#long time no gilgamesh huh!!!

[that-gay-guy-from-hell]

Can I request headcanons or a scenario for Reader (pick a gender, idc) giving V a handjob? Just holding him close, somewhere safe in some nice + safe bolt hole somewhere in Red Grave city, listening to him moan (and maybe talk? If he can talk while getting off) while Reader gets him off? Please, his voice is so pretty, he'd sound so nice 😍 And he deserves to feel good 💜

Lineaments of Gratified Desire: V x G/N Reader

Minors DNI; FOR 18+ ONLY!

Seriously, go away; go read some fluff or angst or something.

SUMMARY:

     Despite V’s physical limitations and condition, the fragile man has saved you on more than one occasion from certain death. Today, you decided to repay his kind deeds.

BEGINNING NOTES:

Requested 10th June 2023 by Saiyanblood2 on Tumblr :))))

🛏️📔🛏️ Submissive V x G/N reader Fluff..? If you squint Smut Handjob; V receiving 📔🛏️📔 🟪Takes place during DMC 5 🟪The reader is a demon hunter who works with the DMC. 🟪The reader uses Gilgamesh and Revenant. 🟪Quick reminder that “sword” sizes are found in the character's H/C chapter (Linked here) 🟪I haven’t finished “Visions of V” yet (not very good at reading things and I haven’t had much time/motivation to do so no Vergil joke intended lmfao) but I’m like 99% sure that this conflicts with that, sorry. 🟪Yes, I know that jumping from a window you should do like a parachute roll or whatever it’s called; just let me have this lmao 🟪Bagheera is the name of the jaguar from “Jungle Book” which I’ve never seen, if I’m honest. But! I feel like Dante and Vergil would’ve seen it as kids since the movie was made in 1967 and they were born in 1980. (I use Bagheera in here and I figure I should explain it lol) 🟪Boxer briefs (as far as I am aware) usually have a zipper fly; so V’s do as well. 🟪This is my first time writing (and acknowledging) that I h/c V to have an uncut dick. It might be a bit rough; sorry. (Fun fact: I also h/c Vergil and Dante to also have uncut dicks lmao)

===

     “So,” Nero mindlessly wandered around the interior of the van, waiting for Nico to finish her work, “You and V, huh?”

     As you adjusted Gilgamesh’s gauntlets and furrowed your brow, responding without looking up, “What about V and me?”

     Leaning against the inner wall of the van, Nero stuck his hand in his jeans pocket in an attempt to act casual, “You two a thing?”

     “Wh-what?” A flustered expression adorned your features as you slowly panned up to meet Nero’s curious gaze.

     “Come on,” he gave a playful smirk, leaning forward slightly, “You can--”

     A loud southern-accented voice cut him off from the back of the van, “He an’ I got a bet if y’all are fuckin’ or not.”

     “If we’re…” You slowly blinked, processing what was said, “V and I are not-” Putting your hands up, you shook your head, “We aren’t anything or doing anything.”

     Nico clicked her tongue in disappointment while Nero pumped his fist with a quiet, “Yes!”

     Rolling her eyes, Nico pulled a wad of cash from her back pocket, counting out what looked like ten dollars. Nero strolled over to her workbench, a smug grin plastered on his face. In an almost exaggerated manner, he snatched the money from her and tucked it in his duffle bag, which was neatly placed underneath the couch.

     A squeak of the van door caught everyone’s attention, V looked around for a moment before his gaze fixated on you, “Pardon my late arrival, I was… busy.”

     You smiled and took a few steps to stand closer to him, “It’s alright; it was nice having a break for a few minutes.”

     Nero raised a brow, “You guys are already heading out?” 

     With a nod, you turned to address the pair, “Just a quick sweep of the next dozen or so blocks; we shouldn’t be long.”

     “Uh-huh,” the white-haired man took a deep breath, shaking his head with a small smile, “You’re gonna burn yourself out again; gotta sleep at some point.”

     He tossed you Revenant which you caught and slid in the holster on your lower back, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead. Besides,” you took a deep breath and sighed, “the city’s not gonna clear itself.”

     Making a phone call motion with her hand, Nico spoke, “Keep in touch, hun.”

     With a playful sarcastic wink you gave her double finger guns, “Will do babe,” the two of you shared a laugh before you addressed V, who, unbeknownst to you, hadn't stopped staring at you, “Ready?”

     “Of course,” he pivoted around, opening and holding the door open, “I’ll follow your lead.”

     With departing waves, you stepped out the door, V following suit. A warmth found its way to your face as you smiled as you walked side-by-side; a comforting silence settling between you. Despite only knowing V briefly, you had grown quite fond of the lithe man. The way he treated you and spoke to you was so different compared to the roughness of both Dante and Nero that it made his first meeting with you stick out like a sore thumb. 

===

    It had only been a week or so after the Qliphoth had appeared.

    After only God knows how long, you had taken some vacation time and left the city. Upon hearing the news about the outbreak, you immediately turned around and put your holiday on hold. This wouldn't have been too big of a deal if not for the unbelievably high amount of military checkpoints you had to go through; re-explaining that you work as a devil hunter and your employer had been asked to help handle the situation. It was monotonous, to say the least.

    Not to mention that Nico, Nero, and the client--whom you hadn't met yet--were on the complete opposite side of the city.

    An exasperated sigh left your lips as you kicked a rock using Gilgamesh's boots. It had been nearly 72 hours since you'd slept, eaten, or had any sort of significant source of water. Exhausted didn't even come close to explaining how you felt.

    Thankfully, life decided to throw you a bone and you stumbled upon a relatively un-damaged apartment complex. Not passing up the chance, you headed straight inside and cleared out the first and second floor: given it was only lower-level demons like Empusas. One of the second-floor rooms had a door still attached and a corpse-free bed. Quietly shutting the door, you flopped onto the bed.

    Even with you sleeping with one eye open, you were jumped by a demon that you hadn't heard. It was a Nobody and by the time you got your arms up to block, it was too late to ground yourself. The demon smacked you out the room's window.

    Landing on your feet, Gilgamesh took the brunt of the fall; however, it still sent a shocking pang of pain up your body. Crumpling over on yourself, you grumbled some obscenities before returning upright. Your eyes settled on a newly formed horde and you put your hands up, ready to fight.

    The extent of your exhaustion was becoming evident as you threw sloppy punches and were only able to kick half as high as normal. Despite this, you still managed to clear the demons... or so you thought.

     An icicle from a Baphomet nicked your bicep causing you to hiss in pain. Placing a gauntlet over the torn flesh, you spun around to see the demon which was floating right out in the open. Though it was a stupid move, you spirited straight at the icy demon, avoiding all manner of magical attacks.

    Using Gilgamesh's saws on your boots, you sprung upwards and drilled up into its brain with the gauntlets; killing it. Smiling to yourself, you landed and shook the corpse from your hand.

    Your hair stood on end and your expression fell.

    Slowly pivoting around, you came face to face with a trio of Hell Judeccas. As you waited with bated breath for one of them to move, you felt the blood from your wound glide down and drip off your fingers. The Baphomet was a challenge enough right now; so this fight would most likely end poorly for you. Death was almost a guarantee and there wasn't even anyone around to see it.

    Taking a deep breath, you took off towards the demons and dodged two sets of blades that were sent straight at you by sliding on your knees. Pulling Revenant from its place on your back, you shot at them, praying that you hit at least one. However, you weren't so lucky and they all moved or teleported out of the way.

    Quickly getting to your feet, you readied for another attack when a strange cat-like snarl from behind you caught you off guard. The supposed source of the sound, a large black jaguar, darted passed you and attacked the opposing creatures.

     Then a shrill cackle came from behind in the same direction, quickly approaching and flying over you, “Ha! Bagheera was right, I’ll be damned.”

    Confusion set in as you watched with mouth slightly agape at the demons being shredded by, what you could only assume to be, more demons.

     “ “The most sublime act is to set another before you. / If the fool would persist in his folly he would become wise.”.” A low sultry voice from behind you caught your attention, turning slightly; attempting to keep an eye on both the demons and the new voice.

     “Who-?” 

     You froze, your already pounding heart picking up a few extra paces at the sight. Though Dante had called you and given you a small description of the newest client of (The) Devil May Cry, you hadn’t expected him to look like this. 

     He slowly walked past you, sliding the well-kept brown pleather and golden accented book into his, rather promiscuous, leather jacket. When you turned back around to face the demons, the amount of confusion you had only tripled. The two animals had taken care of the three Hell Judeccas, all looking oddly de-saturated and on the verge of death. The gaunt tattooed stranger, using his cane, swept up one of the large demon’s sets of blades and swung them around, slicing it in half. He repeated the action but was able to kill the final two in one combined swing. 

     All you could muster was a confused open-mouthed huff. 

     The large hawk addressed the raven-haired man, “Well that was fun.”

     Rolling his eyes, the man sighed and turned his attention to the jaguar. The large cat had begun to creep up to you; not in a threatening way but rather, what appeared to be, a curious one.

     Just as it got within an arm's length from you, the man placed his cane down using it to support himself, and simply said, “To me.”

     Both animals returned to him and quickly disappeared into the man, causing more blackened ink to appear on his pallid skin. 

     “Are you alright?” His eyes focused on you.

     “I-” You closed your eyes and rapidly shook your head, rationalizing that his animals weren't real, thinking it was caused by your delirious state, “I’m fine; thanks for the help.”

     A warm smile pulled at his plush lips, “The boy asked me to keep an eye out for someone who looks an awful lot like you,” he gestured with his eyes down to Gilgamesh, “and would have that devil arm.”

     You laughed softly, “Nero’s actually here, huh?”

     “He is, however, we parted ways after stopping in that woman’s loud van.”

     “Nico’s here too?” Shaking your head you looked down with raised brows, “Man, the whole crew’s out here.,” You looked back up, “What about Dante or the ladies? They out here too?”

     His smile faded, “No, I’m afraid that they are more than likely dead at this point.”

     “Dead? Surely you’re kidding.”

     With a flat mouth, he broke his gaze away for a moment, “No. Sorry to relay such bitter news upon our first meeting.”

     Grinding your teeth in thought and moving your jaw back and forth, you stood thinking for a moment, “So it’s just Nico, Nero, me, and--?”

     “Call me V,” the lithe man took a few strides closer to you, standing comfortably close.

     “So you are the client then?”

     V nodded, “Yes, that is correct.”

     “Man,” you gestured with one hand up and down his body, the other hand resting on your hip, “Wish we had customers like you more often,” for better or for worse, you spoke your mind, “cause damn you’re-- wow.”

     He looked down, hiding the slight pink on his face at the comment, and laughed, “You’re much more blunt than the others led me to believe.”

     A wide smile stretched across your face, emphasizing the bags under your bloodshot eyes, which V finally noted, “Just callin’ it like I see it, V.”

     “May I do the same?”

     Putting your arms up, you cracked your shoulders as you responded, “Sure.”

     “You need rest.”

     Putting your arms down with a heavy sigh, “It’s that obvious, huh?”

     V laughed slightly, “Just calling it as I see it,” slowly, he began to walk back the way he’d come from, “We aren’t far from Nico, I'm sure you could rest up there.”

     Happily, you turned to follow him, “I’ll follow your lead.”

===

     “What’s with that expression Wanderer?” V raised a brow, his voice pulling you from your thoughts.

     “Oh!” With an embarrassed smile, you placed a hand on the back of your neck, “Just got lost in thought, sorry.”

     “May I ask what you were thinking so intensely about?” He shifted slightly, allowing Shadow to take a break from traveling, and began supporting himself with his cane causing the two of you to move slower.

     “Just thinking about our first time, that’s all.”

     A breathy sultry laugh left his lips, “ Our first time? Well now, I didn’t take you to be such a bold flirt today.”

     “Wh-huh?” Replaying the conversation, your eyes went wide and you turned to him, doing your best to not trip as you continued walking, “No no- I didn’t-- that wasn’t-”

     V laughed again, eyeing you up and down from the corner of his eye with a smirk, “Right, pardon my assumption.”

     You stared with parted lips momentarily before returning to face the correct way, lips pursed and cheeks unbearably hot. Nervousness settled like a brick in your gut as you watched the ground in front of you, causing you to miss the fact V was staring at you with half-lidded eyes. 

     Mindlessly playing with his teeth with his tongue, he debated whether to tease you any further about what was said; ultimately he decided to drop it. In truth, however, the lithe man was a bit disappointed that you weren’t thinking about the idea of being with him as he had thought about many times before. V felt almost guilty about the intense lust he felt for you.

     The raven-haired poet was unquestionably, unfathomably, undeniably, in love with you--even if he has only known you for a short time. V was certain that he wanted to be with you for the rest of this lifetime and, what could be argued to be, his next; in whatever way you’d have him. Whether it was just as colleagues, friends, or lovers; it didn’t matter, he needed you in his life. 

     His grip tightened on his cane, realizing that Vergil may end up pushing you away, despite the pronounced dependency on you. You were like a rich dark sweet wine that he was unable to put down and wanted to do nothing but sip upon you till the end of time itself. A low sigh left his nose, secretly praying that he was wrong about how things would be when all was said and done. 

     “V?” Your voice was quiet as you adjusted Gilgamesh for the umpteenth time, “Can I ask you something?”

     “Of course,” he straightened upright, holding the cane horizontally, gloved fingers wrapping around the blade.

     “When this is all over, could we…” You paused for a moment, “stay in contact?”

     “Do you want to?”

     Sheepishly, you nodded.

     V smirked, “Then of course we can.”

     Your eyes flicked up to meet his unwavering gaze, smiling brightly at him, “Thanks.”

     “Perhaps, if you’d like, we could consider some other things as well.”

     “O-other things?” A shake had found its way to your words as you waited with bated breath for his answer.

     However, he didn’t answer, instead, he gave a low chuckle and turned his gaze from you, gesturing with his cane, “It seems we have work to do,” he put the metal back down and leaned on it again.

     A heavy sigh left your lips and, without a second thought, you took off toward the horde.

     Not hearing V calling out for you to stop.

     Out of the corner of your eye, you saw fast almost unplaceable movement. Although you went to bring your gauntlets up as fast as possible, you were unable to make the time gap. Except when you opened your eyes, instead of a big demon skewering you through your middle, you were on your ass and V was lying on top of you. His arms wrapped around your hips with his face right underneath your navel, face down and breathing heavily.

     Before you could ask, a familiar squawking voice chimed in, “Aw, how romantic; Romeo can sure as hell hustle when he needs to,” the bird let out a laugh.

     A snarl left Shadow’s maw, seemingly annoyed at the lack of help from Griffon. 

     “Yeah. Yeah. I’m on it,” Griffon returned to the fight, leaving you to assist V up.

     Slowly, he picked his head up enough to look at you, emerald eyes holding a heavy unplaceable emotion. Heat quickly filled your face at the realization of the position you were in which didn’t go unnoticed by the raven-haired man. Without moving too much, V snapped his fingers causing his hair to go white and the last of his tattoos to dissipate. 

     “Are you alright?” You propped yourself up with one arm and used the other to cautiously tuck his hair back, resting an armoured palm on his cheek. 

     “Mmn,” he paused in thought, enjoying the feeling of your touch, “If you are then I am.”

     A corner of your mouth twitched up slightly, “I’m alright; thank you.”

     He took a deep breath in response, resisting the urge to place his face back down against your abdomen. Though all good things come to an end he knew he had to get up. With a grunt, he pushed up and sat up in a kneel, one knee up for him to push off of. However, you were quick to your feet and offered a hand instead, which he graciously accepted. 

     “I’ve got this,” you squeezed his hand before letting go, “Don’t worry about it.”

     Not giving him time to banter or reject your offer, you took off and finished off whatever half-dead demons were strewn about. 

     It didn’t take long for the horde to disappear into nothing but blood and gore. Admittedly, V always enjoys watching you work--especially with hand-to-hand weapons. Whether it is a holdover from Vergil’s distaste for guns or if it is because of the innate sensual nature of the style; he couldn’t help but find it arousing. The way you seemed to show off for him was just a cherry on top. 

     There was something in the way you pranced around that he couldn’t help but be mesmerized by. With all of this considered, V was struggling to not become visibly excited and, much to his dismay, was starting to lose the fight. 

     Once the demons were dead, you waltzed over to V and carefully grabbed his arm, tugging slightly, “Come with me.”

     “Is something the matter, Wanderer?” The lithe man’s hair returned to its dark shade as Nightmare faded from sight.

     You shook your head, flashing him a closed-eye smile, “Nope; just trust me, V.”

     He swallowed hard and nodded, “Very well, lead on.”

     A confused tilt adorned his brow as he tried to piece together what you were doing-- or planning. It wasn’t long before the two of you reached the destination you wanted, a mostly intact hotel. 

     “Could you leave Griffon and Shadow out here, please?” You turned to him, stopping in front of the entrance. 

     His gaze thinned, “May I ask why?”

     “Last time I went into one of these, I got attacked and thrown out a two-story window,” you gave him a falsely doe-eyed smile, “Figure they could be our lookout for a little bit--just until we’re done.”

     V wanted to push for a better answer, knowing that made no sense; however, his curiosity got the better of him and, deciding to play along, summoned both familiars. 

     “Stay here, we will be back shortly-”

     Griffon immediately turned to you, laughing with a slightly impudent attitude to his words, “Be careful with him, don’t need him dying of a heart attack-”

     You laughed, cutting the bird off, “I’ll take care of him; I promise.”

     With that, the two of you disappeared into the building. 

     “I’m going to scout ahead a bit; okay?” You let go of his arm, making V ever-so-slightly frown.

     “Sure.”

     As you went on, V’s eyes quickly drifted to your hips. Lewd thoughts echoed in his mind as he watched you seemingly bounce down the hall, peeking into each room with just the right amount of lean forwards so that he got a perfect view of your body. Each stride of yours had this certain flaunting nature to it as if you were purposefully taunting him. 

     Reaching the final room on the first floor, you decided to head in. Though no one else was aware, you’d already surveyed this building earlier and cleared out every demon within; meaning only small fries--like Empusas--would be here, if at all. This room was the closest to normal there was, having almost zero damage. 

     The room was relatively large; the bathroom was to the left of the doorway and the rest of the room to the right. The bedding was still neatly tucked, the faucet still ran, and there was even a radio with quite an array of classical CDs. 

     You made your way over to said radio with a hum, bending over at the waist to rummage through the music.

     V joined you in the room, looking around in slight confusion before his gaze settled on you again. A sway had found its way to your hips and, despite your flustered and nervous feeling, you smirked. You knew he was looking at you; confirming your hunch about his oddly vague words. 

     Eventually settling on a random assortment of Tchaikovsky's work, you slowly stood upright and placed the disc in the player with a half-surprised laugh at the fact it still worked. When you turned around, a wide-eyed stare was all you could give to V, who was shifting awkwardly and avoiding your eyes. Though you’d hope some light teasing would get him in the mood, you hadn’t expected him to get so hard so quickly.

     Without a word to him, you slipped past him and into the bathroom. Carefully, you placed Gilgamesh’s gauntlets and Revenant on the countertop then washed your hands, using the soap left in the dispenser. Returning to the room while drying your hands, you meandered toward the extremely confused horny goth. 

     As you discarded the towel, V finally spoke up, “Wanderer, what are we doing here?”

     “Well,” you gently grabbed the open of his jacket, a hand on each side, thumbing over the black leather, “After how many times you’ve saved me, I figure that it’s about time you get a reward.”

     His eyes flicked all around your face then down to your forearms, resting his cane against a nearby wall. Cautiously, V snaked his arms around your back and pulled you tight to him, “A reward ?”

     “Yeah,” you leaned closer and placed your nose beside his, lips just barely apart, speaking with a whisper, “If you’re interested…”

     Closing the gap, V leaned into you for both support and to deepen the kiss. An icy hand slid up your back, gracefully dancing across your still-clothed skin, and came to rest on the back of your neck. Your hands slid down his sides, coming to rest at his belt line, hooking your forefingers into the loops of his ever-tightening skinny jeans. 

     Switching to long drawn-out heated kisses, V squirmed under your touch as he felt you pull his hips into yours. Breaking away for a moment, the two of you stayed close, breathing heavily in content. A smirk pulled at his lips as he moved to kiss your up jawline, taking his time, making his way to your earlobe, tugging on it with a bite. 

     V rested with the side of his face against yours. The hand from your neck made its way to your upper back and, mindlessly, the thin man began to sway with you, enjoying the music and relaxing in the moment. You could feel his heart racing from just his chest resting against yours; no wonder Griffon gave you shit about V having a heart attack. 

     Bit by bit your hands left his jeans and went to his corset, undoing the already loose strings further. Taking the hint, V let go of you and removed his jacket then his corset; being tossed onto the bed and floor, respectively. A small huffed moan left his lips as he watched your hands grope up and down his torso.

     “Wanderer…” His voice was low, but brimming with an unmistakable lust.

