#*this is not technically what happened but it's true in spirit and more importantly. very funny to word it this way | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

bubbleteaimagines · 3 years

Text

Meant to Be

Chris Evans Oneshot

Summary: In which you and Chris are meant to be, in one life or the other

Pairings: Chris Evans x Reader

Warnings: Mentions of an age gap, angst, mentions of death, this is so sad but listen to this song while reading to have your heart ripped out

you glared at the back of chris’ head, or rather the back of his plane seat.

you were mad, and you were mad because you didn’t even have the right to be mad.

he hadn’t done anything wrong, technically. if you subtracted the fact that he had broken up with you months ago and had started dating a new woman shorty after then yes, chris evans had been perfectly innocent.

but no, instead it had been you that messed up. it had been you that couldn’t keep her fat mouth shut, word vomiting all over chris just before the plane ride.

you still cringed as you remember the moment.

you were standing outside of the airport, all cast members of the avengers headed to tokyo for press and interviews.

chris had been standing alone and for some reason, you had decided to take your final shot. you walked straight up to him, puffed out your chest, and blurred out how you were still in love with him like an idiot.

honestly, if you could have picked a time for an asteroid to suddenly destroy the earth then that would have been it.

there were no words to explain the awkwardness of your words, and how chris’ face looked as he gently explained to you that he was with someone now.

someone that wasn’t you. someone that wasn’t twenty years younger than him, someone more mature and most importantly, someone that wanted all the things he wanted.

you had to admit, it stung.

it stung bad that the only reason he broke up with you was because of your age.

“we’re too different,” he had said, “you’re only twenty and i’m almost forty. we just don’t want the same things anymore.”

what he meant to say was that he just didn’t want you anymore. and it killed you, it tore you apart everyday that you had lost the love of your life over a damn number.

what was a couple years when you had a romance like yours and chris’? you were so happy together. you had so much fun. there was never a dull moment and you loved each other so passionately, so deeply, that everybody you met would comment on it.

or, at least that’s what you thought.

but months later you were still left with a bitter taste in your mouth when you remembered that wasn’t your reality anymore.

he wasn’t yours anymore.

“you okay kid?” rdj looked at you worriedly as you bit the inside of your cheeks to keep from crying.

“no,” you whispered lowly so that chris or anyone else couldn’t hear you. “i did a stupid thing today. before we got on the plane, i...”

“ah. that,” robert winced as he reminisced the moment, and the awkward silence that followed.

“yes, that,” you sniffled, still staring at chris’ head. “i-i can’t believe i did that. i’m so stupid. chris was right — how would he ever want me back when i keep acting like a child?”

“hey,” rdj frowned and shook his head. “you’re not stupid. you were emotional. it happens to the best of us.”

“does it really?” you wonder, not believing it. “because right now, it seems like i’m the only one suffering.”

it was true — chris seemed absolutely fine. you never saw him crying in the tabloids after the breakup. you never saw him posting sad quotes on social media or shutting down completely.

in fact, it was the opposite. he seemed happier without your relationship. happier without you.

a sob bubbled up in your throat. you quickly ran for the bathroom.

chris and rdj both frowned at your disappearing figure, but chris also felt a pang of sadness.

he couldn’t help it, — how could he? you were once upon a time the absolute light of his life. for two years, you were his anchor. his rock. his pride and joy, the reason he wanted to come home every night.

chris had loved you with everything in his being. more than any woman he had ever before. you were the love of his life, but you were also someone he had let go.

to this day, he still didn’t know why he did it.

he didn’t know why he left you in hysterics that faithful day, begging him for an explanation. begging him not leave.

it still hurt when he thought about it. it still haunted his dreams, still caused him to twist his face in pain.

he hated hurting you. he always did.

but in a way, letting you go was to help you more than hurt you.

he knew that you were significantly younger than him. but still, he had tried to fool himself into thinking you could both work when it was clear you wanted different things.

chris wanted a family. he was ready to settle down, ready for you to get married and have children.

but you weren’t.

like any twenty year old, you wanted to party and see the world and maybe adopt a dog. but kids? marriage? you had barely experienced anything. you wanted more time, you had begged him to give you more time, but time wasn’t something chris had.

he wasn’t getting any younger.

but you were. you still had a young and fighting spirit and chris didn’t want to dampen it by forcing you into a life you weren’t ready for.

so he ended it.

he met another woman. they talked, they wanted the same things.

chris was happy. or at least, he tried to tell himself that. he tried to tell himself that he loved his girlfriend, loved that she wanted everything he wanted. he loved that he could finally have the life he’d always wanted.

only...it wasn’t.

because you weren’t in it.

the plane rocked vicicously as you stumbled back to your seat, eyes red.

thankfully, nobody decided to comment on it but you could see the frown on scarlet’s face and the concern on jermey’s. you could feel anthony wanting to say something, but he was right by chris and he didn’t wanna risk any drama.

not now. you all were supposed to be happy — you were promoting the biggest movie of your lives!

but excitement hardly reached you at all. hardly touched you at all, sadness blocking away any positive emotions.

“you okay?” robert asked again as you sat back down.

you stared at the floor for a moment before letting out a small nod. “i will be,” you said, not bothering to hide your voice this time.

chris frowned at this. he gripped the seat a little tight as the plane shook again.

“why don’t you relax?” rdj suggested, “have some water. try to get some sleep. we’ll be in tokyo soon.”

“where are we now?” you asked, trying to distract your mind.

“i think maybe...somewhere over indonesia? i dunno, the pilot didn’t specify. she just said—”

“ah!”

robert was cut off by the plane shaking again, but this time, it was more deadly.

you jolted to the left, a scream escaping your lips as you went flying out of your seat.

it had seemed you had forgotten to put your seat belt back on once you got back to your seat, and you tumbled into the aisle as the plane tilted in a deadly position.

“y/n!” oxygen masks were quickly administered to everybody on the plane. anthony had to fight chris to put on his, stopping him from taking off his seat belt and helping you.

“chris, no! you need this!”

“like hell! y/n needs me!” chris panicked as he saw your frame go flying.

scarlet screamed as the plane began to twist, the terrified voice of pilot administering the worst news possible.

“the engines have failed! the plane can no longer support itself! we’re going down!”

robert tried his best to reach out for you; to grab you and pull you to safety.

but it was as no use. the plane hit something hard and in a split second your body disappeared as the plane was literally torn apart.

the last thing he remembered was chris screaming for you before it all went black.

chris didn’t know how long it was before he finally woke again.

all he knew was that when he did, everything hurt like hell.

he groaned as the aches began to spread in his body, slowly peeling his eyes open to face the bright sunlight.

“h-hello?” his voice was horse. weak. “i-is anybody there?”

he cried out as he tried to move and felt pain emitting from his side. but as painful as it was, he knew he had to get up.

“chris?!”

several frantic voices called out his name, gasps echoing throughout the air. he moaned as someone dropped down beside him, the embrace that they pulled him into causing pain to shoot all over his body.

“oh my god, he’s alive!”

the voice belonged to scarlet. he could vaguely make out her blonde hair, and her figure as she stood over him.

“chris?”

anthony sooned joined her. “is that you buddy? can you hear us?”

“loud and clear,” chris moaned out. “w-what happened? why does everything...hurt?”

the only thing he remembered was seeing you run to the bathroom. and then, it all just went blank as if someone had erased his memories.

anthony’s face was as serious as he had ever seen it. but even more than that, it was grim. full of worry and hurt.

scarlet was the same. she had tears in her eyes and dirt on her expensive clothes that didn’t belong there. chris furrowed his eyebrows.

“we...” anthony swallowed thickly. “we were in a...crash. the engines — they stopped working. we barely had time to prepare before the plane...”

“oh my god,” chris was suddenly alert, panic filling very inch of him as he sat up.

he remembered now. he remembered seeing your figure flying all over the plane because you didn’t have a seat belt on. he remembered reaching for you, yelling your name and screaming for you.

he remembered begging any god that would listen to spare you before he blacked out.

“y/n!”

his eyes widened in horror. where were you?! he searched the premise quickly.

you weren’t anywhere sight. along with robert, jeremy, and hemsworth you were missing.

chris felt a feeling of absolute dread wash over him.

“no,” he whispered, quickly standing up. he ignored every pain in his body. he ignored scarlet and anthony’s warnings to take it easy.

he didn’t care. he didn’t care about himself anymore. his focus is was on you, and where the hell you were at the moment.

“y/n!” he yelled again, shaking his head frantically. “where is she? WHERE IS SHE?!”

both scarlet and anthony flinched at his tone. never, and they meant never, had chris yelled at them before.

“she’s alive,” scarlet answered immediately, trying to calm a frantic chris. “she’s alive, but...”

“it’s not looking good, pal,” anthony’s voice cracked, causing chris’ stomach to sink. “we found her but...she wasn’t wearing a seat belt. and when the plane crashed...she got stuck under some rubble.”

“oh god,” chris felt he was gonna be sick. “can i see her? where are the others? are they helping her? take me to her!”

“robert, jeremy and chris are all alive,” scarlet said. “they’re trying their best...”

scarlet’s voice fell on deaf ears as chris decided to just go see for himself. he was tired of them dancing around it. he wanted to see you. he wanted to know that you were okay, that you were alive.

“y/n!”

scarlet and anthony yelled after him but he paid them no mind, running through the rubble to find you.

the entire plane that they rented for you guys was in pieces. the wings had been ripped off, the cockpit was miles away, and the back of the plane, where you were sitting, was scattered everywhere.

“y/n!” chris tried again, his voice nearly going hoarse from yelling so loud.

but then this time, he did get a response.

he whipped around as someone called out his name, but disappointment filled his veins as he saw that it was only jermey.

“chris, buddy...” rdj and chris hemsworth ran up to him, holding him back.

“chris, you don’t need to see this,” hemsworth told him grimly.

so that meant you were nearby. but where?

scarlet said you had been trapped under some rubble. but what chris expected time was maybe a seat, or a small piece of metal.

a strangled cry left his throat as he saw that you were trapped under one of the plane wings.

“y-y/n,” nobody could stop him as he fell to his knees by your head, the only visible part of your body.

you didn’t even know what to say as the love of your life came into view.

you wanted to say everything — so much — but your body was on fire.

if chris thought he had it bad, then you were ten times worse.

not only were your legs pinned, but also your ribs and your left arm. the only thing that hadn’t been trapped was your right arm, which was completely numb, and your head.

you were still conscious, but not by much.

you could feel it.

the sensation everyone always talked about. the tingling in your brain. the white light behind your eyes.

you were close.

“c-chris,” so help you god, you were not gonna leave this earth without speaking to him one last time. you had said your goodbyes to everybody else. as soon as they realized that they couldn’t get the metal off of you — that they weren’t strong enough, and that help wasn’t coming — you had decided to make peace with your remaining breath.

but not with chris. with chris, you didn’t want peace. you wanted love and the happiness of seeing his eyes one last time.

“y/n...” the strangled sob that left his lips wasn’t human. it was gutural, animalistic. chris was crying out for you, he was in pain. “no!”

“i don’t...have much time,” you sputtered out pathetically, blood spilling out of your mouth. “i-i’m dying.”

the revelation was clear to see, but chris still refused to accept it.

“no!” he repeated the word once again. “no, you’re not dying! y/n, you can’t die!”

“c-chris please,” black spots began to cloud your vision. but chris didn’t give up.

“what are you all just standing there for?!” he glared angrily at his friends. “help me! help me get this shit off of her!”

everyone stared at chris with a gutted look in their eyes. they turned away as he tried to lift the wing, as he tried to accomplish what they already failed at hours ago.

“mate, we tried...” hemsworth sniffed. “it’s not coming up.”

“no!” chris turned to him with such fury, such denial that it actually made hemsworth stumble back. “no, you don’t get to decide that! you don’t get to just stand there while she’s dying!”

“we didn’t!” rdj quickly stepped in. “we tried to help.”

“well then try again!” chris snapped again, pushing against the metal. scarlet sobbed as it stayed in the same place.

“t-they know it w-won’t help,” your sad voice whispered out, causing chris to pause. “t-they know i-i’m a goner anyways.”

“don’t say that,” chris sobbed as he dropped to your side again, hands reaching out to stoke your numb cheek. “don’t say that you’re dying. you’re gonna be fine...you’re gonna be f-fine.”

you could tell that even he didn’t believe it. the damage was too extensive. there was no way you were getting out of there alive.

“t-tell my family that i l-love them,” you mumbled, coughing up blood. “and sebastian a-and tom and—”

“don’t,” chris cut you off. “don’t do this.”

he wore the expression of a man being burned alive. he was in pure agony, pain clawing at every inch of him. consuming him faster than it was taking you.

“r-remember that,” you ignored him, the ringing in your ears getting louder. “remember that i love...you.”

there it was.

chris finally broke upon hearing these words. so painful for you to spit out, but yet they were important enough to waste your last breaths on. he was important enough.

“i love you too,” chris broke down, sobs racking his body as he held your hand. “i love you, so much. more than you’ll ever know. i love you for everything that you are. you’re the love of my life. i can’t live w-without you baby.”

“y-you don’t have to...s-say it back...” you gave him a pained smile. “just because i-i’m dying...i know you love h-her now. s-she’s your f-future. i-i’m just sorry we never h-had a chance,” your eyes began to flutter.

“no, no, no, no!” chris whimpered. “it was never her, baby. i don’t love her. it was always you. you’re my future. p-please y/n, you’re the mother of my kids. you’re my wife. it was always gonna be you, no matter what,” he shook his head. “always and forever, we’re meant to be.”

“m-meant to be,” you stuttered out, a ghost of a smile on your face. if you had to die again, you’d happily go out with those words being the last thing you ever heard.

chris bawled as he watched the light finally leave your eyes and your body slump. you almost looked peaceful, as if you were smiling in your sleep, but he knew better.

the love of his life was gone.

“chris? chris? look at me!” robert grabbed chris by the shoulders as he started hyperventilating, pounding at the soil with his fists. “look at me, buddy!”

“she’s gone,” chris cried as robert held him in his arms, “s-she,”

his eyes began to flutter close as he struggled to get the words out. suddenly, it became harder to breathe. black spots clouded his visions and chris’ body began shutting down with every breath, unable to cope with your death.

“what’s happening?!” anthony yelled as chris painfully slumped over, his body going limp in robert’s arms.

shakily, the older man held two fingers to his neck and prayed that he wasn’t gone, too. he prayed that the universe didn’t take chris and you, all in one day.

but they knew.

they knew the minute he pulled his hand back, dropping his head lowly in defeat. they knew before he even opened his mouth. they knew as he pulled away, resting chris’ body gently next to yours.

“he’s gone.”

#chris evans #chris evans imagine #chris evans one shot #chris evans x reader #chris evans x you #chris evans angst

240 notes · View notes

shesawriter39049 · 3 years

Text

|PRIVATE SHOW|M|

Pairing: Taehyung X Reader

SMUT/LIGHT ANGST

About-Just a casual lunch outing where Tae’s trying to do his job and your trying to get him off under the table with your shoe...nothing new!

OR- Tae and yourself are grabbing lunch at 71 Above, after checking out the last couple of venues for the company's end of the year Holiday party. While at said restaurant, it becomes a humbling reminder that the most important people in your life are essentially a secret...cute!

WC:5k

WARNINGS: Public sex -ish( A foot-job under the table) dirty talk, teasing, light edging, frontage (kinda), overstimulation, Tae comes in his YSL leather pants, mentions of Oral (Male receiving), Tae is somewhat submissive, whilst also being a little shit. “Baby boy/Good boy” Kink

DNA Era Tae meets 2020 Tae

Tae is her baby and also her Executive Assistant

He just wants to hold her hand tbh

NOTE: This is a stand alone smut drabble within my OT7 poly universe called “7 DEEP”. Short AU SUMMARY: Your husband Namjoon and yourself run a successful Adult Film Entertainment Company called “Onyx” with your 5 best friends from college who you also happen to be in an open relationship with! P.S. If you’re new here Kookie joins the party a little later….

