#we're focusing on what I think is positive or admirable here

[littlesparklight]

What traits of Paris are admirable for you? Like, what would you say to someone who doesn’t like the character? 😱 I’m very interested in your opinion.

Like, an encomium for Paris? ;) I can do that.

(Undoubtedly a lot, if not all, I'm going to say here I've said elsewhere because I love blabbing about Paris, but 1. I am lazy so I'm not going to go looking and 2. I love blabbing about Paris. Also 3. in the spirit of an encomium I'm going to (try to, since I do know he has faults and those can be interesting to engage in) defer discussing his faults, as well as the consequences even his positive qualities has in the canon situation for the moment.)

With the understanding that some of the things below requires accepting that Paris is effeminate and I'll be interpreting this positively contrary to Ancient Greek opinions about effeminacy;

One of the first things is way he stubbornly and determinedly is honest to his own preferences and presentation in the face of insults and ridicule of the same. Like, yes, dancing and music are good peace time pursuits and bad war time pursuits, but "all things in [manly] moderation/restraint" is an important "qualification" when it comes to men enjoying or being good at these pursuits. Paris doesn't care. Music and dancing etc isn't something he's going to stop enjoying or pursuing just because there's a war on. More than that, he's not going to stop dressing nicely, or focusing on his hair just because he's being insulted left, right, and center about it. Being able and willing to keep to your preferences in the face of social censure (your enemies are one thing, but it comes from close family as well) is really admirable to me.

Being able to take a moment to laugh about how great and fine you're feeling, how sweet life is, if just in that moment, while knowingly walking straight into danger is a pretty nice quality, too.

In conjunction with the above, and going with Hecuba's dream omen having happened, and thus that the exposure did, and the fact that Paris would have learned about this sooner or later... Look. Regular human people with normal human interiority would have to think about and confront this, however lightly. How do you come to peace with that your life, even when you were completely innocent of any wrongdoing, was considered undeserving to be alive? Your own parents, however roundabout, however unwillingly, attempts to kill you. Your parents are also later happy to ignore the reason/hope they were wrong about it when you come back alive, but at least by the point that the Achaeans make a final landing Paris would have to face, if just for himself, that it really was (not is, any longer, too late for that) his life's or Troy's.

That's a terrible thing for anyone to have to face, so, uh, being able to compartmentalize enough to still be cheerful and lighthearted is pretty damn impressive. (I suppose one could go with "he's selfish and literally doesn't care about anyone else" and like. Sure. I guess. But 1. we have no proof of that, and 2. the only other possibility aside from compartmentalizing to have some mental equilibrium is Paris getting straight up suicidal, when it's already too late to matter.)

He's agreeable and doesn't actually pretend he has no faults (as society sees them), and yes, again I suppose one could say it's cowardly or conflict-avoidant of Paris to agree to Hektor that he's correct and then not change at all. But some of those changes he shouldn't have to make, and I don't think he's conflict avoidant. His aside about Hektor being as "relentless as an axe" comes right after he's said Hektor is correct in rebuking him, which, while I don't think it neither negates that, does qualify it. Paris is lodging a roundabout complaint that Hektor is, if not wrong, then going a bit too far. Without actually starting a fight in a situation where they can't have one! His response to Hektor in the later scene isn't just flat agreement and this time even less a qualification. Rather it comes with a correction of Hektor's assumption of why he's still in his bedroom - again, that's not really conflict avoidant, in my opinion, just not making a fight there's no time and place for, and he doesn't fully have a right to have, anyway? And I'd say Paris knows he doesn't (or at least know this is no place/time, again, to have a fight), so that's why you get this.

(And he does protest Hektor's rebukes/insults the one time we see in the Iliad where Hektor is entirely in the wrong!)

I don't know if it's petty or not to add this, but I'd like to juxtapose the particular part of Hektor and Andromache's scene where she attempts to give him (perfectly sound but against the personal heroic masculine code!) military advice with Helen's rebukes/insults to Paris when she finds him in their bedroom. Paris doesn't tell her she doesn't understand military matters [because she's a woman] and neither does he tell her she shouldn't talk about those things [because she's a woman]; all he does is tell her to not insult him so harshly and anyway, he might win some other time. In this instance, he's markedly less sexist than his brother, which, I don't know if it might be another "symptom" of his "softness" and effeminacy, but if it is, it's (to us) a pretty good one. (And like, not that Paris doesn't talk about Helen as "an object" when they were talking about Helen and the wealth in Book 3 - but in this wise he isn't making himself guilty of any crime that any other man isn't, Menelaos included.)

Is being a bomb lover and making sure your partner is satisfied an admirable quality (even as that's part of the initial problem)? Then that, too, since that'd be part of ~the gifts of Aphrodite~. I do think you can interpret those "gifts of Aphrodite" wider than just about sex, so he's charming and good with people, and listening/creating accord (political unity, which was one of Aphrodite's other sides). But I know this is perhaps more extrapolation than otherwise, so take or leave that as you will.

(As an extra thing which has nothing to do with what we see in the Iliad and most probably isn't Epic Cycle material: Regardless of whether one considers Aphrodite the legit objective winner, gift-bribes or no gift-bribes, the situation of the judgement is an impossible one. But in a more "fair" setup, where all you have is the word of a mortal against a god that won, Paris, compared to many others who fail in similar (or even more damning) circumstances, gives what he promised to give, and judges fairly. I'm talking about a situation where, while it only appears in a medieval document but might be a legit survival of something earlier, Paris has a pet prize bull he pits against other herders. He crowns the bull each time it wins and says that anyone who can beat his bull will be given this golden crown. Ares fights the bull in bull form and wins. Revealing himself (or even if he does not), he is awarded the prize as promised.)

#greek myth thoughts #asks #paris of troy #ok so that's long as hell... #:') but there we are #again this is not including my takes on his faults #which again #Paris does have! #we're focusing on what I think is positive or admirable here

[kombuuuu]

yo could you do some domestic spot fluff???? asking for a friend (lie)

Spotty dog?

Spot x Gen!Reader

“This feels demeaning.” “It’s not! Look he’s cute!”

hes so adorable h my god. 101 dalmatian coded fr

June 28th — Your lovers birthday, and two days away. You woke this morning with a determination you knew both you and him held. To out-do your your last gift. Last Christmas, you had thought you'd won. Showing up to your shared home with a pair of matching shirts — reading "I ♡ My Boyfriend" and one equally matching for him.

Along with a multitude of other small things — all sentimental to your relationship. Like the mug that said "No.1 Bad Guy." or a card detailing how he would never just be the "Villain of the week."

But when he'd pulled out matching crocs, with Jibbitz of a goofy looking Dalmatian for him and a cute Bunny for you?

You had resigned as Loser for the months to come. Not without a cheering victory from your Spotty lover. Now though? A thought had been brewing for months— one that would never make you loser of the gifts ever again. What could possibly out-do a man willing to wear crocs branded with a staple of you on them? And a goofy looking bucket hat with your silly matching shirts?

A dog.

Something he's wanted for a while now, something to take care of. He'd lost everything, his friends, his family. With that much gone, he'd clung to you like a lost child. Mourning the losses he'd faced while cherishing his moments with you — feeling a constant sense of peril when faced with the fact that he *could just lose you too. He wouldn't, though. You would never do that to him. You loved him too dearly to cause him that pain.

—

You watched him slip on a blue coat over his "totally regular civilian" clothes. The complaint leaving his mouth going on deaf ears. He slipped on his left shoe, jumping a bit and tripping over himself before steadying himself on a coffee table. "Do we really have to go out today?—" His face-spot downturned, like a sad puppy.

",—Can't we just sit in and cuddle? We could watch Mean Girls and i'll make the hot chocolate you really like!" "Baby." He whined, Spot rolling into a displeased frown. "Where are we even—" "—Ask one more time." He snorted, pulling his last shoe on and tucking in the laces, then going up to you and leaning down to give your forehead a kiss. "Ready?"

He right about swooned at your domestic tone, admiring the way the softened gold lights highlighted your features. You were everything to him, and just the knowledge you loved him back had him tripping over himself. Falling through spots at the sight of you. "Yeah."

—

Jonn swayed as the bus came to a stop, avidly ignoring the curious glances given by other patrons, and focusing more on holding onto you.

"I'm gonna fall over!" "Maybe if you held the bar, and not me." He looked up at you from his waist bent position, arms wrapped securely around your abdomen, clinging onto you like you were the only person there.

"I don't need another lover baby, you're right here." "It's a pole, John." "And I am a faithful man." You giggled lightly at him and wrapped your free arm around him tighter.

—

"Just step off." "It's high!" John stuttered out his reply, dipping his foot down like he was testing pool water. 'I'll just—" He turned around, opening a spot and crawling through it and popping up again next to you. The bus driver gawked at you, paler than the villain walking Brighton's street.

You mouthed a 'sorry' to the poor lady, and grabbed your boyfriends hand, dragging him towards the street of your subject.

"You gonna tell me where we're going yet?" He trailed behind you, getting pulled by his left hand, and tripping over his own feet. Moving in that clumsy kind of dorkiness. 'Nuh uh."

His spot slanted at you, deadpanning. "You're being mysterious— I don't like it."

You side-eyed him, grinning in a glare. "I think it's part of the charm." He dragged his spindly legs farther forward, stepping in front of you and gathering your joined hand against his chest. He walked backwards with you, and his spot widened again. You smiled up at him, continuing on with walking, and waited for him to complain once more.

You hadn't have to wait long. "Are you sure you can't—" "We're here." He stopped walking when you did, spot slanting when he surveyed the shops and stalls around him, trying to read the signs. "a café date?—," He chuckled lightly, chest heaving lightly "'—You know you could have—"

"Not there, baby." You flexed your hands into his, he let one of his drop, and linked your fingers with his— squeezing your palm in interest.

You turned towards the animal rescue centre, giving your lover a mischievous grin and stepped beside him to open the door.

—

The spotted dalmatian looked up at you, glossy and doe eyed.

You cooed at it through the glass, the puppy wagging it's tail at the high pitched voice you were giving him.

"How come you never talk to me like that?" Your boyfriend had his hands on your shoulders, leaning on your crouched form and looking down at the small dog below him.

"Do you want me to?" You watched his reflection through the glass as he contemplated, spot shifting forms until it settled on a stretched thin line. "No." You snorted and continued sweet talking the puppy.

The dog-keeper smiled happily at the interaction between you and the small puppy.

"Would you like to take him outside?"

You turned your head towards her and nodded your head, sounding a pretty please — you put your hands on your knees and pushed up, standing straight again.

You turned to your lover, standing up on your toes, you smoothed your hands over his cheeks and giving his nose a little kiss.

"This feels demeaning." He pouted at you, hands grabbing at your coat.

You giggled lightly, resting the side of your face on his chest.

"It's not!," you gestured to the adorable puppy ",Look he's cute!"

John considered the tiny dog, slacking a bit under you, and conceding. "Yeah, yeah— whatever." You jumped up and gave his jaw a quick peck. "Exactly!"

You ran towards the back door, leading to the puppy playground.

Your lover called out to you— "I better still be your favourite Spot!"

"My number one, baby!" You called back.

He huffed despite his spot melting into a heart.

—

Two days later, when he woke up to a plethora of silly gifts, topped with adoption papers and a pink bow — He begrudgingly gave away his title.

—

+ bonus!!!

"You're just the most handsome spotty boy, aren't 'ya!" A squealing voice followed by a small 'ruff' caught your attention. You closed the door softly, and sneakily dropped your keys in the bowl, and snuck into your living room.

The sight of your loving husband cradling the puppy to his chest as he danced to an unheard tune greeted you. You smiled to yourself, biting your finger and watching him for a moment.

He spun slowly, and when his sight landed on you, he froze. He quickly, albeit gently, placed the small thing back onto the couch. The puppy rolling over and smiling up at you.

John cleared his throat, a closed fist to his throat, and after putting his hands on his hips to "act cool", he spoke.

"His name is The Dot."

You giggled behind your hand, going up and kissing his cheek, not before you pet Dot in passing. "Next time we're adopting a kid."

His spot widened and slid into a heart, blush coating his cheeks.

"And you're not naming them."

He laughed.

#the spot #spot atsv #the spot x reader #the spot x you #johnathon ohnn #johnathon ohnn x reader #spiderverse x reader #the spot atsv #jonathan ohnn #the spot spiderverse #atsv spot #atsv the spot #spot my beloved

[yuyu1024]

Falling

Pairings: Yunho × y/n

Genre/tags: relationship issue

Warning: ghosting, insecurity, cursing [lmk if i miss anything]

Words: 1.2k

Disclaimer:

- this story is just made up

- english is not my first language, please be nice 😊

Note: repost. Check pinned post for more.

*********

Three months have passed. You've cut your hair, updated your wardrobe, listened to all taylor swift's album on repeat and even read books you've always wanted to read but had no time before. You kept yourself busy.

Within those three months you focused on yourself. Helping yourself get up from being broken hearted. Finding the good of being alone and finding the bad of being with him. Loving Yunho. Trusting... Yunho.

It's fucking painful, really. Within that three months of you trying to move on, you did your best. Gave you best smiles, laugh and squeezed all the positivity you have in your body. It's tiring. You'd be probably dead if it weren't because of your friends.

"Don't tell me that your crying again because of that guy." A hand appears in front of your face, handing you a can of rootbeer

You break a small smile as you take the drink from his hand. "Seonghwa..." you shake your head, "I'm just admiring the view okay?"

"Just checking..." he sits down beside you, dipping his feet in the pool to. "Does he still contact you?"

"Yes... Everyday actually..."

"Do you reply?"

"No. Not once." You look down at your hands, "I just... look at the notification and...yeah..."

"Y/n, I know you've asked Hongjoong, Jongho and I to give you time... to not ask you anything at all... just... be with you... but..."

You sniffle, trying to smile. You know that a day would come that one of them will ask you. The real reason why Yunho and you are not together.

You try to keep it together for so long and hiding it.

"Do you think... I'm stupid?" You turn your head to face Seonghwa, looking at you, eyes filled with curiousity and concern. "For... leaving Yunho? For ghosting a guy that I've been with for the last three years... the guy that every girl ever dreamed of... the guy that everyone thinks is a perfect man... an achiever, passionate, hard working, loving, kind, sweet and good looking..." you take a deep breathe, "a guy that loved me so much... more than I derserve..."

"Y/n..."

"I know what I did is 100% wrong..."

"Fuck yeah." He mumbles, making you smile a bit even though tears are swelling up your eyes

"And yet... here you guys are supporting me... or if not... atleast staying beside me..."

"We're your friends... even we think your wrong... that doesn't mean we will leave you..."

"Yeah... thanks for that..."

"But what the fuck is your reason? For breaking Yunho's heart... even yours..."

"I got scared."

"Of what?"

"Not being enough... not giving him what he deserves..." you start to tear up for real now. "It probably sound fucked up for you guys but... Its eating me up inside. That when I look at him, giving me all his best, all his time, all his love and everything he can give... but then there's me, just receiving and not matching what he's capable of giving... I feel bad for him... I... I feel like... one day... he'll get tired of me that... that he'd leave me because he might've feel that I don't love him the same way..."

"Do you?" Seonghwa asks, "do you not love him the same way?"

"I do!" You weakly cry out. "I love him..."

"But... you chose to leave and hurt him?"

"I got scared that what if... one day he got tired of me, talking to me, listening to my nonsense... and that he might not need me anymore... I know my decision is fucked up because I don't want to be the only one hurting... I just... I don't know!" You cover your face with your hands and start sobbing. "I... I just... that night... at Hongjoong's party... I was feeling so down and stressed with everything happening in my life. Already overthinking about us... and then I saw him... I saw him with the girls that looked like the same level as him... my insecurities just wrapped my whole body and..."

