#skip beat: route kingdom

[thesoftestirises]

raise your weapon

♡ pairing : aemond x reader ♡ rating : pg-13 in this part, 18+ for potential later parts ♡ word count : 2.3k ♡ warnings: violence, talks of d wording and k wording, and a pg 13 kiss ♡ summary : To most of Westeros, you are the dangerous leader of an antimonarchist rebellion. To Prince Aemond, you are both the bane of his existence and the object of all his desires. This is the story of your first encounter. ♡ an : i’m thinking about turning this oneshot into a smutty miniseries of what happens after aemond finally captures his white whale (aka the reader), but i’d like to see the interest level! comment/send me an ask with your thoughts if you feel strongly!

Your lungs burned. The dusty ground seemed to rise up to meet your bruised feet as you raced across the market square. You turned around to see your pursuers shoving the crowds aside and starting small skirmishes with farmers.

You weren’t sure how you’d been found. You chose Oldtown specifically because it was a large city that you had yet to visit, one where you would theoretically be able to blend in. Trying to find you should have been extremely difficult, if not impossible. Like finding a particular needle in a pile of needles. But apparently, you couldn’t even attempt to barter for eggs without sticking out like a sore thumb. It was those damnable posters the City Watch of King’s Landing had put out. They got your nose wrong, they always did, but it was clearly close enough to draw suspicion from the masses.

The City Watch had been trying to capture you for months now, but they could not move fast enough to actually get close and pose a threat. You made sure to avoid spending any more time than strictly necessary in King’s Landing, and instead moved from kingdom to kingdom haphazardly. Being outside the City Watch’s jurisdiction meant they had to spend valuable time placating the lord of whatever place you were in to allow them to question and investigate their citizens. This time, the City Watch seemed to have completely skipped the placating step and went straight to hunting you in the streets.

You took a quick glance behind you and saw a glint of bronze a few yards away. You cursed and looked around for an escape route that didn’t depend on you being able to outrun your pursuants. A few feet in front of you, a stack of boxes led up to a third story balcony with open doors. The climb seemed precarious, but you figured a fall would be safer than staring down the point of a broadsword.

You purposely knocked over two stands of tomatoes and onions, ignoring the protests of the merchants behind the stalls, and began climbing as the commotion behind you blocked the way of the guards. Once you were able to get a foothold on the balcony, you toppled the boxes behind you, hitting a few guards in the face. You smirked to yourself in satisfaction and dashed into the open flat, slamming the doors behind you.

The occupants of the room, three beautiful young ladies, stared at you in shock. You gave them a sheepish look.

“You have a lovely home,” you said as you shuffled to the exit and snatched a bottle of wine and a silk scarf off a table. “Mind if I borrow this? It’s for a good cause. Thanks!”

You swept out of the room and made your way into the hallway. You pulled the cork out of the bottle with your teeth, spitting it onto the ground and taking a swig. It was a sweet wine, one that would be a pity to waste, but you couldn’t afford to get drunk on the run. You smashed the bottle against a wall to create a makeshift weapon as you headed to the roof.

The midday sun beat against your skin relentlessly. There were no coverings, no buildings, and no people to provide shadows for you to take shelter in. Up here, you were completely exposed to the elements. And to potential enemies. You needed to find a way to get back on the ground without being followed.  

You wrapped the scarf around your neck, carefully securing it in place. Taking a deep breath, you sprinted across the roof and jumped onto the top of another building, just barely making it over the parapet. You placed your hand over your rapidly beating heart and let out a surprised laugh. Okay, you could do this.

You ran across six roofs before you finally landed on top of a building with an unlocked door you could sneak into. You lifted your scarf over your head, carefully covering your nose and mouth and headed inside.

The first thing you noticed was how unusually quiet the building was. It was only after the door slammed behind you that you realized you had walked into a trap.

“Miss Y/N,” a voice spoke.

You froze and turned around. An unfamiliar man with long, pale hair and a patch covering his right eye stood at the bottom of the narrow stairwell you were in. He was tall, broad, and hauntingly handsome. Blessed with a sharp jawline and an angular nose, it would not be an exaggeration to call the stranger the most beautiful man you had ever seen. He was dressed seemingly plainly in a white linen shirt and black breeches, perhaps not looking to draw attention to himself. But you had enough experience with the wealthy to notice the distinct lack of stains on his pristine shirt and expensive calfskin material of his boots.

This man was almost certainly nobility, and there was only one noble you knew of that donned an eyepatch. The man who stood before you was Prince Aemond Targaryen. Son of the late King Viserys and Queen Alicent Hightower. Hightower. You had made a grave miscalculation. “Prince Aemond,” you said, attempting to mask the surprise in your tone while you tried to stall for time. “You are quite far from your castle.”

An insincere, flat smile crept across the prince’s face. “Oldtown was once my mother’s home. She spoke fondly of it, but I had not the opportunity to visit it until now. I suppose I should say I’m grateful.”

You said nothing, your mind too preoccupied with attempting to calculate an escape route. Whoever had planned this ambush was meticulous in their research. There were only two viable exits. One behind you, which you knew to be locked, and one behind Prince Aemond. If you could just get around him, maybe you could find a window to climb out of.

“I think you will find getting around me to be a difficult task, indeed,” Prince Aemond said, his voice as soft and melodic as the summer wind.

“Difficult, but not impossible,” you said, pointing out his choice of words.

At that, he chuckled. “You are as clever as they say. You know, the king had the previous Commander of the City Watch replaced after he failed to capture you during the riot you started in King’s Landing two weeks ago.”

You furrowed your brows. You certainly weren’t sorry to see Ser Robert Waters go, but he had been a convenient enemy. In fact, you could probably credit Ser Waters’s ineptitude for your rise. An intelligent military official would have had enough foresight to squash your rebellion when it was just you. Now it would take a considerable amount of effort to quell the flames you had fanned.

But, you mused, it wouldn’t be impossible to douse the fires completely. And this new Commander, whoever he was, was a far greater threat than you had anticipated if he was able to catch up with you so quickly after being promoted and ensure Prince Aemond, one of the greatest swordsmen alive, was the one to trap you. You had to watch your step carefully and gather as much information as you could.

“Well, goody for all of you. Who do I send the letter of congratulations out to?”

“I don’t think you’re in any position to be asking questions,” he said as he began climbing the stairs to approach you.

You took a sharp breath and steeled yourself. You already knew the only chance of escape you had was behind Aemond, and he was not going to simply allow you to pass. You would have to fight your way through him. While you did have the benefit of the high ground, Aemond was undoubtedly stronger and far more skilled at fighting than you were. Your weapons had always been your words. Besting him would take a literal miracle, but you chose to shove that thought aside. No use prematurely mourning yourself. You needed to keep your wits about you.

“Listen, I don’t want to have to fight you,” Aemond said, his expression surprisingly earnest. “If you come quietly, I’ll make sure the king doesn’t execute you for your crimes. You have my word.”

“Oh, how generous,” you said, pouting mockingly. “Unfortunately, I’m going to have to pass. Rotting away in a jail cell sounds even less appealing than having my head chopped off.”

Aemond hummed at your statement as he stopped halfway up the staircase. “That can also be arranged.”

“Maybe some other time. I’m not quite ready to meet the gods yet, I’ve got some sins I need to atone for first.”

Aemond moved into a fighting stance, placing one foot on the stair in front of him. “You won’t make it past me.”

“Won’t. Can’t. Shouldn’t. Sounds like a challenge to me.”

He laughed in disbelief. “You must be mad.”

“Barking,” you said with a smile, before lunging at him.

With the element of surprise and the higher ground, you were able to use your momentum to knock the both of you down the stairs. Aemond had taken the majority of the damage, acting as your unwitting cushion as the two of you tumbled down the stone steps. When you had stopped at the first landing, Aemond hissed in annoyance underneath you and quickly dispatched you of your only weapon, throwing it against a wall and shattering the bottle into thousands of glittering green shards.

He then grabbed you by your elbows and looked at you sternly, as if he was scolding an unruly child. “I do not want to fight you, Y/N.”

“Little late for that,” you grunted before pulling back and knocking your head against his.

The move had been severely painful for you, but it had achieved its goal of getting Aemond to let go of you long enough for you to scramble away. You stood up and swayed a bit while moving into a defensive stance. Not good. You wouldn’t be able to keep going for much longer. But you couldn’t give up. Not now, not ever.

You knew why Aemond was so insistent on taking you alive. They wanted to parade you around as an example. To show off the might of the king and his army. To show that resistance was futile. If they caught you, it would be the end of you and any hope the citizens of your kingdom had of ever being free of the tyranny of feudalism.

No, your options were to live free or die fighting. Who knows, perhaps you would find even more success in martyrdom.

Aemond groaned as he slowly got up, rubbing at his temple with a frown set on his lips. “I see I underestimated you.”

“Well, there’s more where that came from,” you threatened, raising your fists in front of your face.

“Y/N, please. I’ve been trained to kill since birth. The only reason you still stand is because, as I’ve stated before, I do not wish to lay hands on you.”

“Since birth, huh? Clearly you weren’t trained very well.”

Aemond took a deep breath in and sighed. He relaxed his shoulders and looked you directly in your eyes. “Y/N. I do not want to hurt you.”

You scoffed in disbelief. “You don’t want to hurt me?”

You didn’t give Aemond a second to respond before launching yourself at him again. This time, he was prepared enough to dodge your attack, sending you crashing into a wall. You screamed in frustration and turned around, looking at a passive faced Aemond with wild eyes.

“You monarchists have no idea what you’re talking about. You don’t want to hurt me? You’re already hurting me! You think being hunted across the country is fun? Do you think I enjoy seeing my fellow countrymen suffer at the hands of your greed? If you want to take me, you will have to kill me. Because I will never, ever agree to come willingly.”

At that, Aemond finally drew his sword and pointed it at you. You took a shuddering breath, waiting for him to finally drive it into your heart and end you. Instead, he walked closer and closer, until your breaths mingled and you could practically taste the flavor of mint on his tongue.

“I don’t think you understand your position here. You cannot make demands of me. I promised my brother I would bring you back alive, and I shall do just that,” Aemond whispered, his gaze searing into yours.

He had you cornered. There was nowhere you could go that wouldn’t lead to his broadsword being buried in your chest. So, you did the only thing you could do.

You surged forward and smashed your mouth against his.

The kiss was anything but sweet. Your lips met in a bruising press that was more painful than pleasurable, but the unanticipated maneuver shocked him into dropping his weapon. You wrapped your arms around his neck and kicked his sword away, pulling him so close that there was not an inch of your body that wasn’t connected to his. After a tense moment, Aemond sighed into the kiss and closed his uncovered eye. He wrapped his arms around your waist and corrected the angle of his head so that your noses didn’t get in the way when he brushed his soft lips against yours.

You had been kissed before, but no one had ever made you feel the way Aemond made you feel. Sparks rushed to your head and your toes, making you feel even dizzier than falling down the stairs had. You almost forgot why you were even kissing him in the first place, until you felt his cold fingertips slip under your shirt and his tongue beginning to press against the seam of your lips. You squeaked and loosened your hold around his neck as your eyes flew open.

You made a fist and slammed it directly against his temple as hard as you could. The move didn’t knock him out like you had hoped, but it disoriented him just enough for you to make a quick escape from the prison of his arms. You grabbed the sword he had dropped and pointed it at him as you reached for the doorknob behind you.

“You’re good, but not as good as me,” you smirked. “Thanks for the sword, Aemond.”

#prince aemond x reader #aemond x reader #prince aemond #aemond #aemond targaryen #aemond targaryen x reader #aemond imagines #prince aemond imagines #hotd #house of the dragon #irisposts #playing with fire

[0x1lovebot]

two; 🪴

prologue | one | two | three

1.2k words. [1,288]

warnings; none.

y/n + chan first real interaction 🤯🤯

chan didn’t have a specific place in mind when he started walking. he just let his feet carry him to wherever they wanted him to go.

he had no idea what he would do with the rest of his day, and yet, it was no surprise to him when he ended up at the entrance of the palace gardens. the garden was the only place where chan felt truly relaxed. and he had been itching to go back for a long time.

he pushed open the white wooden gate at the entrance and began his journey into the garden. it had been months since he'd actually been there inside but somehow it was the same as the last time he came there. the flowers were still as vibrant as ever. the morning dew seemed to make all the colors sparkle like gems in the morning sunlight.

everything from cherry blossoms to roses to sunflowers grew in the garden, and looking down from the balcony never really did them justice. they looked way more beautiful up close. a gentle breeze blew through the garden as well, wrapping chan in the sweet smell of the different flowers.

after so long, being in the garden again made chan feel like himself again. walking through the garden, took away any of the negative feelings he felt. it took away all the responsibilities and stress that came with being the crown prince. it felt nice to not feel like he was under constant pressure.

about halfway through the garden, chan veered off of the main path. he laid down in the grass with his hands behind his head and closed his eyes, basking in the sunlight, just as he did when he was younger.

he stayed there for a while, enjoying the quiet comfort of the world surrounding him, completely uninterrupted. he wished he could stay there forever. but when he heard footsteps crunch in the grass next to him, he knew his peace would soon be interrupted. chan sighed begrudgingly as the footsteps moved closer, keeping his eyes closed to hold on to whatever relaxation he had left. the footsteps came to a stop right next to chan’s head.

"channie? what are you doing here?"

chan's eyes snapped open after hearing that nickname. only two people in the entire kingdom called him that. and his younger brother's voice was way deeper than the one he just heard.