_________________________________________________________

“So” Musing over your cocktail glass “Thoughts on the last place?”

Eyeing the man sitting across from you intently who’s clearly in the holiday spirit. Dressed in a deep red silk button-down, apparently, he’s taken a page out of Jimin’s book considering it’s barely buttoned, to begin with! Honestly, he’d be better off not even wearing one at all at this rate.

Smoky silver locks messily styled out of his face showcasing those bushy yet sculpted brows of his. One of your favorite past times has become watching Tae become more confident as he grows into himself. No longer finding the need to hide behind his long shaggy bangs, though you can’t; lie, you do kinda miss him looking like the puppy he truly is deep down. However this, version of Tae just hits different, your baby boy looks like a whole ass man and you’ll never get over it!

God the things you endlessly wanna do to him…..even after all these years....

You watch Tae sigh almost miserably over a mouthful of lobster mac which seems completely out of place considering the way the dish in question smells…“Honestly?”

Offering a curt nod, encouraging him to continue as you welcome yourself to his plate! The amount of cheese that’s trickling from your fork is actually disrespectful!

“It was cute, I liked how big the lot is, and more importantly how spaced out the spots are! You know how rich people get about people being too close to the damn cars!” Rolling his eyes as if he in he’s excluded from that category and you can’t help but scoff.

“Tae you technically are one of those people at this point. Just like...yesterday actually, you almost ripped Jackson’s balls off for bumping into your rearview mirror but carry on.” Flicking your fork in his direction, ignoring the sharp glare he sent your way in the process.

This time around I think both of his eyes managed to roll in different directions, again, Jimin’s wearing off on him! “Anyway, yeah, I don’t know, I liked the space, the exposed brick beams in the ceiling was cool. Kinda gave it a homey vibe which is fitting….”

You could hear it hanging off his tongue, he sounds very, “meh” about it, so you opt fil in the blank. “Butttt??”

“Butttt, I -It felt like...like I was forcing myself to like it…” Slouching down into his seat, features a little uneasy, as if him not liking the venue was a direct insult to the owner personally! You on the other hand you let out a bated breath that you weren’t even aware was being held, eyes wide shining with relief.

“Oh thank fuck” Hand slamming down absently along the table, “I thought it was just me, and I felt like such an ass too because-”

“They were so sweet” Came in unison, both of you almost cooing as you said it! Hands placed dramatically over your heart as you reclined against your chair.

“So sweet,” Tae parroted in a light pout,”I mean they were literally wearing matching loafers Y/n. Matching” Idly jading a fork into his side salad in a way that’s borderline concerning actually, a tad bit aggressive over there!

” But it just-I don’t know, I guess will always think like those broke college kids at heart” Flashing you a brief glowing smile that you can’t help but return, humming in agreeance.

“Which isn’t a bad thing, per say, the mentality definitely keeps us humbled! But there’s time and place for that attitude and honestly I just wasn’t feelin it! At least not in comparison to the others we’ve seen, it wasn’t fighting the vibe were going for. Regardless of how good the offer is” Shrugging over another mouth full of food and you there’s not much else for you to say because that was your consensus exactly.

Basically, once the two of you showed up, the cute little husband and wife duo offered you a deal which would essentially consist of them renting you the space for next to nothing. In exchange, they’d want you to post a couple of ads via your company and personal social media accounts as promo. Your initial thought outside of just thinking they were utterly adorable was how much money you’d save...but as Tae said, thankfully that’s not really a concern anymore, if you wanted you can get it!

Easily…discounts and barters aside, just a flick of the wrist and it’s yours!

“True, also can we just take a moment to talk about how aesthetically pleasing the Valentine was though?” Tossing your head back with a dramatic groan “I mean fuck you already know the way I feel about industrial spaces, the high, glass ceiling, all the greenery..” Eyes rolling to the back of your head with a slight moan…as you envision the space. Especially how moody and sexy the overall venue would look with thousands of lights cascading from the glass ceilings.

Clearly the venue was doing ....a lot for you right now!

Brow cocked at the blatant...enthusiasm surrounding the location in question “Mmm, well that’s something...interesting to add to the kink list, just when I thought I’d explored every avenue, but apparently not.” Voice low, teasing, head cocked to the side, a shit eating grin plastered along his lips, as he swirls his tongue along the tip of his straw in a way that’s……

“ I guess we’re adding “industrial spaces” to the list. Noted.” Smirking around his drink like the little shit he is!

Right, you may or may not have crossed your legs at the sudden drawl laced within his delivery but not before, kicking his shin with the tip of your heel, “You little shit” Rolling your eyes at the way he dramatically rubs the side of his leg, hitting you with straight puppy dog eyes as he pouts over at you as if you actually caused serious damage!.

Leaning forward a little so you don't have to try as hard to whisper, the notion has your breast essentially sitting on top of the table. Not that they weren’t already on full display in your dress or anything. Hand slipping beneath the table, landing on his kneecap. “What? Suddenly you don’t like a little pain?” Tone blatantly teasing whilst ghosting your nails agonizingly slow up his inner thigh, and his entire body goes rigid at the sensation. Tae’s always been extremely...

“God, your still so sensetive....” You weren’t intending for that to come out in the form of a moan but considering the one that fell from his lips in return...you ain’t mad about it! 100% dialed in to the way his eyes are fluttering, jaw tight, trying his damndest to play it cool, especially once the waitress makes eye contact silently asking if the two of you need anything. “Takes so little Hmm?”’

Flashing him a quick smile, waving her off for the time being, far too focused on another task to entertain anyone else right now! Only stopping your ministrations once your fingers land right beneath his balls.

“This place is very well lit, I like the hue, it’s casting a good soft-light, especially the way it’s bouncing off your complexion...” Eyes cascading against the ceiling, tone casual, until your eyes drop....

“You’d look so fuckin good, coming for me right now...” The words purr off your tongue, flashing him a cheeky little wink, and poor Taehyung chokes on his martini!

“You know how much you love being watched...I could have you making a mess all over yourself and no one would even know. ” Not even trying to hide the smirk playing on your lips when you can already feel the tension in the room rise. “My own little private show...” Eyes wicked as your fingers wander a little higher, gently pressing your palm down around his dick. Rubbing tauntingly, the touch isn't enough through the thick leather, however it does instantly make his length swell in the confines of his pants! We all know this….underwear is nonexistent in Tae’s world! “Kinda brings me back to our college days...” Teeth sinking into your bottom lip at the mere memory...you getting Tae off whilst in the lecture hall full of 300 plus students.

Regardless of the deer in headlights look flashing across his face his legs still spread apart, hips bucking forward because well as we just said...baby boy loves being watched. This however, prompts you to once again change positions, now digging your nails into the back of his thighs before letting the tips of your fingers tickle free. Coly bringing them back above surface to take another languid sip of your drink, tossing a strand of hair over your shoulder.

Ya know, I can’t say you’re surprised by his reaction, baby boy can dish it but sure can’t take it, neck and chest flushing to rival his shirt! Banging on his sternum in an attempt to reroute the liquor burning his lungs.

“Jesus-fuc-Y/n!” You have the nerve to hum inquisitively, only this time for his sanity he humors you! “Can you like not go from asulting me to-” Looking over his shoulder before dropping his voice down to a whisper “Stroking my dick, and offering to get me off under the table, all in the span of a nanosecond!?” The plea hissed through clenched teeth but the complaint was half hearted at most! Well aware his dicks already throbbing in his pants at the thought alone! “Fuck me” Sucking in a harsh breath, as he raked his fingers through his scalp.

“Well…” Tonguing at your inner cheek, eyes fluttering away as if you were in deep thought… “In my defense you kinda started it, bringing up my kink list like I don’t own a whole ass porn company!” Propping your chin on your palm, gaze locked and loaded “Like I wasn’t thinking about tainting that sweet innocent couple by letting them watch as I dropped to my knees, letting you fuc-”

“Y/n!” He actually attempts to sound almost applauded, like he doesn’t love how absolutely filthy your mouth is. However there’s a silent little “please” playing on his tongue, no matter how threatening he tried to sound.

You giggled, straight up giggled, reclining in your seat, amused, and somewhat satisfied so you let him be, for the time being anyway. Though you may have eaten your angel hair pasta in a very obscene manner, every now and then you’d sinfully suck the noodles through your overly glossed lips! However, if he dared to clock you on it you’d just simply note that it was your way of not messing up your makeup….

The two of you finish your lunch in comfortable silence, making small talk here and there, a mixture of work and bullshit until Tae’s phone goes off with a couple text notifications.

A low hum rattling in the back of his throat as he eyes the message from Hoseok. Subconsciously Tae reaches across the table, intertwining your fingers before bringing your knuckles up to his lips. Grazing them with his lips casually as he scrolls through his phone.

“Alright baby, so, I have a list ready, we have a couple brands that wanna work with us for the party. Seoks already narrowed it down to the ones that are actually worth discussing however-“

Honestly, it took both of you a minute to even realize what was going on, the skinship was second nature at this point. It wasn’t until his thumb grazed over your wedding band that the notion even resonated! Tae and yourself were a good two drinks in, feelin all warm and fuzzy and got caught up in the moment! Temporarily forgetting that you were in the middle of a restaurant in Downtown LA! Forgetting that the Kim currently caressing your knuckles and calling you baby is not the one you're technically married to! It may seem minor in retrospect, but you’ve always tried to stop yourselves from getting comfortable, with being comfortable in certain locations if that makes sense! You slip up one to many times and the next thing you know it happening in the office or on the red carpet!

Taehyung’s eyes grow almost comically wide, straight panic flashes over those big brown orbs of his and your heart sinks as you watch his head whip around, checking to make sure no one caught the interaction. It was almost painful how quickly he disconnected from you as his entire face dropped and no, just no!

“Hey...hey no it’s fine, it’s like 2 in the afternoon on a Tuesday! Not to mention we’re tucked in a booth in the corner ,we’re good, nobody heard or saw you…” Voice calm and quiet, trying to come off comforting, flashing him a weary smile. Reaching across the table to thumb at his palm, and it would be a lie to say you didn't also check over your shoulder before hand as well’

A dry almost bitter chuckle leaves his throat as he flinches away, tossing the fork down on his plate sliding it halfway across the table indicating he is more than done eating. Flicking the bridge of his nose with his index finger, jaw twitching, “Yeah, lucky me huh? I actually got to hold your hand for all of two seconds before we realized I’m techionally not allowed to do that unless were in fuckin I don’t know Alaska!”

He’s agitated, and with every right to be, even if he is being a little dramatic. Thankfully he’s keeping his voice low, but you can feel how tight his throat is, the amount of grit laced within his tenor has your eyes bugging out of there socket.

“Bab- “ It was a reflex, whenever he’s upset it’s just what falls from your lips, and he gives you a look, almost as if to say “How fucking dare you” ! The level of hurt the pet name just rendered within his eyes is-

Eyes sharp, brows furrowed “Noo, nooo, we literally just went through this. That’s not the way it works for us in this kinda setting” Flailing his arms around to reference the restaurant. “Wrong Kim” Well damn. “So it's Tae in public remember!?” Brow quirked accusingly, he’s abating this entire situation, almost like he wants you to snap, a second away from whisper yelling! “ Or maybe I should say Taehyung, hell just use my full government while your at it. Let’s make it real impersonal, Mr. Kim maybe?” Head cocked to the side as if he’s being genuine and not a total smartass right now.

You-he’s ...hurt, and you get that, hell you respect that, but Lunch at 71 Above is not the time or place for this conversation. You’re trying to approach this on a more rational level, however the condescending delivery is making it hard, and your only human. Eyes rolling to the back of your head before you can even catch yourself and that little gesture seems to be what officially set him off!

You can physically see the tension within his face... “I’m gonna go get some air, I might actually call a Uber or somethin,.” The words trailed off his lips low in mumbled but clear enough to be heard because that’s ultimately what he wanted to begin with.

There was something in his eyes you couldn’t read, a combination of anger/hurt mixed another emotion you can’t quite pinpoint! But whatever it is, you fuckin hated it! Throat running painfully dry as watch him slide his chair out and even though realistically you know at max he’s headed home...Still the gesture alone is gut wrenching because you know this runs deeper than just this situation!

“Tae” His name leaves your throat as more of a warning, reaching up to take an almost possessive grip on his wrist. Fingertips landing on the edge of his Cartier bracelet, the one you're both wearing actually, same arm and all!

A deep labored breath shutters from his chest at the contact, thighs feelin like a newborn fawn, gaze hesitantly meeting yours. “Tae, baby” Daring to use the endearment again regardless of your current surroundings “Sit back down so I can order us dessert and we can discuss whatever you want...just-please” The ending whisked off your tongue so faint your almost wondering if he even heard you!

Taehyung narrows his eyes, teeth clenched, tongue nudging his inner cheek! “I’m not really in the mood for cake right now Y/n. To be honest I just wanna leave” You know he’s aiming for dry but instead he lands somewhere around defeated , which makes it even worse. You’re both well aware this is not truly about cake, it’s about his constant need to run away from shit!

Sliding your fingers down his wrist, interlocking your fingers, giving them a firm squeeze. Eyes locked with his “Then you can get whatever you want, but I need you to just be here right now, I really, really need you to sit here, and just breathe through this with me.”

He’s know what your really asking is for him not to run away for once!

A faint little “Whatever” Leaves his lips and then he’s dead silent, silent as he slides his chair out, remaining as such for what feels like hours, and it has your heart beating painfully hard against your ribcage. It’s almost like he’s not even here, eyes fixated on some random painting on the opposite side of the restaurant, chewing at his inner cheek until....

“I’m sorry…” He admits after a baited breath, stroking your palm with his thumb gently, you can see him working over his thought’s in his head before speaking. ”I can’t - fuck I never know when I’m going to get all in my feels with shit like this, sometimes it just sucks harder than others I guess” The curt little shrug that leaves his shoulders let’s you know how uncomfortable he is, Tae’s overall persona suddenly seems mounds smaller in this moment. Anxiously stroking the back of his own neck “But....I shouldn't have come at you like that! That was fucked on my behalf and for that I’m truly am sorry ! This isn't all on you, or Joon we all-”Gazing over his shoulder before continuing “There’s just- there’s a lot, we have families and it’s just, I shouldn’t have snapped at you like that, ...”

