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cedarxwing · 4 months

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Hannibal Season 4 Plot Ideas

The main concepts that keep coming up in interviews of Bryan Fuller and some of the cast are:

"Will Graham's broken mind" and "memory palace bullshit"

"Inception meets Angel Heart"

an interesting return to season one dynamics, but flipped

deeper exploration of Will and Hannibal's relationship than in previous seasons

stuff from Hannibal the novel that no other adaptation has done yet.

we're in Cuba

So based on that, here are some possible story beats for S4 (picking up right after the Fall as if the show was never cancelled):

We start out in Cuba. The most obvious reason? To hunt down one of their victims that have fled the country, as Hannibal does at the end of Silence of the Lambs. Based on interviews, it's clear that Chilton would remain in the US to head the BSHCI again (how is he alive, let alone working?), so it's more likely that they're hunting Bedelia for the post credits leg scene.

Will Graham's Broken Mind

During the Fall, Will suffers a mental schism that splits his personality, similar to the detective in Angel Heart. I don't think he literally has a split personality disorder, but he compartmentalizes his killer/Hannibal self from his moral self. When he participates in murders, he's not quite himself, viewing it through a dream lens (we saw a little of this when he was killing the Dragon). It's possible that he takes on personality traits from killers in season one, or even has to fight against a Red Dragon personality ("You can always toss the Dragon to someone else." "Will Graham interests me.")

I think we'll see a return of the teacup metaphor relating to Will's mental schism, since their reunion represents the "teacup coming together again" the way Hannibal wanted it to in Digestivo. "Not even in your mind?" Well, the teacup HAS come back together in Will's mind, because there's no other way for him to accept his feelings for Hannibal. He mentally regresses back to season one/two and we see the return of the Abigail imago we last saw in Primavera, as well as Beverly and Hobbs and Gideon and all our other friends. Maybe Will thinks they're all alive again! Or maybe he thinks he's dead! This would be really poetic from Hannibal's perspective, since his arc in the novel is about dropping a teacup and "being satisfied when it does not gather itself together." So it would be perfect for the cup to gather itself in Will's head and for Hannibal to realize that's not at all what he wants.

Will hallucinating Abigail would be a fun way to get the "murder family" dynamic. "It's hard to grasp what would've happened, could've happened. In some other world… did happen." Well, we can see that world in Will's broken mind!

I don't have a clear guess of what a "return to season one but flipped" might mean. There are lots of possibilities...

1. Could refer to Will's encephalitis days when he wasn't sure if he was committing the murders or not, except this time he's committing them. Maybe he has a pendulum wipe moment and thinks he's reconstructing a murder instead of committing it (like a reverse of the Georgia Madchen murder in Buffet Froid). Going extreme in this direction, maybe he analyzes his own crime scenes with Hannibal in therapy. Maybe Beverly shows up at an actual crime scene and helps him "analyze the evidence."

2. Could refer to his dynamic with Hannibal. According to the rest of my bullet points, they return to their therapy sessions, but with memory palace elements and hallucinations, etc., but this time Hannibal is trying to fix Will instead of breaking him down.

Something from Hannibal the novel that no one else has adapted

This could be a few things, but I think it's most likely the end of the novel where he's brainwashing Clarice. Hannibal would use drugs and hypnosis ("therapy") to help Will merge his two halves and fully accept who he is. This happens in different places in their memory palaces, kind of like the white space dinner scene from Dolce, or when they were jumping around to different places in the Red Dragon investigation. To be clear, they're on friendly terms. Will consents to this. He has ample opportunity to escape and go back the US if he wants. We might get a lot of information on Will's childhood and backstory, maybe a "saving Hannah the slaughterhorse"/"silence of the lambs" moment. I'd like to see him as a cop working in New Orleans. The time he got stabbed. The time he didn't have the stomach to pull the trigger. This would be a nice reverse from the S3a dynamic where Will was delving into Hannibal's backstory. :)

Part of this "therapy" could be helping Will let go of Abigail the way Hannibal helped Clarice let go of her father. This plot beat has already been done twice in the show (1. The Primavera line "A place was made for you, Abigail. The only place I could make for you" refers to the place in Will's mind. 2. The WCWTS scene where Hannibal helps Abigail let go of her father. "What you need of your father is here, in your head.") BUT I still want to see it with Will/Hannibal. What I'm really saying is it would be cool if Hannibal showed Will Abigail's skeleton to convince him that she's dead and Will cried over her skull.

For the other half of Will's therapy, Hannibal has to get him to really delight in a murder when he's fully present as himself (Similar to how Clarice ate Paul Krendler's brain. Similar to how Hannibal wanted Will to kill Mason Verger.). Ideally the victim wouldn't be a criminal (Will is already fine killing murderers like Dolarhyde and Bedelia), but a representative of the corrupt judicial system. Someone who has personally slighted Will. An FBI official that Will HATES enough to eat their brain. The perfect option is Kade Prurnell (whose name is an anagram for Paul Krendler!). So yeah I think Hannibal catches Kade Prurnell and they have a dinner party where Will kills her and realizes, "Hey, I don't care what Jack or Alana or the FBI or anyone thinks about me anymore. My personal ethical code is good enough for me because I am MORE ethical than the law." And then he and Hannibal can be full murder husbands after that.

Side character subplots

While all this is happening, there's an international manhunt for Will and Hannibal going on. Jack/Price/Zeller are still at the FBI, probably beefing with Kade Prurnell to establish how awful her character is. Either Clarice Starling, Miriam Lass, or Alana Bloom are on the case. The murder/disappearance of Bedelia (or whoever) in Cuba is their first lead, so everyone gets to go to Cuba!

It's been nearly two seasons since Will interacted with Prurnell, so maybe they need to have a cat and mouse dynamic in Cuba to reignite his loathing. Idk why she would be in Cuba, when she works for the OIG... but who cares! She's there, motivated by greed, basically acting as Will's Pazzi. Maybe she's bullying her underlings in true Krendler fashion.

At this point, Jack is the only somewhat moral person in the entire cast. His primary motivation is saving Will. Yep, that's right, he still thinks there's a chance to bring Will back. He's leading the investigation, but he's hoping to catch Will alone before anyone else finds him so he can try to talk him back onto his side. This would continue the God vs. Devil thing with Hannibal, fighting over Will's soul.

Maybe Jack finds Will when he's in his broken state of mind and they have a chat. I'd want this scene to function like Clarice's hypnosis scene where she talks to her "father." Jack and Will address the vague father/son dynamic they have ("I'm not your father, Will." "Abandonment requires expectation." Jack as God/Will as the Lamb). Jack forgives Will for his crimes. Will forgives Jack for sacrificing him. The conversation helps Will along in his "therapy."

Last time we saw Alana, she was fleeing on a helicopter with Margot and their son. My first thought was "Omg they're going to Cuba! They're going to get Chilton'ed in Cuba!" but Fuller has mentioned that Margot would be actively managing the Verger meat packing company as a vegan girlboss lesbian so idk. (I personally don't see how a vegan could run a meatpacking company... maybe it transitions to tofu packing).

Anyway, I think Alana's character has gotten even darker since Hannibal's escape. She's given up on Will and is completely focused on protecting her family. Knowing Hannibal is going to come to kill her, maybe she sets up some sort of trap for when they come (or she puts Will's dogs under a cardboard box held up by a stick and waits). Maybe she catches Will and Will has to pull a Bedelia and pretend he was kidnapped and brainwashed (and he kinda was, if Hannibal used hypnosis and drugs like in the book). I think it would be fun for her to finally give into her "professional curiosity" about Will and try to study him (like a Bedelia/Mason hybrid character). Maybe she teams up with Jack to use Will to catch Hannibal. It would be wild if W+H actually killed her, but maybe! Maybe she gets the Chilton treatment and lives, but gets a nice facial scar like every other fallen character in the show.

Freddie Lounds would have to come back! And I want her DEAD haha. She's escaped punishment for too long, so in my ideal S4, she writes a book about Abigail even though Will asked her not to. Maybe she's investigating/contaminating Will's crime scenes in Cuba? She's definitely gonna die, but not before W+H use Tattlecrime for some shenanigans!

Chilton loses a limb (that's really all he has left to give). In an actual S4, I'm sure there would be a plot reason for this and some other killer would probably do it, but in my mind it's a comedy beat. W+H don't even set out to get Chilton. They don't hate him, they just find him pathetically entertaining at this point. Through Chilton's own incompetence or some karmic twist of fate, he runs into them (like Barney at the opera). W+H take one look at each other and go, "You know what would be funny..."

I have NO idea what to do for Molly. I assume she's living with Wally's grandparents in Oregon. Maybe Will mails her some signed divorce papers and that becomes evidence in the investigation lol. I'd rather leave her in peace!

More serial killers who used to be Hannibal's patients! W+H read about a former patient's murders in the news and go to catch him before the FBI can (running into the FBI in the process, of course).

Other stuff

I'd love to skip around to Brazil or Buenos Aires, the South American locations from the books. Maybe Hannibal gets injured and needs surgery in Brazil, and his medical records are another lead for the investigation. Maybe the season ends with a happily ever after in Buenos Aires. <3

They pretend to be recovering from plastic surgery to hide their faces in bandages. I just think that would be funny.

Will escapes Alana's clutches by using all the serial killer skills he learned in season one. He pretends to be a dead body, wearing someone else's face as in SotL. (This was actually in the Digestivo script but it got cut.)

They steal an ambulance (and turn off the radio!) again like SotL. And then the "This is very educational" line from Sorbet would come full circle.

Someone has to send a secret message using book code. What if W+H got separated and that's how they had to communicate? Or maybe they communicate to another killer that they're hunting? Or maybe they do it just to taunt the FBI?

Jack vs. Hannibal fight scene (round 3)! This time over Will's soul. Will watches, amused (maybe in broken mind state).

(If anyone else has thoughts I'd love to hear them!)

#hannibal #nbc hannibal #hannibal s4 #hannibal season 4 #hannibal meta #will graham #hannigram #cedar writes

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thesoftestmess · 4 months

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this might not be canon, but personally i need furina to struggle a whole lot longer and harder with post-prophecy depression and mental illness. She's played the same tiring and painful act for five centuries, was constantly in a life or death scenario and had to hide her true self from the world the entire time and she won't just recover in a few years from that.

There's parts of her that will never ever be compatible with a simple human lifestyle, and parts of her that are irreparably broken. She isn't sure of her personality after everything that happened and the lie she had to live. She slips between personas and her archon temperament comes through like a defensive mechanism at any sign of conflict or trouble.

She's plagued by nightmares. Of the flood, of the trial, of the people closest to her conspiring against her behind her back, and of being found out in a million terrible ways. Of saying the wrong thing, making a wrong decision. Of being found out, of being found out, of being found out.

Lying or keeping a secret feels existential still. Being honest still feels life threatening sometimes. Putting herself first feels like putting both hands on a hot stove.

She doesn't live in the palais anymore, doesn't have to sit through trials anymore, but her heart and soul are still there. In her dreams she's still at the place she spent her entire life's memories at.