"Y/n... I get how you feel... whatever you are feeling within you... it is valid... it's not wrong for you to worry and feel things like that... but you should atleast talk to him... discuss these with him... its unfair for him. You two have been together for three years... he's been good to you. Don't you think he deserves an explanation... an acceptable reason for you two to break up?"

"I know..." you wipe your tears. "But I'm so scared to confront him...I don't know what to say... or how..."

"You can start by reading my texts and answering my calls..."

Both you and Seonghwa freezes before turning around. It's him. It's Yunho.

"Sorry...I tried to ask him to leave but..." Hongjoong is standing behind him.

"It's okay." You say to him.

"We'll leave you two then..." Seonghwa stands up and leaves with Hongjoong to to back in the house.

Silence fills the air between you two as the others left. However the tension is up in the sky. You can feel his stare from behind you so you try to avoid looking back at him.

"What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to get you back."

"It's been three months, Yunho..."

"So? I don't care!" You hear him walk closer. "We never broke up in the first place... you just went silent."

You get up from dipping you feet in the pool and face him. "Please..."

"Please what?" He looks angry "The fuck y/n! Why are you doing this to me? Why are you hurting me?"

"I...I'm sorry..." you cry

"I fucking love you so much! You have no idea... the pain I felt when you suddenly vanished and avoided me. I... I don't get it. What did I do to to give you a reason to leave me?"

"I'm sorry..."

"No, I don't need your sorry. Y/n, I want you back! Please... Please!" He rush towards you and hugs you tightly, like his life is hanging on to you. "Please... talk to me about your feelings... I will accept it... all your pain and worries... I will carry them with you... just... please... don't leave me... stay with me..."

Hearing him beg and cry for you to comeback is painful. It makes your heart weaks and regret things.

"Don't you love me anymore?" He asks, his face burried to your neck

"I... still do..."

"Then why... y/n... why can't you just... love me...?"

"You deserve more..."

He let you go to look into your eyes. "I deserve whatever love you could give me. I'm not asking for more... all that matters to me is you."

"You will get tired of always giving..."

"That's for me to decide... if I get tired of picking you up at school, carrying your bag, cooking dinner for you, watching romantic movies with you or going shopping with you or whatever... I will tell you... I will work it out with YOU... but even though I get tired of taking care of you one day... that doesn't affect the amount of love I have for you. I love YOU and not the what and the whys. I just... love you."

He wrapps his hands around you even tighter.

"I can't live without you..."

"Yunho..." you finally hug him back, sobbing. "I'm so sorry!"

#yuyu1024 #ateez yunho #ateez fluff #ateez fanfic #ateez fanfiction #ateez x female reader #ateez x y/n #ateez x reader #ateez x you #atz x reader #atz fanfic #ateez imagines #ateez hard thoughts #ateez hard hours #hard hours #ateez au #yunho x reader #yunho x you #yunho x y/n

[kawarikisaki]

I hope you’re including Aoko because I really like their interactions would really if the admiration wasn’t just one sided.

Okay So this one is gonna get weird. And there's going to be a lot more stuff that feels like guesswork here. Even though Aoko and Hakuba are native to the same story, we don't really see them interact much, at least not in super meaningful ways.

Anyway, I'm going to start by saying Aoko is smart. She's often put into a position where she's the butt of a joke or playing the fool, but she is established from the beginning to be very intelligent, at the very least she's shown to be able to keep up with Kaito academically.

So time for another headcanon with barely any substantiation- their class is an advanced class. After all we already know that Aoko and Kaito are both very smart, and Hakuba is also smart and was very intentionally transferred into their class.

But more on the relationship between Aoko and Hakuba.

To begin with Aoko is a fan of Hakuba, but mostly just on a shallow level, she doesn't give off the impression of having been a fan for a long time, but she is interested enough after seeing him on tv to start quoting his catch phrases (which changes a bit depending on what we're taking as canon, with it being "Why did you do it?" in the original manga, and "the truth has come to light" in the 1412 anime).

Despite this in their first actual interaction she's not all that excited when he flirts with her- talking with her friend later she doesn't even really acknowledge that she was asked on a date, just that if Hakuba wins the bet she'd be going to a concert with him. And I'd like to think that her reaction is that way because she saw the original offer for what it was- not a legitimate attempt to woo her but rather just a move to rile up Kaito.

Every move that Hakuba makes in that introductory chapter is directed at Kaito, but that doesn't mean he's just ignoring Aoko. Perhaps this is me having an idyllic view of him, but I think he's very empathetic; he sees Aoko and he sees that she's like him in that she's kind of forced into the shadow of her father, he sees her interaction with Kaito and is able to understand that she wants to go with Kaito but with the way things were playing out Kaito was going to get away with acting like he didn't care... and that would have only hurt Aoko. So what does he do? He interferes; he puts himself in the villain role and shows Kaito 'if you don't care about her then sooner or later someone will come along that does', and he does it this way for the dual purpose of antagonizing Kaito (who he already suspects may be Kid) and also trying to help Aoko. And during the heist he takes it very seriously, commiting to the bit as it were. Did I explain that last point well? I don't think so. Is it a bit of a stretch? Absolutely. Do I care? Not really. This is how I see it.

The next time Hakuba is taking the stage (A Gift from Akako) he's also very much focused on Kaito not Aoko, which makes sense, Magic Kaito is Kaito's story after all so of course we really only ever see Hakuba and Aoko interact when it's serving Kaito's narrative.

But what we do start to see is Aoko and Hakuba seeming to get along well in just a casual way. Additionally in that case there's a clear change in Aoko, previously she's always stayed on the sidelines just waiting to hear the news of results, but this time she actually requests to come along to help catch Kid- and I would like to claim that the one responsible for this change in her is Hakuba. Perhaps she sees that Hakuba is inviting Kaito and opens up the idea that she can be there too, or maybe she thinks that if the son of a police superintendent can be there then the daughter of the inspector on site can be there, or maybe she has an inkling of Kaito's identity and is coming along to help... whatever it is the one that gave her the push is Hakuba, and after that heist she starts showing up at them more regularly.

The two are both present again for the Dark Knight heist, but unfortunately they don't even so much as look at each other, so no notable interactions there... Which brings us to Midnight Crow.

When Akako and Hakuba are both approaching Kaito with their own thinly veiled 'hey I know you're Kid, good luck, I'm actually rooting for you here' bits, Aoko comes up and once again plays the fool changing the flow of the conversation and- doing almost the exact same thing they were by giving Kaito the exact information that he needed through a barely connected anecdote. (Yes I think that at this point Aoko also knows, and just is fully acting oblivious.) And that's all she does in Midnight Crow in the manga, however, in the 1412 anime there's a bit more; she also forms a detective team "to catch Kid", that motive ringing somewhat hollow when she herself said that she was on neither side, and Hakuba admits that he's relieved that Kid didn't lose. The purpose of this team doesn't really seem like it's genuinely to catch Kid but rather Aoko making an excuse for the four of them to be able to talk directly about Kid without there being any suspicions. Then once again they're both present in Sun Halo but don't interact with each other at all.

So what does all of this tell us? They're friends. In a very normal way.

Aoko seems to respect Hakuba's skill. Early on she bonds with him over their mutual distaste for Kid, but overtime that changes and they still care a lot about each other without needing there to be an undercurrent of aggression directed at Kid in order for them to see eye to eye. And Hakuba for his part clearly enjoys spending time with her. And absolutely cares about her feelings given that even though he knows Kaito is Kid he never tries to tell Aoko that, not wanting to to potentially hurt her.

And that's about the gist of it. This one kinda feels like I'm saying a lot of words but not really expressing much... a lot less focused than the other rambles I've done so far but eh.... it's a less focused topic. When I try to simplify things down to the facts of what we see- well these two barely even interact with one another, but even so the vibe is that they're friends, which is good because I get the feeling that Hakuba doesn't really have many of those. Anyway.

There is one more thing that I want to bring up about the connections between Aoko and Hakuba, and for that I'm going to talk about Nonchalant Lupin.

Nonchalant Lupin being the sort of one-shot/prototype that got polished and eventually evolved into Magic Kaito. I'd recommend reading it if you haven't but for now I'm gonna give the cliff notes version just in case.

The one shot stars Lupin Kaito a young magician that steals for monetary gain, Holmes Aoko the kind hearted and self sacrificing detective love interest, and the antagonist Gurikouji Ken who is the son of a mob family who blackmails Aoko into marrying him using pictures taken of Kaito in the act of stealing.

Now obviously Lupin Kaito became Kuroba Kaito, and Holmes Aoko became Nakamori Aoko. And a lot of people would say that Ken is the prototype Hakuba, which I think there is some truth to that, but not the whole story- because I instead propose that both Holmes Aoko and Gurikouji Ken were the bases for Hakuba.

Nakamori Aoko got Holmes's role as childhood friend and love interest, and Hakuba actually got the role of detective and the morality from Holmes while taking an aggressive approach and cocky confidence from Ken. Not that Holmes is cleanly split up between the two of them, but even so I like to think that the Aoko and Hakuba we know were at least in part cut from the same cloth, and that's why even though we barely ever see them interact they do genuinely fit well together in a way that just feels correct.

Does that make sense to anyone but me? Who knows.

#dcmk #Hakuba Saguru #Nakamori Aoko #mk #nonchalant lupin #yeah this one really is a lot more vague and unfocused #There really isn't a lot to work with when it comes to interactions between them #and I'm gonna be honest #Akako is at a similar level #a lot of words just kinda reinforcing one very simple point. #rambling #asks

[blackjackkent]

"It is absolutely preposterous that any of us are alive!" Hope cries out as Raphael's body collapses against the marble floor. A pause, and then her eyes widen. "Maybe we're not. PINCH YOURSELF AND CHECK WE'RE NOT DREAMING THE LAST OF OUR LIVES AS WE DIE SCREAMING!"

Hector looks at her blearily; leaning against the wall, he slides slowly down into a sitting position, feeling the slow creep of pain through him as the adrenaline fades and the burns all over his body start to make themselves known. "We're fine, Hope..." he mutters hoarsely. "We did it."

"Then we're not just fine - we're spectacular!" she says brightly. "What a wonderful, jubilant, glorious day!" Her head snaps sideways, looking to one corpse amidst the pile of bodies in the chamber. "OH BUT MY POOR SISTER KORRILLA!" she bellows, a sudden wail of grief. "It is not right that she died, and it makes me want to weep an ocean..."

Hector lets out a heavy breath, following her gaze. Korrilla is stretched on her back, staring blankly at the ceiling; her head sits at an odd angle where Yurgir broke her neck. "I don't think there was any way to save her," he says quietly.

Her eyes narrow thoughtfully. "When we were children, she always kept the last piece of pastry for me. And bloodied the nose of the bullies who pulled my hair... She was my sister..." A pause. She squares her shoulders and looks up at Hector with a sudden earnestness. "But as a wise woman once said, there's no point in crying over spilt blood. We must go on. And despite all the years I've lost, I have enough love in my heart to guide you home."

Narrator: For the first time since you heard her voice, Hope seems calm. And the peace flows from her into you, soothing your very soul.

Hector half-closes his eyes, focusing on the welcome moment of serenity. It does nothing to dull the pain of his injuries... but it means, at the very least, that this is over. And he can't help admiring the tormented dwarf's bravery in this moment - to still look forward after everything that has happened to her.

"What will you do?" he asks.

She smiles just a little. "I'll hope," she says simply. "What else? I hope I'll see Korrilla again one day, and that she'll say sorry, and I'll tell her she's forgiven. I hope I'll find all the pieces of my mind that fell out of my head over all those years, and that I'll be able to put myself back together again. I hope the echoes of pain will fade, and memories of sorrow will die, and that you'll visit me here some day."

She steps forward, rests a hand against his cheek. Her palm feels feverishly warm, and yet the touch is gentle and soothing. "And I hope you have a happy ending of your own."

He looks up into her eyes, and though he smiles back, it is a sad expression. Little chance of that, I think, little one, he thinks to himself. But the words are a blessing, kindly meant, and he folds them into his soul where they will live alongside all the other little bits of hope he carries with them, in the hope that they will bolster him when the dark times come...

-----

Minsc is looking around wildly, in search of another enemy to strike; the wild frenzy of the rage is in his eyes and he narrowly avoids slamming his trident into Karlach as he turns.

"Easy, buddy," she mutters, putting out a hand on his arm. She can feel that every sinew of his body is stretched tight, his heart pounding.

It takes a few moments for him to calm, for the mad rage to clear out of his eyes, for him to realize that Raphael is dead. "He has killed her!" he snarls at Karlach, who flinches back under the ferocity of his expression. "He has killed Jaheira! Another witch dead before Minsc's eyes!"

Were the moment less tense, Karlach might point out that Jaheira had insisted she was not Minsc's witch, but it's not the point, not really. Witch or not, Minsc has watched his best friend crumble in the fire, just as Karlach once watched Hector die in a similar sea of flame. And there is some greater weight in Minsc's words too - a history of other deaths that could not be prevented.

"I know-- I know," Karlach says hastily. "But it's all right. We can revive her. I've got a scroll in my pack--" She pulls one of the curled sheets of paper out, offers it towards him.

He snatches it from her wordlessly, crouches at Jaheira's side, beginning to mumble the words of the spell as Boo scurries back and forth in agitation on his shoulders. Karlach stands next to him, shifting uncertainly, not sure whether to stay with him or go to Hector...

The pale gold light of the Revivify spell begins to swirl around Jaheira's body; she twitches, coughs painfully, her eyes flickering open.

"Ah," she says vaguely, looking up at Minsc. "Is it over, then?"

Minsc's eyebrows lift and he smiles widely in relief and joy. Heedless of her injuries, he lifts her in a full body hug; she gives a soft grunt of pain and pushes weakly at his shoulder.

"Careful, you great ox of a man," she mumbles. "I am only so many inches from death's door; take care you do not knock me back over the threshold..."

"Should I do so, Minsc would travel into death to find you," Minsc says gravely. He loosens his embrace but does not quite let go of her. "I failed you," he adds soberly. "I did not protect you, my--" A slight pause. "My friend."

"Did you not?" she asks with a slight smile. "I am here, and our enemy is not. What more could be asked?"

Minsc narrows his eyes thoughtfully. "I think this is wisdom which Minsc does not form so easily in his brain," he says slowly. "But if Jaheira says it is so, then he must believe it."

With the situation in something resembling calm, Karlach draws back away from them, moves to kneel at Hector's side. "All right, soldier?" she asks quietly.

He looks up at her with a weary smile, presses his palm to the chest of her armor as if reassuring himself of her presence. "I never grow tired of this," he says dryly. "The pain in every limb, the feeling of having been run over by rampaging rothe."

"Glorious, isn't it?" she answers in similar tone, and ruffles her fingers gently through his hair. It's sticky with blood, like the rest of him, and her fingers come away covered in it. "But hey... not so bad, the feeling of going to rest afterwards, right? We should get to that part."

"I couldn't agree with you more..."

#bjk plays baldur's gate 3 #hector carlisle #bjk writes her own party banter #drabble #casually doing more random jaheira drabbles #don't worry about it #and having minsc feels #as per usual #and hey we survived the house of hope! \o/

[mandomover]

The Rookie

Part Ten - The Helicopter

Peña is in the helicopter as he tries to stop Gacha from above.

