#what with the fighting dragons and being accused of assassination

[zahri-melitor]

Look out, it's time for the Potted Fanon History of the one, the only...BRUCE WAYNE!

Bruce, 8: His parents were shot dead by [Someone/Joe Chill/the Mafia] outside the theatre in Park Row where they just saw Zorro. Kneeling in blood, pearls, etc etc.

Bruce, 8: Jim Gordon was the cop who responded to the scene and took care of Bruce.

Bruce, 8: Alfred takes custody of Bruce and they live in the Manor together.

Bruce, 12-16 (optional): Bruce attends school with people like Oliver Queen and Lex Luthor (at a boarding school), or Zatanna and Harvey Dent (at a regular Gotham school). Bruce is known as the cryptid who hides in the library reading forensic pathology textbooks in his free time.

Bruce, 16-18: Bruce finishes school and embarks on a Secret World Training Tour. Highlights of the Tour definitely involve the League of Assassins and probably several nameless monks. Bruce may have an intense homoerotic relationship with Minhkhoa Khan. The following individuals may be namechecked but are unlikely: [Shiva, David Cain, Henri Ducard, Richard Dragon]

Bruce, World Training Tour Edition: Bruce will first meet Talia at this time, and they may get married/conceive Damian. Do not look at the timeline too closely.

Bruce, early-mid 20s: returns to Gotham, is reminded that he is scared of bats. "Yes father, I will become...a Bat!"

Bruce, early-mid 20s: has encounter with An Individual (name varies, solidifying to 'Red Hood' these days as everyone's hung up on Jason) in the ACME Chemical company vats, the other person falls into the chemicals. The Joker is born hahahahahahahHAHAHAHAHAHA.

Bruce, mid 20s: meets Superman and Clark Kent, they simultaneously figure each other's identities out. Shortly after they form the Justice League with Wonder Woman.

Bruce, mid 20s: Bruce goes out for the night to see Haly's Circus when it visits town. Graysons fall, Bruce sees crying kneeling Dick Grayson and immediately imprints on him and takes him home.

Bruce, mid 20s: Dick Grayson becomes Bruce's Ward (TM). Dick also becomes Robin. They swear an Oath (TM) by candlelight to "fight together against crime and corruption and never to swerve from the path of righteousness!" (Actually I don't think the words of the oath are that well known but I couldn't help myself)

Bruce, mid 20s: has many undetailed adventures with Dick. I cannot reinforce how big a blank hole this period is.

Bruce, early 30s ish: Bruce runs into Talia and sleeps with her again (as written by people who CAN count to 10)

Bruce, 30s: Dick gets injured during a fight. Maybe with Joker, maybe with Two-Face, quite possibly with no details. Bruce tries to ground Dick for his own good. Bruce and Dick have a big fight over Dick being an adult now and you can’t tell me what to do. End result: Dick is no longer Robin and moves out (to Blüdhaven). Bruce immediately sulks.

Bruce, 30s: Batman parks his Batmobile in the middle of Crime Alley and comes back to find the tyres being jacked. The teenager attempting this then hits Batman with a tyre iron. Bruce, missing Dick yelling at him, is immediately charmed and takes Jason home and proceeds to instantly adopt him and make him Robin.

Bruce, 30s: Bruce learns about classism from Jason. Bruce Wayne, a man with the biggest charities running in Gotham, years of criminology experience and who travelled the poorest parts of the world in his quest for training, had never contemplated that poor people commit crime because they’re poor and the laws are against them. This rocks his world.

Bruce, 30s: Bruce fails to call Dick to tell him about his new adopted Jason!Robin. Dick comes over to have a screaming match with Bruce in the Manor/Cave about this. These will be a regular feature of Jason’s entire time as Robin.

Bruce, late 30s: Felipe Garzonas occurs. Bruce accuses Jason of killing Garzonas. Bruce will shortly feel intense guilt for this.

Bruce, late 30s: Jason runs away to Ethiopia and is blown by the Joker in a warehouse. Bruce arrives just out of time, to find Jason's body. He is devastated and blames both himself and Jason. He takes Jason's body back to Gotham where there is an autopsy. Joker just disappears with no trace.

Bruce, late 30s: gets more and more violent in his despair over Jason's death. Tim comes to him to explain why Batman is going off the rails and offers to be Robin.

Bruce, middle aged (don't look too closely): Bruce accepts Tim as his new Robin, however insists they are Just Coworkers. He may still be suicidal at times. He probably calls Tim 'Jason' by accident. He insists he never wants to be close to another child again.

Bruce, middle aged: Bruce comes face to face with Bane, who Breaks His Back (TM). Bruce then recovers. This is a very important moment, however any details of the recovery or who was Batman in the interim are unknown. Good job, Gotham healthcare services set up by Thomas Wayne!

Bruce, middle aged: Bruce becomes worried about Tim's parents (as he's reluctantly become attached to Tim). They are never around, which is how Tim manages to be Robin. They are definitely neglecting him. They might be abusing him! Bruce either fosters Tim because of his terrible neglectful parents OR Janet dies and Jack ends up in a coma and Bruce fosters Tim. Either way, Bruce becomes Tim's guardian.

Bruce, middle aged: there's a new crime lord in Gotham called the Red Hood. Batman must track him down. Bruce discovers that this is Jason. Jason begs for Bruce to kill the Joker to avenge his death and Bruce refuses because He Has A Code. Bruce throws a batarang at Jason's neck and slits his throat.

Bruce, JLA edition: at some point Bruce made some Protocols, or possibly some Killer Robots, just in case someone else on the Justice League goes evil. The rest of the Justice League find this out, due to this situation going wrong and the plans being activated by something. Everyone on the Justice League gets very upset with Bruce.

Bruce, middle aged: at some point Bruce adopts Dick and Tim and Cass. Details of when or where are scanty. They're his kids now. Everyone moves into the Manor (except Dick, who visits from Bludhaven every weekend to see his siblings).

Bruce, middle aged: Talia drops Damian off on the doorstep. Bruce now has a (biological) son! Unfortunately Ra's Al Ghul wants to steal his body. Damian must be protected.

Bruce, middle aged: dies. How does this happen? What are you, a cop? Fortunately Bruce being ultraprepared for anything including incipient death, he has left extensive notes about who deals with what when he's dead. Dick gets custody of Damian (but only Damian). Tim gets Wayne Enterprises.

Bruce, middle aged: returns from being lost in time (not dead). Thanks, Tim. No I will not return to being the main Batman in Gotham or take back Wayne Enterprises, it's time for me to travel the world and create Batman Incorporated in every nation on Earth!

Bruce, middle aged: eventually returns home and moves back into the Manor. Damian is now his Robin. Everyone else may still be living in the Manor, may have moved out because of Sad Conflict Drama because Tim feels like he's Just A Coworker or Cass is In Hong Kong. Dick may or may not return to Bludhaven now.

Bruce, middle aged: begins to reconcile with Jason, because he finds out about Jason's Pit Rage and trauma. Jason promises to use Rubber Bullets or to just shoot people in the knee, and says he will patrol Crime Alley because nobody else understands it and the people inside it like him. Bruce is just fine with this.

Bruce, middle aged (Damian edition): Damian dies. Bruce is extremely distraught about this due to his trauma over Jason and immediately works to hunt down a way to resurrect Damian.

Bruce, middle aged: meets Duke and seeing another teenager who is trying to fight crime, immediately brings him home to foster/adopt.

Bruce, Good Dad edition: at some point Bruce has Seen A Therapist and gotten Therapy. He is now completely au fait with the latest things you read online about complex PTSD and is sorry for the hurt he has ever caused any of his children. He goes around talking his children down from disassociation and panic attacks and nightmares. He wraps them up in weighted blankets and watches TV shows You Like with them. He has a new Ace, who is a Therapy Dog for Trauma. When someone has a bad night the entire family sleeps in his giant bed as a sleepover. He is completely focused on the mental health of his children.

Bruce, Bad Dad edition: Bruce has punched Dick/Jason/Tim/Damian (choose whichever set you want) in the face and accused them of not following orders. He has rages and demanding expectations on everyone. Multiple of his children can no longer put up with it any more. He does bad things to them and says it's for their own good.

Bruce, currently: Bruce is a Good Dad! Everyone is either living at the Manor or stays over after patrol regularly. They have regular movie nights. Bruce is actively running Wayne Enterprises. If he sees an unattached teenage vigilante anywhere he might adopt them and bring them home too! He looks after all the associated Gotham vigilantes and does not know what money is worth. This is hilarious as he tips 3000% or whatever on every purchase.

Bruce, currently (alternatively): Bruce is a Bad Dad! After failing his children nobody wants to be near him and he needs to apologise to all his children so they forgive him. Bruce has left Damian for Dick to raise all by himself (that's ok, Dick is really Damian's adoptive dad) and Tim to struggle with the pressure of being a high school dropout CEO of Wayne Enterprises. He is fighting with Jason over the One Killing Rule and won't compromise, even to kill the Joker, despite Jason desperately wanting that proof that Bruce loves him more than he loves the killing rule.

Bruce, currently: Bruce is dating one of Selina, Talia, Clark or Minhkhoa. Whichever on this list he is dating, he would never ever consider getting with Selina and/or Talia again (delete whoever necessary).

#potted bat fanon histories #apologies for the delay but Bruce took some effort #additions for this edition are welcomed #bruce you have done everything (and nothing)

[duhragonball]

Dragon Ball Super 124

FEATURING: LASERCAGE 2000™

Last time, Goku and Vegeta powered up to their ultimate forms.  Goku went beyond Super Saiyan Blue to achieve Cherry Super Saiyan Blue, and Vegeta went beyond Super Saiyan Blue to Super Saiyan Blue (Blue).  Those are the official names for those forms, I will not be accepting corrections.

Anyway, they fire off their finishing attacks at Jiren, but it does nothing.  Jiren tries to talk smack, and Goku and Vegeta literally do not care about anything he says.  I like this, because Jiren’s whole schtick is to be intimidating with as few words as possible.  Like when he defeated Hit, he said “Do you know what the pride of an assassin is worth?  Absolutely nothing!” Or words to that effect. It’s less trash-talk and more “Let me take a moment to explain why you never had a chance.”

When he started fighting Goku in #122, he asked Goku why he seeks greater strength, and Goku admitted he didn’t know, he just wants to get stronger.  Jiren scoffed at this, and said he was pursuing something beyond strength, insinuating that he had a grander purpose.  And with Vegeta, he accused him of being arrogant and entitled.  In both cases, he seemed to be implying that these were fundamental flaws holding them back. 

The thing is, Goku and Vegeta do not care what Jiren is saying.  He may have valid points, but this ain’t the debate club.  They’re in a fight.  And they already know Jiren’s insanely strong.  They’re just going to keep attacking him until they win. 

And that sort of defines the entire philosophical conflict between these two teams.  One of the criticisms I have with the Tournament of Power is that Universe 7, by far, has the most eliminations out of all the teams.   The number I found was fifty-two, and I’m not sure if that counts Master Roshi and 18, who eliminated themselves.  It’s cool that the “home” team was so dominant, but it also undermines the Tournament of Power as a concept.  The original idea was that it would be cool to fight all the super-strong guys from other universes, but in practice it seems like most of the universes couldn’t hang with ours. 

But the point is that Universe 7 is a lot more aggressive than the other teams.  U6 did a lot of eliminates, but they were less powerful in general, so that kind of makes sense.  And U11 had the most unified team and the strongest ringer, but they seemed content to back off and let the rabble fight amongst themselves.  In Jiren’s mind, he’s already won this thing, but the U7 crew refuses to take anything for granted.  They’re here to fight, win lose or draw, and so they’ve been whippin’ ass nonstop.  At no point have the U7 team considered fighting defensively to protect their lead over the other teams.  As far as they’ve been concerned, they’re scratching and clawing their way to the top, even when they’re the ones who are winning. 

So no, Goku and Vegeta aren’t going to lose their nerve just because Jiren hits them really hard.

Meanwhile, Dyspo sees Jiren fighting and decides that he should go all out as well.  WHAT WERE YOU WAITING FOR?  The tournament’s almost over! There’s only five more opponents to eliminate!  Why would you hold anything back?

So Dyspo punches Frieza and does this neat move with a ki ring that explodes. 

I should take a moment to praise the dub VA for Dyspo, Christopher Dontrell Piper.  The Japanese VA, Bim Shimada, played the role with a certain peppy feel.  He wasn’t talking fast, but there was still this kind of “fast character” flavor to the performance.  But Piper kind of flips the script, making Dyspo more relaxed.  Piper’s Dyspo sounds like a cool athlete who just got the big contract and he has the skills and talent to deserve every penny.   Even when he’s frustrated, he still talks like he’s winning, he’s just mad that it’s taking longer than it should.  This is a dude who knows he’s the best and he knows Jiren has his back.  Piper is definitely one of the reasons I’m so glad I finally paid for the dub. 

(Also Ray Hurd’s Top is excellent, but Top isn’t in this episode much, so we’ll talk about him next time.)

But Dyspo’s attacks don’t work on Frieza, who goes Golden to put a stop to this.  And Dyspo soon finds that he’s having some difficulty.

But that’s okay, because Dyspo just turns up the juice and gets even faster.  This is apparently called “Super Maximum Light Speed Mode”, but I’m going to call it “Dyspo (Purple)”. 

Dyspo can’t hurt Golden Frieza much, but his awesome speed does allow him to push Frieza closer to the edge of the ring.  Also, he’s so fast now that even the Grand Zeno’s GodPads can no longer keep up with Dyspo’s movements on slow-mo instant replay.  The Grand Minister admits that he cannot correct this flaw, and asks the Zenos to accept that Dyspo is simply too fast to follow.  They’re pretty chill about the whole thing, which is nice. 

Anyway, before Dyspo can ring-out Frieza, Gohan jumps in to make the save.  I’m guessing he had an easier time blindsiding Dyspo while Dyspo was sticking close to punch Frieza. 

Oh, right, I forgot.  Earlier on, there was a part where Frieza offered to switch sides if Dyspo would agree to wish him back with the Super Dragon Balls.  Everyone got worried, then wondered if it was just some weird headgame Frieza was playing, but Dyspo refused the offer on principle.  The Pride Troopers don’t make deals with evildoers, which certainly does save them the hassle of worrying about this sort of thing. 

Anyway, the reason I bring this up is because when Gohan rescues Frieza, he questions his judgment, since Frieza might betray him again.  Gohan isn’t playing his game, and insists that he’ll support Frieza because they’re teammates.  But if Frieza does try any shit, Gohan promises to “end you myself.”  Pretty cool line, but I’m pretty sure we’re not going to see Gohan take out Frieza anytime soon.

Double-teaming Dyspo doesn’t work very well, since he’s so damn quick.  So instead, Gohan suggests that they find a way to pin Dyspo down, so he’ll have less room to maneuver. 

And so Frieza gets to a safe distance and shoots beams out of his fingers to create....

LASERCAGE 2000™ !

There’s only one rule in LASERCAGE 2000™ : If you touch a laser, it hurts a lot. 

That rule applies to Gohan as well.  LASERCAGE 2000™ does not distinguish friend from foe.  It is the ultimate equalizer of the 90′s.

So this puts Dyspo in a bind, since he has to fight Gohan in close quarters, and that limits his ability to use his speed.  Dyspo’s good, but he’s not toe-to-toe-with-Gohan good. 

But he hangs in there, because what else can he do?  Still, it seems like it’s just a matter of time before Dyspo succumbs to Gohan’s offense.  But wait!

Frieza can’t maintain that attack for very long, so he falters, and LASERCAGE 2000™ is now closed.  Please return your protective goggles to the green basket before picking up your shoes from the storage bins.

Dyspo stops to gloat, but Gohan grabs him in a  rear naked choke!  It took me a few minutes to look up what this was, and it turns out it was the move I hear about all the time, so let’s talk about that for a bit. 

So normally, you’d want to cinch your arm around Dyspo’s neck, using your bicep and forearm to squeeze the carotid arteries and restrict the bloodfloow to Dyspo’s brain.  But Gohan isn’t trying to knock Dyspo out, and he certainly doesn’t want to kill him, so he’s not doing the “choke” part of the RNC. 

“Rear” is just a reference to the fact that Gohan’s standing behind Dyspo, but what’s the “naked” part mean?  Wikipedia said it was about the fact that you don’t need to wear a gi to apply the hold, but Gohan’s wearing a gi, so I was going to make a joke about this being a “rear choke” instead.  But that’s not quite how it works. 

There are some holds that require the opponent to be wearing clothes.  For example, Gohan could do a move that involves grabbing hold of Dyspo’s uniform.  But Dyspo’s wearing tights, so that might not work so well.  And what if he was nude?  The term “naked” in “rear naked choke” refers to the fact that the hold can be applied to the target whether he’s wearing clothes or not.  So I just learned something today, and maybe you did too.