“y/n…” chan breathed. "what are you doing here?"

y/n smiled and rolled her eyes at chan's question. "well… i work out here. what are you doing here, your highness?"

what was he doing there? chan couldn't remember. his mind went blank for a second. ever since he turned 20 chan's father kept him busy delegating with other kingdoms, working with merchants to devise new and more effective trade routes, and so many other things that he never had time to be with y/n. it had been so long since he'd been face-to-face with her. it was jarring.

she was different now, more mature, more graceful. but she still had that dazzling smile that made chan's heart skip a beat whenever he saw it. she was still as beautiful as ever to him. the way her eyes sparkled in the sunlight. the way her hair moves in the gentle breeze. the way-

"chan!" y/n called. "are you okay? you zoned out on me."

"oh uh sorry! I didn't mean to."

"it's ok." y/n set down her basket of hand-picked flowers before joining chan on the ground.

"so, what brings you out here?" y/n asked.

chan turned his eyes back up to the sky and sighed. "i just wanted to get away for a while."

"oh so the hard work of being the crown prince is getting to you?" y/n teased.

chan smiled and sat up to face y/n. "yes actually! it’s the worst."

"i bet it is, your highness."

chan pouted. "you know i hate when you call me that!"

"i know but you know i don't listen! plus your face gets so cute and pouty when i call you that!!"

chan rolled his eyes at y/n's grinning face.

"ok servant," he deadpanned, his voice devoid of its usual warmth and kindness. "get on your knees and bow to me. grovel before your crown prince."

chan was kidding. of course he was kidding, he and his family have never treated their subjects or servants like that. however he couldn't help but snort after seeing the surprise and slight fear cross y/n's face. she let out a small sigh of relief and slapped chan's arm lightly.

"don't do that!" she whined. "you know I can't tell when you're joking about that stuff."

this only made chan laugh even harder, finding humor in his best friend's annoyance. he fell back down on the grass clutching his stomach. and soon y/n joined in too. they continued to laugh together, so hard to the point that y/n's stomach started to cramp up and chan's voice grew hoarse.

it took a while for their laughter to die down, but when it did, the world around the two of them was silent again. they laid in the grass together staring up at the sky, just as they used to when they were younger.

and in that moment surrounded by the warm atmosphere of the garden, y/n felt a wave of feelings resurface, very strong feelings. feelings that she hadn't felt in years. she turned her head to look at chan. his eyes were trained on the sky. his eyes. they still held the same warmth as when they were kids. they were beautiful, he was beautiful. she couldn't stop herself from staring, from admiring him.

the morning continued to pass quickly for the two best friends. they spent most of the time catching up with each other or just talking about random things. the moment seemed to last forever, they wished it could last forever but sadly it was interrupted.

"your highness," hyunjin called as he walked through the palace gardens. “are you out here?!"

chan sighed deeply. of course his time with y/n was coming to an end. he always had the most rotten luck, didn't he.

hyunjin stopped in his tracks when he found chan and y/n together laying in the grass. he couldn't help but smile at how cute they looked. he felt a little guilty for interrupting them but the crown prince was needed elsewhere.

"what's wrong hyunjin? is everything okay?" y/n asked as she sat up in the grass.

"yes everything's fine. the crown prince is being summoned to the dining hall. the king has called a special midday meal with the visiting rulers and their families."

y/n turned to chan, grinning at the look of annoyance in his face.

"it seems like the hardships of being crown prince are never-ending, aren't they?" y/n teased.

both she and hyunjin giggled as chan groaned at her comment. he sluggishly lifted himself off of the ground and brushed himself off before helping y/n up as well.

"hopefully, i'll be able to come back later." chan whispered, still gripping y/n's hand in his.

"you better! i missed spending time with you!"

chan felt his heart flutter at those words, but it sank again at the thought of having to leave her. especially just to eat with some scummy old men and their families. but it was what was asked of him, he needed to do it.

with one more longingly look at y/n, chan followed hyunjin down the path and out of the garden, leaving behind what he truly cared about.

masterlist.

© 2023 copyright. all rights reserved. @0x1lovebot.

#bang chan x reader #bang chan #skz bang chan x reader #skz bang chan #bang chan fluff #skz imagines #skz x reader #stray kids x reader #stray kids fluff #bang chan angst #skz leader #skz fluff #skz #skz fantasy au #stray kids fic #straykids #stray kids bang chan #skz lee know #skz changbin #skz hyunjin #skz han #skz felix #skz seungmin #skz i.n #faithwrites🌱 #the garden!🌺

[shiningforcegirlpower]

Battle #1

We start the game with a task from the King to stop the Neighboring Kingdom of Runefaust from getting into the Gate of Ancients near the town of Guardiana. Our main character gets a group to assist him... but we're changing the story here.

Instead, a young mage, by the name of Tao, is always looked down upon by her fellow students. She seeks to prove herself by going to the Gate of the Ancients herself and battle the monsters with her firepower.

Unfortunately for her, she has to deal with this lineup: 5 Goblins, 2 Dark Dwarves, and 1 Rune Knight.

With a total amount of MP being 7, and HP being 10, she'll have to plan strategically how to take out these monsters and when to use her medicinal herbs. Perhaps saving her Blaze spells for the Dwarves and Rune Knight.

When she gets to her first goblin, she strikes and- Does one point of damage.

When the Goblin gets its turn, it does 3 damage instead

Tao is by far the most frail of the group. Even more frail than the archers. She will have to do Battle #1 and #2 completely on her own, which may over level her and cause grinding to occur. She is also one of the hardest units to move, as she does not get that great of a movement being a human, and loses more by being a mage. Tao as well often gets her turn skipped over, meaning she moves every OTHER turn compared to the rest of the units (including enemy units). And she cannot get experience via using items on herself, unlike when an ally gives another an item.

I will stop with the play-by-play, and inform you now of how the attempts go

Attempt #1 - Strategy had to change immediately, decided to begin griding gold and EXP by using the Blaze spells. Got to Level 2, so now I have 9 MP

Attempt #2 - Not going in with any Medicinal herbs, as it's just a waste of money without the EXP gain, and I'll be spending money on reviving Tao a lot anyways. Got to Level 3, so now I have 11 HP, and 12 MP. Tried to go straight on into the enemy cluster and got surrounded. Duly noted, I will go more of a ranged route next time

Attempt #3 - The Goblin with 2 HP was too tempting. Took unneeded damage to save MP. Grew to Level 4, so now I have 12 HP and 17 MP, with Blaze becoming Level 2, meaning it will be able to hit more targets next attempt.

Attempt #4 - Testing Blaze Level 2 on 2 Goblins to see if it's worth using the extra +1 MP on two targets or saving it for later. Due to the goblins still needing to be two shot, it's best to save the MP. Ran out of MP to do Blaze Level 2 before getting to the enemy cluster. Decided to start attacking the left monsters, as opposed to those on the right.

Attempt #5 - Got to Level 5, getting an MP bump of 1

Break time, to regroup and take a break playing the game until the next batch of 5 attempts.

Analysis - Coins are going to be a more finite resource, and more important that EXP considering Tao has no one else to assist her in fighting, and her defense stat is still at an abysmal 6.

Attempt #9 - I finally won at Level 8, took out the Goblins without magic and saved using the Blaze spells against the Dark Dwarves and Rune Knight. Along with using up 2 Medicinal Herbs. I'm going to try to not use my next Medicinal Herb unless I am SUPER close to beating the second battle

#shining force girl power

[travelling-on-the-octopath]

I thought about it more in depth and I think I understand now why 3H feels odd in how many routes shaft X # of Lords yet the plot accepts it as fine. In looking at previous FE games, there was always a set Lord but also leaders from other nations. Over the plot, they come together to work towards a shared goal of stopping the red emperor archetype + the evil cult/big bad. Think how Eirika and Ephraim join with Innes, Tana, Joshua and La'Rachel. Leaders of different nations come together (1)

Think about how Seliph joins with people from all over Jugdral to defeat Arvis, Manfroy and Julius. Think how Minerva clashed with her own brother to join Marth to seek peace for the continent. In Elibe, people of all nations come together too. This same process happens in almost every FE game. However, 3H is a weird exception. You can recruit Lions, Eagles and Deer but the main Lords are route locked and thus barely work together. Even tho they should in AM, VW and SS, since common enemy (2) The fact that chapter 19 of AM when Dimitri saved Claude and Derdriu is the ONLY example of 2 Lords actually working together directly in any route of 3H feels odd. Because why couldn't they just join their forces immediately once the time skip starts to give both armies the best chance of defeating the Empire? They already work with the church anyway; why not combine to form a 3 part army of Kingdom, Alliance and church? It just feels so contrived to keep them apart vs making them allies (3)

I'm just going to blindly trust you about the Altea and Elibe stuff, but even in Radiant Dawn (current FE game rotting my brain) it's a whole thing that the Laguz Alliance has now formed (leaders of their own tribes coming together for the sake of beating a mutual enemy). Based on what you're saying, it's not novel that factions work together as one unit. At all.

To your point: The Kingdom and Alliance have complementary resources; Leicester with agriculture and Faerghus with military, while both lack in what the other has. They are quite literally primed to work together, and both have canonically bitchy checkpoints between themselves and the Empire: Myrddin and Arianrhod. An alliance with the Kingdom would make it easier to defend Myrddin instead of allowing Gloucester to declare loyalty to the Empire to keep Leicester from being trampled. Add the church's forces (who seem to be willing to throw their weight behind anyone willing to search for Rhea, which Claude canonically does), and you have a pretty solid military to keep the Empire from somehow managing to make a fool of Leicester. If you throw in a partnership with the church you even get Garreg Mach as a middle point instead of Ailell.

Anyway. In my eyes, the reason they maintain such firm distinctions between the factions is because there's supposed to be friction between the fans that choose one over the rest. I really, sincerely hope that FE gets past this phase of creating different routes under the illusion of replayability (because . . . uh, White Clouds four times, or three if you were smart before The Choice in BE-WC, is not that great) and in the name of creating division, and thus engagement, amongst the fans, because it's . . . sigh. It's illogical, that people getting trampled to hell by the Empire would not ally against that Empire when they have the luxury of doing so. We literally got so close to it too, in The Golden Deer's Plea.

#fe #fe3h #s responds #anonymous metropolis

[sovereign-tempest]

Three Hopes Demo Thoughts

// Copying the fad of discussing what I thought of the demo, now I’ve finally caught up and finished it all. This is FULL of spoilers, by the way.

SHEZ

- Might as well talk about the main character first. I played as the male version, but I quite like them both design wise. Just preferred the male a little more.

- I like them! Definitely more personality than Byleth (obviously) and I like to go back to a MCU that speaks a lot more. I’m very interested about their past and pretty excited to find out more about their connections to Those Who Slither.

- I’ll just add it here, but I’m enjoying Arval too! Their sass is fun, and again, I’m interested to get to know more about them. Maybe it’s because we’ve already talked to them so much and his personality - but I’m enjoying them over Sothis so far.

AZURE GLEAM

- To no-one’s surprise, I played this first. What can I say, I’m bias. 

- I had a good time with this one! Very basic tale so far, nothing overly complicated, but sometimes that works in a story’s favour. Getting a new spin on Rufus was definitely interesting to me.

- The dynamic between Dimitri and Felix ALONE just watered my crops for years! The amount of new info from the characters is already so juicy, wasn’t expecting so much good shit from just a demo. Let alone the rest of the game!

- I got to say though, I’m not even sure what’s left for the story. I guess it’s just back to the Defeat The Empire shtick which...is really boring that they’re going back to that. I’m hoping there will be more Kingdom-specific story lines in the main game.

GOLDEN WILDFIRE

- This one may annoy people, so just bare in mind these are speculations of a DEMO, so my views can definitely change by the time we get the full game.

- I didn’t have fun here. In fact, I was very disappointed. Claude felt more...like a dick? Maybe it was just me, but I got bad vibes from him, like he didn’t really give too much of a shit. Like his charms felt like manipulation? Like...you ask Shez to fight with you, only to leave them struggle for two years? Then when they call you up on it, you SUDDENLY have something for them to do? I’m hoping this is just a temporary thing, or maybe it’ll be revealed that something bigger was going on later on.

- I loved the idea of Almyra being far more important in this route. Definitely something that was a huge missing puzzle piece in Three Houses, and I was very much looking forward to seeing more. The half-brother was a great start. Though... I wish Claude...REACTED? I get that he keeps his cards close to his chest, but not even a glint of recognition as to who this is? I get that his Almyran family treated him like dirt - I’m not asking for Claude to be sad about taking down his shitty brother - but...be angry at least? Annoyed? That he dared show up here? Again, I’m kinda hoping it’ll all have some kind of big reveal overall later on...

- Just a fun one more than anything; but I can actually enjoy Leonie this time around. Though...why Shez didn’t react to Leonie’s reveal that she trained under Jeralt is beyond me. Shez is after Jeralt/Byleth after all, thought they would have wanted to know more about this, but ah well, maybe later. 😆

SCARLET BLAZE

- It’s pretty common knowledge among friends here that Edelgard is ‘meh’ to me. Despite that, I was very excited to play this route and get to know her on a whole new level. I’m ITCHING to like this character, to see what everyone else seems to do. 

- And at the beginning - I TOTALLY DID! Edelgard and Hubert sneaking around isn’t a surprise, but the pre-timeskip stuff was genuinely fascinating and FUN to go through! Again, lots of knowledge of Those Who Slither, getting to beat the shit out of Arundel (which is just...YES!) and her overall plan - I was IN! I was invested! I loved her line as well about bringing down the class system without nagging about Crests - that it was about Noble and Citizens. I’m 100% behind that.

- Then we skip two years and we’re back to the whole anti-Church, anti-Crest stuff we’ve ALREADY SEEN. 