Dropping his voice a little lower “I just fuckin love you” There’s a timid smile playing on his lips “and if the offer still stands I would really fuckin like chocolate cake…”

You actually snort, that’s your first instinct because only Tae, but the plus is it lightens the mood immensely! The sudden outburst triggers that full boxy grin to come into play and god your so damn enamored by this man it’s actually sad. Bringing his knuckles up to your mouth, grazing them past your lips like he did yours moments prior. “I love you too, and chocolate cake sounds fuckin amazing, and liquor, we need new drinks, actually we need an entire bottle! ” You laugh and then so does Tae, suddenly your holding hands and laughing together and everything else just seems so miniscule in the moment.

~~~~~

So, here’s the thing...being a CEO of one of the top Adult film entertainment companies is not on the same level as like..I don’t know….

Owning a high-end clothing company, or being a reality star or something. Your field is praised just as highly as it is tabooed, so with that being said, it’s not like your the top topic on E-news, or on Business Digest. You still have a strong sense of normality, point blank you’re not that important. It’s not as common for outsiders to know the high rollers within the porn industry the way it is in other fields!

However there's another avenue to factor in where the 7 of you are concerned, and that’s the world of social media, and that’s a completely different world entirely! One that’s heavily intertwined in your state in particular, living playing, and working in LA….I mean let’s get real, shit not normal here, by any means!

You’re a 26-year-old wealthy CEO, that goes to work in a Ferrari, cute little bodycons, Louboutin's, and Chanel bags! Your executive assistant is Tae for fucks sake, he looks like a model his damn self , on the surface your life is an aesthetically pleasing wet dream. An influencer without even trying for the title, if your 2.7 million followers are at all telling! So in the public eye, especially when out in Downtown LA..you try to be discreet.

Just last week Jimin was hanging all over you while walking through Saks and one of your mutual followers stopped to ask for a picture. Again this isn’t a daily occurrence, you’re not comparing yourself to Rhianna, but it’s why you do move with a slight air of caution when in your city! You literally live in a place where people become famous for running into walls, nevertheless owning their own business!

The world knows you’re married to Namjoon, and to be honest there’s numerous reasons the other aspect of your dynamic stays hidden! More than just the obvious….

However there’s been rumors circulating over the years, or at least now that Hollywood’s decided you hold some relevance! Ones pertaining your your sexuality, typically the tabloids assuming it, insulating your swingers, or that Namjoon’s bi. A Lot of these narratives circle back from your college days though, old classmates trying to slip tea to the media. Stories of when you could go to a party and it didn’t matter if you were sandwiched between Namjoon and Yoongi at the same damn time! Not to mention the dark side of social media where nothing ever truly dies, so yeah there are some questionable photos floating around. Luckily nothing recent enough to truly add fuel to the fire but you know deep down it’s only a matter of time!

One could argue it adds allure to the overall dynamic, especially considering your line of work, and maybe it wouldn’t matter if the boys were just casual thirds...but they’re not! They’re so much more than that and that’s what makes this hard, because well in laymen’s terms...people just fucking suck! So as heartbreaking as it is, where your other boys are concerned, in the public eye at least your “relationship” holds a strong air of mystery!

It’s the little things ya know? Like now for example, the fact that he could've easily gotten a foot job under the table but has to walk on eggshells about holding your hand at times! Shit just sucks sometimes, there’s no other way around it!

~~~~~~~

The two of you don’t really talk much until the dessert comes, more drinks and a bottle is in fact ordered as well! The silence felt a little more bearable this time around, busying yourselves on your phones. A very minor but significant change, is the fact that you still haven’t let go of his hand, even once the waitress returns. The simple notion has his entire dementor shifting! Fingers still tightly bound together and your chest flutters seeing the way he flushes almost bashfully at such minor PDA! Like the two of you didn’t hook up in the back of a club in London two months ago! Like you literally weren’t palming him under the table! Yet here he is blushing at openly holding your hand!

So fuckin cute!

Eventually two pieces of molten chocolate crepe cake gets brought over and holy fuck! Both moaning in unison as the pastry hits the table...

“Oh my goddd, we have to take a piece home for Jin, the like...convince him to learn how to make it!” You watch Tae’s eyes roll to the back of his head as he laces his lips around the fork! Groaning out in agreeance once the mixtures of pure sin hit his tongue.

“K...now back to , these sponsors...” Prompting over a mouth full of cake, not that you wouldn’t love to sit here and chill all day but you do have a 4pm conference call!

You watch as Tae glances down at your intertwined fingers, and his fork....realizing ones gotta go so he can pick up his phone and you physically coo back at him, melting into your set once he opts to drop the fork instead of your hand. Purposely avoiding your glance once he noticed the look on your face, nose scrunched and all!

“Right, so Uber reached out, more specifically Uber Luxxe, looking to send us 4 cars of our choice in exchange for a couple post. Spread out between IG, Twitter and Snap, I’m personally all for this one. The contract doesn’t seem excessive and I like that the post won’t feel forced! I mean realistically we were going to hire a driving service regardless! However something to also consider is our lack of filter when drinking! I mean...”Flailing his phone between the two of you as if to give an example, obviously referencing the little slip up moments prior. At least he can joke about it a little “So realistically, would we feel more comfortable with a private car service where there’s a contract involved as opposed to just some random?”

Tae just went full EA, out of nowhere and honestly ...

You blinked at him, almost dazed, fork halfway to his mouth because, what?! . “You sound so professional right now, it’s so fuckin hot.”

Tae choked on nothing but straight air before blushing profusely. “Baby-I mean-Y-“

You didn’t even flinch, continuing, unperturbed. “Nah, actually I think I’m in the mood to be baby right now!” Eying him wickedly “Your jaw just gets really tight, and your voice gets all low and raspy! It happens during meetings too, it’s really fuckin sexy! Reminds me of the way you sound when your lips are pressed into the side of my neck when we fuck.” It's just the casualness of it all, you sound like your ordering another appetizer and Tae’s about to choke on his dessert.

The grip he has on your hand is almost painful right now, “But don’t mind me, I’m just sitting here writing out my next script in my head, carry on. What rental service did you have in mind? Or did someone already reach out as well?”

It’s the way you just went from talking about Tae, being balls deep to sponsorships all in the span of a comma! In the words of your best friend you are pure chaos.....

Tae groans head hanging in defeat and your lips curl into a smirk, brow quirked in his direction.

“It’s the way I hate it here sometimes...” Snatching his hand away to jab his fork into the neglected pastry.

“Ah huh” You roll your eyes crossing your arms over your chest before leaning back. “Right, again let’s not act like you didin’t start this, both here and at the venue.” Leaning over the table again licking your lips “Don’t act like you weren’t eye fucking me the entire time, or the way you’d accidentally brush against me as we walked through the building. You’ve been practically begging for it all day.”

Tae just stares back at you, mind momentarily blank, stomach shifting into knots, letting the fork drop from those delicate fingers of his! Mouth opening and closing like a fish straight outta water...

“Did you think about it too? The acoustics in that place were fuckin insane, the way it would just echo through as you made me cum would just- fuck” You continued adding that lethal little purr back into your voice! “Or even better the way you’d sound, you don’t even know how bad I wanted to drop-“

“Y/n”

“Baby.” Phrasing the word borderline as a threat “Would you have liked that baby boy?” Cocking your head to the side, tongue teasing your bottom lip “Me on my knees for you looking up at you all pretty, letting you hold my hair and fuck my throat until you came straight into my mouth?”

Speaking of mouths' your just straight fuckin-mayhem ...and it’s making Taehyung’s brain feel like it’s melting through his ears! But god should we be surprised though?

It’s never taken much with you....

You’ve always been just what he needs and a little bit more than he can take all in one! You haven’t even touched him yet and he feels a moan creeping up his throat! Especially as he watches you swirl the tip of your tongue over the whipped cream on the edge of your fork, sucking it between your overly glossed lips in the most obscene manner.

Eyes locked and loaded, a second away from drooling, “Fuck, yeah,” He stutters breath hitching on his lungs, heat coursing through his skin. Tae’s veins literally feel like they’re on fire, subtly trying to shift in his seat to readjust himself! Glancing subconsciously out of his peripheral, the restaurant still chill and half empty. The waitress on the opposite end of the room attending to another couple!

“You always look so damn good with my cock down your throat, and my cum on your tounge. God, especially when I wrap my hand around your throat and I can feel you swallowing down around my-” Your tongue’s swirling all over this damn fork, and he can feel every flick your tongue against his dick, and it’s just...fuck! Not to mention once you accidently spilled some whipped cream on your lips, which you took your time licking off as well. “Jesus-Fuck, Y/n!!” Taehyung’s voice is dripping with arousal, and you already know he’s leaking all over the place.

“Yeah?” Humming around the form before setting it to the side “ You like the way I look when I’m chocking on your cock?” These questions are all rhetorical, your an ass “Or how about when I get a little messy because I can’t fit it all in my mouth?” Your eyes darken, words coming out over low gasps of air, almost as if your just as aroused as he is and that’s because you are!

“Your always such a good boy for me, so helpful too holding my hair back, guiding my mouth until you hit the back of my throat...holding me in place until I gag. You know how much I love when you get rough with me ..” Tae feels the sole of your red buttons tease up his thigh, shifting between his legs. The transition was so damn smooth it catches him off guard, instinctively wanting to push away but instead...

“You’d be loud for me too wouldn’t you? Show them how good you look falling apart for me, how good you look when you come down my throat....The way your eyes roll-”

“Holy-fuck Baby” Aggressively running his palms over his face until it’s matching his shirt “Please don’t do this to me right, now, if your gonna give it to me then fuckin let me have it but I cant-.”

You can’t help but smile back at him, so fond it almost seems out of place in the moment. “I’ll give you whatever you want Tae...you know this. You just gotta promise you’ll be good for me, we can’t draw-”

“I’m always good” He damn near growled at you, eyes daring you to say otherwise and well, who were you to deny Tae of what he wants!?Gently pressing your foot at the base of his cock, a satisfied smirk playing on your lips upon feeling that your boys already fully hard.

It’s the way the two of you are just casually in one of LA’s boujeiest restaurants and your deadass about to give him a foot job in Louboutin’s! Yup, your life had turned into a porno, you’ve officially made it!

“Kay, so back to that list of sponsors, first off I completely agree, as much as I love our contact at Uber I’d prefer an actual car service for something like that.” Here you go again the queen of the switch up, you’re back to discussing work yet there’s still a slight moan in your tenor. Breathy and light and Tae feels like all the airs being sucked from his lungs.

Tae shifts, spreading his thighs even further, shuddering out a bated breath as you point your toe, dragging it up and down! It’s a peep-toe so that alone allows you a little more flexibility! Pressure intentionally light so it’s just enough to have him on the brink of begging! But instead of doing so, he picks up his phone, hands shaky and all and continue doing his job as requested!

“Right..” Clearing his throat not sure why he currently sounds like he’s going through puberty again but K... “I’ll let Hobi know, maybe we can do something we’re we use them while planning this party or something! Since you vetoed a party planner will have a lot more running around to do! Realistically outside of Joon and Jin we all have coupes anyway...so it’s not like we can carry much!”

Mmm, always the innovator, even when all the blood and airs being rushed to his dick! You feel him try and slide forward, chasing after the stimulation.

“Ohhh, I really like that, and like you said it still feels somewhat organic because realistically our cars aren’t efficient for something like that” You press down harder against his cock almost as a reward “Good boy, what’s next?” Nodding towards his phone and it takes every ounce of self control he had to swallow down the moan laying on his tongue.

Eyes struggling to stay ajar as you continuously rub your foot up and down his length. Now applying more prominent pressure with the ball of your feet! Movement stealth from the waist up so you don’t draw attraction to yourself.

“Tae Tae” The nickname falls from your lips singsong like, and far too innocent for the demon seed you are. “Next?”

He doesn't even know what to really do except follow instructions, so he just nods, scrolling through his phone. “There was also a couple brands wanted to oh fuck-“ Gasping as you pick up your pace, damn near dropping his phone into the plate beneath him.

Face splitting into an amused grin, a hint of something wicked playing on your lips. Eyes gleaming with mischief, you watch those long, delicate fingers flex, clearly struggling this time around to bite back the moan like he needs to! Hands shaking as your continue working him at a merciless pace. Rubbing faster, harder, utilizing the rounded point on the head of your heel to press right against what your assuming is Tae’s tip by the way he shudders. Thighs shaking as he grips the edge of the table for dear life!

“Oh my godddd” Tae manages to just mouth the words as opposed to screaming them the way he desperately wants too. Tugging on his own scalp, trying to just do something to get himself busy!

“You fuckin love this....” It’s not even a question, more of a consensus!

Your eyes haven’t left his once, watching intently as you swirl your tongue around the straw before taking a sip. Moaning around it because well ya know, the drinks just that damn good apparently.

God his skin feels like it’s on fire, every stroke of your foot has him feeling like he’s coming undone!

He’s trying to focus, on his surroundings, this damn list everything but he can’t he just fucking can’t! Thankfully it’s you, and he trust you with everything he has, so his subconscious is somewhat at ease with all of this because he knows you got him!

“Yeah,fuck yeah you already know you can do anything to me” He states plainly, the most stable his voice has sounded in god knows when “Whatever you want” Gaze heavy through hooded lashes, looking straight at you with steady sinful eyes.

“Mmm, and always want it don’t you baby? Always...:”

He bites back a moan nodding, and then his phone rings, of course his phone fucking rings and it’s coming from the office because why the fuck not?!

“Answer” The command was simple, clearly no room for debate and hs eyes go wide,

“Baby” Complaining with a hint of a whine in his voice and when you don’t seem to give a damn....

“Yeah?”Jaw tight, nostrils flared as he picks up the phone. Adrenaline flies through his veins, pressure building in his gut as you relentlessly keep your pace intact! Pressing harder and deeper into all the right places until he’s coughing around Moans to try and cover it up!

Dropping his head slightly, propping it on his elbow as he squeezes the bridge of his nose between his fingers. “ Welp, That's where it would be so if you don’t see any were out, email me a list and I’ll make a Amazon-“

Taehyung’s chest heaves painfully tight, breathing becoming more erratic with every stroke and yes clearly there’s a strong voyeurism kink within this man! So as crazy as it may sound , the combination of the restaurant, and this phone call ?!

Yeah, he’s not gonna last!

Slouching down completely against the back of the booth, thighs spreading to full capacity. Fingers tangled in his Smokey locks holding his bangs out of his face. Eyes shut , jaw tight, neck slightly reclined, though to the naked eye he’d just appear to be on a very unpleasant phone call! When in all actually he’s finally just letting himself fall apart beneath your touch!

Eyes fluttering open just enough to glance down at you in a way that had you feeling like you could come right with him. Your gaze is Just as heavy as his, lips darting out to wet your lips though your throats suddenly what’s running dry!

Tae’s lips part slightly, though he’s falling apart he’s giving it right back to you. Hitting you with those sinfully needy fuck me eyes! The same ones you see when your riding and edging him until he’s coming tenfold! His breathing comes stagnate every time your foot moves and Tae finds himself gnawing down on his bottom lip to stifle the moans sliding up his chest! You can tell who's on the other end now, it’s the new secretary Alanna, and she legitimately is still getting her footing! Which is the only reason Tae is even entertaining the call, well one of the reasons!

You notice Tae’s breathing is starting to even out a little almost as if he’s gained some of his self control back and we don’t support that in this household. So you proceed to dig your foot right into the head of his cock and he straight wheezes! Body jerking off the wall and all ...

“No, I’m, fuck-“ There’s a moan that finally falls freely off his tongue that only barley seems acceptable because he in fact just choked! Voice coming out what feels like a octave lower and huskier , poor Alanna! “Yeah i'm good sorry , food just went down the wrong pipe.” He can barely think straight but he knows he needs to close this up “Hey look will be back within the hour and will sort it out then alright?”

I don’t even think he even waited for her to respond before hanging up and literally throwing his phone across the table! Gucci case and all.

“Everything okay? ?” Voice low and teasing, he knows you're technically asking about the office but your timing sucks ass!

“Fuck you” Falls off his lips in a barley audible moan, so consumed as his orgasm builds in the pit of his stomach! Eyes still struggling to stay open mouth, mouth falling slack, if your were in your right mind you’d tell him to pull it together alittle! Now that he’s off the phone, he either looks like he’s getting a foot job, or like he’s high on meth! Neither are appealing to the GP! God, he must look utterly ridiculous right now, thankfully he’s shifted against the booth so he’s facing a wall as opposed to other guest!

“Mm, my pretty baby’s close yeah?” Watching how heavily his throat bobs as he swallows, Tae’s leaking precum all over the damn place, so, close hips gently rocking into your foot as discreetly as possible, growing more desperate by the second. Fuck he needs to come, he needs to!