Anyway, Gohan doesn’t need to choke Dyspo out, he just has to hold him still long enough for Frieza to blast them out of the ring.  They kind of act like this was Gohan’s plan all along, as if they were counting on Dyspo to get sloppy when LASERCAGE 2000™ failed, but I’m pretty sure this is Gohan improvising a Plan B.  The only way for this to succeed is for Gohan to hold Dyspo the whole way out of the ring, which means...

... they both get eliminated.  Gohan apologizes for this, but everyone assures him that he made the right call.  Dyspo was too fast to knock out any other way, and this allows the remaining four U7 guys to fight Jiren and Top without Dyspo getting in the way. 

Dyspo, on the other hand, is a lot more frustrated with his defeat.  He probably should have fled the moment Gohan and Frieza joined forces, and focused on isolating a U7 guy.  Top and Jiren seem to be doing well fighting two guys at once, so it was up to Dyspo to make sure neither of them got triple-teamed. 

Then again, that’s easier said than done.  Dyspo had to use his top speed just to push Frieza to the edge, and then someone jumped in to stop him.  If he had tried that on Gohan or 17, the result probably would have been the same.  And if he tried to attack Vegeta, I think he’d just lose outright.  If it was 3-on-3, it might have gone differently, but the numbers game didn’t favor Dyspo at all. 

But now it’s 4 against 2, which makes things even tougher for Universe 11.  Or so you would think...

Here’s KISS with “2000 Man”.  I’ll be honest, I’m running out of good KISS songs to use for this, and this is a cover of a Rolling Stones song, but it’s nice to get some Ace Frehley representation in this thing.

#dragon ball #dragon ball super #2023dbapocryphaliveblog #tournament of power #LASERCAGE 2000™

[manie-sans-delire-x]

hi 💕 could you tell us a bit about your ocs? im really curious!

Omg my dream ask!! 🙀💕 Of course!!

I'll just do a quick list of basic info since theres so much to tell and idk what you want to know. Their ages obviously change since my stories go over at least a decade, but if they had to have a fixed age, that would be it. Most are just my created player characters from videogames, but I also write fiction with them and they have a ton of lore and story. Sorry if certain terms dont make sense/you dont know what it is.

Elder Scrolls universe: (medieval fantasy)

Lilith: 34, female, bosmer/wood elf, vampire. The Dovahkiin. Shes my first and favorite. Listener/leader and savior of the Dark Brotherhood. Adventurer, bounty hunter, assassin, dragon slayer, vampire slayer. Shes terrifying and burns hotter than the sun. Accidentally adopts Aventus. She once cannibalized her disabled sister as a child during a clan famine lol. Nothing she enjoys more than fighting and power. Is slowly forced into the politics of a foreign land.

Kina Sintav: 27, female, human. The Gray Fox, Hero of Kvatch, and Silencer to Lucien Lachance (and lover). Master thief and assassin. Runaway gladiator slave. If Lilith is the sun, she is the moon and stars. She is endless grief, she is tragedy, she is the mist and rain and fog. Was almost drowned in the lake by her mentally ill mother as an infant after being mistaken as blind. She loses everyone, and her mind in the end.

"Adopted"/developed npcs:

Lucien Lachance: 42, male, human. Speaker of the Dark Brotherhood. Legendary assassin, swordsman, and poison maker. Master, mentor, and lover to Kina. If Kina is the moon and stars, he is the black night. He is fully indoctrinated into the Dark Brotherhood cult of death and murder. Kills his own adoptive children (by proxy- by Kina). He gets caught up in a web of revenge and betrayal, falsely accused of being traitor/is set up, and dies a terrible, tragic death by those he trusted most.

Marcurio: 38, male, human. Powerful mage and educated scholar. Best friend/occasional lover of Lilith, scribe, and her moral compass. He has sworn to kill her should she lose her path.

Aventus Aretino: 11, male, human. Abused orphan child who hires Lilith to kill his abuser. Adopted child of Lilith. He is determined to become a Brotherhood assassin, despite Lilith's warnings. Socially shunned "cursed child" for the taboo of contacting the Dark Brotherhood.

Fallout universe: post modern apocalypse

Cora (Fallout 4): 32, female, synth/android (unaware of it). Created to be a replacement housewife/mother for her soldier husband's dead wife Nora. Shes on a quest to find her kidnapped son. Post-apocalypse, she eventually becomes the raider queen.

Maeve (New Vegas): 24, female, human. Just a girl trying to work as a courier until she survives being shot in the head and buried in a shallow grave. Goes after the man who shot her and stole the package.

Other:

Tav (Baldurs Gate): 26, female, tiefling. A sweet soul, but naively influenced and tempted into corruption.

Atlantis Alatar / Sylvester Suliman (original universe): 27, male, human. A dying man. Powerful young sorcerer who had a very promising future in high society. Foolish, young, narcissistic and arrogant, he makes too many contracts with various demons. Tricked by djinn, he dooms himself into a terrible fate and early grave.

#asks #oc #elder scrolls #skyrim #oblivion #fallout 4 #fallout new vegas #oc lilith #oc kina #oc lucien #oc cora #oc maeve #oc tav

[commanders-sole-braincell]

A random thought has possessed me, A commander who uses their status as commander to get away with murder. This commander, was/is a serial killer, they never asked for the title of commander but well, when it dropped into their lap who were they to say no to a perfect alibi? Because who in their right mind would accuse THE commander of murder? the person who fights the elder dragons, who has stood on the front lines against all the threats of being a killer?

I have a giant soft spot for evil or bad commanders tbh - but I've never considered a killer comm beyond the evil factions in game/corruption or a more assassin type but that actually sounds hideously fun

If you're good at it just point it at the guys who are worse but its The Pact unknowingly (or knowingly??? :O) having someone who's a little too good at McMurdering being their big gun. Sure, there's a string of people who got in their way missing, or something similar, but right now we need killers to kill the bigger killers. Go get 'em champ!

By getting away with murder, I wonder if you could go full villian with the commander - maybe when it's slow and peaceful, or with the EoD ending, they're now just... a person. Do they go back to it? You could have everyone who knows/finds out have to realize the person they adore is actually.. a horrible person. That they bought a knife then strapped a charzooka onto it and it's got no target now but the trigger's still taunt. Would the Commander have changed? Would they now turn towards 'evils'? What counts as evil to them? They're taking justice into their own hands - how long til people realize if they're not removing evil folks, if it's just... people.

I'm a big softie, so I like to imagine a Commander who turns out good but man I never considered the ramifications of what would any Commander do regarding the whole 'hey you guys literally turned me into a living kill switch, and while I understand there was no other course of action and if not me, who, but like... how do I go back to life like this? I've been killing in the name of justice and now what?'

#I absoutley got sidetracked my B #also sorry for the silence and dodgy pacing my bodys getting the shit rocked outta it by work #doesn't little-leaf-man have a murderer gw2 oc?? Viktor I believe?? #dark themes tw #death tw #violence tw #people who like dark themes come get your juice its a lil funky but its juice

[hawkepockets]

i offer you kas and jory for the ask game, if you'd like? :) @kerra-and-company

ahhh kai 🫶😋 !! ty for asking !

jory does NOT get along well with prem. in theory their tastes & senses of humor are really compatible, but when jory was just getting started as a detective in the reach, prem was a newly minted shining blade exemplar—publicly, the exemplar assigned to keep order in the crown pavilion sector/former canthan district, but secretly anise’s second blade coordinating intelligence and morale across the city. he was a common dead end for jory to run into while working on cases that might reflect badly on the crown, the shining blade, or the status quo in general. most notably, jory was asked to look into the “blade breakers” incident of 1325.

minister kou, a low-ranking official with a hobby newsletter, had been publishing op eds that accused the blade of antagonizing the tamini to prolong the centaur war, since it kept jennah popular & the city’s militarized police forces in unquestioned power (true). the shining blade threatened him, the minister refused to censor his publication, and his printing office was burned to the ground overnight. kou was arrested by the ministry guard, convicted of arson for the insurance money & sympathy, and stripped of his position in the ministry. <- prem’s scheme.

what prem didn’t know was that the ex-minister hadn’t even written the op eds—that was his daughter caroline, a rookie ministry guard who resented the shining blade for covering up the death toll in the great collapse & had been looking into other (again, mostly true) conspiracy theories about the blade. she knew her father had been framed, that he was being punished for her writings, and that the shining blade was behind this. so she rallied a group of other young, radicalized nobles and their friends in the ministry guard, and started attacking shining blade officers, sabotaging their operations, and posting anti-monarchist, anti-blade material around the city. they called themselves the blade breakers and quickly turned into a huge problem for anise. since prem was responsible for creating the blade breakers, he was tasked with destroying them. he identified caroline kou as the leader and tried to arrest her, she resisted, and they got in a dirty fight, mesmer vs elementalist, on the edge of the crown pavilion at night. caroline had the advantage of fighting to kill while prem was hitting to disable, but when she got him on the ropes, he got scared, went low, and threw her over his shoulder—into the great collapse sinkhole.

to cover up her death and win back anise’s rapidly dwindling favor, prem glamoured himself as caroline and staged a broad daylight assassination attempt on queen jennah, allowing the other shining blade exemplars to cut him down in front of an audience and put the matter to rest. approval rates for jennah & the blade bounced back up immediately.

but caroline’s friends didn’t think jumping jennah was in character for her or in line with their plans, so they went to marjory, who got as far as observing that minister kou’s arrest and caroline’s suicide run against jennah were way too convenient for the shining blade, that there had been noise complaints in the pavilion sector, logged with the seraph, the night before “caroline’s” death, and that there were signs of a magical fight by the side of the pit. then prem shut her investigation down, threatening not just her detective agency but belinda’s job in the seraph.

at the time, prem was backed into a corner, convinced the shining blade was always in the right, and had a personal disdain for caroline kou as a noble nepo baby and ministry guard, so he didn’t think he was doing much wrong. now, the whole incident is one of his most bitter regrets. he’s changed a lot, but jory’s never forgiven him, and he doesn’t push it. they can act cordial in situations where dragon’s watch has to present a united front, but privately, don’t talk if they can help it. sometimes they’ll accidentally lock eyes in a “can you believe this shit” look or laugh at the same time, or one will thoughtlessly “yes and—” the other’s stories about growing up in the canthan district, but those glimmers of could-have-been friendship just make them both feel worse.

and all of that is hard bc prem & kas are BESTIES ! they came up through the mesmer collective’s private academy together, and went through a “boyfriend/girlfriend” phase as young teens before they both came out as gay. they still call each other pet names like babe and honey as an artifact of that, and are very physically affectionate. when prem joined the shining blade, kas was happy for him at first, but quickly noticed he was cutting off all of his relationships except for his devotion to anise, which hurt and scared her. she tried to reach out, he rejected help, and a distance opened up between them that turned to strain when she got close to jory and jory told her what prem had done.

but when he came back to kas, she welcomed him. he represents home to her, they’ve always rly effortlessly enjoyed each other’s company, he’s the only one who understands and even shares her feelings about the gods when they go to elona.

they have a major argument after kormir’s library, with kas insisting that they keep the faith even if the gods are departing, because it’s personally and culturally important to her and she’s never prayed with the expectation that the gods would answer anyway. prem, meanwhile, was used to direct attention from dwayna and feels that all the gods have betrayed humanity. he says he’ll never cross a temple threshold again, kas says he’s the last person she expected to leave her alone in this right now, voices are raised and names are called. after a few days of space, though, they can both admit they get where the other is coming from, and they gel again.

their friendship is something that’s so easy and resilient, it’s stretched and sprung back into place even when they’ve been in conflict. jory says kas is too soft on prem, but kas can’t throw away love. it helps that, unlike anyone else in dragon’s watch, she can tell with magically infused certainty that prem isn’t lying about having matured and atoned since 1325.

#oc: prem #kasmeer meade #marjory delaqua #gw2 #guild wars 2 #if u read to the end of this. xoxo

[lgwebspacethemedfmp]

TSR

Tactical Studies Rules was created as a partnership between Don Kaye and Gary Gygax in 1973 in order to formally publish and sell the original rules of Dungeons & Dragons. Later on the partnership expanded to Dave Arneson and Brian Blume who funded the publishing of Dungeons & Dragons as opposed to relying on the revenue of another project to fund that one. The following year, TSR sold around a thousand copies of Dungeons & Dragons as well as selling dice sets to go along with it. Originally the only distributers that TSR used were for miniatures and not the base game, but that changed between 1975 and 1976 when they joined the Hobby Industry Association and established a network of distributors. In 1975 TSR hired its first full-time employee, publications editor Tim Kask, before the TSR partnership was ended shortly after after Don Kaye died. 

Shortly after the partnership dissolved, Gygax and Blume incorporated TSR Hobbies Inc, a new company. In 1976 they began hosting Gen Con (currently the largest table-top games convention in North America) as well as starting Dungeons & Dragons open tournaments. In 1978 the company upgraded from the basement and moved above the Dungeon Hobby Shop. 

After meeting Ian Livingstone and Steve Jackson, exclusive rights to distribute TSR products in the UK were granted to Games Workshop by Gygax, both original and new versions of Dungeons and Dragons were printed over there in order to avoid import costs. The company TSR Ltd was formed in 1980 in England after TSR could not reach an agreement with Games Workshop about a possible merger.

In 1980, the FBI arrived at TSR’s offices due to notes they had about a fictional assassination plot pertaining to their first campaign setting for AD&D; The World of Greyhawk. In the same year, in order to promote quality roleplaying, the Role Playing Game Association was formed. The following year, TSR Hobbies was listed as one of the hundred fasted growing privately held companies in the US. TSR Hobbies moved offices again in that same year to a former medical supply building with a warehouse attached that same year and in 1982, TSR Hobbies broke the 20 million mark in sales. The company was split into four in 1983; TSR Inc, TSR International, TSR Ventures and TSR Entertainment Inc.

At some point the presidents of TSR (minus Gygax) were forced to leave the company after accusations arose of them accumulating large debts and misusing corporate funds. The company was forced to layoff roughly 75% of the staff after having to post a net loss of 1.5 million USD. Gygax requested the Board of Directors to remove the previous presidents of the company from the stock as he himself only had 30%. This was met with them selling their stock to Lorraine Williams, which Gygax tried to have declared an illegal sale, but when that failed he sold his remaining stock to Williams and used what he had from that the form New Infinity Productions. 

Despite WIlliams being a financial planner and seeing potential in transforming a debt-ridden company into a profitable one, she had a dislike of games and did not view them well, and she implemented an internal policy that games were to not be played at the company. This led to the majority of games released not being play tested unless they were done so behind her back. TSR expanded into other fields under Williams’ direction; those mainly being literary means such as books and magazines. For the next few years, TSR leaned heavily into fiction to the point that their revenue from it far surpassed the games that they published.

When collectable card games arose, TSR tried to do the same and released two games under this means; Dragon Dice and Spellfire. Success came to neither of these and eventually their inventory management became abysmal due to the accumulation of unsellable product. Furthermore, TSR started fighting against fan created work much to the displeasure of the public, resulting in the decrease of their consumer base more than it already had. Products started selling for less than they cost to make and in 1996, TSR and to endure multiple rounds of layoffs after accumulating 30 million USD in debts.

The Vice President of Wizards of the Coast, Ryan Dancey, believe the prior failure of TSR was due to ‘A near total inability to listen to its customers, hear what they were saying, and make changes to make those customers happy’. In 1997, TSR was purchased by Wizards of the Coast and its intellectual properties. Some parts of the company were resell after but after a few years the company’s name stopped being used and their trademarks were allowed to expire. In 1999 Wizards of the Coast itself was purchased by Hasbro Inc. 

[efrmellifer]

Sapphistry

I’ve been promising some wlw content with Etien for a while so... here it is!

Etien had known for several years now that she would be pleased to extend her affections to more than simply men. Maybe not soon enough to have had any clarity on why she’d felt the way she did when A’beilnah had left the Twelveswood, but long enough that it didn’t come as a surprise to her when she took a stronger interest in the welfare of the Doman refugees.

Particularly their leader.

When she and Alphinaud had sat down for that long discussion about why a boat full of Domans had come to port in Vesper Bay, Etien had been cautiously curious about the woman sitting before them dressed all in purple and symbols Etien didn’t recognize.

The way that Yugiri kept her face obscured, but the hood of her coat gave suggestions of what lay below had further piqued Etien’s curiosity.

Of course, she had other things on her mind—both of them did, in fact—as they stood before the Syndicate so Yugiri could plead her case.

Still, the layers of clothing still worn close to the body, the long protrusions covered in cloth extending from her head, her stance, Etien studied it all with an eye half assessing and half appreciating.