     Resting your hands on the sides of his hips, you stood for a moment. A smirk tugged at your lips as you watched his chest rise and fall with each breath. Leaning closer, you placed a kiss at the crook of his shoulder, followed by a soft bite. V submissively tilted his head away from you, giving you more access to his neck. A smile tugged at your lips as you placed tender kisses, and the occasional bite, along his cold skin. A hand slid to the front of his jeans, finally, your touch wasn’t to just tease him. 

     V placed his hands on your sides, holding you closer, pursed lips hiding a groan that hung in the back of his throat. Though he knows it’s a bit pathetic, just feeling your hand against his cock was proving to be somewhat of a challenge for the inexperienced man to not prematurely finish. 

     Using both hands, you went to remove his belt, before stopping. V’s swaying had become much more pronounced--not having a means of support other than you. 

     You whispered against his neck, “Why don’t we sit down, hm?”

     V, much to your surprise, seemed to stumble over his thoughts, “Any par- particular position?”

     Fully leaning back, you grabbed his hand and guided him to the bed, “Get up here-- do you need help?”

     He gave a nasally laugh, “No, I am alright,” he crawled up onto the bed, kneeling with his knees both on the bed, “Now what?”

     Without answering, you climbed atop the mattress as well, sitting with your back nearly against the headboard, and patted your thighs. Understanding what you wanted, V sat on your lap facing you, wrapping his legs behind you.

     “You’re beautiful, V,” reaching up, you moved a strand of hair from the front of his face, tucking it behind his ear, and leaned in close, speaking right above his lips, “So very beautiful.”

     The gap quickly closed between you and V’s hands cupped your jaw, thumbs rubbing against your cheeks. Your hands went back to work on his belt, making him shift slightly. Feeling that you had the belt fully undone, his lips left yours, and he moved back just enough to look you in the eyes. With kiss-swollen lips slightly agape, V swallowed hard as he heard you unbutton his jeans. 

     Slowly, methodically, you unzipped the fly on his jeans, making sure to note every little micro-movement V made. This had been something you’d wanted for a long time and you were going to make sure to enjoy every last bit. When you finally broke from his gaze to look down, you raised a brow.

     Nervousness pooling in his gut, V noticed your expression, “Is- is something wrong, love?”

     A wide smile tugged at your lips, “No- not at all,” trying to hold back a laugh you looked back up at him, “It's just, with the rest of your outfit, I honestly expected you to be wearing a thong or g-string; not boxer briefs.”

     V let out a laugh of relief, “I see; I-” A stifled moan cut his words short. 

     Resting your hand on the inner side of his thigh, you started to slowly run the side of your thumb up and down his bulge.

     Heavy exhales left his nose as he watched your hand and he moved his hands to the outsides of your shoulders.

     Out of the corner of your eye, you saw V’s coat on the bed and got a wicked idea, “You know V,” your motions slowed even further causing him to let out a small huff of disappointment, “I really like your voice…”

     His brow twitched slightly, attempting to figure out what you had in store, “Is that right?”

     Carefully, you reached over to his jacket, grabbed his book from an inner pocket, and then handed it to him, “Why don’t you read me something, hm?”

     “Is there a particular poem you’d like?” The prized item was held between you both, the top of it resting gently against your chest.

     You shook your head, “Whatever you think fits best.”

     As he flipped through the book, you resumed your touch. With eyes trained on his crotch, you unzipped the boxer’s fly and heard his page-turning falter slightly. Slipping his cock out into the open air, V let out a small moan, a page pinned between his forefinger and thumb.

     “Now, now, V.” You looked up at him from the tops of your eyes, “You stop, I stop; got it?”

     He pursed his lips and then nodded, continuing with his search. There was a visible shake to his hands as he did his best to play along. Ghosting your fingers along his shaft, you noticed that he had pre-cum already dribbling from his tip and he was heavily twitching; apparently, he was much more sensitive than you’d expected. 

     Rolling his foreskin back slightly, you thumbed over his tip. His page-turning had stopped again, and you hummed slightly, “Find one?”

     With a slightly strained voice, he nodded, “Y-yes, I,” he moaned as you lightly wrapped a hand around his shaft, closing his eyes he continued, “I found something suitable.”

     “Good,” you brought your thumb to your lips and put it in your mouth, cleaning the digit, “The floor is yours,” V’s eyes flicked to you, watching you mindlessly roll your tongue over your lips, and his blush deepened tenfold. 

     A shaky breath left his mouth as he focused on the page before him, “ “What is it men in women do require? / The l-lineaments of Gratified Desire.”.”

     Spitting into your palm, you once again wrapped a hand around his shaft. With slow lazy pumps, you noted the feeling of his cock in your hand. Eyes flicking between his face and dick.

     V’s brow twitched as he let out a hissing groan, “ “Wh-what is it women do in men require? / The lineaments of Gr-gratified Desire.”,” The raven-haired man’s hips unintentionally jerked slightly at the feeling of you putting your forefinger and thumb tips together, encircling his cock, and gently pulling up on his tip. 

     He hunched forwards slightly, his hair falling in front of his eyes, “ “The look of love alarms / Because ’tis f-fill’d with fire; / But the look of s-soft de-deceit- / Shall Win the love-lover’s hire” Ngh-ah~”     The fragile man’s legs constricted your middle ever tighter with each passing moment. Returning to stroking his entire length, you slowed down; not wanting him to finish quite yet. 

     Lips trembling, he continued, “ “S-soft Deceit & Idleness, / These ar-are Beauty’s sweetest dress. He--” 

     A sustained groan left his lips as he leaned forwards even more, placing the top of his head against your lips, which you placed a loving kiss upon, “ “He who binds to himself a- a joy / Dot the winged life d-destroy;”.”

     V bucked his hips slightly upwards, desperate for more friction, speaking with a whimpering moan, “Please, Wanderer, I can’t-”

     Whispering against him, you slowed your motions even further, “You’re almost done, my love… finish it for me; please?”

     Taking a stuttering inhale through his nose and low breathy exhale from his mouth, he licked his lips before continuing, “ “But he who ki-kisses the joy as it flies / Live in Eternity’s sun-sunrise.” Ah-ah~”

     Quickening your hand even faster than before, you placed another elongated kiss against his hair, “Good boy.”

     Tossing the book from his hands V sat upright. Icy fingers wrapped around the back of your neck and gripped the side of your shoulder. The raven-haired man began to thrust his hips into your hand, practically riding your thighs. 

     You smirked and leaned in to place kisses on his collarbones, “I love you, V.”

     “I- Uh-ah~,” another loud noise came from the man as he felt you add you use his pre to slick his cock even more, “I love you too, Wanderer.”

     You upturned your face slightly, kissing his throat up to the underside of his jaw, a confident purr to your words, “You gonna cum for me, V~?”

     The frantic shifting of his hands to cup the sides of your face gave you your answer. V guided your face up to his and placed his forehead against yours. 

     “Please,” his voice was soft and pleading, his mind a hazy lust-filled mess that was unable to come up with any other words. 

     Upon using one hand to stroke him and the other to play with his tip, you felt his thigh muscles tighten and his fingers dig into you. He pushed his lips onto yours, kissing you as if he were never going to be able to again. His hands wandered down your body, groping at your clothes.

     Balling up your shirt in his hands from his grip, he broke off the kiss, a string of saliva connecting you momentarily. The skinny man leaned back and arched his body into yours. 

     He let out a final full-mouthed moan and bucked his hips one last time as his body tensed. 

     Warm silky white fluid decorated your hands as you slowly rode out his orgasm. A feeling of pride filled your heart as you made sure to etch the sight before you into your mind. 

     V’s skin had completely lost all of the inky patches and his chest was heaving. With how far he arched back, you could see the underside of his ribs and the prominent hip dips on each side. You watched his Adam’s apple bob up and down as he audibly swallowed a few times. 

     After a moment, he leaned back towards you. 

     Ghostly white hair fell in front of his flushed features as V’s eyes met yours. A small smile found its way to his lips and the two of you shared one more kiss. This time, however, it wasn’t lustful but a sweet loving gesture. With slow long kisses, V placed a forefinger under your jaw. Upon breaking away, you both shared a breathy satisfied huff and he slid his hand to cup your cheek, thumbing over your skin.

     “So,” you relaxed into his touch, “Are we getting attacked or something?” His brow twitched in confusion, “Your hair.”

     “Did I really..?” he leaned away and focused on the strands in front of his eyes which were slowly returning to black, “That’s… I didn’t know that would happen; how strange.”

     You removed your hands and looked at them, a slight playful teasing to your voice, “Little pent up there V?”

     Although you weren’t complaining, V had cum quite a lot harder than you’d expected and made a mess between both of you. 

     With an embarrassed laugh, he turned from your gaze, and rested his hands on his thighs, “Perhaps it is because you are so important to me…” V didn’t want to admit that he hadn’t even tried to masturbate while in this form--not to mention that Vergil hadn’t done anything like that in over twenty years. 

     Humming quietly along to the long-forgotten music, you brought your hand up to your mouth and cleaned it off. V’s eyes immediately flicked to you and he stared at you wide-eyed. Slowly, your eyes drifted to his as you continued. 

     When you went to give your other, less coated hand, the same treatment, you noticed something else and raised your brows in surprise, “That was a quick turnaround.”

     The tattooed man looked down and then back at you, “It’s not my fault you are so… appealing to me,” once more, he leaned his forehead against yours, “Wanderer.”

     “Mnm, well then,” you placed a long kiss against his lips, biting his lower lip after, “Guess my work isn’t done then, hm?”

     “Your work?” V backed away and removed his legs from your waist, running a hand down your middle, resting it just above your hip line, “If it’s all the same to you, this time, I’d much rather be the one to play.”

===

ENDING NOTES: Not me having no clue how to end this lmfao 🛏️📔🛏️ Been a long time since I’ve tried to write V lol I really should write him more Also hope that this was close enough to the request. I just kind of ran with the flow so it’s not exactly the same--the poem reading isn’t really what was asked but I figured it was close enough. Another thing, sorry for the improper dividing of dialogue trees when V’s reading. It was too chaotic for me to feel comfortable leaving in one chunk (which is technically what I should’ve done since it was only V talking) sorry lol Also if you are into like video edit shit, I’ve been re-watching one from “V’s Love” on YouTube titled “V | Slow Down | DMC 5 GMV”. Give it a watch- seriously it’s fans myself gayly oh boy. 📔🛏️📔 Poem(s) Quoted: William Blake: Proverbs of Hell William Blake: Several Questions Answered (full version)

If you like what you read here; please check out the rest of my one-shots on AO3. Comments, reshares, and likes/kudos are appreciated!! Thanks for reading!

MASTER LIST FOR TUMBLR

#Re-wrote some stuff (1/22) didn't like the whole middle section of this fic so I fixed some stuff sorry for changing it so much lmao #TYPOS AND ERRORS SHOULD BE FIXED NOW (1/15) #DIDN'T REALIZE THAT THERE WERE SO MANY LMAO SORRY #GRAMMERLY LAGS DOCS TOO MUCH FOR ME TO USE ANYMORE SO MY POOR SPELLING SKILL REALLY SHOWN THROUGH LMFAO #devil may cry #devil may cry 5 #dmc #dmc 5 #devil may cry V #V #V devil may cry #dmc V #V dmc #V x reader #V x G/N Reader #V x Female reader #V x Male reader #oneshot #request #(from like forever ago; sorry lmfao) #Also mentioned and here: #Nero #Devil may cry Nero #Nico #Devil may cy Nico #devil may cry Shadow #devil may cry Griffon #devil may cry nightmare #reposted from AO3

[softquietsteadylove]

Hello love! How are you?

May a i ask for another part of the Addams Fam au pretty please 😄 it's so cutee.

Thank you for all of your stories they are amazing, i adore how you write Thena and Gil, you get them so right every time. 🩷🤍

"What a beautiful day."

"What a beautiful day indeed."

Thena and Gil looked at each other before bursting into laughter, sitting on the steps of the gazebo. The heavy rain underscored it, only Theseus on Thena's lap even blinked. Their parents were inside, discussing business of some kind.

"Father has been talking about this meeting for weeks," Thena looked down at Theseus, running her fingers over his back and up his spines delicately. "He is quite excited about the deal they will be making, supposedly."

"Yeah, Pops has been talking about it too," Gilgamesh agreed in not so many words. He looked at her with a grin, though, "keeps saying it'll be a huge drag."

The two shared a light laugh again, maintaining the 'code' of sorts they had concocted upon their first meeting. Their parents' businesses entangling so often had actually come to benefit them. Finally someone with whom to discuss things that weren't business, or investments, or the benefit of all the plastics piling up in the environment (how that was a good thing was beyond both of them).

"I do like the rain, though," Thena added more quietly. "It's much easier to sleep when it's raining. And Theseus enjoys it as well, from the safety of his sun lamp tank."

Gilgamesh chuckled, extending a finger. The growing iguana was warming up to him slowly. He wasn't of petting familiarity yet, but Theseus flicked his tongue a little in the direction of Gil's finger. "You guys must love monsoon season, huh?"

Thena offered a guilty little pinch of her lips. "The last trip on which we accompanied Father, the weather had been dreadful. Mother didn't get to experience the sea at all, and we were essentially shut in the whole time. I quite enjoyed it."

Gilgamesh threw his head back in laughter. She liked how unrestrained he could be in that way. "I probably would've liked that too. I think we're old enough they don't have to drag us around with them anyway, right?"

Thena sighed, hunching over Theseus as a breeze travelled through her around the gazebo pillars. "I wish they agreed. And yet Mother and Father's leash has only gotten shorter, I fear."

They kept insisting that she and Gilgamesh remain within a certain distance of the house when they were visiting. Something about not getting up to any 'funny business'. Thena didn't understand it; nothing about business was ever humorous.

"Hm," he pursed his lips, sliding closer to her. His larger frame actually did block some of the wind that accompanied such lovely rain.

"Have your parents always-" Thena started asking and then stopped dead in her tracks. She was becoming too comfortable with Gilgamesh--comfortable enough to ask rather forward questions. It was untoward, with a guest.

Gilgamesh leaned closer to her, softening his already soft voice, "go on."

Thena's eyes darted between him and Theseus. He was awfully close, now. "Have your parents always been suffocating--like mine?"

"I guess kinda the opposite," Gilgamesh shrugged, now close enough to venture into the realm of touching Theseus' back. The lizard allowed it, his eyes sliding closed as he enjoyed the attention. "Pops used to show me his model trains all the time, teach me about the railroads, all that stuff. Then, one day, he never had any time for me anymore. Now I seem to just be a distraction for him, and Ma."

Thena frowned. Perhaps she did know that feeling. Mother no longer brushed and braided her hair. Father had long ago said that she needed no tutelage in fencing. She recalled a younger Thena even falsifying her own flaws in hopes her father would continue to teach her, but to no avail.

"Hey," he nudged her arm gently. Their parents never let them be too close to each other in their presence, but she had to admit that being close to him had its advantages. "That's why we have each other, right?"

She smiled, completely unwittingly, too. He seemed able to pull a smile from her more and more easily. Unfortunately, her parents were catching on. Every time she smiled at Gil from across the dinner table her mother would nudge her foot to mind herself.

"I'm not as involved in my dad's business," Gilgamesh shrugged, pulling his hand away from Theseus and resting his elbows against his knees. "But your dad still drags you to meetings sometimes, right? Like when my folks first came over?"

Thena merely nodded. "Any time an associate has a son, he asks me to accompany him. I believe he thinks it will be seen as an asset--something to further convince them to agree to his conditions."

She was his perfect little bargaining chip.

"That's gross."

Thena smiled again, although it wasn't quite as free as his. "I suppose it is."

"It must be tough," he sighed and rested his chin in his palm. She tilted her head at him and he grinned at her, "being so pretty."

Thena's jaw clapped shut, too loudly for the rain to cover it. She tried to formulate a response but she couldn't, and Gilgamesh was still looking at her. She turned reticent, utterly embarrassed by such a bold compliment at such close range. Her whole face felt warm. "Hm."

He chuckled, but he didn't say anything else, nor did he prod her after that pitiful excuse for a 'thank you'.

Thena stared down at Theseus, trying and trying to think of something to say. Her flustered energy awoke the reptile, who looked up at her. It did not help her feel more calm.

"Pops doesn't ask me to come to meetings anymore--not even here."

Thena blinked at the sudden admission. She had assumed Gilgamesh joined his parents for their continued meetings with her own because they had insisted so. As far as she knew, Gilgamesh would take over and inherit his father's businesses someday. "He doesn't?"

He grinned at her again, and that funny feeling arose inside her ribs. "I keep asking to come. Hanging out with you here is the only fun thing I ever get to do anymore."

Thena still didn't mange to squeak out a decent reply. But she had to agree. She looked forward to Gilgamesh coming over. She even included in her letters to him what she had overheard Father discussing so as to better encourage Mister Lee to come over again. She would lie awake the night before, be restless all the morning before they arrived.

Gilgamesh left it at that again, but he did pick his head up from his palm as she scooted a little closer to him, until their sides could brush, his stark black suit against her soft white cardigan.

"The same could be said for me," she managed to admit, in far too many words than needed. But 'I like you too' seemed both too simple and...too complicated. But he seemed to accept it, letting her settle next to him in a positively scandalous proximity. But he was much warmer than the chilly rain air.

"You could try and get your dad to come over to our place," Gilgamesh suggested. His face was close again, by sheer proximity of how they were sitting. But she didn't mind it as much. "You can come with him, I can show you around. I'm pretty sure my folks wouldn't really care what we get up to."

Thena fidgeted to admit to him, "I've never been allowed to leave the manor without the presence of Father, or Mother."

Gil shrugged though, and his massive shoulder collided with her smaller one. "They'll be there--kinda. And I'll be a perfect gentleman."

She smiled as he held up a hand for her to rest hers within. It was familiar, even comfortable. "Of that, I have no doubt."

"Great," he whispered, running his thumb over her fingers. "So, next time your dad mentions my dad, tell him that Pops has...documents--or something. His office is full of train stuff. He has maps of every railroad on the continent, I'm pretty sure."

She did know their deal had...something to do with the railroads. She had looked into at first. But since she was able to spend time with Gilgamesh instead of listen to the business dealings, her attention had dwindled, to put it mildly.

Thena tightened her hand in his, and he returned the gentle squeeze. His hand felt nice. "I shall tell him forthwith."

"Well maybe we can enjoy the rain in Ma's sunroom next time, then," he chuckled. He went to drop his hand, and hers, but he blinked as she held on. She thought about snapping her hand back in that second, but he adjusted his grip, still holding her hand perched in his even in his more relaxed posture.

"That sounds," Thena sighed, letting herself lean against him just a little more, "dreadful."

He laughed again, jostling her amidst her relaxing. But she excused it, only because she liked his laugh so much.

#Thenamesh Addams Family AU #I'm so glad you asked for more of this sweetheart! #so thank you! #I really do love the addams family #Gil and Thena get along like a house on fire! #Thena doesn't really realise it yet #because she's never been allowed to have friends before #at least not like him #she does eagerly await their next visit #she writes him letters #because of course they write with quills #Gil uses a typewriter at least #and then uses their family raven to deliver her letters #and Gil is like you don't even use the mail??? you guys are hardcore #And Thena keeps saying oh Mister Lee said this Mister Lee said that...so Gilgamesh says #her mother isn't sure about this friendship of theirs #she's like a boy and a girl writing each other? scandalous #Thena don't sit in the same room as that boy with the door closed #meanwhile Gil is already so in love with her #he adores this girl who looks like a ghost and talks like Shakespeare #he tells her she's pretty #because she is #and Thena is like ..........im wHAT #then that night she asks Theseus for advice #Theseus: 🦎

[hasarjunadoneanythingwrong]

*PATIENTLY WAITS FOR THE INDIAN LOSTBELT KING REWRITE FOR YOU*

Concepts I’ve thought about

-theme of lostbelt focusing on ‘guilt and memory’ but like this time more obvious

-something something instead of it being ‘just’ the lokapala arjuna alter is unconsciously trying to recreate his own siblings/family with them, though this means instead of kubera/nezha the ashwins would be used possible w a twin servant, or they’d be moved over to asclepius and someone else would get yama

-lb appears to be stuck in the time right b4 the kurukhestra war, cycling over and over in an effort to ‘prevent’ it despite it already in f having

-ashwatthama actively chooses to join arjuna alters side? Instead of the torture thing, as an exploration/continuation of the theme of ‘guilt,’ deciding to side with the people he hurt even if they’re now in the wrong as well out of a desperate attempt to try and right something that could never be fixed out of a nostalgia for a relationship long lost

-parallels between lakshmi bai giving up her life for her country and the youth of hastinapur giving up theirs for theirs? Idk I just feel like some line could’ve been done. Especially bc she also left a young child behind

-karna being forced to confront what ‘good intentions poor execution’ truly means as he witnesses people he knew and respected become warped beyond recognition, being forced to acknowledge his own role in enabling the conflict, once again having to come to terms with his tendency to enable and prioritize his pride and own desires over his common sense

-by which i mean I’ve considered subbing out karna alter over douman just bc it would be funny to have the more og text canon warhawk karna see some fucked up arjuna and be like ‘hey you should keep doing that :)’ while his lancer version is in the bg like ‘bruh’

- focus on the repetitive nature of the cycles, how and why they were reset, what that meant for arjuna alter’s psyche. Really hammer in the increasing isolation and disconnect, and the growing agitation as the inherent nature of humans prevented a world with no conflict no matter what he did or how hard he tried. Talk about what happened to his family and the other gods, and the thousands of years ago. Do a this chair monologue idk something

-parallels between arjuna alter and Asha as people who’s families were torn apart, who struggle to conceptualize their grief as they can’t even remember it. Let them talk at some point.