“Yeah baby please don’t- fuck” God he sounds so good, so needy and pliant and fuck!

“I got you...” At that you actually kick your shoe off, moving back to press down even harder, rubbing and rubbing forcing Tae to attempt to grab his drink in attempts to muzzle himself. However his hands are shaking too hard and he almost knocks it over!

“God baby I’m-“

“Be a good boy for me”

And he is, coming with a shuddering breath, under the steady pressure of your foot as his release tears through his veins. Dropping his to the table as subtly as possible(Hell maybe people will think he’s tipsy or not feeling well), thighs shaking, chest heaving painfully hard. He’s not completely silently but he does a lot better than expected, a low groan manages to slip past his lips.

“Good boy” The praise rolls off your tongue and goes straight to his dick, as if he needed anymore stimulation there. Another faint whimper falls off his lips until he’s drooling all over the table. Not even realizing initially, that his hips were still grinding into you until he’s hissing from oversensitivity! The force of his orgasm has Taehyung drawing straight blanks, hearing nothing but white nose rustling in the background!

Also, I don’t know what that says about Tae as a person but he’s not even remotely humiliated! The only thing that he’s about to regret once his mind's less foggy is how absolutely drenched his YSL leather pants are!

So busy trying to get his breathing back in check as he comes down from his high, he completely missed the way you’d signaled to the server. Calmly asking for her to add 8 more slices of cake to go, and bring the bill over!

His face is flushed, his pants feel gross as hell but above everything else he feels so damn good! Reaching down to still your foot, gently massaging the top as his eyes finally flutter open! Vision still a little hazy as he looks back at you with a dazed smile, and your gazing back at him with so much fondness that the first thing that slurs off his lips in a whisper is....

“I fuckin love you!”

Flashing him a wink in return as you make eye contact with your servers whose letting you know she’ll be over in a moment. Keeping your foot stationary for a moment, enjoying the well deserved foot massage. Occasionally flexing your toes to “accidentally brush against his dick. Giggling around your drink every time he'd hiss and jerk away!

This entire lunch situation was a damn mess, and high key reckless but, the blissed out smile written all over his face is more than worth it. Where just ugh...not gonna tell the boys about this!