Even as the Syndicate deliberated, Etien’s mind wandered to thoughts of being trusted enough that the Lady Yugiri might remove the mask and let her see who it was that they had been striving to assist.

Her soft manner of speaking was soothing to Etien, too, the way she made her case while keeping her tone level, her voice on the quiet side while still carrying to those who needed to hear it.

It was only as Etien was handing over a sackful of gil-- “to pay the healers, so the young ones could getthat care they need,” she’d explained—and Yugiri’s hands brushed hers as she took the coinpurse that it all properly clicked for her.

The warmth that spread across her back at the realization, like a too-hot coat in the springtime sun, made it all very clear.

She didn’t just admire Yugiri. She liked her.

Well, plenty of the other Scions liked Yugiri, and wanted to help.

No, this was different from that. Etien pushed herself to put the words together, in the din of her mind.

She wanted to trace with her eyes, and possibly her fingers, the curves of Yugiri’s face implied by the mask, to press a kiss to her forehead. Perhaps the lips that spoke so softly.

She wanted to peel away the almost-white gloves and hold, then kiss, Yugiri’s hands.

Etien had caught a glimpse or two of the glossy black hair in braids that hung down Yugiri’s back, and absently thought of running her fingers through it, of redoing those braids after a long day. Perhaps they could drink tea and do each other’s hair, and relax into domestic comfort, after all the fighting they had to do. For their lives, for their livelihoods.

Catching Roaille together, Etien suppressed a thrill at how they walked side by side, bringing up the rear. They were almost close enough to touch

_

When it had all burned down, and Etien feared that she was about to be hauled away for a murder she didn’t, wouldn’t, couldn’t have committed, it had been a relief that she had been welcomed by a friendly face in the Coerthan highlands. But it had been some other sort of feeling entirely when she’d met with the few of her comrades who had made it to Camp Dragonhead as well.

That is to say, she much preferred the butterflies in her stomach when she recognized the shade of purple to the sickly dread she’d been feeling since she ran from the banquet.

But there was a bit of a shock as she finally got a look at the lady behind the mask.

Yugiri’s hair was neat, two locks hanging down, bangs stopping just above her eyebrows, and drawing attention to her light green eyes. Oh, what a beautiful contrast to the deep purple she always wore!

Etien was aware she was staring, only able to shut her mouth and blush when Yugiri spoke, clarifying the situation as best she could with a “Hm? Ah, yes, my mask—it was lost in the struggle.”

Well, these weren’t the circumstances Etien had expected this first look behind the veil to take place under.

“Pretty, isn’t she?” Tataru asked.

“Very,” Etien replied, blinking a few times as if she had looked into a bright light.

Tataru continued the tale of how she and Yugiri escaped Ul’dah and Urianger had disguised the Waking Sands, but Etien was only half paying attention, tracing with her eyes the edge of every scale on Yugiri’s cheek.

As she left, saying that the rest of the Domans would keep up the search for the other Scions, Etien watched her go, a little sad as her eyes tracked the swish of Yugiri’s retreating tail.

There would be a next time they saw each other, Etien assured herself.

And next time, she would not stare.

#fic #I don't know if Etien would have/will ever confess tbh #maybe Yugiri already has an inkling #also considering how much of 2.x takes place seemingly all at once #Etien was Having A Time And A Half #what with the fighting dragons and being accused of assassination #while juggling several crushes. how DOES she do it #also also maybe I'll talk about A'beilnah someday #lavender and seashells

[raayllum]

Today in my on going meta of Callum sees the world in a fundamentally different way than Ezran and Rayla does series: first impressions and varying perspectives on the egg. Which is to say: for most of s1, Callum sees the Egg as a tool and a symbol more than just a being.

Ezran finds the egg first and knows that it’s a big deal, showing that he’s aware that the egg - by his father and Lord Viren’s hands - was supposedly destroyed. He hurries to go show it to his brother, because that’s what little brothers do (see: trying to show his talking to animals power, explaining his dreams in detail to Callum, etc). He’s smiling when he shows off the egg.

Rayla is the next to process and/or say something. You can tell her mind is racing a million miles a minute. She was planning to specifically carry out the murder of a human prince because of the dragon prince just maybe twenty minutes ago, even if she was stalling - confident that this was her way to make up for her mistake. But now the egg is alive and safe, if captured. The egg her parents failed to protect. And we know from her talk with Runaan that the egg being alive is enough, in her mind, to have reason to call the entire mission off and spare Harrow’s life, as well. 

But Callum, after double checking that “So this is it? The egg of the Dragon Prince?” Rayla expresses disbelief: “I can’t believe it. If the egg lives...”

And Callum immediately latches onto the political implications.

As Rayla approaches, Callum backs off, still hesitant of having her around (and having her around Ezran) but Ezran himself steps up to hold the egg in his hands.

Then Ezran and Rayla have their first bonding moment, both checking on the egg. One thing that’s notable is that Ezran is the only one to use he for the egg, rather than it, which makes sense because he can connect to Zym inside the egg. But it doesn’t change the fact that Rayla is worried about the egg, Ezran is reassuring, and Callum is still focused on the logistics.

Then Claudia interrupts, cites her father’s reasoning, Rayla throws around an accusation, and Callum ignores the bickering in hopes of having an answer. In hopes of understanding the politics and weight of what they’ve just walked into.

Rayla bristles over Claudia’s dehumanization, and Ezran is immediately convinced of the egg’s family and personhood.

And while Callum watches - processes - Ezran is convinced, and then takes action, with him choosing to trust Rayla, choosing to trust the feeling he’s getting from the egg, and leave behind everything else he’s ever known. Rayla follows.

And again, Callum stands there, now scared and still trying to process. He doesn’t want to not trust Claudia, but she’s putting Ezran’s life in danger - “Don’t worry, I won’t hit Ez!” - and he can’t stand by and do nothing. 

So he does the right thing for his brother.

He hopes.

Callum can’t let Ez get hit by a misplaced lightning bolt, but also letting Ez run off with the assassin that was threatening both of them just moments ago and has now stopped, just because they’ve found an egg? Is one hell of a gamble. What if she turns right around and attacks them to get to it, and Claudia - who had the power to successfully defend them - is now immobilized.

Then, when everything has gone wrong, and the two adults they’ve tried to tell about the egg haven’t been able to help, or have been downright hostile, Callum realizes they have to take up the mantle. Politically and pragmatically, this is their best move; they can’t trust anyone else to do it for them and the castle isn’t safe for Ezran or the egg. (Or even for him or Rayla, since Viren used dark magic on him, and Callum saw her have to fight against one of the assassins.)

He gives the mission outline, in a way. An almost professional overview, if not for the emotionality of everything he’s giving up. It’s very similar to Rayla’s response in 1x06 that is incredibly politically, not personally minded (which frustrates him, because in 1x06 Callum inherently wants to know whether Rayla truly cares for him and Ezran):

R: Because it has to come from you. Human princes returning the egg to the Dragon Queen. That’s the gesture that matters. That could end the war and change the world—

And she has similar hopes and sentiments here, building upon Callum’s statement, and Ezran’s own emotional priority.

So for Callum, the egg is a symbol of possible peace. A tool. An exchange. A good one, no doubt! Callum is prone to attaching a lot of emotion to objects in general, especially in season one (i.e. the cube as a tool that can help him figure out who he is, his primal stone, his sketchbook as a gift from Harrow and artist as a piece of his identity). Even his attention to (and assumption of) Rayla’s binding having an emotional tie: “Your binding. Does it mean something?” (It’s not that different than how Viren obsesses and attaches meaning to Aaravos’ mirror long before he knows what it is, if only because of its proximity to power: “The Dragon King and Queen kept this closest to where they slept. It must be important.”)

For the egg, Callum sees it primarily as a symbol of Trust. This makes sense, given that he’s pissed about Viren’s lies and betrayal putting Ezran’s life in harm’s way (Callum was surprised and horrified to find out that Ezran was another target, after all) and is the reason that Rayla stopped threatening them. He carries this mindset with him throughout most of the first season.

Again, on the broader political scale, and on the personal one (which is the only one Rayla is really considerate of, deep down). Yes, she wants to return Zym to his mother for political reasons, but it’s also deeply personal. This is, after all, her journey of redemption for the mistakes of her parents in her own words. The boys don’t have that baggage until much later, if at all.

Now, Rayla associates the egg with trust, too. She’s upset and hurt that the boys, particularly Callum, won’t trust her to carry it. But one thing that’s important to keep in mind is that she’s acting in response to Callum’s choices and feelings. It isn’t a mindset she came up with entirely on her own; it’s her reacting to a sort of boundary and test (quite badly, honestly) that Callum has laid down, until he doesn’t care anymore and decides to trust her anyway. 

A few of the final meta pieces: Rayla holds the egg and Ezran in about equal regard, binding herself to ‘avenge’ Zym and being willing to lose that exact same hand for Ezran’s life. But to Callum, he absolutely sees the egg as secondary to the life of his baby brother, which is why he and Rayla have such different reactions on the ice. And again, Rayla placates him by reminding and reasoning with him because of Ezran.

C: Ez, no! Ezran! I’m going in after him. R: Don’t! C: What? Why? R: He’ll get it. He’ll save the egg. We have to believe in him. And we’re going to need to be up here to pull him out. C: But he’s just a kid! R: He’s brave and strong. He can do this. C: Come on, come on. R: It’s going to be okay. Ez will get it.

Rayla is worried for both the egg and Ezran. When they think Ezran won’t be coming back, she says, “I thought he would be able to...” and that both of them would be safe. But Callum is completely consumed by worry for his brother. If he had gone in, he would’ve saved Ezran over the egg, and definitely saved Ezran first, without hesitation. But he stays on the ice primarily because Rayla is right: Ez will need them to be there to pull him out, not necessarily because Callum’s doubt about Ezran saving the egg is completely eradicated. That’s not to say that the egg doesn’t matter to Callum at all - it does - or that he doesn’t think Ezran can do it at all, just that the egg is not his priority. His brother, like always, is.

This all comes to a head in 1x09. The egg is past saving and Callum realizes what he has to do. Unlike before in 1x03, there is no I hope. Callum is sure and confident in himself: I know what I have to do. But why?

Part of that is the growth he’s had over the course of the season with magic. Part of it is a callback to what Rayla said in 1x02 - “I have to do this [...] I don’t want to, but I have to” - but this time the sentiment is righteous and on the proper path to peace. 

But Callum is a Fixer, by nature. It’s why he’s so nurturing. He wants to make situations better; he wants to mend conflict; he wants to make people feel better. It’s why he folds first with Rayla in 1x06, for example. It’s why he tries to take Ezran’s place in 1x02 and why the boys have the Jerkface dance in the first place.

So when Rayla is having a breakdown, and Callum can’t alleviate her guilt, and then Ezran also starts crying?

It’s no surprise that his mind starts thinking, real hard, about how he can Fix this. For all of them, and for the two people he’s come to care about the most.

This is also why the framing and structure is so similar to 3x01 and 3x08′s solutions. Both feature Rayla being in danger (from Sol Regem) or distressed (from their argument) and then Callum has a “What if I...?” moment as his brain processes. Then he sacrifices or risks an important object (his scarf, which could’ve gotten lost or burnt to a crisp by Sol Regem; the pendant Rayla has given him as the last thing he’ll have to remember her by) in order to try and help/fix the situation and keep her safe or happy, physically and/or emotionally.

To a degree, Callum doesn’t really get screentime with Zym, substantially, until 2x04. Callum risks himself and is horrified when he inadvertently risks Zym, even what could’ve happened is softened by what did happen, and isn’t his biggest issue with how going out into the storm went.

C: You were right. I put us both in danger. I could’ve gotten Zym killed. And worst of all, when we were right there in the middle of the storm — I thought I wanted this badly enough, but in the end... I didn’t have the guts.

It’s still magic. Callum thought that if he put himself in harm’s way, that would be the proper exchange necessary in order to create a connection (which given that dark magic necessitates harm of both the world and of the user’s body, it makes perfect sense that this would be a holdover for him, even if it’s not how primal magic works). 

Which makes the difference, I think, of how Callum phrases this and how his bond with Zym develops in season three, and how it changes, is made even sweeter.

From 2x02 and 2x03, respectively (and even the difference there, since in 2x03 Callum knows he’s lost his father to the Cycle of the war and conflict between humans and Xadia) and again in 3x01.

He uses Zym’s name, for starters. He’s gone from treating the egg as a symbol of trust to asking that same baby dragon to trust him as a way to reassure the dragon prince. That they need to trust each other. And then they spend the rest of the season being absolutely adorable together, with Callum taking Ezran’s place for the season of being Zym’s primary caretaker until Ezran returns.

All of this being a very long winded (and much longer than expected) way of pointing out one of the many small ways Callum is decidedly different from the rest of his family, how his mindset works, and one of the many ways he grows over the first three seasons of the show.

#tdp callum #tdp meta #tdp #the dragon prince #callum #s1 #arc 1 #brotp: we're in this together #zym #adjacently #analysis series #analysis #parallels #snake boi callum #1x03 #is my new tag for things that relate to my reading of why i see callum as a slytherin lol have fun #broyals #platonic rayllum

[arty-shadow-morningstar]

A Failed Betrothal /Betrothal AU: Take Two

So here is the second part of the betrothal AU that I decided to name "A Failed Betrothal. This takes place before Part 1 which in hindsight should have been done first. Part 2 got too long so I cut it and started Part 3. I have no idea and nothing planned on how long this will go. Hope you enjoy ❤.

[Masterlist]

(Part 1)

PART 2

Marinette also wasn't having a good day or a good week.

Lila Rossi had been up to her usual tricks. You know, spewing lies from her mouth. How she met these awesome celebrities during this trip and they worship the ground she walks on for her amazing and humbling help. There were stories of these charities, trips and galas that she had been to or was invited to. She has problems with her wrists and can't do simple stuff like carry her own bag or do her homework. She has tinnitus in her ears so she needs to sit in the front where the only seat available would be next to Adrien.

And for the finale.

The desert after feeding the class a banquet of lies.

"Mari...nette..has been bullying me, she...told..me not to tell anyone..*sobs*..that she would kill me if I did.."

Lila dramatically gasped and slapped her hands over her mouth. Turning on the waterworks for a more dramatic effect. They all ate it up, jumping on the ‘let’s hate Marinette, a bad person’ train.

"She is going to kill me now and I am so scared." That snake managed to snuck an evil smirk past her glaring, oblivious classmates.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Marinette, at this point of her life, had frankly given up caring for them due to the class's lack of brain cells and Agreste's spineless 'High Road' Approach.

For Kwami's sake, she went through a brutal torture that was training in some jungle temple in Asia before Sabine Cheng, former mercenary/assassin, kidnapped her (Little Marinette took a risk. She ran away and followed her around until Sabine begrudgingly accepted that she was now the 6- year-old girl's mother because screw it, Tom said he wanted children.) to raise/train as her own while she settled down with a baker whose mother may or may not have ties with the Mafia and other illegal activities.

(Mother-daughter bonding days became much more fun once she had Guardianship of the Miraculous. Sabine was ,at first, furious at Master Fu for dumping everything on the girl and losing his memories before swearing to help protect the jewels. Adopted or not, Marinette is her daughter and no one should let a child, even one with training, fight a war. A good thing to come out of her reveal was that her mother was a great tiger to have as back-up. But now, her training regime had become harder and challenging.)

The point was that Lila Rossi would be dead and body missing since that first time she threatened Marinette in the bathroom. The Italian was in perfect health despite what she claims otherwise, because Marinette didn’t want to be the person she was raised to be and also she didn’t want to disappoint Tikki, she was fond of the little red kwami. But sometimes, she just wanted to give into the urge to kill.

She had met and dealt with unsavory characters of all types and she can safely say that Lila Rossi was a manipulator that thrives on attention and like a parasite, latches herself onto the fame of others. None of the unsavory people she had met get under her skin like Rossi had.

Marinette had enough self-preservation to drop the nice girl act and sometimes let the dragon underneath to surface. She stopped doing last-minute favors and giving away free stuff which Lila uses to her full advantage to further destroy her relationships with her ‘friends’. It was better than sticking her neck out for classmates that were no longer worth her time. Attempts to expose Lila had backfired due to the denial they are in, believing the liar to be a sweet, nice girl living the high life.

Adrien with his rose-tinted glasses firmly stuck to his eyes was not happy at all with her decision. That may also have to do where she suggested he shove his advice after he tried to reason her to take the high road for defending herself for the umpteenth time. She felt like the biggest idiot to ever have a crush on him. Every time, Rossi blames Marinette for a problem, he would shoot disappointed looks in her direction.