- This is more a critique of the story as a whole than of Scarlet Blaze specifically - but since we’re talking about Edelgard I’ll just put it here. I HATE that we are still going to have the War against the Empire, like we had in Three Houses. I, like most people in the community from what I’ve seen, wanted to see something completely new. Since this is a spin-off, and not a canon connection to 3H. As cliche as it sounds (but it is a Warriors game, which are normally very simple stories), I was hoping for a story that would force these butting-heads Leaders to work together. I hope that story does still show up, and maybe we’re having this War again because it makes it all the more spicy when they are forced to work together - I’m just already bored with having to do this take-over in Scarlet Blaze once again.

Ending note; Since this is just the demo, I am greatly hoping my critiques thus far will be non-existent by the end of the main game. I am still very much looking foward to finishing these stories and have fun exploring new info on Fodlan once again. Just to say, these are just my opinions, not something I expect everyone to feel. If you loved something I disliked, awesome! As long as we can all enjoy the game, that’s the main thing!

MISC

- Got to say, gameplay wise, it’s a typical Warriors game. However, I’ve definitely picked favourite classes/weapons... Magic users/archers, in my opinion, are terribly slow and rather awful to play as. Though that might just be my play style. Hoping the higher classes will greatly improve on that because so far they are more of a chore to play as rather than fun.

- My favourite units to use are sword, lance (especially cavalry lance users) and occasional axe users. Though, they’re slow as Hell, they do a lot of fun damage.

- My favourite redesigns are; Petra, Marianne, Dimitri, Ashe, Mercedes and Dedue.

#ooc; ~the voice inside my head~ #three hopes spoilers

[lemmebefangirl]

(Skip Beat ch 291 spoilers)

Okay another detail that is kind of surprising is that julie is also a fairytale fanatic like Kyoko.

It's kind of nice that they would get along but was it really necessary? But that also explains how that whole concept of 'Corn' come into place.

Julie filled Koun mind with all those fairytales and when he met kyoko, he was easily able to come up with a pseudo story because of Julie. And Kyoko is a japanese like Kuon's father, so it seems like fate that they had to meet and get together if you dig deep into it.

I am not saying it's a bad thing that Julie also likes fairytales but Kyoko's truly believes fairies/magic are real and I don't think I would be able to take it if there is another person like that in the series.

#skip beat #kyoko mogami #manga #shoujo manga #tsuruga ren #juliena skip beat #ren's mother #fairytale #kuon and ren #kuon hizuri #skip beat ch 291 #corn skip beat #skip beat: route kingdom

[msnightwalker]

Her crying act has improved a lot. I can’t wait to see the next chapter. Another month… 🥺

#manga #skip beat #skip beat manga #kotonami kanae #route kingdom #acting #audition #chapter 296

[fireemblems24]

Crimson Flower Review

This is a long one guys. 

For a bit of context about this review. I didn't play Crimson Flower first. I played all 4 routes first, beating them back-to-back one in-game "week" at a time. I've realized in the fandom that knowing someone's route order is sometimes taken into consideration, so I wanted to share that. 

Oh, boy. I think the length of this review says a lot about Crimson Flower. Unfortunately, a lot of what's below is fairly negative, but that's mostly because I'm so upset at what this route could've been. Ultimately, I believe bad noise is better than no noise at all, and, say what you want about CF, but it makes a LOT of noise - good and bad - for better or worse. 

Crimson Flower wants to tell a story similar to Kingdom or Legend of the Galactic Heroes where a character, dissatisfied with the injustice of the world, decides to amend that by taking everything over and fixing it themselves. It flips the usual script where the person wanting to acquire power through violent conquest is little more than a cackling villain who kicks puppies as a hobby and turns said character into an ideologically motivated one, furious at injustice rather than seeking personal gain. However, Crimson Flower really misses the mark on its execution due to the confines of current Fire Emblem's storytelling abilities, how it often undermines itself, and also because it lacks what I'm now calling the three Cs of storytelling: conflict, consequences, and character development. 

Crimson Flower is too ambitious for Fire Emblem's current limitations, a point I'll touch on again in my upcoming Azure Moon review too. In order for CF to work, you have to believe in the change Edelgard's going to make. The problem is that Fire Emblem isn't a game that easily includes the political theory required to tell this story to its fullest extent or to tactfully handle aspects of this plotline like blatant imperialism and nationalism. Concrete details are dropped here and there in scattered supports, and, honestly, all of Edelgard's plans are terrible. From acknowledging that she never considered inequality to giving all the power to one person, these details only convince me she has no idea what she's doing. With Fire Emblem's current structure, I'm not sure there is a way for it to handle politics all that well, which makes me wonder why they added these details in the first place. 

CF also ends way too early for stories like this. And, no, I don't mean her killing TWSITD. Yes, that's a necessary catharsis totally missing too, but what I also mean here is the complete lack of the aftereffects of her actions. CF thinks they can end it with King Louis XVI getting his head lopped off or the British squatting in India and call it a day. It ends with TWSITD unresolved, a violent aggressor forcing herself on cultures who never wanted her to lead them, and a continent suffering through five years of non-stop warfare she also forced on them. You can't just pretend everything's magically resolved after Rhea dies and that Edelgard only needed to work for another five or ten years before skipping through flower fields with Byleth and expect me to take this story seriously.  At the same time, there's no real way for Fire Emblem, with its current structure, to realistically deal with any of this. 

There are, though, also major failings in CF's writing that have nothing to do with Fire Emblem's structure not really allowing for some of what CF's plotline demands. It severely undermines itself, creates bizarre mood whiplashes, and is desperately lacking in conflict, consequences, and character development.  

CF often undermines itself with its complete lack of nuance. Everything is far too convenient, simplified, and portrayed as very black and white. Killing Rhea solves the systematic abuse of power and everyone is peaches and cream about getting their nation invaded according to the ending cards. Rhea's an evil monster who hates humanity, Dimitri's a vengenance-driven murder machine, and Claude's scretly hoping to take over Fodlan himself. None of the legitimate grievances of Edelgard's antagonists are considered so the player never has to never feel potentially bad about what they're doing. And when what you're doing is textbook imperialism, that's a bit uncomfortable, especially when the country writing the story has yet to acknowledge their imperialistic past. This is a stark difference from the nuanced and sympathetic treatment Edelgard gets when she's the antagonist. Edelgard opines about all the blood on her hands with no thoughts about who is doing the bleeding. CF acts like there's no real cost to war because nothing lost is given any value in CF's writing, despite also wanting to act like Edelgard's made hard choices and sacrificing oh so much for the good of all (despite actually losing nothing). CF seems almost afraid of anything resembling self-reflection and opts for borderline hilarious lines screaming in neon letters "Edelgard good, everyone else bad! Please don't look behind the curtain." For a route that flirts with the idea of tackling systematic change and engages in imperialism 101, this is all incredibly disappointing and feels more like an angsty teenager's first anti-government/religion wish fulfillment wattpad fic than a story with depth. 

This white/black treatment of Edelgard vs everyone else undermines the very core of the story CF is trying to tell. It wants the player to simultaneously believe Edelgard is taking the road to hell to rescue everyone else while treating that road like a quick stroll through a sunny forest because it doesn't want you, the self-insert, to feel potentially bad. This issue, both wanting a "morally grey" story but without ever letting the player feel bad, is an issue with most routes, but is felt the hardest in CF.  

As a result of CF's unwillingness to engage with nuance at risk of making the player feel sad, there is a noticable lack of conflict, consequences, and character development. In CF, you take the biggest, baddest, richest country and curb-stomp everyone. Edelgard nor Byleth nor anyone else ever stops to question or disagree on anything. Nothing of value is lost. Everyone you mow down is secretly awful. There's no interesting conflict anywhere in this route. Likewise, there's no consequences. Edelgard can threaten to kill her classmates, hire known serial killers, tell everyone her enemies took actions her "allies" actually did, and never come clean to either Byleth or the Black Eagles about - well - anything, and everyone just nods along like drones. It's like CF forgot the Flame Emperor existed, because Byleth and the Black Eagles certainly do. It's impossible to invest in this route's storyline when the interesting actions characters take go nowhere. 

Because this route desperately lacks conflict and consequences, none of the characters are really allowed to grow or develop. Characters like Ferdinand and Petra seem set up for mini-storylines of their own, but do absolutely nothing. Byleth and Hubert agree with everything Edelgard does with no conflicting interests, debates, or questions. Even Edelgard gets very little development and seems barely different from the young woman in the prologue, except now she's not lying to Byleth - I guess. She has opened up to you and only you, self-insert, while Hubert's impact on her life is disregarded because only you, self-insert, ever really supported and understood her. 

Overall, CF was a massive disappointment. If it had the guts to follow through on some things, it maybe could've been my favorite route. In the hands of writers less concerned with self-insert pandering and willing to "go there," it would've had a vastly different review and ranked among my favorite stories in Fire Emblem's franchise. Instead, we get a shallow and uninteresting let down. 

#fire emblem #fire emblem three houses #edelgard critical #but not really #more like crimson flower critical #because I don't dislike this route because of her actions #it's the piss poor writing #if you like her do not read #if you don't want to get upset

[sips---tea]

Thraundil x reader // Home again

Thranduil's beloved partner had been missing since a battle at Angmar, pulling Thranduil into great grief. What happens when it is discovered you are not dead and return to your husband.

1617 words

You had been in this dark place for longer than you could record. You remember the battle at Angmar, fighting beside your husband the neverending barrage of orcs and then being distanced from him by seeing your son Legolas in danger. You thought it was won and for a second put your guard down which allowed your leg to be caught by an orc sword and for you to fall and soon lose consciousness. The last thing you saw was your husband, fighting orcs, he had not noticed, too busy fighting to save himself and Legolas from the newest wave of orcs.

You woke in this dark pit, you tried to fight the orcs who would visit you and torture you for their sick, twisted fun. You gained very little food, the orcs only keeping you alive for their humour. Soon however even the orcs stopped coming, leaving you in the dark pit to rot. You were thankful that you had little food and water which you tried to ration to the best of your ability. The thought of home kept you going, of Thranduil, your son and of the beauty of Greenwood, one day you would return.

Once again you tried the door in case somehow it was unlocked. You slump back down, it is still bolted shut. There was little you could do in this place, only think of home, scratch the walls, check your food supply. This was no life for an eleven noble, an eleven (king/Queen), one who had seen the fall of Melkor and fought in many, many wars, this capture was humiliating. You closed your eyes and sighed, you regretted everything and just wished to return, praying to the Valar to save you from the torture you were facing. They seemed to have never answered, you were still here, on a dirty floor in an unknown place.

You heard something. You closed your eyes and sighed, a bird probably, false hope. You shivered and heard the noise again. It sounded like voices? This might be your brain, going mad from isolation, however, your heart skipped a beat and you stood, bashing the door. Muffled voices, you could hardly believe your eyes, as you saw light at the cracks of the door. You stumbled back, terrified that it might be a foe and with nothing to protect yourself with, the only thing you could do was hope and pray the Valar brought you saviours. The door swung open and Gandalf stood in the entrance, his staff held high, illuminating the dark pit you had spent your days in for the first time. Your heart rose and you stood, blinded by the light of the staff. Gandalf's eyes were wide in shock.

"My dear (y/n)" he said. "I thought you were lost"

"I did also" you said, your voice hoarse. You blinked and almost collapsed, Gandalf quickly supporting you. "Where am I?" you asked.

"Amon Lac" Gandalf said, slowly leading you out.

"I do not understand" you said quietly.

"And nor do I" he said quietly. Gandalf led you across a bridge and toward Radagast who stared, confused at the dirty, pale, zombie looking elf Gandalf was supporting.

"Who is this?" Radagast asked in confusion.

"I am returning to the fortress" Gandalf said. "But I must ask that you take (y/n) to the woodland kingdom"

"(y/n) of the woodland realm?" Radagast asked, confused, but realisation dawned on his face. "Oh yes, of course" Radegast busied himself to make sure there's space as you sat heavily on it, exhausted but finally free.

"Will you be okay? Will they be?" Radagast asked.

"If you return them to the woodland realm then they will" Gandalf said, turning to go back into the fortress.

"But what about you?" Radagast called. "What if it is a trap?"

"It is undoubtedly a trap" Gandalf replied, walking back toward Dol Guldur, even more questions now clouding his mind.

Radagast stared for a few moments before looking down at the elf who laid on his sled. In a few moments of muttering, Radagast had started the sled, he was very paranoid you would fall off and was also unsure of what it would be like for you to return. He had seen Thranduil's decline of happiness and his grief from his place in the forest, would you help his grief or would he not believe you were alive.

"Radagast?" you calling his name jumped him out of his trance. "Are my husband and son alive? " you asked.

"Yes they are" Radagast Answered. You smiled, closing your eyes and laying back slightly. You were glad that you could finally see them again, that you could finally go home.

Radagast stopped the sled close to the main gates and looked down at you, worried. "Can you walk the way?" he asked, wishing to as soon as possible send the message to Lothlorien and Rivendell.

You nodded slightly, shakily getting up and smiling, feeling the grass under your feet. "Thank you Radagast," you said. He nodded and left, leaving you alone in the forest you knew so well. Slowly you started to walk toward the doors of the halls of Thranduil, it was a walk you had taken many times alone and with Thranduil beside you. Nothing had seemed to have changed, the grass bouncy and the trees blowing gently in the wind. You breathed heavily, thanking that no longer you breathed in the musty and stale air of Amon Lac.

Slowly you crossed the bridge and were faced by guards on both sides who quickly arrested you for trespassing on the King's land. You didn't fight or struggle, too tired to do so, letting the guards guide you into the halls. It was as you remembered it, nothing had changed apart from new statues, was that you? You didn't have much time to linger, looking at your face, moulded in stone as the guard made sure to keep a fast pace. You recognised the route, you were going to Thranduil.

