have a really good idea and the characters pop into life to fill in the space and other times, it's the muses that appear first and I have to build a world for them to exist.

In this case, Theo showed up first. I had been tossing around the idea of starting a royal simblr but I had no plot and so I hoped into CAS and started playing around trying to create my lead. The Theo, I have now is not the original Theo I started with. That one is still in my library but as I started really thinking about the story, she didn't spark joy and so I went back to the drawing board and looked through sims I had made before. And I found her again, this particular sim to me was the prettiest randomly generated sim I had ever seen and I had used her when I was farting around with Cottage Living. There was something about her and so I used her as a jumping off point.

This is where I call myself out, I'm not really a generations player. Thanks to my ADHD, playing a legacy challenge is a real challenge because it doesn't often hold my attention for every long. And I also get overly attached to my sims and have this desire to keep them young adults forever. It's the main reason, why I think I get burned out because I get stuck in my old ways. So because of this fun fact, I had to build several generations for scratch through genetics using this new Theodora as a jumping off point. I wouldn't recommend this way of doing things because I have to rely heavily on my own imagination to create this characters instead of just playing with them. I've made a few interesting choices that I'm not sure were the smartest but we'll have to see how they pan out.

So I've rambled a lot at this point and I hope it was a thrilling read and if anyone made it to this point cool cool. The great thing about this whole royal simblr thing is that I'm just one fish in an incredible diverse lake. If my story, doesn't resonate with you that's cool there are so many great ones that deserve your attention. So if you decided to stick around that's fantastic and if not I hope you find the story that's right for you.

#trhor asks #trhorasks #anon #anonoymous #I talk way too much #but I really liked the question #thank you for the ask

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seb-owns-these-tatas · 3 years

Text

Witcher of the Night (Chapter 24)

Chapter 23.2

WOTN MASTERLIST

Summary: The night of the feast could be a journey's end, or so we thought.

Warnings: Blood. Slight family dynamic? Curse words. Derogatory words. Geralt being so feisty? Limbs being cut off? Those kind of gore. 😢 Hehe. Mention of Asgard. LMAO.

Words: 7k+

A/N: WELCOME BACK TO ME. HELLO, BB'S! YES, TIS' I! I'll be posting the next chapters in Tumblr too for our Tumblr peeps! If ya' aren't in Wattpad, you might be missing out on my chapters! Heehee! Also, I'm sorry, life has been in the way. Especially research papers that gives me burnouts.

Disclaimer: PNG's and pictures used in edits are not mine even the GIF's too. (Credits to the rightful owners of the gifs) However, the edits and this fanfic is definitely from moi. Character development and personalities are based from my understanding and how I want them to be. This has no connection towards the books, games or show. (Well, somewhat) Though, sometimes Geralt's personalities can be found on either of the sources. But, still. This isn't liable to be a copy of one Geralt of Rivia's character to another because I base this from how I want him to be.

The day of the feast is the day of your death.

It was what you've perceived when you wore the dress they've arranged for the night assembled in the great hall of the castle. You've gussied up till your heart's content, wearing make-up given to you by Eanraig and his lover's basket full of women's essentials. As pretty as a princess that Cynthia has advised.

The defeatist part of your brain thinking that this was your end---the night where you would suddenly wake up in your bed, rousing from your illusions on creating love and a caring family that you have wished for back in earth and in the fullness of time, molding a small family for yourself as well with the growing child inside of you.

She was growing. You knew that Eanraig's honesty was really not a lie at all after seeing yourself in a full body mirror, stripped out of your servant's clothes prior to the morning demands before the feast. What stood before you was a woman who had a two month moon-belly. When the druid said that your pregnancy will be thrice as much rather than a normal gravidity, he wasn't joking. Though, your stomach isn't that obvious under the dress unless you were going to be disrobed from the clothing. It looked bloated, like something was in there. Too much divulgence of food or a baby---the image tells that someone or something was living inside.

In the midst of staring out of nowhere, you seated all alone with a glum frown etched on your dolled up face. Scrumptious looking food plated in the most rakish way as strangers sat in front, their barbarous laughter and prattles completely opposite of how you were acting in the middle of it all. Speechless, distressed and wistful from celebrating over a feast hosted by people who had done nothing but cast hate and animosity towards your family which included you.

Belerick was loudly munching on his smoked chicken, the gnome attending this so-called celebration feast for the royal family and for the blessing of the future king's assuage. When Belerick was present in a banquet like the king has held then expect his whole gang of Leprecauns to be actively with him.

His garrulous attempt of seeking answers over how downcast and drained you appeared to be regardless of the fake powders you've used on your face. The careworn expression adding up more of his worry and even for the slightly fading bruises along your back that couldn't be hidden by make-up.

"Last time I saw ye' you weren't lookin' like this! Who'd hurt ye'?!"

You were seated with the gnomes and a whole ton of nasty, tough looking strangers who had beer-belly in one long wooden table. Merek downed his cup of ale, loudly dropping the empty cup on the table with a 'thud' before blattering a comment. His attention now solely on you alone as he raked your outfit and beated body, "Yeah, right! Tell us, tell us! We'll hurt the lad!"

Belerick abruptly growled at the back of his throat, slovenly eating his chicken until no meat was left and only bones---thoroughly squeaky clean as if it would dazzle against the tall, chandelier lights. The Leprecaun spoke with his mouth full, chewing in the process.

"Was it the Witcha'?! He battered ye'?! The potato we would gladly worship, aye?! It gots not to be the bard because he's one feeble lad! Even his name sounds puny! A puny bard! Does he go with Jaskier or Dandelion?!"

Shaking your head, "You'll be beheaded if I did tell you," you meekly uttered, staring at the smoked mutton constantly being forked by the group of acquaintances you've somehow became familiar with back in Durriken's Inn.

Carac, who suddenly seemed to be shy based on his blushing ears and cheeks looked starry-eyed with his knuckles propped beneath his chin as he was watching you stare in the middle of the hall where people might be dancing on it soon, "Where's the pretty bard? I thought ye' would end up togetha'?"

"You dullard!" Belerick hit him in the head with a bone leg of a chicken, "---Ye' don't remember she's the lass that the white haired witcha' tried to save in the middle of slaughtering Tybalt's men?! Haven't ye' heard the gossips, Carac?!"

Merek audibly burped out loud. Careless and never giving a damn over his table manners as he slowly tapped his swollen belly full of beer and food.

"A murderer but a knight nevertheless. Not a pretty worthy tale to tell the people of Kaedwen, don't ye' think?"

"Guys, stop calling him that." you mumbled beneath a sigh, the frown turning deeper from mentioning about your witcher who you try to seldomly think of---but, it was difficult when you could feel what he felt even from afar and by the feeling of it, he seemed to be in distress just like you.

"What? a murderer? a knight? a monsta'? a mutant?"

Belerick was quick enough to attack his brethren, hauling an arm around his neck to choke his pal alive as he latched onto his back. Merek struggled against his hold, dry-heaving while the latter chewed on his smoked bacon, "I'm strangling ye'! She said to cease your horses or yer' makin' er' glum!"

"She ain't fuckin' the mutant! She gots to be feckin' him when it affects er' like this!"

The glass clung loudly in the hall, like a bell in a church that everybody worships. Everybody ceased their ceaseless yackety-yacks. People who surrounded you were noblemen, lords of different kingdoms and mansions whilst others were mere barbarians you expected to exist in a world you still haven't been familiar with---prior to the men seen in the first Inn you have been hardly welcomed in.

You've turned your head to see who has called everybody's attention and it was the king's loyal advisor and Geralt's old friend. He was prepped in a graceful outfit than before---suited for banquets like the one you're currently attending and seeing all the women wearing dresses and gowns, yours was the least vivid.

"This delightful, auspicious feast has been planned for the good fortune of everyone; for the chance that the prince shall be healed once the witcher comes back,"

Eanraig connected his grey eyes with your mirthless ones. The druid knew that you weren't highly thrilled to attend the feast by people who had given you trauma, "The queen and king highly believes that the future of Kaedwen finally has a path ahead for us and the people,"

As the scholar stood by the king on a floor higher than where everybody is, he'd raised a hand to call his attention. The side of his lips curl into genuine mirth, "Eanraig?"

"Your majesty?"

King Viduka raised a hand and gestured with his palm towards where you sat. The eyes of every human, deeming your presence as a person who seemed to be highly royal by how the king has addressed and thanked for what falsehood he was trying to let the people believe.

"For the help of the witcher's betrothed---an easy way to finally have him accept such favors, we must make a toast for her contribution for the future that has been set. A symbol of gratitude specifically given by the king that I wish for her to accept,"

You couldn't help but subtly cover the side of your face, your fingers scratching your temples but actually trying to avoid their judging stares. Their eyes heavy to be felt all around you especially from the gnomes who had their mouths ajar in consternation. This has been one of your discomforts, being stared by many without knowing what they thought of. The fading, healing bruises never helping the ignominy fighting with the awkwardness.

A sigh left your lips as you sat stiff on the chair, motionless by the spotlight being given. Silently asking yourself why you sat in the middle of the room when you could stand on the sides and stay hidden but attend the feast at the same time.