Alya being Lila's biggest guard dog tore into Marinette for her newfound 'bad' behaviour. The rest of Lila's supporters backed her up with "How could you do that to Lila","I can't believe you changed." Nearly all her so-call friends had turned their backs and lost all common sense to the Italian's manipulations.

(Alya was supposed to be her best friend, aren’t you supposed to listen to your ‘bestie’ over a complete stranger)

The designer took it all with a bored expression on her face, used to the lecturing which was a waste of time because her behavior isn't going to change, no matter what, Lie-la will keep up the act of being the bully's (*cough*Marinette*cough*) victim.

Her heart that cracks the tiniest bit at the accusations. A small part of her, she admits, is hurt that they think so low of her.Was she really that worthless to them? All those times and efforts helping them out on last-minute favors and giving them free treats. Were they not enough to earn their friendship? Their trust or at the very least, a benefit of doubt?

The only ones who didn’t join the berating to 'correct' the raven-haired girl’s attitude were Chloe (who had proven herself to have changed after the miracle queen incident and Lila stole the spotlight and Sabrina. There were a lot of apologizes, gifts and ‘making up to do’) Alix (she came to her senses when the supposed bullying started) and Nathaniel (Lila blatantly claimed to be the artist for the Ladybug comic to his face).

“Girl, Marinette, are you even listening to me?”Alya demanded.

“Maybe. Did you say anything that doesn’t have to do with Lila or how I did her wrong or how I am no longer the person you knew?”

Marinette knew that being sarcastic would backfire but nothing she does or says will change what they think of her. One word from Lila and they will turn back on her. As much as she hates to admit it, Lila’s threat has fallen through and she was alone. Mostly.

She still had Chloe, Nathaniel, Alix, Luka and Kagami as friends. The trust-worthy and loyal kind.

“Girl,” Alya says in a disappointed tone, shaking her head,“when I look at you, I don’t see that girl who stood up to Chloe the bully-”, Chloe snorted, she had changed but they were too blind and prejudiced against her to notice her efforts, “-Picking on Lila, threatening and harassing her. This isn’t you and you know it. Just get over your jealousy on Lila being close to Adrien and apologize to her.”

If Alya had talked to her in the past 12 months other than demanding things that took away her time or anything relating to Lila, she would know that her infatuation had turned into annoyance.

Marinette sighed, too tired of this routine, tired of trying to knock heads so the brain cells can work again. Apologizing would mean that Lila had won. She was petty and stubborn enough to allow that to happen. Lila said she will take the class and Adrien. Fine, she can have them but Marinette Dupain-Cheng will not admit defeat. Bigger men had fallen to the ravenette for lesser offences. A year has passed since the expulsion and the class still hasn't regained common senses, so they can deal with the consequences after the inevitable downfall of Lila and Marinette will be there to see them lay in the grave they dug.

Steeling herself for the pain that will come with the execution of her plan,

“What if I don’t. I won’t apologize to her because I have not done anything to her or even interacted with her. If I apologize, it would be insincere and a lie. And I hate liars.” The former assassin said evenly.

“Lila is not a liar. I don’t know why you are like this.��� Alya said, frustrated.

Marinette knew there would be a small chance of an akuma with Gabriel Agreste having an important meeting to attend on this day that would last for the next hour. This was the small window of opportunity to start the plan and also further confirm the identity of Hawkmoth. Killing two birds with one stone.

“Alya, this has always been me, you just never took the time to get to really know the real me.”, she replied, the last part with an icy tone.

“Well-... I- ..You-, fine, then if you can’t say those simple three words, we can’t be friends. I clearly don’t know what a selfish bitch you are. God, I can’t believe I wanted to be best friends with you. You are now replaced by Lila because unlike you, she is genuinely nice and selfless.” Alya declared. The rest of Lila’s supporters murmured in agreement.

Phase 1, complete. Lure the Lie-la into a false sense of security by making her think she won.

Marinette tried not to show how hurt she was, to be replaced by the scheming bitch. But at the same time she felt relieved, she no longer had to walk on eggshells in fear of losing the friendships of people she used to care about. It felt final as she maintained her stoic expression, hoping they didn't notice the glassy sheen her eyes had.

“Then, it is official. We are no longer friends.”

They haven’t been friends for a long time.

Mme. Bustier finally walked into the classroom to start the afternoon classes, signalling the end of the conversation. After class, Marinette resolves to inform them that she was resigning as class president which she was sure the class will be glad for. She was right.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ladybug was, as the Americans say, pissed at Hawkmoth which was nothing new. He had sent out another akuma just as Marinette was back home and trying to relax after the stressful day. The akuma was not any of her ex-friends which she wasn’t sure to be thankful for or not.

Louise Martin was a boy about Luka’s age and mad at his friends who had blamed their fifth loss-in-a-row on him despite the fact that it was his skills that were getting them any progress. They were playing one of those recently released 5V5 skills and strategy battle games. (League of Legends or Mobile Legends. Take your pick, I am going with the latter)

He was akumatized into Hayakuma as proof of Hawkmoth’s lack of creativity. Hayakuma was a bleached out version of Louise’s chosen hero avatar, Hayabusa whose outfit was basically what the media portrays ninjas to look like with some samurai aspects.

Unfortunately, he also had the hero’s ultimate special powers which were making four shadow copies of himself and being able to switch positions with them. Thanks to Rattlesnake’s Second Chance, they know that he can only make a switch once every two minute. Hayakuma also wields a sword, showing off his skills.

Just lovely.

Hydra and Ladybug were the only ones able to counter his attacks with Hydra’s sword and Ladybug’s summoned one. (Let’s go with that headcanon(?)/trope that she can summon weapons for plot convenience and the others can too but just don’t have enough practise yet.)

The others managed to dodge and shield themselves from Hayakuma’s really sharp sword.

The shadows themselves were annoying as they would distract or hinder the miraculous users by grabbing them by their shadows and making them unable to move. Until Bunnix had the brilliant idea of shadow boxing which gave the heroes gain more even ground.

With how strong and handful the akuma was, it was code ‘all hands on deck’. Ladybug, Stinger, Rattlesnake, Hydra, Bunnix, Trickster. Well, nearly every hand. Lady Mǔ lǎohǔ was busy with the bakery. Chat Noir was nowhere to be seen or very late which had been the norm for the last year ever since Ladybug wanted to form a new miraculous team consisting of permanent heroes.

(He didn’t show up for the first few months because the first permanent member was Ladybug’s mother who did not like his attitude towards her daughter. He ran away with his tail between his legs once he found out how she was related to Ladybug. His face when he realized it, was something Marinette will cherish forever)

At least when Lady Mǔ lǎohǔ was around, he would not dare act out of line. When she is gone however, he is back to his old ways.

After saving one of Louise’s teammates from Hayakuma’s sword, they gathered the rest of the team and hid them someplace safe. Using Trickster’s illusions to trick all the shadows and the original to one place, the heroes were going to surround and ambush them and get the akumatized item. The plan would have been a success if it weren’t for Chat Noir hugging Ladybug from behind, making her miss her cue.

“Hey~ Bugaboo~ Did you miss me~? Your Chaton~?”

Thwack! Smack!

Chat Noir was on the rooftop, groaning pitifully in pain. Especially his crotch area. Ladybug glared at him and looked to the ambush point to see the illusions had disappeared and everyone else gone from their hiding place.

She sighed and turned on the comms, (Thank you, kwamis)

“Sting, did you venomed the akuma?”

“No, he escaped before I could. What happened, LB?”

“A certain cat got me delayed. What’s the status update?”

“Hydra is holding him off and Bunnix found that an umbrella is a good substitute for a sword. The rest of us are keeping track of the shadows. They split up but none of them are getting near where we hid the targets.”

“Where are you? I will meet you later with back-up.”

“Near Notre Dame and tell Mama Tigress I said hi.”

“Tell her yourself.”

She looked down at Chat No-, no he is not worthy of being a hero anymore with the amount of times he had derailed and hijacked the plans to defeat the akumas just so he can ‘earn’ Ladybug’s heart.

She looked down at Adrien Agreste, who was sitting and sulking like a child that was unfairly punished. (Once she got over her crush and started looking at the right things that she managed to piece together her ‘partner’s’ identity by accident. Tikki’s confirmation sealed the deal.)

“Chat Noir, this partnership of ours,” she said, gesturing to the two of them, “ is going to change tonight. Meet me at the ‘spot’ at 11 sharp. Now, go home.”

He left with a small glimmer of hope in his eyes at her words. She felt a little bad about the subtle manipulation but with the way things were now, it can’t go on. He was hindering more than helping and the people of Paris that weren’t shipping ‘Ladynoir’ saw that.

As she jumped towards Notre Dame, she called the bakery with her yoyo.

“Mama, are you free now? I need a little help with the akuma and can you bring the horse miraculous.”

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Chat Noir waited excitedly at what they both dubbed at their ‘spot’, in the good old days when it was just the two of them. Maybe Ladybug was finally open to the idea of dating. Or maybe she must have seen what a great hero he is and was going to get rid of the team. Or realized that having her mother on her team was a bad idea. Parents are the worst and they both can be two rebellious teenagers in love. Like Romeo and Juliet. So romantic~.

He was so deep in his daydream that he didn’t hear his lady land.

“Chat Noir.” Startled, he nearly fell off the roof. No, don’t make a fool of yourself in front of Ladybug.

“Yes, Bugaboo.” Hoping she didn’t know that he was very distracted. His attention will always be hers 100%.

“Don’t call me Bugaboo. Tikki wants to talk to Plagg about Kwami stuff. So you go over and hide behind that chimney. Then, we can talk about why I told you to be here.” Adrien frowned and then smiled. His lady must be very embarrassed about her mistake that must be why she is taking her time. He tried listening to what they were saying but the kwamis were talking in their special Guardian Language. Was it him or did Tikki’s voice sound more like his lady’s voice?

Whizz!

Adrien was tied up with Ladybug’s yoyo. “M’Lady? Bugaboo!? LADYBUG! WHAT IS GOING ON?!! PLAGG-”

Ladybug cut in, “Adrien Agreste, you have been slack in your hero duty and choosing your own feelings over supporting your partner, me, the holder of the Ladybug Miraculous and current Grand Guardian, in the efforts to defeat the enemy of Paris, Hawkmoth. Due to those reasons, you are no longer worthy to be the Holder of the Black Cat Miraculous” in one swift motion, she took the ring off his finger, “As such you are hereby revoked of Plagg’s Ring.”

“NO, YOU CAN’T. YOU CAN’T DO THIS TO ME! I LOVE YOU AND I KNOW YOU LOVE ME BACK. WE ARE SOULMATES, WE ARE MEANT TO BE-”

Adrien went slack at Lady Tigress’s pinch on his pressure point.

“I don’t what you ever saw in the boy.”

“I don’t know either. I think I dodged a bullet here. Can you carry him back to his home? I think I have dealt with enough of him tonight.” Ladybug muttered, as she erased Adrien’s memories of being Chat Noir.

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Tag list: @alysrose-starchild, @buginetye, @lookatthestars1, @blackroserelina, @macncheesemonster, @mochinek0, @myazael, @tonicxworld, @thewitchwhowaited, @t1dwarrior-of-earth, @kissa-chan, @iwantasecretidentity, @theymakeupfairies, @user00000003, @woe-is-me0, @kashlyn, @mochegato,@moonlightstar64 , @greatcatblaze, @moongoddesskiana, @tazanna-blythe.

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(Part 3)

#maridami #maribat #damian x marinette #mlb x dc #Betrothal AU: Take 2 #A Failed Betrothal #sorry. No Damian this chapter #there is salt #Alya salt #Adrien Salt #Lila salt #class salt #I don't know if it is mild or not #Marinette is an assassin

[soulmate-game]

Useful Part 2

fluff with a little hurt and comfort. If you want answers as to the lack of angst, look through my recent posts for an explanation. 

—* — * — * —* —* 

“Wait, you have a WHAT?” were the first words that the rest of the Gotham-based vigilantes heard when they finally were able to track down where Damian had gone. Dick looked over at Bruce, who was noticeably tense. No surprise there, the man had just found out that he had a second biological child. One who was apparently a superhero already, without his intervention, and also apparently had a tragic background in the League of fucking Assassin Assholes. Not to mention that Damian’s track record with meeting siblings wasn’t great, even if this one wasn’t actually new to him. Nobody had any real fear of Damian relapsing on his no-kill rule, they knew he had matured far too much to be at risk of killing for something as immature as sibling rivalry anymore. 

But there was still fear. Because this new Wayne was an Unknown Factor, and as a rule the Bats hated Unknown Factors. And they had no idea what the relationship between the two had been before they had been separated, or what it would become now. 

“That wasn’t Damian’s voice,” Dick helpfully pointed out the obvious. Bruce only frowned, doing his best (and failing) to hide his anxiety about what they would find. Silently, the group inched forward to the edge of the abandoned building they were on top of so that they could look over at what was happening. What they saw was a girl, presumably the same one who had been in a ladybug onesie and had fearlessly begun to ask them to leave Paris— until she had laid proper eyes on Robin and fled, that was. That girl was sitting down next to an unmasked Damian, who had his arm around her shoulders and let her lean into his side. He even smirked cheerfully at her question before continuing to speak to her. 

“A dragon-bat. I knew you’d love hearing about him, I’ll introduce you when you come visit the Batcave. His name is Goliath,” Damian admitted smugly. Despite the familiar attitude and pride behind his words though, his spying family couldn’t help but notice that he kept periodically rubbing the girl’s (they really needed to find out her name) shoulder in reassurance. None of them missed the tear tracks on both of their faces, or how red the girl’s eyes were. Clearly they had missed something big. 

But nobody wanted to try to figure that out yet. This scene was too precious, too breathtaking for them to interrupt just yet. They had never seen Damian this vulnerable around someone outside of their little circle before, someone from the Time Before Bruce, no less. Most of the time, only Nightwing was able to see this side to Damian. And usually the roles were reversed, with Damian being the one consoled. They had never seen him in the position of the comforter before. The pillar of support. 

It really cemented just how far he had come. 

So they watched silently as the girl flinched, pulling away a bit and hunching in on herself. The laugh she let out was small and overflowing with self-degradation. 

“You make it sound as if the rest of your family actually wants me to visit,” she replied sourly. Damian gently cuffed her over the head, frowning. 

“Two things,” he held up two fingers from his free hand. “One: They will. They accepted me, and I was— well, you remember how I used to be. Once they actually meet you, and process the fact that there’s another Wayne now, they will bombard you with more welcoming than you will know what to do with. Two: It’s Our family, Marinette. Not mine, ours.”

Well, at least they had a name now. But it seems like they had bigger issues now, like Marinette’s clearly damaged sense of self. Jason and Tim traded knowing glances; it wasn’t hard for them to guess where, or how, she might have been damaged enough to think so lowly of herself. 

They watched as Marinette shook her head. 

“I don’t know. It’s one thing to try to… to get to know you again. We used to be close before… everything,” she haltingly argued, voice small and frail and uncertain. But she never once looked away from Damian’s eyes, trying to convey as best as she could what she was feeling. “But they’re different. They don’t have any reason to trust or like me, Dami. And I’m bad at, well everything, but especially,” she waved her hands frantically as if indicating the whole situation they were in. “I mean, listen to me! I can barely articulate right now, and I’m talking to someone I’ve known my whole life! I’m a mess. Nobody wants a mess.” 

It was Damian’s turn to snort, and he pulled her right back into his side. “Please. If anything, that’s exactly the type of child Father goes looking for. We’re all a mess. Especially Father, trust me.” 

“You’re just trying to make me feel better,” she accused suspiciously, but sank into his sideways embrace anyway. Damian chuckled. 

“No, I’m being honest. He’s terrible at emotions, not that I really have much room to talk. We all are pretty bad with them. But he’s the most obvious when it comes to that issue,” Damian smirked over at his sister conspiratorially. “For example. He still tries to tell people that he works alone, and pushes people away because he has this intense desire to protect, but doesn’t know how to say “I don’t want you to get hurt, stop worrying me,” so instead he says “Go away, I don’t need you,” only for us to see through that nonsense and remind him that the amount of people in his team is in the double digits already. He doesn’t want to admit he cares about us and is vulnerable—”

“Sounds familiar,” Marinette teased with a watery grin, startling a short laugh from her twin. He nudged her a little roughly (but not to roughly) and playfully glared at her. Marinette just giggled.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” he lied with a grin before waving his free hand in dismissal. “Anyway. Another example. He has no idea how to tell a stranger, “hey, I’m your father and I will not reject you. In fact, I’m completely willing to adopt you right this moment and whisk you away to Gotham and relative safety and hire an entire team of therapists to help you and buy you half the world if you asked for it,” so instead he and the rest of our emotionally constipated family just lurks on the edge of a building in broad daylight eavesdropping on us and expects us not to notice.” 