The guards stopped and dropped you. At this point, you were completely exhausted, without the energy to even try to get up. "Stand" the sound of Thranduil's voice was like music to your ears, his voice was firm and without emotion. You slowly stood, shaking slightly as you slowly looked up at your husband who sat on his throne. He hadn't changed, apart from his eyes. As soon as they met yours they widened in shock.

"Impossible" he whispered, he almost tripped as he rushed down the stairs and pulled you into a hug. "It cannot be you" he whispered as you leaned into him, allowing Thranduil to completely smother you in his chest. You could tell Thranduil was struggling, almost unable to keep the tears back. Quickly he dismissed the guards and guided you down to the floor, still holding you in his arms. He cupped your cheek and stared into your eyes. "Where have you been (y/n)?" he asked in disbelief.

"Gandalf found me" you said quietly. "In Dol Guldur"

Thraundil's face was full of mixed emotions, from disbelief, sadness and confusion. He could not understand, Thraundil had searched for you, day and night through the dead bodies of orcs and elves to find you, to hold your body one last time. He had a funeral for you, he had grieved, he had closed his heart to any further help toward the men of the wood against orcs.

"You have been gone for 150 years" Thraundil said. Your heart stopped at these words.

"No. I" you couldn't believe it. You rested your head against his chest and fainted into it, completely exhausted. Thraundil held you close, not wishing to let you go. He had missed you terribly, losing the fire which kept his heart warm so it froze over and he vowed never again to fight for the needs of men. If he didn't then you would have never gone and would have been with him.

Slowly Thranduil got up and picked you up into his arms. He grimaced at how dirty and matted your hair was. He carried you to the healers who washed you and checked your wounds. Thraundil watching over, cringing at the marks which now littered your body. He found it hard to keep his anger in check, he wanted to hunt down and kill every orc he could get his hands on. He wished he had kept you safe, denied you from fighting in Angmar, he criticised his past self for this as he watched you now, laying on his bed, tucked up in the warm sheets and furs. For the first thirty years, Thraundil did not sleep in his royal chambers, the memories of you and him together being too much to bair, being unable to sleep without you in his arms. Thirty years it took for him to have the courage to enter and sleep in your and his room again, the large bed feeling strangely empty without another presence.

Slowly he sat on the bed, feeling your hair between his fingers. Your hair was now smooth and clean, just as he remembered. He got into bed next to you, listening to your gentle breathing. Valar how he missed this, he missed you. He wrapped his long arms around you immediately moulding into your side. You smelt perfect, just as he remembered, he kissed your cheek and rested his nose against it, glad you were home with him. Thranduil smiled slightly, he should plan a large feast to celebrate you being home, his lover finally back with him. Thranduil closed his eyes and slowly fell asleep, finally happy again.

#thranduil #thranduil x reader #thranduil x oc #thranduil x you #middle earth #lord of the rings #the hobbit #gandalf #elves #kidnap tw #tw kidnap mention #mirkwood #radagast

[butwhatifidothis]

Hi! I just want to say that ironically enough, one of the early fics that introduced me to FE3H is Emperor and the Goddess, and i really appreciate your takes. I hope it’s ok to talk about Edelgard and my experience about her canon self and this fic? It’s a really long one, sorry.

Backstory: I only knew about the game peripherally—like what the lords looked like, their names, that there’s a 5 year time-skip and a 3-way war and 3 routes focused on each lord (I know there’s 4 but that’s my first impression)—and then promptly forget about its existence until I came across them recently in AO3. I thought “hey, I remember this, wonder how it turns out. Oh, this fic is quite popular. The author says it is well-researched, so maybe it’s an accurate novelisation on one of the routes?” So I went in without much expectation except that there‘s probably an unreliable narrator since it’s one of the main lord’s route. 

The story is…fine, but it always felt…off? Like, I began to increasingly see how the characters are written and treated in the story and thought: “hey, why does it felt like I’m reading a bad Mary-sue fic, is the game’s writing really that bad?”

Let me explain: The characters felt like caricatures, even though I don’t know what they‘re supposed to be caricatures of! The cringey dialogues, and how characters that isn’t fully on the protag’s side is often coincidentally colored with Mary-suesque variations of “actually pure evil/too crazy, dumb, they’re wrong and i‘m right etc.” The Fic!Edelgard sometime felt, to me, like she was written by someone who sees her as ‘too pure/good for this sinful earth’ with all it implies which…um. I thought—maybe this is what Edelgard thought of herself since it’s suppose to be ’accurate’?

That she is that self-absorb and self-righteous in game, and this is demonstrating her clear bias as a narrator in her route? If so, she’s going to be a cool character to see her views clashing with the world at large. Wonder how the actual storyline was like cos right now it felt like the author is writing a Mary Sue in personality, or maybe it’s just unreliable narrator at play and that’s the point? 

So I stop reading and watched the gameplay expecting her being interesting…she is, but CF exist. Before you say anything about supports, I’m talking about the main story beats that always happen in the route (WC and the murals)

Strictly in CF though I’m no expert: The Flame Emperor Is Edelgard (wow), Byleth sided with her (uh, she tried to kill us but sure?), the evil Slithers is someone she worked with (that’s a great potential conflict!), she hates the Church and crests (more motivations, neat!) etc. I watched as she is hanging more sword of Damocles over her head as the story progress, especially when she lied about Arianrhold. I was wondering when it’s going to be address—her starting the war, the lies, her connection to the Slithers and how it’s going to snowballed, i.e. This choice will have consequences. 

Like, i was waiting for the other shoe to drop the entire route, then it ends with Rhea burning Fhirdiad (what kind of framing is this), no one mentioned anything, and Byleth losing their power but alive for Edelgard (So she lose nothing in the end?) I was disappointed but I thought: “Ok, I get it now. It’s going to look happy but its actually dark, right? The Slithers are still there with nukes and tech and they’re going to be a looming threat. Plus the people would rebel for sure.” uh, Nope! The mural is a freaking happy ending, everyone! The day is saved after we killed the dragon, everything is Good now and people immediately accept her after she start a war and the Slithers are all defeated. offscreen. somehow! oh its a shadow war? but how tf do you hide/avoid nuke strike, how do you defeated a superior tech-based group with an weakened Empire army against (as far as they know) another part of their army, and the Kingdom and Alliance won’t stop resenting you or send their remaining troops later to fight for you in another freaking war, and Byleth can’t saved you either with time powers—and that’s just CF! With context from other routes, it just got worse!

I can buy it in VW and SS as they directly confront them. I can somewhat buy it in AM as post-canon cos Byleth still has power, potential dragon alliances, all major leaders of Slithers are dead and their group weakened with the Empire’s defeat, plus friendly support from the Alliance. But CF? I would like it better if they cut the line out about them winning against the Slithers and left it at least ambiguous who won, cos, you know—Slithers already infiltrated Empire army, zombie Elites, Nemesis, high tech, Nukes, no dragon rescue or time powers for you—and that’s just ignoring the politics and society in Fodlan after she won. 

The world of CF bend backwards so hard to make her opinions and choices infallible — she claimed things about sacrifice but CF made her lose nothing of personal value, she won in everything, and her beloved teacher is alive—and by refusing to acknowledge any consequences of her action, no bad fallout that doesn’t serve her own happiness or let anyone confront her about it…the story arc is ultimately just a flatline for how badly the ending is earned. As a stand-alone story, CF gets an F. With other context? CF only gets a ‘you tried‘ award. I know there’s supports to point out how the CF ending isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, but it was so optional and hidden that I just…can’t ignore the overall way the narrative framed it?

For me, I resent the Emperor and the Goddess fic cos it made me can’t unsee the canon CF Edelgard as a Mary-sue, and it’s a shame since I like her in other routes. I now headcanon CF is her dying fantasy in other routes, since they treated her character way better. 

Sorry it turned into a rant and thank you for reading. 

---

It's all good, I don't mind that it's long! It's gives a really interesting view on how this fic influences the fandom, even now.

Funnily enough, I also had the same amount of knowledge about the game before getting into it - as in, I knew extremely little about the game outside of this-and-that fact about some general things, nothing plot or character specific - with the only difference being that I always planned on playing the game. Legit can't imagine how my experience with the game would have gone had I had this fic be my first introduction to the story and characters, thanks for sharing your perspective!

TEatG must be such an odd fic to be introduced to 3H with, since it really does have so many of ye ye olden Fanfiction's writing habits - I've listed them before, and you've pointed out a few of them here. Inconsistent characterization - both in regards to the canon material as well as the fic itself - blatant demonization of everyone not explicitly on the protagonist's side, the protagonist is a perfect angel who can do no wrong and who everyone loves and who has suffered through so so much more pain than anyone else ever has and ever will, deeply troubling depictions of mental health, deeply troubling romantic relationships, etc. etc.. I'd be more shocked to hear you say that these characters didn't come off as caricatures, even with your lack of knowledge about their canon selves - their character conflicts are introduced and then immediately resolved so that they can love Edelgard. That's usually a major hint that something is afoot with the writing of the fanfic.

With this as your background for watching the actual CF, I can definitely see why you feel frustrated with its canon portrayal! While I commend the game's effort to go for something different and have the villainous nature of the route be hidden under Edelgard's veneer of heroism, I can definitely see where they dropped the ball hard in some areas. While people who dig through all the nitty gritty of the lore and plot and story might can pretty easily pick up the "hey uh y'all ain't the goodie good guys here" tones of CF, there are plenty of others who play through the game, see Edelgard's actions never be questioned, and go "wow, this route is ass," which is fair! Especially as a standalone route, CF can extremely easily go from "this is a route about how the player is being lied to by the route lord into doing heinous shit" to "lol actually Edelgard was right too" - a lot of what makes CF so readily noticeable as a bad end route is in the other routes, so playing CF first and coming away with a "CF is good!!" mindset is bound to warp that player's view of the other routes that are so much more morally righteous than CF is.

So that on top of seeing the effect of that in TEatG - seeing the result of a player that believes Edelgard's lies fully and so has to fundamentally change every single character in order to make her even kinda heroic (and even then fails horribly) - must not have been the funnest of times to be sure lmao. Especially since it went on to also influence so much of the fandom despite the false foundation it sits on as well as the just plain subpar quality of the fic itself.

And thank you again for sending this!! I absolutely don't mind the rant, it was a nice read! :)

#submission #anon #exqueuese me princess #o captain my captain #anti edelgard #anti-edelgard #edelgard critical #just to be safe #the popularity of this fic is so sad #this fandom really look at this garbage heap and said ''yes THIS fic is one we should elevate'' #''THIS author is one we should look to for meta'' #it must have been such a WEIRD experience having this fic be your first experience with 3H lmao I have to say it again

[vemuabhi]

Disney Romance - Mermaid Mullan! - 200 followers special

Thankyou for requesting Bas!!! ( @basilisa-scorpii​ ) I was a bit nervous writing this! As you are one of my favorites and are so talented. Actually i too didn’t watch many movies. Only those 10 that I mentioned. My friend was in disbelief when I told her that I didn’t watch frozen. Apparently it was a big deal for her as he almost watched every Disney princess movie.

So, its my first fic writing for the 200 followers! Please read it without having any high expectations. I may not reach them.

Pairing : Zoro X Mermaid! Reader

Word count : 3.6K (Sorry, the concept was so interesting and I couldn’t stop)

Warnings : A long ass fic written by me, read at your own risk. CRINGE ALERT!, has magic, bad action scenes, happy ending or else I’ll cry, a lost marimo.

“Tsk… Lucky mermaids. They just get to go and play while I have to learn these stupid spells”, you opened the new book of spells, which had a brown cover and was very heavy. The cover had a design of a mermaid.

You started to read the spells. Being born in the clan of spells mermaid, you always thought that you were one of those unlucky mermaids who can’t just play with the fishes. You were a very young mermaid and didn’t understand the importance of them.

Growing up, these spells always helped to escape from so many troubles. You could even go to the land using these spells. Hiding your scales and turing your tail into legs.

One fine day in the ocean, while you were making preparations to go to the land, a white-haired half – octopus approached you. ‘Not again’, you sighed.

“What now Ursula? I need to leave”, Without hiding your irritation, you asked her.

“Y/N going to the land again? Why won’t you use my help? I’ll turn you into a human then you don’t have to rely on your powers and get weak every time”, she said as she twirled around you.

There are many powers that can be mastered in the spell book and your main power being in Teleporting but you did learn many other spells, including turning your tail into legs. But every thing has a counter action. The more demanding the spell, the more of a toll it pays on your body by making you weak, leading to even death. Taking your real mermaid form and taking rest in the ocean can help you regain your power.

“The princess asked me for legs and I gave her what she needed”

“The princess? Why did she ask you for legs?”

“Love, she was in love with a man, are you also in love?”

“No and I’d never do that for a silly thing as Love”

“But, you are going to Land using your powers. Aren’t you tired of it dear”

You sighed at how she never gave up on you. “Why? So that you can take my spell book or my family sapphire stone?”, your eyebrow raised with annoyance. She gulped and tried to open her mouth to say something but too late. You weren’t interested in listening to her so you snapped your fingers and Teleported to land.

You didn’t like to teleport when people were talking but you didn’t want to listen to her toxic convincing again. Like hell you needed her powers. You’d rather lose your powers then to give her your spell book or the sapphire stone, which was now, in the necklace you were wearing. It was also called as the second chance.

You went to the small house mostly made of stones. It was just had 2 rooms. You opened the box which you found in the ruined ship and wore the male clothes which were in it. After coming to the land you observed that, most of the men would be creepy when you were wearing women clothing, which lead you to throw those men away. When you wore men clothing, no one glanced at you. And you didn’t get the chance to waste your powers. So you preferred to be dressed as a man.