Yes, she can make new memories, but it'll take time. More time than she has, maybe, now that she's the closest to being human she'll ever be.

She'll never be human in the way the people around her are.

What sort of human has 500 years worth of memories after all? What human tells personal anecdotes and mixes up their centuries?

What sort of human can feel the absence of their divinity like it's a physical thing? A voice that will never speak to her again, or keep her alive? What human has no family, no childhood?

What human remembers so little, but still remembers death somewhere deep within?

She jerks out of sleep from it sometimes, gasping for air, and spends the rest of the night awake, almost frozen by fear. The flood is over, but it's hard to convince her racing heart that the danger is too.

Humans have entire family trees that go generations back, but Furina was put into this world a solitary creature, her blood heavy with sin ever since she turned human.

She owns a hydro vision now and doesn't know how to yield it, but the ocean still calls out to her some days. Sea creatures flock to her like they can smell she's not human enough.

She learns how to make little hydro companions for herself, so the darkness and emptiness of her apartment feels less ominous when she lies awake at night.

She can't turn her vision into a weapon quite yet, but when it rains the droplets seem to cling to her. She's watched them roll upwards along her arm, watched them gather in her palm like kin. She wonders if sea creatures flock to neuvillette in a similar way, or if his immense power makes them recoil. She wonders if elemental dragons can feel regret. Wonders if he, too, ever feels entirely foreign in that human body he was given. If he, too, lies awake trying to grasp faint memories of a past life.

She's extremely human in the way she's plagued by body pains from not being able to relax just one day in five centuries. The years catch up with her once she gets out of survival mode, and fatigue is a constant companion now. Sleep comes difficultly and getting out of bed was easier when the fate of a whole nation depended on it. On her. She's never lived for just herself before and some days she's not sure she wants to.

She did her duty and earned her retirement and the story turned out well, all things considered. She still has people by her side, some of them.

Still, she feels raw and tired and overwhelmed by the life lying ahead of her. As a human and as someone who will always be Something Else.

#you can have your perfectly competent fully healed hyper independent furina #if i can have my mess of a person multiply-disordered and trying her best furina #like i'm sorry but this babygirl can fit sooooo much ptsd and depression and personality disorder into her #that's a girl with lifelong chronic pain from not being allowed to relax for a day in five centuries #that's a girl who needs a teeth protector at night because she'd grind he #*them into a fine powder from all the tension she still holds #that's someone who gets so low so suddenly and loes all her joy in the matter of minutes #that's someone who wants to catch up on a lifetime of being human but is bone-deep exhausted #and crushed by fatigued #my disability beam went all over her like neuv's water gun #now she's sopping wet and shivering i'm sorry #genshin impact #furina #fari talks fic

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the-plantlikefishie-dafi-writes · 2 months

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Agreement with the Sun

An Arataki Itto x Reader Fanfic

Tags: Arataki Itto x Ruler!Reader, Fake Marriage, Made-up means of governance for Inazuma haha, SLOW BURN (At least I think it is <3), Reader is reserved but a little arrogant, Workaholic Reader, Himbo! Arataki Itto, Sunshine Arataki Itto, Eventual Fluff

Author's Note: Wow I actually gained the courage and posted this fic! Constructive criticism is much welcomed! Take note, I got too silly...

First Sunrise, First Moonfall - A Child of Ame-no-Uzume

🎶 O, Sunkissed Moon, beloved by the Sun, Its rays kiss your face, love questioned by none 🎶

He didn’t know what he expected. But, definitely not this.

If only he could get into a spar right now. Bust some bad guys with a jab, left-right, and a 'kapow!' that would be sure to wake him! But instead, the insanely boring stacks and stacks of papers made his eyes heavy even though he usually slept with his eyes open. Like, dude, what were these even for? It was a waste of good trees if you ask Itto.

If only he could catch some awesome beetles, he would have some fun with a bunch of kids by now and finally break his ridiculous losing streak which has been a major headache! However, two out of three cups of tea got cold from the incredibly long conversation by nerds who he would rather not upset unless he wanted to live in a nightmare.

Without having anything fun to do, he just spaced out. After all, Itto was surrounded by walls made of the finest purple silk and materials. Its design resembled the gentle waves of the sea and the eloquent color of electro. He eyed the gifts of foreign jade trinkets, placed proudly on quality wooden tables and the illuminating lanterns crested with Inazuma’s proud element. The scent of fine sakura perfume wafted through the air in the dim yet well lit room in Tenshukaku.

Man. He shouldn’t be spacing out like this! He is Arataki Itto for archon’s sake! The Arataki "Above All, Bold-Blooded" Itto! He can do whatever he wants… So why couldn’t he do all those he would rather do?

Well, it was because of you, The reigning ruler of Inazuma. He didn’t realize there was another ruler other than the Raiden Shogun. He didn’t really care who is in charge of Inazuma as long as he can live life as much as he wants, but maybe, you were also the reason why the humans became friendly to the onis and the rest of the yokai. He huffed, only a little as to not interrupt the conversation you and Shinobu had.

If only he wasn’t so awesomely charming and handsome that night!

You were just looking around that night. You were tiny, small compared to him, maybe, a little shy. With your cloaked figure, were you possibly a traveler?

"Hey, man! You look like you ain't around here!" he chirped as he tapped your shoulder and his hand returned to his hips. "Enjoying the festival so far?"

"Oh. I actually live in Inazuma. I just don't come out often." "An introvert! Hey, gotta respect that. You know, a lot of cool people I know are introverts like the renowned golden-haired traveler! Savior of Dragons, Conqueror of the Abyss, Teyvat's hero! Too bad, they ain't here though. Miss 'em." You nodded at his words as you dropped your hood down. And here it is, Itto always knew he was talented since birth at making friends! You finally lowered your guard, and you even gave him a smile.

…Hm? Pretty?

"Haha. I did meet them. I'm glad they reunited." Oh, so you knew the Traveler’s goals too? You’d have to get pretty close to them to do that. Just who are you, small mysterious person? "I haven't enjoyed the festival yet. I don't really know what to do," you added with fingertips pressed together and an awkward smile.

A smile curled up and a loud boisterous voice emerged from Itto, "Hahaha! Well, you are in luck, my compadre! I, Arataki the "Festival King of Fun and Revelry" Itto is here to serve you! When there's fun to be had, I am most undoubtedly there!" Oh, he could feel that adrenaline pumping into his veins! He has to get the gang into this! He looked over at his growing gang and shouted, "Hey, guys! Let's show 'em how to rock a real Festival!"

That was how the great Arataki Itto managed to get the seemingly-uptight you to a night of holler and laughs. What surprised him the whole night was not during the height of the clinking drinks and shared enthusiasm, but during the distant singing of an old man and the diminishing hype of the night. Shinobu had just pointed out your status as ruler, as the esteemed sun of Inazuma.

No way. No way.

You know how to party, he'll give you that. But, he can't believe he has been picking up, carrying you, oni-handling the second-in-command from the Raiden Shogun like a bunch of boxes… For the whole night no less!

He was also crazy loud, and he hoped he didn't say a joke that was offensive that could ruin his 150-day streak without getting into jail.

He began to shove the feeling of cold sweat in the backroom of his mind, and Itto smirked as his pointer and thumb framed the chin of his gorgeous face, "Heh, looks like Arataki the "Festival king of Fun and Revelry" served a hotshot tonight! Was my service just as awesome as you expected, esteemed sun?"

You let out a laugh. "Mister Arataki, you are adorable."

Shinobu and Itto flinched and widened their eyes. A hoot of laughter was so unusual to see from someone who is deemed stoic by the public. And, a compliment? Surely, Itto has greatly achieved many things tonight compared to everyone else in Inazuma. Of course, it is expected of the oni king! And, "Mister Arataki"? Prissy and pretty name to add to the long list of titles and all, but where did the sudden politeness come from? He just remembered that you were calling him "Itto" as the whole gang hollered while you were trying to scoop some goldfish.

"Of course, I had fun," you grinned.

Phew. Good thing you aren't nitpicky. He bowed exaggeratedly as he chuckled, "I am glad to be of service."

Itto knew you could see how his head was getting bigger than his body now. You smiled a little wider, "I enjoyed it so much that…"

Huh. There's more? Well, he was ready for you to compliment his entertaining charm.

"I wish to be your betrothed. Arataki Itto, will you marry me?" Itto witnessed you shine and sparkle to coax him to agree— you placed your hand on your chest as you knelt down on one knee, staring into his eyes with eager glee.

….HUH?

You met eyes with your day-dreaming future husband, and gave him a welcoming smile in the midst of an important discussion, cold tea, and stacked papers. It was a little forced, but the way he smiled back was so genuine and infectious, your true eloquent smile appeared. His infectious aura and presence was what made you enjoy that night and what made you choose him.

Good. He is the perfect candidate as a husband for you: an intimidating resting face everyone will cower in fear from, then the friendliest smile that knows no inequality, inclusive and outgoing personality, the leader of a gang that has been giving itself a good name in recent years, and no true influence to the government of Inazuma.

You were glad to have met him that night.

It was your time to rest in the stuffy yet plain room. Tired eyes fluttered to the beautiful sights of the Festival. Dancing sakura petals of the wind waltz with the lights of the city. The hustle and bustle sang and harmonized with the music of Inazuma. Culture of games, masks and silk infested the streets to satisfy the people and Yokai. Commissioner Kamisato was right; the Shirasagi Himegimi outdid herself this time. The night was too alluring to stay in your room as warmth started to bubble in your heart. Maybe, you won’t spend your night in your stuffy room today.

Indeed, those elders would criticize and lecture you, but at the very best, those grimy sons or selfish daughters of theirs will have no room in your work and your thoughts. At the very least, in your marriage with Itto, he wouldn’t do much for Inazuma other than some minor inconveniences. He would do his own things, and you would do yours. He wouldn’t have any problems with money, shelter, and clothing, and you wouldn’t have any problems with annoying suitors. Now, you have a reason to turn them down.

You also gave your husband his freedom to love whoever he wants.

In the lengthy contract that cited rules and regulations and written agreements between the Arataki Gang Leader and the Esteemed Sun of Inazuma, there, you have written: “The Esteemed Sun of Inazuma, □⁠□⁠□□, agrees for the Arataki Gang Leader, Arataki Itto, to have a romantic or sexual relationship outside of the contractual marriage between the two parties.”

“Hm, are you sure you want this part to be in the contract? Won’t it cause some kind of scandal? It might not jeopardize you, esteemed sun. But the Arataki gang will face grave repercussions." Kuki Shinobu voiced out.

How lucky was Arataki Itto to have a jack of all trades like her? You got a little envious, but the feeling hid behind the curtain. "Dear Kuki, is someone with the likes of Itto even interested in romance?" you whispered.

She actually pondered on your joke, but you pressed on with a grin. "Either way, please notify me if he plans to have a lover. I will make a scandal wherein I have another lover as well as make the narrative sympathize with Itto. Now, they won't be so rude if they think with their little heads. To kill the attention on me, I will announce something beneficial to Inazuma’s-"

"Wait," Itto tapped in, long fingers playing a rhythm to the dark wood. "You're going to sacrifice your reputation? For me to have my own lover?" He raised his brow.