“Wait what,” Marinette’s gaze instantly whipped up towards the sky, taking only half a second to locate the aforementioned eavesdroppers. Everyone except Bruce at least had the courtesy to duck down and pretend not to be there when they noticed she had seen them, leaving Batman standing seemingly alone on the concrete roof. Marinette blinked once. Twice. Then turned to Damian. “I’m gonna blame the fact that I didn’t notice them on emotional turmoil, because there is no way I’ve gotten THAT rusty.” 

Damian smiled, but didn’t laugh. He knew that was a deflection to try and distract from Marinette’s quickly resurging self-consciousness. Her hands were already trembling again, and the fear from only minutes ago had resurfaced. The insecurity. He could practically see the words “I’m not good enough,” written in her irises. 

“You’ll be fine,” he whispered, standing up and pulling her with him. “If anyone has to worry here, it’s me.” 

“What the hell are you talking about?” Marinette whisper-hissed right back, eyes wide in disbelief and confusion. “You’re— You! Mister Perfect!” 

Damian rolled his eyes, and his self-deprecating smirk matched the laugh Marinette had given just a few minutes earlier. “For the League, maybe,” he shrugged. “Never the Wayne family. Which is why I know you’ll be fine. If they put up with everything I’ve done and still call me one of them, they’ll accept you with barely a second thought.” 

Marinette’s next argument was cut off by the sound of a dozen soft footfalls stirring up dirt not far ahead of them. The BatClan had landed from the rooftop. 

Marinette gulped. 

But if there was one thing— one thing she still remembered from her days as Marie Al-Ghul, it was how to fake pride and confidence. She straightened her shoulders automatically, lifted her chin, and pulled away from Damian’s supporting arm around her shoulder. Damian let her. 

A little bit of old resentment flared up in him as he saw Batman walk up close enough to comfortably talk with them. Resentment that he no longer held onto, but that had haunted him nearly every night of the first two years he spent with his dad. The realization that maybe his twin was the one that was meant to be a Wayne. Marie had the blue eyes, the compassion, the more specifically detective-oriented mind. The calm head. Sometimes. Marie was exactly who he imagined when he thought of a naturally born member of the BatClan. Stubborn, clever, morally just. She had risked immediate death just because she refused to fight him, for crying out loud. Because she didn’t want to hurt the boy who used to be her best friend. The only ally she had ever had, growing up. 

Meanwhile, he still had issues reigning in his anger sometimes. He had too much blood on his hands, he was more of a battlefield tactician than a long-term strategist. Still stubborn, but also completely unaware of the pain he brought others with his words or actions a lot of the time. He used to be such a rage fueled little demon, and thinking about how his sister fit the classic Wayne outline more thoroughly than he did had made him destroy more than a few practice dummies in frustration. 

But now, looking at Marinette trying so hard to appear strong and proud when he knew she was still so shattered inside, relief overpowered the old and dull resentment. This was what she needed, he could sense that easily. She, just like him all those years ago, needed Bruce and the others to start to heal her and reforge what the League had badly molded. 

“... Marinette, I suppose?” Damian nearly facepalmed at his father’s awkward attempt at a conversation starter. Marinette herself was clearly too keyed up and overthinking things to even register any amusement at the lame attempt, merely nodding with an overly serious expression on her face. 

“Marinette Dupain-Cheng, Monsieur Wayne. Or that’s my name nowadays, that is,” She stumbled a little in her response before clenching her fists and forcing herself to continue as calmly as she could muster up. “My birth name was Marie Al-Ghul.” 

Bruce’s eyebrows visibly furrowed underneath his cowl. “Was?” 

“I…” Marinette finally looked away, shame creeping back onto her face. “I was explicitly told that I was stripped of the Al-Ghul name and would be killed if I ever dared lay claim to it again. So I not-so-legally changed it. And I was later adopted.” 

Several sharp gasps or the hiss of breath through teeth bit through the quiet breeze. Nobody was necessarily surprised, Marinette could see it when she looked through her eyelashes and examined the winces and sympathy on the faces of the vigilantes before her. Batman’s shoulders were stiff, as if someone had paralyzed only his shoulder blades. 

“And the people who adopted you?” Batman pursued. Marinette couldn’t read his tone very well, but it sounded vaguely angry so she quickly raised her hands in a placating gesture and her eyes widened significantly. 

“They’ve been amazing! They don’t know anything about my past, or who raised me, but they are endlessly patient with me. I mean, honestly! Sabine caught me when I was trying to steal one of her gold bracelets in Hong Kong— and I know I’ve never been as good of a combatant as Dami, but I’ve always been better at sleight of hand and stealth so honestly that’s impressive— and she saw my dirty eight-year-old face and for some reason decided, ‘yeah I want this one as my daughter’ and roped Tom right into it and next thing I know they somehow tailed me to my hideout? I still don’t know how the hell they managed that, but Tom had a huge plate of steaming buns and I was so hungry and suddenly it’s two years later and I’m adopted and we’re on a plane to Paris—” Marinette threw up her hands. “I still don’t fully grasp what happened sometimes.” 

She belatedly seemed to realize that she had just gone on an entire breathless rant at the speed of sound, and slapped her hands over her mouth before lunging into a deep bow. “I apologize! I spoke horridly out of turn!” 

To her surprise though, she was met with a soft laugh instead of a scolding. She jerked in surprise, whipping her head up only to see Batman holding a hand over his chin to hide his large grin. It only took another second for the boys behind him to laugh a lot LESS softly. Nightwing strolled over casually and swung an arm around both her and Damian’s shoulders, playfully nudging her brother with his knee. 

“I think she fits right in, don’t you little D?” 

“Of course,” Damian scoffed, though his eyes were playful. “She is a Wayne by blood. She ‘fits in’ more than you strays.” 

“Dami!” Marinette whipped back to him and puffed out her cheeks. “That was uncalled for!” she barked. Damian held his hands up in surrender. 

“Relax,” he said as soothingly as he could manage. “They know I’m joking,” he dropped his hands and a knowing smirk took over his face. “And besides, now you’re relaxed so my plan worked,” Marinette could only blink at that. She… did feel more relaxed, actually. “Also. I told you you’d be accepted easily. They already consider you one of us.” 

“Wha— there’s no way—” she frantically looked at each of the older men around her, but each of them just shot her a smile or grin and a short nod. Her shoulders and jaw both fell, and it broke a little of everyone’s heart. 

Marinette looked so utterly shocked, bewildered to be accepted as if it was still something profoundly foreign to her. And there was that disbelief in her eyes, that distrust that screamed that she expected some sort of lie here. That told that she thought this would all crumble away at any second. If anyone had any reservations about bringing her into their inner circles, it vanished right that moment. She needed support, or she’d crumble away and they all knew it. 

“How about we start by talking about the situation with Hawkmoth?” Red Robin spoke up, walking forward to stand beside Batman. “I assume that’s a little more in your element?” 

Damian silently vowed to thank Tim later for that. In a silent, completely anonymous way of course. Couldn’t have Tim thinking they were friends or something now, could he? Marinette instantly straightened up and nodded, her confidence returning with a little more sincerity this time. 

“Yeah. Yeah, let me transform again. It’ll be easier to explain.” 

—*—*—*—*—*

It was three weeks later, on Marinette’s third now-weekly visit to the Batcave, when the question finally came up. Jason had asked to spar with Marinette for the first time, having seen her in action as Ladybug and wanting to test the girl when she didn’t have superpowers to rely on. Damian hadn’t been down in the cave to warn him, and the result was Jason’s gut sinking as Marinette scrambled as far away from him as she could, eyes wide and chest heaving in the beginnings of a panic attack. 

“Shit,” Jason muttered before he quickly knelt down and did his best to talk her down, to calm her until her breathing slowed and her pupils were back to normal. It wasn’t long afterwards that Marinette started hugging herself, refusing to look at him. But he wasn’t going to just back down, he wanted to solve this issue. If even the mere suggestion of a spar was enough to set her off, he needed to figure out why and fix it. 

So he carefully lowered himself so he was sitting only a foot away from her, resting his arms across his knees casually. 

“Sorry,” he apologized. “Didn’t think it would be a sore subject. That’s on me.” 

Marinette just shrugged, but didn’t answer him. She just buried her face in her arms and took a shaky breath. 

Jason let the silence linger for a while before trying again. “Does this have to do with certain Asshole Assassins?” 

That startled a slightly hysterical bark of laughter from her, and she had to wipe away a few tears when she raised her head and finally turned it in his direction slightly. Not enough for her to be looking at him,  but just a subtle turn to show that she was listening and speaking to him. “Yeah.” 

“You know, you never told us why you got disowned,” Jason tried to make his words as casual as possible, but wasn’t surprised when Marinette still stiffened and took a sharp breath. He didn’t push. The stage was set, and he’d wait until either she took the opportunity to open up or told him to leave well enough alone. Her tongue flicked out to wet her lips, and her foot tapped on the ground a bit. Clear signs of her anxiety around the subject, and Jason’s hopes vanished a little. He would probably have to wait longer for her to be ready to share.

But, to his pleasant surprise, he was wrong. She took another few minutes to gather her thoughts, but she did eventually open up to him. 

“I refused to fight Damian,” she admitted. “It was… We were seven. It wasn’t supposed to be a fight to the death, but it was a very important spar. We were using live weaponry, and we were told to fight until we couldn’t anymore. Whoever fell first would be relegated as a mere soldier, and have to fight for status like any other assassin in the League. The winner would officially be named as G— as Ra’s Heir. I didn’t want to fight, because I knew Damian would win but I also knew that it wouldn’t be as easy as Ra’s probably expected if I gave it my all like he wanted. I knew both Damian and I would be heavily injured if I did as he asked, and it wouldn’t be worth it. If I misjudged anything, any single hit, I could have accidentally injured Damian permanently and ruined his worth in Ra’s eyes, and that wasn’t an option. I didn’t care that throwing the fight was as good as giving up my life, because at least I could be sure that Damian kept his. I could make sure that he was treated well, or as well as anyone could hope for in the League anyway. I could, with only a few words, make sure he became indispensable. Ra’s and Talia never liked me as much as Damian anyway, I figured… I figured it was nobody’s loss,” She swallowed heavily, clenching her eyes shut. “I was always just the spare. The extra. Damian was their crown prince, the one with actual value. Even to me. I saw him, and I saw everything I wanted to be. I… I tossed down my weapons and let him stab me, because I figured I owed it to him for being such a failure in comparison to him. That I owed it to him to do everything I could to make things easier for him, since I was just an unnecessary obstacle—” strong arms wrapped around her, and she turned to sob into Jason’s chest as he just silently held her. 

“Idiot,” Damian whispered, making Marinette jump. Her twin sat only a few feet away, though only Jason would have known when exactly he had gotten there with them. He shook his head at her. “I never would have gotten as far as I did without you,” he whispered, looking up at the cave ceiling. “You were the only real rival I had. When you left, everything was either too easy or nearly impossible, nothing was the same as trying my best against someone who was just as good as me. And when I got here and met the others, I didn’t think any of them were worthy of taking your position, you know,” he scoffed a bit as he got lost in his memories. “That’s why I hated Tim for so long, I think. He reminded me of you so much that I wanted nothing more than to punch him for daring to replace you—”

“Heh, the Replacement twice over, huh?” Jason joked. Damian chuckled with a small eye roll. 

“Plus, he just has a really punchable face,” Damian added, trying to distract from the emotion behind everything he had just admitted. “Part of me thought you were dead. The other part refused to believe that. And seeing Tim and how some of his mannerisms were the same as yours,” Damian shrugged a little. “It stung. Especially that second year, when I started to regret that you never had the chance to come here and join them with me. Meet them with me.” 

Marinette sniffled. “... Who are you and what have you done with Dami? He’s never this sappy.” 

Damian flicked a pebble at her head with a good natured glare, successfully diffusing the serious air a little. Marinette wouldn’t ever be normal, and it would take a while before she was no longer fragile, but she could get there. Especially now that her bridges with her brother had been mended, and and a whole new family had cropped up to help support her. 

She was glad Damian had convinced her to try, again.  

#maribat #platonic daminette #sibling daminette #bio!dad au #bio!dad bruce wayne #ml x dc #mlb x dc #Useful

[istumpysk]

Operation Stumpy Re-Read

AGOT: Tyrion V (Chapter 38)

For a small man, he had been cursed with a dangerously big mouth

Cursed with a dangerously big mouth, or do you simply have rich powerful daddy privilege? Your siblings aren’t any different.

+.+

From below it looked like a small white honeycomb. - Catelyn VI, AGOT

x

He was a bee in a stone honeycomb, and someone had torn off his wings.

x 

The sky cells on the lower levels made the castle look something like a honeycomb from below. A honeycomb made of ice, Alayne thought - Alayne II, AFFC

Okay George! I get it. Now tell me what it means.

+.+

It was cold in the cell, the wind screamed night and day, and worst of all, the floor sloped. Ever so slightly, yet it was enough. He was afraid to close his eyes, afraid that he might roll over in his sleep and wake in sudden terror as he went sliding off the edge. Small wonder the sky cells drove men mad.

Gods save me, some previous tenant had written on the wall in something that looked suspiciously like blood, the blue is calling.

Before you start to feel any sympathy for him, try to remember it’s insinuated Tyrion knows Jaime and/or Cersei pushed Bran off the tower, and he’s deliberately covering up that crime.

You can rot there, pal.

+.+

"This is Tyrion the Imp, of House Lannister, who murdered your father." She raised her voice so it carried down the length of High Hall of the Eyrie, ringing off the milk-white walls and the slender pillars, so every man could hear it. "He slew the Hand of the King!"    

"Oh, did I kill him too?" Tyrion had said, like a fool.

Catelyn, I think it’s time to abandon ship.

+.+

"The Eyrie is impregnable," Lysa Arryn declared calmly. She drew her son close, holding him safe in the circle of her plump white arms. "The Imp is trying to frighten us, sweet baby. The Lannisters are all liars. No one will hurt my sweet boy."    

The hell of it was, she was no doubt right. Having seen what it took to get here, Tyrion could well imagine how it would be for a knight trying to fight his way up in armor, while stones and arrows poured down from above and enemies contested with him for every step. Nightmare did not begin to describe it. Small wonder the Eyrie had never been taken.

I have finalized my thoughts on The Irony of The Impregnable Eyrie:

Like many of you pointed out, it’s negated by everyone in the castle having to leave the fortress in winter.

For all the safety it provides, it won’t protect you or your son from the killer you invite through its doors.

Those silly dragons, and the bullies that ride them.

It serves as comical Sansa symbolism, and we love that.

+.+

In contrast, sending some oaf with a stolen knife after Brandon Stark struck him as unbelievably clumsy. And wasn't that peculiar, come to think on it …

Tyrion shivered. Now there was a nasty suspicion. Perhaps the direwolf and the lion were not the only beasts in the woods, and if that was true, someone was using him as a catspaw. Tyrion Lannister hated being used.

Joffrey, the lion, sent the assassin. Jaime, the lion, put Bran in the bed.

If you’re being used as a scapegoat, it’s by your own family. Littlefinger is just an opportunist.

+.+

"Oh, much gold," Tyrion assured him. "The purse is just a taste, my friend. My brother wears armor of solid gold plate." In truth, Jaime's armor was gilded steel    

What a perfect analogy for Jaime Lannister.

+.+

In the rear of the hall, Bronn lounged beneath a pillar. The freerider's black eyes were fixed on Tyrion, and his hand lay lightly on the pommel of his sword. Tyrion gave him a long look, wondering …    

Tyrion receives loads of credit for his cunning in this chapter, though anyone paying attention can see he inadvertently landed on a favourable outcome.

Bronn is signalling to Tyrion that he’ll fight for him, but Tyrion is slow to pick up on it.

+.+

"If you are tried and found to be guilty of the crimes for which you stand accused, then by the king's own laws, you must pay with your life's blood. We keep no headsman in the Eyrie, my lord of Lannister. Open the Moon Door."    

No headsman in the Eyrie?

Does that mean Jon Arryn would push people out the Moon Door?

✨ The man who passes the sentence should shove off the mountain. ✨

+.+

"Lysa, I think this unwise," Catelyn Stark said as the black wind swirled around the hall.    

We passed unwise several chapters ago, Catelyn.

+.+

"If it is all the same to you, I'd sooner find one to kill for me." Tyrion looked over the long hall. No one moved. For a long moment he wondered if it had all been a colossal blunder.

Then there was a stirring in the rear of the chamber. "I'll stand for the dwarf," Bronn called out.

Tyrion Lannister, playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers.

Final thoughts:

Stuff happened in this chapter, yet nothing happened in this chapter.