Warnings: swearing, mentions of smoking, gunfire, Angsty feelings

Words: 2000ish

Next ¦ Masterlist

Javi

I'm on the south west side of the mansion in the helicopter, hovering, but unable to do much else right now. The rich canopy too dense and tall to get clearance and blocking alot of what we can see on the peripherals of the action, only the mansion itself and a thirty foot ring clear of it, visible clearly. 

Besides the pilot, there's me and another officer manning the heli's gun. We're doing surveillance and awaiting orders but it's a difficult situation to be in when you can see everything at once and nothing at all at the same time.

We're just watching in silence, watching the detail spread out below and move forward, the rhythmic thwap of the propellers barely masking the sounds of gunshots from below. It looks good, they're moving forward but it's anybody's game to play for right now. 

I've worked with plenty of Colonel's in my time who aren't afraid to hide behind their rank in a safe space barking orders but not Carrillo. I can just about see him from where I'm sitting now, never one to shy away from the violence and the job front and center. I see Rookie next to him, keen to please and prove herself in any given situation no matter the risks, a gut instinct she'll do what it takes to cement her place on the team. I couldn't not see her. She pulls me in like a magnet. I know it's dangerous to let myself be pulled in by her but there's something about her. I can't put my finger on it, even though I'm fucking trying. 

While she's probably in the most vulnerable position on the front line, she's probably in the safest position too near Carrillo and Trujillo, one of the search bloc officers who I actually trust implicitly. They're few and far between down here when trust and honor are bought and sold like chickens at a market. Even though I'm not surprised, I'm impressed she's thrown herself in the deep end. Always does. Always will. 

She looks focused. I can see from here her brows are pulled tight, determined and the want to do her best and please others emanating from her like a bright light. 

Don't think about her right now. Don't think about her at all. Don't. Think. About. Her. Don't-

BOOM.

My face falls as I throw myself as far against the edge I can go, and concentrate on what I can see below, grasping hold of the handles to steady myself. 

A fucking crater has appeared where I was just looking; trees and sand and- jesus- bodies, scattered about. 

I can't see Rookie or Carrillo. 

My whole body is tense and tight, my knuckles white as the grip the handles, cutting off the blood supply to my fingers I'm gripping that tightly. 

I gulp, and gulp again, vomit threatening to rise in my chest, as I desperately search for Rookie and Carrillo, despite knowing I should be looking for Gacha. 

Focus. 

I can taste blood in my mouth, a dirty coppery taste where I've bitten the inside of my cheek to stop me shouting out, shouting down for Rookie and Carrillo, to someone fucking move and find them. 

Focus on Gacha. 

I lift my eyes up, checking the perimeters again. No signs of anything outside the ring of trees. 

I count to three, breathing deep, slow breaths before I look back down at the hole in the sand. 

Two people are moving, one on the ground and one standing. I can tell one is Carrillo. Even clearly injured he's holding his head high and back straight. He's helped the other person up to their feet and I can see now that it's Rookie. She's on her feet so she must be OK. Thank god. She's up. 

So refocus on Gacha. 

But there's a niggle in my brain, just because she's on her feet doesn't mean she's OK. She's the same as me, a fucking carbon copy of me ten years ago. She'll be up and acting like she's OK even if she's not. It's what I do. She has the determination and grit to do anything that girl puts her mind to. And while I admire that, it scares me too. She reminds me of me so much, I'm drawn to her, but while she'll walk the same lines I walked and get herself the places she wants to go, she'll probably make the same damn mistakes I did too. And I can't watch her break under the pressure she'll put on herself when she does. She deserves more than that. Deserves more than me to help her find her way in this rat race. Deserves the world. She's unsteady on her feet. Holding out for Carrillo. Get her the fuck out of there now. She's done, she needs to see a medic. She's taken out enough of Gacha's henchmen. No one would think any less of her for backing out now. No one except herself. I know she'll soldier on. 

I can't smoke up here so I have nothing for my hands to do to distract myself. I end up biting my thumbnail, ripping away at the skin surrounding it, the sharp pain allowing me to focus on it instead of the fallout from whatever caused that hole and who it hit. I know the drill. Focus on the task at hand. 

Everything else can wait. Everyone else can wait. 

But I need to know if she's OK. Really OK. I know I had strict instructions to allow them to approach silently, but surely now there's a fucking hole on the ground they know they're being surrounded. I could radio in, and just check if everyone is OK. 

Focus. 

My earpiece crackles into life and I hear Carrillo's voice shouting in my ear. 

"Peña, Gacho and his son are in a red chevy pick-up!" 

"Copy." 

I bark at the pilot, and we swing round and away from the trees and house, searching for the road out. 

I've seen her. She's fine. 

I take a deep breath. 

Focus. 

We find, and follow the road twisting in amongst corn fields, stalks as high as the truck itself, the red chevy chewing dust and spitting it out in its wake. The heli slowly gains on the truck but the truck is hammering hard down the road. 

The heli drops slightly, swinging round so the open face is adjacent to the truck, giving me and the gunman a perfect vantage over the road. 

"Red chevy in sight," I tell Carrillo. 

"Don't let him get away, disable the vehicle!" 

I nod, despite Carrillo not being able to see me and tell the gunman, "disable it, now!" 

The officer takes aim with the machine gun behind the truck so he can line up his shot, bullets raining down. He pulls slightly on the handle of the gun and it lifts the nozzle, pulling the spray of bullets up and further down the road, chasing the chevy. Dust and gravel billow up like smoke, swallowing the truck whole. 

My heart is in my throat as I scan the scene, finger poised on the radio to let Carrillo know what's happening. 

Fuck. 

The truck races through the dusty cloud, jerking and bumping along, barely staying between the cornfield lined track, but it's still moving. 

"No use, we've gotta go in again," I grimace. 

"Just stop him, do whatever it takes!" Carrillo's voice has an edge of panic and I try to not let it infiltrate through to me. I need to stay calm and focus on this mission. Just as I sign off, I hear a metallic ting as a bullet hits the roof of the chopper, perilously close to my helmet. 

"Fuck, we're taking fire!" I shout, to both the pilot and Carrillo. The pilot lifts the helicopter up, rising quickly and away from the road, the chevy getting smaller but still in view, sticking out like a sore thumb against the green canvas of the landscape. I lean one arm against the lip of the open frame, and when the gunman visibly relaxes, pulling away from the scope, I clap him on his shoulder leaving my sweating palm there. If I were to lift it, I'd try to rip the gun from his hands and shoot down myself. I try to follow his actions and relax my shoulders but they're raised and anxious. 

"Circle round and come at him from a different direction, we can't afford to loose him," Carrillo says, obviously able to see the helicopter from his vantage point. 

"Yessir." 

I relay this information to the pilot, who sweeps off into a figure of eight, bringing us wide around the truck so we're now facing it, flying towards the barrelling chevy.

"Peña?" 

I ignore Carrillo, waiting for the right moment to instruct the shooter, who is watching me, green eyes fixed on mine, wide and hesitant but determination clear to see. I inhale deeply and when I know that it's time, I squeeze his shoulder and jerk my head, his own head snapping back to the scope on the barrel. He pulls the trigger, and a spray of bullets rains down again, this time lowering the gun which drops the bullets along the road the opposite direction. Unmistakable pings. The car carries on, my shoulders more tense than before as I wait for a sign, for anything.

"Peña?!" 

The car spins about, slamming to a halt on the gravel, tires screeching and burning, a delayed reaction to the bullets it took seconds before. I let out a breath I didn't even realize I was holding as it comes to a halt and I signal to the pilot to circle lower. 

He complies and as we circle round, I can see Gacha squeeze himself out of the driver's seat of the chevy. His face is pained and I can tell he's scared. I have seen it plenty of times on the faces of men just before they lose their final battle but it still shocks me to see the vulnerability in a man like him. He's holding a silver pistol, reflecting the glint of the sun as he waves it manically about, gesturing at the chopper and the truck. He's screaming at the chopper now, face puce, but words lost under the beating of the wings. 

His face contorts suddenly, as if just realizing he has an audience and let's go of that vulnerability, snarling up at the chopper. He aims and shoots, bullets flying towards us but none hitting their mark. His arm recoils slightly each shot he takes and it's precious seconds before I realize he's still shooting but there's no bullets anymore. I'm watching Gacha, desperation evident as he flings the pistol itself at the chopper, and I'm incredulous as I tell Carrillo, "he's out of ammo, we can take this son of a bitch alive." 

There's a pregnant pause on the radio as I wait for Carrillo's response to come in. 

"It's your call," he says stoically.

I open my mouth to tell the pilot to land the helicopter, but then I can see Carrillo's fucking face in my mind from the conference room, telling me just to bring him in cold. Then the faces of Carrillo's police officers swim through my vision; murdered for doing their job, mutilated for daring to do a job they believe in, bodies missing coz they didn't stoop to Escobar's level. I know what needs to happen. I know I need to just shoot this motherfucker down.

This is the thing about war. It's pretty simple. Ugly, but simple. There's two sides. And they're clear. It's everything before war and after war that blurs the lines. But right now, I know what I need to do, whose side I'm on.

But just because I know what side I'm on, doesn't mean I'm happy with the solution. 

My inner demons fight with themselves over the right answer but I stand firm as my mind shakes down my heart and I hear myself, as if I'm having an out of body experience. I don't like it. I sound stiff. Icy. Unforgiving. 

"Darle plomo." 

@iamskyereads @wildemaven @ellenmunn @tantamount-treason @axshadows @rav3n-pascal22 @stevie75 @movievillainess721 @lulzbrokenbyfantasy

#javi peña #javier pena x reader #javier x reader #javier peña #javi pena #javier pena x you #javier pena fic #javier pena #javi p #pedro pascal fanfiction #the rookie #narcos fanfiction #narcos fanfic #narcos

[mostfuckableffvillain]

Round 3 - Eliminations

Some big losses here today as we say goodbye to Shuyin, Jack Garland, Sorceress Ultimecia, Rufus Shinra, Seifer Almasy, Ardyn Izunia, Angeal Hewley, and Fordola rem Lupis. We're sad to see you go.

Congratulations to Sorceress Edea, Estinien Varlineau, Reno of the Turks, Barbariccia, Elena of the Turks, Yotsuyu goe Brutus, Aranea Highwind, and Vayne Carudas Solidor! We look forward to seeing you in Round 4!

For some of the reasons this lot was nominated in the first place, look no further than the link below:

Jack Garland: >He just wants to kill chaos, gotta admire a man with a goal in life. >Dedication and resilience. >I want him to break my spine over his back and turn me into a million little rock candy fragments and he loves his tall goth wife Astos >He doesn’t give a fuck who you are unless you’re Chaos. Also, you can strip him naked ingame and play him that way. He’s waiting 2000 years for the Warrior of Light to get stronger and take him >Love >He act smart and focused but actually a moron who in fact is a genius but lost all his brain cells due to world reset. Also his constant grumpy face and the most fuckable attitude doesn't help him being less fuckable. Despite all that he is a genuine good guy who treasure his companions. Anw his tits is fucking fat.

Ultimecia: >overall insane style and serving cunt also she has a cool plan to become a god instead of just being some guy >She is very hot >mommy milkers (praying emoji) i'm not a furry but….

Rufus Shinra: >He’s Rufus Shinra.

Seifer Almasy: >Cocky smirk, sexy scar, broad shoulders, giant weapon, damaged bad boy who needs hugs and then to be put on his knees >He’s so stupid. And sexy at the same time yes sir

Ardyn Izunia: >Tol bitch, do what he wants also look at dat hair c,: >The attitude >fam have you seen that man? Have you heard his voice? I would let that man do truly unspeakable things to me. >Tall, broad shoulders, sexy dark smirk, goody-goody past and tragic fucked up backstory, immortal and stupid powerful but has an obsession with goofy hats. Tentacle sex with black demon powers a possibility. >Rat man rat man rAT MAN RAT MAN. Also, like. 10k demons in a trench coat >He's pathetic and that's a very fuckable trait for me <3 I don't know how to explain this in english listen, he's just… he's a dramatic little man and he clearly needs and deserve to get fucked (honestly by Verstael not by me but I'm getting out of the current context here) I'm saying this in the most positive way possible I love him :') >look at him. look at his stupid face and hair and clothes and vibes. also have you heard his voice. also: forsaken king. also also: doomed by the narrative/bahamut. also also also: chronic pain plague king. >Cocky but can back it up >sexy hobo chic + gorgeous red hair and an incredible voice >I think it’s the spite >The pink hair

Angeal Hewley: >idk if he's really a 'villain' but it's worth a shot…. I love him and his huge tits more than anything. he's a handsome, kind, muscular man waiting to be dominated and I think that's so sexy of him

#round 3 #eliminations

[bramble-rose]

Okay, even though I think it's pretty presumptuous on my part to even comment on the situation I'm going to do it anyway, because Helluva Boss has been pretty much my whole life since last year and has brought me back into a fandom I enjoy very much in a positive way .... and the current affair is very much on my mind and has put a crack in my happy little bubble. When all I wanted was to stay in my pink and red bubble! And I still want to.

But I can't keep my mouth shut. So here's my two cents:

Personally, I'm rarely interested in the producers behind a series, instead focusing mainly on the series and the characters within it. Of course, you know the producers and artists and maybe even follow them ... but otherwise I usually hold back and enjoy what a series brings me personally.

But since I'm a big animation fan (and media studies were part of my studies), Vivzi impressed me a lot, as I admire and respect everyone who works their way up from zero to a hundred as an indi artist. It's hard to build a fanbase and create content that you might not even get paid for, especially in the beginning. Especially as an adult. Time and motivation and work and personal physical and mental state play a big role there. So the fact that she made it this far really impressed me, that's why I decided to support her.

I don't know Vivzi personally. I can only judge by what I see or read in interviews. And regarding the criticism that has come up, I have to say that the whole thing rubs me in the wrong way. In different directions.

First of all, I'm not a fan of the current mentality that social media has brought with it. Since everyone has accounts on all sorts of platforms and are thus 'accessible', many people, and especially younger people, seem to think they can interact on a confidential or friendly basis with people whose works they like. Of course, it's great to be within reach of these people ... but that doesn't mean you have any pretensions or you are their friend.

It would never occur to me to send personal messages to an actor or artist, or post a hateful tweet for the whole world to see, just so I can voice my personal little gripe. I don't think that's appropriate. It has something to do with politeness and respect. And with not getting too close to people you don't know. I also respect the privacy of people on the Internet and know what I'm entitled to and what I'm not ... And if there is a conflict to be solved, you have to confront this person at eye level and address the things instead of keeping dead silent or publishing them later on the Internet as a rant post (generally speaking).

But this is just a side note, because I have seen how people leave hate comments and rants under posts without reflection. It's disgusting ... and brazen.

And while we're on the subject, I detest the way some 'fans' act. Not getting their beloved free content? Boo hoo, everything sucks, the artist should be burned! I'll never watch XYZ again!11!!!111!!! Mimimi, the voice actors from the pilot are being recast, the ones who made these decisions are human scum and traitors!

Just like Coldmirror, a well known German Youtuber said: 'In the past I wouldn't have written Steven Spielberg a letter on my diddle paper with the message: Ha,ha, your movie with the dinosaurs was full of shit. It was badly done, you could see that the dinos weren't real and I don't like dinos anyway! Really bad, I'll tell everyone now! You are stupid!!!'

Like ... wtf? Who does something like that? I will never understand this audacity. But probably it's because I'm too old for that kind of shit and at least I got some manners and rules of behavior in the cradle and I transferred them to the internet. The internet is not a big, funny playground where you can thunder your unfiltered opinion at everyone. Grow up.