"Of course? My "love life" won't affect my service.”

“Aren’t you technically my lover according to this contract?”

“Well, do you love me?”

“Uh…”

“Think of this as a marriage for convenience, Itto,” you gently smiled, mostly because he was cute, but slightly you placed him at a corner. “We don’t have to love each other.”

"Heh! Well, think again, sunshine!" He crossed his arms and widely opened his mouth. "I'm not gonna be some kind of cheating jerk and fail this marriage! I ain't gonna fall in love with anyone or ain't gonna make out with anyone else but my future wife! I am gonna be an awesome and committed husband as granny oni taught!"

Honestly, you stifle a laugh. "Is that so? It isn’t really cheating since we don’t have feelings for each other, and this relationship is obviously one of empty commitment. You will get bore-"

Before you could add anything, you could feel Itto's hand grab yours as he brought it to his lips. "Then, I'll use my good ol' Arataki "The Handsome Oni" Itto charm to make you fall for me" he winked.

You pondered. Does he read those cheesy light novels?

DON’T PLAGIARIZE, REPOST, OR TRANSLATE ANY OF MY WORKS.

Thank you and God bless!

#notice how I posted at April 1 #HAHAH #arataki itto x reader #itto x reader #arataki itto x you #genshin x reader #genshin impact x reader #genshin x y/n #genshin x you #arataki itto fanfic #itto fanfic #genshin fake marriage #genshin fluff #Dafifish writes #itto slow burn #arataki itto slow burn #arataki itto eventual fluff #itto eventual fluff

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destinygoldenstar · 11 days

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My Evil Arin AU Prediction (Fully Expecting To Be Wrong)

So Arin, caught up in Sora’s lie, believes in the false hope that he has his abilities starting to be figured out. That with Lloyds, Sora’s, and his own minds support, he can be a valuable ninja and be a great asset to the mission to get Kai and Bonzle back.

My prediction of this is that Ras and the gang come up with a plan to revive the blood moon to get the other elemental masters freed. So the ninja after realizing this plan have to return to the dragons to come up with a way to save Kai and Bonzle.

But oh no, Egalt (sorry I still can’t spell his name) still things Arin isn’t good enough.

Arin is by no means arrogant of his own abilities after his success, (that’d be very OOC in my opinion), but he is more trusting in himself and blindly optimistic that he has more of this figured out than he actually does.

He tries to prove this, but no matter what he does, he just can’t get it right.

Even Lloyd starts to get confused. But, you know, Arin could do it, so he has faith in the kid that practice will make perfect.

There could even be a scene where Lloyd tells Arin about his experience of getting possessed by Morro (maybe Euphrasia is also in this scene to give her character development), and how his own master, Master Wu, set him up for something so impossible that Morro became twisted jaded and arrogant in himself to achieve something he couldn’t.

Lloyd is saying this as a warning for Arin. While he by no means thinks Arin is acting the same way Morro was, he had the paranoia that he could. And Lloyd totally knows he isn’t setting Arin up for something impossible. He saw Arin get better and be able to do his tricks. So it’s not an impossible standard. Totally not.

Then there’s Sora, who is trying to keep her distance from Arin, who doesn’t know why. The guilt of what she’s done is killing her, and it’s cost her some sleep knowing that either route she could take could potentially end her friendship with Arin. Keep the lie and watch Arin meet his downfall, or tell him the truth and crush his spirits for good.

After all, she was the one person who since the very beginning believed in Arin. Even when no one else did.

And then she didn’t.

She can’t ever take that betrayal back.

Then, you know, she’s learning Spinjitsu. But Arin isn’t completely bothered by it so long as he’s got his own thing going too.

Arin is obviously hurt by her distance, unsure if there was something he did wrong. But maybe there’s a scene where he pours his heart out to her about their friendship, how their belief in each other is something nothing can undo, and how no matter what is bothering her, she should know very well how forgiving he is.

So she’s ready to be honest and tell him-

And then one of the generals of the villain faction attacks them (and whoever else you want to say is here). For now I’m gonna say Jordana, but anyone can take this slot.

And in this fight, Sora gets knocked down, and Arin is ready to defend her using his object Spinjitsu…

But he fails.

And Jordana reveals to Arin, against Sora’s consent, that Sora lied to him and used her own tech to move that object in that fight. She really taunts it in that his best friend and companion never believed in him and was lying to him the whole time.

How does Jordana know this? Idk maybe she found out in a scene before this.

Arin is obviously so devastated that he’s zoned out and unable to defend himself.

Sora, enraged from Jordana having zero respect, protects Arin and does Spinjitsu for the first time.

Jordana is forced to retreat at Sora’s power, part of that has to do with her anger. And once she’s gone, Sora cools off and tries to help Arin. She doesn’t even care or process that she did Spinjitsu, she’s more concerned about her friend.

But Arin is just… blank. Spaced out. He should be furious at Sora, yell at her and express how absolutely betrayed he feels…

But instead, nothing comes out of him. His feelings towards Sora, or the fight, or everything else is replaced by… nothing. And Sora now being able to do what he can while he’s still him is just icing on the cake that Arin is basically nothing now.

Blah blah, in some other points of the season they can learn more about the elemental masters and the wolf masks and the reveal of Ras’s master.

But Arin is mostly just a spaced out person in the way of all of this, it seems.

Lloyd obviously chews out Sora for her stunt and lying about it, but it’s clear she’s very much aware of the damage she’s done and wants to figure out how to apologize and make it right. She doesn’t know how though with Arin’s condition. Lloyd is quick to forgive her so long as she’s willing to try this apology towards Arin.

Lloyd is also trying to help Arin the best he can. It doesn’t matter to him that Arin doesn’t have anything figured out yet. Lloyd himself didn’t, even when his destiny was written in stone. Arin is just… a late bloomer, shall we say.

This doesn’t help Arin, and even tries to get Lloyd to tell him the ‘truth’. That he is a failure of a ninja. He can’t even help with beating Ras. He can’t even find his own parents…

But Lloyd still refuses to call Arin a failure.

That’s a shred of hope that Arin has that maybe the voices in his head, and Ras, are wrong. As long as his idol believes in him.

Maybe he even expressed how much he misses his birth parents. He misses the life he had before the merge. Even everything made sense. Maybe then he could be a kid DREAMING about these big things and not having to think those dreams would ever come true. That was the simple life.

Then there’s the mission to save Kai and Bonzle. And stop Ras and the others. A plan that’s so tight on the ninjas end that they NEED this to go PERFECTLY. Otherwise, a lot could go wrong.

As such, Lloyd makes the call to leave Arin out of the field part of the mission. Instead he’s gonna be working in the back on comms or something.

Arin tries to convince the others that he wants to be out there and help save Kai, but there’s no convincing the others. They all have agreed to leaving Arin behind for his own good. Especially Lloyd. He lost Kai to this and Kai was a professional. He can’t drag Arin into this and lose him too, if a vision of his is correct. (Maybe he sees Ras grabbing Arin’s hand or something, and he’s come to the conclusion that Ras would use Arin as a sacrifice too)

So they leave, and Arin is stuck on comms.

But eventually, seeing one of them get knocked down hard, Arin decides to refuse the order to stay in place. He goes on the field anyway, ready to prove himself and help the ninja as a ninja.

So far, the plan on the ninjas end is going very smoothly. They got Bonzle out and are ready to get Kai out too, and they’re fending off the villains pretty good…

But then Arin interferes, trying to help. You can decide exactly what he does, Im not sure.

Point is, that because of Arin’s actions, and specifically that, everything goes wrong.

More of the elemental masters get out, (probably using Euphrasia as one of the sacrifices), and not only that, but they are unable to get Kai out of there.

They try hard, very hard, but ultimately… they fail.

Four of the elemental masters get out, and they’re ready for the last one when Lloyd realizes Arin is here and Arin is the cause of this disaster.

Not only were they not able to save Kai, Lloyds beloved surrogate brother, but they also now lost others too (whoever you want to imagine got sacrificed. Pick two more characters you think did alongside Kai and Euphrasia). And it’s all Arin’s fault.

So in a bit of rage and unable to think straight (also from his own mental health issues making him irrational), Lloyd lashes out at Arin.

Arin ruined everything.

Arin didn’t listen to him.

Arin should’ve stayed behind.

Arin doesn’t know what he’s doing out here.

Arin is a failure.

And as soon as that last one gets said out loud, Lloyd snaps out of his rage and realizes what he’s done.

He just confirmed all of Arin’s insecurities. That everyone who said Arin was a failure and a terrible ninja were correct. That absolutely nobody believes in him to do the right thing.

Lloyd IMMEDIATELY regrets it. He immediately tries to take it back! He didn’t mean it! He’s sorry! They’re gonna figure something out! He’s so sorry-

And then Ras gets behind them and knocks away Lloyd. After a short fight, Lloyd becomes the last sacrifice for the spell, all while Lloyd is begging and screaming for Arin.

Arin is obviously devastated by what he’s heard and can’t even process the situation. All the elemental masters are freed and it’s his fault. His idol is gone and it’s his fault.

The very idol that said to his face that he was not good enough.

…was he even an idol anymore?

Arin kneels down to Ras in surrender, ready to be defeated. But he becomes surprised when Ras instead shows pity towards the kid.

Instead, Ras offers Arin a way to find his parents. To go back to his old life and not worry about any of these people who never believed in him.

All he has to do is join Ras and help him out. In exchange, he would spare him and his parents. He even offers the wolf mask to help Arin reach his full potential and become the powerful fighter he saw in him.

And with nothing else left, Arin accepts this deal, allowing himself to be corrupted by the mask.

Almost immediately, his insecurities vanished and are replaced with a sense of purpose, of belonging, of power. With nothing holding him back.

He decides to commit to going rogue and finding his parents with this power. He doesn’t care if Ras wins or loses so long as Arin gets what he wants.

With Arin leaving and now on the dark side, Sora, who I guess was knocked out during the fight or something, realizes what has happened.

It’s not hard to imagine her bawling her eyes out and realizing she just lost her best friend. Maybe she even blames herself.

For the remainder of the season, Arin is just kinda along for the ride with Ras’s forces and the master taking a liking to him and helping him control his new abilities. Maybe he’s able to do the object Spinjitsu without much issue thanks to the mask power. But like I said, Arin doesn’t really care about these villains and their plans, so he’s not concerned which side wins, so long as he gets what he wants.

I’m going to say that Sora, making an army with whoever is remaining, sets up one last fight to rescue the sacrificed ninja.

And TLDR, they win and they’re all fine.

I mean, it’s Ninjago, what do you expect?

The only notable thing is that at some point of this fight, Sora is cornered and most certainly going to get a killing blow by someone, but Arin stops them to ‘focus priority on something more important’.

Even evil, Arin can’t bring anyone, especially not himself, to kill his best friend.

It’s short, but it’s enough that after the fight, Sora says that she knows Arin is still in there and there may be a way to save him in the future.

She doesn’t know how yet, but with her power is a strong responsibility to use it properly this time, and she’s making it her own personal mission to get Arin back. No matter how hard the road of struggle and training is, and no matter how long it takes.