-look if rama comes into the lostbelt asking about his wife you can at least superimpose her sprite in the sky at the end after arjuna alter dies and have her be like ‘cool I’m not mixed w 400 other gods now. Sorry I can’t hang love you bby xoxo’ like cmon

- I want to see arjuna alter get MAD. Make him cry and scream about how unfair it all is it’s bullshit that it was karna. I want him to rail again the unfairness of having to kill your kin, of how no matter how much you destroy it will never create peace, of how the world he was in was destined to head to a bloody war, just SOMETHING

-let us run koyanskya over w the shadowborder. For fun

-if we have to endure kiara’s 400 hour buddhism monologue then can’t rama explain some like, basic aspects of Hindu theology to us. Why hasn’t that happened yet. Huh?

- you know how the boss fights from Greece-> onwards have their name in that countries’s script? Yeah something in like Sanskrit for here pls

-let us have an actual dialogue w arjuna alter

-let us actually see douman and arjuna alter interact.

-idk fuckin uhhh if Krishna was the guy who allegedly junao was able to absorb everyone through can we like. See what his deal is? In a flashback? Please?

-mention gilgamesh flies his vimana wrong for me. personally

-have a third party who knew arjuna who isn’t karna/ashwa/biased there to talk about what he was like. Idk Bhisma drona someone just let us see more facets of him so we can understand how he got to this state

-hammer in the memory issues. Hammer in the fact arjuna alter’s body is breaking down around him, held together only by force of will. Hammer in the fact he is willing to die to try and save everyone. Really get that beaten in there.

-for me personally given that hindusim features reincarnation heavily it would be nice to at least acknowledge most of the people deleted are probably reentering the samsara (only enlightened people exit the cycle which a flawed being can’t be). He hasn’t necessarily abandoned these people even if he’s treating them wrong.

#my asks #writing #I can’t write this is just random mostly unrelated stuff I’ve thought of #if any actual writers want to take any of these go right ahead #I want to come back to this and add things later this is just some of it #ref

[lovelyfanatical]

I Get a Sugar Rush Whenever I'm With You - Chapter 9.2

Greetings, fellow Drukkari stans! You're getting this mini-chapter while I'm on vacation, so I'm writing to you across space and time! 🤪 If you've fallen behind and need to catch up, you can find all previous installments on my Table of Contents here. Druig and Makkari have cleared the air and Druig is resolved to forget about his feelings, but can he? Find out now in the next mini-chapter of Drukkari in the Great British Bake Off!

The showstopper was proving to be a bit of a disaster. Druig hadn't really thought he'd make it to patisserie week, and with all his fretting over Makkari, he hadn't practiced his bakes for this week that much. So, while the other bakers were busy perfecting their delicate gateaus, Druig was quite sure his was lopsided, and no amount of edible gold would be able to hide it. He was proven correct when Arishem pointed it out during judging. He also found the chocolate rather plain, adding insult to injury.

As with everything else, Druig pushed it aside for now, but this proved rather difficult when interview time rolled around. Considering how the challenge had gone, Darcy had Makkari ready and waiting to conduct his interview. Little did she know that it wouldn't help much this time. Druig did his best to act normal, but he could practically feel himself clamming up more and more with every question. Overall, it still wasn't his worst interview, but Makkari could sense something was off.

Despite this, Makkari didn't pry. Not yet, at least. On the one hand, Druig was grateful. After all, it saved him the anxiety of telling her what was wrong. On the other hand, it made for a pretty awkward lunch. They and Kingo were the first ones to the table. While they swapped bakes and delivered their usual praise, the unsaid words hung in the air between them, making them lapse into plenty of uneasy silences. Even Kingo could feel it, and for once, he didn't comment on it. This was the state Phastos and Gil found them in.

"Rough day, huh?" Gil said, trying to lighten the atmosphere.

"You could say that," Druig answered.

"Well, we've still got two challenges left. Things could still change," Phastos added. It was still basic, but he was picking up signs and including them where he could.

Very true, Phastos, Makkari concurred, giving him a small smile.

"Hey, at least you'll be back next week either way," Kingo chimed in.

"I suppose that's true," Druig muttered pensively. "Thank you all for trying to cheer me up, but I'd rather not think too hard about it right now."

"We can do that," Gil replied confidently. "Since we're changing the subject, should I tell you guys about my date with Thena?"

Tell us everything!  Makkari signed frantically, a smile springing to her face. Druig couldn't help but smile himself at the sight, even if he could still feel his heart sinking from that morning. With a deep breath, he tried to let the feeling dissipate as he listened to Gilgamesh go into detail about where he and Thena went, what kind of coffee she drank, and how they spent hours talking about anything and everything. And for a little while, Druig did start to forget why he was feeling this way.

-

Lunch was a nice reprieve, but once they were back in the tent, the pressure returned, along with all the things Druig had been avoiding thinking about. He'd been trying to just concentrate on the technical challenge, but with only four of them left, his eyes began to wander to Makkari's station. She was quite focused on the task at hand, making dough for her palmiers. After staring at her a moment too long, Druig averted his gaze, mentally admonishing himself. He was so preoccupied that he ended up overbaking his own palmiers, and with no time left to try again, he had no choice but the present them for judgment. No teeth were chipped, thankfully, but Druig could tell he'd earned last place this week.

Considering how well everyone else had done so far, Druig was coming to the realization that something disastrous would have to befall one of the other bakers if he was to make it to the final next week. He didn't wish that on any of them, least of all Makkari. He'd made it this far, which was much farther than he ever expected. Even so, it was not an easy pill to swallow. Druig was still grappling with this as he waited for his next interview. Another figure took the seat next to him, breaking him out of his reverie.

"So, how are you feeling about… everything?" Phastos asked.

"I should probably save some of it for the interview," Druig began, "but to answer your question, not great."

"Right, of course. Stupid question," Phastos mumbled. "Alright, I'm not great at comforting people outside of my husband and child, so I'm just going to ask what I actually wanted to ask. Just know that you do not need to answer if you don't want to."

"Okay, then?"

Taking a deep breath, Phastos let loose his question: "What's the deal with you and Makkari this week? Did you break up or something?"

If Druig was drinking something, he would've choked on it. As he was not, he merely let out an undignified noise that sounded somewhere between a snort and gasp.

"I guess I hit the nail on the head," Phastos observed triumphantly.

"Not quite. Makkari and I aren't dating."

"Oh," Phastos said, triumph replaced with confusion. "Then what have I been watching the past few weeks?"

Druig merely raised an eyebrow at this, which spurred the other man to keep going.

"Alright, then did you have a fight or something?"

"No, we just… had a misunderstanding, but we cleared that up, so everything is fine," Druig explained carefully.

"Ah, that explains why you're so busy watching her that you burned your palmiers."

"I didn't burn them, just overbaked them."

"Whatever. My point is, and again, you don't have to answer if you don't want to-"

"You say that, but you keep asking."

"And you keep answering. My point is that I can tell something's bothering you, and I know we're not exactly close, but if you want to talk about it… I promise I won't tell anyone here. Just my husband, who's been asking me about all the bakers. Also, I'd rather not have a repeat of lunch tonight at dinner."

Druig watched him out of the corner of his eye. Phastos seemed sincere enough as he awaited his response. Druig sighed loudly before giving him an answer.

"Okay, the short version is we accidentally slept in the same bed and were both a bit embarrassed. She wants to forget about the whole thing, but I don't know if I can do that."

"Oh." Phastos lapsed into silence as he mulled this over, but it didn't last long. "And you don't want to forget because you like her."

"Hit the nail on the head that time," Druig conceded.

"Well, you should probably respect her wishes, which it seems you're already doing. But clearly, it's still eating at you, so this isn't going to be sustainable. Sounds like you need to talk to her."

"You got all that from our conversation just now?"

"That and Ben's hypotheses, which I didn't put much stock in before since he was only getting his info from me, but even from my impartial observations, he could tell that you liked her," Phastos explained. "Look, I'm not one to play matchmaker or love guru or whatever, but I really don't want to deal with more awkward group meals, so for my sake, consider telling her how you feel? Unless you think that will end up making things even more awkward. You know her better than me. Just use your best judgment, I guess."

Phastos had rushed through his last few sentences as he saw Darcy approaching. As he got up to go to his interview, Druig added, "Thanks, Phastos."

The other man gave him an emphatic nod before following Darcy.

-

It was fun to write a bit more Phastos! Hopefully he's not too OOC. Let me know how I did!

Part 32

#lovelyfanatical shares #drukkari gbbo au #drukkari #druig x makkari #eternals #eternals fanfiction #background phastos/ben #phastos doesn't deal with other people's drama #shoutout to ben

[thebibliomancer]

Essential Avengers: Avengers #305: "AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!"

July, 1989

ATTACK OF THE LAVA MEN!

Attaaaaaaaack of the killer lava mennnnnnnnn!

Attaaaaaaaaaaaack of the killer lava mennnnnnnnn!

Alright, now is Byrne time!

He now writes both Avengers and West Coast Avengers. And draws West Coast Avengers himself.

He had big plans for the West Coast Avengers. Which we've seen unfolding.

So what's his plan for the East Coast Avengers?

Well, it looks like he's going big.

That's a hell of a roster.

Tigra, Namor, Starfox, Thor, La Espirita, Hellcat, Falcon, Beast, Wonder Man, Moondragon, Hawkeye, the Wasp, She-Hulk, Monica Rambeau, Black Panther, Scarlet Witch, Gilgamesh with no shirt or pants, Black Widow, Dr Pym, Mockingbird, Quasar, Invisible Woman, Mr Fantastic, Ben Grimm, the Vision, and Captain America.

It even seems to include most of the Fantastic Four and the whole of the West Coast Avengers. Except US Agent but eh.

Can one superhero team just eat another to get bigger? Do superhero teams have mergers?

What, in fact, is going on here?

Captain America: In a nutshell, then, at one time or another, each and every one of you has been an Avenger. Some for a long time, some for only a very short while... As chairman of the East Coast branch of the team, what I want to propose to you is this: a permanent consolidation of all members. The Avengers are the Avengers. Not two teams. Not three. One team. Everyone who has ever been an Avenger, will always be an Avenger. A member of a pool of super-powered individuals whose abilities add up to an unstoppable force for good."

Huh!

Every Avenger Ever but as the central premise for a creative run!

Hence the pretty packed roster box on the cover.

I have no idea how a roster like this is going to work.

But the assembled once and future Avengers all chime in their thoughts.

Reed and Sue Fantastic say the idea sounds fantastic. Literally. It sounds like the reasoning that led to the Fantastic Four's founding.

But even though Mr Fantastic and Invisible Woman are back with the Fantastic Four, if Cap needs them, they'll come.

Ben "Not Currently the Thing" Grimm also offers his aid.

Bee tee dubs, his five second stint with the West Coast Avengers is why he's here, at this meeting.

Beast echoes the various Fantastics. He's busy with X-Factor but if the Avengers need him, he'll be there.

Every Avenger Ever Available As Needed is a fun idea but I can't help but see it running into creator squabbles.

Is Steve Englehart just going to happily lend out his characters to Byrne whenever he wants to use them?

I mean, at the end of the day, editorial can force the issue. But I see it being an issue. Comic creators are territorial.

Further people chime in.

Hellcat says she'll be available if the Avengers need her but Tigra scoffs.

Tigra: "Why would any team need a two-bit imitation when they've got the genuine article?"

I thought you two hashed out your differences. And I also thought you were some weird cat monster at the moment.

What's the deal, Tigra?

The two cat-themed heroes almost have a catfight but various dudes break it up.

Captain America scolds that as Avengers, they need to settle their differences with "due order and dignity" which is surely ironic in the future, after several slap fights with Tony.

Tigra reluctantly reigns it in, although she promises that things between her and Patsy aren't over yet.

Back to people chiming in.

Monica Rambeau offers any assistance she can. But she's still emaciated and recovering from the draining of her power so she doesn't know what she can offer.

Captain America: "Your spirit alone makes you an invaluable asset, Captain Marvel. I'm very glad to hear you say you still want to be one of the team."

Aww.

Hawkeye chimes in that he's got his own team to concern himself with.

No, not the West Coast Avengers.

Remember, he stormed off in a huff.

We'll see what he's talking about in the next West Coast Avengers issue.

But he wants to make it very clear that unlike some people he's not going to come when he's called until everyone shows him the respect he's earned.

... Hawkeye, what the shit.

You don't even have beef with Captain America or with most of the people in this room.

Mockingbird tells him to get over himself. He's an Avenger, she's an Avenger. And if Cap needs them, they're Avengers.

Also, everyone else apparently answers off-panel or something.

I love Hawkeye's pouty little raised fist.

He's doing it to fit in but he's gonna be sullen about it.

God, there's something really funny about US Agent not getting the invite.

He's on the team by government fiat but Cap is like 'do I consider him a real Avenger no, I do not.'

That or he just ignored the invite. There's other people missing.

Dr Druid, lost in time. Black Knight, Thor forgot him in that dimensional rift. Mantis, has a lot going on right now. Hulk, never responds to messages. The year 3000 Guardians of the Galaxy, in the future. Iron Man... hey, where the fuck is Iron Man?

Every Avenger ever (that bothered to answer the phone) and a big mainstay like Iron Man isn't here?

Is being a big international criminal too much for his supposed friends to overlook?

Meanwhile? Lava men.

Just like the cover predicted.

A lava men is doomsaying over a cauldron.

Lava Man: "The ancient magicks grow weaker by the second. The darkness closes. The final darkness. Upon my actions here must hang the fate of all my race!"

This is the exact same plot as Power of the Dark Crystal.

That lava people in that were cuter though.

The lava man summons the last bit of ancient power to bring forth more lava men.

Lava Man: "Enough to crush the surface-dwellers who destroyed our people, who shattered our tomorrows...!"

Oh dammit.

What innocuous thing did the Avengers do this time that's going to prompt a whole thing?

Anyway, back with the Avengers, most of the biggest roster ever fucks off.

Because the thing about any Avenger being on call as needed means that when they're not needed, they're going to fuck off.

But a few hang around. And I'm guessing they might be something like a core roster with rotating guest Avengers for flavor?

Captain America, of course. This whole thing is his brain baby.

Black Panther sticks around since its been too long since he's done an Avengers stint. And you know T'Challa. He gets bored doing the same thing for too long. The same thing being "ruling the country that he rules."

She-Hulk, Thor, Gilgamesh, and Quasar also stick around.

I hope Gilgamesh gets a new, better costume if he's sticking around. He lost his helmet and his armor. He didn't bother changing out of civvies for that one Ellis Island fill-in issue. And he's just wearing boots and a loin cloth now.

Who do you think you are? Conan?

It's so weird that Quasar just casually gets Avengers membership off-panel. Or maybe it happened in some other book. And weird if so.

Everyone else in this biggest roster ever were past and current Avengers and then there's Quasar. The new guy. But nobody talking about how he's the new guy.

It's weird.

I got nothing bad to say about She-Hulk or Thor. They're cool.

Anyway. In what feels like a meta nod, Captain America and She-Hulk discuss how Thor makes Gilgamesh redundant.

She-Hulk says that Gilgamesh has been feeling like a fifth wheel since Thor came back. But She-Hulk didn't read the past issues. There was never an Avengers team that had Gilgamesh and didn't have Thor at the same time.

Either way, Captain America says you can't have too many heavy-hitters on a team and goes to join Thor and Gilgamesh's training session.

The training session kinda starts with a little gang up on Gilgamesh.

He smack talks Captain America's speed and does not yield to his mighty shield.

Thor gets aggrieved because dangit Captain America's shield is too good for Gilgamesh or even Thor to be handling willy nilly, even in a training session. How dare!

He throws his mighty Mjolnir at Gilgamesh. It clips his ankle and Black Panther is able to grab the shield from him.

After dunking on Captain America's speed, Gilgamesh is surprised by Black Panther and comments that his SPEED is unlike anything he's seen outside other Eternals.

Gilgamesh compliments how well the Avengers work together. He tries to pick up Mjolnir but obviously can't.

Thor recalls Mjolnir to his hand but Quasar missed the gang up on Gilgamesh memo and blasts Mjolnir right when Thor was about to throw it again, causing the mighty mallet to fly right at She-Hulk and Black Panther.

She-Hulk snags the shield and then shoves Black Panther out of the way. She blocks Mjolnir but gets knocked off her feet.

Quasar apologizes for getting caught up in the excitement and Cap scolds that carelessness could get someone killed in a real combat situation.

Captain America: "You may be a trained SHIELD agent, but you're new to the Avengers, Quasar. Join me later, and I'll be happy to run you through a few drills to sharpen your combat sense."

She-Hulk tells Cap to go easy on the new kid because "we were all young once" and "he's got cute dimples."

From Quasar's grim expression, I don't know if he takes that compliment.

Then Jarvis pops in and asks who wants snacks?

Black Panther does. Black Panther is all over that.

I wonder if this training sequence is inspired by Danger Room sequences over in X-Men.

Claremont and Byrne were basically co-plotters, although there was friction there toward the end, and starting a story with a Danger Room sequence as a quick 'here are the characters and here's what they can do' was common in their X-Men run.

This didn't start the story because the new status quo of 'any Avenger ever might show up for a story' had to be set up but it still has that same energy.

Here are the characters, here's what they do.

Anyway. A big RRRRRUUMMMMBBLLLLE hits the island and shakes the place like an earthquake. But it can't be an earthquake because Avengers Island is not an island. Its a floating platform.

(Although it is anchored in place with big pillars so it would probably still feel earthquakes?)

So something must have hit the not-island and hard enough to cause cracks in the walls and ceiling. The reinforced walls and ceiling because the Avengers know that their mansion on an island is a nice target.

Cap runs up to a window and doesn't see Manhattan. Which is weird. They're parked right off Manhattan. Where is Manhattan?

But based on the slight tremors, Black Panther deduces what has happened.

This has happened.

Dang ol' lava men hoisted the entire not-island!

The Avengers (She-Hulk, Black Panther, Quasar, Captain America, Thor, and No-Shirt Gilgamesh) run outside to find out what's going on.

She-Hulk asks the silly question of who short of Galactus could lift a not-island!

It's a very silly question because I don't think the Lava Men are close to Galactus on the power scale.

Apparently a lot of people could lift a not-island.

The Lava Men answer her question anyway by swarming up over the side and Captain America deduces that they're responsible based on how they're here.

Since Quasar is new here, Thor exposits that the Lava Men were some of the first foes that the Avengers fought. Issue #5, I believe.

And this is issue #305. Very cute, Byrne.

Captain America, who was also in issue #5, notes that these aren't the Lava Men he remembers. Their movements are too robotic. And they reform as quickly as they're smashed.

She-Hulk notes that they're also too hot to stand near. Even with Hulk toughness.

Gilgamesh tries walloping one with a tree but when it shatters, each piece gets up as a tiny Lava Man.

So She-Hulk drops a rock on them.

Which she wouldn't do if they were alive. But she doesn't think they are.

When She-Hulk smack talks Gilgamesh, he retorts he's only brought a fraction of his immortal might to bear so far.

Black Panther: "Then a fraction more would be appreciated, Gilgamesh. It does little good against these things to talk."

Oof.

T'Challa just ended that entire man's career.

I do wonder how Simonson would have been writing Gilgamesh because nobody else seems interested in doing it.

Forget Thor-lite, he's just Hercules-lite now. Big strong guy who gets grumpy when he's shown up or when a woman.

He's been stripped of his dumb armor and whatever interesting characteristics he may have had. Joking about being mythological people and with a passion for monster fighting.

What happened to you, Gilgamesh? And how soon can you go away and get replaced by Sersi?

Anyway, new boy Quasar comes up with an idea.

He asks Black Panther to lure as many Lava Men as he can to the edge of the not-island so Quasar can blast them off.

I mean. Lava Men. Water. It makes sense. Except that I'm pretty sure these dopes came OUT of the ocean to begin with.

But everyone acts like this was a really good idea so I guess it was a really good idea.

Thor even imitates it by spinning Mjolnir really fast to create a gale to push more Lava Men off.

And Cap tells Thor good job on that too so I guess knocking them off the edge is a good plan.