"Y/N of Asgard, please accept this toast. Thrice for a price that I can never repay---my gratitude over your witcher, his service and to yours. Coins if you may want to receive which I doubt no witcher's lover cannot refuse, a home for your family or any of your choice,"

The salted beef on your plate abruptly turned unappetizing when everybody started their own buzzes of condemnatory whispering campaigns by the mention of the word 'witcher' without even knowing who it was.

Yet, the brownies knew who this particular witcher was since he was the only one you were connected with, "I told ye' she's feckin' the witcher!" Carac loudly whispered beside Merek who dramatically fell on his chair while Belerick pounded his fist on the food-filled table.

"I feel feckin' betrayed! Yer' his missus?!"

You've shot your head up to see everyone still staring and awaiting for what you would ask for the king. Noblemen having lours that appeared to be permanent once the king publicly announced the relationship you had with Geralt, disbelieving that they've even thought of asking for your services because of how the rumors spread that you were the castle's trollop.

They've nodded to themselves. Yeah, you were a trollop. A mutant's harlot.

"Ughm---we already have a home. Pretty much homey than this extravagant castle you have. So, can I ask for more coins instead? Tons of it please. I think it's much more practical considering how we people live,"

King Viduka chuckled out loud, his laugh bombarding the great hall like an eerie echo you had found because this was the first time he actually cackled in your presence. It was probably a facade for the people, you mindlessly thought to yourself.

"The witcher plans to marry a clown and a smart lass. You have my word. Abundant coins and a toast of gratitude from the whole clan,"

Unbeknownst to you, there was more than just strangers or acquaintances circling your own space. A bard whom you've had become bosom friends with as he came with Geralt's relationship. Being two peas in a pod just like how you were with the witcher as well.

It took for a king's call to know that Jaskier attended the feast despite being told to stay at home. He never listens.

"For entertainment and to keep everyone out of their drunk stupor, may I request the bard standing from the far corner of the hall,"

King Viduka hollered for Jaskier to grab onto his lute and strum whatever epic was needed to be sung. You've huffed out a disappointed breath and washed your face with both of your hands. Seeing him dressed up in such a lavish outfit---catching himself off-guard by how he was suddenly called, stammering from his first set of music.

Jaskier has been eyeing you for a while now. Finding Geralt's other half inconvenient for a hall filled with different types of people. From nanoscopic, small, medium till large. Yet, his own hunt have been easy when the king started to acknowledge the fact that you were there---even giving credits to be the person needed for the witcher to follow their favors; seeming to find it the only way for Geralt to listen and give in. The dress and make-up you were wearing not helping his job because you looked to be quite feminine and bewitching for the lady he knew.

A woman he knew to be filled with mirth and jolly. Now, sat afar from him was a drained, battered lass who he couldn't recognize unless stared upon. It was only days that it took for the continent's enmity to change your sole appearance and spirit.

He started his song with a smile and a wink. Charismatic as he drifted from person to person, momentarily turning in his strides as he strummed his instrument like he was born to be a poet and a musician. The words leaving his mouth palatalized with every final letter, sounding more sung by the heart.

"Doeful eyes like a dear,

seems like a witcher who couldn't bear,

As vulnerable as she may be,

The witcher's destiny coverts her plea,

Known to be naive,

At the mercy of her mere existence,

She was his bonny tea-cup,

Drinking all of thy feigned monstrosity,

Oh! Garroter,

You're a man of few words,

Thou, cantankerous and brooding,

The witcher would still save thee,"

Until the moment you've realized he was actually singing the song he had written for you and Geralt. It took you a verse to squint your eyes back at him from how he was trying to pave his way towards where you sat. Attention wasn't a thing you thrive in and the bard's additional song performance had people clapping, dancing to the tune, and singing along to realize that it was a poem made by the bard for his witcher friend.

You wanted to melt in your seat. The heat travelling up your face from hearing the whole song for the first time. Back before being taken, you've only knew snippets of incomplete verses rather than the whole when you've been with Jaskier.

The bard finished his song when he stood before your sitting form, shooting daggers whilst Jaskier had his chest puffed with a lute latched as he mindlessly strummed, grinning down to see you glaring back like you've been disappointed upon firstly seeing him.

He was about to open his mouth and speak how unappreciative you were that they haven't thought twice to travel all across the kingdom just to attend the feast that was been rumored to be held---in hopes of seeing you and subtly wishing to sneak you out of the castle without swords being thrown at their backs.

By the mention of they, it meant to be Jaskier and Cirilla.

People went back to their own chatters. Most were talking about Jaskier's fresh written song, others tattling about how a witcher shouldn't be with a vulnerable woman like you---because his kind deserved no one; not even the pleasing idea of human nature on affection and care for proudly staying with Geralt by hook or by crook.

The gnomes were nowhere to be seen after Jaskier's given spotlight. They've left your side by finding women who were giving them flirty looks from the other table. Their bleats catching your attention when they've jumped off their chairs, grumbling over how you were being entertained by the witcher when they've expected Jaskier to be your plus one---a weakling they could battle for your attention.

But, the butcher of Blaviken was a different case. They needed to back-off in this instance.

You've eyed every bit of his actions, fidgeting over his nails when you've given nothing but silence and awkward, intense stares at him. He had to sigh and look around before kneeling in front of you, earning him more of your glares once you've connected your own with his baby blues.

The latter forgot what he was about to say with just one look from you. He mentally cursed inside his head for losing his charisma when the subject and the woman he was looking at has been you. He was still fond of you after all especially being prepared for the banquet with all those womanly essentials being painted on your face---the make-up making you more lovely than ever.

"Jaskier, what are you doing here?! aren't you beaten up enough to stay at home and take care of Cirilla? where's Cirilla?" squinting your eyes around, examining the whole room to see no Ashen haired child dancing or devouring on a plate.

Cirilla. Jaskier mentally thought to himself. Sparing a glance around the great hall, spotting an empty space where he left her and expected her to stay.

But, she was gone.

The curl of his lips trembled in the slightest. Showing confidence despite the worry suddenly making his nerves go wild. Though, he tries his hardest not to be obvious about his nervousness. His stammers had you crossing your arms against your chest, disbelief written all over your powdered face.

"Talking to one of the queen's sons---Oh." he nervously laughed and raised a hand to cup his nape, "She---she's completely safe and sound if you ask! Cirilla is in here somewhere,"

You didn't give him the benefit of the doubt. Sure, you've missed him---his playful jests and humor. So much that it made you cry to sleep every night just thinking about him, Cirilla and Geralt. But, now isn't the time for reconciliation when the castle was beyond dangerous for Geralt's family.

Jaskier instantly lost Cirilla after being given the opportunity to woo the king. A shake of your head was the only answer he'd gotten as you stood from your seat. Determined to find the child before she gets taken away by the bunch of people who knew nothing but hurt the people you love.

Jaskier evidently cleared his throat, blinking the guilty conscience away by changing the subject, "By the way, where is Geralt? Oh! I guess he must be finding the witch then---" his eyes zeroed on your healing bruises around your shoulder that haven't been covered by make-up. The troubadour instantly stood on his feet, his eyes swimming in utmost concern and regret.

"---Have you been bloody wacked by them?!"

"Shh!" you've waved him off with a faux, solemn smile to lessen his worries. His face even falling into a quick frown because your reaction says that his hunches were right. You didn't just tripped over things again and gained a boo-boo or whatsoever. This has been a work of hostility that Geralt has gained from being who he is---your presence involving the animosity that people felt.

Yet, you were still trying to fake your happiness when you could curse at everyone in the palace for landing a hand on your body which the witcher wholly and subtly takes care of. Jaskier could be the person of witness for how he knew Geralt when it came to you---the littlest wound tenderly being held like it was the worst thing to get and it humored him to see a scary, brooding monster slayer to be gentle towards another human being.

"You have still yet a smile to give, rat?"

Rat. It sounded refreshing in your ear other than the derogatory words you constantly receive from people.

"Don't worry about me. Worry about Cirilla and find her, Jaskier. I swear to God if she's lost---" you abruptly stopped in the middle of your sentence, bringing a palm up in his face, "---Don't you dare leave her for a one night stand,"

The bard blew a raspberry, wanting to laugh from how motherly you were sounding tonight---being more motherly than ever since the night you temporarily left them, "A one night stand you say? who stands in the night, rat?"

Sighing from his lack of knowledge over your modern words, you turned your body to grab onto your fork and jabbed a mutton to eat. Mouth closed as you chewed; once finished, you began to warn the beaming bard who seemed to be relieved to see you again.

"Such an imbecile. Shut up and go away before you get beaten up again,"

It didn't take long to feel arms suddenly envelop around your side. Her hands cupping your waist as it made you stand stiff and straight because of how the touch grazed through your slightly bulging stomach.

"Ma'!" The princess of Cintra sweetly hushed at your side, catching you off guard. The concern about her safety slowly fading when you've seen her bright face and joyous eyes, already in the verge of crying because of how it was lonely without you and Geralt in their home.

"You're---you're---"

Your heart raced, thinking that she was catching onto your pregnancy when the child examined you from head to foot. A subtle, breathless sigh leaving your lips when she'd focused on your shoulder which now had marks and probably even a second degree burn made from metal to skin. You've embraced her back to hide the frown on your face against her braided hair. Turning your voice upbeat and nonchalant to worry her no more when she was needed to leave soon. "I'm fine, Princess. Just some little bruises that has been treated already,"

She hugged you more tighter, praying to the heavens that she does not notice the bulge of your stomach like you were a newly pregnant woman.