Then of course she has to explain to the others, especially Lloyd, that Arin has turned to the dark side.

Lloyd is the most hurt by this, for obvious reasons.

He failed his student.

He can imagine Wu’s ghost shaking his head in disappointment in Lloyd.

From here on, (season three), Lloyd kinda changes as a mentor. He’s still caring towards the kids, but he’s much stricter on them and very cryptic and demanding of them. Kinda like how Wu was in the first couple of seasons of the main show. It’s obviously taxing on the others. But they also kinda understand how paranoid Lloyd is that he’ll fail another person.

With Ras’s forces defeated and the main members scattered, (whoever you want to say is alive or dead), Arin is alone with a bind of his own to Ras’s master guiding him.

Arin becomes a rogue wanderer searching for answers on where his parents are. And while he doesn’t resort to killing, he still will not let anyone get in his way or let him feel that despair of failure ever again. Not even the ninja.

I expect this to be totally wrong. As I said, I don’t think this theory will come true at all. At most I expect Arin to be turned good again and fixed after like one episode. Whereas this AU theory has Arin’s villainy be expanded further into Dragons Rising where Arin becomes a reoccurring antagonist. But while a villain and having seen a villain origin story unfold, we the audience are still routing for Arin anyway in a pretty twisted kind of way. I don’t know, I thought that’d be an interesting angle instead of ‘And then he became a heartless monster’

#ninjago #ninjago dragons rising #dragons rising #ninjago arin #lloyd garmadon #ninjago lloyd #ninjago sora

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raven-at-the-writing-desk · 8 months

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lilia and uncle iroh

“Leaves from the vine, falling so slow… Like fragile, tiny shells drifting in the foam. Little soldier boy comes marching home… Brave soldier boy comes marching home.”

Lately, I’ve been thinking about how similar Lilia and Iroh’s character development is 🤔 At a surface level, they’re both the wise mentor types that guide their somewhat misguided or naive pupils—but the parallels run even deeper than that!! I wanted to go over those in this post; maybe it would help us appreciate how far Lilia has come on his own merits ever since his war general days.

***Spoilers for book 7 of TWST and Avatar the Last Airbender (only the animated series, not other ATLA materials)!!***

To begin, let's set the stage for the character we'll be comparing Lilia to: Iroh. The show Avatar the Last Airbender takes place in a heavily Asian inspired world where some have the ability to bend an element: earth, water, fire, or air. At present, the Fire Nation has been waging a 100 years long war on the other nations in an imperialistic bid for power. Iroh, while presented as a kind and peaceful old man in modern day, was once a leading general for the Fire Nation. He was an active warmonger and, as the eldest son of the Fire Lord, set to inherit the throne, and the legacy of bloodshed and violence that came with it. Notably, even during his days as a general, Iroh still came off as mild-mannered and had a sense of humor (joking about how magnificent Ba Sing Se is, but saying that his niece and nephew may not get to see it because he might just burn it to the ground first). Iroh is also characterized as being more kind and forgiving than his younger brother Ozai, as he lied about slaying the last dragons to allow them to go into hiding and prevent people from hunting them into extinction. His personality still persists during all of this time. The event that would shake Iroh's life and serve as the impetus for turning his back on the war efforts was at the siege of Ba Sing Se, a city known for its impenetrable walls. There, Iroh managed to breech the Outer Wall and fully intended to finally conquer the city thought to be unconquerable--until he tragically lost his one and only son, Lu Ten, on the front lines. This destroyed Iroh's fighting spirit, causing him to abandon the siege and branding him a failure and a coward in the eyes of his family members.

When Iroh's father passed away under mysterious circumstances, it was his younger brother Ozai who was named as the successor. Iroh had lost the will to fight for his birthright, as he was still grieving for his son. Instead, a disillusioned Iroh left his role in the military and politics to embark on a worldly journey, visiting multiple other nations and learning from their unique cultures. At first, he was filled with great shame at his "failure" to become the Fire Lord--but with time, Iroh realized that avoiding his ascension to the throne was actually a stroke of good fortune. He turned away from the aggression and imperialism of his home country and began seeing the value in peace and balance in all things. Later on, Iroh would serve as a vital mentor and father figure to his nephew and Ozai's son, Zuko, who was banished from home and sent to capture the one person who could stop their victory in the war: the Avatar. Having been disgraced and practically renounced by his own father, Zuko had very few people left to turn to. It was his Uncle Iroh who accepted him with open arms and tried to support him through these difficult times. On their hunt, Zuko is very clearly still in a dark place, constantly insisting that he "needs to capture the Avatar" and that he needs to "regain his honor". Meanwhile, Iroh does what he can to calm his nephew and pass on wise words, extoling the virtues of peace and recognizing the importance of other nations. He urges Zuko to seek inner peace and to determine his own destiny, rather than act out a destiny that someone else has decided for him. We later learn that Iroh sees Zuko as his own son ever since he lost Lu Ten to the war, and we see this compassion and care similarly reflected in how he treats everyone around him. Rarely does Iroh ever express anger or hatred, not even when faced with men intent on harming him. One notable example of this is when a robber demands all of his money, and all Iroh does is disarm him and correct his weak stance. They then sit down, have tea, and talk about the robber's future prospects. This segment infamously comes from Iroh's segment in the episode Tales of Ba Sing Se, in which he's living in the city he once laid siege to as a refugee of war. In it, Iroh goes about his day giving helpful advice to the various people he comes across. This all culminates in the penultimate moment where he scales a hill outside the city and prepares a memorial in honor of Lu Ten. "Happy birthday, my son. If only I could have helped you too." These lines completely recontexualize everything Iroh has been doing up until this point in the series. Literally everything he does and says comes, in part, from the guilt he feels for the part he played in the war and the countless people scarred by it, including himself and his own family. He saw it happen to Lu Ten, and he fears it happening to Zuko and the numerous others touched by the horrors of war. After all, war and hatred do not discriminate. Everyone is affected by it, and Iroh is now wise enough to understand that and to wish for no one to go down the same dark path he once was. ... But hey, this is mostly meant to be a Twisted Wonderland post, so let's finally get to how any of this is relevant to Lilia.

Like Iroh, Lilia was a general to his country's military during a war. In Lilia's case, they were on the losing side, as fae were greatly outnumbered by humans and repulsed by the iron human soldiers wore in combat. The fae weren't the aggressors, but rather people who were trying to defend their territory and resources from invading humans who were tearing apart nature. From what we've observed of him in his book 7 dreamscape, the Lilia of the past is different from what we know now. He maintains his teasing humor and love of surprises, but comes off as gruff and closed off, acting suspicious of others and rejects the idea of wanting or having children. Most shockingly of all though, Lilia states that he has no interest in going to Night Raven College or really engaging with other races. This is a huge departure from modern day Lilia, who encourages his dorm members (most notably Malleus and Sebek) to go out of their comfort zones and to make efforts to understand their peers. He is also known for instilling in Silver a desire to unite people of all races (something which Silver explains to the pixies in Fairy Gala: If). Lilia even uses his wish during the Star Sending to wish for a peaceful world where everyone can live in harmony. He made LARGE strides in his worldview in the hundreds of years between then and now. It's important to note that Lilia often travels and talks about how much the world has changed. This, I assume, would lend to his knowledge and acceptance of many different races and cultures, similar to how Iroh's travels imparted knowledge and appreciation in him. Given how abrasive Lilia was during the war era (plus his refusal to consider other races), I'd surmise his travels started after the war ended.

All that's missing now is the impetus for Lilia's change in behavior: the Lu Ten to Iroh, so to speak. For Lilia, I think it's actually a compounding of many factors: firstly, his best friend (and Malleus's father) Levan, the messenger sent to an enemy fortress goes missing. Secondly, we can infer that his princess Meleanor (and Malleus's mother) must have been killed by humans (as Malleus says in modern day that his only living relative is his mother, and we are currently on a book 7 cliffhanger knowing that humans have ambushed the castle where she is staying)... leaving Lilia to pick up the pieces of a war-ravaged country and with an egg that has yet to hatch. I think it’s safe to say though that Lilia probably felt immense guilt at Malleus, still unborn, having to be raised without parents, by someone who doesn’t understand parental love himself—and perhaps Lilia took up that mantle to atone for being unable to protect them. It was also, after all, Meleanor’s wish that Lilia protect her son and ensure he hatch in her stead if something horrible befell her. Maybe, in another way, you could say that Lilia eventually wants to avoid war so that no one has to suffer such cruel, unnecessary loss as Malleus, Silver, or he did ever again.

Then we also learn that Lilia started raising Silver because he wishes to understand humans—a sentiment that Levan expressed to his friend. It was also Levan that kept the NRC invitation letter safe for Lilia, an implication to reconsider. And so Lilia willingly raises child of a sworn enemy, the Dawn Knight. We see how Silver in particular softens Lilia and changes his worldview and, most notably, Silver so innocently wished his father good health with an acorn amulet. That amulet would become Lilia’s most prized possession, and he kept it all these years later despite the acorns losing their freshness. It’s in raising Silver that Lilia recognizes and learns to appreciate the fragility that is human life and hardens his resolve to defend what he once deemed relatively unimportant.

In Lilia's case, his impetus comes from the guilt of not being there at the crucial moment to protect his sovereign--and later down the line, from the disillusionment of knowing that he had a part in escalating the conflict that would ultimately harm humans and fae alike. This may be whey he so readily adopts a policy of peace and acceptance of other races when we see in at NRC. Not only that, but it was the first person he lost, Levan, that encouraged Lilia to open his heart to other races. His enlightening travels, his experiences with raising children who are innocent and rely on him for survival, and the guilt setting in all feed into Lilia's change of heart, his desire to not see history repeat itself, and his vision of world peace. That's why he's so keen to instill these same values into those he mentors: because he knows that, someday, he won't be here anymore to spread them. While he's still around, he wants Malleus, Sebek, and Silver to carry on his legacy, to make his dream a reality.

Truthfully, Lilia could have easily gotten mad. He could have closed himself off. He could have become hateful and sought revenge. He could have blamed humans for what they took from him. It speaks immensely to his strength as an individual that he didn't, and that he instead learned from his mistakes to ensure they don't happen again. Lilia still very much has pride in his home country and its royal family. However, the difference now is that he has opened himself up to other sources, seeing that there is something wonderful in every corner and facet of the world.

Both Iroh and Lilia are wise, loving mentor characters who have developed in their own ways far before the main show/story events begin to pan out. One might even argue their development is "already finished" long before the other characters even start on theirs, which puts them in a good position to lead others. Age grants them the edge of knowledge and being able to impart that onto the younger generation, not only to avoid imminent disaster, but to create a better world for all.

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kaylinalexanderbooks · 2 months

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WIP Questionnaire

Thanks @buffythevampirelover for the tag! This game looks fun!

Rules: answer as few or as many as you'd like!

1. What was the first part of your wip that you created?

TSP: Lexi was! TSP started out as a school project, and we had to create a character sheet for our first person narrator! That was "Alexia" who is now just "Lexi" (but her full name is still Alexia).