Not a sufficient plan though.

There's just too many. A dozen more climb onto the island for every one the Avengers knock over the edge.

She-Hulk iterates on her giant rock idea by having Gilgamesh help her use a giant rock to shovel tons of sand on a group of Lava Men.

Quasar: "I don't like the looks of this, Panther! We're losing!" Black Panther: "Never say it, Quasar. Though the Lava Men outnumber us by ten thousand to one..." Quasar: "Well, excuse my doom and gloom, Panther... But that's not much of an exaggeration! They've got the others completely surrounded!" Black Panther: "Then we must fight them from within, Quasar! Set us down inside their fiery ring!"

Black Panther claims that the idea is to mass all of the Avengers' might in one combined front but I dunnoooooo. And Cap backs him up that it's a good strategy but I don't knoooooooow.

Because. Look. The previous strategy was to knock the dudes off the edge. Circling up is basically admitting defeat. They can rush the Avengers with numbers and the Avengers can't use their biggest attacks because their friends are shoulder to shoulder with them.

And considering that it seems like the Lava Men's plan was to force the Avengers into a small circle for reasons, Black Panther choosing to jump into the circle feels less like good strategy and more like Byrne moving the pieces where they need to be and not being able to do it naturally.

The Avengers getting forced into a bad position is very possible, especially with these kinds of numbers.

Having Black Panther go 'let me get in there too' makes it come off clunky.

Anyway.

The Lava Men keep coming and coming and the Avengers' circle shrinks until its maybe 15 feet across.

Then the Lava Men get kinda goopy. They lose their human form and flow into each other into a wave of lava.

Too late, Captain America realizes this is bad. He commands everyone who can fly to grab someone and get clear of this tiny circle that turned out to be a bad idea.

But I already said it was too late.

The lava wave crashes over the Avengers and then forms a ball.

Somehow, Captain America and Black Panther do not die.

I know people can get pretty close to lava flows but its a ball. They're standing on lava. And She-Hulk comments that inside the lava ball is as hot as a blast furnace.

Thor, She-Hulk, Gilgamesh and even Quasar have super-durability or an energy shield.

Why aren't Cap and Black Panther's booties burning?

The Avengers try to bust their way free of the lava ball but any damage seals itself back up, just like how the Lava Men reformed after being attacked.

Then the ball starts to rock and then roll.

Towards the edge of the not-island.

Wow.

That's an elaborate death.

For Captain America and Black Panther.

I'm pretty sure that everyone else can survive a very long plummet into the ocean inside of a lava ball.

Unfair, the Lava Men.

Come back with a death trap that kills everyone equally.

Follow @essential-avengers for more Byrnevengers. No matter the week, no matter the team, Byrnevengers. Like, reblog, and comment maybe. I like feedback.

#avengers #essential avengers #lava men #captain america #black panther #gilgamesh #quasar #she hulk #thor #namor mckenzie #the wasp #beast #black widow #falcon #la espirita #the thing #hawkeye #hellcat #invisible woman #mr fantastic #mockingbird #moondragon #dr pym #monica rambeau #scarlet witch #starfox #tigra #the vision #wonder man #edwin jarvis

[terraxcloud]

All 'Bout Yuffie~

Took quite some time to figure this stuff out. I decided to check out a streamer who just played FF7, CC, and FF7R for the first time to make it easier. No one's going to talk about this, and it makes sense that I do.

When you see something that looks "similar", do you start asking why?

They even both have turtlenecks...wait, "turtle"...huh.

Isn't this exactly like that one time I showed Dissidia NT renders noting that Cloud and Terra's looked almost exactly similar while the other characters were different?

Well, that post is right here.

It's been a long time since then, and now we look and see what Yuffie's gonna be all about in FF7R. This won't take long.

To start, Square-Enix likes showing this scene:

I don't know the context of this dance number, but we do have Intergrade at least. Terra Branford's main symbol is moogles (anyone who's played any Dissidia would kinda know this). The female characters in FF7 were made after her. So, why did they show Yuffie wearing a moogle costume? Well...she loves saying why:

Yuffie will be (already is) the main heroine of FF7R for these reasons:

She already one of the two MAIN characters thanks to the DLC.

She's always been the most similar character to Cloud (look at the first image). This is more noticeable after Cloud regains his memories in OG FF7. Cloud can't say "I know how you feel" to Tifa and Aerith as much as he can with Yuffie (he does actually say that to her in the Highwind). Also, she blocks bullets with her shuriken in Intergrade...who else does that?

She is underdeveloped (a great trait to have in a remake). This is big considering what they did with the Avalanche crew and random characters they added because they felt like it.

Wutai will be far more important and have its own military. It'll only get more important in part 3, so Yuffie's importance won't just vanish.

She clearly wants to be the heroine...do the others want that? We don't know if Aerith is going to save the world as " simply" as last time, and you can well assume that they'll do what they want in FF7R to surprise you.

She wears the moogle costume for a reason. Cloud is compared to chocobos whenever possible. Put 2 and 2 together.

While Tifa's character is more based on the past and Aerith's character is more based on the future, Yuffie's character is more based on the present. I.E. she wants to be a hero just like Cloud, but she's flawed and needs support (image below)...and we can make fun of her and no people on Social Media will care.

Sonon died right in front of her and she witnessed Sector 7 fall...right in front of her. She already has the trauma to go along with it.

Artificial respiration...

There are likely more, but I have stuff to do.

Yes, I know, Aerith saves the world and Tifa helps Cloud regain his memories...but will those things be as important as they were in OG FF7? They'll do what they did in the OG, but FF7R is leading to a different end. Things aren't going to be the same. The "prize" at the end is different. I just have to say the word "Jessie" and you'll prob understand. Jessie...Yuffie, heh, similar looking names.

I'm not going to dedicate this post to say why it's different (already dedicated a whole blog on that), let's just go back to Yuffie. To be honest with you, I think an image works better than words.

Sometimes I wonder if I'm making up things, but oddly enough I don't see it that way here. The "rock golem" thing that comes out here is Gilgamesh, who appears to be related to Wutai. This isn't the first time Yuffie is shown doing "this". The whole "reliance on Cloud" part is shown here.

FF7R likes showing Tifa and Aerith behind Cloud.

Another time it was shown like this was the train graveyard, and in both times Cloud "leaves" them behind. The Rebirth trailer shows a scene with this "pattern", except Yuffie is in it this time.

Of course, I don't know if this is always the case, but it's a pattern that you can notice. With Yuffie at the front it suddenly takes on a different "meaning". Sure, it's just trailer stuff, but how many times should it happen in just a trailer?

Yuffie is also at the front chair of the buggy that Cloud drives. It's a small detail, but it's her.

Likely she finds her motion sickness better at the front than the back, but even so...Cloud also has motion sickness. He's probably not going to notice it for a while.

After stealing the submarine in OG FF7, while Cloud and Yuffie (if you take her) are doing their motion sickness "dance", Cloud remembers that driving calms him down - "Hey, you're right...I DO feel a little better driving."

Here is something a bit different...

Yuffie and Aerith's synergy attack has Aerith make two puppets of Yuffie and an energy ball that Yuffie kicks just like Tidus. Why did they show this?

Tidus was made after Yuffie, specifically her hatred for her dad, and the early prototype version of FF7 Cloud (which became Zack, but Zack was not that much of a character at this point). I thought this kick was a reference to Rikku since I believe Priscilla and Yuffie were combined to make her (and that's all I knew)...but I can now say it's actually about Tidus.

So, they combined Yuffie and proto-Cloud to make Tidus (his strange appearance is their combined appearance). Zack in CC shares some poses that Tidus does despite Zack's story coming out much later. Not un-precented at all since they combined Terra and Cloud to make Lightning after that (back as a prototype in Before Crisis, which is why Lightning's hair is always draped over her left shoulder and why she has a gunblade as her original weapon was the shotgun.)

I think I've said enough. Have a good day. Were you expecting me to talk about romance? OK. Clearly Yuffie's scenes in the OG are the most romantic, I sometimes still hear the loud "slap" in my head and everyone chooses Yuffie at the end of disk 1.

What, do you want to know what was going on in my mind when making this? Well, this video may help. No, just messing with you...how 'bout one of my favorite video game songs?

No, I'm not about to say "Team <insert character name>". There's no "team" here. Don't make everything a competition, GAWD.

I don't know why this synergy attack reminds me of Rikku.

Y'know, one of the things people notice about Cloud and Terra is that they're similar. Also, Terra's prototype has almost the same hairstyle as Elena, who appears right before Yuffie and Priscilla. If Cloud really was cut from FF6, this is the Terra he would remember...I assume this is why the Loveless girl also has short hair.

I think Elena is named after Lenna (FFV), which is funny since that Aerith sprite from FF5 was from a place called the "Phoenix Tower" where Lenna's drake dies and you get Phoenix, and Fort Condor is a tower close to the characters I've just mentioned where you get Phoenix after the condor dies.

And Zack in CC gets Phoenix from the Nibelheim water tower. Also, early Terra looked like Lenna.

#Yuffie #FF7R #FFVIIR #FF7 Remake #FF7 Rebirth #FFVII Remake #FFVII Rebirth #FF7 #FFVII #yuffie kisaragi #Wutai #Cloud #Tidus

[felikatze]

finally finished gilgamesh (the korean webcomic, not the actual sumerian epic of gilgamesh) and like ohhh i get it, tink is haunting the narrative

jrgrjgbgkg sobbing. because this is EXACTLY what zius says in tek which means zius' ideology is directly based on tink. and now zius passes on tink's words to the second special class fjhg

can you TELL tink was my favorite character in this. rip king i miss you but at least you get to be the catalyst for all of tek ✌️

also WOW on context. "oh hey that's legia from gilgamesh" legia is in ONE CHAPTER of gilgamesh. IN THE LAST ONE.

long messy assortment of gilgamesh thoughts under the cut 👍 when i say long and messy and all over the place i mean it btw.

i have no fucking clue what went on with the ending of the main story

the paneling in fights was kinda wild and i couldnt tell what actually killed tink even once i reread the chapter which maybe cheapened his death a bit. like DID waron stab him? I DONT KNOW! I CANT TELL! did he just get done in by two malto goons to protect tludia? fuck if i know. can someone explain

the gilgamesh cast actually ended up growing on me by the end i was ready to scream when it teased hadar dying like three times at the end

and i also like how tludia was characterized later on and her picking up all these habits from ram and listening to a his stories only to later succeed him is aaaaa

foreshadowing 👍

the explanation for ram and tludia's Whole Deal is. wack though. "yeah ram exists because of a programming error basically. also last thursday-ism is real." why does it matter that ram tells tludia the world history if the history is fake??? why did tludia's curse flare up BEFORE hinsher got unthawed if hinsher being alive is the catalyst for it?

i GUESS it fits in with the worldbuilding of restrictions and rules as avenues of power. all power comes at a cost in this world and i think it's GREAT worldbuilding and powerscaling but using it to handwave plot beats kinda blows

on that note the worldbuilding around demons is kind of. yikes. i get they're going for a "forever war" thing but. really had to specify that they're all black huh. is this why tek never shows them onscreen? is hwandaeng embarrassed about this now.

it's not as bad as it could be what with the "both sides suck" approach but damn daljan really fucked up by essentially demoting tink for being anti-racist and not explaining that he'd like tink to teach new knights to be less racist. bcuz all tink is gonna walk away with is "knights are racist". daljan. my man.

i keep talking abt tink (love that bitch!) but i do truly love how fucked the concept of Honor got with him. and ruthless ram is in the later part of the comic. tludia criticizes him by asking if tink had any choice. ram says it was his honor and choice to die. but. tink was blackmailed into working for the malto in the first place. he didnt ever have a choice. choosing to die was his only choice. ESPECIALLY HOW WITH TLUDIA'S BACKSTORY WITH KANDENTIA!! it's paralleled with how kandentia criticzes tludia for stealing, but tludia says it's a priviledge to be so rightous!! not everyone can afford honor! are you gonna tell a starving child to stop stealing because its illegal? are you gonna tell a man being blackmailed into criminality to choose the "right" thing?

honor as a priviledge is a fantastic concept to explore

also on that note. ram. looking back on it he Never really gives people a choice. like obviously, his "negotiation" with the fake mushia. once the peaceful option fails, he just starts threatening her. oh, and how his cowardice is repeated - the people he's leaving aren't ever given a choice either, are they? and from the beginning of the plot, too. what choice does tludia have but to trust him when he's the only one who could possibly cure her fatal curse disease????

and in the end tludia's final actual choice is "life forever or die." like. what choice is that even

at least tludia's desire to keep living no matter what is a long established thing so it makes sense for her to do that

wow the story really has like 2 suicides. first ram and then muitin in the bonus stories. hot diggity

kinda mad hadar's sister plotline didn't really get resolved. where'd she go. i get that hadar's resolution to the plotline is that he gives up on looking for her and starts living for himself, since she never wanted him to find her anyway - but it still stings a little

she probably became a knight. she's not legia's sidekick, is she?? they look a little similar. maybe without the lipstick...

also fucking WILD to have tek things recontextualized

like oh these bozos are fron letoon. where stella lived and died. okay!

or going from "i dont care abt tamin" to "TINK'S BROTHER??????"

morbidly hilarious that he ended up becoming solbas' sidekick then. is that why she cares so much about rescuing him in tek? not just a simply need for his two braincells (as she has none), but guilt as well?

didn't tamin have tink's weapons in tek too. oh my gosh i'm going to cry

other stuff!!

tanshirin got so much more fucked up now seeing her in gilgamesh. "tyr's sister. cool 👍" to "hahah. girl what." good on her for becoming a knight though. seeing her with hinsher's hammer in gilgamesh was surreal

also in tek when zius explains the reason the east and west hate each other so much now realizing he was talking about hadar, tink, and hwashran specifically. i hope hadar shows up in tek at some point. just having the guy who Caused The War, Somewhat there would be hilarious. the smug smirk that launched a thousand ships. (hadar is a riot)

speaking of hinsher!!!! her story is the one that made me sob most (only time i cried at this comic was "gnojes the blacksmith" from the side stories). it's just. auhvrhhr. the human equivalent of hachiko. and at the end of the side story where hinsher steps into the workshop and is greeted by those bearing his name i aurghgfhf

it's really well handled how hinsher reacts to the situation. she's devestated, obviously. that moment when she sees ram and sees he's unchanged and asks him how long it's been but of course he's IMMORTAL but she doesn't know that so she thinks it's been no time at all but it was 500 years i'm. i'm fine

and just like everythinggggg and how she eventually copes by imagining gnojes managed to be happy without her. maybe he found someone else. the conflict of longing and desolation at hearing the name of gnojes continues, but then - he never had any children. he never married. he waited for her.

and how hinsher just. she regrets leaving gnojes. she regrets being trapped. she doesn't regret trying to save strangers. because that is her knight's honor. and she does it again, protecting tludia and nephren in the final arc,,,, don't talk to me

AND THEN THE SIDE STORY SHOWS. GNOJES NEVER GAVE UP LOOKING FOR HER. BUT HE FOUND HAPPINESS AGAIN, TOO. in his work. with the children he adopted. he died of old age surrounded by people he loved, who loved him too. but he never stopped missing her. and she'll never stop grieving him

the tragedy is just fucking DELICIOUS okay

do also love how the side stories show that ram is an unreliable narrator. it's really neat to see characters picked up and fleshed out without his viewpoint. like the fuckin plot twist that it was depression era ram who killed suldin and not tisalle. but ram only heard "suldin was killed by his apprentice" and didn't remember doing it, so he assumed tisalle did it. and then killed tisalle for it. fucked up 👍

what more was i saying

waron is way more fucked up than i thought but zius describes her as "predictably unpredictable" so she's just always been like this. how the fuck did the knights reign her in again. kandentia probably kicked her ass and now she just wants to brawl with zius now that her main target is dead. she's fantastic and i love her. she knows EXACTLY what she wants.

the general theme of self sacrifice and making yourself the villain to help others both with ram's actions and the demon knight backstory and waron's short story on how she hates knights kinda makes me think she also does this to establish that not all knights are just? after all, honor is individual, and not all honor will be "good", with waron as a prime example

did she ask nagyunn how he'd kill her just to figure out if he'd be fun to fight

that is. all my thoughts on gilgamesh i can remember at the moment. this post is long and messy but such is customary for me 👍

once again i think gilgamesh is hampered by the early chapters trying to hard to be comedic. once it settles on a tone and as the art improves i started enjoying it way more but with how frontloaded the flashbacks are (even if they pay off in full later!) i definetly wouldn't have been nearly as invested if it weren't for me reading tek first. tek just has a better plot hook with a character with a set goal and a plan to achieve it, whereas the beginning of gilgamesh kinda meanders as the crew sets out to unlock ram's memories, which doesn't really end up significantly changing ram, even. the beginning is too largely incidental to me so tink n the malto as concrete antagonists to outwit and overcome def helped that.

but also the ending feels just. messy. here is god to give us exposition. everything you did was useless. ram's pivot into ending the world suddenly, even if it's to draw out god(?), feels much too abrupt. yes he had the report about tludia and hinsher being somehow connected, and i did find it odd she could understand hadar without using sign language, but that foreshadowing really wasn't enough to even conceive what his plan was, especially since his talk with the fake mushia leaves out the dialogue where he actually gets her to agree. and then it also cuts out the final words tludia gives to ram before he jumps off the cliff.

to be fair tek ALSO does this a lot but it p much is always dialogue that would've been boring and is brought up only when relevant, with the general sense of "i guess they could've talked about this at that point." (main way tek blows it is with jiroon, imo - like, put the scene with nagyunn encouraging her before her death, maybe? so we're not just invested in her in-post? flashbacks work with tink because he already had plenty of build up before dying, and additional context just expands on what we already knew about him. i digress.)

and then the malto mooks who attack tludia and co are literally unnamed and faceless. it would've already been better if pavrin was the one to betray mushia. it was. just some fucking guy! okay!

tldr abt the ending: i dont really get it ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯ the midpoint of the comic feels best to me writing wise. overall i enjoyed it though, even if i still like tek more.

dang, now i should totally reread tek for a fourth time, just so i can pick up on every detail gilgamesh expands on or recontextualizes.

like some of these r just for fun (like why daljan is so important to kandentia, since both of them are rather minor characters in tek), and others r kinda bonkers (the dragon has lost some of his mystique now that nephren exists to me)

#feli speaks

[themculibrary]

Smut - Shower Sex Masterlist

En Suite (ao3) - valtyr steve/tony E, 1k

Summary: Written for Avengers Kink. Prompt: "Tony/Steve. Shower sex."

I hate you, I love you (ao3) - Andrea1717 steve/bucky E, 13k

Summary: Bucky Barnes hates Steve Rogers. Weirdly he also can't keep his hands off of him.

An enemies to lovers college AU.

In Twin Rivers (ao3) - RurouniHime steve/tony E, 3k

Summary: In Twin Rivers, Tony springs for a hotel room.

In your hands (ao3) - jeza_red thor/steve M, 2k

Summary: “Thor, I…” Again he was not allowed to finish the thought. And it was strangely okay with him; Thor was so much more experienced, much more qualified to make judgements here. If he decided that now it’s okay to move, Steve was all behind that decision.

Let Me Take You Higher (ao3) - BlossomsintheMist steve/tony E, 4k

Summary: “Good,” Steve said, and squeezed him gently around the waist. “I guess we should see about having an actual shower, huh?”

“It might be a good idea,” Tony allowed, smiling a little. It felt loose and warm and wide on his face.

Like a Daylight Savings Clock (ao3) - orphan_account steve/tony E, 4k

Summary: Would it bother Steve’s sensibilities to know that Tony was getting off on the idea of just being a thing for Steve’s pleasure, for his use?

My Arms Were Made To Hold You (ao3) - portraitofemmy, rainbow_marbles steve/bucky E, 55k

Summary: Tired of being kept awake at night by a screaming baby, Bucky decides to take matters into his own hands. Mostly he wants a good night's sleep, but what he gets is a beautiful baby boy with big blue eyes, a lonely father trying to move on from tragedy, and a chance at a family he never expected to have.

Out of Practice (ao3) - sassyseme sam/bucky E, 7k

Summary: Bucky claims he's out of practice, but his bed skills prove otherwise. He promises to do better, but Sam is already satisfied and eager for more each time. How much better can great sex get?

Rage Unleashed (ao3) - KurosakiIchigoat kate/yelena E, 86k

Summary: Following the fall out of being bonded with the symbiotes can Kate and Yelena move forward and heal or will other threats force them to reconcile with what has happened to them, and what they both want?

Shower Fun (ao3) - AkikoFumi steve/tony E, 1k

Summary: Anonymous sent: "NSFW prompt: Steve and Tony having shower sex for the first time. Please."

Shower to Save Water… Maybe Not (ao3) - Hades_LastSon21 wanda/natasha E, 1k

Summary: Day 24: Shower

Wanda get distracted while training

Slippery When Wet (ao3) - Jo (jmathieson) clint/phil E, 2k

Summary: Clint and Phil take a shower after a rough mission.