"You're wounded! Filled with awful bruises and marks!"

Cirilla sniffed after her outburst in the middle of a busy feast. You've heard her against your head and you couldn't help but coo and try to calm her down; tenderly as possible---like how you would to your own child, "I'm healing. Please don't cry, Cirilla. I'm still alive, right? I still can get to choke Jaskier in his sleep,"

That caught the bard's attention away from a woman who was trying to catch his eye by staring at him from afar. He did not have the audacity to sneak away and plan to woo a woman all through the night after the obvious angry midget who was simply displeased for his abrupt decisions. Though, he was tempted in the slightest. You could feel his judging gaze on the side of your face, squinting from your devious, hidden threat lacing on your tongue.

Cirilla pulled away. The panic for your condition constantly threatening her anxiety---for her 'ma' who has sacrificed herself for the sake of not risking her to be taken. Without Geralt on your side made her more anxious than ever because he would be the only person to keep you safe.

"Tell me Geralt's here---Geralt needs to be here with you!"

"He's not. He needed to find the witch to reverse the curse. You need to leave---both of you. This castle isn't safe if they know who you are---"

Forewarning has been cut short when Jaskier reached out for the child's hood of her cloak, quickly tossing it over her head with a flick of his wrist as he feigned a laugh, trying to let the person who was closing in, think that you were entertaining their night with stories that made him laugh. The bard swiftly pulled the princess on his side, swinging an arm around her shoulder and kept her struggles with a tight hold as she incoherently battled and complained.

"May I interrupt such moment?" Eanraig intervened whilst he stood on your side with a tray on his hand. Three cups of whatever they were offering on one while the other with an extra large bag of coins sitting on the other.

Jaskier did not bet his trust over people he hardly knew when he was with Cirilla. Howbeit, the determination sometimes slip for an accident or two that catches him asleep at the wheel. You've given him a look before giving heed over the druid---seeing the troubadour slyly wink with Cirilla twisting and turning in his arms.

The druid gently served the drinks specially made for you on your side of the table. In due course, reaching out to give you the heavy bag of coins, "Your requests have been granted. Please take these as a gift from the king,"

You've taken the bag, blinking rapidly as you realized how heavy it was. Probably worth a lot than you think, "Thank you, Eanraig."

"Three Kaedwenian Stouts? Oh my, do you see this small lassie as a drunkard?"

Julian Alfred Pankratz spiritedly questioned, grinning as he did without any idea who Eanraig was. Regardless of that, the scholar knew exactly who he was; a bard and a very close friend of the white wolf.

Eanraig gave Jaskier a smile of familiarity, "Ah, the white wolf's humble bard. Pleased to meet you." he acknowledged the bard with a tilt of his head, his eyes forming crinkles due to happily seeing him the first time.

"This is just a mere juice harmless...for her,"

The way Eanraig said the last word sounded to have a meaning to it. You knew what he was trying to say, knowing that maybe beer could harm the child growing inside of you. He'd informed the maiden who has made the drink for you to be safe which ended up being a wild fruit juice that would be new for your taste buds.

You couldn't help but move your toes against your boots. A nervous tick because of how you didn't want Cirilla and Jaskier know what magic was in the midst of a strange sprout.

"Coins. Crowns. Pesos. Euros. Dollars. Whatever you call it. This is...A lot. I think?" you've carried the bag in both of your hands, awkwardly giggling because you expected to receive money made in paper and not a bag filled with coins where it could technically be used as a ship's anchor from how weighty it is.

"Best given by the king, little woman. Spare him no questions,"

Eanraig gave a tiny bow of his head before he left to serve his presence for the king and queen. As you watched him leave, hearing the bard hush whispers along your ear with Cirilla huffing out loud and crossing her arms for his uncalled actions, telling him that Eanraig knew nothing of her past and he didn't need to shove her around. Word per word, everything was mixing with the noise in the hall and it was making your head hurt.

Perhaps, the ache meant something more as you held onto your temples, giving Jaskier the bag whilst he accepted it and continued.

"Have you exchanged coins with the devil, rat?! This is a lot of coins! Extremely more than what Geralt earns in a month of slaughtering beasts!"

"Focus on Cirilla and no other. You've brought her here---kept her in danger, Jaskier. You need to leave. Now." You frankly informed and shook your head, trying to wash off the heavy haze spinning inside your head, your heart ricocheting and also feeling more heavier than usual like it wanted you to feel anger and regret. Echo of voices went from ear to ear, suppressed words that wasn't meant for you to comprehend like how it has given you turmoil when it last happened.

Still, it was giving you turbulence when all the noise sounded to be a blur until you've felt Jaskier and Cirilla calling out for your attention. Lately realizing you had closed your eyes and held onto the table for support. A set of hands coming to catch you from your stumble and it came from different men.

"Your witcher---,"

"---Are you okay, rat?" the bard asked in concern, his eyes shifting towards the man who slithered his way amidst the crowd to talk as he continued his spiel, "---Yeah. Geralt's not going to like this one bit. Nope. Nah."

Otker and Jaskier spoke at the same time. The bard catching onto Otker's face and recognizing him from the day you've been taken. He was one of Tybalt's men. The latter narrowed his eyes at Otker's hold on your arm, vaguely giving a fair warning from how he was freely seeking a way to touch like you've both created a friendship in a mere set of days.

"Ma," Cirilla had to also acknowledge that fact as she was used to Jaskier and Geralt being the only men you knew.

You couldn't help but wince from the throbbing pain inside your head and also from their cynical disapproving looks, "What? I made friends with a guy and this is what you think of me---like I've did the birds and the bees?"

The ashen haired child loudly gasped, thoroughly understanding what you meant. Only you and Geralt were meant to create honey over playing with the bees. The action was embargoed for any other men because she believed you both to be lovers just like how she have seen and understood; believing that the birds and the bees was a happening meant for lovers to do and not strangers.

"You did not, Ma! I can't believe you!"

"I really didn't! What is wrong with the both of you thinking that way?"

Cirilla was clearly pouting. On the other hand, Otker leaned close enough on your ear to whisper his worries, "He's here." he swallowed the agitation, hearing your other child complain for him to move away from you and it took Jaskier to hold her in place for kicking him in the shins.

"---and he'd brought more than just the witch,"

His voice fluctuated in the slightest, offering the conspicuous worry. It wasn't long that you've noticed that he meant it to be a word to be worried about---a warning that was needed to be taken for the witcher's betrothed. Terror filled those forest green peepers, informing you that your witcher has not just brought a witch, but also a palpitating ounce of dread for his arrival.

"Your Majesty," one castle guard raining in splatters of blood walked his way towards King Viduka. Bowing his head and kneeling beside him to whisper his urgent matters amongst the crowd having fun in the middle of the banquet.

"---The...The witcher has arrived but we have been ordered for the prohibition of his entry by Lady Ingrith and Queen Makeda. He has cost some slight...bloodshed upon the gateway for his restriction,"

"Isn't he a bit too early?" the king nonchalantly muttered and drank his wine, paying no heed to the guard and shared looks with his queen, seeing her eyes swam in distress from the guard's entire state.

King Viduka turned to see his men coated in a fair amount of blood on his face as it also stained his armor in the making. The guard had a deep frown, his nose scrunched as he thought about what the entrance gates were filled with. His mates amputated in a gory battle and some had no heartbeat at all---leaving him in a guess that they were killed purposefully based on how he remembered they were the set of guards who had hurt you with a cudgel and a scathing metal.

"That doesn't look like some slight blood shed to me if your hair is utterly drenched in blood!" the latter has slightly raised his voice, panic set in his features whilst he leaned to hear more of his explanations and findings.

The guard had no other thing to say but stammer, "He...well,"

"Eanraig," he hastily called and pulled his friend's collar to whisper in his ear.

"Yes, your highness?"

"The Witcher---why---why is here---trying to cause chaos?! You need to cease his monstrosity. People are here!"

Eanraig peeked to see the guard stained with gore. The druid had to close his eyes and feel what was happening outside of the hall, he was about to speak how it was too late now when a clutter of yells and screams followed suit beyond the room---everybody had to cease their merrymaking. Silence falling in a quick beat when one nobleman standing on the side of the large wooden, double doors saw a sword pierced through the wood; close to his face which made him jog away as the yells turned even more louder.

The door opened with a loud bang. Knights flew inside with bleeding limbs, falling on their backs in their heavy armor.

Cirilla, Jaskier and you had to give dreading looks with each other, your nerves having the jitters upon seeing two men fly inside the hall. Breathing hitched and heart stopping its beat for what was about to come---for what status has the witcher ended up being.

Blood cascaded a face you never seem to forget. Mixed with human blood and also others. His silvery tresses matted in a fair amount of blood you couldn't recognize. Thoroughly grungy as you've recognized him from afar---first thought was that he seemed to lack care for himself; bathing never coming to his mind till the day you've bathed him back at your chambers before he left in a hussy fit. Standing upon the threshold was a squalid, disgruntled witcher who had no other expressions other than scowls. Yet, you knew better that this type of frown was different than the rest. Tougher, angrier and utterly drawn in betrayal.