5 down, 34 to go. :(

-> return to menu <-

#operation stumpy re-read #agot #tyrion v

[villainanders]

if u feel so inclined, I would love to hear more about Deara (or any other dragon age ocs tbh) :3

anon i am kissing you on the lips ty for asking about her

idk specifically what you want to know about so i am just going to infodump about daera okay go.

okay so daera is my first and canon hero of ferelden she's a dwarf noble warrior. before the events of the game she was more or less uninterested in politics - her popularity with the assembly mostly stems from her being an extremely capable warrior and a charismatic leader. she never really has aspirations for the throne and was pretty happy with the idea that she would spend her life as a general defending her home from the darkspawn. she also bought into orzammar's traditions very easily - she was empathetic, but too privileged to have ever seen the dark side of the caste system and never questioned that it was the natural order of things

so when her origin happens and she gets exiled it's a massive blow because she's lost everything, but also because she feels like she's lost everything that made her a dwarf by being sent to the surface. so she ends up completely throwing herself into being a grey warden, wanting to die as honorably as possible fighting darkspawn

but then SIKE she goes to the surface and she makes FRIENDS and she starts realizing how limited her understanding of the world has been. her first and best friend in the game is alistair they're just. meathead jocks who give each other shit and love each other to death. she also romanced zevran - initially really just planning for it to be a causal fling/fwb relationship because she did come into this fully intending to die fighting the darkspawn and has never really looked past ending the blight. but eventually she begins to realize she's in love with him and wants to be with him for as long as she can. they are everything to me, chaotic murder duo. elf assassin and his small berserker wife who beats people to death with her shield

anyway when she goes back to orzammar she's feeling like pretty hot shit. she's made a name for herself on the surface solving like everyone's problems and she wants desperately to go back and prove herself to her homeland and show what a liar bhelen is. that is... not the situation she walks in on. instead everything she's been realizing about her home is in her face as problems that Are Not Going Away, and she has to choose between harrowmont, who she trusts and has always been like an uncle to her but is holding up a system that she knows is morally wrong and her evil baby brother who personally caused every single one of her problems but might be exactly what orzammar needs for the future ("i've known bhelen his entire life and this is the first time i'm hearing that he's a fucking democrat" - daera returning to orzammar, probably)

and... she chooses harrowmont

and it's a hard choice but her rationale is that while he's set in his ways, she genuinely believes he's a good man and he will listen to her if she pushes him hard enough, whereas bhelen will do the right thing now that it benefits him, but who knows what will come in the future (this is the only choice in my canon that I don't make in ANY of my other playthroughs lol). but she also didn't expect bhelen to actively try to take over after that, and in the ensuing fight, she's the one who kills him - making her an actual kinslayer, the thing she was falsely accused of in the first place

anyway she leaves orzammar deeply troubled and worried that she might have doomed it, but still tentatively believing that she made the right call. then blah blah blah plot stuff. she made alistair king largely because she did not trust anora (the scheming gave her bhelen vibes) and her first instinct was to spare loghain to help end the blight, but when alistair pushed back as hard as he did, she relented and let him execute him. and then they go and prepare for the final battle

when daera finds out one of them is going to have to die to kill the archdemon, there's never really any question that it needs to be her. alistair is too important now and, well... she had always planned on this, right? dying honorably ending the blight was exactly why she decided to join the grey wardens instead of being another dead dwarf in the deep roads. but now she kind of doesn't want to die. as much as she feels like she never wants to go back home now, she's also found out that she loves living on the surface and she loves her friends and she loves zevran and she doesn't want that to be over

so when morrigan tells her her deal, she's conflicted. she loves morrigan but she also doesn't trust her. she knows that the old gods were what caused the blight in the first place and she's worried that unleashing one will cause something even worse. the darkspawn have been an immediate threat her entire life to the point of being at the brink of wiping out her entire culture and if she does something that could endanger it further - and the entire world at large - for her own selfish reasons, she feels like the worst kind of traitor. how could she take the throne from bhelen, how could she kill bhelen for not trusting his motives when she would consider something like this?

... but she really doesn't want to die yet

so she asks alistair to do the ritual (I have a lot of thoughts about the dark ritual and what happens after that I wont go into here lol) and neither of them die and everything is GOOD except now she keeps waiting for the other shoe to drop. the only reason she's alive is because she betrayed the core value of what the wardens are so she really doesn't want to be doing grey warden shit in awakening (she ended up sparing the architect for reasons that are. too long for me to get into in this already way too long post lmao but needless to say she feels deeply conflicted about that too). she returns to orzammar sometimes to fight with harrowmont with political shit but can't really stomach being there for too long. she already feels like she's failed it in more ways than she can admit and she feels like she should stay and fight for a better future, but also it feels like she bought her life on the world's borrowed time and she wants to make use of it

eventually she leaves to go to antiva with zevran and help him with his stuff there, which feels a lot better because fighting for him is something she knows is worth fighting for. and they're happy there and she finds out she loves big cities and the sun and the ocean, but its always a little tempered by knowing that the world thinks of her as a hero when she feels like she's failed it in so many ways. but also she’s alive and she gets to keep hanging out with her sexy elf boyfriend so, you know, she would do it again

#anyway that's my girl. *points at her* Mess. #there were so many other things here I didn't say lmao I realized I was really just TALKING #also i didnt proofread this so im sure there are soooo many typos #but ilu sm anon thank you for asking abt her #daera aeducan

[serpenteve]

king of scars rant 💅🏽

cw: spoilers for king of scars

Honestly, I hated this book.

The Lore

I definitely hated how this book pretty much retconned the original trilogy and made it all but pointless. So Alina had to lose her powers because there are comic limits to Grisha power but Zoya can turn into a fucking dragon and become the avatar now?

The Shadow Fold had to be destroyed because it made Ravka weak but now it's open season on Ravka without the Fold holding their enemies back and every other week, there's some new assassination attempt from Shu Han or an open declaration of war from Fjerda or blackmailing debt-collectors from Kerch? How is Ravka still functioning, honestly?

Nikolai

I'm sorry, Nikolai, but this book actually made me low-key hate you. Like, the narrative wants so badly to prove me to me that he isn't like other imperialist monarchs! He....remembers people's names and fights alongside them!!!

Another character in this book (Isaak) spends the majority of his narrative idolizing Nikolai and trying to be like him and talking about how amazing he was to his family and then when he dies........Nikolai barely even gives a fuck? I got the sense this friendship was entirely one-sided.

Also, why is this marketed as a Nikolai duology and named after him when he's barely the main character and has to share the narration with 3 other characters---one of which is literally occupying the same locations as him? 🤨

Zoya

Oof, where to even begin with this one.

Listen, I would have been 100% on board with this book being entirely focused on Zoya. She's the real protagonist in my opinion so the fact that had to share the narrative with 3 other people (including one person who doesn't even influence the main plot and another who gets discarded by the end) was really bringing down the potential of her story.

Because there wasn't enough room for her character development, everything about her arc is completely rushed. Like, she can fire-bend and bee-bend in the span of 3 hours? WELL OKAY THEN. Oh, she can just turn into a fucking dragon now because she opened some random ass door in her mind? WELL OKAY THEN.

I hate hate hate it when female characters get accused of being Mary Sues but there's something to be said when we're jumping heads and everyone is just like "Wow, Zoya is so pretty, Zoya is so badass, Zoya is so cool" while not really having any real consequences for her flaw. Like, we all know Zoya can be bitchy and mean (and we love that about her 😌) but....she pretty much gets away it with and doesn't face any backlash for it. Add this to the fact that she becomes the Grisha avatar with very little training on her part and voila. The entire world of the Grishaverse bends its rules and reality around her in typical Sue fashion.

Nina

Girl, what was even the point of your story? I kept waiting and waiting and waiting, stupidly assuming that her story would somehow merge with the main one but it never came.

We learn that things are still shit for Grisha. The Shu are kidnapping them and making them into crazy supersoldiers and Fjerda are getting them addicted to some parem variant to create their own Grisha slave army from birth?

Why on earth would being a Grisha at the Little Palace be a choice in this world? It's either you become a soldier in the Second Army or....you get a fate worse than death. Wouldn't the atrocities committed against Grisha radicalize most Grisha anyway? Like, sign me the fuck up, I want to kick some ass against people trying to literally experiment on me???

Nina's necromancer powers were pretty badass though, not gonna lie 🙌🏽

Isaak

Isaak was honestly the best part of this whole dumpster book and then he gets killed for no reason. And Nikolai doesn't even give a fuck?

Why introduce this new character if we're just going to use and discard him? I kept wondering why we were getting palace updates from a new character instead of just using Genya or Tamar's perspective.

Also, the whole thing with princess Ehri was a bit racist to me? Like we have a Chinese-coded character being a deceptive backstabber (or front-stabber in this case lol) and nearly dies while giving off some serious dragon lady vibes. I get the sense she did die in the original draft and some editor was probably like "Hmm, well maybe we shouldn't have another dead POC" so she survives. At least she didn't speak in broken English like Botkin 🤷🏽‍♀️

The (Anti) Climax

This was easily the most anti-climactic ending to a Grishaverse book I've read. It's a shame because it has all the elements that could have made it badass? Like we've got saints with god-like powers but Zoya easily defeats Elizaveta by suddenly unlocking fire-bending, bee-bending, and transforming into a fucking dragon. I just can't take it seriously.

Elizaveta herself was too easily distracted as a villain. What the hell even happens to the saints when they die in this place? Do all their miracles that affect the rest of the world just disappear? Who knows. The book ends with Fjerda declaring war and a failed assassination attempt by a Shu Han princess.

Yuri & the Darkling

And finally this brings me whatever mess is going on with Yuri and the Darkling. I get the sense Leigh was super pissed with Darkling stans and created this weird strawman with Yuri's character. Honestly, I thought he was kinda funny because I'm sure even without real-world fans simping for the Darkling, there would certainly be people in the Grishaverse who would gravitate towards the Darkling and see him as a savior of sorts, especially with the world's Grisha being arguably worse after his death and the destruction of the Fold.

What bothered me was the bizarre preachiness of the other characters. Like Yuri literally only exists so that Zoya and Nikolai can take turns being like "Actually, Yuri aka Darklina stan placeholder, the Darkling was the VILLAIN of the series and you were just too stupid to see it, etc"

...Like, girl, we know he's the villain 🤦🏽‍♀️ If we're going to create a character just to preach to Darkling stans, then why does the entire plot revolve around trying to bring him back into the story? It's like Leigh has a weird love-hate relationship with the Darkling. She hates him and she hates his fan club but she still needs him because otherwise there's no magical plot conflict.

Fridge Logic

If there is no limit to Grisha power and you can just take however much you want from the heart at the making of the world, why the hell did Alina get punished for the amplifier nonsense in the original trilogy?

If the saint's powers are limited to the edges of the Fold, how are they able to manipulate stuff outside of it?

Juris claims when you properly possess an amplifier, you become a living amplifier in return. So is how the Darkling and Baghra became living amplifiers? Or is that just still some unexplained merzost nonsense from Illya Morozova?

What the hell even considered merzost now with all this retcon?

If the Darkling can possess Yuri and magically transform his features to be his own, then why did he need his own body?

And if he can change people's features by possessing them, why did Nikolai get to keep his?

Why did the obisbaya ritual fail in the first place?

Prose

The only positive is that the prose is like a million times better than the original trilogy, but considering how terrible the original is, I suppose that's not really saying much.

#anti king of scars #anti leigh bardugo #king of scars spoilers

[anxiouspotatorants]

About that medieval fantasy AU for underdog quartet... I have ideas:

- Rory is the bastard daughter of an excommunicated princess (Lorelai). Lorelai ran away to a neighbouring kingdom to not get punished/lose Rory, and she raised Rory as a commoner (a commoner who is more literate than some great scholars in her country, yeah, but still). Christopher’s parents put a curse on her so that if she ever sets foot back in the kingdom the whole land will descend into magical chaos. The AU might start with her and Lorelai already having entered the kingdom again (Kingdom of Hartford?) and trying to find a way to break the curse and reunite with their family.

- Paris is a high ranking lady within the kingdom. She wants to take her lands to new hights and make the history books as the greatest lady they ever had, and has therefore set out on a solo journey to learn as much as she can about the kingdom and how to best run it. She’s loaded with gold, quills and self defense taught by her local knights.

- Lane is a commoner who ran away from home to join a troupe as a musician. Some outside conflict separated her from the troupe and now she’s wandering as a lone bard in search of her band of brothers or her mother’s house (whichever she finds first as she misses both dearly). She has no magic or fighting skills, but she’s good at stealth and catching gossip.

- Jess is a rogue wizard who’s never really belonged anywhere. His mother dragged him from village to village with little ability to plant roots, and eventually left him with her long lost brother before joining a travelling merchant on his route. Jess quickly left his uncle’s care and has travelled on his own, stealing to survive and sticking to himself. He’s seen the instability of sell-sword groups and criminal collectives, and frankly doesn’t trust anyone enough to share a bonfire with them.

- Approximately thirty seconds after Lorelai and Rory set foot back in the Kingdom of Hartford the curse sets in. This signals their return to both Emily and Richard and Christopher’s parents, who both send troops and notices to find and collect them. Lorelai and Rory are thus on the run across the kingdom trying to find a way to break the curse before the soldiers find (and possibly kill) them. At one point they end up in a village called Stars Hollow and seek refuge in Luke’s tavern. But they are spotted by a group of soldiers hired by Emily and Richard, and Lorelai gets caught but manages to help Rory escape. They assumed that the soldiers were from Chris’ side of the family, as their soldiers are more prevalent and up front.

- Like I said both sets of grandparents seek out the Lorelais, but in slightly different ways for very different reasons. The Haydens want to imprison the Lorelais and possibly execute Rory for the crime of cursing the land (a curse that they made but that’s not relevant!). They’re the ones who make wanted posters and dispatch troops all over the land. Rumours and legends spread about the bastard princess who has cursed the kingdom with her return. Emily and Richard, on the other hand, want their daughter back (partly because they do love her and partly because she’s their only heir) and want to find a less violent way to break the curse. They don’t announce their hunt for the Lorelais out of fear of starting conflict with the Haydens, but dispatch undercover groups and sellswords to find and bring back the long lost princesses.

- Alone and afraid, Rory returns to Luke’s tavern and hides there for a while. One day both Paris and Lane make their way to the tavern — Paris in schedule for her educational roadtrip, Lane finally finding her home village and preparing to reunite with her mother. They end up talking and bickering downstairs while a shadowy figure sneaks by them and up to Luke’s quarters. Jess was just supposed to steal some food and pay in gold he found in a dead dragon’s den, but instead he finds a blue eyed stranger. Rory thinks she’s caught and runs downstairs. Jess is curious and follows, breaking his stealth from Luke. Rory crashes into Paris who starts interrogating Luke about the tavern being a secret whorehouse, and the five are descending into verbal chaos before Rory spots Hayden guards and hides behind the cupboards. Lane picks up on the danger and makes an impromptu distraction with Paris while Jess sneaks her out the back. Once outside he asks Rory what’s going on, and he’s soon followed by Paris and Lane. Rory brings up a cover about being cursed by someone and the soldiers hunting her in relation to said curse. The other three buy the story and decide to join her on a quest to cure her.

- It honestly takes so little time before Rory breaks and explains that she isn’t cursed but rather is the curse. Paris is angry at the lie, but little else changes but the motivation to help Rory. Jess goes from «I’m bored and directionless» to «I really like this girl and could finally do something that matters». Lane goes from «I’m procrastinating on facing my mother» to «I’m helping my new friend and have a new chance at adventure (and still procrastinating on my mother)». Paris goes from «This could be relevant for my future occupation» to «This could be even more relevant to my future occupation, also I have a friend now».

- Paris gives Rory the cover of one of her stewardesses, but most of the time the four travel by foot or bought horses as unknowns. Jess does scouting and trap laying for threats while the girls alternate on getting food. 

- When it comes to gathering information, Lane and Paris are the best at gathering intel from other people - Lane through gossip and Paris through interrogation. Jess is great at breaking and entering and stealing important texts for research, and him and Rory are the best at deciphering the texts (much to Paris’ frustration). 

- The key to breaking the curse could be something like “when substance stronger than blood is spilled for the unworthy”. Rory actually gets found by Emily and Richard before they can break the curse and there is a short period where the four are separated and Rory thinks maybe the lands will have to live with the curse unless she sacrifices herself. Then Lane overhears a plot to assassinate her and warns Jess and Paris. The three storm in just in time to warn king Richard and queen Emily, but the accusation of two commoners and a lady against the royal Haydens is obviously considered a crime. They declare to strip Paris of her title and are about to execute Jess and Lane when Rory steps in and stops the axe. She gets deep cuts in her hands and bleeds. It is revealed that her choosing to spill her own blood - which becomes the symbolic substance of her love for them - for commoners (who royals deem “unworthy”) is what breaks the curse. 