Steam (ao3) - LittleGooseWalking clint/natasha E, 775

Summary: *Follows after Clint's Nest in this series.*

A steamy shower encounter followed by an unexpected surprise.

Steam (ao3) - ladydeathfaerie clint/steve E, 4k

Summary: Long simmering emotions finally come to a boil one night after a training session, when Clint and Steve are alone in the mansion.

Steamy (ao3) - randomfatkid clint/phil M, 496

Summary: Clint wakes to find the bed empty and the shower running.

Substitute (ao3) - helens78 rhodey/tony E, 784

Summary: It's been four days with no booze and no sleep; Tony needs a substitute for the bottle, and Rhodey's willing to keep him company.

The Shape of Want (ao3) - praxidikai gilgamesh/thena M, 4k

Summary: The Eternals meet King Arthur, he grows fond of Thena, she isn't amused.

Under Her Thumb (ao3) - neon_jellyfish bruce/clint/natasha E, 3k

Summary: Dom!Natasha unwinds with her sub!boyfriends Clint and Bruce after a stressful week for the Avengers

We Don't Need Words (ao3) - abbyleaf101 clint/phil E, 525

Summary: The different ways they have sex says a lot about who they are.

what you see ain’t what you get (you ain’t seen nothing yet) (ao3) - six_demon_bag bucky/john E, 5k

Summary: John and Joaquin are sent undercover to investigate Alexander Pierce for illegal weapons trafficking from his company SHIELD Securities. Bucky and Sam are less than pleased at one of the things they do to avoid detection.

#themculibrary #mcu #marvel #masterlists #smut #sex tw #showersex #showersex masterlist #shower #shower masterlist

[thisfairytalegonebad]

“It’s not heavy. I’m stronger than I look.” - Gladio & Prompto, roadtrip

After over a year: Prompt #22 of the Love List!

Read below the cut or on AO3 here

“Are you sure you got this?” Gladio asked, eyebrow raised as he watched Prompto struggle to pull their camping gear from the car. “It’s not gonna rain tonight, we can just sleep under the stars.”

“I got it!” Prompto snapped, grinding his teeth in a rare display of annoyance - a testament to how long a day they’d all had. “It’s not heavy. I’m stronger than I look! It’s just stuck.”

As if Gladio didn’t know exactly how heavy their stuff was, given that he was usually the one lugging it around.

“Alright, I’m sorry,” Gladio said, figuring he didn’t need to rile Prompto up any more. “Here, let me see where it’s stuck.”

Prompto grumbled a little under his breath but moved to let Gladio peer into the trunk.

“Should come free now if you give it a good tug”, Gladio said, pushing down on the gear with his uninjured arm while Prompto pulled so it didn’t get caught again.

Indeed, this time, Prompto pulled it free with ease, lifted it out of the trunk with a little less ease, and carried it towards the haven with - well, actually, he wasn’t struggling nearly as much as Gladio had expected. Huh. All the training and now real-life combat seemed to pay off after all.

Gladio shut the trunk and followed, deciding not to mention the way Prompto swayed a little under the weight. They’d had a long day, and Prompto, though uninjured, had to be exhausted like the rest of them. This wasn’t the time for jokes at his expense.

Back at the haven, Gladio checked in with the other two. Noct, spread out on the ground and already asleep, was doing alright but had no intention of moving anytime soon, as half-coherently managed to inform Gladio when prodded awake. At least he wasn’t injured, but having pushed himself to the point of stasis, chances were Noct was going to spend the next 24 hours reenacting Sleeping Beauty.

Ignis sat next to Noct, head no longer bleeding thanks to the bandages they’d wrapped him up with, but he was definitely still dazed and was slow to react when Gladio nudged him gently. He did, however, answer any typical post-head-injury question Gladio threw at him, which had to be enough. Not good, definitely worrying that he wasn’t up and about and trying to cook at all, but all things considered, this was probably as good as he was going to be until they got a potion into him.

Once he was neither of his friends was on the brink of death just yet, Gladio unfolded two camping chairs for him and Prompto and deposited them by the fireplace.

…the fireplace, which was distinctly lacking a fire, would continue to lack a fire if he didn’t think of a way to start one that didn’t require the use of two hands like his trusty flintstone did.

Gladio sighed, making a mental note to finally teach the others how to start a fire once everyone was back on their feet.

They’d told him the story of how they’d nearly burnt down their tent trying to start a fire by tossing a firaga flask at the firewood when he had been away challenging Gilgamesh. He had laughed at them back then, mental image too funny to not grill them about every chance he got. Prompto and/or Noctis respectively, or maybe collectively, coming up with an idea like that was funny enough but not very surprising, but what made it truly hilarious was that Ignis had actually let them do it.

…though it looked like Gladio was forced to admit that maybe the idea wasn’t terrible, it was just the execution that sucked big time.

Mind made up, he wandered off the rock and to one of the elemental deposits just below the haven.

He had never been the most gifted at using magic and later had mostly given up on it as both Noct and Ignis were more than proficient in its usage. Still, he had undergone the basic training and retained enough from it to know what he was doing as he pulled an empty flask from the armiger and focused on the Crystal’s pulsing magic.

The result was a laughably weak fire spell, one that would’ve barely singed the hairs off a voretooth’s back if applied in battle, but that, at the very least, meant that he wasn’t very likely to burn their tent down tonight.

Gladio climbed back up the haven, made sure Prompto was properly busy with the tent and tossed the flask into the firewood as carefully as possible.

The flask exploded with more force than planned, but the wood was on fire and his eyebrows were still intact, and he didn’t think anyone had witnessed him using the very same trick he’d given the others shit for.

Content with himself, he wandered over to Prompto, who was struggling to put up the tent by himself but handled himself pretty impressively once Gladio held the poles for him.

Once the tent was standing, Prompto threw himself down next to the fire, groaning dramatically as he spread out like a starfish.

“That’s it, I’m done for today.”

Gladio grinned. “Guess dinner’s up to me, then?”

“Yep. About time you pulled your weight, big guy,” Prompto said, rolling over to go poke at Noct.

Noct, no more coherent than the last time they’d managed to wake him up, declined the offer of dinner with a mumble neither of them could quite make out, but the fact that he fell right back asleep two seconds later spoke for itself.

Ignis, who was awake but still dazed, turned fairly green at the very idea of having to eat anything, so Gladio just made him drink some water before helping him lie down inside the tent.

After a moment of consideration, Gladio resorted to just dragging Noct into the tent by his ankle, earning himself a weak scolding from Ignis and zero reaction from the Prince himself.

“Guess it’s just us for dinner,” Gladio said, nudging Prompto with his boot. “How do you feel about Cup Noodles?”

“Not quite my idea of a romantic dinner for two, but alright,” Prompto sighed, finally hauling himself into a sitting position. “How’s your arm?”

Gladio moved the arm experimentally, range of motion restricted by both the bandages and the sling it was resting in. “Definitely felt better. Think the wrist is broken and the rest is bruised to hell and back, but at least it doesn’t seem like anything’s out of place. Really can’t wait to get my hands on a potion, though.”

The problem with relying on potions was that you kind of forgot how to deal with pain and, more importantly, the restrictions that came with being injured. More than once since they’d made camp, Gladio had instinctively attempted to use his arm and immediately regretted it as his body informed him just why that was a terrible idea. They definitely had to be more careful in the future; today had been a close call Gladio’d rather not repeat anytime soon.

That said, Prompto had handled himself and his incapacitated friends remarkably, and Gladio was determined to let him know as much.

“You did good today,” he said, pouring the water over the noodles and handing one cup to Prompto.

Prompto immediately got that deer-in-the-headlight look on his face, the one that appeared every time he was complimented. Maybe they should compliment him more, Gladio thought. Get him used to it.

“You mean that?!”

“Sure. Fighting, but also picking up the slack when the rest of us was out of commission.” Prompto had, after all, jumped into the driver’s seat without hesitation and absolutely floored it to get as much distance between them and the Red Giant that had materialized out of nowhere, and then continued to drive them to the nearest haven, dodging daemons and imperial troopers alike.

“Think we should let you drive more often.”

“That’s what I’m saying!” Prompto exclaimed. “I’m a great driver, you guys are just mean!”

“Eh, I wouldn’t say you’re a great driver… but you’re not entirely terrible. Tell you what, I’ll put in a word for you next time.”

Prompto toasted at Gladio with his noodles. “I’ll hold you to that!”

--

Read the entire “100 Ways to Say I Love You” project on AO3.

#ffxv #final fantasy xv #gladiolus amicitia #prompto argentum #thisfairytalegonebad's writing #so it's been like 14 months #but i finally managed to write something again #it's not groundbreaking and i'm definitely rusty but i'm still decently happy with it!

[noirbriar]

FFXV AU: Alone

Am I the only one that wanted to flip a table after the Cerberus cutscene?

Warning: one BE in a HE ahead.

(Also, you can’t tell me the brat that called out Regis 30 years ago won’t call him out again. Sometimes when pushed to a corner people tend to make poorer decisions. On the other hand, I really just want the OG chocobros have a chance to reconcile and have a better end, thats all there is.)

Part of The Lion, the Coeurl and the Cub AU

——

“For what good is a Sword that delivers but fails in his purpose?”

The words of a ghost haunts him as Cor cracks another curative over Nyx’s unconscious form. His fever rising higher by the hour. To the point Cor is resorting to his rare use of magic, commanding a low blizzard spell from a magic flask to try and cool down the wounded Glaive’s temperature. The potions do not seem to be working, even their meagre handful of elixirs. However if there is anything the Cor Leonis excels at, is at being a stubborn man.

Cid’s basement is quiet. Its late, and they had moved Clarus earlier to another place to get his arm amputated properly. His son is keeping watch over Royals. Whereas Ignis and Gladio focus on the the Shield and the wounded. Monica, ever the reliable one, had jumped in and taken over command of the Crownsguard, and overseeing evacuation of civilians. Last he heard, Monica and Dustin had safely taken some civilians towards Lestallum, including Iris and Augustus Scientia. The remaining Kingsglaives though, thankfully, had some sort of system in place amongst themselves by Nyx, keeping watch or capturing the deserters to be dealt with later. Crowe herself leading the charge. Hell hath no fury like a woman filled with vengeance.

He should have told Nyx something was wrong. He should have been there. He was the elder one between them, a veteran, and he had already suspected early on there was something dark in the works. Especially with his given orders.

Should anything go wrong, evacuate the residents and aid Noctis in his duty as King of Light with the arms of his forebears. Nothing more. Nothing less.

The Marshal should not have left the Crown City to its pitiful defences.

But could you go against your orders? Huh, soldier? A voices whispers darkly in the back of his head. A question Cor had already knew the answer to unfortunately.

They made a vow to put their duty first. Family after. This was non-negotiable by any means and one they understood before they starting seeing each other intimately. Yet, Cor wonders now if he had been wrong, as the dim light of Cid’s stale smelling basement casts a hard shadow on his husband’s battered and broken form.

The Lucian does not remember when his hands started shaking as he pulls the blanket tighter around his husband. When he had first stepped into the middle of the battlefield for the first time facing the MTs that came in waves? Or when he had came face to face with Gilgamesh’s blade? Cor is not sure. Though he is certain that he was broken from long ago. His tears had disappeared upon his father’s sudden passing. Corwin Leonis could never cry again since. Not even at his mother’s quiet funeral did he shed a tear. All of his feelings buried away as he chases target after target with his blade endlessly, one after another. If these feelings are dampened, then things would be easier. Simpler…No?

Everything had all started with a dream and a stranger. The couple had long known about Cor’s ability to see premonitions, possibly due to his closeness to Prompto. Though they were never vivid, just feelings and flickers of visions with undecipherable meaning. This one however, had stood starkly apart from the rest with strange whispers echos in the hollow void.

A wanderer in a colourless world, the frail back of an old man sitting alone in a dark room faces him. Bright rays of the sun filters in between the blinds but does little to brighten the sparse room.

“Death is a lonely passage all will take. Soon you will see, when you die with your regrets, they make poor companions, and even poorer guides.” The old man finally speaks. Cor freezes in his step right behind the aged armchair that looks close to falling apart.

“I thought I had found my purpose as I stepped into the battlefield as a boy.They were my only family for years. Yet I failed them too.”

“To complete my duty, I gave up everything. Even my own life and a family. All to obey and serve. In the end, I outlived my purpose, and even the children. Though in time, what do I have left? Do I even deserve to ask?”

Cor cannot speak, but is forced to listen to the regrets of a dying man.

Suddenly, in the corner of his eye, Cor spots them. Three old Insignia pins that have lost their shine sits on a coffee table.Cor recognises them as personal Royal Crests of the two Lucian Kings and one Lucian Prince.  As well as a familiar and faded photograph of old friends. In his lap sits a forgotten pair of katanas that was once the man’s pride. Katanas he is intimately and utterly familiar with.

“What use is even there being an Immortal, if not to mock me for my failure to achieve nothing in this life?”

Cor hisses between his teeth as a chill runs down his back, the Marshal then breaks away from invisible chains and strides over to grab the shoulder of the stranger who laughs brokenly as a mirror of his eyes meet him half way. Eyes of a broken soul.

“For what good is a Sword that delivers but fails in his purpose? Huh? Corwin Leonis.”

The old Marshal grabs Cor’s hand. A striking pain in his head as a noise fills his ears and he lets go. Cor sees flashes of memories. A departing prince and his retinue including his son. A fallen Insomnia that burns, ruined and wasted, swarmed with daemons. The lifeless bodies of his brothers amongst the rubble. A lone Kukri without her master, that lays quietly amongst the rubble…

He recognises the beaded charm on the kukri just as the startling realisation leads him back into a waking world.

His body now covered in cold perspiration, his chest tight and heaving uncomfortably while his ears ring with white noise. Until Nyx’s sudden snores snap him back into reality, and he holds his oblivious husband snoring on his chest a little closer in self reassurance.

The Immortal Shogun is not superstitious be any means. But this? This shook him deep as a sense of dread unsettles the man to the core.

After the lapse in security years ago, even though Clarus is the head of the Crownsguard, Cor has since kept a tighter rein over the his own jurisdiction. The Marshal slowly planting eyes amongst the Lucian Council and the guards, especially those with connections. However, there is one place he cannot reach despite his seniority in rank and the fact his husband and his kin are there. The Kingsglaive.

It is precisely because his husband is a high enough figure in the Kingsglaive, he cannot risk endangering him either. To give him a possibility to doubt his own division might be a death sentence for him out on the field. No, the Marshal must find other ways if he were to try and dabble in Drautos’ domain without looking like he is.

Some time ago, he had turned down the request of young hunters in his network wanting to join the Kingsglaives to aid Lucis in its cause. The young ones,golden haired and full of freckles and life, reminded him too much of his own boy. Although now, tensions have escalated too quickly, their army shrinking with Niflheim drawing nearer to their borders. The increasing secrecy between Regis and Clarus… Cor then began to reconsider the possibilities and his options seriously.

Though for all his ability to calculate and plan ahead ever so meticulously in the battlefield and politics, the Marshal did not account for any of this at the end. Terrorists? Yeah. Niflheim to attack? No surprise. Bloody Drautos and half of the Kingsglaives, traitors? Cor curses the fucker and those turncoats to Pitioss and back, just so he can rip them apart himself.

He works alone more often than not, a necessary habit born from his duty to the crown and as the King’s Sword. However, his job requires him to command men under him as well. As a commander of the Crownsguard, Cor Leonis is no stranger to losing fellow soldiers and comrades.  Although this time, he actually feels the chilling fear of loss nipping at his heels from a dark cold place.

Cor had argued with Regis and Clarus for a long time even after the Prince and his retinue had left. The air charged and the magic thickens in the room rapidly. Until the King of Lucis had slammed his fist down and darkly told Cor there was no room for negotiation. As Marshal, he can only obey his given orders. The Lord Shield silent and unmoving. In that moment, Cor Leonis can barely recognise the men he have come to call brothers. He simply gave a stiff salute, and departs.

The day of the treaty, he had been stationed at the borders helping with evacuation and holding off waves of Niflehiem infantry until a frantic Crowe slams into the Immortal Shogun in the midst of the panicking crowd. The mage that was declared AWOL now sporting a gruesome injury on her face as she reveals Titus Drautos as traitor with half of the Glaives. Her initial mission had been a trap. Cor had been unable to receive any news from the City, so when they hurried back into Insomnia, he dreads to think of the worst.

They stood by this reckless child alone on the battlefield and accepted him as their own.  Titles and upbringing aside, they were the ones that raised him after he left home, cared for him in all his stupidity and stubbornness. Even after the disagreements in their group, Cid and Wesk still watches out for their youngest out on the field every now and then. Regis and Clarus, ever so supportive by his side as he had climbed the ranks, having his own family. Yet in the final moments he remembers of them were the barriers raised and built between…Where had it all gone wrong, Cor wonders.

There was a loud crack and Cor’s entire being froze. The sudden emptiness and a sharp shatter in the back of his mind as the power disappear from his bones. He sees Crowe frantically turning to him, alarmed. The connection with Regis’ magic had vanished in that instant. The Marshal fears his dark premonitions have come to pass. His beloved brothers were gone.

Until miraculously, they run straight into the very people they sought.

Cor makes a quick glance and his heart shakes. There was Regis and Clarus. Albeit worse for wear, especially the Shield. The Oracle with them as well. All accompanied by Libertus and the Glaives, who were crying in joy at seeing Crowe alive. Guardsman Fortis, as well as the young hunters he had sent in as spies. Cor felt the cool wash of relief come over him. Which was as fleeting as a moment as the stone drops in his gut once more.

“Where’s Nyx?”

The entire squad becomes quiet, neither willing to answer the higher ranking officer demanding to know where he was. Until he sees Regis’ worried eyes betraying their silence, as he follows his gaze to the battling statue of the Mystic and Diamond Weapon in the distance at the heart of disaster.

The Marshal blanks out. No more plans or any appropriate follow up, absolutely nothing. His hand mindlessly reaching for the precious beads he have taken with him before leaving home, hidden in the breast pocket close to his heart. A conflicting set of feelings fills him as he watches the battle continue on in a sea of flames. They both have sworn into duty, and his was to see the Royals’ safety. Yet he cannot bring himself to move.

Regis obviously notices his youngest brother’s still form and immediately knows. The King lets out a cry of withheld frustration. Before he pulled Cor’s leather coat open and all but ripped the Marshal’s Royal Insignia pin from inside. The symbol of him as his retinue and Marshal of Lucis.

An unofficial dismissal.

“I am but a fool who has been blinded for far too long. I will not stand for anymore needless sacrifices! There is a dozen of us here! We are fine! Go to him quickly, my brother! There’s time, his magic with the Lucii is still strong! HURRY! ” Regis grips on his shoulder tightly, hoping. There, Cor sees his older brother once again behind those strained eyes with a myriad of feelings and words unsaid.

“I-“

“Brat! I bloody swear-” Clarus chokes out from beside Pelna, struggling to face Cor.  The older man still has fight in him yet. “-Hurry up and go!”

“The most precious gift is the freedom to choose in Life. How will your duty weigh against your heart that remains true?” A familiar voice whispers in the back of his mind, chiming with clarity. Words of a mother to her son. He never quite understood what prompted her to suddenly bequeath him those words in its entirety. Now he knows.

Cor needs not think more, he clasps his hand over Regis’ own on his shoulder and nods towards Clarus. A quiet acknowledgement between them and a promise, before Cor sprints ahead into the heart of chaos. His katanas cutting apart all that stood in his way.

Dawn slowly breaks when he finally finds him at long last. The Lucian spots his fallen husband amongst the remnants of destruction. Cor runs over his battered body and rummages a Phoenix Down with some Elixirs and cracks them over the wounds. Nyx is still breathing but so, so very weak. His left arm shaking and skin crumbling like ashes in the wind. The magic burns stands out like a grim reminder, taunting. Cor hugs his partner close, muttering soft galah in attempt to comfort the younger man in pain. Or are they more for his own shaken self? Cor is uncertain.

Until he notices in not far away, was bloody accursed Drautos clad in Glauca’s ruined armor.

The high commander of Niflheim’s corpse unmoving and still, with kukri lodge in his chest, its charm flittering in the wind. Cor snarls and lays Nyx down slowly, storming over to retrieve his husband’s beloved kukri back. The older soldier drives the blade in again, hard and deep, before he kicks the traitor in his ceaseless rage and screams. The wretched traitor deserves nothing. For he had been the source of suffering for so many. So much senseless grief, loss and death for years and years.

And now, here they are.

Cor stops reminiscing and slumps over his husband tiredly, careful not to jostle the wounds, resting his eyes while pressing his forehead against Nyx’s. All while keeping his palm steady after cracking another magic flask, with the cooling spell cast over Nyx’s injured arm, in faint hope that it eases the magic burns. The Galahdian’s left side utterly torn and destroyed by the power of the Lucii. His breathing shallow and pained. There is little he can do but wait for Nyx to awaken on his own.