“Love you too Tae”

~~~~~~~~~

Everything from that moment on kind of feels like a blur honestly, up until the two of you sliding into your car and before you can even get yourself settled he’s on you! Yanking you out of your seat and into his lap before you can even put your seatbelt on which obviously is not ideal this is a sports car after all but you don’t dare complain! Taehyung’s far from shy with his wants, griping the back of your neck, sliding his fingers through your hair as he presses your lips together! He doesn’t try to ease you into it either It’s hard, hungry, desperate and overtly needy! Forcing both of you to huff out a staggered breath through your nose to even keep up! You breathe him in, and he breathes you out, it’s all open mouthed, and heady, an obscene amount of moans rolling off your tongues. Reclining your jaw, giving him free reign to explore your mouth. Tongue rolling against your slick and languid with years of finesse between the two of you. No matter how hard he’s kissing you it still doesn’t feel rushed, its deep, borderline sensual actually!

Tae pulls back just enough to nip at your bottom lip, dragging his across your jaw and down the side of your neck! Licking sucking and biting, along your skin, moaning at the way you arch and grind your hips into every touch! The two of you carry on like that until there’s suddenly something thumbing in the back of your throat!

“Hey..” There's a slight sternness within your voice that has him instantly trying to snap out of his postcoital haze. Stroking the hinge of his jaw “You know, how much I love you right? And if, we need to all sit down a re-”

Cutting you off with the smooth glide of his lips pulling you into a kiss that’s a slower, less needy, there’s no ulterior motive, Tae just wants to feel you “Nah, I don't wanna change anything sometimes- I just want-”

“I know...” Because you do, pressing your forehead to his, not even kissing just letting your breaths melt as one. Massaging his scalp gently, he already looks like he’s a second away from passing out! Pondering if maybe the two of you should switch places...

“Promise you’ll let me take care of you later” Tae nuzzles against the side of your face like a puppy wanting his ears scratched! Believe it or not he wasn’t always such a selfless lover, not until he found you guys! Now it’s almost like his orgasms feel incomplete if he’s the only one coming once it’s all said and done!

“You can do whatever you want to me Tae, you know this.” Placing a couple lingering kisses on those pouty lips of his before hesitantly shuffling into the passengers seat. Transfixed on the way he slips back into his lane, fixing his hair, pulling out his oversized cat eye frames to rest on the bridge of his nose. One hand on the wheel the other finding there home on your thigh. Noting the slight discomfort as he shifts in his seat, no doubt due to the fact that well, he just came in his pants.

“How about..” Leaning over to place a open mouth kiss right beneath is ear, digging your nails into his thigh until he moans. “ I clean you up a little on the drive, and we pit stop at mine, and we drop you off first so you can shower and chill. Then me and Joon will come back and crawl into bed with you after were done for the day..”

“Am I being given the rest of the day off Mrs. Kim?” You can already hear the smirk in his voice without even looking...

“Yes Mr. Kim that would be correct....” Already working the zipper before he can even respond because you already know how this is about to pan out...

___________________

Hi my babies, first off IDK where this came from, I also wouldn’t consider it my best, but it was the first thing I’ve written in like 6 months which felt good. This was supposed to be up back in December I had a couple holiday prompts for the series that I never got around to completing ! But If you enjoyed show this some love and come talk to me!

Love always,

Rocki

#taehyung #taehyung smut #taehyung x reader #kim taehung #kim taehyung smut #bts #bts smut #bts x reader #kim taehyung x reader #kpop #kpop smut

185 notes · View notes

finalfrontierpioneer · 3 years

Text

2020 Fic Recs

Okay, I did a fic rec list last year for 2019, and nobody asked for this, but you know what, I’m gonna do another one. Really the only thing I wanna look back on about 2020 is the fic- bc damn there were some good ones!

Same as last year, these are fics that were completed in 2020. (So no in-progress fics here)

So here goes, 20 fic recs for 2020, in no particular order! And full disclosure, these are all totally different ratings/pairings/whatever.

I tried to tag all the authors who had tumblrs, but i probably missed some, and some of them aren’t actually working but hey! the username is there!

Some stucky bc of course

Sharpened Claws by tragicama (Explicit)

Steve Rogers has a unique talent of getting himself into danger. As one of New York City’s best homicide detectives, it isn’t easy to ignore the constant call of trouble and gore. At least, that’s what he tries to tell his overprotective and brooding boyfriend, Bucky Barnes, even if he knows it might be a lie.

Bucky is dangerous, gorgeous. . .and a werewolf. As the Alpha of New York City, he is easily considered the most powerful being in the world. But when Bucky begins to lose his control over his shift, he slowly becomes aware of a bond that sends him reeling, and one he’d never thought possible.

But everything is not as it seems. After a homicide case unleashes a sequence of events that neither Steve nor Bucky are prepared for, they soon find themselves entangled with a danger that threatens to rip them apart. With the help of Steve’s partner and best friend, Sam, Bucky and Steve navigate a dark web of pack politics, masquerade balls, and a crash course in what it means to be a pack, even as a greater danger looms. And one that might succeed in ripping them apart.

These Happy Gilded Years by crinklefries @spacerenegades, nalonzoo (Teen)

Steve Rogers, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and mostly happy disposition, had lived twenty-three years in the world with very little to distress or vex him.

( Steve is wealthy and and charming, with good humor and good temper, doted upon by his mother and the highest of New York Society, with no one to ever criticize or say the word no to him. Well, other than Bucky. But he doesn't count.

He is also warm and friendly and has a talent for matchmaking. Or so he thinks. Actually, he's kind of terrible at it.

Importantly, Steve will definitely never fall in love or marry, himself. He tells everyone this, repeatedly. Well anyway, we'll see about that. )

Jane Austen's Emma, but a little gayer, set in 1890s Gilded Era New York City

Demon Seed by SucculentHyena (Mature)

[Transcript 00:11:48]

MS: You were with him the most throughout the course of events, both before and after. Your account could shed light on something we may have missed.

JB: What difference will that make?

MS: It could make all the difference. Captain Rogers’ case is unprecedented, he’s the most intact victim we’ve ever recovered-

JB: [laughing] You call that intact?

A Noble Steed by alby_mangroves @albymangroves or @artgroves, leveragehunters (Teen)

"You say the Warhorse showed up last night," Sam said in tones of profound doubt.

"Yeah," Steve replied.

"The Warhorse. The Warhorse of legend. Daelland's Warhorse."

"The same as the one on the back of the transit card, yes."

"And he appeared in your living room?"

Steve eyed the Warhorse, very large and very black and giving him a dubious look out of his strange grey eyes. "He's standing in it right now."

"Uh huh," Sam said.

"Hey, I'm not any happier about it than you are."

* * *

Steve's mom had left Daelland long before he was born, following her heart to New York, but she'd raised him on stories of its famous Warhorse. Before she died, he'd promised he'd go back and learn the country she'd come from.

That was why he was in Daelland. Not so Daelland's legendary Warhorse could appear in his living room. But planned or not that's what had happened—now Steve had to figure out what to do about it.

a hat, a horse (a Hyundai), and the will to ride by elkane @elkane, synonym4life @synonym-for-life (Explicit)

After Steve and Bucky rescue their pals from the Raft prison, they decide to dig deeper into Zemo’s involvement in the UN headquarters’ bombing which sends them on a backpacking trip across select European countries. Steve and Bucky believe this is a story about their mission. Scott Lang and Sam Wilson, who join them halfway through, believe it’s a story about their Eurotrip (and they’re probably right). This writer, however, has been waiting to tell you that the fic’s true mission is Steve and Bucky missioning towards missionary.

Follow them on their journey across Europe in tiny cars, packed subway trains and even on skis as they tumble down the Swiss Alps (in a fun way this time!), all the while reigniting untold feelings of the past through inappropriate sexual encounters and terrible communication skills.

someday at christmas (there’ll be no wars) by stevebuckiest @stevebuckyinc (not rated)

A mission on Christmas. Not even on Christmas, technically. A mission after Christmas which means he and Steve and the Howlies will be trekking through the tundra towards possible death on what used to be Bucky’s favorite day of the year. Jesus Christ.

(alternatively: bucky and steve try to make the best of a shitty situation)

the cabin by natalie_nebula (Explicit)

It felt like he… It felt like they were always so close. Everything seemed like it was under control. He remembers hearing Wanda’s voice, seeing a flash of red out of the corner of his eye. He remembers yelling something back at her, telling her to stop, to not come any closer. He remembers a bright flash, then a boom, and ringing in his ears. He remembers a black blur, and hands on his back, around his waist, then—darkness…

After the explosion in Lagos, Steve wakes up in a cabin in the middle of nowhere, and all he knows is that Bucky's the one who brought him there. While Sam, Nat, and the other Avengers try to figure out what happened to their friend, Steve takes the time away to heal—both his relationship with Bucky, and with himself. My cozy, romantic, and introspective Civil War rewrite.

Every Feeling by Nestri (Explicit)

Steve completely surprises Bucky with a visit, scent thick with heat. The Alpha keeps his hands to himself until Steve makes it clear he doesn't want him to.

Halbarry!

A Speedster and a Space Cop get into a Car by ChocolateTeapots @chocolateteapotsvis (Teen)

Hal and Barry embark on their most perilous mission yet: picking Wally up from the airport.

For Halbarry Week, Day 3: First Times “And you just called me Barry, genius”

Crosswind by Cinderstrato (Explicit)

Hal had collected plenty of regrets over the years. What was the weight of one more?

Just A Mark by the_butler @the-butler-fanstuff (Mature)

“What a nerd.”

Barry had been haunted by these words all his life, seeing as they were his soulmate’s mark. It came out during puberty, just like everyone else’s, but by then he was already well on the way to being a ‘nerd’ so to speak. He wasn’t just some guy claiming to be nerd because he was into Dungeons and Dragons or anime, oh no. He was a bona fide science nerd- went to interstate science fairs and competitions even.

—————(Originally a one-shot, now continued)——————

Barry Allen was working at the forensics lab of Central City PD when it waltzes the new transfer from Coast City, Detective Hal Jordan, not just into the lab but also into his life. There’s the matter of them being soulmates- but Barry is unconvinced. Science tells him there’s a likely chance that they’re just platonic soulmates, so Hal suggests an experiment of sorts: they go on three dates, and then decide whether or not they’re just platonic, or something more.

Tired by ceelolights @ceeloilights (Gen)

Hal comes home to Barry still working late into the night.

Last but most certainly not least, Jeronica:

The long way round to heaven by Bearfacedcheek (Mature)

“This could screw everything up. Jesus why couldn’t you just, fucking not?”

“I did just fucking not Jughead,” she retorts hotly. “I’ve been not for months. No one was ever supposed to know, least of all you. So, don’t blame me for what you saw when you invaded a private moment.”

“Oh, my bad Veronica,” sarcasm, his most comfortable armour, wraps itself around his words. “Did my near-death experience compromised your privacy? I’m sorry that my spirit took an astral fucking walk out of my almost corpse and y-”

“Don’t,” she gasps. Her hand flies to her mouth and it trembles visibly as she draws it away. “Don’t say that. Jesus Jughead we almost lost you.”

sadder, badder, cooler by thefudge @thefudge (Teen)

AU. Just who is Veronica's mysterious new husband? (based on season 5 spoilers)

all i’ll ever need is you by whatacoolkid @whatacoolkid (Teen)

jughead and veronica but make it ✨christmas✨

destined to be forgotten by bothromeoandjuliet @kindnessinpain2000 (Teen)

There are plenty of broken things in Riverdale - broken families, broken trust, broken hearts - but in the middle stands the two most broken things of all, Veronica Lodge and Forsythe 'Jughead' Jones.

(Jughead and Veronica learn about the Barchie kiss - this is the aftermath)

I Really (Don’t) Know What I Want by Bella_Dahlia @bella-dahlia (Mature)

There were many potential disasters to befall an average weirdo high school student; when one had an active imagination and a love for John Hughes films, as Jughead Jones did, you sort of assumed you had foresaw the possibilities. Plus, after solving a sordid murder and joining a gang, he really thought he gone through his fair share of teenaged trauma.

Having to fake a relationship to save his best friend from dedicating his life to a mafia and getting punched repeatedly in the process definitely had not crossed his mind before now.

——————————————

Or, Jughead and Veronica don’t really know what they’ve gotten themselves into.

all the lovers with no time for me by Krewlak (Mature)

jeroncia goes to stonewall. that's it. that's the fic.

call it what you want to by an_expensive_imagination (Teen)

“First things first,” Veronica says, reaching up to slide the ever-present gray beanie off his head, “no beanies in college.”

And here’s a one off random spideypool:

Shooting For Your Heart by X_Gon_Give_It (Teen)

“In my defense, I didn’t expect you to get hurt.”

“And I didn’t expect to be run out of town, yet here we are.”

He went suddenly stiff, “Wait...you were run out of town?”

“As if you didn’t know,” Peter grumbled, but when he looked up he did a double-take at Wade's confused expression. “Almighty, you really don’t know, do you?” he snapped the drawer shut, “Well, after that little fiasco by Two-Stone Canyon, a little rumor spread that me and you were in cahoots. The rumor got some ground and it turned the whole town against me. I was run out before I could defend my case. Why'dya think I was out there the other night to begin with?”

<><><><><><>

When Peter Parker, a deputy known as Webslinger, gets accused of working with the West's deadliest outlaw he finds himself on the run from the people he once trusted. In an effort to prove his innocence, he finds himself captured by the very outlaw tarnishing his name.

#fic recs #stucky #jeronica #halbarry #2020 fic recs

37 notes · View notes

darkarfs · 3 years

Text

my favorite WWE matches of 1997

Though I officially started watching wrestling in 1995 (my family famously first bought SummerSlam that year, which would be my first wrestling show ever, because it was $25.00. 1995 was a bad year for wrestling), I became a regular watcher of both WWE and WCW Raw and Nitro, and was able to buy my own PPVs, around summer of 1996, when Hogan turned. The first show I bought with my own money was In Your House: Buried Alive, though I kept up with weekly TV. And, for better or worse, I've been a fan ever since.

1997 was a REAL rollercoaster year for wrestling. The NWO was becoming a bloated mess in no time at all, Bret Hart was riding high, while he and Shawn Michaels publicly hated one another, a young Rocky Maivia was slowly transforming into the most charismatic wrestler of maybe all time, a young Steve Austin has broken his neck and can only work 5 minute matches but is somehow the most OVER wrestler in the company, and by the end of the year, the Screwjob happens, Bret's in WCW, Shawn's on handfuls of SOMAs (yet main-eventing). In a lot of ways, I'm grateful, because I side-stepped all of Hogan's WWF and WCW run. But it was a tornado of a year for a business always on precarious footing, as it ever has been.

And it gave us some CRACKING matches! - The 1997 Royal Rumble I love me a Rumble, and it's REALLY hard (but not impossible) to find a bad one (1993, 1995, 1999). And I personally love one with a storyline that runs throughout, and in this case, it's the ultimate heeling of Stone Cold Steve Austin. He visibly dominates the match until he hears Bret Hart's music, and then goes into panic mode. And it furthers the characterization of Bret's hand-spun narrative as being rightfully pissed that he's being taken advantage of by the roster, screwed by the company, and booed by the fans. Fun bonus: this is also the only Rumble appearance of lucha legend Mil Mascaras, who was so full of old-school carny spirit he famously refused to let anyone else eliminate him, so he eliminated himself, pissed Vince off, and was not spoken of again on WWE TV until the 2012 Hall of Fame ceremony, where he was inducted by his huge prick nephew, Alberto del Rio. - Bret Hart vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin, WrestleMania 13 This match is considered legendary, and for good reason. The greatest technical wrestler in the company vs. the best brawler, months of build, the world's most iconic (and off-the-cuff) blade-job (so much so that the visual of Austin bleeding in the Sharpshooter going "DAAAHHHH!" became the cover for his first VHS) and the wrestling world's most exquisite double-turn. It's fun, it's thrilling, it feels at once timeless and modern. Fun fact: there's a fun version of this match you can watch with just Austin doing commentary over it, and it's entertaining as hell. A true classic, and one of the greatest 'Mania matches of all time. - Ken Shamrock vs. Vader, No Holds Barred match, In Your House: a Cold Day In Hell Vader, famously, while a big teddy bear and a for-all-accounts lovely guy outside of the ring, had a reputation of being a bit "snug" with other wrestlers. Meaning he hit a little too hard, had little self-control, and took liberties with people, especially rookies and younger guys. It's supposedly why Shawn Michaels didn't want to work a world title program with him from summer to fall of 1996, because he was "too rough." But what never occurred to Vader is that trying that with a guy who's had 2 matches but has almost 5 years of MMA experience might not be the smartest or most prudent idea. Shamrock gives Vader as much as Vader gives him in this match, and there are moments where you can tell the guys are going into business for themselves. There's a moment where Shamrock is clubbing Vader with punches, and you can hear Vader, as he's turtling up and putting his arms up to block, yell "SLOW DOWN!" and then he rolls out of the ring to catch a breather. Vader, by the end of this match, is bleeding through his mask, a product of a broken nose, which is why I assume he gives Shamrock the stiffest short-arm clothesline I've ever seen. It's brutal, it's stupid, it weaves in and out of the script SO many times like a drunk man trying to stand up straight on a canoe, and I'm fascinated by each and every instance. - Owen Hart vs. the British Bulldog, European Championship Tournament Finals, Monday Night Raw, March 3rd Somehow, a workrate classic is stuck on a rinky-dink episode of Raw from Berlin, Germany. Smith and Hart blended some of their acquired WWE-style of work with classic junior heavyweight wrestling, complete with intricate reversals and fast-paced offense that was unlike either man's designed ethos of the time. Hart's shift toward his underhanded instincts as the match wore on provided enough story to balance the beautiful grappling from two men with impressive resumes. You can feel that these two knew one another, grew up together, and most importantly, wrestled together. An honest-to-God sleeper hit, but everyone who knows this match calls it a classic. - Shawn Michaels vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin, King of the Ring It's a concept that would be beaten into the ground in short order: Tag Team Champions that hate each other's guts. John Cena, seriously, has only been tag champions with people he's feuding with. That's

not even a joke. Austin and Michaels won the belts out of mutual dislike for the Hart Foundation, and then were programmed together for a wild match at the King of the Ring, one without a winner. Early on, the two actually pieced together a tremendous wrestling match full of nifty counters (prior to Austin changing his style after August for obvious reasons), before it degenerated into chaos after both men assaulted referees in the heat of the moment. Granted, neither man could really lose this one, so the screwy finish did serve its purpose. Until that point, it's a different type of incredible Austin match. You're never so happy to see a double-DQ finish. - Owen Hart & the British Bulldog vs. Shawn Michaels & Stone Cold Steve Austin, Monday Night Raw, May 26th And now we have a match set! The previous 4 participants in a brilliant and brutal tag team match. The Tag Team championship switch marked Austin's first piece of recognized gold in WWE, in a match on free television no less. That's not to insult the match any, as it was a pay-per-view quality fracas that barely slowed down. It is a mere 14 minutes long WITH entrances, but it moves at a clip, and everyone has their working boots on. It was a harbinger of days to come for this new period in WWE's history, and the crowd ate it up.