He took cautious steps forward, his otherworldly eyes scanning the crowd to seek for you and found more than what he expected. Jaskier and Cirilla. His other most important people and probably the first who he had given protection. His favorite people being around the presence of monsters in human disguise.

"Mutant!"

More horsemen marched their way to surround the witcher---barricading him from entering. Geralt had his lip curled, utterly sardonic for one to recognize, being a taunting warning as he spoke.

"You know better to step back," he gruffly groused before he squinted his eyes at the knight who has courageously yelled at him. The witcher's nose scrunched like he had smell something awful whilst his expression turned sour.

"Your scent. I can smell her on you. Did you touch her?"

Upon Geralt's seethe, the cavalier blinked dumbfoundedly with a creasing forehead, finding weirdness for the question that the witcher demanded to know.

Your scent was on this certain knight's body. Regardless being one of the person who has been involved in such assaults over an innocent woman. This was how Geralt knew he was one of Ingrith's men whom she has ordered to hurt you in your dungeon days before tonight.

Another sentinel stealthily sauntered close to him, a smug grin reaching from ear to ear as he claimed and it looked to be Roger who simply hated you and your other half's existence in their world.

"Who gives a fuck about yer' whore, Witcha'? Isn't that er' job? Wouldn't want to touch er' because of how she was probably been fucked a lots already!"

It sounded like a yes, also a no and a mere mockery for his point of view. Geralt has understood it in the darkest way and thought about how they have touched you without your own consent---forcefully might he add to that spiteful, bitter taste in his tightly closed mouth.

The witcher barred his teeth, fangs aggressively on show. There was that low, humming of a growl. The gold specks in his eyes turning darker for the anger being kept inside. Roger clasped his hand on his sword a little tighter than usual, the other sentinel beside him trembling on his own toes as he held onto his metal shield.

Roger planned to stab him. The motion in his arms already lifting halfway when Geralt saw everything and knew what was going to happen. King Viduka's guards weren't going to yield anytime soon. The white wolf simply spun on his heel, swiftly scooting in the middle of both men but not before amputating Roger's arm off in brutality.

His screams of terror and pain reverbrated the room, alarming the guards that he was there to kill anyone in his way.

He was ready to stab another nightwatchmen who went running towards him when his attack has been swerved. It didn't finish there because another knight who was lanky compared to the rest countered his strike on beheading one guard with a sword as well.

The cluttering of metal rang aloud. Forest green eyes and the color of stars in the night connected. Geralt was growling per attack, their eyes tucked below their grating weapons---under the blade where it connects.

Otker was heaving deep breaths, struggling against his strength as he subtly shook his head back at Geralt to tell him not to continue what he planned. Howbeit, he smelled the strong wift of your faint scent radiating off the righteous knight who has held you a while ago. It was so strong; utterly pressurizing him. The witcher didn't think twice to shake him off his way by strongly pushing Otker to the side, making him propel back on a table filled with food that has ruined the aesthetic of it by spilling everywhere.

Jaskier and Cirilla heard you murmur his name in the most hushed volume, turning their heads to look at you and it wasn't unnoticed by the witcher himself as he ceased his tracks upon battling with another knight who raised a sword on him.

"Geralt?" you voiced out, acknowledging his presence for the second time, snapping out of your trance upon seeing him finally. Suddenly forgetting why you were upset with him for days and nights. He seemed to catch onto your voice and snapped his head to see the yearning gaze inside your eyes. Geralt saw the slight pout of your lower lip. A frown that he certainly understood by how the bond could sense your tumbling emotions over this event---the connection heightening for this particular moment other than the days you've spent time with him.

The crowd were rooted on their spot, not knowing what to do. Drunkards seem to be raising their glasses and sending derogatory remarks over your sooty witcher that Geralt paid no heed to it. Out of the blue, being distracted to see you dressed for such a feast made to deceive for their welcoming character, he hadn't see one heavily armored man swing his sword towards his arm where he has been holding Tybalt's head---fighting all guards with a hand who held nothing but his steel sword.

The white haired weccan growled from the sudden impact, feeling the blade slashing through his skin and armor. The first time they have finally made the witcher bleed since he arrived. Geralt held onto his sword's hilt, thoroughly undisturbed by Tybalt's cut head on his other hand, the heel of his palm being used as support when he had no contrition upon wounding the man with a quick slash on his chest, breaking his armor as his blade punctured his skin. Yielding his sword to cut off a limb---the fury growing bigger because he had sense your scent crawling on this person's skin.

People gasped from the battle. Another cavalier who seemed to grab onto his weapon took a step forward with a large cudgel for Geralt to immediately cut the weapon in half and never forgetting to risk him a gash or two on his shoulder as he spun around to clung his blade over a knight's sword. Battling with the witcher's abnormally great fencing---Geralt's inhumane strength overpowering the chevalier as he knelt to the ground.

The witcher did not give any second thought and held onto his weapon, pulling away to strike a slash over his jugular when an authorative voice hollered before him. Geralt lately realizing that he has traveled all the way in the middle of the great hall and made guards think that he was there for a massacre and to slaughter the king of Kaedwen.

"Guards! Lay down your weapons! Witcher!" King Viduka screamed, the barbarians ready and about to pounce on anyone just because it seemed like it.

Geralt of Rivia heaved deep breaths, the warm, fresh, crimson liquid drizzling down his face like he had committed another butchery that people will be gossiping about once this ends. He cocked his head to the side, nonchalantly throwing the head of the dead higher vampire in the middle of the room. The whispering turned louder and more gasps never seem to cease.

His shoulders were squared and jaw tilted to address the idiotic king of a kingdom he once have been in and returned for safety purposes.

"Your highness," he hoarsely grumbled, subtly shifting his eyes to pave a look at Tybalt's putrid and decomposing head laying on the ground.

"---Consider my job and your favors done tonight,"

I didn't expect this fanfic to reach 60k reads on Wattpad. For the celebration, I will also be updating here in Tumblr as well because WOTN masterlist has reached 1.6k notes as well. I love y'all. How is everyone btw? I wanna know how are you guys right now. <3

TO ALL INCLUDED IN THE TAGLIST, HELLO BB'S. I'M SORRY FOR THIS. PLEASE TELL ME IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE TAGGED ANYMORE. IT'S FINE, BB'S. I UNDERSTAND SINCE I HAVE BEEN GONE FOR MONTHSSSSSS. <3

Taglist for WOTN: (Strikethrough means your blog can’t be tagged. Please check your settings) @alyxkbrl @himarisolace @barkingbullfrog @ayamenimthiriel @hellodevilslittlesister @turkish276 @spookypeachx @grungelovebug @fangirl-inthe-us @nympeth @amirahiddleston @gabethelobster98 @dreaming-about-fanfictions @uncoolcloudyhead @melaninstylezz @psychosupernaturalhero @missjenniferb @dance-dreamer @marvelousell @kingniazx @angelias134 @tapismyforte @chook007 @butterpumpkinscotch @deadlydemon @cheesecakeisapie @angelofthor @carrieannewaywardson, @plantingmum, @stuckupstucky, @shesthelastjedi, @a–1–1–3, @gutfucks, @raynosaurus-rex, @britty443, @suhke3, @shadowclawstudio88, @ruthoakenshield, @just-a-sad-donut, @gxrdenr0se, @singeramg @friendlyneighbourhoodweirdo, @alexwinchester23, @naturalthrone22 @supernaturallover2002, @tellmesomethinggud @angelicspaceprince

Overall witcher taglist: @pizza-eater-i-ate-the-pizza, @crazybutconfidentaf

General taglist for any Henry Cavill fics: @agniavateira, @iloveyouyen, @rahdaleigh, @silverkitten547, @henrythickcavill, @kaatelyyynn, @marvelousell, @madelinelina, @summersong69, @raynosaurus-rex, @fckdeusername, @evansislife @nothinggoesunpunished @writers-whirlwind

#muse: geralt #geralt of rivia x you #geralt of rivia x reader #geraltofrivia #witcher geralt #geralt of rivia #geralt of rivia series #geralt of rivia fanfic #geralt of rivia x y/n #geralt of rivia fanfiction #geralt of rivia fic #the witcher #the witcher fanfiction #the witcher fic

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snowbellewells · 3 years

Text

Self Promo Sunday: “More Than Cards and Flowers”

With Valentine’s Day this week, I couldn’t resist coming back to this little one shot and giving it a re-blog.

With this one, I just wanted to write a bit of festive fluff and feels for Valentine's Day, and to have Killian and Snow White share some bonding time, and to develop for them the sort of friendship and understanding he and David seem to have found. This may not have the amount of steamy CS interaction one might generally see in a Valentine's one shot, but it's definitely still very much CS. (Sometime post s.6)

Please enjoy! I don't own them, but I would love to hear what you think...

Can also be found on AO3 and ff.net

~*~

"So, Killian, if you don't mind me asking," Snow spoke up curiously from the bowl of forming meringue that she had been carefully whipping into peaks for the last few minutes. "Why was I the one you called?"