“I’m sorry, I’ll do better. I swear.” Cor whispers softly in a sigh as his clan beads clink softly in its place under his shirt along with his dog tags, right near his heart.

In another life, Cor thinks he might have resigned to being alone, content with a life by himself and his swords. Fulfilling a simple purpose of a Marshal of Lucis. Forever serving the line of Kings. Even years earlier as a younger man, he never thought of another life other than one as a soldier. Yet now, he can barely picture one without his husband or his son beside him. Or one without his fellow brothers in all but blood. He has been granted love and he is now not afraid to love in return. Not when they had given him a better meaning to live. A stronger purpose rather than empty servitude for eternity.

He refuses to return being alone once more.

“You know, usually on tv the main character gives a kiss to the lover before rolling in the credits?”

Cor opens his tired eyes to meet the bright azure orbs he knows. The voice, scratchy and rough but laced with familiar humour. There he is. Finally.

“I though I told you that you need to stop being a damn hero. Why are you always so impulsive?!” Cor breathes shakily once he finds his own voice.

“I can say the same to you! I told you to stop doing shit alone, especially something big!”Nyx argues back, unwilling to back down even in exhaustion. “This is not something as simple as a confidential mission, Cor!”

“Yes, but not if it will get you killed!”

“Sorry but you aren’t getting rid of this lovely ass for a damn long time, babe.”

“Fuck you, Ulric. Just, fuck. You.”

“I d- Cor. Cor? What’s wrong? Haqabi…Wha-Hey, you’re seriously scaring me here… ” Nyx begins to struggle and sit up in panic and Cor has no idea why as his chest tightens in heaves. Until he feels Nyx pulling up his good hand towards his face and rubs the corners of his blurry eyes.

Ah.

A cool wave of relief washes over with a quiet ache, and Cor gladly lets all of his emotions take him.

.

.

.

——-

“Better?” Nyx asks carefully as they lay down together after a long while. With the older man buried against his not-so-messed-up side.

“Hn.” Cor grunts inaudibly into his shoulder, not meeting his eyes. The toll and exhaustion finally catching up with the Immortal.

Nyx tries to rub his back reassuringly, murmuring softly sweet nothings in galah tiredly. The dim lamp creaks as the quiet brings a lull which calms to their weary souls. Both exhausted and shaken by everything that has transpired. No matter what happens, they would have each other, and their little family.

Yet there are certain things that would never change between the two.

“Also I think I missed that sorry earlier? Can you repeat it? I think I didn’t hear it quite properly.”

Cor shoves his husband away as the younger man cackles between his painful hisses. Before the Lucian drags his gremlin over for a kiss to shut him up.

.

.

.

——-

Extra:

“I Am. Not. Moving! Over my dead body! Not until Cor is out!”

“But! Sir, your arm-“

“NO!”

“If we make them leave, we’re fucked, if we don’t make them leave, the Marshal will fuck us over.” Ladon Gyuri bemoans to his fellows over the angry Shield behind them.The old warrior positively fuelling on anger and spite at this point despite his gaping wound. “We’re dead.”

The comment earns him a smack and several curses from them all, “Don’t jinx us, idiot!”

Far along the highway with a hijacked truck, the exhausted crew remains in hiding. The King and Shield of Lucis are adamant in waiting for their youngest brother. Much to their guards’ dismay at their stubbornness.

After what seems like an eternity struggling with their charges, Crowe and Yuri, who were keeping a lookout from their perch on top of the truck, lets out a yell. A figure wandering down the ruined road leading out of Insomnia. No, two. One carried by the other.

Regis steps out of hiding and finally breaks into a smile for once in this entire disaster when he sees them.

——

And there we go!The last long fic for this AU! TwT will beta read when i feel less terrible edit: found a plot hole lol, *tosses Cor his damn magic flasks*

Song for this ficlet: FF8 Compression of Time, FF9 Rose of May (Cor’s JP VA is a may baby, the coincidence!)

#ffxv #final fantasy xv #kingsglaive #cor leonis #nyx ulric #regis lucis caelum #clarus amicitia #crowe altius #pelna khara #libertus ostium #mentions of prompto and chocobros #cid and wesk too #oc glaives #cornyx #literally the one thing i could not reconcile with #the lion the coeurl and the cub #older cor leonis

[doomstarmagician]

KNOWING YOUR PARTNER WELL CAN POTENTIALLY MAKE WRITING TOGETHER A LOT EASIER. ( REPOST DO NOT REBLOG ! )

NAME: Jenny/Doomy

PRONOUNS: She/Her, Try/Me, Cryp/Tid

PREFERENCE OF COMMUNICATION: Discord. I lurk here too but not long enough to properly answer dm’s in a timely manner.

NAME OF MUSE(S): Doomstar Magician (you are here), Aether (you are here), Silent Magician ( @silentmagician ), Iida (Discord), Gilgamesh (Discord), and a handful of OCs from more obscure fandoms that I won’t detail here.

EXPERIENCE/HOW LONG (MONTHS / YEARS?): I’ve been roleplaying on tumblr since 2012 but I’ve roleplayed far longer outside of here.

PLATFORMS YOU'VE USED: Skype, Tumblr, Discord and other forums long since forgotten.

BEST EXPERIENCE: Probably all the extensive development my best friend and I put into growing Doomstar into his own person and writing his story in a way that let him decide who he wanted to be and how he wanted to live his life. From there he’s had so many opportunities to meet so many other muses and develop relationships and bonds with others that he’s so proud to hold on to. Also, anything involving Atlantis automatically rises to the top for me.

RP PET PEEVES/DEALBREAKERS: Y’all really want me to choose violence huh? Fine.

PEOPLE WHO DON’T READ CHARACTER ABOUT PAGES AND THEIR RESPECTIVE VERSES. Did y’all think we as the writers wouldn’t notice? Did you think it would go over well with us? Do you know how disrespectful it is to the writer? Do better. Once I know you didn’t take the time to do some reading, I automatically start ignoring. You want to interact? Too fucking bad.

A pet peeve of mine… it has no impact on the actual writing aspect but it’s when people have those tiny, over baked Kentucky fried icons. If I can’t see what the icon is? I start losing interest because I can’t see what you want to show me. OR when people have no icon size consistency. Is there any reason you have to use an entire screenshot as an icon? Like why does it take up such a chunk of the page? Do you need help cropping? What’s the major malfunction here?

FLUFF, ANGST OR SMUT: Angst is my bread and butter, fluff is also a preference, but there’s no smut here. For obvious ace muse reasons.

PLOTS OR MEMES: Plotting. There’s something about actual planning and development that really catches my interest and it’s something that we as muns enjoy talking in length about.

LONG OR SHORT REPLIES: I gravitate towards long replies because I like putting in the effort. I can do short replies but it feels like wasted potential. I’m also not a fan of one sentence replies either. If I’m giving effort, don’t hit me with one sentence because I promise I won’t respond from there.

BEST TIME TO WRITE: Night.

ARE YOU LIKE YOUR MUSE(S): Heehee~ absolutely. No question about it.

Tagged by: @game-weaver

Tagging: Did you read this? Then it’s you.

#out.

[sakuraswordly]

Punch: I never said I would do what was right, did I? Get out of my way or I’ll let you have it! Don't stand in front of me!

.

.

Punch: Come to think about it....I wonder why the other half of myself disappeared from me after the fake world disappeared? "Punch" disappeared in exchange for...what? In order to protect...what? Maybe....the other half of myself sacrificed himself for me and Sonic to be able to exist in this world too? I never thought he'd left me with such deep loneliness...

*Echo voice*

Gilgamesh: I like you. So, I'll see you soon again, Peter.

*Start to open eyes*

Punch: ................!!

Peter: Punch. Are you okay?

Punch: (Yeah.....I knew....you still never forget me.....you promised to find me again...and again you finally found me in this real world in Neverland. I knew that you were the only one waiting for me... searching for me for so long...and you were the only one protecting me...)

*Flashback*

Gilgamesh: You know I don't have fancy stuff like be a good stuff or a good guy. Do you think someone like me should be left alone? Peter: Again? Then I have got no choice. I'll carry your sins in your place then. Gilgamesh: *Sigh* Not again? I've just remembered...you've always said like that with a straight face. Honestly, Sonic didn't like that kind of stuff, mongrel! Peter: *Sigh* All right. I think I'm strong enough to carry one non-human. It was no wonder that Syaoran was always so diligent with Sonic. Even Danny kept a straight face and was diligent towards Punch. Gilgamesh: Heh.....One more confession...I think I carried sins so many times. But in exchange, I learned what I wanted. It's vague and risky, but I have to hold on to it. But that thing wasn't as bad as I'd thought. That makes me a little happy.........just a little......a little...murderous impules toward you. Peter: Heh.......a little murderous impulses huh..... Gilgamesh: *Soft Laugh and start to smile* Peter: ...............!! *Smiles *

Peter: Thinking back, I never saw his smile like this again after our first meeting in Babylon. This is the first truly happy smile that "Punch" showed me.

.

.

Mulder: Punch's a scary person you know. How could you fall in love with "Punch" anyway? I mean Punch's non-human. On top of that, Punch is neither a boy nor a girl. I can tell you're a boy.

Peter: Very long time we were just friends or partners but...I don't know...after I met her once again in Neverland....we started to have feelings for each other.

Mulder: "Friends" huh?

In Tsofph season 7 story

Shadow: Sonic only trusts Tails, his only best friend. Sonic is stubborn and never listens to anyone but himself. But he trusted you, Syaoran. Because you are an alternate version of Tails.

Syaoran: ....................

Shadow: No wonder Dr Eggman let you go, nor does it contradict your involvement in Sonic's life.

Syaoran: The dimensional witch...umm...Yuko-san once said "Same but different people" People who we've met in our original worlds. Did Sonic meet "Same but different people" and hurt them?

Shadow: He did.

.

.

Eggman: (In Sonic Adventure 2)I learned of Shadow and I revived him as part of a plan to conquer the world and defeat Sonic the Hedgehog. But Shadow is still different from Sonic. Even Shadow is just a tool or an artificially born hedgehog that my grandfather created him but he's not empty like Sonic.

Syaoran: Empty...?

Eggman: Sonic's empty. It's insufficient, like a hole. But no matter how much he himself can't feel it, he's still King Gilgamesh I knew. That golden king was also once empty like Sonic as well. Both me and Miles Prower tried our best for Sonic to be able to create his personality.

Syaoran: Because you want Sonic to care and create new friends, You plan to conquer the world for Sonic to be strong and be by himself.

Eggman: Yes. After all, this is what King Gilgamesh gave me his mission for. Or because I want to be my grandfather's dream even though he wanted to destroy this world, his dream maybe was the same as King Gilgamesh's?

Syaoran: And you carried this name "Eggman" for the reason you can keep moving forward to the dream both you and Magilou-san want.

Eggman: Sonic at first probably didn't feel the sensation or life itself just yet...But the time will come when he'll be able to recognize himself as "Punch".

.

.

Eggman: Sonic. You already know, right? You're all alone now.

Sonic: ............my brothers....my other half of myself...so you knew about them.....

Eggman: I guess it was too soon. But…did "Punch" really sacrifice for you to exist in vain, Sonic Crowe?

.

.

In Tsofph season 11

Danny: In short, an empty hole must be filled with something. Not with memories. Punch will have to create a newly assembled self after she kills the last piece of human life she had.

Peter: It's hollow and no one can help her.....so they need someone that be there for them...a reason to keep going...the place that they can return when they get lost in the darkness...

Peter: Yes. Sonic's just a container once in the past. Enkidu told me about it. When Sonic awoke for the first time, he had lived as a doll until he began to create his personality by himself and desired to live. No more than emptiness, the nothingness. Just like Punch and Gil used to be.

Homura: Everyone desires to be destroyed and remade from scratch. Say Sonic. Have I ever told you about Peter first met you in Babylon?

Sonic: Huh? You knew about that too?

Homura: I once travelled with King Gilgamesh. King Gilgamesh told his story about how Peter couldn't take his eyes off from Sonics.

Sonic: Hmm?

Homura: When you start waking up for the first time in Babylon, you're nothing more than a doll with emptiness. But Peter saw something special in your emptiness. He might have been seeing "Punch" in yours.

Sonic: ..................................

Homura: Both Syaoran and Peter are the kind of people who obsess over emptiness.

Sonic: Emptiness.......

*End of Flashback*

Gilgamesh & Punch: Ah.....so there's something that won't disappear...

#sakuraswordly #punch whalen #tsofph peter pan #emptiness’ heart #my art #tsofph #Relationship between Peter and Punch #tsofph season 11 #tsubasa of phantasia 11 #Tsofph season 7 #the maiden man of the flower #tsubasa of phantasia concept #Gilgamesh's dream and his hope. How valuable Punch is

[softquietsteadylove]

We know that Gil once said to Thena: "If you love something, you protect it. It's the most natural thing in the world". Can we have a scenario when Thena says it back to Gil? Tysm!! P.S. you are a delight and a very talented writer, I love all of your fics!

"Feels like the good old days."

Thena chose to ignore him as he joined her on the roof atop their little home for two. The more he said that the more she felt like snapping at him that there was no such thing as good old days anymore.

But he would not deserve that.

Gilgamesh sat himself next to her, legs over the edge, leaning back on his palms despite the heat the roof absorbed from the relentless sun. He looked up at the sky, showing symptoms of dusk.

"You're not sleeping."

She was, she could argue. She slept briefly when he went out to forage for food, or find a human outpost with trade. She slept when he was not around to fall victim to her. "I am."

"Thena."

"If you are not here to witness it, then-"

"Thena," Gilgamesh persisted, turning to look at her. She maintained her resistance to looking at him. "Hey."

She finally did, taking him in under the soft light of evening. Australia had very brief evenings after very long days. It made the slim sliver of soft light feel elusive and precious.

"You're safe here," Gil whispered - pleaded - as he raised his hand to her cheek. He brushed his thumb over the bone of her cheek. "You know that, right?"

Thena resisted the urge to lean into his touch with everything she could muster.

"I need you to know that."

Gilgamesh had worked tirelessly since they arrived on the continent. From walking them all the way out here, hand in hand, to preparing this plot of land to laying the foundation for their house, he did everything.

Houses weren't built overnight. They had been out here for some time now. How much exactly, she couldn't know. Sometimes days passed in a blur, sometimes she passed out for days at a time.

"Do you know that, Thena?" Gil whispered to her, pulling her hand up to cradle his cheek in the same way. He leaned into it freely, leading her by example. He looked at her with those soft, brown eyes of his. "You know that you're safe with me, right?"

He was so concerned about her feeling safe with him, without so much as a thought to how unsafe he was with her.

Thena lifted her eyes to his. "When you love something, you protect it."

They were the clearest words she had spoken in days.

Gil's face contorted, both melting with affection and pained as he did so. He moved closer to her, letting out a sigh. "Protecting me, huh?"

He always understood what she was saying, no matter how few words she had to spare. She could no longer protect him in the way they once had done for each other. This was her coming to grips with however she could protect him now. And that included - and in many ways was limited to - only resting when he wasn't around to suffer any potential consequences.

Gilgamesh leaned in, pressing his forehead to hers, their breath mingling in the dry air. "You don't have to protect me from you."

"Gilgamesh."

"I don't want that."

"Gil."

"Thena," he pulled back to look at her, the same resolve in his eyes as when he declared to their family that he would go with her, safeguard her, for however long they had, wherever that may lead.

She shook her head at him--stubborn man.

Gil's eyes slipped closed as she kissed him. This still felt the same. He remained the same, no matter how many times her world shattered around her.

He held her cheeks as they parted, just far enough. He smiled faintly, "I'm lucky."

She was the lucky one; she pinched him.

He chuckled, "I mean it. I have the Goddess of War protecting me."

As he always would. If she were to find the day on which she drew her last breath, it would be in his defense.

"But y'know," he continued, in such an elated mood now from such a small thing as a kiss. "I'm sure I can protect myself sometimes. Say, if you need some sleep every once in a while."

Thena rolled her eyes.

Gil pulled them back, swinging his legs up and pulling her with him so they could lie down properly on the roof of their house--their home. He looked up at the stars with her tucked into his side. "You can rest, Thena. I promise nothing will happen."

He couldn't promise that.

"I promise I'll be here."

She tightened her fist around a handful of his shirt. Of all things in the immutable universe, this one thing had held true for her. And she lived in fear of the day when it wouldn't be.

"I'm here," he whispered, pressing his heavier hand over hers on his chest, flattening her lithe fingers out over his heart. "I'm right here."

He was right here with her. His heartbeat matched hers and his form was made for holding hers. Thena pressed her nose to his shirt, her eyes fluttering.

"I'll be right here," he whispered to her, pulling her into sleep with a low, rough whisper.

"Bed."

Gil chuckled again, tightening his arm around her waist, "oh, now you want the bed?--the bed I so painstakingly built and assembled and make every-"

"Gil."

"Bed it is," he promised her, standing with her secure in his arms. This was the first time she had asked to be taken to bed since leaving, and he was ready.

#Thenamesh #thank you anon you're very sweet #because it's just these two and Australia #and I will declare this with my dying breath #these two had only each other #they never parted #they built an entire life out here from nothing with just themselves #just a husband and wife out in the Australian nothingness #Gil makes this bed #he constructs the frame and assembles it #he makes a mattress and trades for sheets and makes a real proper bed for them #and Thena...never uses it #she doesn't let herself be that close to him for some time #too risky #she lies down when he leaves and when the feeling of his energy approaching wakes her she's up again #Gil finally takes her bed and she admits...this is nice #she sleeps there however long she needs now #Gil finishes the house #he builds more walls and windows and digs a well for them #because his wife needs her rest #I have a lot of feelings about them and Australia #obviously

[votestaynight2]

16th Day - EDEN (Scene 2) / Epilogue

Alright! So, this is the last update for the Unlimited Blade Works route, but before that, I just have to apologize for the sex scene last time. I make these posts before I read the update, so I squint while doing it so I can't read the text as I copy it into the post.

If I had been able to read it, I would have put trigger warnings for non-consent, that was not what I was expecting. It was disgusting.

“……! Haa”

I feel dizzy. I can’t brace myself anymore.

…I’ll die. I can’t endure it at the very end.

Should I loosen up since I can’t brace myself? If I do so, I should be able to push him back into the void

“Don’t take me so lightly…! I won’t let you take me with you…!”

I gather my courage. Will my arm rip off first, will his chain rip off first, or will he come out first? I don’t care either way. I’ll fight until the very end and die gallantly…!

“…Heh. You can do that if you wish, but dodge to your right before you do that.”

“Huh?”

I turn around instantly. I look back at the compound which has turned into a flat field.

At the same time, something passes by me.

“YouArcher…”

…The chain is released. Looking like he saw something unexpected, Gilgamesh lets go of the chain.

“”

I fall on my butt. I sit there dumbfounded, and the void shrinks and disappears in front of me.

“That… was” I can’t stand up, and just look behind me to the flat field.

Dawn is near. The one with the rising sun behind him is the knight in red.

“Damnshow-off.”

I complain without thinking. But I’m smiling happily for some reason.

“Heh. Well…”

I have nothing to say to him. I guess I’ll stay quiet so I can sleep.

A golden field that is now deserted. Seeing the knight standing there and Tohsaka running to him, I lay on the ground. Tohsaka should say everything I want to say to him.

So I’ll sleep for now. We’ll end up fighting if we see each other again, and I’m not used to parting with myself.

…And for the final time… I engrave my ideal into my mind so that I won’t forget it, and I close my eyes.

The land below him is like a wasteland he once walked on. There is nothing here. There is nothing, as everything was blown away from the mountaintop.

The battle has ended.

The battle for the Holy Grail has ended, and the curtain is about to fall on his battle as well. He does not know how long it was.

But the accumulated wish that should have bound him forever is gone now.

The end quickly permeates into him and takes away his body’s form.

“Archer…!”

He looks towards the voice. She should not have the energy to run, but she is running with ragged breathing.

He watches it in silence.

“Haa, haa, haa, ha……!”

The girl that ran up to him looks up at the knight.

The red cloak fluttering in the wind shows no trace of what it used to be.

The cloak is cut everywhere, and his armor is cracked and torn. His existence is weak. Standing there haughtily, the knight begins to disappear from his feet up.

“Ar… cher…”

The rising sun is in the distance. A golden light is emerging from the horizon.

“Too bad. Well, that’s what happened. Give up this Holy Grail, Rin.”

He must not have anything special to say. The knight in red says trivial things.

“”

That gets to her all the more. The knight who is about to disappear is still acting like before. He is her partner that she spoke cynically with, ran through the battles with, and trusted her back to. She can declare that those days were “fun”.

And it is still there before her eyes.

He has remained in this world to save her at the last moment. He lost his Master and received the king of heroes’ Noble Phantasms. His body was disappearing, but he did not come to her and ask for help, and he instead watched over this battle.