You took the gold coin which was actually the last one you had in the box. ‘I need to find a way to stock these’, you thought as you started to make your way into the town. Apparently, these people got super mad at you when you ate and tried to leave. They called this… money? If you remember correctly.

At first it was pure curiosity what the Land was of. But after being addicted to the food here, you couldn’t help but to come back regularly. While in the sea all it was available was sea weed and raw food. It was good but it wasn’t even comparable with the food on land. The humans had some tasty food called fruits. And they were of different varieties like mango, orange, apple, berries etc. Oh, how delicious the meat was, when it was cooked. So, you kept coming here using your powers. The food was worth it!

You headed towards the place where the old humans make food, you were their favorite customer as you always gave them a gold coin every time you visited. They were poor and the gold you gave them, helped them to even get out of the debts. You reached the place and started to eat while some people quarreled. But you didn’t care. All you looked at was the food before you. You were always given a small size powerless trident and a small sword with it. You didn’t know why they were used.

“HEY IDIOT! ARE YOU THE ONE WHO ALWAYS GIVES GOLD COINS? GIVE THEM TO ME”, someone shouted but you were too busy in eating.

“Sir please, leave our customer. That man is being very kind to us old people”, pleaded the old man but he didn’t care.

“You jerk! Why the hell are you ignoring me?”, some one slammed their hand on your table making your apple almost fall down. ‘Unforgiveable’

You glared at the man beside you as he grabbed you by the collar and pulled you up, just before he punched you, you snapped your fingers and he froze in his place. He couldn’t move. You clenched your fist and punched him in the face making him fly across the room.

Everyone stopped doing what they were doing and looked at you in disbelief. The person you punched was a strong guy who always took peoples valuables. A green haired soldier was totally stunned. ‘A person this strong was in a small town like this’, he thought. He went towards the person who was trashed by you and noticed that he was knocked out. ‘It seemed a bit different but, that guy can help a lot’, he thought. The soldier turned around to look at you but you were already leaving.

Placing the money which was required to pay on the desk, the green haired man ran in your direction. “Hey dude!! Wait a minute!”, he called to you. But you were busily eating the apple which had the pretty red colour.

‘I need to get more of these golden coins. Maybe the ship which crashed in the western side has some of these’, making plans on how to get more of these, you walked towards the shore.

You then felt a hand on your shoulder which made you to stop. Looking over your shoulder, your eyes met with black orb. The man had green hair and a scar on one of his eyes. He was muscular and well built. He had three golden coloured earrings on one of his ears.

“Hey dude! I wanna talk to you”, he said removing his hand from your shoulder. You took a bite of your apple and turned towards him. You raised one of your eye brow at him as you folded your arms.

“I am so amazed that a powerful man like you is in this small town. Actually, seeing you fight that rogue, I wanted to ask you if you’d come to the war and be a soldier, like me”, he said with a proud smile.

After listening to the weird man, You turned around and started to walk towards the shore. His smile curved into an awkward one as you walked away. “HEY!! I’m NOT DONE! LISTEN TO ME ONCE”, trying to stop you he shouted again. But as his attempts failed, he ran again and stood before you blocking your way. You glared at him because of it.

“Listen to me. I mean no harm. I’m Zoro, a solider of the Straw Hat army”, he introduced himself as he took your hand and shook it. ‘What… What a weird man’, you thought looking at him.

“You see, we want to use all the help needed to destroy the beard Kingdom. So, come with us and be a soldier of the Straw hat army”, he said.

“Why do I need to fight for your army. I don’t wanna involve in these fights”, you said sternly, speaking for the first time to the man.

“Why not? Just join us. We are fighting on the good side. We wanna give freedom to the people of beard Kingdom”, he inhaled and continued, “If you join I’ll make sure you get good food and 500 pure gold coins”. He was really determined to win the war and also claimed that he wanted to free some people.

You could get the gold coins from many ruined ships, but the way he looked at you with determination to win in eyes you couldn’t help but to sigh. “Let’s meet here tomorrow at exactly at dawn”, with that you continued to walk towards the shore.

“I never caught your name”

“Its Y/N”, you say without turning around but smirked. He was the first human you ever told your name to.

His eye clearly lit up and he grinned as he said, “I’ll waiting, Y/N”. He didn’t notice that his heart definitely did skip a beat then.

Swimming deep into the ocean, you reached your house with in 10 minutes. Before sleeping, you took the spell book and started to refer it again even though you’ve read it multiple times. You still had 12 hours till dawn and it’s be sufficient amount of time till you regain your energy.

As the first rays of sun hit the country, Zoro looked at how beautiful the sea looked. He was mesmerized by its beauty.

“Hey”, you almost startled him. 

“What the… when did you come here? How did I not notice?”, he said with confusion in his eyes.

“Lets go now”

“Ye…Yeah. Let’s go”, he said leading you forward. ‘This person is hiding something’, he thought

“Hey”, you call him as he turned to look at you.

“Why are you going towards the sea?”, as soon as you said that, his cheeks turned red with embarrassment.

“Don’t tell me you don’t even know the rout-”

“I know!”, he said interrupting you and opening the map. You peaked at the map and then looked at him. He was sweating.

“Give, just give it to me”, you took the map and continued, “So where is the location”

“Here”, he pointed towards a white surface on the map. “If we go quickly-”, you tooe his hand in yours and closed your eyes, “We can reach in maybe 5 days”, he ended as you snapped your fingers. He just looks at the place before him. Your eyes open wide upon seeing the white substance in front of you. Your hands hug you as the place was very cool but you were truly in awe by the view.

But Zoro was actually speechless. “What? How? Why? When? Its not even been 5 seconds”, he screamed and continued, “What are you actually? Are you using some sort of Magic?”, he then sneezed.

“I used a spell. Now don’t make a fuss about it. Anyone can do it”, you replied

“NO ONE CAN DO IT!”, he screamed again only for you to ignore.

“What is this white substance”, you asked him as you slowly crouch down and touch it. It was soft and very cold, Making your hand numb. But you were amazed by it.

“Its snow. Don’t do that, your hands will become numb”, he said and took your hands in his and started to rub them. You heart skipped a beat and you didn’t know why.

“Lets go. I think, I know the way from here”, he said and pulled you up with him. With your hands still in his he walked forward. Even though your knees felt weak, you kept walking. He talked about the prince and how great he was.

After 10 minutes, you both saw some men with weapons in the area. With one swift motion, Zoro attacked them and knocked them out. You were actually surprised. You didn’t even notice when he left your side and attacked them. He held three swords at a time. You never saw a person so perfectly using three swords. Oh god, he looked like a demon. He pulled the clothes from those men and handed you one. “Wear this sweater. I don’t want you to get sick”

You wore it and it felt really warm all of a sudden.

“Woah!! Its so warm, fells like Magic”, you smile pulling the sweater even closer to you.

“Tsk… you call this magic and call your spell normal. I cant understand you”, he again took your hand in his. “Don’t… Don’t get it wrong. Its only because I brought you here so its my responsibility to keep you safe”. You place your thumb on his wrist and observe that his heart beat was increasing.

“Your heart beat is increasing”, you said making him glare at you.

After walking for a while, you notice a building ahead of you. It was black in colour and had black smoke coming out from it. Suddenly Zoro stops in his tracks.

“Is it the secret base of straw-hat kingdom, you were talking about”, you asked him.

“It’s the secret base of Beard Kingdom that we are searching for past 1 month. Oh my! We found it Y/N”, he said with a smirk on his face. You snapped your fingers and made the black smoke red hoping someone from the straw hat base see it.

“No, you found it. I just waked with you. What type of shit directions you have”

“Hey! That’s not true. I… I actually was planning to search this with you. But whatever we found it!”, he grinned looking at the building.

“Don’t tell me you wanna take them on all by yourse-”

“What are you saying? I have you now! Let’s kill them Y/N”, he said taking his swords and positioning them. He was a demon. But your heart started to race. It was because of this jerk.

“Ok! Lets go”, you said and silently you both infiltrated the base. Knocking out who ever came across your way.

‘Damn it. There are a lot of people here’, you thought as your breathing became heavy and your legs gave out.

“Y/N, you okay?”, Zoro whispered getting close to you.

“I’m fine”, you said. This wasn’t the time to wine and you knew it.

“Thankyou. Its dawn and everyone are mostly sleeping. So lets just finish this off and leave”, he said as he placed his hand behind your waist and in one swift motion he pulled you up. Your heart skipped a beat. AGAIN. ‘This is just like the useless romance novels I read’, you thought. ‘Do I like him by any chance?’

“Lets go”, he said facing the opposite direction that you actually should go.

“We need to go this way”, you said to him as he blushed and walked in the correct direction. ‘Definitely not’, you concluded and continued to trash the soldiers in the way. You were late once and a bullet hit your shoulder. Still you didn’t give up.

“Y/N! I’m sorry, I’ll make sure to get you treated by our doctor”, Zoro shouted as he slashed another person, who was twice as big as him.

After a while, you knew, you really needed the ocean. Your body was getting weaker. Teleporting to a really far place with another person, being hit by a bullet and continuously knocking out these strong ass soldiers is really getting hectic.

“You did great Y/N, its okay. Leave now, ill take care of the rest!”, Zoro said but you got determined even more to fight.

“What? I don’t take orders, especially from humans. Lets see who gets more knockouts”, you said. Zoro didn’t know if he should be happy that you didn’t give up or be concerned that you called him a human? So were you not one?

Snapping fingers, you teleported Zoro from one enemy to another and sometimes yourself to win over the enemies. Your shoulder was turning into a shade of purple, but you were too busy to notice. He soon got used to your help. “You make one hell of a partner!”, Zoro said looking at you as he stood on a pipe which was approximately 10 feet above you. You smirked as a big sound made you to look at the strong wooden door.

“WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING HERE!”, A man with a big beard shouted. You snapped your fingers and Zoro was beside you in a second.

“That’s Beard. We need to destroy him”, Zoro mumbled as he proceeded to run further. You were ready to go with him but your vision completely became black and you fell to the ground.

“Y/N!”, Zoro called out to you but you didn’t wake up. You could hear him. You wanted tell him to escape. Then you heard an explosion.

“BEARD!!! I’LL KICK YOUR ASS!!”, an unfamiliar voice was heard.

“Jeez Luffy! Could you hold your horses?”

“NAMI!!!! I’m Scared!”

“Shut up Ussop! We need to protect the peopl- Ladies! *ahem*”

That was too late. Luffy was already fighting with Beard at this point. With the prince fighting, all Straw hat soldiers started to fight with Beard Army.

“Y/N! Y/N Wake up!! Please wake up!”, Zoro took your body in his arms and shook you trying to wake you up.

‘I want to see you one last time’, you thought before your hearing also faded away.

“Please wake up. Don’t die”, he shook you like crazy.

“Don’t do that Zoro! Let me take a look at the wound”

Handing you over, Zoro clenched his jaw. “Please don’t let him die”, he said and positioned himself.

“ASHURA”, he said and went full demon mode on the Beard Soldiers.

After winning over the Beard army everyone was really relieved. But they didn’t celebrate. Knowing one of their soldier was in a critical position.

The doctor checked your pulse and you weren’t alive. He sighed and got up. Covering you with a blanket, he walked out.

“How is he?”, Zoro asked as soon as the doctor stepped out.

“That was a girl and sadly her pulse stopped”, the doctor replied only for Zoro to grab his collar and ask again. “What did you say? It cant be happening. He i mean She cant die, do something”

“I’ve tried everything, I’m sorry”, the doctor said and Zoro let go of him.

He went inside the room to find you covered with a blanket. He pulled the blanket down to see your face again. He sat beside you and took your hand in his.

“I’m sorry. I made you come here even when you clearly didn’t want to. I am sorry”, he apologized holding your hand tightly. “Is there any spell to bring you back. If there is, I wish you to come back, please get a second chance”

Then he saw the sapphire necklace glow. He was shocked at this. If anyone would’ve told him that magic existed a few days earlier, he’d have brushed it off. But after seeing you, he believes in it.

Just when you felt that you were surrounded with nothing but light, your ocean coloured necklace glowed, as if it was calling you back. You opened your eyes and could see light and also a person with green hair. His face lit with happiness and he hugged you.

“Zo...ro”, you called as he pulled back to look at you.

“Y/N! You are alive!”, he said as he took your hand and kissed it.

“You!! You Human! How could you!”, your cheeks turned pink at his actions.

“Why didn’t you tell me that you were a girl?”

“I never said that I were a boy”

“You are alive again so I’ll let it slide for now, also that stone and those scales on your cheek”, he said and you snapped your fingers to hide the scales.

“Whatever… I saw that you cried when I died”, you blabbered but it turned out to be true as his cheeks turned red.

“I did not”, he tried to hide his embarrassment but failed. You chuckled at his reaction and he smiled at you.

“EHHH!!!! YOU ARE ALIVE!!!!”, the doctor screamed looking at you then suddenly a weird guy with a straw hat came in beaming with energy.

“SUGOI!!! You are alive! then we all can celebrate on the occasion of you being alive and also winning the war!”, he said coming towards you.

“I guess… Thanks”

“Show me your powers when you get well okay!”, he said as he gave you a wide smile and left.

“Was he the prince Luffy that you are so fond of”, Zoro nodded

“He is the man worthy to become a King. But tell me this, are you a fish?”

“Actually, that’s not totally wrong. I’ll tell you what you need to know. Let’s teleport again after some time.”

The next day.

“Its… Its actually pretty cool. I never thought I’d see a half fish and half human”, Zoro said as he tugged on your tail.

“Ouch! Be careful. The tail can be strong but it is also very sensitive, and can you please start using the word mermaid”, you said splashing water on him.