At her question, Killian Jones chanced a brief, darting glance up to meet Emma's royal mother's eyes. The apples of his cheeks and tips of his slightly pointed ears flushed red – he could feel the heat of them – but there was no going back. "You seemed the best candidate to approach for advice on modern cooking and appliances, Milady," he offered mildly. Truth, to be sure, but he sensed she could read him nearly as well as Emma and could tell it wasn't the whole reason.

Shaking her head, Snow pressed mischievously, "Oh really? Me? With the soft spot that Granny seems to have for you?"

He snorted there, humored in spite of himself. "Aye, well, though the Lady Lucas does have her charms," he shrugged with a rapscallion's smirk, "I was hoping for something a bit fancier than meatloaf or grilled cheese." He scratched behind his ear sheepishly and added, "Not to mention that, this surprise being for Emma, I felt you would be the one motivated as I was to make the holiday wonderful for her, your Majesty."

Snow White's lovely features sobered and gentled immediately at his words; her heart melting as she reached over to lay her soft hand on his forearm. She didn't speak for several moments, merely waiting patiently, kindly, for him to lift his eyes to hers once more. When her daughter's True Love finally did just that, the emotion in their blue depths nearly stole her breath. "I'm happy to help you," she responded hoarsely, blinking back tears at the obvious devotion this man held for her daughter, at the knowledge that her lost little girl was finally cherished as she always should have been.

Killian nodded, graciously ignoring the mistiness in the Princess' eyes and going back to the lemon filling she had instructed him on; pouring it into the pie crust they had already completed without spilling.

Snow regained her composure quickly and moved to his side, encouraging as he smoothed the filling just so and then ladled the meringue on top of the dessert. She gave him her own sheepish smile as they stepped back to admire their handiwork. "That looks beautiful," she pronounced, nudging him in the ribs conspiratorially in a way that both surprised him and reminded him pleasantly of her daughter.

"We did manage quite well, didn't we?" he acknowledged, his own playful grin back in place at her return to lightheartedness. The whole meal he had planned out was nearly ready – the roast with seasoned potatoes and carrots was keeping warm in the oven, as was the loaf of buttery French bread. A salad was ready in the refrigerator, and the dining room table that they rarely used was set with the fine china Snow had brought two settings of upon his request. Not that there was anything wrong with the hodgepodge of everyday flatware in the drawers of he and Emma's cupboard, but he had wanted to set a more elegant mood, if just this once. Yet another reason he had thought of Emma's mother – if anyone in this madcap town would have the sort of china fit for royalty, it should be its rightful sovereign, whether or not the petite brunette at his side made a habit of putting on such airs.

"So, why lemon meringue pie?" Snow asked, carrying the dirty dishes, mixing bowls, and measuring cups to the sink to begin clean-up as he started to put away the scattered ingredients from all their concoctions. She was soon elbow deep in the sudsy warm water, and though he had yet to answer her question, moving here and there behind her in the kitchen, opening and closing drawers and wiping down the countertop, the quiet wasn't awkward, and she waited patiently, sensing that he was gathering his thoughts, not refusing her or hiding.

When she felt him at her side again, Snow paused, raising her hands from the dish water and wiping them dry. The pirate's voice rasped huskily when he spoke now. "Though we didn't have anything like this white fluff you call 'meringue', me mum would make custard flavored with lemons from our garden for my brother Liam and I on special occasions. This reminds me of it a bit, and … after all these ages…there's not so very much I do remember of her. If that makes any sense."

In that moment, though she had felt pleased and honored that he called her all day as they worked together, talked and laughed and became better acquainted like they should have long before, Snow White realized just how much she and Captain Hook truly had in common. This particular pain he was laying bare was one more of those things. "I know what you mean," she offered softly. "I lost my mother very young as well. I'm particularly fond of anything that I can remember her loving.”

He shrugged, the smile he offered then a lopsided, tremulous thing, though clearly he appreciated her commiseration, even if he aimed for levity once more. "And besides, what better treat for Emma than something much like her? A bit tart at first, but sweet in the end," he asked with a look in his eyes which told Snow the man her daughter loved was thinking of their first meeting, how far they had come, and all their meetings since then.

After only a few hours in his company, Snow began to see just why Charming had stopped antagonizing Killian and come to like him so much. She laughed in surprise at his words, struck by the spark of truth in them, even as a jest. Putting the last dish in the drainer, she toweled off her hands and moved to begin gathering her jacket, purse, and other belongings, still shaking her head at his apt way with words. "I think you have things well in hand now Captain," she stated with a little nod of approval and affectionate grin.

Killian followed her solicitously as she made her way to the door, but as she was about to leave, the Princess turned sober once more, reaching out to clasp the pirate's one hand in both of hers intently. "Killian, she's going to love this," Snow assured, patting his hand sweetly. "I – I may not have been quick enough to see… may not have understood at first… but you are exactly the person Emma needs… exactly the Truest Love I would have wished for my daughter to have. She opened her heart to love – a home, her family – at last and you've had a bigger part in her allowing us in than I've ever acknowledged. Thank you."

He swallowed a monumental lump in his throat at her heartfelt sentiment. For a few moments, his throat worked as he tried to swallow well enough to respond, to thank her and let her know just how much her words meant to him, but nothing came. For the barest flash, Snow was tempted to joke about actually making him speechless, as in truth her daughter probably would, but she couldn't bring herself to break the moment between them.

In the next instant, one genuinely emotional pirate was enveloping her in a tight hug that lasted for several healing moments. It came completely natural to her to wrap maternal hands around him as well and to rub his back soothingly until they both at last pulled away, much comforted.

Not long after, she was leaving, headed down the walk to let herself out through the gate in their white picket fence. She looked back with a little wave to find him watching after her from the doorway, returning the gesture. And her mother's heart was at peace.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Half an hour later, when Emma returned from her shift at the station where she had been comforting a worried Archie over noise complaints against Pongo from his neighbor – a crabby widow, Ms. Hubbard, who had somehow put eight kids through college with no discernible income. Now she seemed bored with them all out of the nest and spent her days searching the town over looking for someone new to get into it with. Shaking her head as she hung her coat on the rack in the entryway, Emma wondered briefly how the people in this town managed all of their odd, petty grievances before she came along. Graham had possessed the patience and kind nature of a saint in the short time she had served as his deputy, but some days their nonsense bordered on the absurd.

It was only when she turned to move further into the house that Emma realized how oddly quiet it was, how dim the lights, and that her pirate had yet to greet her at the door with a kiss, as had become their custom. Immediately going on high alert – having been through enough and separated from him enough times – Emma narrowed her eyes and stepped forward quietly, magic sparking between her palms. "Killian?" she called out softly, "Are you here?"

He didn't answer, but at her next step, her foot came down on something that crinkled like paper packaging. Training her gaze on the floor in the murky evening light, Emma saw an unopened packet of instant hot chocolate. Glancing ahead, she saw several more packs placed every few feet in a path down the hall and around the corner into the dining room. Then she registered the flicker of candlelight in that direction as well, and she was finally greeted by Killian's warm, sonorous voice, a hint of affectionate glee in his tone. "I'm here, Love, just follow the trail."

Though Emma had certainly caught on that her pirate had something up his sleeve, when she entered the room the scene he had set still stunned her for several speechless moments, disbelief that he would have gone to all this trouble flummoxing her, though when it came to her romantically old-fashioned gentleman, she really should have long stopped being surprised. The room was dim, but tall taper candles stood on the table and around the room on every available surface, lending a romantic glow. He had gotten ahold of some lovely, delicate crystal dishes that definitely didn't belong to them, and there was an entire, heavenly-smelling banquet laid out before her ready to eat.

Most enticing of all was the breathtaking man standing at the head of the table, his gaze locked on her from across the room with love in his limitless blue eyes. Emma found herself running a tempted tongue over her lips, and though her stomach might have been rumbling when she came in the door, she was suddenly hungry for something more than food as she took him in from head to toe. That wild shock of soft, thick black hair that she loved to run her fingers through had been mostly tamed and tempted her to touch once more. He wore a charcoal grey button-up – only partially buttoned, her mind corrected salaciously – and dark wash blue jeans that clung in all the right places all the way down his lean, toned legs to his bare feet. It struck her briefly that she was in so deep there might be no saving her if she found even this man's toes sexy, but a thrill ran through her all the same as the blood heated right in her veins.

There was a twinkle in his eye as her gaze returned to Killian's face, and she also caught sight of the bunch of bright yellow buttercups in his hand. They had spoken once, some months ago of her wrist tattoo and the reasons she had chosen such a simple little flower, but of course he would remember that detail about her which no one else knew.

"Like what you see, Swan?" he queried teasingly, waggling those eyebrows of his almost indecently in accompaniment to his words.

That was all it took. With something between a ravenous growl and a heated moan, Emma gritted out, "You know I do," and was across the room clutching his lapels as desperately as she had the first time in Neverland's jungle long ago, pulling him in to kiss the smirk right off of his ridiculously smoldering face. Her hands were in his hair, her thumbs stroking his cheeks, and he released a little groan himself under her onslaught.

Suffice it to say, the dinner he and Snow had prepared so lavishly – he blushed to the very tips of his "elf ears" as she playfully called them at her delight in learning that her mom had helped him – was a bit cool by the time they feasted on it instead of each other. By that time, Killian had also unwrapped Emma's gift for him: silky, red, and right there beneath her clothes waiting for him to discover. Emma enjoyed most of her dinner perched in his lap and wearing his discarded shirt.