SOTL: The concept! "School for fairy tale characters" was basically it. I got discouraged a bit when I found out this concept already existed, but that didn't mean I couldn't do my own take!

2. If your story was a TV show, what would the theme song/intro be?

My favorite types of intros for TV shows are original theme songs or very catchy instrumental music. 30-60 seconds is a good length. I'd hope that for TSP and SOTL. Hope this isn't a cop-out.

3. Who are your favourite characters you've made? Why?

TSP: My favorite characters to write for are Lexi, Gwen, Akash, Robbie, and Carmen. Lexi because the arc I gave her is an exaggerated version of something that speaks a lot to me. Gwen because I wasn't expecting her to be as interesting as she ended up being planned to be. Robbie and Akash because of how funny and sweet their dynamic is. Yes, I love them separately, but they're a package set. Carmen because she's just so damn interesting I love studying her under a microscope.

SOTL: I am barely into writing it, but it's Jack at the moment. Shocker, he has three chapters while Tierney and Úrsula have one each! But the reason is that he is average at everything, but he doesn't let that get him down! He's funny and relatable and a dork.

4. What other pieces of media do you think would share a fan base for your story?

TSP: Hm, good question. The only thing coming to mind right now is Young Justice (the cartoon). Starts out with this fun group of kids, becomes extremely dark. Ensemble cast. Sneaking around. Superpowers. Fight scenes. Drama.

SOTL: Insert fairy tale retelling here.

5. What has been your biggest struggle with your wip?

TSP: Juggling everything. The world building, I guess. Making all the characters distinct was something I struggled at for a while, but I'm getting much better at it. Trying to figure out how the world works is challenging, but I am having fun. But juggling all the moving parts to make it cohesive is a challenge.

SOTL: What is plot?!! Also battling my ambition to do every fairy tale ever. I'm gonna have to make a lot of background characters that will get their own side stories separate from the main series to get all that I want. I probably will do that.

6. Are there any animals in your story? Talk about them!

TSP: Yep! Alium has a lot of fantasy creatures, animal hybrids, and fun things I just made up. Custos the dragon is the only truly prominent one right now. He's a blue fire dragon and is adorable. I also have kitsunes. Animal hybrids include unibison, ferretsnakes, cowyotes, beaverducks. Things I made up include the elemental foxes and blue hedgehogs.

SOTL: Hofiwi is an anthropomorphic bear! She was cursed to be anthropomorphic, this is not a normal thing in this world. I love her and she's just planned at the moment. Can't wait to do more.

7. How do your characters get around? (ex: trains, horses, cars, dragons, etc.)

TSP: Hovercrafts, dragons, teleporting, trains, and some other power-based travel

SOTL: I'm still figuring this out no one has gone anywhere yet. Dragons or carriages would be cool. Maybe I can mix them with something modern to fit the setting.

8. What part of your wip are you working on rn?

TSP: World building! Specifically the power database since that will be the backbone for everything.

SOTL: Reading fairy tales... I need to do that more

9. What aspects (tropes, maybe?) of your wip do you think will draw people in?

TSP: Powers, diverse cast, queer/disability rep

SOTL: same as TSP but fairy tales!

10. What are your hopes for your wip?

If I see one (1) fanart between either my life will be complete.

This was fun!

Softly tagging @mk-writes-stuff @jezifster @blind-the-winds @little-peril-stories @sleepywriter00 @mysticstarlightduck @sarahlizziewrites @writernopal @gottestod-writes + anyone who wants to join!

TSP intro

TSP tag list (ask to be +/-): @thepeculiarbird @illarian-rambling @televisionjester @finchwrites - giving a slightly harder nudge than usual cause I really want to see what y'all have to say! Still optional obviously

Blanks below the cut!

1. What was the first part of your wip that you created?

2. If your story was a TV show, what would the theme song/intro be?

3. Who are your favourite characters you've made? Why?

4. What other pieces of media do you think would share a fan base for your story?

5. What has been your biggest struggle with your wip?

6. Are there any animals in your story? Talk about them!

7. How do your characters get around? (ex: trains, horses, cars, dragons, etc.)

8. What part of your wip are you working on rn?

9. What aspects (tropes, maybe?) of your wip do you think will draw people in?

10. What are your hopes for your wip?

#writing tag game #wip questionnaire #the secret portal #tsp #teaspoon #school of the legends #sotl #writing blog #writers on tumblr #writing community #writers of tumblr #writing on tumblr #writeblr #writeblr community

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randoms-fandoms · 11 months

Note

Can we have some platonic or romantic reader x Zane from lego ninjago?

Sure! I’m gonna go with romantic <3 (also this will take place in the time skip between seasons five and six)

Warnings: food/eating mention, some sad Zane

Relationship: established Zane x gn reader

Dating Zane would turn out to be pretty hard. Of course, your new boyfriend was practically perfect— he was smart, kind, funny, and he could cook! But he was also a nindroid, which made him stand out in public.

Zane was by nature a quiet person, and would much rather stay home instead of go out only to be mobbed by curious people, or fans of his.

On one of these date nights, you sat on a bench near the end of one of Ninjago’s fishing piers, waiting for Zane to pick you up. The Destiny’s Bounty usually sat idle in the open ocean, so when you went to visit, Zane always have you a lift on his ice dragon.

Though ninjago city had been warm and sunny all day, the setting sun and proximity to the ocean made you shiver.

Something caught your attention. Blue light glowing against the darkening sky, reflecting off the calm sea. Yep, that’s Zane.

You smiled up at him as he landed the barely-corporeal ice dragon on the pier, making the old wooden planks creak.

Zane slid off of the dragon to meet you. “You look nice,” he said with a big smile.

You blushed slightly, thanking him. Zane gave you compliments often, but it still made you so happy.

Zane helped you climb onto the back of the dragon before quickly jumping on to sit behind you. He gave you a quick hug. “Are you cold?” He asked, having noticed you shivering.

“Maybe a little bit,” you said with a shaky laugh. In truth, the combination of Zane’s elemental dragon, the chilly wind from the ocean, and his cold metal body against your back were making you freezing.

“Don’t worry, I prepared a nice hot meal for when we get home.”

You smiled. “That sounds great!”

Once Zane’s dragon took off and began flying, the rushing wind made it hard to talk. The lull in conversation gave you an opportunity to reflect on your time together.

You had been dating Zane for a little over a year now, and things were going great. At first it was hard to get used to his hectic life— soon after you started dating, he got swept up in a huge fight with a bunch of ghosts, and that had been pretty stressful— but other than that, it had been smooth sailing.

It had been pretty funny when you first met his team— the rest of the ninja certainly were just as odd as Zane, in their own unique ways. Though you didn’t see them as often, they were really friendly, and you got along well.

When you reached the Bounty, Zane helped out off the dragon and onto the swaying deck of the ship. The dragon disappeared, and the two of you were left in near darkness, the dim glow of Zane’s blue eyes casting you in light.

Zane breathed a sigh. “It’s been a while since I’ve had to keep the dragon out that long… next time we should just pick you up with the boat.” He said with a small laugh.

“I thought conjuring an energy dragon was about conquering your fears,” you said as the two of you made your way into the cabin of the ship.

Zane shrugged. “Well, I’m always a little nervous when you fly with me— I don’t want you to get hurt.” He led you into the kitchen

You smiled warmly. “That’s sweet, Zane— I’m never worried, you know… I feel safe with you.” You said shyly, avoiding eye contact by taking a look at the food he’d prepared.

“Aw, thanks—“ Zane started, but was quickly interrupted.

“How did you know my favorite!” You said excitedly, grabbing a dish to serve yourself. “It looks so good!”

Zane laughed, beaming. “Well, Nya told me you mentioned it to her a while back…”

You smiled wide. He went out of his way to do this… you thanked him, getting yourself a portion of the food.

“Of course, I love seeing you happy.” Zane said earnestly as he put a pot of tea on the modern-looking hibachi in the dining room. As a nindroid, Zane didn’t have the organs to eat food, but he did love tea.

You sat down on the cushion next to where Zane always sat— you usually sat across from him (better for talking, you know) but that night you wanted to be close to him.

“So how’ve you been?” You asked, still focused on your food.

“Well, I’m pretty pleased— we’ve had the day off from training, so that was nice.” Zane said, with a smile in his voice.

You looked up to catch him staring at you— he quickly turned forward to pour himself a cup of tea, spilling a little.

“What are you looking at?” You asked, wanting to tease him a little.

“You,” he answered truthfully as he used his sleeve to wipe up the spill. He then took a sip, burning his tongue. “Ow!”

“How can you get burned if you’re a nindroid?” You asked conversationally. “Plus, you’re the master of ice.”

“I can feel some things, you know.” He said, sticking two cold metal fingers in his mouth to sooth the burn. “Mostly on my face.”

Your face heated up. “You can feel when we kiss?” You weren’t quite sure why that made you embarrassed.

“Of course!” Zane said, going back to drinking his tea, slowly and carefully this time. “What did you think?” He smiled, amused.

You laughed awkwardly. “I don’t know. I guess that’s normal.”

Zane nodded. “I like it, by the way.”

“What?”

“Just so you don’t worry about it. I like kissing and hugging you.” Zane stated plainly.

You smiled, looking down at the table. “…Yeah, you too.” It took a lot of getting used to to be so physically affectionate with someone who was literally made of titanium, but it was nice.

Zane was quiet for a moment. “Does it bother you that I’m not normal?”

You were surprised at the question. You didn’t think rational, smart Zane would be insecure about something like that, if at all. “No way! I think you’re great just the way you are.”

Zane smiled. “Even though I’m cold?”

“Yeah, I don’t mind!” You said reassuringly, hugging him.

“I used to be more human. Have I ever told you?”

You shook your head. “Well, I know you got rebuilt…”

“Here, check this out.” Zane pulled out his phone and scrolled through most of his photos, all the way back to the beginning. There was a group photo of the entire ninja team.

It took you a moment to recognize him. Zane zoomed in on a smiling face in the middle. You saw a tall teenage boy with short blond hair wearing a white ninja gi. And he did look human.

“Wow, that does look pretty different,” you didn’t really know what to say.

Zane nodded, smiling at the picture a little sadly. “You know, I used to think I was a human for a while. Funny that I never realized.” He turned off his phone and put it away.

Zane still smiled as he sipped his tea, but the energy in the room was different. Bittersweet.

“Sorry for all that. I didn’t mean to ruin the mood.” Zane said, trying to laugh it off.

You leaned against him, still eating your food, knowing it would diffuse the tension. “No, it’s okay. I like hearing what you’re thinking.”

Zane nodded. “I… sometimes wish I could be human again. Well, not again, but you know…” he said. He sounded so tired.

You nodded, though you didn’t really understand.

“…so thanks.“

You met Zane’s eyes again. “What do you mean?”

Zane leaned his head against yours, a genuinely happy smile on his face. “My life is very… weird. I always have to save Ninjago from ghosts, and snakes, and even other nindroids. Being with you makes me feel normal.” He explained.

You felt the exact opposite, but in a good way— as an average citizen of Ninjago City, you didn’t have the most exciting life. Meeting Zane and the rest of the ninja had made your weekends very eventful. This new friend group was a lot of fun.