- So the happy ending: Paris gets her title back and she, Jess and Lane are pronounced heroes of the kingdom. The Haydens apologize for the curse and get no consequences because that would mean a war declaration and oh boy do we not have time for that. Rory is legitimized and becomes next in line after her mother. 

- Lane gets the title of “royal bard” and returns to Stars Hollow to finally face her mother. Mrs Kim must admit that she is proud of her daughter but has most of all missed her, and after the mandatory bickering the two reconcile. She has also reunited with the troupe at some point before the climax, and they are now a full troupe with tight connections to the crown. 

- In addition to her title and hero-status, Paris gets a place in court. She makes mentors of the king’s advisers and now works to become a royal adviser to both Lorelais.

- Jess is offered knighthood but declines. He tells Rory that he needs to go on a journey of his own and leaves. He returns to Stars Hollow and Luke, and gives Luke a whole chest of gold and the title to Lord of Stars Hollow (courtesy of princess Lorelai). He goes dark for some months, then appears at night in the castle on Rory’s window-ledge. They talk for hours until the sun rises and then agree to make Jess an official scout for the kingdom, travelling around and figuring out the magic and creatures of the land. 

- Rory’s first move after the reunification of her family is to get to know her estranged relatives and upgrade her education through the royal masters. After Jess returns she convinces her mother and grandparents to let her join Jess as an ambassador for the kingdom. She uses Paris’ argument of wanting to truly know the country she is supposed to rule one day, and the whole band gets back together for new quests.

#I haven't even gotten to the details of the actual main quest #nor how Jess' magic works and what his magic means to him and the others #for f*ck's sake I need to stop before I start imagining other GG characters in this AU #like Miss Patty and Babette as gossiping wenches that Lane gets info from #and Kirk as the village fool who shows up everywhere at the weirdest moments #Tristan the shitty knight that Jess has robbed multiple times #Hep Alien as the Lane's troupe and how they would work #Taylor as a fief-holder who treats Stars Hollow like his kingdom until Luke gets the deeds #at which point he doubles down and Luke just fights with him instead of throwing him in the dungeon #okay no now I need to stop #my aus #underdog quartet #rory x lane x jess x paris #lowkey literati #gilmore girls #gilmore girls au #fanfic idea #medieval fantasy au

[imagines-dreams]

Hiya could you do a dating zuko and being really shy headcanon please X?

Ok, I wrote so mannnnyyy headcanons, starting from Book 2 to frickin marriage, so feel free to read part of it of a lot, wouldn’t blame you if you stopped reading cuz holy shit this was long and i just didn’t edit it well, so... Hopefully, some people enjoy it though! So, happy reading!

Ok, look, any relationship with Zuko will need a lot of build up. He’s only been in one relationship, and that was with a girl he’s known since he was a kid. Other than her, the only person he truly trusted was his uncle.

And who could blame him? His father abused him, so becoming his friend, let alone someone he’d love, would be a long process.

So, any relationship will be a major slowburn. With someone very shy? It would be that slowburn that everyone would dream of in fiction.

First meet in Ba Sing Se when he was still going by Lee. He was very closed off, but his uncle wasn’t. Uncle would be thinking something along the lines of “A nice, quiet girl?! Who just wants to lay low and would probably make a great niece-in-law?! Perfect for my nephew who keeps getting into trouble!”

Still, neither you nor “Lee” could really deny him. 

Uncle “Mushi” had learned from trying to set Lee up with Jin. No real date. Just friends first. 

There were a lot of dinners with Lee and his uncle among other friends the two had made in Ba Sing Se. Uncle Mushi usually told funny stories, and he commanded the room. Lee was just quiet. He smiled sometimes, you could count how many times you saw him smile during dinner on your hands.

Still, you two talked sometimes, mostly laughing and sharing confused looks at his uncle’s outrageous stories. 

You also would be able to see him every so often when you were shopping or just going about your day. 

You also knew they were firebenders. Or at least Fire Nation. Fire Nation refugees weren’t too common, but they weren’t rare either. After seeing Zuko write firelily once, it confirmed your suspicions. 

You didn’t say anything though. If they wanted to tell you, they’d tell you.

One night, you saw a crowd of people. They were gathered around Lee, and Lee had a sword?! “Lee!”

The boy fighting your friend glanced at you and scoffed. “Is that even your name? Or do you lie to your girlfriend, too?”

Too distracted by your fear for Lee to even process what the other boy said, you bended the earth around his opponent. One wall to block him from Lee. Another three to keep him boxed in. 

Your legs ached. Bending took way too much energy, especially since you hadn’t used it in years. You heaved and fell to your knees. 

Someone said your name.

Lee bent down and held out his hand.

You gladly took it and let him help you up. “Sorry,” you managed to say as you fell into him. You were so weak.

Lee pulled your arm over his shoulder so he could properly support you. He was talking to someone, and from your peripheral vision, you could see the uniform of the Dai Lee. 

Scared, you leaned more into Lee. 

One of the Dai Lee came to you. “Why were you earthbending?” he asked.

“Uncle.” Lee shoved you behind him and right into his uncle’s arms. “She was defending me.”

“She shouldn’t have been earthbending regardless, especially in such a violent matter.”

“Violent?” Lee’s grip on the sword tightened. “The only one who was violent was him.” He pointed at the other boy. “Accusing my uncle and me for being firebenders.”

You reached out, regaining your energy as each second passed, and placed it on his shoulder. “Lee.”

He looked back at you and sighed. Thankfully, he let go of his sword.

“We are refugees,” Lee’s uncle explained. 

A few other people from the crowd rallied for them. They knew Lee and his uncle in for the delicious tea they served. 

All while the boy Lee was fighting was screaming at everyone, how stupid they all were when Lee and his uncle were obviously firebenders. He was taken away with the Dai Lee.

You admitted that you knew they were firebenders that night. And it didn’t go badly! Their jaws dropped, and it was comical to see Lee’s face contort into more expressions you had never seen before. 

After that, the friendship only grew stronger. You picked up a few other things about Lee as well. A father he wanted to impress. An absent mother. A weird knowledge about ships and the war. There were more glances and subtle touches, him adjusting your collar, handing him tea so your fingers brushed ever so slightly, bumping elbows at the table. You even got into the schoolgirl habit of writing Lee’s name and yours and staring at him from across the room.

Then… they disappeared. 

It wasn’t uncommon for refugees to disappear, but usually they’d tell someone where they were going, if they were in trouble. 

You expected them to reappear, but nothing happened. Of course you were sad they were gone, but that’s how life went in Ba Sing Se, and you didn’t know enough about them to go searching, nor the time. 

Especially since shortly after Lee and his uncle disappeared, Ba Sing Se was conquered. Everything changed. Benders were being rounded up. More people were disappearing. The walls were all coming down. Money was scarce. Soldiers patrolled the entire area. 

During this time, you wanted to lay low, but people were getting hurt. You could only stand by for so long. 

You started to train, every night, hoping your earthbending would get better. 

So, when Ba Sing Se went up in flames, you joined in to fight for the city you felt safe in. You found Uncle Mushi there, fighting with some organization called the White Lotus. You also found out that his name was Iroh, not Mushi.

After fighting off Fire Nation supremacists, you were invited to the Jade Dragon. 

“Hey. Zuko, or, um, I guess Lee, here.” 

You had laughed and hugged him tight. “I was so scared for you,” you admitted. “I’m glad you’re ok.”

It wasn’t until one of his friends cleared their throat that you realized this hug was the first hug you’ve given him. On top of that, you were holding onto each other for quite some time. 

So, the two of you split up. 

However, throughout the get together, you stayed close with L- Zuko. You didn’t really talk much to his friends. Just the introductions and listening to their stories. They seemed really happy to tell you about how they defeated the Fire Nation and ended the war. 

Who wouldn’t be?

“You’re the Fire Lord?” you asked Zuko, away from the others.

“Oh, yeah, I am now.”

You gazed up at him. “That’s incredible.” You laughed. “Should I have bowed? I feel like I should’ve done something.”

“No. No, it’s fine.”

“Oh, then, I can still call you Zuko?”

He laughed a little. “Just not Lee.”

Just like that, you had new friends. As the year went on, you developed relationships with everyone. Sokka loved to creatively use your earthbending. (He said Toph would never let them make toys with earthbending.) Aang loved making you laugh, so he loved to tell you jokes and play games with you. Toph loved, well, trying to train you. She wasn’t the best teacher for you, too demanding and very rude, but you did learn the basics of metalbending after a few months. 

Katara was the kindest out of all of them, and you both loved telling each other stories about your lives before the end of the war. Suki insisted on training you. Even though there was no more war to fight, you had to admit, she was the perfect teacher for you. Kind but stern. 

You started to travel with everyone, giving every long-winded plan and daring choice a logical backing. Making sure the risks they were taking weren’t too great.

You visited the Zuko the most. It even got to the point that Zuko had a room made for you, with your own closet and Earth Kingdom decor. 

There were still the longing gazes and fleeting touches. You always took the opportunity to help him with his formal attire. After all, you didn’t want him to stress himself too much with that scar on his chest. 

But nothing ever happened. Even though Zuko trusted you and you trusted him, neither of you were brave enough to make the first move. 

The gaang was very fed up with it, honestly. Sokka and Toph came up with the most obvious ways to literally shove you two towards each other. Once at a diplomatic gathering in the Northern Water Tribe, Sokka pulled you towards the middle of the dance floor while Toph shoved Zuko in your direction until the two of you bumped into each other. 

Aang was in on it, too. He requested music.

Zuko and you danced, blushing and awkwardly trying to sway without being awkward. 

“I hate my friends,” he mumbled.

You laughed, the awkwardness immediately gone. “They are kinda horrible, aren’t they?” 

Still no confession, but you still had a great time dancing with your best friend.

(The gaang wanted to pull their hair out. Seriously, you two were so obvious!)

As the years passed, Zuko and you acted more and more like a couple. Where there were brushes of skin against skin slowly became holding each other’s hand during boring meetings. Where there were short-lived gazes unseen by the other became smiles and knowing looks after an easy fight. Where there were hugs before leaving became long embraces followed by kisses on the cheek. 

There were some more intense moments, like when Ozai’s supporters attacked the palace and you ran out of safety and to Zuko. While you weren’t as great as a fighter, you could still do a solid defense, and when it came to Zuko, you defended him with your life. 

“What are you doing here?!”

You grunted as you put up a wall between the two of you and the Ozai sympathizers. “Stopping you from burning the palace down apparently!”

Even after all those years, he had a tendency to be reckless.

Or the time some Water Tribe assassins tried attacking you and him and he shoved you behind him to defend you.  “Stay back!”

“Let me help!”

Everyone just assumed you were a couple, and really, nobody could blame them. 

The confession came quietly. 

You and Zuko had just finished a shift at the Jasmine Dragon. It was a day of serving the people of the Ba Sing Se, of smiles and laughter, and of shared inside jokes between you, Zuko, and Uncle Iroh.

And when it came time to go to sleep, Uncle Iroh was distraught. “I can’t believe this happened!” He dug through the cabinets, throwing various things around the small apartment. “I knew you were coming, my dear, and I forgot to get a new bed for you!”

You laughed. “Uncle, it’s ok. You’ve been busy.”

Zuko just crossed his arms. “We’ve been preparing for her visit for weeks.”

“Which is why I can’t believe I forgot to make a bed!” Uncle iroh lamented. He stroked his beard. “Hm, I would share my bed, but I tend to snore and move quite a bit. Zuko! Why don’t you share your bed?”

While your cheeks burned in embarrassment, Zuko only glared at his uncle. “Fine.”

To be fair, Zuko and you have slept in the same bed before. Sometimes work went on for too long and you two happened to fall asleep in the same bed. But all those times before were by accident on a bed meant for two. Not on a bed meant for one and not on purpose.

After the awkward tiptoeing around and offerings to sleep on the floor, finally, the two of you agreed to sleep on the bed. Zuko held you close, your back to his chest. Both of you purposely chose that position so that no one could see the other blush. 

As the years, actually minutes, passed by, the both of you relaxed into it, and it was almost natural. 

“You know,” you said softly, “that I love you, right?”

Zuko was quiet, and you hoped to the spirits he was sleeping. After a while with no answer, you took a deep breath and tried to go to sleep. 

That is, until Zuko admitted,  “I’m not good at these things.”

“Neither am I.”

The arm around your waist tightened, and you couldn’t help but snuggle closer into his embrace. 

“I love you, too,” he said. 

That was enough for the two of you, at least for one night. You two loved each other and that was enough.

The next morning was busy. The schedule was just to serve at the Jasmine Dragon and you had an appointment with some historians who wanted to know more about Zuko’s first time in Ba Sing Se. Zuko and Iroh, however, had a meeting at the palace.

Zuko was rushing around, trying to find all the pieces of his popper attire before leaving, while Uncle Iroh was trying to get him to eat breakfast. You were just smiling at all of it, pouring some cups of tea.

Zuko glanced at the window. “Uncle, we’re going to be late! Do you even have your clothes?”

“Of course, I have. But did you have food yet? At least some tea.”

“Yes, tea!” You lifted up a fresh cup of jasmine. “Zuko, you should have something before you leave.”

“I don’t need-” 

His eyes meant yours, and you only handed him the cup of jasmine tea. “You’re welcome. Also, you have some dim sum in your bag.”

He shook his head, downed the entire hot cup, and called again, “Uncle!” He smiled at you. “Thanks, bye.” He kissed you and was out the door. 

It took a few seconds, and he had left you speechless. And judging by the way he didn’t say anything before he ran out the door with Uncle Iroh behind him, he didn’t notice.

It took you a while to realize what exactly happened. 

Zuko downed some tea you gave him.

He turned around, called his uncle, then just kissed you.

He just leaned over, pressed his lips against yours for a second, maybe less. 

Then, he left.

You loved him, and he loved you. The two of you admitted that you loved each other, but the topic was too heavy and scary to clarify it further. Was that kiss a sign? Were you two together? Was that kiss some sort of rite of passage?

The rest of your day went by in a fog. 

You served tea. You smiled and had polite conversations. You listened to historians and corrected a fact here or there. 

And when Zuko finally came home, you were preparing the food you had bought, and you were frozen for a second.

“Uncle’s gone out for dinner.” He let his hair down and ran his fingers through it. 

(He had been growing it out. You had learned that hair was really important in Fire Nation culture, and apparently, before he and Uncle left for Ba Sing Se, they cut their hair, some sort of symbol that they weren’t working for the Fire Nation anymore)

You just hummed and started to prepare a serving for Uncle’s late night snack. But then! Zuko was behind you and looking at the food you had gotten.

And you were silently screaming on the inside! Because if you just turned around, and if he just leaned down, you two would be kissing. And he already kissed you! But he didn’t seem to remember that! He was just! Casually talking to you!

“What did you get?” he asked. Such an innocent question from a man who wasn’t innocent because he had kissed you

You barely managed to stutter, “O-oh, some, uh, pho.” You smiled and handed him his share. “Here!” Immediately, you turned back around to avoid him

And Zuko, baffled, just stood there, unsure as to why you were acting so strangely. You weren’t mad. Whenever you had some sort of problem with him, you would retreat into yourself, unintentionally give him the silent treatment, almost as if he was a stranger to you.

But this, the awkward glances and the too-quick movements, that was new territory. 

At first, Zuko thought it was about what had happened the night before, but just as he was about to ask again, he remembered what had happened in the morning.

The kiss

He groaned. “I’m sorry. I told you I was bad at this!” He didn’t throw the bowl of pho on the floor, but the bowl did make a loud sound and soup did spill when he let it fall onto the table. 

You turned to see him covering his face with his hands and shaking his head. “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.” When he uncovered his face, he didn’t meet your eyes. 

Zuko looked so sad.

And you couldn’t have that. You loved him too much to let him be sad. 

Before you could even comprehend what you were doing, you were cradling his cheeks and looking up into his amber eyes. Under his intense gaze, you were a little nervous, but the want to comfort him was stronger. “I’m bad at this, too.”

And then, you were kissing him

And it was everything. Kissing the man you loved, it was the best feeling, because you were trying to take care of him, he was trying to take care of you. Holding you close and rubbing circles into the small of your back, all to comfort you.

And when he pulled away, Zuko told you, “You’re not bad at that.”

You laughed and nuzzled your nose against his. “Neither are you.”

Safe to say that when Iroh came home to find you and his nephew snuggled up together in the bed he forced the two of you to share, he smiled and wrote letters to the rest of the gang immediately.

There were pros and cons to Uncle finding out before you told him. Pro, you didn’t have to tell him. Con, you two woke up to Uncle Iroh cooking a large meal fit for an army and a hug for you while he shouted, “Good morning, my new niece-in-law!”