But enough of that ... I have to say that the current accusations against Vivzi have kept me very busy. Why? Because I've come back to a fandom after years and enjoy it. I thought, this one thing is good. This one thing is nice and the fandom is a little crazy but friendly and I managed to stay out of in-fandom drama. However, now that this statement has been released, I have to put my thoughts down so they are out of my head. Without meaning it maliciously, no matter how it may sound.

According to the said entry, the former Spindlehorse employee was just 18 at the time they worked at the studio, and the whole thing happened about 1-2 years ago.

The things that came to my mind are the following: at 18 you are young. Very young. The person worked 30-40 hours full time and still took the job at SH in addition. Ambitious, I would say! Animation is time consuming af.

But what I also had to think about was, and I don't mean this in a derogatory way, I'm just trying to explain the picture that came up in my mind: such a young person, who has also stated to suffer from mental problems and is already working full time anyway, now has to take on a second job in addition. In an area of work that is very labor-intensive and time-consuming.

In addition, to work for a person to who one looks up, at a show, which one likes. Sounds like hitting the jackpot, but could it also have created false expectations?

Deadlines have to be met. There are deadlines everywhere. So I don't understand harping on that. Nor do I understand that if you don't get deadlines and then explicitly ask for one and get a short time window, why do you complain? Just because you might be a fan of a series doesn't mean that it's a nice tralala job that you do on the side. Because that's kind of how it sounded to me. Last monday I was asked to give out 8 different handouts on various seminars I held – it had to be done til the next day. The agreement originally said otherwise, but the boss wanted and needed them. So it had to get done ... And it did get done. I also didn’t get a thank you very much or get one every time I've done my job. So when a deadline comes up and I work all night to get the deadline for that job done ... then that's what I've done: my damn job. My boss doesn't come running and throw herself at my feet with thanks ...

A job is a job and I think before the person started at SH, the conditions were discussed. Maybe there was a contract or some other type of agreement where it was outlined what the working conditions were. So the person knew what they were getting into as far as that was concerned ....

My further thought was: It is normal that there is a hierarchy in a company. How well it functions and is lived out is, of course, that’s another matter. And of course you have favorites among colleagues, with whom you prefer to work. Just because you're hired as a fan doesn't automatically make you best friends. And it's also natural that when Vivzi's friends have worked with her, she treats them differently. She knows them, there's a different connection.

With such a small, young company, of course the money goes to what attracts the customers: the voice actors. But I think even the payment was somehow agreed upon beforehand, so the person should have known what they were getting into. If Vivzi didn't stick to it, that's another thing, of course, and not okay ...

She can't be blamed for the behavior of her right hand. At most, she could have said something if she knew about it.

As for bashing other series, that's not the fine thing to do. I could imagine it was meant in a more sarcastic frame, but I can't judge that, so I won't say anything about it. The same goes for comments about other artists in the industry. That's not the kind of thing you do, and it's lousy.

On the other hand, I've also gossiped behind other people's backs before. Not even maliciously, but to blow off steam. We're all just people. We all make mistakes. SH is a young company. Vivzi therefore doesn't have much experience as a producer yet. You grow with your tasks and maybe everything is different now ... considering that said accusations refer to a point in time that is at least a year in the past.

The working world is tough. You have to get used to it...

I would really like to see a little statement on this. But I can absolutely understand if Vivzi and her crew don't say anything about it. And that's their right, too. They have a lot on their plate right now and a lot to do (the fact that Vivzi wasn't around at some point could be explained by the fact that she's producing a second series with a big official film studio and has to commute between two projects work-wise ... just as a side thought).

Vivzi took a break from social media because she wasn't feeling well and such accusations could have a corresponding effect. And my selfish ass hopes that this doesn't kill her passion on the project and the series gets cancelled .…

Which would also be her right. It's her fucking show, and she can do whatever the hell she wants with it. And if she turns all the characters into bouncing punching bags from the Muppetshow who only speak telephone language. Her show. Her choice.

For us, as fans, it would suck, of course, because the characters and the show are very dear to my heart.

But I don't want to deny the person their experience either. Not in any way. There are always two sides and everyone perceives situations differently, which is the point of the whole thing. If the person was stressed, that's how it was for them. If they were uncomfortable, if it got to them ... okay. Of course. Understandable, absolutely!!!

Nevertheless it is already very random to come out now completely spontaneously with it and to speak about things, which would have belonged to be addressed internally. Only talking people can be helped.

I wouldn't go and talk loudly on the Internet about my current employer, mentioning all the names and everything that's going wrong (which I wouldn't be allowed to do because of my contract ... cough).

And that was my brainstormed ted talk. I don’t want to offend or harrass anyone... but I needed those thoughts out of my head.

#helluva boss #vivziepop #drama #critique #ted talk #thoughts #hazbin hotel #tired

[strykingback]

RESCUE MISSION EVENT- ATTACKING THE ARES

Note- This is just a drabble that takes place during Phase Two of the Rescue Mission. Anyone participating may feel free to have their muses react to whats happening through dash commentary, but cannot reply.

_____________________

OST: Arrival of Rescue

"Corvette Runners one, two and three. You guys are cleared to land over." Ace would say over the comms. "Copy that, Liberation. Thanks for the escort." the lead Corvette runner would say with all three rescue ships landing on the snowy land of Balders Island along with the Liberation.

"Eros. Just made it back with the Corvette Runners how about you guys?"

"We're just entering the base now. Thankfully it seems that all seems quiet on our end. Looks like the enemy must've retreated deeper into the base. Outside things look okay I would say keep watch for-. Wait hold on, something is entering Balders Islands airspace..?" Eros said.

"Well... it seems that the Atlesian Military has decided to get themselves involved.... this time with their pride and joy of an airship. Putting it on screen now for you Ace." Guangxian would say over the comms with one of the outer cameras revealing the ship.

"Thats the Ares. Atlas' pride and fucking joy of an dreadnaught class airship right there..... and if that is there then. FUCK ME! An enemy must've sent Atlas a serious distress signal! Guangxian what weapons onboard the Ares am I dealing with?"

"Lots of railgun cannons, machine guns, missiles, and plenty more.... the only thing I can say to prevent any further damage and this one I would say is very serious coming from me. Only disable the weapons.... and dont destroy the whole ship. If that thing goes down then Atlas is going to lose the one warship that could easily repel a MASSIVE grimm horde." Guangxian said.

"Well you heard the man, Ace! Thats your new orders. Get it done mate. Out." Eros would say ending the communications with Ace, while the pilot looked ahead of what was to come......

"Glad I did record that final message video for you ma and sis....." Ace said smirking a bit, gripping the controls of the Liberation tightly. "Come on old friend...." he said with the mechs eyes flashing a bright green.

"LETS SHOW THESE ATLESIANS WHY THE LIBERATION WAS FEARED BACK IN THE DAY!!!!!"

Ace would shout, moving the Liberation to take to the skies and launch itself out into the air, the sky being the only limit. While his mind focused on what was to come....for the Atlesians they were unaware of what was heading their way.

OST: Liberated Pride.

Aboard the Ares the admiral looked at the sky ahead upon the bridge. "Sir, we should be nearing Balders Island soon....dont you think its weird for the Solitas Liberation PMC to be sending a distress signal about a massive Grimm Horde attacking them?" A captain asked the admiral while he turned around.

"Captain, there is nothing to fear. After all if it is a massive Grimm Horde then that is what the Ares is for. Plus should the time come it was built for such a thing to handle anyways." The Admiral responded, until a light beeping noise was heard.

"Sir! We have an enemy inbound... and its just one!?!" An operator of the bridge said.

"Put it on the screen now!!!" The Admiral barked quickly, with the operator putting the "enemy" on screen showing the Liberation flying directly at the Ares. "What?! Thats the Liberation!?! What would Brumel's own war machine be present here!?!" The admiral said listening to everyones shock and horror about the mech that left Atlas embarassed.

"Everyone cannons up! If anything its just a mere specter and after all.... things have changed and Atlas has advanced..... just like Brumel.....and if it is an enemy...... we shall shoot it down. Atlas Endures!!!!" The Admiral said with everyone rushing to their positions on the cannons ready for the fight that was to come.

"Vanguard at the ready! Backlines be sure to check our six in case of any enemy bogeys!" The captain of the Ares spoke while the Admiral looked ahead.

"Alright, Liberation.... lets put on a show!!!!" He said moving the mech towards the approaching vanguard of Atlesian ships. Which he activated the twenty millimeter cannons aiming at the weapons and nothing else beginning to fire at them while air dashing left and right to avoid any enemy lasers and gun fire which would become disabled. As the first three airships were disabled.

"Sir! We lost all our weapons!!! Damn that thing is fast.... just what did Brumel upgrade this thing with!?!" A captain of the vanguard force said with shock with the admirals eyebrow furrowing because of it.

"Vanguard fall back! Everyone get those weapons ready and be prepared to knock that thing out of the air. Also if it does manage to knock out our weapons... lets let the Hero of Atlas take care of it...." he spoke crossing his arms.

Finally back with the Liberation, the mech would fire out another shot from its cannons striking the last of the weapons of the vanguard before flying towards the Ares. In which in response many many lasers, railgun cannons and missiles were being shot at the mech to try and knock it down. Some hits were grazes, and others were near hits..... for Ace he knew full-well that if one of those things managed to get to him.... it would be game over....

"Come on! At least try and give me a damn challenge!!!" Ace would say moving the Liberation across the fight, pulling the controls down to fly the mech into the air while his teeth gritted.... trying to not let it get hit by any rail guns or grazes. With Ace pressing a few buttons quickly to change the cannons into missile launchers on the Liberations wrists.

Immediately Ace's semblance kicked in finding three weakspots..... as he had to fly the Liberation... INSIDE THE ARES. "Fuck.... of all places. I just need to disable those weapons and then everyone can be safe." Ace said to himself, but a little smirk came onto his face. However, how can one say he is ready to die without knowing that he is. Which he would fly the mech towards one of those weak points on the side while still being trailed by enemy fire until flying towards a door which Ace aimed both missiles at blowing it open and flying right in carefully.

"Sir!! The enemy has entered the drive block!!!!" An operator shouted.

"What!?! Activate the internal defenses! We cannot let that demon of hell destroy the drive block!!" The Admiral said with the automated defense systems inside the dreadnaughts driveblock firing at the Liberation, with the mech firing back at the defenses just to get to one of the weapon drives....

and lo and behold. One of the weapon drives were insight as Ace pressed the trigger on the joystick firing a missile at it, rendering the first weapon drive silent.

"Sir! we lost the starboard weapon drive!!!!"

"Impossible!!! And the internal defenses in the drive block!?!"

"Weakening sir! The Liberation is tearing us apart from the inside!!!!"

"S-Such a beast..... theres no choice. To kill a beast we need one of equal strength! Tell Colonel Cordovin to get the Prometheus ready to mobilize! We need her out there now!!!" The Admiral shouted immediately commanding to get Cordovin out there.

Next another two Weapon Drives were destroyed with Ace on the inside smiling as if he was enjoying this. Almost like he found the perfect piece ever.... even if it has a lot of strength on the inside there is always a weakness on the inside. "Stern and Portside weapon drives have been destroyed!!! We'll be sitting ducks if he goes after the bow weapon drive" An operator said.

"There is no reason to fear. I shall deal with the threat myself... do tell me the vermins location. I know the pilot all too well..." Cordovin said on the operators comms.

"He's... headed back outside just a few minutes away from you Colonel...."

"Good because rats like him.... deserve nothing more but punishment!!!!" Cordovin would say launching the Prometheus out from its hangar and towards Ace which the mech would boost from the tunnel and towards the outside sliding to a halt ready to blast off.

"Good... all I now need to do is get back on ground. Even with the Bow Weapons still active they would not want to risk wanting to just launch any missiles at the Corvette Runners. But inside...the defenses were quite nothing. Lets get on out of here and get back." Ace said moving the Liberation as the engines were about to launch out until a laser swipe came out of the blue forcing Ace to pull the Liberation back.

"What the fu-!?!"

"Captain Ace Hughes, You are not such a villain that I thought you would be.... nay. You are no more than a mutt to me!" Cordovin would say with the Prometheus landing her mech on the ground as it seemingly "glared" at it's opponent.

"No, even further you are beneath me. just nothing more but vermin!" She would say with the visor coming down upon the Prometheus' "face" as she launched it at the Liberation.

"FUCK YOU CORDOVIN!!!!!" Ace would roar in return as the Liberation launched itself at the Prometheus with both mechs swinging a punch at eachother as the force caused both mechs to launch backwards and onto the ground with both shooting at eachother causing significant damage to each other as Ace immediately moved the Liberations left arm more forward for the interchangeable cannon to change from its missile mode to its 20 mm cannon mode. Firing a shot at the Prometheus which Cordovin attempted to fly out of the way but was struck by it staggering the mech.

In which... as she hit her head against the console a slight trick of blood was coming down from her forehead. "What... no no... this is merely nothing to me!!!" She said, looking at her mechs camera visual to see the Liberation rushing in with Ace roaring from the speakers. "Out of my sight vermin!!!!" She said using her laser swiper to swing the Prometheus laser weapon in front of her as the effect took place causing the Liberation to lose its left arm and even staggering the once powerful Brumelian weapon.

"Fuck..... me...." Ace said with his helmet being cracked and if it was not for him putting the left arm of the Liberation up in time... the core/cockpit would have been badly damaged and he himself being wounded as well..... still he did do his best to minimize the damage....

"So thats what you are huh!?! Some shit pilot who is just a relic of the past?!?! I bet you didnt even find a purpose to live yet haven't you?! Not happy with that position you were given despite all that boasting about wanting to be a general!?!?!" Ace shouted which for Cordovin she gritted her teeth at that insult.... being reminded of that damnable ceremony and how her pride soared.... but she had to kill to get to where she wanted to be...only to be shafted at the last second....

"You... dare! insult me for that you- Ack!!!!" She would shout feeling the force of the interchangeable mace striking the Prometheus which she attempted to counter it with a laser swipe but failed as the arm holding it was cut off from the extreme blunt force. With Ace moving the Liberation to charge in.....

"SAY GOODNIGHT! YOU RELIC OF THE PAST!!!!!!!"

Ace would roar out.... but finally Cordovin could only remember her training being made fun of for her size, being shafted by the military she loved oh so-dearly, and that fool of a father... which on the back of the Pometheus something opened up as it flowed and hummed with energy. No... that was something else....which when Ace noticed it at the last second.... that was the power generator on the Prometheus..... was flowing with one thing....

Fusion Energy...

"OUT OF MY WAY VERMIN!!!!!"

Cordovin shouted with the assault pulse being released causing massive damage to both the Liberation and the Prometheus but also to both pilots inside their mechs... as inside both were showing signs of exhaustion.

Inside the Prometheus, Cordovins right eye was bloodshot, her body already being stabbed by some debris from both the Liberation and the Prometheus.... while blood rolled down her eye and head even more than ever....

Within the Liberation Ace's helmet was fully broken shards of glass pierced his skin and thankfully none hitting his eyes as he was stabbed by some debris and such with hints of light coming through from outside showing that the cockpit was damaged.

Finally both sides felt a hint of sweat hit the floors of their cockpits, with Cordovin being the first to make a move.