“I love you, Zane.”

Zane’s smile broadened. “I love you too.”

Zane kissed you then. It was cold, but not bad. In fact, it was the best kiss you had ever shared.

A/N: hi I hope you like this! I had fun writing it :) Zane is one of my favorite characters to write for in Ninjago!

#Ninjago #lego ninjago #ninjago x reader #zane julien #zane x reader

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resident-idiot-simp · 29 days

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I’m so glad you liked my idea! :D

In this Au I don’t think people would be born as hybrids. Around the age where kids start developing personalities that’s when they’re the most open to absorbing the ambient magic around them. The forms they take being dependent on a combination of the persons spirit and the local magic. It requires a lot of magic so it’s pretty rare and mythics require even more magic so are rarer still. It’s unusual to have more than one hybrid in a family let alone siblings and one being a mythic to boot is basically unheard of.

There’s room to change what creatures Price, Gaz and Ghost are I just went with lions because it’s England’s national emblem. I love Irish roach too but DRAGON.

Farah and Hadir are unequal opposites both hybrids but Farah is a mythic and they represent different elements and want different things in the end freedom vs retribution (I also wanted a hybrid antagonist instead of making all the bad guys human).

Farah x Alex = roast beef :,D

Laswell isn’t a mythic but she is also very rare she grew up on or near a hidden fossil when other hybrids (especially reptiles and some birds) get near her the feel like they’re in the presence of something ancient.

Golden eagles mate for life (Alrudy) and the snake the eagle eats on the Mexican flag is a rattle snake but I think it was originally a different one and Valeria does work better a a viper

You are so right with nick btw polar bears are one of the few animals to actively hunt humans and they’re smart to.

I think the first thing to change for soap were his eyes, they went from blue to BLUE and ever since everyone’s been to afraid of tainting the pure little Unicorn to even touch him. Being viewed as near holy did not help the religious guilt. This could also work with him being trans masc or just gay. Also did I say this was Ghoap yet?

Everyone listens to a mythic they are put on pedestals and viewed as nearly holy and hurting one purposefully is nearly unthinkable for most regular people, so having several in the military even if they are fierce creatures is nearly unheard of let alone with Soap. They usually become celebrities or spiritual leaders.

Shepherd mission in life is basically “if I can’t have special magic then I’m gonna make those who do suffer”. Makarov’s is to wipe out the walking talking crimes against nature. He’s one of the few deadend to magic like the opposite of a hybrid but that does mean magical tracking, attacks or other affects don’t work on him.

Nearly everyone has a bit of magic in them they can use and feel, hybrids and mythic hybrids have more Laswell has more then most still.

Thank you for letting me word vomit I hope you like some of the background info.

I LOVE THAT AS A WAY TO EXPLAIN HYBRIDS THAT WORKS SO WELL! THERE IS SO MUCH POTENTAL!!!

I see why you chose that but honestly it almost to many lions. What you could do is have Ghost's transformation happen around the Roba period. I know that goes against the premise, but it would be an explanation if you wanted to do something else. Maybe a chupacabra or OOHHH A BLACK DOG!!!

Agreed Irish Roach is based but DRAGON!!!

Good thought process on Farah that absolutely makes a lot of sense as well as some of the bad guys being also hybrids.

FARAH AND ALEX MY BABIES!

I like that a lot Laswell gives the ancient knowledge vibes.

THE SYMBOLISM WITH ALRUDY AND VALARIA 10/10 (I'm a bitch for symbolism)

My thoughts exactly it also narrows down presumably a wide range of other bear hybrids. Polar bears are so cool and I have never seen one be used in a hybrid AU.

I love the Soap angst (I'm also a bitch for Soap angst) lovely ideas for potential angst it works very well. I did figure it was Ghoap when is it not.

That is such a cool concept and it really makes a lot of sense. Do you think you will have any hybrids that are disliked and on top of that to what extent do mythic hybrids extend to. Ie what counts as something you can be a hybrid of because there is fae and other stuff (yes this is a roundabout way to ask if wendigo hybrids could exist)

Both motivations are just perfect chefs kiss. It fits both of their personalities and Shepard strikes me as a spiteful old bastard. And Makarov is just pure evil.

I like that addition I think it really ties the premise together.

I WILL TAKE ANYTHING YOU WILL GIVE ME!!! Feel free to drop by and give me more whenever you want I am living for this!

#call of duty modern warfare #cod modern warfare #call of duty modern warfare 2 #modern warfare #hybrid au

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markantonys · 8 months

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With caging and shielding the Dragon now being Tower law how is that gonna change Elaida and her Box plans? Is her ultimate plan still gonna be caging and shielding him though now it'll be a need for following Tower law? Or will there be more to it. I also feel like they'll make Rand's Box torture like 10000x worse in the show based off of how things went down this episode

yeah that's all very interesting to ponder!! i think it could lend elaida an element of legitimacy/competence, if her plan for rand is actually following official tower law rather than her just, like, going wild. maybe her influence won't slip quite as drastically after dumai's wells if it's "elaida caused a disaster, but she was trying to follow tower law" rather than "elaida caused a disaster while enacting some crazy-ass unsanctioned kidnapping plan"?

and oooh, i wonder if it could be a sign that elaida will end up standing on her own two feet as a villain rather than being a patsy for alviarin & the shadow AND being under the influence of mashadar? because if her box plans stem from official tower law, then that's good enough motive for her to come up with them and she doesn't really need outside dark influences whispering in her ear. in the books i was always annoyed by overuse of "this antagonist is acting out of plain ol regular human evil...........haha sike, they're actually under magical dark influences!" and especially with elaida, who would've been a prime candidate for "not influenced by the shadow in any way, but still an antagonist" treatment, so i've really been hoping the show might remove one or, ideally, both Magical Dark Influences from her character (and doubly so when shohreh's casting leaked, since she just oozes stone-cold competence and it's hard to picture her elaida being the kind of pathetic downtrodden crazy patsy she becomes in the books).

another interesting note is that in rafe's q&a the other day, he said "liandrin stands alone" in response to a question about whether liandrin had been merged with any other characters. now, as always, the truth rafe says may not always be the truth we think we hear, but it does seem to debunk the theories that liandrin will take over galina and/or alviarin's roles, which in turn COULD make it less likely that one or both of them will appear in the show (since galina especially would be a prime candidate for a merger, as she basically only appears in LOC (i'm sure the show would not bother with her whole tortureporn plotline after that)). and that could mean that the whole kidnapping thing is less due to Darkfriend Influence and more due to elaida just being herself and trying to adhere to draconian tower policy? ooh i even wonder if elaida might actively participate as the leader of the kidnapping instead of galina! it would definitely give her a meatier role during that portion of the story.

i forget the exact wording, but during that q&a rafe also said that he anticipates 2x07 will be divisive but that the changes were made for long-term story reasons, basically, so i definitely wouldn't be surprised if elaida and the kidnapping was part of their thought process in addition to the immediately obvious reason of them making plans for siuan's and siuraine's long-term arcs.

oh and FINALLY, it will have exciting implications for egwene's arc too! because over and over again, the books emphasize how she's a radical amyrlin who frequently breaks with tradition and tries to reform the tower. her refusing to try and cage rand and working with him as an equal instead will be another great example of that, since she's now defying tower law and defying the examples of both elaida AND siuan. in the later books, it's told to us that siuan's arc is "being a not-so-great amyrlin -> massive fall from grace -> learning lessons -> becoming wiser and using her own mistakes to teach egwene, and to grow as a person herself." in the later books she constantly tells us and egwene that she doesn't think she was a good amyrlin, but in the early books when she actually WAS amyrlin, we aren't given much evidence of this. what the show's done, i think, is to give more weight to the idea of siuan being a flawed amyrlin in order to make her long-term growth arc hit harder* AND to make the coup a bit more nebulous (vs. TSR where it feels very clearly like Rebels=Good, Tower Contingent=Bad, and only in the later books does RJ try to walk it back and say that actually both sides are equally wrong and equally right).

*normally i'm annoyed by "women losing power" arcs, but the 2x07 cold open shows that siuan didn't WANT to be amyrlin. she just wanted to retire with her fishwife! so rather than her arc feeling like she's being punished for having been a woman in a position of power, it could instead be a really touching and satisfying ending to see her and moiraine ride off into the sunset together after the last battle for some well-earned rest, letting the kids take up the mantle of power for the next age.

#answered #anonymous #wot book spoilers #wot show spoilers

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imagobin · 8 months

Text

🌊 Dragon King x Human!Reader OS 🌊

I bring... food for all the monster lovers like me! This is just a little reader insert one shot cause I had this idea and needed to get it out of my brain. This takes place some months after the movie's events. Reader is Gender Neutral and works as a fisher and diver.

Genre: Fluff ☁️ Word count: 5.2k

Seashells

The first time Ao Guang had laid eyes upon them was when they dove into the sea to gather sea urchins and mussels from the underwater rocks. He’d seen many humans do that before, but none were quite as graceful as they were, their movements were akin to the ones of a sea creature, and they could hold their breath for so long, that the dragon nearly thought they had gills for a moment… until he saw them resurface with their catch of the day held inside a net, slicking their hair back and taking in big breaths of air.

That had somewhat displeased the King, who wasn’t a fan of ‘air breathers’ as he called them. But still, every action of theirs couldn’t help but strangely tug at his heartstrings, in a way nothing had ever done before, not even his own reflection. That troubled him, how could he… a near immortal being, be feeling that way for a mere human? Had the centuries spent in solitude, trying to regain his power softened his hatred for anything capable of surviving on land? No… that certainly wasn’t it- then what? Maybe… loneliness?

He tried to ignore those budding feelings, but he simply couldn’t, not when that person kept coming there to gather seafood, which he didn’t mind, since those little shelled mollusks were too small for him to eat anyways. They’d dive into the water, and then spend some time on the shore cleaning their catch, humming a song with that beautiful voice of theirs, beautiful enough to render Ao Guang innocuous as long as he could hear it.

He’d come to enjoy that daily occurrence, to the point of feeling like his day wasn’t complete if for any reason they didn’t show up. For that reason, he’d been tempted to stealthily follow them back on land, discover where they lived… so he could go and check on them whenever they missed a day, just to make sure it wasn’t because they were sick. But alas, his sensitive skin could never allow him to do that, especially not since he’d lost everything, including his servants, to that dreadful Sun Wukong, the Monkey King…

He had nobody who could help him, who’d carry him in a bathtub so he could see what laid beyond the water. It had been so long since he’d seen the surface.

For that same reason, he’d never dared to even show himself to the diver, fearing his skin would get damaged by the light and air, and that the horrible sight would’ve scared off the human.

However, one day his hand would be forced.

The diver came back like usual, and the Dragon King observed them from his usual spot, hidden behind rocks… but that day, the human didn’t seem to move as gracefully as usual… he could tell something was wrong… maybe they were fatigued, or maybe they’d suddenly fallen ill. Still, they persevered in their duty, working with their small knife to detach the shells from the rocks and cutting some seaweed… he could tell they looked weak doing so however… really weak. What was going on?