“So, tell me. How strong are the mermaids? Are they all as strong as you?”, he curiously asked not hiding the intent to fight. You chuckled and started to tell him about the creatures of the ocean. But its just been 3 days since you met him, but you two already had a.... weird connection.

Zoro tucked a strand of hair behind your ear and looked into your eyes. The timing was so perfect. Maybe it was because he was there. You moved closer to kiss him and he also returned it. Maybe the mermaid princess wasn’t totally wrong to choose love…

XOXOXOXO

Thankyou for reading. I warned you with cringe alert in the beginning but if you made it through the end, congratulations!

Comment your feelings down in the comments!

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#zoro #one piece #Zoro One Piece #ronoroa zoro x reader #roronoa zoro x reader #zoro roronoa x reader #roronoa zoro #zoro roronoa #one piece x reader #one piece x you #one piece x y/n #One Piece Fanfiction #onepiece #mermaid #disney

[xsugarysweetsx]

𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇 2

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Warnings; Some language; kidnapping; mention of blood (but not violent; horribly written action

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“Uggghh I shouldn’t have drank last night“ you groan as the blaring of your alarm makes your head pound harder than it was. You blindly feel around for your phone to stop the annoying sound. Finally turning off the retched noise you sit up in bed and stretch upward.

“Another day...“ you said in a monotone morning voice. Throwing your legs over the bed you walk across the cold floor into your bathroom to get ready for work. You worked at a local cafe, it didn’t pay as much as you would want but, it got your bills paid. You brush your teeth, shower, and get dressed.

You refill Mochi’s bowls with food and water and you were on your way. After you lock your door you walk down the hall to the elevator. It seemed to be closing but was stopped by your neighbor, Eren. He was a fresh college graduate just a couple years younger than you

“Morning sleepyhead” he teased “Long night?”

“Don’t ask“ you said fixing your hair into a ponytail. Digging through your purse you find your keys and look up at Eren “How's job hunting going for ya” you ask as the elevator opens up to the parking lot. 

“Ass, they’re all ran by obnoxious old bastards“ he scoffed with a pout 

“Well if you keep going to places with that mentality it’ll be like that for a while.“ unlocking your car you get in and start it up “I can always try and get you a job at the cafe“ you offer closing your door

“Nah, I’ll be fine I’m heading to a tattoo parlor to see where I can start there. See ya“ he waves over his head as he walks the other way to his bike 

“bye.“ you said aimlessly as you start to pull out of your spot and on your way to work. The streets busy with all kinds of people business owners, office workers, cops, and the list goes on. The cafe wasn’t too far, just a 10 minute drive was all. After you park you get out of your car and a sigh leaves your lips 

“Another day, another order“ you sigh opening the door and walking to the back. The shop was small but cozy, the smells of teas and coffee filled the air as buzz of baristas and customers filled your ears. You throw on your apron and get to the front where you took orders. 

“Hey, how’d you sleep?“ Christa asked, one of your coworkers “Sasha told us about the date, I’m sorry you had to experience that“ she was always so sweet and compassionate

“Hey can’t win them all, besides he was full if himself“ you smile to the next customer that comes to the counter “Good morning what will you like?“

“Small Black tea, no sugar“ the man said in a monotone. Working here you saw all walks of life. This man was dressed in a grey button up with black slacks, dress shoes, sunglasses and had an umbrella in hand. He was also noticeably pale, maybe he was sensitive to the sun and got sunburned easily. You weren’t one to judge. 

“That will be $5.15 sir“ he hands you the exact amount and stands to the side to wait. After about 5 minutes you serve him his tea and that was when you made eye contact. Striking grey-blue eyes met yours and for a moment your heart skipped a beat. He looked down quickly and grabbed his tea 

“Thank you“ and he left. You walk back to the counter not even noticing the burning of your cheeks

“ooo was that a romantic encounter I saw?“ Sasha nudges you as she passes by. You simply scoff and shake your head and move on with your day

“Can I help who’s next!“

<><><><>

Tch today couldn’t be anymore shitty. It’s sunny as hell, I saw her again, and I’m pretty sure she recognized me

Levi thought to himself as he walked along the sidewalk, his umbrella overhead. He walks a few blocks until he reaches a bar and grill he walks past the bar and to the back of the kitchen. Walking past the chefs and serves, he goes into a backroom with an elevator. 

For lack of a better term, it was an underground. Where more people like him were free to roam. They lived exactly like people, they had jobs, houses, some with families, only they were vampires. A secret society if you will. This was a faster way of getting to the city and back to his Coven. His consisted of about 5 major people, Erwin called the shots, he kept things in order, Hanji did research when needed, and Mike who was a security guard in a way.

Everyone else joins in at some point or were taken in by Erwin. They were pretty well known among other vampires. Walking along the way he makes a stop for some blood. Even though he despised even the thought of it, he had to survive. He would go to a blood supply shop and mix in some with his tea kill the taste of it.

Thanking the shop owner he leaves and continues his way back home. Suddenly something heavy is thrown over his shoulder, causing him to stumble a bit. 

“Levi! Did you check up on our girl?“ he knew that voice too well. Zeke of all people. He actually used to be part of his Coven, and probably one of the best but after a certain incident he was kicked out. Ever since he’s been getting on Levi’s last nerve, especially when it had to do with people going missing.

Technically it would be humans’ problem to solve, but if they find out why and how they went missing, it would only be bad for vampires. Possibly even death for them, even though half of them are over 100 years old. Nonetheless, he can’t have someone constantly slipping up, but at the same time he doesn’t want to babysit a full grown man.

“Listen you bastard, she isn’t yours no is she mine. I got a tea without knowing she was there. Now get your big ass off me before I break your arms.“ he threatened brushing past Zeke and making way back on route. Zeke simply stood there, with a smile, the type of smile that couldn’t mean anything good

“Oh it’s just a matter of time, Levi“

<><><><>

“You sure you want to close Y/N? I can always stay“

“It’s no problem I know you have a baby waiting at home so I don’t mind“ it was already time to close.

Your manager insisted on staying with you but you knew she was busy and just had a baby. She thanked you again and you started to lock up everything. Closing the cash registers, wiping down the counter and locking the door. It was cold that night and you wish you brought a jacket.

Surprisingly the street wasn’t as full as usual. A chill ran up your spine, making you feel uneasy. You slowly pick up the pace, you and your car insight but you no judo to shake off this feeling. Like a cold icy glare at the back of head. Almost like an ice cube running down your spine.

You end up running to your car, and make it to the door panting. You turn around sharply and take in your surroundings. Nothing—not a soul.

“*Sigh* get a grip damn it! Just get home and you’ll be fine” you scold yourself as you open your car and get inside. Checking the backseat no one was there, you don’t waste any more time and drive off. The drive was short and you may have speed in a little.

You’re finally home, you make sure to lock your door twice. There was still something strange going on, usually Mochi was at the door meowing at you for being gone all day.

“Mochi?” You call as you walk through the apartment only to find him in your room. “Oh there you are” you go and pick him up but his gaze is fixated on window. His body was tense and he even had a low growl in his chest. Looking there was nothing to be seen so you brushed it off as him being a cat. Yet, you looked one more time and your heart dropped in lot your stomach.

Zeke. There he was standing at your window. He raises his fist and smashes it through your window. You let out a shriek as you run with Mochi into the kitchen. You open the drawer and grab a knife and turn around frantically. Your hand was shaking, your pulse was racing, and you’re adrenaline was through the roof. The apartment was dark and cool and the room was deafeningly quiet. The silence was broke as a growl like voice said

“Now, now princess don’t play hard to get. This will only take a moment” he said a bit to slightly as he started to inches away to you. He pulled out look look like to be a small white rag and you could only think of one thing “could this really be my end?”

Without thinking you drop Moshi end jump forward to try and learn him. But you miss, and he is somehow behind you in the blink of an eye. He holds your hands behind your back as he smacks the rag on to your mouth.

You struggle against his vice grip, but you couldn’t seem to shake them off or even let you kick on him. You try not to breathe and won’t ever was in that ride but you felt your consciousness slowly slip away from you. Your vision begins to go blurry, your head was light, and your leg start to get out. 

Is this how I die...? Is this....my end...

“Shhh that’s it Y/N, that’s it. Just sleep until I get you back” he chuckled “they’re all gonna get a kick out of this”

<><><><>

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[wolfandsheep200]

Chapter 2. Everything that can go wrong.

Mercury entered the captains cabin without saying a word to Tryian. Silently he slid into the copiolits seat of the stolen Mistral Style Air Craft. His hands moved quickly a blur speed and certainty. Frist the young Assassin began flipping an array of multicolored switches.

In response to this action. Several lights located on the dashboard in front of him, flared to life. Next Mercury turned his attention to a dual line of assorted knobs. Swiftly he began turning these in a very sepific order. A warning bell dinged softly in response. Next a panel concealing the copiolits steering column slid open and the steering column itself jutted foward. Mercury half grinned. The hidden steering column had been a big reason behind choosing this particular model to steal. Mercury knew if one wasn't familiar with the vessel design they would never even suspect a secondary steering column was apart of the craft. Leaving him an easy way to resize control of the craft. If this vessel was boarded by unwanted guest. Once the steering column settled into place. Mercury began watching the gauges. He watched fixatedly as the corresponding Needles behind the Glass casing rose and leveled off inside the Green. Now self assured that the electrical power being produced inside the engine had been sent to all the right places. Mercury allowed himself to relax. No part of himself trusted Tryian Callows the sanity challenged Scorpion Fanus sitting in the piolits chair and no part of himself ever would. So for Mercury seeing the ship working properly with his own two eyes. After catching a few hours of much needed sleep. Left an overly paranoid Mercury with absolutely no doubts whatsoever in his ability to have some semblance of control over the steering column and the ship itself. Tryian was a Nut Job and if the Nut Job to his left decided to suddenly take issue with Mercury's maneuverability of the craft. He would frist have to bodily pry. The young Assassin away from the controls. And then beat him into a bloody stupor. Lastly Mercury checked the set course. Tryian had been guarding this information closely from him over the last several days. Yet now with their destination nearing. Tryian seemed to no longer care if Mercury knew where they were going Mercury's proof of this is the fact Tryian had left the Navagational Console unlocked. Greedily Mercury poured through the pre-programmed course logged into the Navagational Console. Eager to see where Tryian planned to set the craft down. Mercury's jaw hardened with sudden realization as he silently read the course route. Tryian's route planned to skip the Vacuo Airfield entirely. "You can't be this stupid." Mercury nearly said aloud. Then think8ng better of it he caught himself.

Instead of heading towards the Airfield like every other civilian and criminal in the towns history. The Creep. Had decided to opt for heading straight towards the city itself.

This decision right here would cause them nothing except an endless string of nightmarish problems. It would get so bad that the blow back wasn't going to be even remotely funny. Mercury could already picture his view from behind the electrical fencing of a Vacuo Prison Cell and he didn't like what he was seeing. Nothing would be worse than actually forcing the Vacuo police to do their job.

For the Desert City of Vacuo. Only had the one major Airfield and the Airfield in question is the Jadeparks Merrygold International Airfield. The airfield itself was A gigantic place containing over two hundred full sized hangers and at least sixty of those Hangers either privately-owned or corporately operated. Jadeparks itself lay some twelve point four miles westward outside of the up-swingly prosperous Vacou community. Anyone who had ever been to Vacuo quickly received an education in the laws and by laws of Cross Kingdom Air Travel. Each non-kingdom registered incoming vessel. Entering Vacuo Air Space. Was expected to check in with the Vacuo Citizens Registration Authority.

Nowadays in The Kingdom of Vacou. A law such as the Vacou Regersation Act. Wouldn’t normally be considered a big problem. Seeing as how most of Vacuo Law Enforcement Officals looked the other way and didn't have too many laws in which they regularly bothered to even enforce. Seriously, the joke among the Bats. Vacuo top criminal Organization is this. "In order to get ones self arrested. A body just about has to blatantly break the law infront of an officer. And then ask that Officer. "So what are you going to do about it?" Which unfortunately had actually happened on more than one occasion.

As with all things there was a handful of exceptions to a Vacou authorities line of thought. Murder for one, just wasn't tolerated. Also inappropriate sexual misconduct would be another, after that the granddaddy of them all would probably be stopping local female lead vocalist Milia Pheonia. From performing at a live concert, That last one might actually be the death penalty. Mercury wasn't sure and would have to check. Oh, and of course. Vacuo Law Enforcement also enforced the very law in which they were about to violate. As far as exceptions went. The Vacuo Registration Act was listed as being tied for the number one slot.

"See this regulation carried an importance to the town. And that importance had never been forgotten.

It had all taken place not long after the town of Vacuo was founded. In those days Vacuo was still a town and hadn’t yet become recognized as an Official Kingdom. And as a consequence the entire Desert Community was struggling to make ends meet. Things grew bad for the average Vacuo Citizen. Crime grew rampant and as a response the city grew dangerously close to being shunned by all other Kingdoms and communities. In an effort of self interest to ensure their communitys survival. The relatively law abiding citizens of Vacou banneded together and the VCRA was formed. Mostly out of a necessity. With It's one and only purpose being. The collection of a small non negotiable toll from all non-community and Outside Commercial Air Traffic. This small yet enforceable fine would be levied against any non citizens. Entering Vacuo Air Space from anywhere outside its borders. The upside to the fine was this. It provided the community with the funds to being keeping a stable police presence in the region. Any person caught failing to comply with this regulation. Could face jail time, community service, or Vessel impoundment. Mercury knew immediately that within another mile or so. The ship they were riding in would be flagged by the Vacuo Registration Board, One of the hidden security cameras placed in the desert would capture and transmit a photo of their vessel to a tech located at Jadeparks Merrygold International Airfield. Who would conduct a quick visual scan of the video for identifying marks against all incoming vessels expected on the docket. Finding no such non-mistakeable identifying features. The tech would then pass their case over to an Air Traffic Agent who would hail their vessel and inquire as to the nature of their visit. If they failed to show a legitimate reason for their trip. Such as a wedding or funeral that could be easily fact checked. The two criminals would be told where to land and have to pay the entrance fee. After that it would only be a matter of time before the Agent checked their faces against a criminal database and either matched those faces to a wanted poster or ran a check on the ships onboard computer and realized the ship was stolen. Mercury knew he had only moments to act. Within the next couple of miles Jadeparks International Air Traffic would be bringing them up on sensors. He had to say something.