- Taka Michinoku vs. the Great Sasuke, In Your House: Canadian Stampede What happened here? Just when you think WCW had the cruiserweights cornered, WWE pulls this shit...and then kind of ignores it for a few months. But not before importing two of Michinoku Pro's finest to have a TakeOver-length exhibition. At first, the crowd in Calgary wasn't sure what to make of the undersized performers, but it wouldn't take long to win them over. From Michinoku's hands-free springboard dive to Sasuke's beautiful Thunder Fire Powerbomb, the expansive crowd was positively hooked on the daredevils with each passing minute. Although Sasuke wouldn't be long for the company, and Michinoku's run as Light Heavyweight Champion faded as 1998 wore on, the display at Canadian Stampede was a wondrous experience. This wouldn't have looked out of place in a Chikara King of Trios tournament. - The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart, Owen Hart, Jim Neidhart, Brian Pillman, the British Bulldog) vs. Team Austin (Stone Cold Steve Austin, the Legion of Doom, Ken Shamrock and Goldust), In Your House: Canadian Stampede I would have put this match on the list for the entrances and the finish alone. The crowd is at fever static for the entire match, seriously at the level of Punk/Cena at MITB 2011. And even though the Harts are the heels, they're in Calgary, and they get rock-star level ovations for merely existing. Everyone plays it mad and delighted, and you can tell they're all having a ball. Especially Pillman, who is just magically unhinged, a template for a young Dean Ambrose during their feud with the Wyatt Family. It is a magical, unreal main event, one of the best B-ppv main events maybe of all time. Well...other than MAYBE... - Shawn Michaels vs. the Undertaker, Hell in a Cell, In Your House: Badd Blood The very first Hell in a Cell match may very well double as the greatest of its kind. What stands out to me (other than how the match ends) is just how GREAT Michaels' selling is. When he's running away, he's constantly looking around for an exit, like a scared rat. When he finally gets caught and struck, he sells almost to the level he did for Hogan at SummerSlam 2005. But while he was doing that to make Hogan's offense look stupid, he's doing it here to make Taker's offense and anger look legit, and it somehow WORKS. But as fabulous as the match and the psychology is, it somehow takes a backseat to the debut of the Undertaker's monstrous little brother Kane, finally confronting his older brother in perhaps the greatest character debut in WWE history. - Mankind vs. Kane, Survivor Series I dunno what it is about this match that does it for me. Mankind's emotional lead-up to the match, where he's sad that Uncle Paul (Bearer) left him. Maybe the fact that Kane sells like Michael Myers, not so much that he's in pain, but as if he's never been hit in the face with a steel chair, a DDT or a piledriver. Maybe it's because Mick takes more horrific bumps than he needs to to make sure Kane looks like a legit monster. Maybe it's the broken Virtua Boy lighting. But it's genuinely unlike any other Mankind, Kane or ANY match I've seen before or since. It's a perfect somehow sympathetic serial killer vs. bigger, scarier serial killer that feels nothing story in a wrestling match. I didn't even know you could DO that.

5 notes · View notes

emelie-van-dalen · 3 years

Photo

EMELIE VAN DALEN

BIRTH NAME: Emelie Sarah van Dalen NICKNAME: Ems AGE+DOB: 31 years old, November 24th 1768 GENDER: Cis-female PRONOUNS: she/her NATIONALITY: Dutch ETHNICITY: Unknown HOME TOWN: Leiden, the Netherlands and Liverpool, the United Kingdoms CURRENT LOCATION: London, the United Kingdoms OCCUPATION: Published Poet RELIGION: Protestant ALIGNMENT: Chaotic Good/Neutral FAMILY: Emelie has two younger sisters: Eveliene & Leonie FACECLAIM: Zazie Beetz

+ Passionate, expressive, charming, observant, mesmerizing +/- Intelligent, ambitious, outspoken - manipulative, petty, insensitive

Rumours: Emelie writes poems for other lords and ladies as a side hustle She only ever goes up to a man to talk up her two sisters. She seems to be eying the ladies more.

BIOGRAPHY

My mother always told me That flowers were meant to bloom at the first sign of the sun My mother never told me That she could also be wrong, that she could lie and cheat And she never meant to do so But her heart was as weak as the heart of any woman

For someone who loved her I remember the flowers that did Shed their petals near the dusk and never bloomed again There small lifes bleeding onto the floors Sucked back to the earth to feed their kin I dreamt of being that flower

And then my life would make more sense I grew when things around me slept and died While they breathed in deep and out I watched the world go by, my heart yearning the sun But I loved the moon more When things around me slept and died

I bloomed at first sign

Love was never not meant to be without the bleeding heart The heart breaking and beating until the very pain became part of the heart itself With every breath and every step, I could feel love pushing me back to you For when I wasn’t it would envelop me And when I was it would still

But your body next to mind, your sweet voice and deep breath Your deep deep and warm breath on my skin You drove the pain away, away till I felt no more But your love paining me once again

You made me something more, a flower that grew simply in the sun of your love Where once all I saw was death, I now saw what it was meant for To die without your love I simply could no longer imagine

Even when I could no longer lay beneath your breath My heart had started beating painfully To stop now was simply impossible You had given me purpose without promise And I promise

They fawn their hands at me with great movement As if the simple gesture will move the world to their command Their hair shiny in the evening sun Reminding me of passing time and the difference For when I look outside it is not my world I see My world is gone and no longer mine But I kiss its feet still as if nothing has ever happened While imagining those feet are yours Only to pretend the warmth of the sun is yours

SUMMARY

Emelie was born in Leiden, the Netherlands, as the eldest daughter of Diderick van Dalen. She has two younger sisters and four younger brothers. All of them grew a sheltered life, with Emelie always being the odd one out. She wrote poetry from a young age, read all the books in the house before she was twelve, and was the apple of her father’s eye. He always brought her to dances and meetings because Emelie had a way of settling the mood in a room to her own devices. She would pick the best business partners for her father and while he chatted business kept their wives and children busy.

Then she fell in love. Her love was hot and feverish and precious. The daughter of her father’s biggest investor and thus the possibility of being together were endless. But for a woman to love another woman like they did... when the family found out Emelie and her sisters were sent to live with family on the other side of the canal. And she was to never see her again. Most of the poems she writes now are in a way all meant for her first love.

Her family being not as wealthy as most, not as famous as most, and perhaps most importantly: not English, Emelie knew getting her sisters a good match would be her main goal. Whether that pertains to talking up the two of them in front of rich gentlemen or sleeping around and starting rumours about the competition, Emelie is not someone who will give up easily.

HEADCANONS

Writes poems for a publishing agency in London. Her business partner in that venture is @damien-keyes

She also writes poems for anyone who can pay her enough.

Sleeps around with the ladies.

Her two younger sisters Eveliene and Leonie are adorable girls, one twenty-one, the other nineteen. They look a whole lot like her, but are incredibly different in personality. Her ability to charm a whole room of people has never been inherited by them.

She’s fluent in English, Dutch, German, and French. Currently learning more Latin languages if she can.

Plays the piano.

WANTED CONNECTIONS

Women love women (open to women): While not technically only into women, Emelie does lean more towards them, especially now. She is eager to sleep with all the women she can, knowing she might be able to use that against them should their connections get in the way of a good match for her sisters.

Customers (open to all): As a published poet, Emelie spends most of her days spinning thoughts and images into words. She will gladly write a poem for your loved ones for the right price.

Match my spirit (open to all): Emelie is a vibrant soul, she doesn’t make friends easily because she rarely shows her true face to people. She needs people who can match her wit and her quickness of speech, especially because she loses interest quickly.

#intro #theseason;introduction #//hello all this is Ems #written by me: Nico

12 notes · View notes

billxharry · 4 years

Text

The Day Before You Came should have been Harry’s song, not Donna’s: A Rant

You know, I very much wish they hadn’t included The Day Before You Came on the HWGA soundtrack. Not that Meryl’s version isn’t lovely, it absolutely is, and I listen to it often, savouring the much too minimal amount of Meryl’s Donna we got for this film, but knowing they never wrote any sort of context for her singing it, and never even had a plan to do so, because it was always just going to be on the soundtrack is a let down, especially when there was a certain character who could have benefited from being given the song.

If a song is included on the soundtrack, especially for a musical, where every song tells the story, I like to think it should fit somewhere in the film, but I just don’t think it works contextually for Donna in this film, and even more importantly, I personally don’t feel it fits Donna’s character in general. This movie is focused on young Donna particularly. Exuberant, passionate, bold and living her life with only the occasional and fleeting doubt. This song certainly doesn’t fit her at all at this stage of her life, before Sam. Her heartbreak over him, while justified, is at least somewhat eased in this movie by the arrival of Tanya and Rosie, then by Bill showing up and whisking her away, (I like to believe Harry arrived later as well, as I refuse to believe they were just that lazy as to not get the order from the journal correct, so Harry arrived at the island after Bill, they just didn’t show it, end of story. That would also help bridge where I feel HWGA! went terribly wrong in portraying young Harry and Donna’s encounter, as I have the hardest time believing the fondness shown in the first movie would exist between them based on that singular encounter alone, especially on Donna’s part. Perhaps another ramble about that at another time.) The most impactful of anything though, for Donna, was giving birth to Sophie.

Emotionally, for me, this song would have only have had a chance to fit in the first movie when we actually see the emotional hurt Donna has struggled with the years after Sam left, not in prequel sense, when what we see is Donna moving on as best she can, and knowing in the future her and Sam later wed and were happy. (For much too short of time. I will never stop being mad at this.) Even if they had put this song in the musical/first film, it still wouldn’t have fit, character wise for me, though. The Winner Takes It All was a much more fitting choice to convey those emotions.

What Sam put her through affected her greatly, and continues to do so, we do see that in the first movie, but both movies also make it a point to make it clear Donna pushes on, somewhat because she has no choice when she finds out she’s pregnant, but also because she’s Donna. She’s strong and independent, she doesn’t conform to the things others would think to do, and even when we see how these events have weighed on her as the years progressed, we also see at heart she will always remain Donna Sheridan, life and soul of the party, and how that spirit has always remained. What fight and determination she always had, she devoted use for raising Sophie, to giving her everything she needed in absence of a father, and I would certainly not label that a listless and aimless life of routine. In fact, with raising a child on her own, while also managing the inn by herself, we see the opposite is in fact true. She’s overworked and her life is a crazy rush of every possible job and ever changing responsibilities.

(An aside, I am aware that there’s a long standing thought that in the original ABBA song, the you the song is directed to may actually be Death, and yes Donna (unfortunately) did die (WHY.) So technically, it could be looked at that way as to why Donna would be singing it in the second film. That works even less, though, since the type of life that is sung about is especially not the type of life Donna would be telling Death she was living after the first movie where she got her (much too short lived 😡) happy ending. If Sam wasn’t the you Donna was singing to, and it was indeed a deathly entity, that’s an absurd notion to me. She would literally be saying her life was lonely and dull and without aim before she died? And had been for a very long time? Despite the first film showing us was that was never true? We’d also have to be ignoring the prominence that was placed on Sophie and Donna’s bond, her bond with Tanya and Rosie, the fact that Sam and Donna wed and we can assume were happy during the time before she got ill and passed away... No, be it if the the “you” is referring to Sam or Death, neither scenario works for Donna in my opinion.)

The Day Before You Came describes a life that runs on almost a precise schedule, without anything unexpected happening. Always being able to follow an exact schedule, always being able to have time to watch tv, read, get to bed for a lot of rest... It’s painful in how excruciatingly bland the existence of the life of the singer is. Unchanged, day in, day out. The singer is going through the motions of life, but not living it. They are lonely, alone. As I mentioned, Donna’s work life is anything but on an exact schedule, but even more importantly, emotionally that’s not life for Donna raising her daughter. Sophie means everything to her. While the romance with Sam coming to fruition at the end of the first movie is extremely fulfilling and what you want for Donna, the movie also makes it a point to show the true heart of the movie is the relationship between Donna and her best friends, but even more than that the most pivotal relationship Donna will ever have is the one she has with Sophie. She was not romantically fulfilled, that’s unarguably true, and she was absolutely overworked and overwhelmed, but she had Sophie and that meant everything to her, made everything worth it. The second movie, with My Love, My Life once again hammered that point home. Donna’s life was never what The Day Before You Came describes, and the biggest reason why was Sophie. I mentioned the Winner Takes It All being a much more apt choice, and it is. It’s very easy to see the romantic and emotional context to that song, and it’s definitely a song sung to a lover who you were hurt by. The Day Before You Came is... about a lot more than just the romantic side of things.

Give Donna/Meryl material, absolutely YES, but couldn’t it have been relevant? And seeing as we had to suffer through the terribly unnecessary death story-line, I would have loved had she got some truly joyous material, as we see her at the end of the first film, the type of material she deserved...

Ol Parker talking about this song, saying it was never going to be in the film, just on the album because “It’s so specific and I couldn’t find a way to make it work.” is incredibly disappointing for me, because no, you couldn’t find a way to make it work for Donna because it didn’t fit her, her character, or the life she had lead. However, there absolutely was one character who absolutely could have sung that song and it absolutely would have worked. Hmmmm, who could it be, who could it be, this is such an impossible connection to make apparently... a rather seemingly by the book character, who is living an unfulfilling life, alone, going to dull job, going home to an empty house and repeating it every day... hmmm. HMMM.

Honestly though, go and listen to the song or read the lyrics, and tell me that song would not have absolutely have been perfect for Harry. I can’t understand having a character it fits so incredibly well, but saying “it’s too specific, can’t possibly put it in the film.” Especially when you created two characters for the *sole* purpose of making Cher being able to sing Fernando work, but you can’t make a song work that fits a pre-existing character like a glove. Granted, Ol made it apparent he didn’t actually understand or care all that much about the “older dads” (the older cast in general was treated very poorly in this film as I have said 1000 times.) They absolutely should have had more to do acting wise, but singing wise as well. The first movie was successful because of the cast it had. Yes. Some of the singing was panned by people. A lot of people. But the success of the film was still indisputable, so I see absolutely no reason for including so little of what made it work to begin with. Colin especially could have pulled this song off vocally. They had a chance to really enhance the source material, expand on the characters we loved, and instead we got regressions of the the worst sort.

I obviously would want this song to be about Bill from Harry’s perspective, because Bill absolutely had every means to remedy all of this for Harry. Who better to give him adventures, spontaneity, love, ... and how easy it would have been. (Heck, it could have even have been sung about Sophie changing his life so thoroughly. I would of course prefer it be about Bill, because like Donna, Sophie means the world to Harry, but also like Donna, Harry deserves romantic fulfillment as well. I just want just Harry to have someone who has the ability to help him out of that life... The first film knew where the faults were in Harry’s life, and by the end of the movie they were on the path of trying to remedy that. No, I will never say Petros was the answer, but at least they tried, and more than that he unarguably had Sophie at the end. A daughter he so wanted. Harry’s life should have changed, at least in some way. By no means should we have ended up with him right back where he was, being unhappy and unfulfilled. This song, had it been given to Harry, would have felt like they were acknowledging this character, this life, and I would hope the “you” in the song would be enough to show that his life was able to move beyond that.

In all this, I don’t mean to say this is a happy song, of course not. There’s a sadness in the lyrics, a melancholia, especially with the slowed tempo and beautiful accompaniment by Benny that they gave the song for the HWGA soundtrack. That particular version really amps up that feeling, and that is why, as much as I dislike the fact that Harry is right back to being miserable, this song still could have worked with that story line. Take for example- In Bill, Harry had found someone who really made him evaluate the life he had been living, seeing it for what it really was and just how unhappy he had been, but now he has been given the potential to change that. Traveling with Bill has changed everything. For him. However, perhaps as far as he is aware, that feeling of finding someone who could change your life so thoroughly was one-sided, that this particular love was unrequited, and the things that they did together that meant everything to him, didn’t have the same impact on Bill, at least to his knowledge. Cue The Day Before You Came, a quiet but impactful reveal of the depth of Harry’s feelings, and the push Bill needs to work up his own courage to show Harry has changed his life just as much. Ideally, Bill would sing a short reprise of the song with lyrics written to convey what was missing in his life before Harry came into it, and finally they would both be in total understanding. Is this absolutely cliche and fanfic worthy? Oh, no doubt. It’s not the most deep or profound working of the song, I am aware. However, it is Mamma Mia! and I feel that’s allowed.

Having Harry sing this song would have been acknowledgement of a sort, that yes, this is back where this beloved character is at, and this is why, but there is something, someone, in his life that can help him out of it, and he can have his happy ending. I just feel that is a lot more meaningful than what we got, which is just... nonchalance about the whole thing. “Yep, there was supposed to be an awakening of sorts for Harry at the end of the first movie, but that doesn’t really matter, he’s miserable and unhappy, alone, still, right back in that lifestyle he was so unhappy in, five years later. It’s not actually worth the time to acknowledge any of this or try to remedy it, though, it’s not important. He’s going to end the movie in the same unhappy and lonely fashion, but hey, Fernando!” And we are stuck with a song, though absolutely beautifully sung, by a character it doesn’t fit, as a throw away soundtrack inclusion, nothing more, and a missed and extremely easy to see opportunity to give it to a character who really could have used it...

#Harry Bright #Donna Sheridan #Mamma Mia!#Mamma Mia! Here we go again!#I haven't posted a rambling rant in so long #so this feels good #I have actually been sitting on this one for a little bit though #It's so long #I would say I am sorry but i am not #I have a lot of Mamma Mia! feelings #whoops didn't tag #Bill Anderson/Harry Bright #but of course it is #typos abound I am sure #I am actually sorry about that though

24 notes · View notes

pernatius · 3 years

Text

Lost in Space Part 5: Ch 1

Summary: An unnamed Space Explorer must come to terms with the fate of the universe resting in her hands.

Part 1: ch 1, ch 2, ch 3, ch 4, ch 5

Part 4: ch 1, ch 2, ch 3, ch 4, ch 5

————————

The lights attracted me and in the process, they blinded me from the darkness that awaited ahead. They tempted me, tricking me, towards what its people have gotten sickened of. Of why its people want to run away from such a place with so much beauty. Of why its people want to escape from it, but can’t because this is all they know. Leaving would mean entering a new path towards a new world. Leaving would mean entering the unknown. As far as I know, the unknown is just a cruel, faceless power. Forget what I said earlier. It’s brought me more harm than good. This despise is something I’ve grown to feel, something that has strengthened as I scrape the bottom of my foot across this brick wall. I could’ve seen the squishy, sticky, and stinky substance easily with my newfound height, but as soon as I entered the city I was toppled and nearly suffocated by a bustling crowd. It felt as if that serpent from S1Y’s planet wrapped its body around me, squeezing me and tightening its hold every time I conjured the strength to try to fight free. I didn’t even get to scream for mercy, but at least it ended as quickly as it came.