"FIRST IT WAS MY OWN FATHER WHO COULD NOT SEE THE POTENTIAL WITHIN ME WHICH I GLADLY PUT IN A FALSE REPORT AND WATCHED HIM DIE , THEN IT WAS THAT SAME MACHINE YOU PILOT THAT HAUNTS MY VERY DREAMS TO THIS DAY! THEN THOSE FOOLS AT COMMAND NOT SEEING MY VERY STRENGTH!!! I WILL CRUSH YOU ALL UNDERFOOT!!!!" Cordovin roared shooting some missiles at the Liberation as she took a deep breath..

"I AM ATLAS!!!!!!!!"

Cordovin would scream at the top of her lungs with everyone on board the bridge being shocked what they had just heard from her..... how hard she worked fro them.... and how she could easily steal the fire from someone and claim it as their own.

Which Ace moved the Liberation out of the way while he panted coughing up some blood. "Oi Liberation... give me everything right.... All of it.. I want to see our friends again and live...." He said gripping it tightly... while Cordovin was left astounded to hear Ace speaking to his own mech. Which she would smirk knowing he was about to die...

but inside the Liberations cockpit Ace hit a red button that said.

THE HELLHOUND OF LIBERATION...

The mechs eyes would change from its greenish color to a deep red... flashing at Cordovin, causing her to visibly flinch at the sight with her panting becoming uneven.... and her hands trembling...

"LETS END THIS, LIBERATION!!!!!!" Ace roared out with the whirring of both fusion reactors inside reaching its limits as Ace was being exposed to the radioactive particles...as the Liberation would get in a battle ready position releasing a howl that sounded like a beast.

That alone made Cordovin remember why she feared that mech and how it needed to be slaughtered here... which finally... both mechs moved at the same time.. with the Prometheus throwing away its weapon and grabbing the laser swipe weapon... and with the Liberations remaining arm opening up something as its hand would sink back....

"URRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!"

Both roared in unison as with the Laser swipe being released once the distance was closed Ace would move the Liberation out of the way despite the damage to the face and cockpit the Fusion Lance would launch and make contact with a furious explosion sending Cordovins mech flying back as she coughed up blood ..... "NO! NO! IMPOSSIBLE!!! I CANT LOSE!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAGHHHH!!!!" she would say with the core exploding..... as Cordovin was rendered silent.....

Ace would immediately do a vital scan as thankfully...... the core systems of the Prometheus acted quickly to ensure the safety of the pilot.... by injecting her with some nanites to help stabilize her... courtesy of Brumel. He would finally pant as he pressed the button deactivating the Hellhound of Liberation mode before coughing and vomiting for a bit.. a side effect of being exposed to the Democritus Particles.. even if it was for a moment.....

"Lets... get out of here...." He would say flying the Liberation out of the area and past the now damaged Ares and its Vanguard despite not killing anyone. "Admiral.. the Liberation is retreating should we-"

"No. Send out a medical crew to receive our traitor..... and a report to General Ironwood. Turn the ship around we are returning to Atlas." He said..

Back with Ace he looked out at the sky.... with the Liberation slowly making its descent to the Island where the Corvette runners were....."Aaaah.... I wonder... if mom and sis... are cooking..." He said to himself fainting as the Liberation landed... before falling to the floor its eyes flashing down while medical crews worked to get Ace out of there.....

#[Event: Rescue Mission] #[The One With False Pride- Cordovin] #[The Hellhound Pilot- Ace] #[Every Hero Has Its Story- Drabble] #tw: long post #tw: blood

[cbsghostsmetasandtrevor]

CBS Ghosts - Hello! - Sam's Confrontation of the Ghosts - Part 1

Warning - Spoilers will appear.

I took a second gif focusing on the ghosts reaction. Mainly because I wanted to talk about what they're doing here.

Trevor appears to be dancing - to what, I don't know, but he's not the only one. It also appears that he and Isaac are making moves to get up and I don't get why.

Isaac and Alberta are both freaking out apparently.

Flower's doing some sort of dance for Thor.

and Hetty and Sass were talking/dancing IDK.

And Pete, naturally, was announcing her presence.

I can't help wondering if they were attempting to 'look busy' like they weren't just sitting there waiting for her to return. When that is OBVIOUSLY what they were doing.

Speaking of, they've all moved around from their previous positions in the last scene and they LOOK like they're trying to be nonchalant, so I can ONLY assume that they were staring out the window and then rushed to these positions to make it seem like they were not staring out the window - it makes sense with Pete's sudden appearance in the car in the previous scene (and how worried they were).

They're like students who were told to sit and wait for the teacher's return quietly and absolutely didn't listen and are now PRETENDING they did.

Okay, okay. You have to admire Sam's gumption here.

She walks into the room - goes 'yeah, yeah, you're here - I admit it, now go the Fuck away' (I'm paraphrasing). I LOVE it. She CAN stand up for herself, I feel like she's lost this along the way as she actually has grown to appreciate them, but I have to admire her here and hope she gets this gumption back.

Also, Jay's side-eyes in the back are SO FUNNY. To him, she's talking to an empty room, and just like - what is going on here?

Side note, I love how they're like 'well, at least we're moving in the right direction'. Also, Trevor and Isaac speaking to respond to her.

Trevor tells her that it's a good step and calls her babe - I'm guessing it's because he's heard Jay call her that and thought it was cute instead of annoying. Kind of like throwing around Sweetheart or Honey, which I hear sometimes. And I sometimes throw around. Oops?

Isaac asks, "Well, what is happy?" - I wonder if he's thinking that because he's still annoyed about the Hamilton thing and is not exactly Happy.

Also, I love how they're mirroring each other with body language.

Anyway - Sam's not having it and just continues with "GO THE F AWAY."

LMAO - Sam makes this great speech hoping to send them off to play, but is met with LAUGHTER.

Poor Sam. She's yet to understand what's happened in her life. Can you imagine what she's THINKING right now - she probably hyped herself up for the whole car ride about this, maybe she figured the ghost doctor was cool so these ghosts would be chill about it?

Also, they all have such different laughs. Love it.

Poor Sam, being laughed at.

It's funny that while laughing, Trevor's like "She's funny too" as if she planned that to be a joke. Was Isaac the one to say "that's great"? He's looking at Trevor as if he agrees. I wonder what Trevor/Isaac's bond is like? It seems rather... interesting.

I should do metas on Trevor's relationships. ... ANYWAY.

I love that Alberta (still the only one to introduce herself as far as we know) is the one to point out that if they COULD leave, they absolutely would. (and some part of Sam had to realize that - why ELSE hang out in a broken old mansion? Especially with such VASTLY different personalities).

Interesting question - IF the ghosts could be anywhere, where would they want to live? (Jay should totally ask that and put it in his ghosts' notes).

Then, as if they rehearsed this, Thor jumps in with "where you die", Flower with "How you die" and Pete with "It's a classic haunted house."

The by play of this bit here sounds like something they've explained before - perhaps to Stephanie? Maybe to Trevor? Maybe it's part of "The welcome ceremony" that Pete's references with Isaac's speech in TP?

Or maybe they figured they'd have to explain to Sam and practice this while they were waiting... OMG, yeah, they probably did. THESE DORKS.

It's interesting that they expected her return and for her to acknowledge them.

Still, I love it - it's an example of how you spend too much time with someone that you begin to finish their sentences.

In the words of Sass, "They have lived there way too long."

I love how Hetty's the one to say this.

It's so interesting that in the last two episodes she's yoyo'd so much.

First, she didn't like her "harlot hair". Then she admired her or at least felt touched for her after the fight with Jay when she said she could 'see building a family here and connecting to the place'. She was so upset when Sam was taken away.

BUT almost as soon as she returns, Hetty's been against her again - not enough to help with the whole 'driving her crazy' plan, but she was one of those against her staying.

And as the lady of the house, I bet she wanted to be the one to kick her out. It's HER house - Sam must leave. Although, I am surprised it isn't Isaac. I do like his face though, he looks ... IDK how to describe it.

It's interesting how Flower and Alberta seem to be agreeing here, since initially they were on board with her staying. Love the hand motions.

Anyway. Sam's response is killer.

LMAO - Sam's like "Fuck no - we got no money and I'm NOT about to let this stand".

And She's right - no matter what she does here, she's screwed! She has two options - A) make peace with the ghosts and cohabitate peacefully or B) leave and hopes she finds better ghosts to deal with.

The second option isn't viable because Jay made it clear they're in a TON of debt by his choice while she was in the hospital. So basically, she's like "We only have one option" and then - she's like ... how can we make this work?

It's a great approach to the problem. If you can't get rid of a problem, find a way to deal with it.

Also, poor Jay - so freaked out and Pete's side-eye is so funny.

If there's one thing I wish had stuck from this confrontation - It's Sam holding her ground. We see that it does last in a few more episodes, but by Season 2, she's a pushover.

Hopefully, she starts doing better in Season 3 about standing her ground.

This, though, is badass. She doesn't know if they can do anything to her and they outnumber her terribly, but she is SO over it that she stands her ground and says "Let's make a deal."

I put the demands in the next post, but I do wanna address something real quick - I LOVE that they establish some long-standing storylines with this scene.

Thanks for Reading :)

Anyway, feel free to chat :)

#cbs ghosts #ghosts cbs #Hello! #sam arondekar #trevor lefkowitz #jay arondekar #pete martino #isaac higgintoot #hetty woodstone #Flower #alberta haynes #sasappis #Thor

[fleet-admiral-hiba]

DARKNESS ARISE

The world was in shock: they knew he was one of the most ruthless men in the world, but to even think the WG didn't give a flying fuck about its own people? And they took no action against him whatsoever. The pirate world was split into two halves: those who hated him and those who didn't. Though few and far between, they all thought the same thing: no innocent should be killed for a futile motive like destroying New Marineford. They were there to smother the power of the WG on the world, and now that the fragile balance had been destroyed… chaos and a ruthless era would ensue.

A bounty was placed on his head, not the official one placed by the marines on every pirate they saw alive, but a bounty dictated by other emperors: each had a reason. Big mom wanted revenge, for one of their own was injured in the attack; Shanks wanted the occasion to destroy him and take the poigneglyph, it was good riddance anyway; Luffy… he wanted to take revenge too. His gramps were there, he could have died. But there was also the motive behind Ace's death that fuelled him to keep an eye on him.

It was a game of cat and mouse. And with the marine out of the way for the moment, all was fair in war.

He didn't care, nobody was going to touch him given his status. He had done what he wanted. Nothing else would block his path. He had every possible fruit he needed for his crew, so he was invincible. He had proven himself capable of raw strength, just like the legends of the pirate era.

He was going to be King.

.

.

.

The base was silent. People were focused on their mission: different task forces were created to re establish and rebuild their home; another one was following the training of new recruit; the last one, but the most important, followed the recovery process of the injured. They had all the time to track down Blackbeard.

Meanwhile, the remaining vice admirals and admirals reunited to discuss their next move: Sengoku couldn't hold the WG at bay forever. " We can't keep on holding off forever, the deadline they gave us two months ago is slowly closing in. We need a strategy to make sure our presence is seen and felt by the WG without incurring again into the Blackbeard's crew" said Sengoku, who in the meantime has taken back the position of fleet admiral.

"We could use the help of other bases and start shifts, but we can't go anywhere. We do not have the numbers to leave this place unsupervised. Our current fleet admiral is still recovering, a lot of our vices are injured and most of our soldiers are injured or in training. I don't know what those pompous ass want, but we aren't omniscient. If they want someone to babysit those celestial idiots, they have their CP agents to do the job" spat angrily Garp.

He was right, the incident could have been a lot worse had Sakazuki not stepped out to provide cover. He bore the worst of the attack, true, but it's thanks to his effort they could still have people breathing. Injured, yes, but breathing.

"What have they said about the issue of you retaking the position?" asked Tsuru. Sengoku stared right ahead, before sighing. " They're not happy, of course, but I told them in no polite words that Sakazuki could not take the position. He woke up mere days ago, and they expect him to just go back to work like nothing happened? That man has just escaped death, something they don't seem to understand" he concluded.

Issho, while listening from a den den mushi on his war ship, suggested him and Aramaki, alongside some of the vice admiral that were at the reverie, to cover the waters surrounding Mariejois. " We're already here, and we know the layout. We'll manage while you focus your effort on more important matters" before closing the call.

" It could work, we have also to consider that while we were in the midst of an internal emergency, the remaining emperors have put a bounty on Blackbeard''s head, along his crew. We might use this to our advantage" proposed Borsalino, who had just returned from the infirmary.

“ It's our best shot for now. Let's organize the next shifts. We'll adjourn later! Said Sengoku while dismissing most of them. Sitting down with the yellow clad admiral, he sighed. “How's he doing?” he asked while mentally thinking about the next thing he ought to do, “well, he has woken up, but he's in a rough shape. We don't know“ the extent of his injuries for now, and the doctor want to be cautious. I'm glad he is still alive, to be honest”, the other nodded.

"Let's hope he'll make it out fine. You can go, I'm sure you have better places to be" he dismissed him with a wave of the hand.

Staring at the now closed door, he put his head on his hands.

It was going to be a rough time for all of them.

#one piece #one piece fanfiction #one piece headcanons #one piece imagine #one piece scenario #one piece marines

[cosmonabo]

𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫

Chapter Three: Like Batman and Robin. Description: [Name] takes the first positive step in his project, and things finally seem to be progressing successfully. Warnings: slightly suggestive.

[Previous] [Next]

"Think of us as an outsourced team with a mutual sense of dissatisfaction. Isn't it wonderful?"

"Let's start our little meeting," I declared, with a mischievous smile and a stretch of my arms.

He simply gave me a quizzical side glance, not offensive, but rather defensive, as if he were anticipating the strike of a venomous and vile snake. I clicked my tongue.

"Just kidding," I said, and he continued to gaze at me with a raised eyebrow. "What's up? Are you going to keep looking at me like that forever?"

"What's with this fake good humor?" he asked with suspicion in his voice, leaning his arms on the table. Mitsuya didn't beat around the bush, I noticed that in our short time together, and by 'time together,' I mean the last few days we spent together, which I already consider too much time.

"Are you doubting my goodwill?" I asked a bit more seriously and somewhat offended, feeling the corner of my smile tremble, indignant.

"The fact that you're never in a good mood makes me suspicious of your intentions, [Name]," he justified.

"I'll pretend I'm not offended by that."

"Did I offend you? Sorry, I was just being straightforward," he laughed.

"Your honesty is admirable, but I won't praise you for it."

The secluded table where we were allowed us to speak freely about our "partnership" - with several air quotes - and there was no risk of anyone else overhearing. After all, I didn't want to be known as someone who mingles with society's delinquents.

I soon spotted Kyouka arriving with glasses of water, wearing her usual tired expression. Kyouka attends the school next door, so we occasionally run into each other on the way home. The brunette placed the glasses on the table, giving a brief bow before leaving. Meanwhile, I quickly took out the papers from my bag.

"Weren't you the shop attendant?" Mitsuya asked when the brunette turned away, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"Today is my day off," I replied with disdain. "I work every other day; tomorrow, for example, I have work. It was an agreement I made, so I have time to organize the student council documents."

"I see," was the only thing he responded, looking focused until I laid out the documents in front of him, waiting for his statement. "And what is this?"

"Technically, it's the 'proof' that I will submit to the president's desk on Monday," I air-quoted with my fingers. "Since we're going to work on a yearbook, well... Together, I'll be trailing you for almost a whole year, Mitsuya."

"So, are we a team then?" he dared to ask, with an almost playful tone. Almost.

"With several objections, but we can say, in the most filtered way, we are," I squirmed uncomfortably in my seat. "Think of us as Batman and Robin, okay? It's easier to handle that way. Well, I'm Batman, and you can be Robin if you want."