"Tryian." Mercury said suddenly. Cut the speed to the engines, drop our elevation, slow this craft to a crawl, and set us on an easterly course twoards this Canyon. Mercury pressed his finger against the map located on the navagation route.

Tryian Callows looked towards his younger coworker. A whimsical simile of surprise. Shifting across his manic features. He started to say something off handed. Read an air of the seriousness running across the younger man's face. Shrugged then allowed his curiosity get the better of him. He quickly brought the throttle backwards reducing the crafts speed. Pushed foward on the steering column droping the crafts nose. When they were within a hundred feet of The Desert Sands Tryian leveled the craft off and asked.

"OK. Mr. Black care to explain why you just had me slow the ship?"

"Because, for the frist time since we started this little trip. You left the navigation console unlocked and I just saw our course destation."

"And." Tryian rolled his eyes, letting let the word hang.

Mercury took the bait. "And" He began. "It heads directly for the city."

"So what's wrong with that? The city is where we need to go. Or have you forgotten the purpose of our mission. Mr. Black!"

"What's wrong with that?" Mercury couldn't believe his ears. "We're moments away from being signaled by the VCRA and your course has us making a bee line directly for the city instead of the air field. That what's wrong."

As if to emphasize Mercury's point. Both of The Ship's dual communication modules began to ping. Next the flashing sensor lights. Stating that the ship was being hailed began to rotate through out the interior of the cockpit.

Tryian frowned as if he'd missed something obvious. His eyes drew slowly to the communications console located infront of him. One hand ran across his jaw line. Tryian nearly growled his next question. "Who the hell is that?"

Mercury's hands shot forth violently ripping the video cords from each of each communications console. Just as quickly, he shoved the cords haphazardly into his pants pocket. Then opted to grab for the push button transceiver. Each steering unit had an old fashioned push button transceiver. Nestled into the housing. Mercury grabbed the one infront of Tryian's piolit seat.

Looking to Tryian, Mercury said. "Tell me you have a reserved hanger at Jadeparks Airfield."

"No." Tryian said. Still bemused.

"Then let me do all of the talking." Mercury nearly whispered. "And for Gods sakes change our course and head us east away from the town and the airfield."

Tryian turned the ship East. Gestured towards his newest associate and said. "Let's see what you've got. Mr. Black.

Mercury's eyes went to the transceiver in his hand. He could feel his stomach tightening, his neck stiffen, and his throat was suddenly dry. Mercury sawolled hard. Somewhere in the back of his mind. He heard Marcus's voice, saying. "Your fiction has to be plausible, your demeanor impeccable, and your voice honest and believable. Now you try." For a moment Mercury was eight years old again. "Telling his frist real lie. He could imagine it visibly. A complete stranger. A woman, brown haired, in her late forties early fifties stood in front of him. His tiny voice had shook with every word as if he was scared. The young Mercury Black had begun by looking down towards the floor before stepping closer. To the strange woman. Mustering his courage. The tiny Mercury had blurted out. "Please help me miss. I can't seem to find my father."

The woman looked to him with genuine concern on her face. "Well where did you see him last." She ask.

"This way." Mercury said. Grabbing at the woman's hand. Then letting it slip through his fingers. Before bolting off ahead of her. Mercury headed Towards the alley. "Wait!" She called. As Mercury drew father and father away from her. He could remember her turning into the alley. Rember her calling out to him. "Little Boy are you here!" Those words of concern had been her last words. His Father had appeared behind her. Marcus had moved so fast it was a wonder the man wasn't a mirage. What Mercury had seen was her head snapping backwards. Her mouth opening to form a scream which had never come and a thin crimson line appearing across her throat. All Marcus had said to his son after the deed was done and her body had been disposed of was this.

"Now my boy you know how to lie. This is a skill Mercury. And one which will serve you well someday. Telling stories which aren't true is the same kind of skill as any other. The more you practice and hone this craft. The easier your technique will be to perform in your everyday life. And as you grow older. The more useful such a skill will become. It may even be the key to your very survival. "

Mercury Swallowed hard. Staring at a point on Tryian's neck. Then with steely confidence, he pushed the talk button on the transceiver. Before so much as a word could be spoken from Tryian or by the unknow voice on the other side. He gripped hard on the device in His left hand and began spouting lyrical nonsense. In the same fashion that the Long haul cargo piolits used to do. When Marcus and himself would travel between kingdoms.

"The desert air is hot, yet the A.C. works fine, and my looks rival on the damn divine. So I must ask to you out there, who have'th signaled me. Who do I have the pleasure of speaking to? Oh so verily. Answer me now and answer me quick. While I carve up time and space. With my oh so reliable ship." He then released the transceivers button and listened intently. Tryian in the seat beside him raised one eyebrow clearly wondering where all that had just come from.

The voice which filtered in through the speakers. Was Male, adult, and one hundred percent all business. Mercury listened intently. Hanging on every word being spoken. While simultaneously adjusting the channle settings of the ships other communications console. Located directly infront of Mercury's Co-Piolit Seat. Furiously Mercury began typing a code into the channel encryption module. When this was done he hit send and turned his attention back to the communications console in front of Tryians Piolit Seat.

"This is Vernan Tell. I am a Senior Agent with the Vacuo Citizens Registration Authority or the VCRA for short. We have a Tech over here at Jadeparks International Airfield. Who has noticed that your craft a White Mistral Elite Six, J, Thrity Two. Is not listed on our incoming manifest. Also according to your vessels trajectory we have made an assumption that your ship is pegged on a direct course toward The Kingdom itself. We here with the VCRA would like to accusation your reasons for travel to our fair kingdom and dissuade you from making the foolish error of heading directly into town airspace."

Mercury cut him off before Vernan Tell could say more. " Well if that ain't one of the friendliest voices I've heard all day. You said your name was Tell was it. I used to know this girl named Tell. Back in Mistral. Now that there was a perrty girl if there ever was one. Easy outgoing type too. Took her to prom senior year. Man I sure miss her. Anyway didn't you say something about needing to know the reasons for this here little road trip of ours?"

The Communications Console infront of Mercury began to light up. Before the buzzer could so much as sound Mercury released the talk button on the transceiver in his hand and grabbed the transceiver from the communications console infront of himself. Mercury knew Vernan Tell was going to repeat himself. The way he'd probably repeated himself hundreds of times, on a daily basis. Air Traffic Agents hated dealing with Crass, Crossed and Nit-Witted Across Kingdom Truckers.

Not sparing a moment. Mercury mashed the button on the Co-Piolit Transceiver and began reciting from memory. A password of rhythmic lines.

"In the Kingdom of Veil the Rats know it all. Information filters downwards through the cracks and crevices nestled in the wall. While in Mistral. The electronic webbing is spun. To make transactions easier for the Lords of Spider's and funds. For in the civilized world. This is how business is done. Yet here in Vacuo among the Desert Sand. Where Oceans run dry and wind upheavals the land. The Bats rule the nights through sound and fear. For the midnight hours are theirs. The message is clear. While the days belong to The One who cares. For all who subscribe to mischief and stolen wares. A fair lady who looks out for those in the organized world. A Mother tending to ducklings from every court in every pond. Oh Mother Goose are you there? Do you hear my quacks through the still morning air? If so then this Ugly Duckling of yours is in need. Show me love, care, and help me to succeed."

Mercury released the button switching back to the first conversation with Agent Tell. The man's no nonsense voice seemed perturbed with Mercury.

"I'll say again White, Mistral, Elite, Six, J. Thrity Two. What is the reason for your visit to our fair kingdom?

Mercury was perpared this time and was off to the races answering Tell's question.

"Oh that? That's an easy one Vernan my man. Can I call you Vern? Well you see Vern . My partner and I have worn ourselves down to a frazzle. There's only so many trips hauling freight between Mistral and Veil that two people can take before they're at their wits end. I mean we've been out there avoiding Grim, escaping bandit tribes, and still somehow insuring our freight arrives on schedule. It's all just been so..... exhausting. You know what I mean Vern." Mercury paused counting off the seconds in his head. Letting the implications of his words set in. When he counted to seven. He began speaking again with renewed vigor. "However, Were not gonna let that sort of thing stop guys like us. Are we Vern? Naw, not us. That's why Me and my Partner here. We got it in our heads that we need to blow off a little steam. Just like every other being on this world and after much drinks and inebriated discussion. We came to a very serious decision. A decision to party in the one and only Desert City. Were gonna See the sight. Take in the shows, Chat up a few girls and just generally relax. This is our vacation time after all Vern.

Mercury un-mashed the button, with a grin a mile long this was a performance worthy of the Mistral Theater Company.

"Breath." Mr. Black. Tryian said. Mercury drew in a deep breath. Saw that the Co-Piolits communication console had started talking at him and muttered. "No rest for the wicked." Quickly Mercury pointed Tryian to the speaker in the piolits seat. "Let me know everything Vern says." Then began listening to the voice playing through the Co-Piolits speakers.

"Hello there Ugly Duckling." A Woman's sensuous voice leeched in through the co piolits speakers. "This here is your Mother Goose. Letting you know your quacks for help haven’t fallen on deaf ears. Now before I can act there are a number of variables I need to know to solve the equation of your problems. For instance which Duckling am I speaking to?"

"No true Duckling at all my dear. Just a Young Gray Souled Fox traveling with a real nasty Porcupine. Trapped in a Flying Hen House, outside the town limits, and to make matters worse Mother Goose. I have no keys to the grand coup.

"Sit tight while We verify your identity Little Fox."

Mercury turned his attention back to Vernan. Tryian's mouth was hanging open. Clearly wondering what in the blue blazes was going on beside him. Mercury had barely spoken a hundred words on this trip, heck in all the time since Cinder brought the young man in. He'd barely spoken a thousand, and now all of a sudden he was carrying on multiple conversations at once. Reciting coded lines, conjuring a fictional persona, and reaching out to a mysterious unknown backer. Who was this boy and what had happened to the one he'd been saddled with?

"What has our friend Agent Vern said?" Mercury asked.

"The suit wants to know why we changed or trajectory and headed east. Also inquired into us having a reservation at the air field." Tryian recanted.

Mercury pushed the talk button and began talking with Vernan Tell once again.

"Vern my man. Sounds like you'd wish to know why we're headed East. Shoot that's an easy one. Old man Vin still got the track out there right? And anyone who can set the season record with their ship will win a free tank of fuel. Redeemable at Jadeparks Airfield correct? Well we want to experience everything Vacuo has to offer during our stay. So before we come in will be headed to Chargers Track. After that it's a quick trip to the airfield. Where will be docking at one of those private Bays. As soon as we're done at Chargers Track that is.

Mercury's eyes drifted to the copiolits communication console. He needed Mother Goose to come through for him and in a big way. Or he and Tryian would have to be done playing nicely. With Vernan Tell and everyone else in Vacuo.

"White, Mistral,Elite, Six, J. Thrity Two. I'm relived to hear you have a reservation. All I need from you now is to know the projected time of arrival and the identification code for the hanger. You plan on docking at." Vernan responded.

Mercury began crunching the numbers in his head. Calculating in the time for travel between the track and the airport. Then factoring in time to run through the course at least once. And finally adding himself an extra ten minutes to spare for a miracle. Mercury then thumbed the button and spoke into the transceiver.

"Around One hour and sixteen minutes until our arrival at the airfield. And the identification code for the hanger is right here inside the ship somewhere. I'm just going to need you to give me a minute or two to look for it. You see my friend. Who gave me hanger access told me not to lose it. So I put it here in the ship somewhere safe and might have forgotten exactly where I put it." Mercury sounded slightly defeated as he finished speaking then released the button.

Turning to Tryian Mercury said. "He's going to be furious. With an answer like that. Yet. That little story might have just bought us a couple of minutes. Still that storys not going to fly forever. At most I bought us a little over an hour.

Tell me about this track. Tryian said.

"Ok. The Track is something called a Buzzer Beater. You see a Buzzer Beaters is a strategically placed business set up and run by the Criminal Underworld. There's always a few places like Charager's Track set up in are around ever kingdom. If one knows where to look for them. Now a Buzzer Beater itself is a legitimate way for a wanted criminal to buy time for themselves. While under direct scrutiny from law enforcement. For example we showed up unannounced. Which is bad for us. The only thing. Working in our favor is this. The agent questioning us isn't physically here. To interrogate us with a direct line of questioning. So for our agent Vernan Tell to feel comfortable in questioning us over the radio. He has to feel secure in his ability to question us in person. Then why dose he feel secure questioning us over the radio? You ask. Because he has to only ask himself one question. To insure himself he has the upper hand here. Which he dose. And that question is this. Do we have enough fule to run and avoid him or are we going to be forced to land the ship somewhere. This distinction is what makes it possible for the Buzzer Beater to work. The agents obviously not going to have a team of Professional Huntsman borde and question every ship entering kingdom air space in person. It would cost the Kingdom too much capital to go this route. Instead they'll wait until the fule in our ship run out. Then send an emissary team of Huntsman and huntresses to our ship to search, interrogate, and arrest us. Likely led by our friend Vernan Tell. So theres no need for unnecessary action. Upfront on the agents part. He has us right where he wants us and he knows it. He has knowledge of the desert terrain, air and ground support at his disposal a vast network of cameras planted throughout the desert an army of tech support ready to assist in a search attempts, and he can order are vessel shot down if we fail to comply with even a single one of his demands. Of course all this make his moves predictable. You see his ace is the simple fact that ships such as this one generally don't carry enough fule to travel all the way out to Vacuo and return to the kingdom they filled up in originally. So he knows we're not going anywhere. This is where the Buzzer Beater comes into play. Criminals need to buy time while they make their arrangements. They Need something legitimate to do. That can't be argued with by a law abidingprofessional. So by partaking in an activity such as The track which the whole community can partake in before docking at the airfield. The track will gives us those few precious minutes to beat the buzzer so to speak.