It was a very good Valentine's evening.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And nearly a month later, it is Emma who calls Snow to let her know the truth of just how well things had gone with she and her son-in-law's Valentine surprise. Ready to burst with happiness, Emma speaks through laughter and joyous tears to announce, "Mom, you're going to have a second grandchild."

Tagging: @searchingwardrobes @jennjenn615 @kmomof4 @laschatzi @whimsicallyenchantedrose @xsajx @winterbaby89 @stahlop @resident-of-storybrooke @lfh1226-linda @gingerchangeling @teamhook @revanmeetra87 @kday426 @hollyethecurious @darkcolinodonorgasm @elizabeethan @jrob64 @thislassishooked @drowned-dreamer @spartanguard @therooksshiningknight @optomisticgirl @ineffablecolors @let-it-raines @donteattheappleshook @thisonesatellite @shireness-says @wefoundloveunderthelight @booksteaandtoomuchtv @xarandomdreamx @donteattheappleshook @the-darkdragonfly @tiganasummertree @bluewildcatfanatic

#self promo sunday #cs ff #cs oneshot #more than cards and flowers #cs valentines fic #mama snow

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peter-laufeyson · 4 years

Text

i'm the bad guy

Summary: Ben and Rey's daughter goes missing. The reader has a dark ending as she then realizes who she is deep down inside.

Pairing: Ben Solo x daughter!reader

Word Count: 1800+

Warnings: Violence (nothing too bad)

Author's Note: Sheesh. Sorry this too so long...

HIS heart stopped faster that what he could've possibly imagined. He sat in silence and fear as it dwelled over his body.

Rey stood next to him feeling his and her own emotions. She wondered where their beloved daughter could be.

"Where was she last seen?" Ben finally spoke to the palace guards.

"Just outside the palace gates." He paused, "My King, there was a note left in her room next to a dagger covered in blood, saying Ben Solo owes me a life."

Rey eyes slowly grew wide as she touched Ben's shoulder. He knew who it was. What he didn't know is where he would've taken her.

Ben dismissed the guards and order half his troops to search far and wide across Alderaan and other planets.

When the two royals arrived in their chambers, Ben slowly sank down into the bed and tears fell down his face. Rey wiped his cheek and kissed his soft skin and she removed to crown that sat upon his soft wavy hair.

"She's stronger than she looks" Rey encouraged. Although Ben seemed as if he didn't even hear the words that came out of her mouth.

"Something is off. The palace guards would've never let her get close to the palace gates without our consent" Ben trailed off.

"Are you suggesting there is a mole upon our troops?"

"[Y/N] loves to be adventurous, but she wouldn't leave" he thought harder, "and if that was her blood than she wouldn't have been able to make it all the way to the gates with out dying. The palace is ways away from the gates."

"Unless the blood wasn't hers" Rey suggested.

"Or she used the force to heal herself" Ben continued after her.

The two stared at different places of the room.

What really happened?

---

"I didn't know the Princess of Alderaan was so beautiful" the man walked behind your tied down body as he touched your hair gently and slowly crept his hand down your neck.

"What do you want Arius?" [Y/N] questioned firmly and he pulled his hand away.

"Ben Solo, I hate that name. It sounds too heroic."

"Are you suggesting that my father the King of Alderaan is a foolish man?"

"He was leader of the Nights of Ren. Kylo Ren had everything except the feeling of love. That is why he has become Ben Solo." He spat the sentences in [Y/N]'s face. This angered her because she knew her father, the King, was more that a ruined man who's parents have died.

"So why did you want me?"

"When your father first joined the First Order he was thriving in darkness. He had no ounce of pitty or care for anyone. He was absolutely ruthless."

He paused and looked at the wall. You could tell by his facial expressions that he was going into the real details about the story.

"When he was developing the Knights of Ren, he searched different planets to complete his Knights. Although, when he burned down the temple he took some kids with him. That night I was planning with him how we were going to convince other students to join us, he left me there in the fire to die."

Your eyes slightly widen. You wondered if his story was completely true. You know that your father burned the temple and took a handful of students.

"Why didn't he let you go with him?" You asked, breaking the silence.

"Because I wasn't dark enough."

"So what your going to kill me to get back at my father?" You wanted to know the real reason why he took you.

"No" he smiled wickedly then continued, "I heard from a palace guard that your a kind, adventurous, and loving princess. I heard that your so kind that even though your palace guard attacked you and you stabbed him, you healed him."

You wondered where he was going with this.

"Do you want me to do something dark?" You suggested.

"Yes, actually if you truly want to leave and reunite yourself with your family, you'll have to do it on my terms."

"Your terms? Who the hell do you think you are? I am Princess of Alderaan. You are just my pathetic subject who can't seem to get what he wants." You raised your voice in authority. It took you a second to realise what you said but even when it hit you, you didn't want him to see you surprised with your choice of words.

"Me? Pathetic? Look at you! A stupid Princess tied up to a chair!" He mocked. Your body was starting to boil in anger.

"Look at me girl! You will do as I say."

He pulled out a lightsaber from underneath his garments and you could recognize it as Kylo Ren's crossblade.

"What are you going to do with that?" You asked, a bit of shock as to how it has it.

He walked behind you and quickly ignited it and he slashed the ties that held you down. "I won't be doing anything with it," then he walked back in front of you and handed it to you, "you will."

"What do you want me to do with that?"

"I want you to take me back to the Kingdom and I will surrender myself. All I want you to do is take the lightsaber with us."

You frowned. Why would he do all of this just to take him back to Alderaan? Something was sketchy.

"You won't try to kill me on the way there?" You asked the obvious.

"How could I kill you? You will have the lightsaber in your hands."

You decided to take him back to the Kingdom and quickly boarded the ship. You'd rather let the King decide what to do to him.

---

You landed the ship a little ways from the town. And walked behind him to ensure you kept your eyes on him.

As you walked through the town the crowd seemed to recognize you and they bowed in respect.

Although something didn't feel right. You senced something was wrong. Taking him to your Kingdom seemed like a stupid plan.

BLAST

You were shot by Arius and he stood there with his blaster pointed at you. You feel on one knee and yelled in pain. The crowd around you seemed too terrified to watch, so some left to find guards to assist you and other stayed to watch incase you absolutely needed help.

You healed yourself within two seconds and stood back up. You ignited the lightsaber he gave you and its vibrations almost made you feel terrified and frightened at the same time.

He shot you again but you deflected it. Then he kept shooting constantly as you tried to keep up with dodging the blasts.

Arius' gun overheated and you turned the lightsaber off and ran to him.

The punching between [Y/N] and Arius was harsh and neither held back on hitting each other. On both faces small spots of blood and bruises could be seen.

In the distance you could heard the Royal Guard and you felt the distant presence of your parents. Although it didn't stop you from holding back. The one thing they both forgot was the small crowd watching their beloved Princess get beat and be aggressive back.

You rapped your arm around his neck and held him tightly. The Royal Guard and your Parents stood there in shock.

"Let him go [Y/N], people are watching" your mother, the Queen, warned.

You didn't care. You thought about everything he said about your father and it angered you. You wanted to kill him.

"Do as your Queen says [Y/N]" your father said sternly. It sounded as if he was mad at you.

You released him and stood up. After you dusted yourself off, you sent a force push at him as it made his lungs hurt. Arius felt as if something stepped on his chest.

Arius stood up. And you gave him a death stair.

"Stupid girl. Did you really think it would be that easy? I thought a spoiled little brat would be smart enough to realize the man in front of you."

The tension was rising and you could feel your body wanted to do something rigorous.

He kept talking but you were so caught up that the words were no longer going through your ears.

You quickly force pushed him to the wall and ran to put your forearm against his throat.

"Keep talking and I'll make sure you won't be able to say another word" you threatened.

"[Y/N]!" You were slightly shocked to hear your father in that tone. He never raised his voice at you because you never given him the reason to.

"You will release this man and retire to your room immediately!" He added. But you felt so rebellious and you didn't want to listen.

"Oh look the little princess just got in trouble by her daddy." He mocked you. That was it for him.

You used the force to choke your parents and the guards. With your other hand you used the force to bring the lightsaber to your hand and quickly ignited it and brought it against his neck.

"So what are you now? The little bad Princess?"

"I'm the bad guy"

With that you sliced his head off and everyone ran away screaming.

The Royal Guard and your Parents were released and they stood there in shock. They were only able to see your back because you weren't facing them.

"What did he do to me?" Your tone was unrecognizable.

"Baby, put the saber down" your mother suggested.

Ben felt as if it was his fault. He could see himself in her the night he burned down the temple.

"How did he make me feel this way?" You started to lightly cry in horror.

"Its okay. We can help you overcome these feelings." You heard you father say with a loving tone.

You mumbled somthing but they couldn't heard you.

"What did you say" the Queen asked.

"I don't want to overcome these feelings. I feel so different and powerful now."

They were so shocked. They couldn't believe what you just said.

"I will miss you dearly" you say before running off quickly towards Arius' ship.

They all tried to run after you but you were far younger and they couldn't keep up.

"What is she going to do?" Ben asked Rey almost terrified to even ask in the first place.

"She will try to conquer the galaxy as you once desired. Then if she needs to, she will return back here to seek revenge" Rey replied.