"The way you talk makes it sound like Robin is completely irrelevant," he commented, displeased.

"It's because the Dark Knight works alone, but well, don't take it personally," I shrugged in a comedic manner, but soon changed the subject, returning to the initial atmosphere. "Anyway... Sign here."

He wandered his eyes over the paper. Does he think I'm deceiving him? Because technically, he's not entirely wrong.

I would be lying – or not – if I said I wasn't heartbroken by such atrocity. How can someone doubt such a good and helpful human being like me?

"Don't be shy, read it carefully," I said, and Mitsuya paid more attention to my words. "We have until Monday, so don't feel pressured."

'Although I am pressured you'. I wanted to say the last part, I admit I wanted to. But I chose to keep my mouth shut.

"Do you want a pen?" I asked, taking a pink pen out of my bag.

"No need, I'll read this later," he replied, putting away the paper.

"Too bad, she smells of berries."

"You don't look like the kind of person who uses colored pens," he said, pointing with his chin, "and with fruits smell."

"I collect colored pens. "

"You do?" I nodded positively.

"It's my hobby. "

He looked surprised, but shrugged. We soon put an end to that.

It wasn't a total lie, after all, my specialty was collecting things, ever since… Ever? And not things like bottle caps or toy cars. I take my belongings very seriously, and when they're no longer needed, I throw them away like trash.

"We're closing up" Kyouka appeared from beside my chair, nudging my shoulder.

"But already? Well, all right," I put my things in my bag rather hurriedly, hardly noticing how quickly the time had passed, "Mitsuya, you…"

When I went to question him, he was no longer in the front seat, but at the front door. He was looking at me, signaling for us to leave. I expected him to go through first, but instead he waited for me to pass before slowly closing the door behind me, his cavalier behavior leaving me feeling rather disgusted.

Who does he think he is? I'm Batman! I give the orders!

I sighed, throwing a tantrum now wasn't going to help me, so I decided to just let it go and get out of here.

I put my coat on quickly, as the freezing air made my arms shiver with the sudden caress of the wind.

"Want a lift? " I was almost startled by the question, as it came like a punch of cold air, but I felt relief when I remembered the voice, proving that it was just my poltergeist. For the second time he was being very helpful, I could get used to good behavior, but being spoiled wouldn't make me like the person he was any better.

When I turned my head a little, I noticed that he was already getting on his bike to leave, the dazzling headlights blinding me for a mere moment.

"I'm going with Kyouka," I said.

Actually, it was just a lame excuse not to get on a motorcycle. I don't trust cars with less than four wheels.

"Oh, right," he nodded, understanding, "see you then, [Name]. "

"See you" I waved as soon as he started the motocycle and drove off.

As he drove off, I just enjoyed the light of the headlights disappearing into the darkness.

"I'm going with Kyouka…" the brunette from a little further away murmured, imitating my voice in a shrill, unmelodic tone, eyeing me suspiciously "you're just scared of riding a motorcycle."

"What? I'm not!" I denied, crossing my arms "You should know that my intention was just to keep you company, you ungrateful. "

"Fearful. "

Before we could continue our childish argument, she took off walking, while arranging her bag on her shoulder. I quickly followed the girl's quick steps - like a tantruming child who has lost in an adult argument.

I put the florescent green folder on top of the wood, securing my place at the table. It may sound childish and even a bit banal, but I hate having my seat with my back to the door, it's as if at any moment someone is going to catch me talking badly about the president. Not that there's a story behind it, but it's always good to be safe.

In the end, I got the end chair, near the window, not was a place to throw away. The room is on the second floor, in the middle of the corridor, with three windows covered by burgundy curtains - it looks like an old man decorated this room, I feel fifty years older in here - facing the courtyard. As loosely as possible, I leaned my right leg on the chair I was sitting on, swinging my left back and forth as I absent-mindedly checked the paper that Mitsuya had handed me back at the school entrance, he seemed to be in a hurry, so he just intercepted me before leaving with agile steps to make his own way.

I still find his formality a little cloying, but it's not something to complain about at this point.

I turned my attention back to the door when I heard the wood click shut.

Suzume held two stacked boxes in her arms, and despite their weight, she gave me a warm smile. Placing the boxes on the table, I felt my curious face involuntarily appear, and before I could stop myself, I asked:

"What is it?" I leaned over, stretching my arms across the table like a cat about to steal food.

"It's the math assessments," he replied, "the teachers said it would be better to keep them here."

"Wow…" I let out a murmur, Suzume noticed my greed "can I see mine?"

"Of course not!" she denied, "like everyone else, you have to wait. "

"Where are my privileges? I thought being part of the guild was good," I lamented sentimentally.

"And it is very good! " Only if it's for you, but that would have been too rude and she was too excited to cut her off "the pleasure of helping others and being able to help in any way we can, that's the duty of the guild! It's a very honorable task. "

"Nice speech. " I clapped my hands, without a hint of encouragement.

"Thank you! "

I blinked.

"You're welcome…" I replied. I thought she'd noticed the humor, or the lack of it.

When the door opened again, Suzume turned back, and I had to stretch to see who was behind her.

"The kid from the guild has arrived… " I muttered, with a smile abruptly stretching across my lips.

"You?"

"passed far."

"Really? I thought you were the only irresponsible one in the guild," Yuuma retorted acidly.

"So you don't know our second treasurer. "

"Talking about me?" the other boy entered the room, with a laziness that could be measured like the density of a star.

"Ah, Tezuka, good to see you," I said, waving my hand.

"I can say the same," was all he said, before moving to another corner of the table with a drag of his feet.

"The president is late…" Suzume said fearfully, joining the table.

"As usual…" I added with a forced cough.

"[Name]!" she scolded me.

"But it's true! " I retorted, laughing.

We stopped talking when the door was opened once again, this time, because of the silence, the slamming of the door gave the impression of having been much louder.

"Good morning!" the president walked past us, and quickly settled down at the table, as he always did, and right behind him was Mizushima "we will now begin our meeting."

We began by presenting our weekly reports and the buzz that had been going around the school over the last few days. Suzume took the trouble to warn the president about the math assessments, and also commented on something I never expected to hear while I was at this school; two students were caught in the basketball supplies room, doing things that were "disgraceful".

I had to hold back my laughter, but I could feel my lips trembling from the sheer desire to laugh as the other members listened wide-eyed in amazement.

"And what did the coach do?" the secretary next to me asked with curiosity and hesitation.

"He closed the door and waited for them to get dressed," Suzume recounted with redness taking shape on her face.

"God…" he muttered, disappointed. But when he looked at me in the corner, he noticed my difficulty in hiding what was gradually taking over my face "Are you laughing?"

"Who? Me?" I asked, pretending to be misunderstood, then recomposing my posture "Come on, we're talking about something serious here. Show more composure, please. "

"Don't play crazy."

"You're the only 'crazy' one here," I retorted, until I stood up, clearing my throat to change the direction of the conversation "Well, since we've finished our little lesson on sexual orientation, I think it's my turn to declare my report. "

"[Name], now it's not…"

"Go ahead," the president cut off my seatmate, crossing his fingers on the table and holding his face, "you can talk. "

I took a deep breath.

"A few days ago, I contacted our president to restore the project that, technically, I may have destroyed of my own free will," I began, feeling the gaze of the others on me, "and following the rules of our contract, I found a way to stand out in the project AND in the school newspaper."

Mizushima stared at me, dumbfounded.

"I'm going to use everything I've got to write about Tokyo's delinquents," I said, but no one seemed to be listening.

As usual, I took them by surprise.

"And… what exactly do you want to achieve with that? " Yuuma must have taken the words out of the president's mouth, because even he started to pay more attention.

"That's a good question," I commented ecstatically, "everyone here should know that delinquents are a group that is little "explored" during school time, and that begs the question: how do their disagreements occur outside the school perimeter? And how do their conflicts unfold? Why does this happen?" I simulated: "Well, don't worry, I'll answer all your questions. Because the school newspaper will work daily on clear and totally truthful descriptions of what goes on in the polluted and negligent reality of delinquents. "

"For what purpose, may I ask, Ms. [Name]?" Suzume stretched out her hand to ask quietly and hesitantly.

"We will do this in order to work towards improving the school environment and making education more attractive to this desperate young community," I raised my hand in a confident fist.

Nothing could shake my confidence now, not even the president.

"And how do you plan to do that? " Suzume asked again, worried.

"I have my contacts," I replied, smiling pretentiously, "it's a great chance to pay more attention to society's rebels and get the answers that lead us to ask the reasons for their revolt. "

I was talking a lot more than usual, but if everything goes according to plan, it'll be under control.

"I see… Right. " the president agreed.

"How?"

"Everything's fine," he repeated, a smile filling his warm lips, "I agree with your perspective, [Name]. "

I was unsettled, but all I did was nod as impassively as possible and collapse into the chair behind me.

In the end, the meeting went on unbearably until the end - except for me - and then we were allowed to leave the room.

"I'm glad you took charge and controlled the situation," Yamazaki stopped me at the door, "I told you I'd manage, after all, I chose you. "

"É… Thank you, I appreciate the opportunity," I said before leaving, seeing him give me a subtle smile before letting me go.

I walked quickly, distancing myself and arriving at the stairs at the end of the corridor. Little did he know that this person full of potential almost had an epileptic fit while dictating.

With my hands in my jacket pockets, I passed through the empty corridor, clear of any living soul. I stared at the door of the arts and crafts club in complete silence. From a distance, I saw a door opening vaguely. I had no idea which club was resident in the room, but as soon as I recognized the distant figure, I knew it was the Home Economics club.

I approached, patting the boy twice on the shoulder, making him raise his eyes over his shoulder.

"I managed to convince the president," I said directly.

"That's great," he replied, obviously pleased.

We started walking down the corridor together.

"Mitsuya, what's it like being part of a gang?"}

I continued to stare down the corridor, avoiding direct eye contact - given that he was right next to me.

He seemed to think for a moment.

"It would be like… belonging to something," he mused, "why the question?

"Curiosity," I shrugged.

"Anything new?"

"Yes. Two people had sex at school yesterday."

"Unexpected. " His expression was one of surprise, not completely, but still the expression of a man caught off guard.

"The coach of the basketball team caught them in the act," I added humorously, "I could have written about it, but I didn't have time this week."

"You wanted to tell the whole school about other people's relationships?" he frowned, shocked.

"Yes, why not? " I retorted at the same moment, and that was certainly the most innocent question I've asked all year.

"Don't you think that's invading other people's privacy?"

"Isn't that what newspapers do?"

"Well… yes, but still…" he agreed begrudgingly. "Maybe you wouldn't want them to write about you having sex. "

"And they won't," I laughed with a certain determination, "because I'm always one step ahead. "

"Very optimistic of you," Mitsuya looked at me with a curious expression.

"But of course, it's necessary to maintain my good reputation," I added, "but if you're worried about my victims, don't be, I always leave those involved anonymous," I warned, not that this improved the situation, "but since we're here, I want to ask you a question. "

"Go ahead. "

I took a deep breath before turning to him with the friendliest expression I could manage.

"Would you be willing to teach me about the world of delinquency? "

#mitsuya tokyo revengers #mitsuya x reader #mitsuya takashi #takashi mitsuya #tokyo revengers mitsuya #mitsuya x you #toyko revengers #tokyo revengers x reader #tokyo manji gang #tokyo revengers

[itchose]

@wilderchose said, "if i killed somebody, there'd be no going back."

but they're all going to have to eventually,   right?    that's the conclusion melissa's come to after the circle,   after the hunt—     if they're not willing to kill,   then they're not willing to do what it takes to survive out here.    while they were chasing nat,   everything felt so hazy,    the memory of it now mostly just a blur,   but melissa still remembers the energy she felt when misty first yelled,  'she's getting away.'    only one thing mattered in that moment,   and it was following misty towards the target and not stopping until they could feed.    she respected nat,   she admired the kind of person she is here and who she was before it all,  too —   but that didn't matter when they were running.   what mattered was giving into the call of the wilderness,   letting that ignite them all in an effort of survival.   in the circle,  she was their friend,  someone who was giving herself to them out of love and honor.   but outside,  she was just meat,   and reflecting on it now,   melissa can't shake just how easy it was to make that shift once they were all moving together.   

she can't shake how easy it was to turn on the kid once an opportunity rose for nat to be spared,   nor can she shake the idea that if it were her,   they all would've done the same thing,   too,   because they were all laser-focused on what it would take to survive another day.   misty's words are getting to her now that she remembers what it felt like to watch him fall,   to know almost instantly the decision they were all about to make.   melissa's never been sure of where she stands on what it means to leave their decisions up to the wilderness—    but in that moment,  it was easy to justify their actions by blaming it on their surroundings.   in the aftermath,   it comes with a lot of guilt that only lands her on one conclusion:   they're all responsible for not saving javi,   and doesn't that just mean they've all killed?

❝  I think we're past that point,  ❞   melissa mumbles,  refusing to make eye contact,  because she's not sure admitting to that is going to help anyone,   especially herself.    she's never put any real faith in misty,   never found it easy to trust her in any way,  especially now,  but she's too desperate to let it out that she's willing to talk to her.   but they've been past that point the moment they got out the cards and stood in a circle,   all responsible for whatever death came after,  no matter who was holding the knife.   she felt that in the circle,  too.     ❝  there's already no going back.   not after all of this.  not when we both know where we go from here,   ❞   she reminds,   because she knows that's not the last time they'll find themselves in that position.   not with the winter as brutal as it is,   not without shelter,   and not without any game for months.   it's not the last time they'll hunt down a friend.   they're just getting started. 

#wilderchose #wilderchose: misty. #thread: melissa. #arc: melissa / wilderness.

[yourshiningastr]

CHAPTER 22

The more I read the papers

The less I comprehend

The world with all its capers

And how it all will end

Nothing seems to be lasting

But that isn't our affair

We've got something permanent

I mean in the way we care

It's very clear

Our love is here to stay

Not for a year

But ever and a day

The radio and the telephone

And the movies that we know

May just be passing fancies

And in time may go

But, oh my dear,

Our love is here to stay

Together we're going a long, long way

"Happy Anniversary." I smiled as I felt his warm breath on my neck.

I then rest my head on his chest and follow his rhythm as we dance together in front of the sea and the sunset as witnesses of our unfailing love for each other.

His loud throbbing heartbeat is like music to my ears, and his warm and gentle hands that are resting on my waist feel safe. I couldn't ask for anything better.

"I'm so in love with you." I lovingly spoke as I hugged him tighter. I heard him chuckle, he stared down at me and tucked my hair onto my ears.

He kissed my temple and closed his eyes as we felt the cold breeze embracing us together.

"Hulog na din ako, Rae. Hard." I smiled and reached his cheek to caress it.

He then slowly opens his eyes and stares at me. He smiled back at me and tilted his head, and within a few seconds, I felt his soft lips touching mine.

The kiss is slow and gentle. It's like he is scared that he might hurt me. Scared that this might be the last, but I know it wouldn't. Because I won't let that happen.

My heart is overflowing with love and happiness. I didn't know that I would be able to feel this kind of affection toward someone. I love him so much that I will do and give everything to him. It is overwhelming yet true.

"Ang ganda mo." I lightly chuckled. I closed my eyes and let him caress my face.

"It's setting." I looked up at him and saw that he was watching the sun setting. I watched it too and admired how beautiful its blazing color was.

For a moment, everything just stopped and our eyes were just glued to the sun. We watched how the sky turned from a fiery hue to a deeper shade of dark. Again, stars are nowhere to be seen but it didn't dismay me because I know I have someone who will always bring light to me.