Tryian looked at Mercury as if he was from another planet. He'd never thought much of the younger man until this moment and didn't know how to fell about having misjudged him.

"Now I see why Cinder kept you around. And Salem promoted you Mr. Black."

"Ugly duckling you still out there." Mercury brought the transceiver to his lips saying go ahead Mother Goose. I read you. Seems you check out. Gray fox how can your Mother Goose be of service."

"Mother Goose I require four things. Frist I'll need Private Hanger access. With a legal identification code. Secondly a decoy package with matching vessel Our is a White Mistral Elite, Six, J. Thrity Two. Thirdly We will also need Two stand ins claiming to be Across Kingdom Truckers, and fourth we will require a silent exit from the Airfield itself."

"That's a tall order Little Gray Fox. how much time do you have?"

"An hour." Mercury responded, then added. "If that."

"So no pressure then. Came a dry humorless reply "Can I also assume you'll need the identification code frist little Grey Fox?"

"You assume correct Mother Goose."

"Then only Hanger I have available belongs to the Bats will this be a problem Grey Fox?"

"Just tell them I have a Porcupine on board and I'd hate for them to get needles in their wings."

"Will do. Grey Fox. The identification code for the Hanger is Zero, Four, Eleven, Fourteen, Thrity Six. Will do, make sure the Bats know to expect a visit from the Sheep Dogs and a possible Sheppard."

"Understood Grey Fox and also welcome back to the Desert. My castleis yours for your stay." The line went dead. The otherside was no longer receiving any transmissions.

Mercury grabbed the transceiver and thumbed the talk button. "Vern are you still there?"

"Waiting anxiously with baited breath." Came Vernan Tell's sarcastic reply. "You better have that code for me. Or were going to have some real problems."

"I got it right here Vern found it in the walk in freezer of all places." Right under a half eaten pint of Electric Blue Fire Fudge. Anyways You got something to write with Vern. Hope you do. Here I go. Hanger Identification code. Zero, Four, Eleven, Fourteen, Thrity Six. Did you get that?"

"Copy that Mistral Elite and I got something for you too. Expect a collections committee member. To greet you when you land. And please enjoy the rest of your trip.

Several minutes later. Tryian Callows and Mercury Black. Found themselves approaching Charger's Track. To the left side of the Canyon Mouth setting alone atop the Canyon Wall. Located around two hundred feet above the Desert floor . Sat a tiny Orange building with a black and white checkered board pattern painted on one end. The only other notable feature A humongous Flashing Billboard. Which spaned the entire distance of the canyon opening. On the left side were the names and times for the top ten best drivers and runs. In the middle was two separate dollar figures amount. One posted above the other. The right side of the board contained an honorable mention's list with vessel dicription and times posted next to them.

Mercury slowed the craft using the copiolits steering column then turned the nessary knobs to engage in hover mode. The ship eventually leveled off. Once the ship wasn’t going anywhere Mercury grabbed the piolits communication console. Turning it to an open broadcast line Mercury set the dial to channel twenty three.

"To whoever is listening inside Charager's Track. Tell old man Vin he has a customer waiting outside for him. Mercury then went and opened the side door to the ship. A few minutes later an older gentleman bald headed standing six three with tattoos on both arms came walking out of the little building. He headed straight to a ship then flew it up to within feet of the open door. Once his ships hoover mode was engaged the Older man opened his door. Extended a bridge across and with clipboard in hand walked over to Tryian and Mercury's vessel.

"Hello Vin." Mercury said grining ear to ear. As the older man entered

The older man looked at the boy for several minutes before recognition hit him..

"Mercury." Vin said astonished. "By the gods. Its good to see you boy." Vin threw both his muscular tattooed arms around the younger man. "How have you been my boy?" Vin suddenly pushed away from the hug. Quickly giving Mercury a once over. "Did you get shorter somehow?" Then as if remembering himself. Vin said. "I'll bet your hungry. You and your..." he looked at Tryian. "friend here." Then turning back to Mercury. "Has that no account Father of yours been feeding you well. Because if he hasn't. I have an old fan belt inside. Which I'll use to tan the hide from his bones.

Mercury winced slightly perhaps not wanting to give Vin the news. "My Father isn't with us any longer Vin. He Passed sometime back."

"Oh!" Vin said in surprise. There was an instant where the life seemed to drain out of him. Then in a much more somber tone Vin spoke his truth. "Well can't say I'm sorry to hear that."

Tryian burst out in a fit of laughter.

Vin shot him a halfway dirty look. Before remembering himself. "Anyway I've got food inside I’ll throw something on the grill and we'll be eating in no time."

"Can't." Mercury said. "I'm working and am pressed for time. On one hand, Mother Goose is making arrangements for the two of us as we speak. And on the other. There's an Airport Agent montoring our ship on radar. If we don't dock soon he'll eventually send huntsman. To board, question, and detain us. I'd much prefer to avoid this outcome if possible. So..."

Vin cut him off. "So you need to run the track, post a credible time incase they check and get out. I got you. What time do you wish to actually post"

"Something nice not fast enough to get on the board yet not pathetic either. Have you had anyone make the board and fall off?" Mercury asked.

"Two." Vin replied. "I can get you in the middle with a quarter of a seconds in between them."

Thanks Vin Mercury said attempting to hand the Older man some money.

Well If you boys don't have time to eat I understand. Yet at-least let me pay the race fee for you.

Mercury started to protest. Except Vin shot him a look that said I won't hear of it.

As soon as Vin was back in his own ship The older man pulled the makeshift bridge back into his vessel. Then yelled out to them. "Lower your ship to the desert floor and place the nose of your craft on the starting line. Once the ships in place the countdown clock will begin. I'll be monitoring channel twenty three on coms. Mercury watched Vin fly his ship back to the tiny building. Then walked back and slumped tiredly into the copiolits seat. He was suddenly exhausted. All the mental work it took to keep the lies straight. Demanded a heavy toll. "It's the same as being in a prolonged fight. Mercury though. Easiest thing in the world to do. If all you do all day, day in and day out. Is fight. Brutal if you haven't been in that sort of environment for years and just come back to it suddenly." Days only half way over." He told Tryian. And we still got a job to do."

With that the unusually quiet Tryian Callows reved the Engine and took off for the starting line.

This has been a chapter by wolf and sheep200. I've enjoyed writing this and hope you enjoyed reading it. It was getting long so I'll try and write a follow up conclusion. Fell free to leave me a comment thank you for reading.

#mercury black #Tryian Callows #Rwby

[aj-thegreatest]

Next up is Topaz and Hody! I did them next because 1) They’re the big thing now and 2) I want to get my Mewni redesigns outta the way before the rest. They were pretty fun, and the first example of my rewrites! Sometimes when I redesign a character, I’ll rewrite them to fit the change. It’ll be minor or major changes; basically my spin on them. I’ll explain everything below, but here’s the final if you wanna skip!

I’ll start with the designs first, then my rewrites:

For Hody, I wanted him to resemble Larry more. I went with his canon design instead of the redesign, since I liked it more (gives me big himbo vibes).

So Hody has his eyes and hair/fin style, but Camie’s eye color. I simplified the outfit so it’s easier to draw: the red sash just goes around his waist, but above his tail. I covered up his chest, kept the gold and red gems, and made his arm armor shorter. I went with the colors that harchibudytgorichi used, cause I love how muted they are! Also, he’s wearing a skirt now! I’ll explain that later.

Topaz’s first change was her hairstyle. No real reason, but I thought her hair being half shaved would look cool! To compensate I made her hair longer, so she’s still a warrior. I gave her Cole’s nose and eyes, so she’s even more aligned with him. But now she has Phyrus’ colors to equalize. She also has pudge! I remember when someone asked if older Topaz could have pudge, and I thought it was a missed opportunity. Alot of her outfit is based on Cole’s (with some Braze too). She has shoulder armor with spikes, a gem placement like Cole, and pants with fur boots. I tried to make her more “battle ready”, with the utility belt and more coverage. No tiara, but her earrings are a hint to her status.

Now onto the good stuff Let’s start off with Hody! Instead of being jerky and prejudice, he’s dumb but has a big heart. Major Himbo vibes. Like Maria he wants to help the Waterfolk kingdom, but can’t retain a lot of knowledge (Diplomacy, Trading, etc). So he fights as a warrior to support them. Hody was a bigger deal until Astro came along, but his strength is acknowledged. He’s still protective of Maria; he can’t accept his sister growing up and surpassing him. To him, she’ll always be his baby sis. It’s also why he’s hesitant towards Astro; why would she need to date??? He does respect him right off though. Eventually he realizes Maria’s grown now, and that won’t change their relationship. After this, Hody treats Astro as part of their family. They also spar on occasion. He’s way more accepting of monsters since he’s too dumb/kindhearted to realize. He hangs with the Johansson brothers but the dynamic is different, I’ll explain later. Hody also loves wearing skirts and dresses; his fashion style leans towards Billy Porter. I...just thought it’d be neat. He was supposed to be the heir, but after meeting a fire-headed warrior that might change… In this version, Topaz is more aggressive and tactical. She never goes in without a plan or escape route, especially in fights. After a horrible “relationship” with her controlling dead ex, Topaz left her tribe to get some space and explore the surface (Cole’s idea). Nobody knew about their relationship, but once they did they were not happy. Her relationship with Scorch went on for too long. It made her feel weak and scared. Which she hates. So Topaz pushes those feelings down and fights to cope. She also doesn’t like unfamiliar people touching her...something Hody (a person who hugs everyone) learns that very quickly. She loves her dad and thinks highly of him. She often stands up for him and his ideals, wanting to help the tribe be more intellectual. Topaz doesn’t read a lot, but books about war and strategy are her favorite. She misses her mom, but doesn’t talk about it (yet). She finds her escort flighty, and wants to teach him to think smarter. Once they travel together, they’ll definitely get closer and help the other with their issues. For Topaz it’ll be her mother, her last relationship/fear of intimacy, and getting close to people. Hody’s will be his feelings about his sister, his place in the Waterfolk kingdom, and his relationship with the Johanssons (which he’ll also learn to put himself first instead of others, but I’ll explain in the next paragraph). I’d compare them to Jess and Lake from Infinity Train. I think they’d both slowly realize they have feelings for each other, and soon start dating. Because of Topaz’s previous relationship, she’s hesitant about doing “heavier” stuff early on. But Hody understands. At some point Hody gives his heirship to Maria; around that time they’d either get married or engaged, and travel around Mewni. They do have kids (maybe 2-3 because this Topaz hates pregnancy idk) and just chill as parents. Now onto the Johnasons!

Hody hangs with the Johnasons, but in their eyes he’s on thin ice. Because of Hody being pro-monster, there’s slight tension between them that Hody side steps. He thinks befriending them will change their minds about monsters, and accept them more. When Topaz comes in, things become shaky. Hody tries to keep the peace but Tor, Twister, and Gale aren’t having it. However, Topaz convinces Hody he needs to look out for his own well being/mental health, and that sometimes you can’t change someone by being their friend (Also conflicting ideals can break a friendship, maybe for the better). After Hody confronts them, Tor puts his hands on Topaz and they both beat them up (Topaz more than Hody, but ehhh semantics. Idk if Twister and Gale would get involved but 🤷🏿‍♀️). Afterwards, Gus comes by and apologizes to Hody. He wasn’t actively prejudiced but complacent and, while not as bad, has its own issues. He asks if they can still be friends, which Hody readily accepts. Topaz is suspicious, but they eventually warm up as a trio (This would also progress Gus’s development, like the 2nd or 3rd step).

...This was a long way of saying I like Grumpy Girl/Soft Boy better than the og dynamic but I’m done! Next one will come out whenever, here’s their full body!

#topaz #hody #hopaz #callyieverse #tales of mewni #callyieverse redesigns #my redesigns #my art #aj art #I’m on break at work but I’ll edit this to explain their human redesigns too #after I’m off

[lemmebefangirl]

Skip Beat ch 291 thoughts.

(Spoilers)

It's silly.

So both of Ren's parents eat a lot? Isn't that too much of coincidence to find the person who eats as much as you. Don't tell me they fell in love with each other because of that?

Second Juliena is a model and older and she looks like a young woman here, not her age which makes one assume that she is Ren's older cousin or something.

Even though I am happy she is not some past lover or someone who would cause misunderstandings between them, I am not liking her character design so far. It doesn't match her age and supposed personality.

On the other hand, if Julie is here, it's kind of good because it means plot is moving further as Julie would surely try to seek out Koun and perhaps Kyoko would end up finding too.

#skip beat #juliena skip beat #ren's mother #route kingdom #ch 291 skip beat #ren's father #kyoko mogami #manga #shoujo manga #tsuruga ren #fluffy shoujo manga #ren tsuruga #anime #ren and mogami #ren and kyoko #spoilers #romance manga #shoujo romance

[msnightwalker]

He hasn’t changed at all 😍

#skip beat #manga #tsuruga ren #love #animals #yoshiki nakamura #chapter 294 #route kingdom #audition #cain heel