And then it happened, their legs stopped moving and they clung to the rock, trying to swim upwards, but lacking in energy and limbs to do so, since their legs weren’t responding and one of their arms was busy holding the net.

Ao Guang panicked. They were going to drown… he couldn’t have that, absolutely not. They’d become the only light in his otherwise dull and repetitive days, he wasn’t going to let them die like that. He saw a few bubbles coming out of their mouth, and that finally prompted him to act.

In just a second he’d caught up to them, being extremely nimble in his element, he took them and their net, swimming back to shore as fast as he could, and by the way their body had gone limp, he could tell they were barely conscious, which was… disappointing; he wanted them to know HE’d been the one to save them, but that wasn’t the time to think about that.

He resurfaced, placing them on the hot sand. He could already feel his sensitive skin drying as it felt the air and sunrays, but he didn’t care about that now. He had to check on them, knowing that humans could get damaged if they were to breathe in water. Luckily, as he checked on them, the human began to cough on their own, gasping for air and spitting out water, their limbs shaking.

They were alive! But as soon as they’d coughed out all the water, they briefly looked at him and then… they passed out again on the sand.

The Dragon King took that opportunity to dive back into the water, hydrating his skin and going back to watching them from a distance; they seemed to be simply asleep, and he took a sigh of relief. Still… that was his chance, he could’ve done something to make his presence known, to perhaps finally let the diver understand that someone was keeping an eye on them.

He dove into the depths, searching for something that would’ve definitely let them know someone powerful had helped them, and then he found it, the most beautiful seashell he could find: a Venus comb, with blue and peach streaks, definitely something unusual, which was perfect.

After making sure the diver was still sleeping, he resurfaced and placed the seashell atop their net; he gave one last look at them, and then disappeared again into the water.

---

(y/n) woke up an hour later with a throbbing headache and sand all over their body. Their memory was foggy, all they could remember was suddenly feeling weak as soon as they’d entered the water, struggling to move and then… something scaly and smooth picking them up and dragging them to the shore.

“What the hell was that?” they muttered to themselves, brushing off some sand and looking to the side, noticing their net was safe and sound, half in the water so the creatures they’d caught wouldn’t dry in the sun, and on top of all that… a wonderful Venus comb.

Their eyes widened at the sight of that… Who could’ve left that thing there?

They shakily got back up, taking the shell into their hands, feeling it.

Suddenly, a memory flashed before (y/n), and they saw a blue dragon looking at them. Did it… save them?

That thought stuck with them all the way back home. How could THEY, a mere diver, have caught the attention of such a being?

“I’m home!” (y/n) announced, immediately being hugged by their older sister, (s/n), who was worried sick for her sibling.

“You’re late! I-I thought something had happened- I was about to come look for you I-”

(y/n) chuckled “Relax, sister… the sea is always on my side…” they replied with a small chuckle “I think… literally, today” they added, pulling back from the hug and placing the net on a straw mat before looking back at that seashell.

(s/n) widened her eyes at the sight “I’ve never seen such a large Venus comb…”

“I know! I… I had no idea they could get so big…” (y/n) replied, smiling “I think this was a gift from my savior…”

“Your… savior? So something DID happen!” their sister replied, sounding concerned again “I knew you shouldn’t have gone diving today… you’ve been working so hard- and you still insist on doing that almost every day too”

(y/n) looked to the side, really not wanting to tell their sister they’d nearly drowned, they shook their head “That doesn’t matter- I can’t just… Stop doing that, it’s my job…” the diver replied, looking back to their sister, then back at the seashell “I think… it was a dragon…”

(s/n) sighed deeply, knowing her sibling would never listen to her concerns, but soon her interest was caught again when (y/n) mentioned what they thought had saved them “A… dragon you say? But… there’s no other water dragons aside from… Ao Guang- but he tried to destroy us hundreds of years ago, why would he save a human now?”

(y/n) flinched, they knew the legend of Ao Guang very well: he tried to drown the world, envious of the people who could walk on land, but his plans were foiled by Sun Wukong, who defeated him before being trapped in a mountain for being too irresponsible with the powers bestowed to him.

“Well… I don’t know if it could truly be him- but… isn’t it good if it was? That means maybe he doesn’t wish to kill humankind anymore!” (y/n) suggested, wanting to stay positive “He even gifted this to me… so perhaps he’s truly changed…”

(s/n) nodded slowly, she did agree with her sibling, but it seemed a bit too risky to just let that happen without doing anything about it “Ao Guang is still a dangerous being, to leave his kindness unpaid could be dangerous… we should prepare an offering for him”

(y/n) couldn’t agree more, it was still best to be cautious with beings of such power, but what to bring him then? “I don’t think he’d enjoy fruits… and he definitely has enough fish in his territory that he can feed off of… we don’t own any cattle-” they began listing, unable to come up with anything that could even remotely pay back the Dragon King’s favor.

Their sister was thinking intensely about it as well, until she had an idea “You could bake something for him!”

“B-bake?” the diver asked.

(s/n) smiled “Of course! You’re nearly as talented with baking as you are with fishing, if any pastry can satisfy a divine being that would be yours!” she cheerfully said. “You could make him some Tang Yuan, or some Dou Sha Bao! I’m sure he’d love them”

(y/n) looked a bit to the side, embarrassed by their sister’s kind compliments “But… those are all such simple things, would a dragon really be satisfied with them?”

“Well… it’s still better than nothing, or than something he’s seen time and time again-”

“Right- right… well, I’d better get baking then” the diver replied, chuckling a bit; they had to get everything ready.

---

The following day, (y/n) got back to the beach, but not to fish this time, rather, to carry a large offering of red bean paste buns to the Dragon King. They felt a bit nervous, wondering if he’d even accept that as thanks, but they hoped for the best.

They knelt down on the sand, placing a bamboo boat, containing a decent amount of Bao buns, on it.

(y/n) took a deep breath, and then spoke up.

“Great Ao Guang… I humbly offer you this food, as thanks for saving my life… I know this will never be enough to repay your gesture, but please accept it”

The Dragon King was shocked to see the human come back like that, carrying food offerings. He’d been waiting for them, and had swam closer as soon as he heard them call his name. That was a great surprise, and it nearly made him feel prideful that humans still knew of him, even after being gone from their sight for so long.

He looked at the diver, then back at the offering. Whatever those things were, they looked delicious, he just had to wait for them to leave, so he could try some.

But it was really difficult to hold back, not just because he’d been craving something other than fish… but because he wanted to finally show himself to the human being.

After some moments of hesitation, he finally decided to bite the bullet and emerge, only by a smidge, so that only his horns and part of his snout were visible, because one: he wanted to look mysterious, and two: he was afraid his skin would dry out if he stayed out there for too long.

Still, that was enough to make (y/n) gasp in shock, and kneel down in respect “Great Ao Guang… so it truly was you who saved me yesterday…” they muttered, unsure if they were even allowed to speak.

In the meantime, Ao Guang was having the time of his life, being revered by the human he’d been interested in for so long was feeding his starving ego, and he had to hold back from saying anything, not wanting to ruin a moment that most definitely felt mythical to the human.

“If- if I may be so… bold to ask… why me? There’s… so many people who die at sea, some leagues more important than me, but you chose to save me… why?” (y/n) asked, wanting answers above everything.

The Dragon King wasn’t expecting a question so soon, especially not something that would’ve laid his motives bare like that, but alas… he had to answer, if anything because he wanted to get closer to them.

“You… come to these shores seeking food for your family most days, and then you sit on the sand and sing, cleaning mussels and other shelled creatures. That singing… it pleases me, that is why I saved you” he replied, keeping his tone serious and cool, although inside he was blushing madly from embarrassment, he couldn’t believe he’d just openly admitted he enjoyed the human’s singing.

(y/n) was surprised that he’d saved them for something so… silly, frankly, but then they remembered, the dragon was selfish, and driven by desire, so him caring for (y/n) simply because of their singing made sense. “So… you saved me because I’m… entertaining?”

“Life is boring, when you’re thousands of years old and have nobody to talk to-” he bluntly replied, before realizing how honest and non-mysterious his words sounded, which prompted him to cover his mouth with his hands, in a rather comical way.

The diver widened their eyes, holding back a small giggle, trying to remind themselves they were in front of a powerful dragon and not just some… lonely fish. “Well… if my singing brightens your days so… I’ll keep coming here, Great Ao Guang” they smiled.

The Dragon King felt his heart flutter at those words, but he tried regaining a calm attitude, wanting the human to take him very seriously. “Very well… you’re free to leave now- so that I can… enjoy my offers in peace” he said, accidentally sounding more eager than perhaps necessary. He just hadn’t had anything but fish for the past centuries since his defeat, he was DYING for some novelty.

(y/n) flinched “Oh! Yes, of course… I hope my baking makes you as happy as my singing-” they muttered, turning around to leave the beach. As soon as they’d taken some steps away, they heard the sound of water splashing around, followed by silly, happy giggles.

As it turned out, the King had not, in fact, been able to hold back for long enough, and had started eating his offerings without waiting for (y/n) to leave completely.

That prompted the diver to look back, finding the ‘Great Ao Guang’ floating atop the water like a sea otter, while keeping the boat full of buns on his chest and savoring them with the happiest smile on his face.

At that sight, (y/n) chuckled, they couldn’t help it, he was just too cute not to.

However, the moment the Dragon King noticed them looking, he grew embarrassed. “Uh… you were not supposed to turn around…” he quietly muttered, his cheeks going purple, ashamed of himself for not being able to wait longer, now fearing that the human would’ve thought of him as ridiculous.

But (y/n) wasn’t thinking that at all “S-sorry, sorry… I just… well- I was worried my offering wouldn’t be enough, so- seeing you enjoy it so much is making me really happy… Great Ao Guang…” they replied, smiling.

The King was surprised… the human thought those delicacies wouldn’t be enough? Well, actually they were right… or at least they would’ve been, a couple hundred years ago, when he was still respected as the King of the eastern sea, a simple offer of sweets would’ve been laughable, but now? After he’d lost everything because of that cursed Monkey King? Not at all- that, in fact, was the best thing anyone had done for him in a while, and he didn’t even need to instill absolute fear in their soul to get them to do that?!

“You underestimate yourself… human” he spoke, recomposing himself, as if he hadn’t just been caught lounging in such an unflattering manner. “These are undoubtedly… worthy offerings for a king such as I~” he smirked.

(y/n)’s eyes lit up with joy “T-they are? Oh- oh w-wow… That means the world to me! I’m so flattered!” they replied, a big grin on their face as they tried to stop the blushing on their cheeks; it wasn’t everyday that they’d get complimented by a dragon after all. Then… an idea suddenly came to them; they could take advantage of this… to help their village “I-I could bring more… if you wish”

“You could?!” Ao Guang blurted out, immediately clearing his throat as he noticed how desperate that had come out. “I mean… that would be… uh…” he stammered, struggling to find the right words to convey that he would’ve loved that, without losing his dignity, but nothing came to mind, so he just floated there, awkwardly.

(y/n) couldn’t help but chuckle again “Yeah, I could! There’s just… a small problem-” they began, their tone getting a bit meeker.