"It's beautiful," I said while staring at him. I saw a glimpse of surprise as he looked down at me. He must have been thinking that I was admiring something else but found my eyes focusing on him.

"Ayan ah, masyado mo na ako pina pakilig. Baka hindi na kita iuwi niyan." He nudged my shoulder and tried to cover his shyness with a joke. I laughed.

"Pwede naman, bakit hindi." Benedict gasped at mabilis na lumayo sa akin.

"Kaya ba kanina ka pa tahimik ah, yun kasi iniisip mo? Planado mo to noh?" I shook my head and tried to reach him again but he immediately avoided my hands.

"Why? I want to hug you!" He arched his brow.

"Hug lang? Sure na?" I frowned and he laughed. Lumapit naman siya sakin at hinila ang braso ko paupo sa blanket na nakalatag sa white sand. He then embraced me and put kisses on top of my head.

"Are you happy?" I looked at him and furrowed my brows.

"Of course I am. I am always happy when I'm with you." He chuckled and put me back in my position as before I faced him.

"Halata naman." I lightly hit his arm that was resting on my waist and rolled my eyes.

"Fourth year na tayo. Anong plano mo after ng graduation?" I asked him while I played with his fingers.

There was a sudden long silence so I faced him again. I furrowed my brows when I saw that he was in deep thought.

"Ang lalim ng iniisip mo ah." His eyes slightly widened

"Ahh, iniisip kasi kita." I roll my eyes and hug him.

"So? What's your plan?" He looked down at me and chuckled.

"Matagal pa naman ang graduation natin. Kakaumpisa pa nga lang ng school year. Saka malay mo hindi ako makagraduate---aray." I punched his chest and frowned at him.

"Wag mo sabihin yan. Makaka graduate ka, sabay tayo." Pagalit kong sabi. Natawa naman ito at binigyan ako ng isang halik sa labi.

"Oo na po. Ito, galit agad. Ang sakin lang mahirap pangunahan ang tadhana. Hindi natin alam kung anong naghihintay satin bukas, at sa totoo lang wala pa talaga akong plano." I slowly nodded.

Well he's right. Pwede naman talaga magbago lahat, pero hindi din naman masamang kahit papaano ay may goal ka, para if ever may magbago nga at least there's still something you will want to achieve. Something that will keep you on track.

"Bakit ikaw ba, ano ba ang plano mo after ng Graduation?" Umayos ako ng upo at humarap sakanya.

"Well, I'm planning to work for the Vasco company but I will just apply for a small position. I want to gather experiences first, small steps lang. Then if kaya ko na, I might build my own business." I saw him nodding like he was processing my plans in life.

"How about your family business?" Saglit akong natigilan at hindi nakasagot. I have other plans for that but I can't tell it anyone yet because it wasn't that concrete.

"Uhm... of course I'll handle it as well. But I want to create my own name. I am planning to somewhat do all the things that I love after I graduate. You know, yung mga bagay na hindi ko magawa dati, mga bagay na gusto ko pero hindi ko makuha kasi hindi pwede."

"Aba, mukhang magrerebelde ka ah" I lightly hit his arms and jokingly glared at him.

"Mabuti yan. I want you to pursue your passion. Wag mo hayaang makulong ka sa takot at sa sinasabi sayo na dapat ay gawin mo ng ibang tao. Wala naman kasi talagang dapat, ang may karapatan lang na magbigay ng hatong sayo ay ang sarili mo. Kakayahan mo yan at sarili mo yan. Alam mo kung saan hihinto, kung saan pupunta, kung saan tutuloy. Alam mo kung anong kaya mong gawin, gusto at hindi. Alam kong wala akong karapatan pero hinihiling ko na sana maging malaya ka balang araw. Malaya magdesisyon para sa sarili mo, malaya gawin ang gusto mo." He pulled me and embraced me.

"I want to see you reach those dreams. I wanna be with you... so badly." It was just a mumble that I think he doesn't have any intention for me to hear but because we are so close to each other, my ears heard it. Loudly.

"Hello Manang. Kumusta po? Sila Mommy po and Daddy, kumusta?" Inihilig ko ang ulo ko sa balikat ni Benedict. Nasa condo ko kami ngayon at kakatapos lang gumawa ng mga papers for school. Malapit na ang finals kaya naman inaagad na namin lahat.

"Naku ay maayos naman kami dito, Ija. Yun nga lang eh parang may hindi ata pagkakaunawaan and Daddy mo at si Marco. Nung isang araw kasi ay nagpunta dito si Marco at narinig ko na parang nagsisigawan sila sa opisina ng Daddy mo." I furrowed my brows.

Ever since Dad gave them a share on our business ay hindi naman na sila masyadong nagkakausap, kaya nga nagulat ako nung makita ko si Tito Marco sa plantation noon. Maybe it's about business again. Pero bakit sila mag aaway ni Dad?

"Ganun po ba, How's mom po?" Benedict is just silently combing my hair.

"Hindi ko masabi kung ayos ba o hindi. Hindi ko na din mabasa ang mga kinikilos ng mga magulang mo dito sa bahay, Mukhang ayos naman dahil hindi na umiiyak ang mommy mo at hindi ko na naririnig na nag aaway pero mukha ding hindi dahil parang hindi siya si Minerva na kilala ko. Malaki ang pinagbago, hindi na masyadong nagkakakain. Ang Daddy mo naman ay lagi sa plantation." I sigh. I suddenly got worried. I thought they were already okay.

"Maybe I should visit them again after finals, what do you think?" I asked Benedict who was staring down at me.

"Yes, of course. And you deserve a rest too." I nodded at him and messaged our driver na sunduin ako sa araw na sinabi ko sa kanya.

Good thing it was also our Christmas break when the finals were done. Benedict and I did well which is a relief. So far wala akong problema when it comes to academics. I get to maintain my flat uno grades. I am also running for a Summa Cum Laude and I am planning to break that news to my parents once I get home.

Benedict helped me pack my things, I was apologizing to him since I am not going to celebrate Christmas with him but he was so understanding.

Ahh, I love this man.

"Mag-iingat ka ah. Natawagan mo na ba si Yna?" I shook my head. Plano ko kasing isama ito pauwi ngunit hindi ko ito macontact o makita man lang kahit sa school.

"I'm actually worried about her. If you ever saw her, tell her to contact me okay?" He nodded and kissed my forehead.

"Yes, don't worry. Bye, I love you." We kissed each other before I got into the car.

Just 4 days from now is Christmas and I am looking forward to celebrating it with them but I wasn't really expecting that much. I know we weren't close, that we are not that kind of family, but I'm hoping that this year will be different.

I am also planning to tell them about Benedict but I guess destiny isn't on my side again.

"What is happening?" I followed Dad as he stormed to his office in the house. He looked mad and disappointed. I saw mom follow us as well.

"Marco, that bastard." I furrowed my brows. Dad loosened his tie and placed both of his palms on his table. He heaved a sigh and his eyes were raging in madness.

"What did he do?" My mom weakly said.

A lot of things changed in this house. Before I always felt scared whenever I set foot in this house but now, it is all gone. It turned into sadness. The house feels lifeless. My mom is looking frail and sick. And my dad seemed distressed.

"How many months till your graduation, Rae?" Instead of answering our question to him, he turned his gaze on me and asked me out of nowhere which made me furrow my brows.

"Six months from now. Why, Dad?" He heaved a sigh.

"Good, hang on until then. Marco already bought all of our investors, that fucking bastard. I trusted him and gave him the share of our business pero ito ang ipapalit niya? Fuck!" Mom and I flinched when he suddenly threw the desktop from his table.

"W-what?" Hindi ko makapaniwalang tanong.

"Yes, he bought them all and wants everything that we have. He is a greedy asshole. He asked me to give him the plantation but I refused and now this. Ito ang ginawa niyang ganti. Plantation nalang at lupain ang mayroon tayo, nakasalalay sayo Rae ang lahat. Do well on your studies and I will kill that bastard." Galit na galit na sinabi ni Daddy.

"May papatayin ka na naman?" I gasped and looked at my Mom who was glaring at my Dad.

"Shut up, Minerva!"

"No! You shut up. I already told you to not give those fucking peasant anything but you still insist. It is your fault kung bakit nawawala sayo lahat. I guess it's about time for your karma." I flinched when dad quickly went to my mom and strangled her. I screamed and tried to stop him.

"Dad! Stop! What are you doing?" Instead of crying for help, I saw a smirk through my mom's tears.

"Go on. Kill me." I was crying as Dad gripped my mom's neck more. Dumating na din sila Manang at ang ilang mga kasambahay para pigilan si daddy.

"Daddy stop please!" But he didn't.

I can see the changing color of my mom's face and in just a split second my dad is now lying on the floor and blood gushing from his head. My mom is hardly breathing, the maid was crying and calling an ambulance while I shiver as the vase from my hand broke when I let go of it.

"I—" I didn't know what to say, I was trembling with fear, hatred, and anger. I am scared that he will really kill mom, I didn't know what to do and how to stop him. And I am more scared now as I watch the blood on our floor because of my own doing.

My hands were still trembling as Kuya Haides came. He talked to the police.

We are now in the hospital to aid my mom and my dad. I am still wearing the dress that has blood stains on it. Kuya Snoah then talked to the doctors and asked about their case. I felt Lucas's hands on mine and he is gripping them to comfort me.

"Rae!" Jacksion came running and hugged me.

"Oh, God! Are you okay? Are you hurt? Tell me!" I want to speak but I don't have any strength to do so. Kuya Tim tapped Jacksion's shoulder to ease his panic.

"It's okay, It'll be okay," Jacksion whispered while hugging me. 

#yourshiningaster #i am art #chapter 22

[countenanceblog]

Chapter 58

Chapter 58

The warning sirens blared inside The Dome, their shrill sounds echoing off the metallic walls. Panic surged through the room as Resistance members hurriedly gathered, their faces tense with apprehension. David's eyes darted around, taking in the worried expressions of his comrades. He spotted Rufus and rushed over to him.

"Rufus, what's going on?" David asked urgently.

Rufus smirked, trying to keep his cool demeanor even in the face of danger. "Oh, you know, just another casual day in paradise. The Elite Tactical forces decided to drop by for a visit. We're completely surrounded."

Karen frowned and clutched her hands together, visibly concentrating. "We need to come up with a plan, and fast. They won't hold back."

Jack grinned. "I say we meet them head-on!"

Emma chimed in, "As much as I admire your bravery, Jack, we can't afford to be reckless. We need to retreat."

Ariadne, exuding charisma, stepped forward. "Emma's right. We should regroup and use the tunnels below. Splitting up will confuse them."

Nook spoke softly, her eyes scanning the room. "I can check what's happening outside." Her dogs were with her.

"Great idea, Nook," Corey said, finally awake and composed. "Get a sense of their numbers and position."

Nook closed her eyes, focusing her gift. "I see a platoon of them approaching from the main entrance."

David nodded. "We'll take the west exit, then. Move as silently as possible. We don't want any unnecessary attention." The clamor in the room heightened as everyone sprang into action, preparing for their escape. Unnamed Resistance members scurried about, grabbing supplies and helping each other don their protective gear. The sense of urgency hung thick in the air.

Suddenly, Karen's expression changed. "Wait, where's Jonah and Lazarus?"

Corey's levelheaded demeanor faltered for a moment, worry crossing his face. "They were here a minute ago."

"They went outside for some fresh air," Ariadne explained quickly. " . . . With Killing Cadence. With Ian!"

Emma frowned, "Outside? Are they crazy? We don't have time for this. We have to get out of here."

David raised his voice, addressing the group. "No time to wait! Everyone, head for the tunnels now! Move!"

Just then, the grand metal doors of The Dome opened. A lone figure stood next to the keypad, wheezing and drenched in blood. It was Lazarus.

"Lazarus, man, what happened out there?" Rufus asked, worry lacing his voice as he rushed to support his wounded friend. "How many times were you shot?"

Lazarus tried to shrug it off, employing his trademark slang, "Six, I think. Ain't nothin' but a scratch, bro. Just a lil' party with those Elite Tactical fools. You know me, always stirrin' up trouble . . . Jonah n' Ian are toast."

Karen, using her telekinesis, closed the grand metal doors behind Lazarus. "You're hurt badly, Lazarus. We need to get you to the med room, now!"

Lazarus grinned "Nah, I'm aight. Just need a little shut-eye is all. Don't take me with you. Get out."

Jack approached, his boldness replaced with concern. "You're bleeding all over the place, man. We can't leave you like this. We won't let you die down here."

Emma joined in, assessing the situation. "Karen, Nook, we need to stabilize him. We can't move forward without our team intact. Apply pressure to his wounds."

Nook stepped forward, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll do my best to help. I really hope I can."

Karen nodded, her focus on her friend. "We've got your back, Lazarus. Just hang in there."

Corey spoke calmly, but urgency tinged his words, "We don't have time for this. We need to move. David, order the others into the tunnels below. We can't risk getting cornered in a place like this. They'll block the exits."

David hesitated for a moment, torn between his duty as a leader and his concern for the dying man. But he knew Corey was right. "Alright, everyone, listen up! Head for the tunnels now! Move! Let's get moving! Move!"

Nook looked her two black dogs in the eyes. The two of them took off running down a small culvert.

The clamor in the room intensified as the Resistance members hurriedly made their way to the tunnels. Lazarus, surrounded by Karen, Nook and Emma on the floor, had a few parting words:

"They didn't catch me slackin', I, I . . . " he trailed off. His body went limp in Nook and Karen's arms.

"No," said Nook. "No!"

Karen stood up. "Nook, we can't help him."

"We have to get out of here!," Emma barked at Nook.

Empty-eyed, Nook rose slowly. She took Emma's hand. Rufus doubled back once last time, with Jack behind him.

"Fucking shit, guys, we've gotta go! They're gonna blow the doors open any minute now!," exclaimed Gage. Corey came running up to the group in the empty Dome.

"Emma!," he yelled, "we've gotta go!"

The doors of The Dome exploded, sending jagged debris flying in every direction. Karen stopped it all in midair with her telekinesis. Her face was one of pure rage. She sent it all flying back in the direction it came from. Men on the outside screamed and died.

Rufus grabbed Karen's hand. "It's okay, Karen! We don't have to fight, we can get out of here!" Karen shook her head. Suddenly her eyes had their normal quality.

"Right, let's – "

Just then, a shot rang out. Emma fell to the floor with a hole bored through her eye. Corey made an unbelievable, animalistic noise. He ran, unarmed, into the fray.

"No!," shouted Rufus. As Corey ran faster and faster, suddenly he attained impossible inertia. He crashed into the offending soldier with such ferocity as to render him a bloody mist. The others lit him up with their rifles, completely filling his body with bullet holes. White light came pouring out of him, and he ran into the platoon; and out of sight for his friends. Rufus scratched his head.

"By Hel," said Jack. "He's Aireyon, I think."

"We have to wait for him. We can't split up any more," said Rufus. "We can't keep splitting up."

"Dude," said Jack, "I think he's fighting his way to the top. He's fighting his way out of here. Gonna kill 'em all." The gunshots and sounds of violence faded.

Karen piped up. "We should just go. He's going to get himself caught, somehow. He's enraged. I know what that feels like." She was looking at Rufus intently.

"What is it?," Rufus asked her.

Karen sighed. "Nothing."