"What revenge does she want with us?" Ben questioned.

"The dark side tends to make you do things you didn't want to do before. You should know that."

They both looked up at the direction that your ship left and they wondered if they should go looking for you ever again. Or if they should wait for the day of your return.

#ben solo fanfic #ben solo x reader #ben solo fanfiction #ben solo imagine #ben solo #ben solo x daughter!reader #star wars fanfiction #star wars #sequel trilogy #kylo ren fanfic #kylo ren imagine #kylo ren x reader

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chaosstar290 · 4 years

Text

Reasons try out Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore.

Nintendo's been pretty casual with porting Wii U games over to the Switch, and for good reasons. Normally, I'm not all into porting games that I've already played, but my personal favorite games on the system that lack good marketing and advertising are now getting the attention and love they deserve.

Take Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze for example, one of my favorite 2D platfomers. The game originally sold 1.72 million copies worldwide on the Wii U. Not very good numbers, huh? However, the Switch port managed to beat those sales numbers with 2.25 million units sold worldwide by the end of March 2019.

So while this could be seen as a way for Big N to earn more $$$, this is also a way for those who never owned a Wii U and missed out on some of the system's best titles to give these games a shot. Now we just need a port of Xenoblade Chronicles X and The Wonderful 101...and Star Fox Zero, I guess.

But that's a topic for another time. This post is specifically for my favorite JRPG on the Wii U only to be tied with Xenoblade Chronicles X....Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE.

This'll be a long one, so here's hoping you'll stick with it until the end.

Development

Before I get into the reasons, lemme educate you guys a bit. Back in January 2013, both Atlus and Intelligent Systems made a teaser trailer for a potential Shin Megami Tensei x Fire Emblem crossover for the Wii U.

youtube

The trailer was mostly just a slideshow with various character artwork. Despite this, there was a decent amount of hype surrounding it. But development around the game was pretty silent. That is, until we fast forward to the Nintendo Direct in April 1, 2015. We got a trailer of the ambitious SMT x FE crossover that fans were waiting for...but this was the final product.

youtube

Needless to say...neither SMT nor FE fans were happy about this. The fandoms were incredibly salty and foaming at the mouths, basically calling it a Person 4 Lite with a hint of FE. Heck, they're probably still posts on this site from 5 years ago that'll show that.

Fast forward to the games initial release, and you'll see quite a few positive reviews and thoughts about TMS. Unfortunately, the sale numbers were not all that great for the game. Obvious reasons being that it was a Wii U game, and many fans of both SMT x FE were not happy with how it turned out.

And to be honest, I wasn't feeling the game myself at first. It seemed too lighthearted and upbeat, and the J-Pop, anime-ish aesthetics were very off-putting. However, the more I saw about the game, the more I was drawn into it. Somehow all that disappointment I had about TMS originally just washed away. And considering it was a new IP, I decided to give it a chance. And hoo boy...I was generally pleased.

With that outta the way, let's get into why I'm excited for the Switch port of game, and hoping people will give it a fairer chance.

The Setting

The plot of Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE is mostly simple. You start out as high schooler Itsuki Aoi, the main character of the game encountering his childhood friend Tsubasa Oribe at an audition event to become a idol. It isn't until moments later in the game that the area gets overruned by shadowy creatures known as Mirages that suck out the creative energy known as Perso-- ah I mean Performa from the other idols and audience.

Poor girl doesn't know what's gonna happen next.

Despite our main characters seeming unharmed by the effect, the Mirages drag Tsubasa into their world known as the Idolsphere. And of course, courageous Itsuki takes action to follow and rescue her.

After trying to make a daring rescue, Itsuki gets bombarded by a Mirage, but somehow manages to awaken it. Taking the form of Fire Emblem Awakening's protagonist Chrom. Itsuki does the same with the Mirage that captured Tsubasa that takes the form of Cedea from Fire Emblem Shadow Dragon. The two awakaned Mirages, however, suffer from a bit of amnesia and can't quite remember who and what they are.

From there on, Itsuki and Tsubasa form a partnership with Chrom and Cedea, encountering various characters trying to reach their way to stardom while trying to draw back the opposing forces from taking over Tokyo and the world. Typical RPG stuff, am I right?

It's a fairly standard and slightly cliche plot with some common anime tropes, but for this game...it works. It's a plot that's incredibly silly, upbeat, and over-the-top, but again...it works for this game. And I love it. It may not be original, deep, or complex, but the story does its best to not take itself too seriously, and it doesn't fail to keep a smile in my face.

Aside from the vanilla cookie-cutter MC Itsuki, the various casts that you meet are incredibly charming, and go through their own personal growth as celebrities. Though you mileage may vary on this.

The Gameplay

The combat is the real star of Tokyo Mirage Sessions. Basically, it's your standard turn-based combat system...but with a few twists. If you've ever played a SMT or Persona game, then don't be surprised that elemental weaknesses make an appearance here. Along with that, the Triangle Weapon system from Fire Emblem also makes an appearance in the game.

But if you're not familiar with either franchise then give you a basic example how this works. Say that you've encountered an armored Mirage wielding an axe. The weaknesses on that enemy are both lightning and swords, and Itsuki just so happens to have both the necessary element and weapon equipped.

In case you're wondering...how the Triangle Weapon mechanic works in FE is that Swords beat Axes, Axes beat Lances, and Lances beat Swords.

The interesting thing about this is that once you exploit an enemy's weakness, other characters will jump in and combo extra attacks. These are called Sessions, and their not only powerful...but also flashy as all hell and it's glorious. Not only that, but there's also Duo Arts where two certain characters will sometimes perform a song that unleashes a powerful attack...which also strings up more Sessions. As broken as this sounds, it actually is pretty strategic for taking down harder enemies, and they can also form Sessions...so be careful.

There's more to the gameplay like roaming Tokyo, exploring dungeons, and upgrading your characters and Mirages by Tiki from Fire Emblem Shadow Dragon as well.

There's mixed opinions on the dungeon aspects of Tokyo Mirage Sessions, but...I personally enjoyed them. Aside from the first one. Once you get past the first dungeon, they get better as the game progresses. From exploring a darker version of Shibuya where you have to avoid giant cameras from sending you back to the entrance of the of the room you currently entered, to venturing through a maze-like TV studio.

There's also side-missions that you can do with your main cast that'll help them grow and develop even further. You'll be rewarded with either a special cutscene or a special attack. Or maybe both.

The Visuals

Go go...Persona Rangers?

If it wasn't obvious from the amount of images I'm posting, Tokyo Mirage Sessions is a very colorful game. Fitting with it's lighthearted theme, the amount of colors the game throws at you makes visuals aesthetically pleasing. Heck, you could make these your personal wallpaper on your phone or something.

Sure, Tokyo Mirage Sessions isn't nearly as strong as Persona 5 graphically or even artistically, but like most Nintendo games...what their games lack in terms of detailed ultra-hyper graphics, they make up for it with giving their games gorgeous artstyles.

Also, this game has some reeeeeally good artwork.

The Music

J-Pop plays a pretty big role in Tokyo Mirage Sessions, so expect a lot of vocal tracks. If you're not into this kind of genre of music, then you might wanna stray away from this game. If you are (or if it doesn't bother you), then you're in for a treat. As someone who really isn't into J-Pop myself, the songs in this game are incredible and catchy followed by some beautiful cutscenes. Reincarnation from Kiria Kurono and Feel from Tsubasa Oribe are some of my personal favorites.

The music from outside the vocal tracks are pretty good too. The normal battle theme and the Illusion Shibuya dungeon theme are just to name a couple.

What's New?

Like I said before, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore is a port of the Wii U version, but with added content. Any DLC that was added in the original game will part of the base game in the Switch version. But let's talk about the new stuff.

EX Story and Songs

The EX Story is basically a dungeon that you explore in short bursts. Here you'll find new costumes such as a Joker outfit from Persona 5 for Itsuki, or an Annette outfit from Fire Emblem Three Houses for Mamori Minamoto. Or you can have a much easier time grinding for EXP. Also, much like the side-stories, this dungeon will also explore the main casts' issues and help them grow.

New songs will also be added in this port. A duo song called "She is..." sung by Tsubasa and Kiria is one of them.

Sessions

By making Sessions even more powerful and ridiculous, unplayable characters like Tiki, Maiko Shimazaki, and Barry Goodman will also join in Sessions.

In addition, a Quick Session option will be added. Which is a major upgrade in my book. One of the big issues the Wii U version had was while the Sessions were fun to watch, they took forever to get through with the more characters that joined your party. There are also smaller improvements like the Switch version having faster loading times.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this long as hell post will spark some interest into those who'll give the game a shot. I know there's small nitpicks like the lack of English voice acting and censorship, but the latter is a topic I'd rather not delve deep into.

Regardless, these small cons are greatly outweighed by the large pros this charming game has. If you're an Atlus fan, a lover of JRPGs, or wanting to play something that'll ease the wait for Persona 5 Royal, I highly recommend you give Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE encore a shot.

If you're also waiting for Persona 5 to actually come to the Switch like me, this game is next best thing we've got for the time being.

This is one of the most stylish menu screens ever.