I’m sitting on a piece of some cracked sidewalk with my head against the part of the wall where I didn’t viciously scrub my foot, which is stained with pieces of the substance, as I watch the sea of people I managed to swim past go to who knows where. I could assume some headed towards whatever job they had by their attire and the tiresome look within their eyes. Others I guessed were heading home after finishing school by their attire and their youthful, innocent faces as well. However, in their eyes, I could see they’re being molded. I could see the tiresomeness building within them too. This causes my heart to sink as they spread their gloominess to me. Speaking of gloominess, above the city are dark grey clouds looming overhead. I, unsurprisingly, assumed too quickly. This place is a different world, but it’s the same story. Lowering my head, so that my eyes are looking at the insect crawling under my crossed legs, the figure with whom I have built an unlabeled relationship appears in front of me. They mimic my posture but are looking right at me and are of course not phased by the several people walking through them.

Sighing, I look up to meet their eyes. I note how they’re as black as coal. They’re as empty as an abyss. They’re as empty as outer space. At least they have my face, my face before it became cubic, so I didn’t jump that much. I’ve known this figure for a while. I’ve known them for too long. Realizing this, I chuckle. I brush my hand to where my hair is supposed to be, but I imagined my fingers gliding between the strands. I’ve become insane, I concluded. Maybe I always have. Whether this is true or not, maybe it’s for the best. I take it as the universe getting back at me. When they speak, I also realize I have yet to become comfortable with hearing my voice come out of their mouth. Well, technically it’s my mouth. My mind? Anyways, “You were never the one to give up so easily. Why have you now?”

I am frustrated. I am tired. Most importantly I am hungry. So, I shout, “Because I was stupid back then! I was naïve!”

I could only imagine how the people around us reacted. Some Vector...Some Vection? Some other names not related to Vecta?...However, as Licata’s people are labeled, I’m still shouting at nothing. Clearly, I am done. Clearly, I am out of my mind. So, in the corners of my sight, I see people go around us and make sure the distance between me and them is more than enough for them to make it out unscathed if I am to suddenly pride myself on my insanity. Seeing how I’ve made a fool out of myself, I lower both my shoulders and head.

Quietly, I continue, “I knew what was out there. I’m sure she knew, but it’s only until recently I understand. That she understood too. It all came running at me. Ashley is right. What business do I think that I, a mere human, can fix both the intergalactic issue and personal issues I’ve created,” I sigh for the second time within my depressive state, “And I wanted to find Saamuki? It’s only a matter of time before she finds out about Mikrovos. I failed her. I failed Earth. I failed Ashley. I failed myself.”

“No, you haven’t,” an unknown voice answered in the figure’s place. Turning to it, as my ghostly twin disappears, I see an elderly woman draped in one too many layers of fabric that covered just about every inch of her except her face. This and along with her hunchback causes her to look a whole lot shorter than she actually is.

All four of her eyes squinted at me, causing me to question, “Are you talking to me?”

“Please, dearie, come with me.”

“But I don’t know y-”

Before I can finish she grabs my arm and leads me into the very building I was just leaning against. Somehow for someone of her stature, specifically with the lack of muscle, she can move me without much effort. Once we’re inside she lets go of my arm and proceeds to water a potted plant. The bucket’s water rains onto the plant’s leaves. Tiny droplets of water drip off of the leaves, but most are motioned by the leaves to slide down its stem. Whereby touching the dirt is then absorbed.

I don’t know how much time I have until she turns back around. So, I don’t waste any more time and I reach for the gun hiding underneath my cloak. Again, this elderly woman remains to surprise me because she tells me, “There is no need to get rash. Although, I understand why you want to make such an attempt. I am sorry for my ill-mannered action earlier, but I worried about your safety.” I raised my eyebrow. Well, if I did have one I would’ve. “As you were bickering with yourself, there was a being outside that took interest in you. A being that has ties to those you are currently incapable of dealing with.”

“Right. Well, I’m sure they wouldn’t try to do anything in such a large crowd. It was pure luck that I got past them, but I guess I have to thank you for your consideration anyway.”

Inching towards the door and reaching for its handle, she turns around to face me. The wood beneath us creaks because of her movement. “It’s only natural for those that have escaped from death one too many times think they can, but unknowing to them, now escaping will be their death. While not as sophisticated as the rest of the universe, humans are still remarkable beings.” I fling my hand away from the doorknob. “They have accomplished so much, but they aren’t unstoppable. Even those with a godly presence can be killed as well. You will come to terms with that, human.”

Gun pressed against her forehead, she doesn’t flinch. “You know I’m a human.”

“While you should be careful of your own voice I have known about that part of you for some time now. I’ve known about it even before you stumbled onto my homeworld, but I did not bring you here for trouble. If I was I would’ve done so already.”

“Why? What’s your goal? Why are you sounding like you’re trying to help me?”

“That’s because I am.” She smiles, which causes my grip to shake. That type of smile isn’t new to me. She continues, “Understandably so, you have many questions now awaiting for me to answer. More is being formed the more I speak. Youth does that.”

“Just get to the point. I don’t have the time nor the patience.”

“You’ve been hurt, dearie.” The woman reaches out. Her hand is above my left cheek, parallel to my arm that’s holding the gun. Without me stopping her, she places her hand on me. I flinch, but too quickly I let the affection get to me.

“Because of it, you’ve lost yourself, or so you would like to believe. I am a friend of Saamuki’s sister. Just like her sister, I have an extraordinary gift, but sometimes it’s a curse. It’s greatly reduced my years,” she continued.

Regaining my grip on the gun, “How-How do I know you’re not lying?”

“You don’t. I am a stranger to you, but I have known of you ever since you came to be. Believe what you wish, but if you want to believe your judgment rather than my words then pull the trigger. However, you already know those that are on the verge of death do not lie. My declining health is no secret.”

“If you dare to do anything problematic I won’t hesitate to shoot.”

“Of course.”

“Now what do you mean you’re a friend of Saamuki’s sister? How exactly does that have to do with saving me?”

“As you already know, her sister has passed. While that is true, her spirit has not. She had gotten word about your possible future and its correlation to the universe’s fate. Not too long ago she contacted me. We weren’t that close. We were rivals at one point. At first, I didn’t believe her. No, I didn’t want to believe her. When I saw them looking at you that’s when I chose to believe her. That’s when I knew what might’ve happened may have happened.”

“What do you mean possible future? What do I have to do with the fate of the universe? And who’s them?”

She coughs before answering, “The universe is no longer what it once was. Centuries ago the universe was at peace. Because of this, it wasn’t prepared. It was naïve. One being split themselves into several. On that day they became the ruler of the universe. Scattered throughout his kingdom are their Watchers. Watchers take notes of the cracks in the walls and report them back to the Lords. One of those cracks is a human, millions of lightyears away from her homeworld. It is that very human that will free the universe from the Lords’ reign.”

“That’s some nice lore there, but me? You said it yourself. I’m a human, one that’s definitely incapable of doing a universe-wide coup d'état. These Watchers have to be far stronger than anything I’ve ever had to face. So, there’s no way I’m able to do the impossible you’re asking me.”

“Correction, I said that you’re currently incapable.”

“I’ve only made it this far because I had people with me. They did the work. Not me, but when I tried to I got my ass kicked. So, I’m not some messiah. I’m just a human who’s lost in space.”

“We only claim we are lost when we have become blind.”

“That’s a lot coming from you.”

“I could see much more than you think I can. I can see you are hungry.” With that, my stomach growls, and I can feel my face heat up in embarrassment because of it. “I’ll whip us both some lunch.”

I let her walk away and head into a room behind a curtain. With her leaving me alone, I notice the place’s details. Her home, I assume it is, is small. It’s nearly claustrophobic. Candles float above and bookshelves have been stacked on either side of me. They touch the roof, but that’s not saying much considering I have to slouch just enough for my crown not to touch the candles. The bookshelves, though not grand, held a couple of hundred books at one point. They’ve scattered all over her home over time. A handful rest in a pile next to my left foot. Many of them lean against the feet of the bookshelves. The rest have been stacked into a makeshift table for the potted plant. Dust sparkles in nearly every inch of this place. Cobwebs as well, but they’re not as prominent.

The old woman motions for me to join her in the other room. Maybe I felt bad because I got the hint that I'm the first living person that’s talked to her in a while. Maybe it was because I’ve been hungry for the past half hour. Whatever the case I follow. Besides, whatever she cooked smells too good not to try. Although, as I should know by now, with every step towards heaven there’s always something that’ll make me slip back into hell.

#199 #lost in space #writers #writers on tumblr #writeblr #my writing #creative writing #spilled ink #fiction #scifi #wlw #fantasy

3 notes · View notes

things2mustdo · 3 years

Link

If you’ve stared at a blank document and the words weren’t flowing, you’re not alone. Mark Twain sometimes had that experience in front of a typewriter, and Geoffrey Chaucer with an empty parchment and a quill pen. So then, what do you do if you’re blocked while up against a deadline, trying to get that business presentation done, finish the doctoral dissertation about vegetable symbolism in Hamlet, or complete your Jezebel article about how chewing gum contributes to toxic masculinity?

The creative process

It’s important to understand a writing project’s phases:

Planning

Writing

Editing

Planning is where you develop a general outline. This may be the essentials of a plot, or the points you’re trying to make in a monograph. This phase also includes research. If it’s a story, you might also detail the characters, to sketch out their personality and history enough that they’ll come to life. It doesn’t need to be too extensive, though ideally, you’ll have enough information about them that you can imagine a conversation with them or know how they’d react to any given situation.

Editing is pretty self-explanatory. This involves checking the spelling and grammar; no word processor will catch every mistake. Also, that’s where you sharpen up the style, and fix any problems in logic and consistency. Editing is vital to perfecting the quality, but make it whatever you’re doing when you’re not in writing mode.

Writing is the most important part. This is what produces all those words. When a project starts, you have nothing written down, and this is where many people get blocked. Although planning is the first on the list, most likely you already have at least a basic idea of where you’re going with it. Also, it’s sometimes difficult to get into writing mode, which is another reason to prioritize it.

Creative flow

Most writing happens during creative flow. It’s not exactly a trance, but it’s somewhat a different state of consciousness. This takes place in any artistic endeavor. If you’re out on the town and vibing effortlessly, that’s essentially similar. Being blocked in that scenario is the all-too-common experience of wanting to be social or chat up someone but having no idea what to say. Creative flow is necessary even when writing software.

If you’ve got the inspiration fully in gear, then you’re putting ideas down as fast as you can type. I’ve had the experience where stories basically write themselves. Not being able to enter creative flow causes the dreaded writer’s block. Until your first draft is done, or nearly so, then always try to catch the inspiration where ideas coalesce into words almost magically.

What planning and editing have in common is that they’re fairly analytical and detail-oriented. Thus, for the most part, the left hemisphere of the brain is engaged. On the other hand, the writing phase is mainly a right-brained activity. That’s where the artistic functions of the mind happen. So this is a very different process from planning and especially editing.

Note well, it’s pretty hard to get both hemispheres of the brain fully engaged at the same time, unless you’re good enough at meditation to levitate or whatevs.

Get in the right mindset

You must shift gears mentally, so to speak, to enter creative flow for the writing phase. Again, this is what gets your first draft finished, so catch the inspiration whenever possible. This is the trickiest part. This doesn’t just happen on command, any more than you go to sleep at will.

The right mood music may help, something suitable for the task. (With my latest novel, listening to Espirpe Imperial, Division 250, and Celtica really put me in the right state of mind.) If the lyrics get distracting, find something instrumental or in a language you don’t understand well. The ancients invoked the Muses to get into the spirit of things; do that if it works for you.

When you’re in creative flow, it’s easy to get distracted. Set aside some time when you won’t be disturbed. Grab some munchies and your favorite beverage, so you won’t have to get up for it. Set aside extraneous worries or other thoughts, and focus on the project at hand. If necessary, tell anyone else nearby to let you finish your task. If they won’t leave you alone, persuade them to enroll in STFU.

Since most writing these days is done on computers, it’s difficult to avoid distractions. Therefore, you’ll have to discipline yourself. Keep off of the email, video games, stock charts, tentacle porn, and all that when you’ve set aside some time. Turn the ringer off on the phone, or put it in another room if you’re still tempted to check it.

Editing must be done with a clear head, or else you’ll make mistakes. On the other hand, creative flow can happen even when you’re tired. Some writers even prefer to get drunk. (Back in the day, many favored absinthe, though it’s hard to get it quite like they used to make it. The scare stories about it were fairly overblown.) All that is up to your personal discretion. However, it’s advisable not to overdo the bug juice or rely on it as a crutch.

Igniting the spark

So you’re staring at a blank manuscript, and the words aren’t coming off of your fingertips—what then? Rack your brains and write down a sentence or two. Surely you can think of something—anything. Then see if you can get something else down. Take it as far as it will go. This is what shifts the gears. Soon you’ll get a paragraph or two. With luck, words will start flying off your fingers. Run with it as fast as possible!

Note that it doesn’t have to be in any particular order. Speed is what counts. Don’t dwell too much on fixing mistakes, or that will knock you back into edit mode. If the ideas start coming faster than you can get them into sentences, jot down the ideas elsewhere so you can pick up the thread later.

It’s not possible to knock out a novel in one sitting. (With my latest, fourteen chapters and 88K words certainly didn’t happen overnight!) So eventually you’ll have to stop and pick it up later. Reigniting the spark is a little easier when you have something in writing already. You can begin in editing mode, putting things in order, making transitions from one block of finished paragraphs to the next, and otherwise polishing up what you already wrote. When you start getting thoughts on where else you want to go with it, then kick into writing mode and start creating new paragraphs.

Sometimes you’ll have to step back to planning mode, if you need to work out something with logic or direction. That’s fine, but as soon as you come up with some ideas you can write down, then hit it. If necessary, you can go to another writing project, returning to the first later. If all else fails, then start doing some boring, repetitive task that you’ve been putting off for a while. Mull over your ideas while you paint the living room or whatever.

Most importantly, have fun with it!

Don’t miss Beau’s book catalog. Good stuff!

https://www.returnofkings.com/1499/the-art-of-learning

An accomplished chess player and push hand (martial arts) champion shares how the bulk of his success has been due to being a good learner. I was expecting more of a technical guide, but this book actually had many exciting stories in excellent prose that added a lot of heart to his methods, a great example of showing instead of telling.

“Successful people shoot for the stars, put their hearts on the line in every battle, and ultimately discover that the lessons learned from the pursuit of excellence mean much more than the immediate trophies and glory.”

Many people will scoff at this but consistently getting laid on the international level is not unlike competitions that the author faced, especially when it comes to maintaining your concentration in order to perform at peak levels. Are bad nights out due to the girls not liking you or because you were off? How can you ensure that you’ll have a good night every night? The author talks primarily about chess and martial arts, but there’s a lot of anecdotes that players will be able to identify with.

For example, during his chess matches, he started getting annoyed at noises in the auditorium. Sometimes a song he heard earlier would loop in his head. He’d fail at removing them and then would end up losing the match. What he learned to do was to incorporate the noises into his head and use that to adjust his tempo.

Compare noise in a chess match to a cockblocker in a club. We get mad at them, wanting to remove them for the equation, but how about understanding the nature of the cockblocker to successfully pull you girl anyway? Maybe you could approach smaller groups, go for the kiss faster to neutralize the cockblockers effects, or inoculate your target against the potential cockblocker. Harness and adapt to what the environment is giving you to succeed in spite of the difficulties.

What I liked most about the book is how analytical the author is, examining every facet of not only his behavior but how he thinks. In other words, he thinks about how he thinks, meditates on how he meditates. It has put his game on an entirely different level, telling me I may not be reflecting on my experiences enough. This will be especially true for people who seem to repeat mistakes.

“A competitor needs to be process-oriented, always looking for stronger opponents to spur growth but it is also important to keep on winning enough to maintain confidence.”

This isn’t one of those books where some nerd reviews psychological studies—it’s a motivational tour de force written by a man who deliberately put himself through tough situations in order to become a champion. While there were some sluggish parts, particularly in the second half, it’s been a while since I’ve read a book that makes me want to go out there and achieve. Work hard and learn hard—I can’t think of a better winning formula.

Read More: “The Art Of Learning” on Amazon

1 note · View note

kaialone · 4 years

Text

Spirit Tracks Translation Comparison: Reclaiming Zelda’s Body

This will be a comparison of the original Japanese version and the US English localized version.

Specifically, this will cover the cutscene before the very final battle, during which Princess Zelda returns to her body.

You can also watch this cutscene for yourself in English and Japanese. If you want, you can check out the EU English version, too.

For the comparison, the usual points apply:

Bolded is the original Japanese text, for the reference.

Bolded and italicized is my translation.

Italicized is the official NOA translation.

A (number) indicates that I have a specific comment to make on that part in the translation notes.

As you read this, please keep in mind that with translations like these, it’s important not to focus on the exact literal wordings, since there is no single “correct answer” when it comes to translations.

Rather than that, consider the actual information that is being conveyed, in which way, and why.

Characters in this part who had their names changed between versions:

Kimaroki = Cole, Mallador = Malladus, Dego = Byrne

Before the Final Battle:

Zelda:

…リンク！リンク！！

...Link! Link!!

...Link!

Link!

Zelda:

目を覚ましてくださいリンク！！

Please open your eyes, Link!!

Please open your eyes, Link!

Zelda:

…大丈夫ですか？リンク…

...Are you alright, Link...?

Are you all right?

Zelda:

リンク！！

Link!!

Oh, no...

Cole:

ああぁ…魔王様のイケニエが…魂の器がぁ…

A-ahh... The sacrifice for His Majesty... The vessel for his soul...

Stop! That vessel belongs to His Majesty!

Cole:

はっ！魔王様！！急いでゼルダの体にお戻りを!

Oh! Your Majesty!! Return to Zelda's body, quickly!

Quickly, Your Majesty!

You must hurry back to Zelda's body!

Zelda:

あぁ…やはりわたしの体はもう…

Ahh... So my body really is already... (1)

Why...why isn't this working?

Byrne:

あきらめるな！

Don't give up!

You cannot give up now!

Byrne:

お前の体には聖なる力が宿っているのだろう？！

You have sacred power dwelling in your body, don't you?!

Your body has the sacred power of the spirits!

Byrne:

意識を集中しろ！自分の体を取り戻すのだ！！

Focus on it! Reclaim your own body!!

Now concentrate on reclaiming it!

Byrne:

お前が体を取り戻したら…

Once you get it back...

After all...

Byrne:

私にたっぷりと言いたいことがある…そうだったな？

You wanted to have some words with me... didn't you?

Didn't you say you wanted to have words with me?

Zelda:

…わたしの体に宿る聖なる力よどうかこの思いに答えて…

...Oh, sacred power dwelling within my body... Please, answer my call... (2)

If there really is a sacred power in my body...

Please let it hear me!

Zelda:

…おばあ様わたしにご加護を！

...Grandmother, please grant me your blessing!

Tetra! Please give me your blessing!

Byrne:

今だ！行け！！

Now! Go!!