#countenance

[gravityknife]

Adventures of The 144p Progenitor

The USF Silent Path: Turmoil & Soil

Story #11

"It has been suggested by AI-guidance, and has been unanimously decided by Admiral Alfred, Colonel Zefhris, Admiral Vince, and Colonel McCarthy that we boost our efforts in the rescue process. It's a direct order from all the way up the chain. We intervene with the objective of peaceful negotiations. And we save our fellow USF members. Our warships are authorized to return fire if diplomacy signals fail, on the advisory of Captain Jack. Overall, the objectives are simple. You are to implement search and rescue, and small-scale aerial-to-ground combat strategies and tactics immediately... following our debriefing. You are now dismissed," Lieutenant Colonel Army brawned, exiting the planning room with three other higher ranked officers. The door closed behind them.

"Sooo, f$ck the vote, then?" Captain Dan complained, chuckling.

"Okay!! Damon, Myles, and Ian, we're going to stay with our process here, focusing on getting our frigates in and out. The USF Plaza goes to Damon, USF Retribution to Myles, and the USF Element to Ian. Myles? Get up!!"

"Cruisers are in my command, Natalie, let me know when to move them in," informed Captain Michael, drinking the rest of his space soda then throwing it into the burner (garbage incinerator.) "Aries and I got this."

"Ramon. Dan. With me, we're going to be on comms with command while Natalie and Michael lead in the tactical element. We will watch the strategic display, and you guys notify me if you see anything that could threaten our mission. Communicate with me, guys, you got it?" Jack ordered.

"Yes sir!" Ramon and Dan responded.

"Adam, if you could, be my eyes and ears between operations and command. That's what I need you to do," ordered Jack.

Captain Adam resounded, "Yes sir!!"

Everyone in the SOP (Strategic Operations Planning) room got into their respective positions. They manned displays that showed the frigates' and cruisers' vitals, updated data and news from satellite feeds coming from the warzone, strategic view of the USF Silent Path and the rest of the fleet, geographical and meteorological information around Yakkenden, and other information surrounding the situation.

"Ian, you know how to use that thing, right?" Joked Myles, taking control of his display setup.

"Shut the f$ck up, Myles!" Ian laughed.

"Boys!! Pay attention!!" Natalie scolded.

Dan added, "Yeah, guys? This isn't joke time, okay? I need you guys to focus. I need a heads up display on the frigates' course of action."

Myles and Ian refocused, furrowing their brows and looking through the available intel updates to determine if any changes needed to be made.

"The zone is hot, Natalie, what are you doing?" Asked Jack.

"We're going to steer them towards the mountainside and funnel them up North. Then they can fly straight through to the CS," Natalie answered with slight panic in her tone.

"Sounds right, they'll have cover between all those trees," Damon claimed. "Natalie, I'm getting contacted by the commander of the Plaza."

"Damon, talk," Natalie demanded.

"He's telling me that the terrain looks like it's pushing upward from the ground. They're not able to stay low behind cover, please advise," informed Damon.

"We're getting those readings, too," Ramon said, thinking to himself what the h$ll is that? "We don't know what's going on there, but it shouldn't impede progress, just slow them down and raise altitude. Strategic shows that the Azkonce are retreating West, away from the mountain range."

"Keep them on the route, Natalie," Jack ordered. "Subterranean scans available?"

Dan replied, "Jack, we don't know. Half of these blips aren't even coming up on time."

"Yeah, why are the readings coming in so slow?" Ramon asked.

Jack straightened up, "Not right now, guys, stay on geographical for now. How is weather looking?"

"Doesn't look good," Dan chuckled.

"Michael," Jack prodded.

"Not getting anything from the Raph nor Zogg about it. Manageable is my guess," Michael replied. "Commander Bryson, are you in good standing?"

Commander Bryson informed: Affirm, holding strong at altitude of two-hundred seventy-five thousands meters, weather patterns ineffective.

"Ten-four," responded Michael. "A-Okay, Jack."

"I need to know what's going on, Natalie, talk to me," Jack demanded, scolding in tone.

"Yes, Jack, I know, give us some time. They're still chatting on the comms with each other. Communication is not focused toward us," Natalie defended.

"Yeah, sounds like they're hitting some chop, there, Nat," said Myles.

"There's another windstorm, stronger than the last, about to drop on them, Jack... and it spans all the way across the mountain range," claimed Dan loudly.

"Stabilizers?" Jack prodded.

"No, these aren't the new ships, Jack," answered Ramon. "That's why operations in the Albatross suggested holding position to the Explorer unit."

Aries stirred a tad in his seat. Michael looked up from his display at Jack then back down.

Too late now, Jack thought to himself. "Switch to topological." The strategic display's colors inverted and then the entire map looked like a topological map. "Why is it showing the frigates are so high in altitude? They'd be out of cover entirely."

"That's... hold on," responded Myles.

"Commander, you're being advised to drop altitude," Ian reported.

"There's no point in that yet, guys, hang on," Natalie said. "Theoretically, yes, but realistically, what the f$ck is going on with the terrain?"

"No volcano present, so it's gotta be something else," Myles suggested.

Ian told Natalie, "They're going as low as they possibly can, telling me that based on the rapid movement of the terrain, they'll hit the ground within a matter of seconds."

"Is it really pushing that fast?" Dan asked.

"It can't be," Ramon said. "Not according to what we're seeing now."

Jack asked, "How far are they from the DZ, Nat?"

"They're taking a very long time getting there, but the ETA is two minutes," Damon replied. "Plaza is still up front."

"Wait. Guys? What is that?" Dan reported in surprise. "Switch to heat signature. Jack, look at that. What is that?"

Jack made the adjustment. "Why is it showing vehicular heat signatures on the terrain beneath the frigates?"

"Subterranean!" Yelled Ian.

Michael chuckled, prompting Aries to jolt himself more awake. "I suggest getting those frigates away from the ground," Michael suggested.

"Those aren't animals, those are vehicles," informed Ramon.

Damon replied, "Yes! We know that! And now the commander and his whole bridge is yelling at each other."

"Tell them what's going on now, Damon! Come on! Myles?" Natalie slapped.

Damon looked nervously toward Natalie, holding his headset, then recommended, "Commander of the Plaza, if you are aware of the terrain changes, we advise you to pull up and stay on course. Your cover will be negligible, but we will be guiding—"

"The Element just took a hit!" Ian exclaimed. "Element is dropping. Commander Sheros, do you come in? Do you read me?"

Commander Sheros resounded: Something got through the bottom of the ship! There is something underneath the ground! We are not changing course! Diverting auxiliary power to engine and thrusters! Oxygen levels dropping in lower levels of the ship!

"Myles," prodded Natalie.

"Silent Path to Raphael, get in range and be ready to fire down upon coordinates golf-five-six, echo-three-one, triangulated echo-three-one, papa-two-six, charlie-six-nine, how copy?" Michael began.

A commander from the Raphael responded: That's affirmative, Silent Path, en route, copy safe to engage on your command.

Aries related, sending the same order to the Zoggmendzing Ghost. Another commander confirmed their movement. Both Aries's order and Michael's order went unchallenged.

"Myles, tell the commander of the Retribution what's going on with the Element," Natalie commanded.

"He knows," Myles said, flipping through tabs on his display. "Commander Alapai, do you have enough power to tow the Element? They're breaking away and veering off course due to severe hull and interior damages."

Commander Alapai snapped back: Negative, we'll be down here all day, cuz. We'll go back if we have to—"

"That won't be necessary," Natalie said, overriding Myles's comms. "Don't deviate. Stay on course."

Commander Sheros transmitted: There is something shooting up through the ground! We are circumventing!! High alert!! Captain Natalie, we are losing reserve power rapidly, displays show that our auxiliary engines have been damaged, ma'am!! We can't stay up for long!!

"Oh God," Ramon said, prompting everyone in the room to look at the strategic display. Blips were appearing right underneath all three frigates. "Jack."

"Uhh— Jack. This is bad, Jack," Dan yelled, his voice cracking slightly. "Natalie? Order the frigates out of there!... ? now!... ?"

"Dan," Jack said to Dan in a murmur. "Keep them on course. Natalie, keep the Plaza on course. Adam, tell command what's going on and that we may have to send in that reserve fleet to back off whoever that is. They're attacking us."

Michael guessed, "They must think we're Azkonce. I'm thinking that they're— so—"

"Exaaaactly, that's gotta be the Egrucians, brah," said Aries.

"Ay," Michael scolded with his eyes squinted, "Maintain discipline." He chortled into a serious face.

Aries was grinning, trying not to laugh.

"Strategically, I think they're right, Jack," Dan said. "Azkonce headed West of Yakkenden and all the gunfighting is going on near the center of the city now."

Ramon inquired to Michael, "Are those cruisers ready to hit back?"

"They're ready," Aries responded enthusiastically.

"Yeah. Ready," Michael nodded.

"Still nothing from the Explorer unit?" Asked Dan. "Anyone?"

"Radio silence, Dan," claimed Adam, after he reported to command what the situation had become. "Command is telling me that the reserve fleet is ready for combat, but to pull our ships back. Explorer unit hasn't responded for some time, now."

"Now? There's nobody where the DZ is," Damon informed.

"Now?! They're firing artillery against the mountainside, guys. What the h$ll, get them out of there, Natalie!!" Ramon forced. "Do you hear that?! They're hitting!!"

Natalie reacted, "Oohh, sh$t!! Guys, maneuver them up the mountains, now! Tell them to take cover on the— Jack, are there any units up on the mountain top?"

"It's clear of units but that storm is going to cover the whole f$cking range, Nat," Jack resounded.

Natalie patted her boys on the shoulders.

Myles, Ian, and Damon all gave orders through their comms, telling the commander of each ship to bail out and return fire as necessary. Natalie was guiding each one of them, looking over their displays, and trying not to panic.

"They're going to engage, but it won't be to much advantage," said Myles to Natalie. "There are no visuals below, and the artillery is too far away."

"Wait! That's only going to draw more attention to them! USF Silent Path to USF Plaza!! God, God, hold your fire!!" Damon vehemently shouted, focusing his passion.

Myles and Ian followed suit with giving the orders but it was already too late, as more of the Azkonce units were beginning to fire at the frigates, mistaking them for Egrucian ambushers.

"Cruisers," Dan pushed toward Michael and Aries, without looking at them.

————————

A representation of the hellish battlefield beneath the frigates, the fight between Azkonce and Egrucian forces.

The frigates were weaving back and forth in the strands of heatwaves and cold pressures, heavy rainfall, and thunder storms. The commanders of each ship were pushing their engines at maximum to pull up. The more time they spent down there, the worse off they were, losing fuel and power, as well as taking hard hits from invisible, underground forces, as well as from artillery in the city.

Breaking through the hardened terrain, numerous subterranean vehicles sporting the insignia of the Azkonce were ravaging upward to the surface, finally revealing themselves. Vehicles, termed 'Steel Gophers,' were breaching the force shields and hulls of the frigates with laser-insulated rods, same as they were while still underground. Other vehicles, termed 'Cloud Pushers,' were reaching the surface of the planet and then planting themselves into the ground with long, strong-fibred cables. Then, they unleashed a net-like plasma blanket that would snag the incoming artillery projectiles and use the remainder of its own speedy momentum to send the projectiles directly back to the enemy.

From what it seemed, everything between the Azkonce and the Egrucians was equally anticipated, one tribe never being above the other in terms of superiority.

The frigates were having an extremely challenging time dodging the weaponry of the Steel Gophers. They strayed from their original course and began flying up the mountainside to escape the falling artillery projectiles as well as the AA-battery-like weaponry of the Steel Gophers.

Heavily damaged, the frigates made it up to the peak of the mountains, but they weren't able to keep up in the air. They dropped down onto the flattest surfaces available and remained in contact with The Silent Path.

A representation of the magnificent lightshow that was coming from the laser weaponry, though the sounds of each weapon was far more terrifying.

The Steel Gophers and the Cloud Pushers were followed as subterranean Egrucian vehicles surfaced, faster than the Azkonce's vehicles. They were termed, 'Radio Ants' or simply 'Ants.' They looked like motorcycles without riders, like large drones, and they screeched like banshees. The screech was shrill, constant, and terrifying. They had a head piece that lifted up from itself, revealing a laser ring, and it shot bursts of plasma-covered shells, 10mm in diameter, into the Azkonce vehicles. Some of the vehicles were completely disabled and were left like carcasses.

Azkonce humanoid soldiers were climbing up out of the disabled and broken vehicles, and firing plasma beams that left a liquid trail, falling to the ground and emitting steam. The plasma beams cut through their targets and disabled them immediately. The Azkonce soldiers had helmets with visors that switched from turquoise to deep black. They fired their weapons into the ground, controlling their aim, and explosions could be heard at a subterranean level.

Suddenly, more vehicles burst up through the ground. They looked like shoddily melted together steel plates and beams, and it was difficult to determine if they were Azkonce or Egrucian. Thrusters appeared to melt through the backside of their hull, dropping melted metals into the ground below. They shot themselves upward into the sky, sounding as loud as Earth's ancient F22-Raptors. They headed toward the direction of Yakkenden, and without much pause began firing the same needle-like lasers that the Steel Gophers were firing, only larger in diameter, and the color purple. They were termed 'Death Angels.'

There were literally hundreds of units crawling up from underground in that area, many of them driving over each other or crawling over each other. The sound of the war was deafening, though truly was something to behold. The Azkonce units were seemingly overwhelmed by the Ants, but more and more units kept shoving upward from underneath the ground, knocking other units out of the way, blasting their turrets and cannons wildly into the sky accidentally, as well.

The cruisers, the USF Raphael and the USF Zoggmendzing were flying high above the surface of the planet, though dropped down to an altitude of around 100,000 meters. The deep, infrabass humming sound of their engines was not only bada$$ to hear, but was proving to be an effective crowd control against all Azkonce and Egrucian units.

Some Azkonce and Egrucian units began fighting upward towards the mountain tops where the frigates had inevitably created another CS. Other units were digging back underneath the tundra-like soil and still blasting their weapons at the vehicles above ground.

The Ants were proving effective against the more stationary Cloud Pushers until the Cloud Pushers inverted their plasma cannons into their vessels, causing a transformation. Then, they protruded plasma cannons on its four-sided top compartment. The entire vehicle would reel its dense-fibre cables in, in a snap, and then were being aimed manually by Azkonce crew members inside, shooting out at the Ants like harpoons, then pulling them into a shotgun blast of plasma energy from the top compartment. These units were something that the USF had to respect and fear.

More artillery projectiles were hitting and missing their targets, like an endless barrage. The warzone in Yakkenden thickened, as did the acidic plumes of smoke. The weather worsened as a windstorm passed over the area, as was predicted on the USF Silent Path. The artillery projectiles and the plasma nets were chaotically flying in every direction, hitting every unit and destroying many, and still there were more Azkonce Steel Gophers drilling up to the surface to blast more of the Ants away.

Another murder of Death Angels crowed into the skies, thrusting themselves toward Yakkenden. This time, hundreds of them were blitzing the city. The artillery suddenly ceased against the mountainside, and AA-battery positions termed 'Smokers' began firing long streaming plumes of smoke toward the Death Angels, interrupting their internal drive systems and causing their flights to fail. Death Angels were dodging each other and the smoke left and right with high precision, making the Smokers a very sensible weapon to use against them.

There was no telling how the citizens of Yakkenden felt throughout this war. And if this one battle was of any sign on how battles were on all of the other fronts, merely thousands on each side killing each other by one city, it was that the billions of Azkonce and Egrucian units were going to make the war last. Thousands of units from billions in one battlefront, at that intensity and with that kind of power, was not a good sign at all for the USF. Still, the USF was hopeful... from afar.

#Youtube