And the end is in front of her.

“Archer.”

The girl cannot think of what to say. It is always like this for her at the most crucial times. She loses her cleverness when it counts the most.

“Ha”

The knight smiles a bit. He knew that from the start. The clumsiness of the girl is a dear memory for the knight.

“W-What? You don’t have to laugh at me at a time like this!” She looks up at the knight.

“Oh, excuse me. It’s because you look so terrible.

I was just amazed at how worn-out we are.” He smiles while he talks.

“” She gets a lump in her throat after seeing his regret-free face. The instant she wonders if he should really disappear…

“Archer. Form a contract with me again.”

She says something she shouldn’t.

“I cannot do that. I do not know if you will keep your contract with Saber, but I am not qualified for that.

And I do not have a goal anymore. My battle ends here.”

His reply is free of doubt and his will is strong. His face is as bright as the rising sun, and how can she force him when he’s making a face like that?

“……But! But…

You”

‘won’t be saved’. The girl swallows her words and hangs her head.

That is not something the girl should say. And it’s not something that is solved by keeping the knight in this world.

“Man. I do not have any attachment to this world, but…”

It’s troubling to have her cry. For him, the girl always has to be a positive, indulgent realist.

He was always encouraged by her figure. So he wants her to stay that way until the very end.

“Rin.”

The girl looks up at the voice. Her face looks cute, trying to hold back the tears. Rather than expressing the attachment he feels, he looks at the boy lying in the distance.

“Please take care of me. I think you know, but I am unreliable.

Please support me.”

The knight says so as if it’s somebody else’s business.

Those are words of parting.

…The future might change. If a girl like her stays with Emiya Shirou, the hero Emiya should not be born.

His words contain such hope.

“Ar… cher…”

…But even if it ends up that way, the already existing knight will forever be a guardian.

The boy and the man are two different existences.

They only have the same starting point, and he is an ideal that the boy dreamed of.

“!”

…There is no salvation available for this knight. There is nothing to give to him, as he has already died and become a phenomenon. She nods in spite of that. She cannot give him anything, so she will give him her best smile.

He asked her to take care of him. She smiles so that she can answer the trust he put in her.

“Yeah, I know. I’ll do my best. I’ll do my best so that he won’t get twisted like you. I’ll do my best so that he will be able to like himself…!

So you should also”

forgive yourself.

She does not put it into words. She looks up at the disappearing knight with a flood of emotions.

How much salvation did it bring? After engraving the girl’s smile into his memory with pride…

“I found my answer. It’s fine, Tohsaka. I’ll do my best from now on as well.”

A breeze. The knight has finally rested his wounded body, without waiting for the girl’s reply.

“Heh. I never got to complain to you.”

She wipes away her tears and talks to the one who is not there. Her voice is clear, and the girl is standing firm again. It is only natural. She does not have time to be depressed after he made a face like that. She says goodbye to the ground that the knight was standing on and runs to the boy laying on the ground.

Within the golden sunrise… The smile he had was like that of the boy.

Epilogue

―――I sometimes recall the fight.

The crying spirit and the sparks flying off the clashing swords. My attacks were immature, and it's not something one could call a sword dance. We were both clumsy and did not know of retreat. The ridiculous sounds of clashing swords were annoying and I have no memory of them.

At that time… I lost an answer and found an answer. So a plus and a minus makes a zero. Nothing has changed. He's him, and I'm me. I'm just watching this fading dream.

It's been only a month. But it feels so dear now.

It seems like it happened so long ago. The memory of it is fading day by day, and I can't even remember what the person I was fighting looked like. But that is to be expected. That was something that was impossible from the start. We did not believe that the fight would change anything. We just tried to beat each other to ascertain ourselves.

So there is nothing to gain from victory. There never was any such thing. The loser comes to an end, and there is no prize for the winner. Man, it really was good for nothing.

But I can still recall it if I close my eyes. The echoes of unrefined metals. A dazzling, distant technique that knew no retreat.

It was our beliefs that crashed against each other. I fought against my own ideal to carry out my hope. The result is not clear yet. I don't know who won, or which of us remained. It should be a while before the result becomes clear.

An illusion like a mirage that disappears when one turns around. Only the reverberation remains, and my feet will eventually reach――――

"Wake up, you fool. Everyone else has already left for the assembly. Are you going to boycott it even though you are at school?" "――――――――" …My body is being shaken. The voice brings me back to reality.

"……? Wait, why are you here, Issei?" I raise my head and look at my classmate.

"'Why'!? We are in our classroom, today is our last day, and it is ten minutes before the closing ceremony! I came to look for you since I did not see you, but I did not expect to find you sleeping!"

I don't know if he's in a hurry or just plain angry, but Issei yells at me. "――――――――" We're the only ones in the classroom. It's 9:50. The closing ceremony starts at 10 o'clock, so I bet everyone's at the gym already.

"Hey. Are you really awake, Emiya?" "―――Yeah, that woke me up completely. Thanks, Issei. I'm glad you came to wake me up."

"Hm. …It is fine if you understand. But thank me later. We won't make it unless we hurry. I do not want to think how angry Fujimura-Sensei would get if she finds out we are not there."

"Oh, got ya. I can't face my classmates if Fuji-Nee gives us ridiculous amounts of homework before the vacation. I'll make sure to calm her down." "Please. We will be too ashamed to face our classmates if she gives us more homework. I am sure they will curse us."

He sounds scary, but the frightening truth is that it's very possible. The extra homework she gave us last summer after we got her mad was ridiculous. It wasn't even English homework. What was she thinking when she told us to enter any competition to win a medal?

"Emiya! We have to hurry!" "Sorry, I'm coming." We should hurry to the gym for now. It only takes three minutes if we run. We should make it five minutes early if no teacher finds us.

"No. We cannot run in the hallway." I was too optimistic. As expected from the student council president. He is really committed, as he is still following the rules even now.

"That's splendid, Issei. But we won't make it if we walk." "Let us hurry without running. We can make up any excuse as long as we are there on time." I nod and walk faster.

We are in the middle of March, and the sky is amazingly blue. Fuyuki City has long winters, but spring is finally around the corner.

―――The days went by quickly. It's been a month since the Holy Grail War. The city is back to normal now. The Holy Grail has been destroyed, and most of the damage caused by the Masters was taken care of by the church. The person that came as a replacement for Kotomine is old but energetic, and everything was smoothly settled.

But one can see the after-effects of battle here and there. Kuzuki Souichirou, the person that chose to fight as a Master, is considered missing.

Issei was sad that the one who he treated as his older brother was gone, but… "He suddenly showed up at the temple to start with. It is only fitting that he leave the same way." Issei just laughed it off.

The surprising thing is Fuji-Nee, and it turned out that they often drank tea together. She complained that she wanted to fight him once, so it seems Fuji-Nee knew that Kuzuki was a master of martial arts.

Shinji's life has been saved thanks to Tohsaka, and he's currently in the hospital. I guess the hospital is part of the Magic Association, and he's getting better. Sakura is busy visiting Shinji, so she's been showing up at my place only on the weekends. I went to check up on them once, and they were getting along surprisingly well.

I don't know if that event took something out of him or if he's just unenergetic from the wounds. Either way, Shinji is ironic but honest, and he's acting more like the Shinji I first got to know.

――――Saber is not here anymore. She left this world after destroying the Holy Grail. Something constraining her must have been released when she destroyed the Holy Grail with her own hands.

…It's vexing that I could not say goodbye to her, but I should be glad that she's freed from the binding of the Holy Grail. If―――If I do ever see her again, I want to thank her as much as I can.

So. And finally, the most important person…

"――――Gah, Tohsaka." Right after we get down to the first floor…

"Oh, student council president. Are you patrolling the building at this time? Or are you taking care of the club rooms? I am getting tired of saying this, but you really are diligent."

We meet up with the person representing the students at the closing ceremony, who's coming out of the teachers' office.

"…Humph. I am also tired of hearing that line. Try guessing something else for a change. Or do you keep saying that on purpose?" Issei glares at Tohsaka.

"Huh? Of course it was on purpose. What? Did you not realize that until now?"

"…I see. I thought you had more sense of humor, but I guess you really are a blockhead. I am very sorry. I always used the same greeting to show my affection for you, but I guess it was hard for you to understand."

"W-What do you mean by 'affection'!? I have not done anything that deserves your affection! ―――Come, Emiya, we will be late if we concern ourselves with this fox!"

Issei sure doesn't get along with Tohsaka. …Well, I feel the same way, so I'm in no position to feel sympathy.

So. Our eyes meet as I walk past her.

"――――――――" "――――――――" We decided to act normally when there are people around. I naturally ignore Tohsaka and follow Issei.

But… "Good morning, Emiya-kun. I'm glad you seem well." I don't know what she's angry about, but she embraces my arm and puts on a big smile.

"Toh――――" My head goes blank. It's because even though we've been seeing each other, this is the first time we've touched each other in a month.

"Tohsaka…" I try not to blush as I bear the sensation of her touch.

"I'm joking. But it is true that I am happy, Emiya-kun. Oh, let's go home together after you finish helping out the student council after the ceremony. I will keep on waiting in my classroom." Tohsaka puts emphasis on "keep on waiting".

"W――――What are you saying!? Let go of him already…!" "It has nothing to do with you, Ryudou-kun. Excuse us. I am busy as well since I have to make a speech in your place, student council president."

"Wha-" Tohsaka leaves, leaving behind the footsteps of a victor.

"What was that about, Emiya? What is your relationship with that fox…!?" "…Well, it's hard to explain. First of all, I think I told you before that we're acquainted."

"That was a month ago! I warned you to cut your ties with her―――O-Oh, I get it! Does she hold a weakness of yours!?"

"Well… I guess you can call it weakness." "I knew it…! Dang, I cannot let you go now, Tohsaka…! Consult me, Emiya! Confess, Emiya! We shall give that fox her due punishment…!" Issei shakes me.

"Look at the time, Issei. The ceremony's starting." "―――I do not care. The ceremony starts out with a speech from that fox. It shall be mentally good for us not to hear it…!"

The student council president keeps shaking me. Issei is normally calm, but his personality changes when it involves Tohsaka. Tohsaka must be his natural enemy, but…

"…Sorry, Issei. I'm sorry to let you down, but I can't do anything about Tohsaka. She'll beat me instead if I go to beat her. …Um, you shouldn't go near her."

"…Hm, that is a rare negative comment coming from you. Is the weakness she's holding that bad?" "…Unfortunately. So I'm leaving you to take care of Tohsaka. I know it's a hard fight, but please do your best."

"―――I see, all right. Do not worry, Emiya. It is for the good of our school. I shall reveal her true identity and overthrow her. She seems to be planning something with all the athletic clubs, but the student council will be ready for her before the next year is out. The real match starts then."

The student council president smiles in anticipation. …Um, but Issei… We'll all be graduating in a year…

The ceremony comes to an end, and the school starts to lose its liveliness. Spring Break has started. Most of the students have left with a smile, and the students in athletic clubs are getting ready for their training camps.

There aren't that many students left in the building. All the classrooms are empty and the hallway is tinted in red.

"So you're finally done, huh? Issei makes you help even on the last day. I'm sure that's his way of getting me back." An empty classroom. Tohsaka smiles and says so as soon as she sees me coming into the red-tinted class 2-A.

"Hey, that's because you did that ridiculous thing. I would have been freed a lot earlier if you hadn't gone and said needless things." I complain as I go into the classroom. Why is it so awkward to go into someone else's classroom even though they all look the same?

"What? Are you saying it's my fault, Shirou?" "Half of it is definitely you. Look, you're the one who said we should act as strangers until next year since everyone would get suspicious. So why did you do such a thing?"

"…Heh. You don't mind a bit of a running start since this year's over, right? First of all, there are other ways to ignore me. We weren't in a cafeteria or something. We were the only ones there, so at least give me a nod or something."

I don't know why she's unhappy, but Tohsaka looks away and complains. …Hm. Is it because of the evening sunlight? Her familiar gesture looks so fresh and cute that I'm fascinated.

"―――Man. Here. I got this, but do you want it?" I show her the orange juice that was distributed among the helpers.

"Oh, yeah, I'll take it. Good, you're considerate about things like this." She receives the juice box and takes a sip out of the straw. …She's sitting by the window. She looks down at the campus as if she's watching something bright.

"……" "……" I follow her example and look down as I drink. It must be the track team that's running. They sure are energetic, running like that when Spring Break starts tomorrow.

"Hey. Were you on the track team before, Emiya-kun?" Then. Tohsaka suddenly asks me a strange question.

"Track team? No, I was always in the archery club." "…I see. Well, I guess there are times like that. Seeing the setting sun just reminded me." Telling me to forget about it, Tohsaka continues to drink the orange juice.

"……" I'll forget about it if she wants me to. When she calls me "Emiya-kun", half the time she's going to make a sarcastic remark, and the other half she's going to say something really important. I'm sure in this case it's the latter. After a month of studying magic under her, I'm finally starting to recognize her habits.

"――――But time sure flies by. It's already been a month since the Holy Grail War ended and you became my apprentice. At this rate, I'm sure a year will fly by as well."

"……" It's been a month since Tohsaka started teaching me the basics of magic. I've been busy with hard work and Tohsaka's malicious nature, but she's right now that I think about it.

This past month sure went by quickly. So I'm sure a year would pass in a flash.

"…A year, huh? We'll be leaving this school at that time." "Yeah. Today would be my last time in this classroom and I'll be in a new classroom starting in April. And just like that, I'll be going to a new place in a year." Tohsaka holds her knees and looks down from the window.

"'A new place', huh?" What will I be doing a year from now when I graduate? …No, I don't even need to think about it. There's only one thing I must do. I need to make my ideal come true, just like he did.

…And, well… There is one other big goal right now, but I don't want to think about it since it's irritating.

"What will you be doing after you graduate, Emiya-kun? Are you going to succeed your dad?" "Huh? …Well, that's true, but I want to become a proper magus more than I want to succeed my father. I can't boast unless I'm a proper magus."

"Oh? And to whom are you going to boast?" She smiles as she asks. "……" This. My other goal is to make her admit defeat.

"I-It doesn't matter, right? My goal right now is to become a proper magus, and that's why I'm your apprentice right now. Please give me your best regards for the next year." "Oh, you sure are optimistic. You think you can become a proper magus in a year? I was ready to teach you for ten years when you became my apprentice… But I see, you're fine with just one more year, huh?"

"T-Ten years…!? T-That's great, but―――no, that's not it…! T-That's really a long way ahead. Wouldn't you get tired?"

"Nope. As your goal is to become a proper magus, my goal is to make you a proper magus. I have it all planned out in my head, you know? Should I write it down and give it to you?"

"―――――――Uh, um…" Well, that's… That's great, but…

"But I guess that's impossible. You're going to succeed your dad, right? Then that means you'll be staying here after you graduate." "…Yeah. But what are you going to do? Your family supervises this town. You can't leave this town, right?"

"Me? I'll be going to London after I graduate. I got an admission recommendation because of what happened, so I guess they're letting me in without any tests." "Wha――――you mean that London, the headquarters of the Magic Association…!?"

"Yup. There's a limit to what I can do here, so I'm thinking of studying there for about five years. I hear that my dad did the same thing. And it's natural to go to the highest institute of education if you want to be a proper magus, right?"

"――――" I'm stunned. It's so sudden that my head blanks out. It's natural for Tohsaka, who is a legitimate magus. I finally realize the difference in our positions.

"London, huh? That's a really amazing thing, right?" "Hmm, I don't know. It's vexing, but it's not because they approve of my own powers. I was only invited because of my dad's achievements, and because I'm the last one alive."

She speaks casually, but I'm sure it's an amazing thing. …But London, huh? …That's certainly too far away. My father wasn't in the Magic Association. I'm just like him, and I don't like formal stuff.

"―――But you have the qualifications to enter in that case. I'm sure they'll test you if I recommend you―――"

…But I might be able to move there. I can start working more, study English, save up traveling and living expenses, and find a job over there…

"―――I know you're not enthusiastic about going there since the Magic Association is your enemy, but the Clock Tower has proper equipments and it's really well-suited for training. Oh, but you have to keep your Reality Marble a secret, so I guess they'll test your basics. …Whoa, would one year be enough―――?"

No, no, let's say I am able to rent an apartment there. I don't know what kind of a place the Clock Tower is, but I'm sure Tohsaka will get even busier. …Then it should be better for me to go there after I become a proper magus by myself. Yeah, that sounds good. First of all, London isn't suited for me. I bet I'll faint if I go there and if it's filled with people like Kotomine――――

"……Hey. Are you listening to me, Emiya-kun?" "Huh? Were you saying something, Tohsaka?" "…………" Tohsaka frowns and shuts her mouth. ―――So. After taking a deep breath, she makes a serious face and…

"I forgot to tell you, but I'm being invited as the successor of the Tohsaka family. In other words, I can get a proper room as a proper magus." …She says something strange.

"…?" "I'm telling you that they approve of me as a proper magus. So it's not unusual for me to have an apprentice or two, right? There are factional disputes there, so I'm allowed to take at least one of my apprentices." Tohsaka sneaks a peek at me.

"――――Um, that's…" I may be blunt, but I know what Tohsaka is trying to say. In a word…

"Yup. I can unconditionally take one follower as an assistant. You won't have to take the test that way, and you'll be exempt from tuition fees. …Well, but you'll be in a disadvantageous position because you'll be a student at the Magic Association without being part of it."

"――――――――" My head resumes its thinking. No, I force it to start working again. What Tohsaka is telling me… I put every cell in my brain to work to weigh the options I have. I must look funny, as Tohsaka is giggling.

"W-What? I'm not considering going there because you talked me into it, okay?" "Is that all you want to tell me? Well, I'm going to London."

She looks kindly at me. Then, Tohsaka makes a mischievous expression. "So, what will you do, Shirou?" She asks me gently, with eyes that see through me.

"――――――――" My face turns red. Her words and expression blow away my humility and my dislike of the Magic Association. …This is what I mean by Tohsaka holding my weakness. I can't help it if I fell in love with her.

"Oh, why go silent now? I haven't heard your answer yet." She keeps smiling mischievously. She knows what my answer is, but she's mercilessly attacking me.

"Uh… I, um…" To be honest, London is too far away, but I can't imagine myself being taught by anyone other than Tohsaka. And I never even thought about parting with her. Most of all, I want to be with Tohsaka.

"Be clear, this is important. Will you still come with me, even if it's as my assistant?" She looks up into my eyes. She looks so attractive that I feel like my heart will pop out of my mouth.

"S-Shut up, you idiot…! You idiot, idiot, idiot! I-I-If it's so important, tell me about it in a more appropriate place! I can't answer you when it's so sudden…!!!"

I don't know what'll happen to me if I keep staring at her, so I look away. …I still feel Tohsaka's presence. She's happily watching my reaction.

"Hey, Shirou. What's your answer?" She murmurs gently. ………She's got me beat. Is it this hard to nod and reply honestly? "……….." But I can't turn around unless I say it to her.

"……You idiot. Don't ask me such an obvious question." I meet Tohsaka's gaze and tell her my honest opinion. Her smile broadens at those words. "―――Okay, then please give me your best regards from now on, Emiya-kun. I'm going to train you until you become a proper magus, so prepare yourself."

"…Same to you. I took that seriously. I'm going to get taught by you until I become a proper magus." "Of course. I'm going to make you an honest man and have you lead a happy life. I won't allow you to give up just by getting taken to London."

Where did her previous prettiness go? She says so with a daring smile and jumps off of the desk.

…The sunset should end soon. Spring Break will end, April will come, and another year should pass by quickly. We will part with this scenery until then. After a year… Tohsaka and I will spend our final days of student life here.

"Let's go home. It'll be a lively dinner at your place today." We leave the classroom without any lingering memories. We can still hear the club activities from outdoors. The sounds are far off, and they remind me of the sword fight.

I can't stay in the same place forever. Tohsaka and I will be going someplace different in a year. It should be a while before I find out if it is the right choice or not.

I recall that red figure one more time. Neither this classroom nor that fight will change. Everything is the same. Everything is an illusion like a mirage that disappears when one turns around.

But I can get there if I aim high. I will surely be able to catch up to his back with Tohsaka's help. So I'll come up with an answer at that time.

…The swords that echo far away. By relying on those sounds, I shall eventually reach that place.

Answer

―――What came and went were distant memories. They were signs that he forgot and cast away, something that cannot be returned.

The sparks of the crashing swords. Crashing spirits. Many dozens of unskilled attacks and defenses. They were clumsy attacks that just tried to deny each other. Why did such a thing revive a worn-out oath?