You were embarrassed, to say the least, but you felt better when Zuko tugged you closer to him and told his uncle, “You can’t possibly believe that we could eat all of this.”

“No, you can’t.” Iroh beamed. “But I can! I’m celebrating! A niece! I have a niece!” 

In two weeks, Uncle, Zuko, and you were back in the Fire Nation. 

There was a party when you arrived. Not for the Fire Lord’s return. No, it was your friends celebrating that you and Zuko were finally together.

“Double date!” Sokka was hanging off of you and pointed at his girlfriend, “We need couple friends.”

“Hey!” Aang said, “Don’t Katara and I count?”

“No, my sister and her boyfriend can’t be mine and Suki’s couple friends.” He grimaced. “I already see you guys kiss enough.”

Katara rolled her eyes and kissed her boyfriend’s cheek.

“Eugh!” Sokka hid behind you. “Save me! I’m being tortured.”

Zuko shook his head and asked Suki, “We’re leaving him home on our double dates, right?”

“Oh yeah.” She laughed and dragged her boyfriend from behind you. “Come on.”

Zuko and you were apprehensive to be seen in public, but you two have known each other for years, loved each other for almost as much time. 

“My mother was forced into marriage,” Zuko said one night, almost a year after the two of you had kissed. “My father was told by a sage that he must marry my mother to ensure the family bloodline. They were right, but in the wrong way, i guess.”

You looked up from your scroll and asked out of curiosity, “Are all Fire Nation marriages arranged?”

“No, mostly for those of an upper class. I was arranged to have a marriage with Mai.”

“How is Mai?”

“Good. I received a letter from her and Ty Lee a few days ago.”

You smiled. “Do you think they’ll get engaged soon?”

“Definitely before we do.”

Before the two of you? Even though marriage was stressful and a huge step forward, you couldn’t help the little bubble of happiness that formed in your gut and transformed into a dreamy sigh of “We?”

Just like that, the Fire Lord went red in the cheeks. “I mean, because they’ve been together longer, so I would assume if we were to get married, well-” He cut himself off by groaning, which only got you to giggle. He stared at the ceiling. “Almost a year, and I’m still bad at this.”

You smiled and took his hand in yours. “You’re not bad at this.” 

He took a deep breath. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” You shrugged, and your voice softened when you said, “I can see us getting married, too.”

He smiled at you. “How do they do it in the Earth Kingdom?”

You hummed. “In Ba Sing Se, if two people were getting married, they just decided they would and move in together.” You bit your lip as you tried to think back on the times before Ba Sing Se. “I’ve heard of a tradition where people hold a party to announce their love and the ceremony ends when the couple leave for their house.”

“I see.” Zuko played with your fingers as he explained, “Here, one partner gives the other a ring, to symbolize- Wait.” He tilted his head. “In Ba Sing Se, would we be considered engaged already?”

You laughed, as heat settled in your cheeks. You and Zuko were a well-known couple in the Earth Kingdom, and since you did move into the palace, to some, you would be. “I guess we would!”

He nodded. “You ok with that?”

There was more to that question that meets the eye. The Fire Nation loved you, sure, but some parts didn’t. There was a group trying to rebel against the peace and prosperity Zuko and all of your friends have fought so hard to gain, a group that wanted Ozai or Azula back on the throne. They have made a few attempts on Zuko, none near successful. But, if you were to get engaged, they’d come after you, too. 

Being engaged to Zuko put a bigger target on your back.

“I’m ok with that.”

But, how could you be afraid of them when you had Zuko by your side?

“Good.”

You nodded. “Good.”

Zuko and you had two weddings. One in private on Ember Island with the gaang and a few close friends. It ended with you exchanging an Earth Kingdom bracelet for a Fire Nation crown. 

There was an afterparty, with dancing and a large feast. There were also speeches.

“You know, if anyone was going to marry the Firlord, I thought it was gonna be me-”

“Sokka!” Suki laughed.

“-or maybe my sister-”

Katara only rolled her eyes with a smile.

“-but if it couldn’t be either of us, I’m glad it’s you!”

“I couldn’t think of a better couple than you two,” Suki started. 

“Hey!” Sokka did not like that statement.

“Honestly, you two are already attractive by yourselves, but together?” Suki was smiling so innocently the entire time. “Hey, (Y/n), you sure you don’t wanna reconsider. I can show around Kyoshi Island sometime.”

“Ok that’s enough!” Sokka couldn’t drag his girlfriend out of the spotlight or stop her from saying how great Zuko and you were, but he did glare at both of you throughout the speech. “I’m watching you.”

“I’m sure you are, Sokka,” you told him. 

Your husband laughed. “I mean, if anyone was to take her away, I wouldn’t mind it being Suki.”

“Don’t test me, Sparky!”

It was funny how even though all of you were well into your 20’s, Sokka’s voice could still crack. 

Toph wasn’t one for speeches. She showed her love by keeping Sokka away from you two and pushing Suki towards you. She really loved the laugh. 

(You apologized to Sokka later with the gift of leftovers.)

Mai actually had a memorable speech. 

“Ty Lee wouldn’t let me put my name on her gift, which sucks.” She glared at her wife, who only smiled. “So, this is my gift for you. Not you, Zuko, but for your wife.” She smirked. “When Zuko was five he thought he could eat all the spicy food in the kitchen-”

“Mai!”

“-it didn’t end well.”

Toph also occupied Zuko while Mai rambled on about Zuko in his childhood. It was very fun.

Uncle Iroh also spoke. “I didn’t know this was supposed to be about embarrassing my nephew.”

“It wasn’t!”

“And that’s ok, because I have something on our dear bride.”

You paled. “Oh no.”

“If you aren’t aware, I knew (Y/n) during our time as fugitives, and she loved to stare at my nephew during his shifts.”

Your husband looked at you. “Did you?”

“Not that much!”

Uncle continued, “I also caught her doodling Lee’s name-”

“Uncle-”

“Please, Uncle, continue!”

Aang shave advice to the two of you. “Please talk to each other,” he said with a laugh. He recounted the times Katara and he didn’t communicate early in their relationship resulting in an unhealthy on and off relationship for a year before the two of them sat down and just talked. 

Katara gushed over how happy she was for the two of you. “Zuko was always grumpy, and I’m glad there’s someone he can be less grumpy with!”

Azula dropped in. She had escaped rehabilitation, and Zuko had let her go. It was near the end of the ceremony, and Zuko and you had snuck out to take a breather. 

He held you close as the two of you swayed to muted music. 

“I do hate to intrude.”

You yelped and the earth beneath Azula’s feet nearly threw her into the air. While her mind was still recovering, it seemed like her agility wasn’t affected. “To be fair, I did expect that reaction.”

“Azula?” Your husband kept his hand in your as he moved closer to his sister. “I-”

“Save it. I’m here to drop something off.” She held out a pouch for him to take. 

“Azula-”

“Zuko, I am not here to talk to you.”

You gulped. “Then what about me?” You smiled. “You can come home, Azula.”

If Azula was affected by your words, she didn’t let it show. 

Zuko took the pouch and by the time the two of you looked up, she was gone. 

Inside were two rings. 

Zuko laughed. “She probably stole these.”

“She could be living an honest life, too, you know?”

“Possibly. We don’t have to use these.”

You took the rings in your hands. They were beautifully crafted, and while gold was the main color, hints of red and green were there too. “If I can’t have Azula as a bridesmaid, then we might use her gifts.���

The public ceremony took place a few months later, and it was grand and very, very public. You were not comfortable. 

You could only change so much of it, though. 

Zuko and you would pull each other to the sidelines when it all got too much. Your friends gladly made excuses when you were absent. 

By the end, you were stuffed full with food and exhausted. 

“Please tell me marriage won’t be like this all the time.”

You laughed and sluggish cuddled up into his arms. “I can’t tell you. Never been married before.”

“The first few months were nice.”

“When no one knew.”

He laughed. “No big ceremonies or dumb speeches.”

“Or embassadors or loud music.” You sighed. “Kinda terrified, to be honest.”

You could feel Zuko stiffen under you, and immediately, you added, “I’m glad you and I get to go through it together, though.”

He nodded. “I do hate life less.”

As Fire Lady, you were kind and gentle, and while you did need breathers in meetings and galas and public events, you enjoyed helping people with policy changes and additions. 

Zuko encouraged you to take risks, and when you were too tired to voice your opinions, Zuko voiced them for you. 

You also were the only one who could calm down Zuko. While his temper wasn’t too much of a problem, sometimes he was so stressed that even the training room couldn’t hold in his anger. 

You’d lead him to your bedroom and just hold him, and if he wanted to talk, you listened. 

The two of you were the definition of quiet strength, and even though assassins and Ozai sympathizers tried to take you two down, you and your family never faltered, especially you and Zuko

#zuko x reader #atla x reader #zuko imagine #zuko headcanons #zuko #atla imagine #atla headcanons #reader insert #atla

[watchtower-feed]

BatDragon

Batfamily ✧ 1 ✧

     The fight had run long and everyone is exhausted. While Bruce is away on a top-secret intergalactic League mission, all of his wards decided to work as a team to take down Black Mask and his men. Only because it’s been a particularly unusual job, unusual even for Gotham. Black Mask had outsourced manpower from Bane himself to protect his precious cargo, a single chest the size of a serving platter. It was enough for all of them to be cautious and actually work together.

     The Red Hood is making sure every single hired muscle is tied up and unconscious. “Damn. Black Mask sure gave us a fight for this one.” He rubs his gloved hands together while he walks toward the chest. “Makes you wonder what’s inside.”

     Nightwing, Robin, Red Robin, Spoiler, Orphan, and the Signal have been circling the cargo as well. Scanning it. Observing it. It’s not made out of gold or silver, just a metal chest with a few dents on it from being roughly handled and eventually dropped during the fight.

     Finally, cautiously, Robin and Red Robin squat down beside it to examine the locks. It’s nothing advanced. In fact, they were just multiple bulky old-fashioned locks. Quietly, the two of them worked together on opening it.

     The tension and anticipation are so thick in the air until Spoiler couldn’t stand the silence any longer. “What is it?” She asked as soon as Robin’s gloved hands are holding the lid and lifting it slowly.

     Red Robin is the first to see a glinting sheen. “Some kind of precious stone?” he remarks. When Robin has the lid all the way down, all of them could see the thing that’s inside. “Not a stone--”

     “An egg,” Robin finishes.

     “Ohmygod,” Nightwing interrupts, “Are we doing Eragon--”

     His mouth hangs open. All of their eyes are glued to the egg in front of them as it rocked in its place and then the sound of a tiny crack echoed inside the harbor warehouse and made their hearts stop. They watch the small intermittent ruptures extend until it finally formed a jagged piece. A piece that’s pushed out by you.

     “It hatched.”

     Your small black claws grip the edge of the egg as you slowly peak over the opening. There are seven gigantic figures crouching down and looking at you closely. They blink. So you blink.

✧ ✧ ✧

     “Who did she look at first?” Jason’s chest rumbles when he speaks and you find the vibration soothing. “Because she’s definitely imprinting on me right now.”

     Tim rolls his eyes as Jason secures you more firmly in his arms and against his chest. You nuzzle the tip of your mouth against the soft thin fabric of his undershirt. “After hatching from the egg she needs to be incubated. It only makes sense that she’d latch onto you ‘cause you’re the one with the strongest body heat here.”

     Your soft claws dig into Jason’s bear arms after hearing Tim’s voice, another soothing sensation to your newfound senses.

     Suddenly, a golden curtain sneaks up on your vision and you’re met with another one of your giants. “I have body heat, too,” she whines. Then, with a gentler voice she speaks to you, “Hey, little you. Wanna come to mama? I bet I’m a lot softer than this rugged old man.”

     Jason tries to tuck you away from her but you’re already crawling towards Steph. She snorts in victory as you settle on her chest. Her bare skin is a lot gentler on your soft scales.

     Two other heads lower down to look at you and you welcome them both by flicking out your tongue and touching the tips of their noses. Cass laughs at the wetness while Dick pouts.

     “How come she’s not acting like the dragon from the movie?” He reaches for your featherless wings, “She hasn’t even opened them once--” and tries to pull on them, causing you to hiss in fear.

     He quickly retracts his arm and spouts rushed apologies. From the few hours they’ve known you, they at least know that you do not like your limbs being pulled.

     Damian walks in with a scowl on his face while nursing his bandaged hand. “What did you do?” he accuses Dick right away.

     “He tried to pull on her wings,” Duke spits out right away. Everyone shifts their glares at him because he still hasn’t gotten rid of his instinct to tattle, a habit that’s gravely unwelcome among Batman’s wards.

     “Tsk.” Damian walks up to Steph to examine you closely, making sure you’re unhurt. He’s also close enough for you to lick his nose. Your smallest giant. The giant who helped you climb out of your egg and onto his harm.

     Damian was so curious at your mysterious physique that he couldn’t help running his fingers along your trunk and then pulling on the spiked ball that was the tip of your tail. So you bit him.

     Everyone shouted and Duke swatted you away making you fall on the ground. Scared and helpless. But it was Damian who extended his other hand again and picked you up to take you home.

     You’ve been staring at him long enough that Steph gently hands you to him. Damian carries you with both of his hands. You may only be a little longer than his forearm, but you easily extend beyond his embrace.

     “I’m taking her with me to Nanda Parbat.”

     Angry gasps fill the room and you watch tensely as your bigger giants quickly surround him. 

     “What?”

     “Give her back,” Steph’s the only one who stomps toward Damian.

     Damian doesn’t step back. “The manor is no place to raise a dragon.”

     “But it’s enough for a demon,” Jason quips, “and we’ve survived.”

     “The League of Assassins is centuries old. My family is the greatest source we have to find out more about her species.”

     “Good lord.”

     Everyone turns and freezes the moment they see Alfred in his robe and nightdress. His hands are shaking while he ties his robe around his waist and stares wide-eyed at you. You blink at the new older giant who’s standing underneath the doorway. He doesn’t blink back.

     “Alfred, we can explain--”

     “You brought home a baby dragon…”

     Finally, once the absurdity of it all has been voiced out, Bruce’s wards can finally feel the gravity of this single night.

✧ ✧ ✧

     Batman is too far out in another galaxy to be reached and his wards didn’t want the League to know about you. In their eyes, your giants are still children and they would take you away from them.

     Instead, another family member was called.

     When Ra’s Al Ghul makes it to the manor’s front door alongside his daughter, he stops. They turn to each other and wonder if they should just break-in. But they didn’t come here to intrude. Damian had invited them over and so they knock and wait.

     There’s nothing more surreal than the Al Ghul’s having tea with Alfred and Bruce’s wards, everyone out of their costumes and combat gear. Well almost everyone.

     “Why aren’t you guys in costume? That’s Ra’s Al Ghul,” the Signal whispers behind his cup of tea.

     “‘Cause he’s Ra’s Al Ghul,” Tim answers. “If anyone knows who we are, he would.”

     Jason leans in and gives the Signal his own two-cents, “Plus, they came to the manor and not the cave. That should’ve been your heads up.”

     Frustrated, he takes off his mask and sinks into his chair, letting the previous silence continue to grow in the Wayne sitting room.

     Then Dick breaks it, “So Damian told you and you came here, huh?”

     Talia smiles while her father continues to drink his tea with his eyes shut. “Wouldn’t you?” she teases, “I’m sure even beloved himself would come down from his perch if you had told him there’s a dragon in the manor.” Talia watches in amusement as Bruce’s wards swallow. She turns to Jason for confirmation. After having been raised by Talia after his resurrection, he knew he couldn’t lie to her so he looks away. “So you truly haven’t told him.”

     Finally, Damian walks back into the room with Steph who’s been holding you gently against her chest while you slept. When you pick up the new scents in the room, you immediately wake up and turn to them.

     To everyone’s surprise, Ra’s Al Ghul quickly stands. He stares at you. And very slowly he walks forward to meet you. He gazes down. Old ancient eyes study you deeply while you stare at him and blink.

     Of course, a living breathing dragon would be something the League is interested in-- something he’s interested in. After centuries on this Earth, he has never seen one and has at least once wondered if they truly exist. But today his grandson offers him that experience.

     Only to be disappointed.

     “This is nothing but a lizard.”

✧ 1 ✧

✧ Watchtower Masterlist ✧

#batfamily #batfamily x reader #batfam #batfam x reader #YN #I watched Eragon and I was disappointed #The only drug im on is procrastination thats why I came with this crack imagine #But Im also surprised no one has written YN as a different species all up #welp now i have to commit to this series #DC x reader #dc reader insert #DC imagines #batfamily imagines #batfam imagines #watchtower #watchtower-feed #atbucud