“And what would the problem be?” the King asked. Whatever it was, he was certainly capable of doing something about it- honestly, he would’ve done anything to get more attention from the human he’d been looking at for so long.

“Well… droughts have been more frequent as of late… and we don’t have many resources to begin with, our rice fields are especially struggling” the diver explained. “But… I know from the legends that you, Great Ao Guang, used to be able to control the weather- if you gave us rain to water our crops… I’d have enough to make these and many other dishes for you-”

The Dragon King listened. The human was asking him to do the thing that he’d always dreaded to do… control the weather to make humans happy. But… this time he could also gain from it; he’d gain the human’s trust, he’d FINALLY get to eat something that wasn’t fish, and maybe… something more.

“Ah, so I see you’ve heard of my legends… I am indeed capable of controlling the weather, and if you keep bringing me gifts and singing for me, I’ll bring you and your village rain whenever you’re in need, sounds good, little human?” he asked with a little smirk.

(y/n) couldn’t believe it… their plan had worked flawlessly! Maybe… a bit too much, was there a trick? Would the dragon expect something more every time? Had they just doomed themselves? It didn’t feel like that… but all they could do for now was bow “I thank you from the depths of my soul, Great Ao Guang”

The King’s smirk turned into a sheepish smile as he felt butterflies in his stomach, the feeling of that human revering him felt… beyond good; it took him on a full power trip, he felt like his old glory days would soon be coming back! And sure, he’d lost all his subjects, but this human’s attentions would definitely make up for it.

“What is your name… human?” he asked in a deeper, more confident tone.

“(y-y/n)…” the diver replied, and the dragon looked pleased.

“Very well, (y/n), expect some nice rain tomorrow~”

---

And rain it did. The following day, and then from then onwards at least once or twice a week. It was gentle rain, never windy, so that (y/n) could still come to the shore and look for mollusks, and clean them on the beach, singing. During the sunny days, Ao Guang would watch them from afar, but whenever it rained, he’d be able to come out of the water and enjoy (y/n)’s singing from closer, without having to worry about his skin getting dry.

Meanwhile, in the village, the crops flourished and produced more than they ever did, which meant the diver now also had enough variety of provisions to cook so many different meals for the King, the offerings never felt repetitive, and he always ate everything with great happiness, he was really living the life! And only at the price of some rain at that.

Still… the King had yet to find the courage to ask his human for more; the singing and offerings greatly appeased him, and their occasional chats were simply delightful, but something was still missing: touch. He craved it so deeply now… he wanted to hold (y/n), nuzzle up to them, he wanted to feel their hands on his skin, but there was no way he’d just crawl to them asking for affection, that was way too desperate, and as much as he would’ve loved to just use his position of power to order them to cuddle up, that didn’t feel right either.

He’d waited for the perfect chance: a rainy day, where he could stay out of the water without worrying about his skin. He’d looked at (y/n) as they gathered different kinds of shelled mollusks, something they’d certainly sell at the market, a little quaint human invention made to trade products between people, as the diver themselves had explained to him.

Then, once they were done, he followed them to the shore, sitting on the sand, using his long, scaly tail as a sort of pillow to recline against. His heart was pounding more than usual.

(y/n) sat down as well, beside Ao Guang, and began their usual routine of singing while cleaning up their catch on the beach, so that it’d look perfect and spotless when they sold it. But as of late… their routine position had gradually changed: at first they’d sit several feet away from the dragon, feeling like they’d be disrespecting him if they sat too close, but little by little, they’d began closing the gap, sitting closer and closer every day, until they were sitting within the King’s grasp.

Ao Guang smirked, noticing they’d sat close to him that day too; that was exactly what he was waiting for… he gently reached out with his hand and began to stroke their hair. “Hm… you’ve been sitting quite close by as of late, (y/n)...” he pointed out.

The diver blushed madly, not expecting to feel the King’s hand run through their hair so smoothly “I-I’m so sorry!” they quickly replied, lowering their head.

He chuckled softly “No need for apologies… I never said I minded it… if anything, I can listen to your singing even better from here…” the Dragon King whispered, his breath feeling surprisingly warm on (y/n)’s neck.

(y/n) flinched, their blushing situation not getting any better when they could feel him so close “I-I… well- I’m glad you enjoy it so much…” they muttered, feeling too flustered to think of anything else.

The dragon smiled “Still, I can’t help but wonder… if you’ve been getting closer on purpose…” he continued, wanting to test the waters.

The diver looked at him in total disbelief, they could tell he was trying to tell them something. In truth, there WAS a reason why they’d found themselves drawn closer and closer to Ao Guang… after all those months of meeting every day, offering things to him, watching him eat with such a happy and giddy expression- their feelings towards the dragon had begun to morph into something they didn’t dare to speak of with anyone. (y/n) cared about him, deeply so, and they struggled to accept that; he wasn’t even human, for crying out loud! Why did he make them feel like that?!

They blushed, unable to come up with an excuse “I simply… enjoy sitting here… next to you…” (y/n) muttered, slowly leaning into the King’s touch.

That motion sent a shiver up Ao Guang’s spine, and he really had to hold himself back from pulling (y/n) into a hug right as he felt their head rub against his palm.

“What a coincidence then… that I like this too…” he replied, trying to act cool.

(y/n) felt their whole body get warmer at those words, and slowly found the confidence to do something they’d never done before: they stopped cleaning their catch and turned to face the Dragon King, looking straight into his deep, red eyes. And then, (y/n) slowly placed their hand on his, running their fingers on his scales.

Ao Guang felt his cheeks warm up; (y/n)’s touch was so amazingly soft, up until that point, he never realized just HOW affection-starved he was, to the point where feeling that slight touch after centuries of solitude had his heart melt instantly, and he gently began to pull them closer and closer, until (y/n) found themselves leaning against Ao Guang’s body, which felt surprisingly squishy, though they should have figured, given how he was a water dragon.

“A-Ao Guang…?” the diver muttered, a slight gasp escaping their lips as the dragon wrapped his arms around them, the long sleeves of his robes covering (y/n)’s back like a little blanket.

He smiled down at them, “What’s wrong…? Is a King’s embrace so shocking you can’t even get your words out~?” he asked, the smile slowly turning into a little grin.

That smugness however, had sort of the opposite effect on (y/n), instead of further flustering them, they couldn’t help but chuckle “W-well… perhaps” (y/n) replied and gently booped his nose, which was just within reach now.

The Dragon King let out a small yelp, not expecting to get poked like that, but, not wanting to lose the ‘upper hand’, he poked right back, which only got (y/n) to giggle more.

“C-cease your chuckling!” he pouted, feeling like things weren’t really going his way.

“What? Don’t tell me you expected me to never tease back-” (y/n) giggled, looking back up at Ao Guang and finding him blushing purple; it seemed like they’d nearly forgotten the dragon before them was a King, and soon they relaxed a bit, wrapping their arms around the dragon’s body, nuzzling up to his neck, which was covered in soft, teal fur.

For the second time in his secular life, the Dragon King felt himself tensing up and shivering, but this time, for a completely different reason. That closeness was simply driving him crazy- so much so that he ignored (y/n)’s little remark and let them cuddle up to him.

After a couple of minutes in comfortable silence, (y/n) spoke up again, still not completely certain that what was happening really meant what they thought it did “A-Ao Guang?” they whispered “Have you… wanted this for long?”

The Dragon King somewhat tensed up at that question, not wanting to admit just HOW long he’d been interested in (y/n), still, he couldn’t just stay silent- so he decided to repurpose their question “Hm… I don’t knowww, some time… but what about you?”

“I-” (y/n) blushed slightly, partially hiding their face into the King’s neck fluff “I-I admit… it was a few months into our agreement-”

The King couldn’t help but chuckle, trying to play it off outwardly, while inwardly he… honestly felt relieved his feelings seemed to be reciprocated.

“Ah, but of course, nobody can resist my kingly charms~”

(y/n)’s blush deepened at that silly statement “I-I really couldn’t-” they muttered, running a hand on his chest.

Ao Guang felt another shiver go up his spine and he smiled bashfully, really unable to stop enjoying (y/n)’s touch so much, and he tightened his grip on them, pulling them up; he was feeling more and more confident about this.

(y/n) felt so happy as well, it was absolutely crazy, not only that the Dragon King reciprocated their feelings, but that he did so with absolutely no hesitation. They rubbed their face against his neck and eventually found the courage to place a small, soft kiss on it.

The feeling of (y/n)’s lips against his neck got the king to let out a small squeak and flinch, the warmth from that kiss spreading all across his body as he felt compelled to kiss back- and he did, starting from the human’s neck, and slowly making his way to their beautiful face, closing his eyes while (y/n) clinged to him, pressing their body against him more, kissing back and caressing his fur.

The two slowly began to lose themselves in their feelings, and things could’ve gone on for longer, but suddenly, Ao Guang noticed his snout was starting to itch, and when he opened his eyes he noticed it had stopped raining!

With a slight gasp, he reluctantly broke the hug and got back up, causing (y/n) to slide off him, looking more confused than ever as the Dragon King hurried back into the water.

Did (y/n) do something wrong? Were things getting too heated? No… that wasn’t it-

It was then that they noticed the King’s skin was looking awfully dry, and they walked into the gentle waves, looking concerned as the dragon frantically splashed water on himself.

“Ao Guang… are you… okay?” (y/n) asked softly, stepping into the water to check on him.

“YES! Yes… everything’s… gorgeous-” he muttered, still looking unnerved.

The diver gently took his scaly hands, looking serious “I saw… your skin… is-is that why you never come out of the water when it’s sunny?” they asked.

The Dragon King looked to the side, feeling beyond embarrassed that now (y/n) knew about his darkest secret. “I know- I know it looks freaky…” he said, averting his eyes.

But (y/n) shook their head “It’s- it’s not freaky! I mean you- you didn’t choose to be born with such sensitive skin it’s… it’s okay! I still love you-”

The sea dragon could hardly believe that they were actually fine with it… for centuries people had made fun of him for his frail skin, and now finally… someone actually wasn’t judging him for it! But then the human uttered something else that caught his attention way more “Wait you- you… love me?”

(y/n) felt their cheeks heating up, they didn’t mean to say that… not yet at least, but seeing Ao Guang look so distressed had just made it impossible for them to hold back! “I-... Y-yes, I do…”

The King looked at them in surprise, his cheeks quickly going purple “D-do you… actually mean it? I mean of COURSE you love me! … y-you do, right?” he said, going back and forth between disbelief and trying to act cocky like he normally did.

“Yes, I really d-do…” (y/n) reassured him, going to hug him again.

Ao Guang chuckled bashfully, picking his precious human up and cuddling them “Well since that’s the case… I do believe I reciprocate those feelings… quite strongly” he said, looking a bit to the side. He couldn’t believe things had gone so smoothly… but he had to expect it, nobody could resist his charm!

Or at least, that’s what he wanted to think… but in truth, he felt extremely grateful for (y/n)… without them, his life would certainly be much duller. Sure, he was no undisputed ruler… but he was finally loved, and for now, that was enough.

The End

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