―――They were impossible attacks. His charging body is covered in wounds. His fingers are broken, his limbs are slashed apart, his breathing has stopped although the boy does not know it. Even at a rush, his speed is trifling, and his attacks are mediocre. Although he has absorbed his combat skill, his techniques are now as clumsy as an amateur's again. His attack is executed haphazardly. But… His attack is heavier than any that came before. There is no superhero. The boy's mind is obliterated by the one who grew to realize that fact more than anyone. The distorted mind should collapse from the stress. It is obvious that the boy will be devoured by his contradiction.

But where are the signs of his defeat? He moves his wounded body and steadies his faltering mind, but there is no hesitation in his attacks.

His fury is incomparable to before. The boy swings his sword recklessly. The attacks are equally matched. The space is filled with sparks and everything entering it will be cut to pieces. It is the embodiment of their minds that melt together even though they repel each other.

The desperate attack. It is only a dying spark that a man gives off in his last moment. The boy gasps with each attack, almost falls, steadies himself, and attacks yet again.

"――――――――" Seeing it, he is confident that his enemy has no power left. The boy in front of him is a corpse. But… Why is there infinite power in his arms holding the sword?

He sees an illusion. It must be because he got bored with seeing someone attacking even though he knows it is useless. The irritation boils up his most detestable impulse.

…What did he feel was beautiful and noble?

The boy said that he does not want to see people die meaninglessly. He wanted to save everyone who was in trouble if they could be saved.

It is out of the question. He knows such a wish is just meaningless hypocrisy. An ideal where others are more important than yourself is an ideal that should never be held.

……But. Did he ever not dream that such a life would be wonderful―――?

"………………!" He cannot hear what his enemy is saying. His enemy's voice is too weak to be heard, but his attacks are fierce. The enemy's hands are already one with the hilt. It must be to fix the sword there, but the impact will go to his body like that. The boy is covered with blood, and he will die if he retreats. For the boy, every attack comes with great pain.

"…………!" The voices are hard to pick up. The boy, who is on the verge of death, frantically opposes the impediment in front of him. He does not need to be told where the boy's motivation is coming from.

―――It is a bad dream. He is shown an old mirror image.

He keeps swinging his sword with tearing arms. The only thing there is a strained yell. "………!" There were people that could not be saved, and there was him, who could not save them. He saw people dying meaninglessly, and he swore never to let such a thing occur again.

"………!" There is only one thing that comes and goes through his mind. Things he believes in. Things he believed in. An ideal he swore never to surrender. Something he will never surrender――――

And so. He realizes that there will be no end to the attacks.

This enemy will not stop. The enemy will never stop on his own. Even though the boy is attacking with all his power, he is taking no notice of him. The boy is only trying to slash himself, the one who obstructs himself. His enemy is fighting for the things he believed and for the things he will keep on believing in.

"――――――――" Realizing that, he grits his teeth. The boy keeps challenging even though he knows he cannot win and that it is meaningless. That is the exact mistake he made. ―――But then, why? Why do these eyes keep on staring at him?

Another crashing sound. The attack is parried. The enemy that could not block any attacks repels the attack like nothing. ―――The mirror breaks. He is not strong. He is not strong at all. He fights risking his life, looking ugly and miserable. But… Who in the world can laugh at him…?

"――――――――" He stops his breath. Parrying the oncoming attack, the enemy readies his sword again. A final blow. Will the boy stay standing in spite of all his wounds and the strain on his mind?

Of course. The boy overcame such limits ten times. It is obvious that the enemy will not stop even if this attack is blocked.

"…………!" The boy slashes his sword even though he is collapsing. Those eyes… They are looking straight at him――――

He sees a familiar dream for an instant.

Whose dream was that, and who inherited that dream?

" !!!!" The boy's voice reaches the empty mind. A single scenery closes in.

―――What an ugly, fanatic good will. A beautiful ideal to struggle for.

The final blow is coming in. But the man does not watch the sword that is about to pierce him.

That is the only thing on the boy's mind. Even if his heart is a fake, the beauty of what he believed in is real. ―――That is something he cannot lie about. And it is the origin of his powers.

The boy cries out with a smashed throat. …That he wants everyone to be happy. Yes. There is no road of retreat. Because the dream is…

He has made numerous mistakes. He had no way to atone for them, except for hating and killing himself. His hands are covered in blood, and it is something that can never be forgiven. But still――――

―――A straight gaze. Mistakes and lies, Shaking off everything, running on without stopping―――

The battle ends with a victory. The pain in his chest does not lift up his conviction. As the man hates himself, salvation will never be given.

But he earns a small answer. The answer is only for this summoning. It is a meaningless thing that he will forget the next time he is summoned. But there is nothing to regret. It is something that has already been built up, something that the boy will build using all his life.

There is only one thing coming and going through his mind. There is regret. He does not know how many times he wished to redo things. Heroic spirit Emiya will forever curse this end. But still――――

But still――――I was not wrong―――

There is nothing to talk about. The boy will remain, and he will leave. The only things that remain are the exchanged blows.

The path is long. Relying on the sounds of the swords echoing far away, the boy heads for the deserted plains.

#votestaynight

[has-gilgamesh-doneanythingwrong]

I posted 2,126 times in 2022

682 posts created (32%)

1,444 posts reblogged (68%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

has-gilgamesh-doneanythingwrong

hassigurddoneanythingwrong

madnessofthespirits

hasarjunadoneanythingwrong

number1mongrel

I tagged 1,847 of my posts in 2022

Only 13% of my posts had no tags

#fate series - 912 posts

#gilgablog - 527 posts

#gilgamesh - 490 posts

#op speaks - 271 posts

#fgo - 126 posts

#asks - 123 posts

#anon - 88 posts

#enkidu - 68 posts

#caster gilgamesh - 57 posts

#gilgawriting - 52 posts

Longest Tag: 137 characters

#damn this series is very underrated. rejet used to upload their drama cds for free and one mafia one even was voiced by hikaru midorikawa

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

How the various Gilgamesh decide which one is the best:

I made a short video on Objection.lol of the various Gilgamesh battling over which one of them is the better Gil. It was hilarious making this (i had to edit the gilgamesh sprites on powerpoint etc).

54 notes - Posted July 10, 2022

#4

Maximum respect to the FGO servants who see that master is going thru some real shit and tries to help them out....especially as i feel like Guda doesn't easily let others know about how much internal suffering they're going through

59 notes - Posted June 21, 2022

#3

Day 326

Ever wondered what type of person FGO believes Gilgamesh would be compatible with? The FGO white day shindan (a quiz who determines who you're compatible with in fgo) may have the answer for you!*

*Includes both an image of his result as well as a full translation and breakdown of results, so that it's easy to understand.

Gilgamesh Result

"Your ideal partner is...A strong-willed sadist! Oresama (egotistical) Type"

「ｓっ気強し！俺様タイプ」

* The synonyms for 「気強い」 made me laugh. It can mean 'unsympathetic', 'bullish', 'reliable', 'safe', 'aggressive' and even "not easily swayed by emotions."

"You, who strongly desires to elevate yourself; wishing for a partner who can provide you with said status. One who is a strong-minded, sadistic being that can both steadfastly answer such tall demands- as well as precisely use their momentum to lead you onto the correct path- is the ideal type for someone like you."

"Whilst mutually encouraging one another to improve (working diligently/cultivating each others' characters), you will be able to grow together."

Overall, it deems Gilgamesh as the kind of guy who can answer to your needs and help you elevate yourself to a higher level than before. He'll be able to answer to any and all of your desires, no matter how impossible they seem. He's also a sadistic, pompous lover.

By his side, both of you will mature and become the very best versions of yourself!

Haha, Gilgamesh's type is all about growth here as well! XD

And I love how the type they say he is compatible with is not very specific either. As long as you want to gain more status and have lofty dreams to become the ultimate version of yourself, Gilgamesh will totally be there by your side, so that you can develop and grow together. (whilst also being an utter asshole about it... but that's also part of the package!)

He really is a very devoted lover, huh...

66 notes - Posted March 7, 2022

#2

I just wanted to give another shout out to the 'hasdoneanythingwrong' blogs. Both to active, inactive and ones on hiatus as well. It can be tough at times to do, especially with frequent fan opinion conflicts and the pressure of posting content for the character on a regular basis. It can be difficult too, especially when characters can be interpreted in a vast variety of ways, but the popular representation of them is what is expected. It is pretty awesome to share your love of a character regardless of this and stand by your admiration for them!

peace 2 u! you've all done an awesome job ^^

70 notes - Posted March 28, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

I do not know WHERE on earth i found these images of a holy grail war with Fujimura Taiga as Saber, taking on Lancer at full power but by damn do i wish that i could find the rest of it

184 notes - Posted August 5, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

#tumblr2022 #year in review #my 2022 tumblr year in review #your tumblr year in review #gigablog #op speaks #2022 was a quiet year for this blog

[thebibliomancer]

Essential Avengers: Avengers #310: DEATH in OLYMPIA!

November, 1989

The triumph of BLASTAAR!

He's won already? Then what will the rest of the issue be about?

Blastaar is a nothing villain to me but I gotta say. Another good cover. Byrne's run has been good with covers.

Last time in Avengers: the Avengers had some business with some pissed off Lava Men but the only important take away is that Gilgamesh somehow died. Except he's not quite dead, only mostly dead.

The Avengers took him to Sersi to get him looked at, she shrugged and suggested they take him to Olympia. Except they only found a crater where Olympia should be (because Sprite accidentally blew the whole city into the Negative Zone).

Thor uses Mjolnir to track down Olympia and the Avengers explore the strangely empty city. And then Blastaar comes out of nowhere and blows everyone up.

This time: Sudden Odin

HEY, LISTEN TO THE CAPTION BOX WHEN IT SAYS TO ATTEND.

Odin calls the Warriors Three of Hogun, Fandral, Volstaag because his Odin-Senses have been tingling that Thor has come into the Negative Zone.

There's a bunch of Thor Lore - or Thlore - that I don't want to get into but for reasons Asgard is currently also in the Negative Zone.

But Odin senses Some Kind of Danger. He can't be more specific because he's Odindrowsy and must go into the Odinsleep soon. But he wants the Warriors Three to go, find Thor, and help him with whatever.

Meanwhile, in Olympia, Thor grabs Sersi and shields her from Blastaar.

... Byrne, you're the only one writing Avengers. How are you forgetting stuff issue to issue?

Last issue, Thor couldn't touch Sersi at all because she'd weirdly gone intangible.

Anyway, Blastaar and Thor trade boasts for a bit. Blastaar boasts that surely Thor didn't forget how much of a whallop Blastaar's blaasting packs? And Thor has a much stronger retort that Mjolnir is really cool and he's gonna kick Blastaar's ass.

Thor throws Mjolnir, Blastaar deflects it with his blaasting, and Thor dunks on him some more by saying if Blastaar "hast within thy soul no single shred of nobility... that thou might also be a foe truly worthy of a scion of Asgard."

Blastaar retorts by blowing up Sersi.

Which Thor does not care for as a rebuttal.

Shooting the hostage is a pretty dumb thing to do when facing a superhero. It just makes them mad and now you have no hostage to threaten.

Ya dumb, Blastaar.

Elsewhere, Nazi-punching pals Captain America and Namor McKenzie emerge from beneath some rubble. Or rather, Namor drags Cap out.

Cap is in bad shape.

Namor only knows that a bolt of pure, concussive force hit them so fast that Namor couldn't tell where it came from.

But there's the pyrotechnics of a big battle happening at the tower, so they know where to look for answers.

Cap tries to tell Namor not to fly off half-cocked since Cap is still too shaky to back him up. But flying off half-cocked is what Namor does.

Namor: "Do not try to stop me, old ally. He that attacked us has besmirched the honor of the avenging son of Atlantis! If he awaits in yonder tower... the waiting shall not be long before he knows my vengeance!"

Cap knows better than to try to stop Namor from flying off half-cocked so he tells him to at least be careful. Y'know, think before he acts. Wait for backup if he can.

Namor has already flown away so fast that Cap might as well be talking to a wall.

Cap speculates to himself that Namor's "manic nature" might be caused by his hybrid nature, being half-Atlantean and half-human.

I think this is foreshadowing a reveal that exactly this. Namor is a jerk sometimes because his body chemistry is weird and spending too much time on land or in the ocean fucks with his moods.

I think later stuff walked back on that and had it be that Namor is a jerk sometimes because he's a jerk sometimes.

Anyway, Byrne sets up retcons with the subtlety of a sledgehammer, huh?

Captain America is interrupted in thinking about what a genetic nightmare a half-human half-Atlantean is when he spots a crater with She-Hulk lying in the center of it.

She apparently did see what hit her so she's able to tell Cap what the class already knows. Blastaar is the dude that's antagonizing them today.

Since the battle is raging in the tower of the Great Hall that she and Sersi were exploring, She-Hulk comments that she didn't expect Sersi to give such a good fight to Blastaar.

And she's instantly proven right a panel later when, instead, Thor and Blastaar explode out of the tower, locked in combat.

Hey.

She-Hulk.

Every Eternal is a flying brick. Have some respect.

Also, couldn't Sersi just turn Blastaar into a pig? What's the limit on that?

I mean, she can't now. She blew up. But if she did get a chance to fight, doesn't she have a win button for like 90% of fights?

Anyway.

Thor and Blastaar take a really long time to fall out of the tower, punching each other along the way. Then Namor jumps after them and yanks Thor off Blastaar so only Blastaar is plummeting. But Blastaar blaasts the ground to soften his impact.

Meanwhile, a mysterious man in a white suit kirby krackle-ports into an alley, scaring off a homeless man.

The mysterious man is like good nobody who matters noticed me MY PLAN IS GOING FLAWLESSLY!

Hi, new subplot.

Granted, Avengers East Coast doesn't have nearly as many subplots as Avengers West Coast has. Avengers West Coast is all subplots and Avengers East Coast is all main plots.

Weirdly unbalanced but hey. Maybe that is a-changing.

Back at the plot, the Avengers have all surrounded Blastaar, who is blaasting nowhere near them to keep them at bay.

He says that obviously, they're trying to trick him into targeting one of them so the rest can gang up on him BUT HE IS TOO SMART FOR THAT.

She-Hulk asks him to exposit why he's even here. Last time she saw him (back in Fantastic Four #318), Annihilus blasted him to atoms.

Usually people die when they're killed.

This 100% works to get Blastaar talking because villains love expositing.

So back in that FF issue, Blastaar's own men had turned on him and shot him with a stasis ray. Since he was held in stasis, he couldn't be disintegrated. Which is the opposite of stasis. Obviously.

When Annihilus annihilated everyone else, Blastaar just got sucked into Negative Zone space and floated around for a while. He eventually got sucked into a negative space wedgie and got dropped on Olympia when it was dunked into the Negative Zone.

This all makes perfect sense, insofar as anything in comics ever makes perfect sense. As in, not really but sure.

The Eternals found Blastaar near death and not being dicks, they decided to heal him.

Blastaar: "I was grateful. To show my thanks, I tried to slay them all as quickly and painlessly as I could. Foolishly, they resisted... And the price of that resistance was utter destruction! I only hope it pained the stupid brutes as much as their stupidity pained Blastaar!"

You're kind of a dick, dude.

Anyway, in a twist, Blastaar was talking to distract the heroes, who were attentively listening.

He blaasts Thor and She-Hulk. Namor jumps right into battle and gets immediately blaasted.

Leaving just Captain America.

Captain America: "Blast it all! What comes over Namor?! Sometimes he acts as if he doesn't have a brain in his head!"

Cap tells Blastaar not to get cocky because he's still standing, which Blastaar scoffs at. Captain America doesn't even have super powers! Depending on the era!

Captain America: "Maybe not. The super-soldier serum that transformed me into Captain America made me a perfect physical specimen, not a super one... But I still have a few aces to play... Such as my legendary shield!"

Really depends on whether you consider peak human to be superpowers or not.

Both Captain America and Black Panther have a thing where a super drug made them about as strong, fast, durable, whatever as it is physically possible for a person to be.

But a comic book's idea of what that is means the two of them do stuff that is blatantly super-human but in the world of a comic, anybody could hypothetically train to do maybe?

I usually just consider it to be a superpower, albeit a low key superpower.

Even if you don't consider peak human a superpower, the super-soldier serum has slowed Cap's aging way the hell down. Which sounds super to me.

Anyway. Cap rushes right at Blastaar but with his shield up, allowing him to deflect the obvious counterattaack.

He manages to tackle Blastaar but the Negative Zonian kicks Cap away and then blaasts the tower of the Great Hall, sending debris raining down on Cap.

But then Cap is saved by the Warriors Three!

Hogun smashes the rubble before it can smash Cap.

Blastaar thinks oh shit more Asgardians. So the instant they turn to look at Thor pulling himself out from under some rubble, Blastaar books it.

He just scarpers.

He decides to exercise the better part of valor until he can turn the situation back to his advantage but then the weather turns against him.

The wind kicks up, the air glows with energy, and Blastaar is lifted off the ground.

It's weird weather but it's not weird Thor weather!

It's weird Eternal energy ghost weather!

The energy ghosts bonk Blastaar into the scenery for a bit and then throw him to the ground. They coalesce into the Eternals and then Ikaris does what he does and kicks Blastaar's ass.

Cap asks the question everyone is wondering. Hey, why aren't the Eternals dead?

And Sersi explains it.

Eternals are hard to kill.

They have "complete control of their physical structure, even down to the atomic level."

Blastaar lucked into his blaasts having resonant frequency to disrupt the Eternals' control of their atoms. So they disintegrated. But it just took them time to regain their senses.

Then they pulled themselves back together and kicked Blastaar's ass. There was no reason for the Avengers to even be here! The Eternals would have solved the problem eventually!

Hell, Blastaar blaasting apart the Eternals was a one-time thing. They apparently all adjusted their resonance frequency so he won't be able to stomp them again.

Okay, so what about Gilgamesh?

He was just away from Olympia too long. All the Eternals are bonded to their city but Gilgamesh spent so long in exile that he's bonded with Olympia so much that the city is life-sustaining for him.

Actually, I can't tell whether Gilgamesh was away from the city too long or that Olympia being dunked into the Negative Zone weakened him at the wrong moment and he got hurt in a way that he couldn't heal from without Olympia.

Eh, I guess it doesn't matter.

The take-away is that Gilgamesh is leaving the Avengers and eh. I can't say I'll miss him because the writer shake-ups meant that he never really got a personality or a niche on the team.

Like the Worst Roster, all I can say about Gilgamesh is that damn, he coulda been more.

Thena mentions that it's a pity Gilgamesh has to stay in Olympia.

Thena: "It pleased me to have a member of our race serving side by side with the noble Avengers. It bespoke a day when human and Eternal might stand as one, all ancient fears and jealousies gone forever." Captain America: "A day well worth hoping for, my lady. And perhaps, we should not too soon assume the link between our people has been broken. There are other Eternals. Others who might take the place of Gilgamesh in the ranks of the Avengers."

It's gonna be Sersi.

I don't know how long it's going to take but we're almost in the 90s so it's gonna be any time now.

Hurry up, Sersi.

Cap asks how Olympia wound up in the Negative Zone and, yeah, Sprite did it. He accidentally exploded the city into another dimension.

He apologizes as much as he cares to. The non-apology apology "it was never my intent to cause distress."

It doesn't matter. Thena fixes it with a single button press.

Blastaar gets taken away by the Warriors Three to go to Asgard jail. Thor declines returning to Asgard because he likes hanging out with Avengers on Midgard (Earth).

As the Warriors Three leave on their space chariot, Olympia fades out back to Earth. And the next time box teases big event Acts of Vengeance.

And I didn't care for this two-parter.

For all the many plans that Byrne seems to have for West Coast Avengers, he seems to be spinning his wheels in this book.

It really feels like this whole two-parter just accomplishes bringing Blastaar back (who cares) and immediately putting him in Limbo again (Asgardian jail).

That's a point B that didn't need to exist between his death that wasn't going to stick permanently and an actual good story that comes after this.

Olympia getting blown into Negative Zone space because Sprite touched a thing he shouldn't have touched, Blastaar conveniently being able to solo the Eternals, the Eternals able to come back and kick his ass without any input from the Avengers, sending Olympia back to Earth taking one button press... It all makes the story feel really pointless.

What changes if the Avengers had just gone to Olympia, it wasn't blown up, and Thena tells them what's wrong with Gilgamesh? Not a lot.

I don't like what Byrne is doing in West Coast Avengers but at least he seems to want to be there. How can you have no ideas already? You've only been writing six issues!

Maybe I'm just grumpy. My cursed future knowledge tells me that Avengers Island gets destroyed in Acts of Vengeance and that's more squandered potential. More writer shake-ups meant that the setting never really got a chance to shine.

Oh, well. Bomber jackets lie in the future. Bright hearts, clear eyes, something something.

Follow @essential-avengers for all these posts but in order and without other stuff. Like, reblog, comment, do stuff, I dunno. I get lonely down here in the italics.

#essential avengers #avengers #blastaar #captain america #thor #namor mckenzie #she hulk #warriors three #eternals #sersis #others #gilgamesh #stuff happens but it mostly doesn't matter #ho hum