#tokyo mirage sessions fe #tokyo mirage sessions fe encore #atlus #intelligent systems #nintendo switch #wii u #persona #persona 5 #fire emblem #shin megami tensei

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sunsiac · 5 years

Text

king and queen / jaehyun [2]

genre: murder mystery, romance, angst

member: jaehyun

word count: 2k

warnings: none

summary: a young prince and a knight's daughter are an unlikely pair, but nonetheless, these two were attached at the hip as children. Without any royal duty or stress, it proved to be an unexpected yet beautiful friendship. even as they grew up together, they only developed to be more inseparable. they proved this when she, hakyeong, turned 16, and he, jaehyun, gave her one of the most precious gifts he could; both of their first kisses. but it was bad timing. their respective responsibilities dawned on them quicker than they would've imagined, forcing them to grow apart. 5 years later, the both of them 21, meet again after jaehyun's older brother who is about to be crowned king is found dead. A string of murders throughout the castle force them to come together and find the one behind it before one of them is next.

—

JAEHYUN :

There was a certain point, I don't know how long ago, that I couldn't bring myself to face Hakyeong anymore. Though I can't remember my exact reasoning, I remember thinking heavily about the fear of change.

'change isn't always a bad thing,'

I was told this the first time I was denied going out to visit her. And I didn't believe them, because, well, why would I? Back then, change was the only thing standing in the way of me seeing my best friend; my secret lover.

So, for a good time, I resented change.

But, as time went on, I began to fear it. I began to fear the possibility that she had changed. I was afraid to see the girl I fell for a completely different person.

And though I knew change was inevitable in both of us, I couldn't help but be afraid. I didn't want everything we'd been through together to be swept away by all the things we'd gone through separately.

But, soon enough, she stopped trying to reach me too. We cut off all contact, and though I did regret it for a few years, I had no time to myself to act on it.

We never officially separated after that, but with the way we both acted, it obvious that it probably wasn't salvageable.

And eventually, my sadness faded. Change was another normal part of life again, and I condoned it with no extra thought. And after that, it seemed like she had done the same. We went through years of exchanging glances across the room, or small conversations when needed.

Though I could tell there were still a few things hanging in the air every time we spoke, we said nothing about it every time.

But, seeing her now, her hands to her mouth as she stared, I realised that maybe she hadn't changed as much as I thought. Her eyes were glossy as they filled quickly with fat tears. She looked completely wrecked, the sounds of her sobs reaching even where I stood.

That's when her tears began to spill, and, god, I would be lying if I said that didn't make me cry a little more too.

HAKYEONG :

I hated going through the whole next day with the feeling of tears in the back of my eyes, the risk of them spilling over growing every time I spoke. I felt too vulnerable in the unusually empty halls while I was on guard, Hyeonsik missing from the spot he usually occupied next to me.

Because of that, I felt depressingly lonely the entire day, seeing almost no one as I stood on guard constantly. All day, there was only one person that came up to me, or, more fittingly, tried to. Jaehyun was, understandably, surrounded by other guards at all hours of the day. So, when he tried to come up to me, it came as no surprise when someone held him back, telling him he shouldn't talk to someone like me. Someone that he didn't know if he could trust.

I wanted to think that he did trust me, that he knew I would never hurt Hyeonsik, much less him. But, the look in his eyes said nothing. So, I just watched as he nodded.

Though I did wish they wouldn't have stopped him. Because, at this point, I was almost aching for someone familiar, for anything to help lift my mood. But somehow, at least seeing him looking fine after everything, had undeniably lifted my spirits a little bit.

The rest of my day was bland. I had nothing else to do but wait for the sun to set, so that way someone else would come around and take my place for the night. After that, even though I wanted to, at that point I was too burnt out to do much else. So, I decided to just let the entirety of my thoughts encase me and keep me still, ending up in hours spent sitting in the courtyard outside.

It was a strange time to feel homesick, but at that moment, the red roses growing nearby reminded me strangely of the white ones in my mother's garden. God, how much I wanted to go home. Back to my own bed and even Yuta's tricks. I think I would do anything to hear his laugh right now, even if it took a few bruises or bad jokes.

But, I swallowed those thoughts and went back inside, careful to walk quickly through the dimly lit halls before falling asleep in my room in the dorms.

I was on guard for only half the time the next day, but it was still almost dark when I went back to my dorm. And thankfully, besides all the expected things, today was mostly a normal day. Except, there was something I was left to wonder about. Throughout the day, people were being pulled from their posts, returning silently around half an hour later.

It was most likely just questioning about Hyeonsik, so I didn't worry about it much. At least, not until I got a knock on my door.

I was greeted by someone I didn't recognise, a higher-up knight, I guessed. Their uniform was different than a standard knight's; being made a little stronger and a deep red rather than a dark green.

"Lee Hakyeong?"

After my parents had passed away, my adoptive mother had made the choice to let me keep my given surname instead of becoming a Nakamoto. Which, I had probably thanked her for at least one thousand times since then.

I nodded. "Is something wrong?"

His expression was a strange mix of exhaustion and alertness as he spoke, no doubt less than thrilled to say, "Please follow me,"

I should have known he wouldn't have told me.

But, I had no choice but to just follow him. It was an awkward walk, stiff as uncertainty radiated from both of us. But the thing was, I knew why I was nervous, but I didn't know why he was.

We stopped a few minutes later, in front of a door I'd no doubt passed at least a million times before. I'd never thought much about it, but walking in, I realised that maybe I should have.

Though it had the same overall structure of the rest of the castle, it also had a little-personalised flair that really made the room look beautiful. Shelves lined the walls where windows were absent, giving the room an old-fashioned charisma. There were stacks of papers strewn neatly across the desk that veered the left side of the room, and there was even a little glass sculpture of a crown laying near the edge of it.

The rest of the space on the walls was filled with paintings and maps, adding colour to the otherwise brown and gold accented room.

"Miss?"

I looked up, expecting to see the person who had brought me here, but it seemed that in the time I had been distracted they'd left. Now, I was left alone with someone that I did recognise

The royal supervisor was a relatively young man, not too young, but definitely younger than you would expect someone of his position to be. Besides a uniform that was unique to him, he wasn't really visually stimulating in any way, only otherwise adorning smooth black hair and eyes of a similar colour.

Despite his simplicity, he was a powerful man. He was in charge of almost everything the king wasn't; events, training schedules, you name it.

He walked over from his previous spot by the window, dropping what looked like a checklist on the desk before he turned to me expectantly.

"Ah," I let out a soft apology as I sat down in the chair in front of his desk.

He gave me a polite smile as he stuck out his hand. "Hello, I don't believe we've met. My name is Hyunjin,"

I took his hand, shaking it. "Hi. I'm Hakyeong, it's nice to meet you,"

He nodded, not bothering to make any other small conversation as he reached for his paper and a pen.

"I'll assume you know what happened to Sir Hyeonsik?" He asked, his eyes flitting up to meet mine.

I just nodded, looking away.

He let out a soft apology. "I'm sorry. I'm told you were close,"

I didn't know what to say to that.

He cleared his throat, seeming to handle the silence badly as he moved on almost immediately. “I only have some questions for you. So, if you would, please answer them as truthfully as possible,"

This just made me more nervous, as he was obviously just trying to ease me into whatever he was going to ask. But, I agreed as I subconsciously shifted around in my seat.

I knew there was no reason to be nervous, seeing as I really had nothing to do with what happened. But, his impending gaze as he looked at me from over the paper made me feel as I did something wrong.

"Hyeonsik has a fiancée, but you two were also close. Did you two have," he paused, giving me enough time to take in what he was saying. "Anything besides that?"

"No, god, no." I sighed out, almost repulsed as I admitted, "He was like a brother to me,"

He just nodded again, marking something down as he moved on.

"Alright. Now I'll move on to simple questions. Where were you the night when it happened?"

"I was sleeping." I answered, being completely truthful as I added, "My roommate is a chamberlain, and she had gotten back a little before then. So, she woke me up when there was noise,”

A few more pen strokes.

"You were also at the scene quickly, someone said. How?" He asked.

"I asked someone what was going on when I went into the hall," I explained. "I was there so quickly because I ran as fast as I could,"

He squinted slightly at my explanation, seeming a little skeptical, but still kept writing.

"Do you know anyone that would want to hurt him?" He asked, looking up at me expectantly.

I shook my head. "Never. He was everyone’s favourite instructor, and got along with just about everybody he came across. Everyone loved him,"

For whatever reason, he seemed to be slightly disappointed at my answer.

"Okay," he leaned back in his seat and let out a breath. "Last question. The younger prince, Jaehyun, are you close with him?"

I hesitated.

"No. We haven't spoken in months."

He rose a brow. "In months? Are you implying that you had talked more before that?"

"We used to, yes, but what does this have to do with Hyeonsik?" I asked, my brows knitting.

He didn't answer me, making what seemed like last adjustments to his paper as he said, "Thank you for your cooperation. Hopefully, with more information, we'll discover who's behind all of this,"

I didn't know what to say to that, but it seemed like at that point, he just wanted me to leave.

After that, my eyes wandered to his windows where the skies had since melted down from a faint blue to a pitch black. I wasn't exactly looking forward to walking to the dining hall alone when it was it was dark, but I was too afraid to ask for anything, just saying,

"I'm happy to help,”

—

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