Go now! Right now!

Zelda:

あっ…も戻れた？

Ah... A-am I back?

Mmmhh... Am I...back?

Cole:

イェーッ！イエェーッ！！魔王様サイコーッ！！

Yeah! Wooo!! You are the BEST, Your Majesty!!

Brave, Your Majesty! Bravo!

Cole:

さあ魔王様時間がありません

Now, Your Majesty, there is no time to waste.

But time is short, Your Majesty.

Cole:

小僧を始末しゼルダを捕らえもう一度復活を…

Dispose of the boy, and then capture Zelda to resurrect once more...

Please do away with the boy and capture Zelda.

Cole:

こ…こ…こ…

Th- Th- Th-

...Your Majesty?

Cole:

こんなバカなぁーっ！！

This can't be happening!!

Please, no!

Malladus:

…ダメダ…

…ダメダコンナ体デハ…

…コンナ体デハ我ノ魂ハスグニ消エテシマウ…

…オノレ…オノレ…

…IT'S NO USE…

…IT'S NO USE, IN A BODY LIKE THIS…

…IN A BODY LIKE THIS, MY SOUL WILL SOON VANISH…

...DAMN YOU... DAMN YOU...

This vessel…is…rejecting my spirit.

I’m…slipping from it…

I can’t hold on for long…

Malladus:

残サレタ時間デコノ世界全テヲ滅ボシテクレルワ！！

IN THE TIME I HAVE LEFT, I WILL LAY WASTE TO THE ENTIRE WORLD!!

But the world will crumble in the time I have left!

Zelda:

リンク！

Link!

Come on, Link!

Zelda:

この戦いで全てに決着をつけましょう！！

Let us settle it all with this battle!!

Let's settle this, once and for all!

Translation Notes:

Since Zelda doesn’t completely finish her line in Japanese, I tried to keep my wording ambiguous, as it’s technically not certain what her full line would have been.

The section I adapted as “answer my call” is この思いに答えて/kono omoi ni kotaete in Japanese, which would more literally translate to something like “answer my feelings” or “answer my thoughts”. I adapted it the way I did so it would sound more natural in English.

Comparisons & Thoughts:

Since this is the very last cutscene before the definite final battle, there are quite a lot of things I want to talk about here, both small and big.

So let me just go over them in order.

Right at the start of the scene, Zelda ends up repeating Link’s name quite a lot in the Japanese version.

The English version dials that back a little, and I feel this was probably intentional, to make her dialogue in that section feel slightly less repetitive.

If that was the reason, I think this slight change makes sense, especially if you’re only looking at the text.

When Cole sees Zelda attempting to enter her body, and panics as a result, his lines are a bit different between version:

A-ahh… The sacrifice for His Majesty… The vessel for his soul…

Stop! That vessel belongs to His Majesty!

In the Japanese version, the ellipses make Cole sound more concerned compared to the English version, and he goes into slightly more detail.

It’s possible that the English version removed the mention of Zelda’s body being a “sacrifice” to be more child-friendly, but they have actually used this word before, so I’m not sure.

I actually think it’s more likely that these lines were rewritten in English to be shorter, so it would be easier to fit the text here.

When Zelda fails to enter her body, she has this to say:

Ahh… So my body really is already…

Why…why isn’t this working?

In the Japanese version, Zelda is likely alluding to what Anjean told her earlier in the game:

“I’m not sure what would happen to your body then… If things go badly… It might no longer be able to take in your soul…”

So, in Japanese, Zelda seemingly fears that this assumption of Anjean has come true, meaning her body is no longer able to take in her soul.

The underlying implication is that, for all they know, her body could possibly already be dead, but the game never explicitly states this.

In the English version, her line is changed, which is a bit strange, since Anjean did give Zelda the same basic warning earlier in this version, too.

There could be many reasons for this, like wanting to make the line more understandable out of context, or not wanting it to sound like it’s implying Zelda could be dead already.

But regardless of what the reason was, the callback to Anjean’s words is omitted as a result.

There is a slight difference with a huge impact in Byrne’s dialogue when he tries to encourage Zelda.

In the Japanese version, Byrne reminds Zelda that she has “sacred power“ dwelling in her body, as has been mentioned multiple times over the course of the game.

But in the English version, this was adapted as him saying that her body has “the sacred power of the spirits”.

This can only be either a huge error, or an ill-conceived alteration.

Zelda’s body does not have the power of the gods of this land, or spirits in this case. And implying that it does not only doesn’t work with the established story, it also goes against it thematically.

To elaborate, even if one only goes by what has been said in the English version, there isn’t much of a way for Zelda’s body to have obtained the power of the spirits, since they used up their power and left the land before the Hyrulean settlers arrived there.

Yes, the English version does obscure that detail a bit, but in the end it still appears to be factual in this version.

Adding to that, the power in Zelda’s body has essentially been stated to exceed the powers of the spirits of old anyway, since using her as a vessel would supposedly make Malladus so strong that even they would not be able to beat him once more.

More importantly though, one of the game’s major themes is the idea of humans learning to prevail without any divine protection.

To quote Zelda herself, after the battle with Byrne: “We have neither the power of spirits nor demons.”

Because of that, having Byrne just state that Zelda has the power of the spirits, apropos of nothing, just seems really poorly thought out, especially if it wasn’t just an oversight.

And you might recall that this isn’t the first time they did something along these lines, as they also had Anjean say “May the spirits be with you” in an earlier cutscene, even though she said nothing of the sort in Japanese.

At this point in the game, the theme of mortals carrying on without divine guidance is about to reach its conclusion, so it’s especially frustrating that the English version now suddenly starts to undermine it like that.

Continuing from the last point, I want to take this moment to talk about Byrne a bit more.

This is technically his final scene, after all.

We’ve reached the point where Byrne sacrifices himself to help Zelda and Link, which acts as a form of redemption for him, given his earlier actions.

Aside from the point I discussed above, Byrne’s dialogue in this scene was adapted quite faithfully into English, being virtually identical between versions.

And yet, because of changes that happened earlier in the story, I feel that Byrne’s switching sides makes more sense in the Japanese version.

In the Japanese version, Byrne is mainly driven by vanity, to put it simply.

He intends to become a god himself, which means he would effectively be replacing the old god, who has already left this land.

He described his motivation as such: “I am one meant to obtain the power of God, meant to become the same as God.“

It comes across as Byrne seeing higher purpose for himself in this quite literally godforsaken land.

Someone has to take the old god’s place, and that someone is him. It's vain to be sure, but you can see how it’s an idea that could have formed within him as an unexpected result of the ideals he would have cultivated as a Lokomo.

It may appear contradictory, but this is why he chose to oppose his god and ally himself with a demon king,

But during their battle, Link and Zelda have revealed the "true answer" to Byrne's dilemma. The truth is, there actually is no need for a new god. The humans of this land do not need gods anymore.

And in turn, this is why Byrne eventually decides to join forces with them. They have simply proved him wrong, and after having had time to process it, he has come to accept it.

That's the point of what Byrne tells Zelda here, when he protects her from Malladus. He’s essentially reminding her of what she has already taught him. She can't give up now, because the power she needs to win is already inside her.

Humans like her are capable of fighting for themselves now.

In contrast, the English version has Byrne being mainly driven by greed, to put it simply.

His desire for power is not portrayed as him being vain and misguided, but as him wanting said power simply because obtaining it is possible.

This is how he describes his motivation: “Why would I want to serve the spirits…When I can become as powerful as they are?”

And as a result, I personally don’t quite buy as easily that this version of Byrne would decide to help out here. At least, not without a hint of a more self-centered ulterior motive, or the like.

To clarify, I don’t consider the English version of Byrne an actual bad guy anymore at this point, nor do I think he would still mean Link and Zelda any harm, I just don’t fully believe that this Byrne would have given up on this idea of gaining all that power.

In any case, Byrne encouraging Zelda now also has less of a connection to his own character arc in English, both due to the prior alterations, and him stating Zelda has the “power of the spirits” here.

...Unless the English version was using the "power of the spirits” aspect in this scene to try and imply Byrne had regained his piety to the spirits?

But if that was the case, it would still be a different kind of character development compared to the Japanese version.

Now, another factor of Byrne’s redemption that exists in both versions is the fact that Byrne appears to be touched by the mercy and kindness shown to him by Zelda, even if he never directly expresses it.

There is this idea that, by witnessing Zelda’s actions, Byrne can’t help but agree that this is a mature and honorable way to act, deserving of his respect. Especially after how shamefully Cole and Malladus had treated him by comparison.

And since the English version retains this aspect of Byrne’s story, it’s not like his deciding to help Zelda and Link comes completely out of nowhere or anything.

Though I still think the English portrayal of Byrne feels a bit less like the sort of person to be moved by something like this, but we all know that friendship is some powerful stuff.

With Byrne meeting his end here, I can only say that while I think his character development was slightly more logical and cohesive in the original Japanese version, he also wasn’t really handled badly in English.

When it comes to the actual way he talks, they nail him pretty well, and most of the issues I have with how he was localized stem more from the general issue of how the English version has chosen to approach anything divine in this game.

And even with that, I think the core of his original character still manages to shine through in the end.

This next point will be another long one, because we have a significant moment here.

When Zelda focuses on reclaiming her body, the way she calls out to her ancestor was changed between versions:

…Grandmother, please grant me your blessing!

Tetra! Please give me your blessing!

In the Japanese version, Zelda refers to Tetra as おばあ様/obaa-sama during this moment, which I adapted as “Grandmother”.

Just to make sure you’re all aware of it though, remember that Tetra is specifically the great-great-grandmother of this Princess Zelda.

You might notice that おばあ様/obaa-sama is nearly identical to ばあ様/baa-sama, which is the term Anjean uses to refer to Tetra affectionately. The only difference is the added prefix お/o- which makes it sound more respectful or formal.

The similarity here is most likely intentional.

Up until now, Zelda had only ever referred to Tetra as “my ancestor”, and from the way she spoke of her, it seemed clear that Zelda’s connection to Tetra was more of a distant one.

Of course, Zelda knew that Tetra was an important person who founded the kingdom, giving her some big shoes to fill as her descendant. At the same time though, it seems she didn’t know much about Tetra as a person.

But Anjean actually knew Tetra, and so it’s through her that Zelda indirectly gains a more personal connection with Tetra.

When they first meet, Anjean talks about how Zelda reminds her of Tetra, particularly because of her personality, her temperament and tenacity. Learning more about Tetra as a person, rather than an unreachable predecessor, is an important factor of the relationship between Zelda and Anjean.

In part, Zelda’s character arc throughout this game is about her finally freeing herself from being controlled by the likes of Cole. Thus, it’s also about her embracing the wild, unrestrained aspects of herself that she had been forced to suppress.

So, Anjean acts as a positive influence on Zelda, being someone who is not only amused and even impressed by her attitude, but also teaches her that her venerable dignified ancestor was actually just like that, in her own way.

It’s not something to dismiss as her being childish, it’s something she can take pride in.

That aspect culminates in this moment right here, where Zelda calls out to Tetra, but rather than calling her “ancestor”, she calls her the more familiar “Grandmother”, in a manner seemingly alluding to the way Anjean would refer to Tetra.

Moving on to the English version, Zelda instead calls out to Tetra by using her actual name.

Since English version doesn’t have a specific term that Anjean uses to refer to Tetra, they couldn’t do the same thing as the Japanese version did here.

Though aside from that, I’m assuming having Zelda say “Tetra” here was also done to give this moment a more immediately obvious impact, and I wouldn’t say that it failed at that.

But, there are still some problems because of prior changes.

Remember, aside from the cutscene in which Anjean first appears, any mentions of Tetra in the original Japanese version were changed to the more general “ancestors” in English, almost completely removing Tetra’s already subtle presence from the story.

As a result, the English version didn’t have the same buildup to this moment. Tetra’s name feels impactful because she is an important character in the franchise, but we have less of an idea of what she personally means to the characters of the current story.

At most, one could recall how Zelda spoke about her “grandmother” once, much earlier in the English version, and assume that this was Tetra. I do get the feeling that this might be what the English version wanted to imply back then, but it still clashes with the rest of the established story.

So in a way, the emotional connection between Zelda and Tetra in English sort of depends on the audience getting story details mixed up, and that’s a bit unfortunate.

There is also the topic of mentioning Tetra’s name at all.

Tetra’s name is actually never directly stated at any point in the Japanese version, it can only be found hidden in that one easter egg, where you need to tap ばあ様/baa-sama when Anjean says it.

Like I said before, I think one possible way to adapt this into English would be to pick out one specific moment where the name Tetra is actually said. But I personally don’t think this moment here is the best choice for that.

I still feel that the best moment for someone to say “Tetra” out loud in an adaption of this game would be during the cutscene before the battle on top of the Demon Train.

It’s a quiet, almost private moment, which fits the feeling of the name originally being hidden away, just for Anjean and the audience to see.

In this moment right here, Zelda calling out “Grandmother” in Japanese makes sense thematically, we know from the story itself why this is something she would call her now, and what it likely means to her emotionally.

Zelda calling out “Tetra” in English is more of a moment for the audience, a moment for people who are already fans of this character. In this version, there isn’t much of an in-story reason for why Zelda would use this name now, at least not one that is actually conveyed.

And just as a thought, consider how the Japanese version’s take on this moment would have an emotional impact on both old and new fans, while the English version wouldn’t have the same sort of impact on someone who was playing Spirit Tracks as one of their first Zelda games.

To conclude this point of discussion, I don’t think it was bad of the English version to literally use the name “Tetra” here.

I think Zelda calling out Tetra’s name here makes for fine alteration, but it’s slightly weakened by this version of the story lacking the buildup to back it up.

The game as a whole shouldn’t have removed so much of Tetra’s presence, so this moment could have had its full potential.

Still, I’ve seen many people who loved this moment regardless, though I think that’s more of a testament to how beloved of a character Tetra is.

Now it’s Cole’s turn.

They toned down his zany side as usual, but there aren’t many notable changes here aside from his last words:

Th- Th- Th-

This can’t be happening!!

…Your Majesty?

Please, no!

The English version opted to completely rewrite this part.

I’m guessing this was at least in part due to their general approach of making Cole more dignified, for the lack of a better term, but I also feel they might have wanted his last words to be more pitiful.

It is not a very fun way to go, after all.

I don’t think this is a bad change, it makes sense to give a slightly somber note to the moment in which your story’s most prominent antagonist meets his ironic fate.

And it fits with their take on Cole, too.

There is merit to the Japanese version’s take, but it wouldn’t really work in adaptation.

The way Cole just kind of screams “This can’t be happening!!” in Japanese fits with the personality he has in this version, and it happens to be similar to the words Byrne said when he was defeated by Zelda and Link.

That could be a coincidence, but since these characters act as counterparts to each other and were developed as a duo from the start, it could be an intentional parallel.

Also, a little fun fact.

You might have noticed that in Japanese, Cole has a habit of laughing and giggling like “ka ka ka”, “keekeekee”, or “ke ke ke”, and his voice clips reflect these, too.

Well, in this cutscene, as he’s stammering in fear, it actually reads as こ…こ…こ…/ko... ko... ko... in Japanese.

And if you listen closely, you can tell his voice clip at that point in the cutscene is literally him saying that, too.

I don’t know, that’s just a small detail I enjoy.

Lastly, we have the second (and final) moment during which Malladus gets to speak words.

Like I mentioned the previous time, the Japanese version has Malladus only use カタカナ/katakana and 漢字/kanji when he speaks.

I chose to adapt this by having him talk in all caps, which the English version did too during that first instance, but they drop it here for some unknown reason.

Maybe this was an oversight, or maybe they thought it didn’t look good with more words like that?

In any case, I think it would have been nice if they kept it. Malladus doesn’t get a lot of time to speak, so his speech looking unusual like that gives him just a little bit more of an identity.

Aside from that, there were also changes made to the content of what he says here.

In the Japanese version, Malladus notes that a body like Cole’s is no good, and that his soul will soon vanish.

This is something which was foreshadowed in two previous cutscenes.

First, during Anjean’s debut cutscene, she mentions that only Zelda’s body could take in Malladus’ mighty soul.

Second, after Malladus’ resurrection, Anjean also explains that in his current state, being only a soul, Malladus can’t last for much longer without a proper body.

With that in mind, it’s obvious that Cole’s body could not withstand Malladus’ soul, hence it transforming in such an extreme way, and that Malladus is in the process of running out of time.

The way Malladus talks here makes it seem like he tried to possess Cole in the vain hope that it might work somehow, but it didn’t.

In the English version, Malladus instead states that Cole’s body is rejecting his spirit, though it’s unclear if that would be because they’re not compatible, or if maybe Cole is actively resisting this possession somehow.

Either way, Malladus says he is slowly slipping from the body and can’t hold on for much longer.

Because of that, the English version lacks direct callbacks to details that were established earlier, and it also doesn’t seem like Malladus is in danger of dying soon here, just in danger of losing a physical body to use.

I’m guessing the callbacks not being featured in English was an oversight, they probably just didn’t realize this very thing happening had been set up earlier. Especially since they seemingly mistranslated one of those earlier moments.

But for all I know, it could have been an intentional change as well, in which case I can only speculate on the reason.

Perhaps it was to make Malladus seem more intimidating by not having him be on death’s door already. And maybe the implication of Cole still fighting back was intentional, to give him one last hurrah?

We don’t really have a way of knowing for sure, but I’m leaning towards a combination of both - oversights and intentional changes.

Oh, they also don’t have Malladus cursing in anger in the English version, but note that he says オノレ/onore in the Japanese version, which can be adapted as “DAMN YOU” like I did, but isn’t considered a curse unsuitable for children’s media in Japanese.

In fact, the English version of Ocarina of Time adapted it as “CURSE YOU”, when Ganondorf says it during the ending, so I’m not sure why they didn’t go for something similar in English here.

But yes, this is not really them censoring a swear, or at least it shouldn’t be?

It’s just them reducing Malladus’ already preciously short dialogue.

Looking at this cutscene as a whole, this is another one with its ups and downs in the localization.

The character’s dialogue is well-written as usual here, I’d even say it’s probably one of the best ones in that regard, as you’d want for your penultimate cutscene.

And a few flubs aside, the general adaptation of the text is faithful. Outside of Byrne saying “power of the spirits”, none of the changes in this scene really have a huge negative impact on it.

But that’s just looking at the cutscene by itself, and like many times before, there are a lot more problems when you consider it in the context of the story so far.

In the original version, this cutscene features pay-off after pay-off to various things that have been set up over the course of the game’s story.

Several plot threads understandably reach their conclusion at this point, and almost all of them don’t work in English.

Some because their earlier set-up wasn’t translated properly, and some because their conclusion was glossed over here.

Each individual one of these plot threads might seem minor and expendable on their own, but when you lose out on almost all of them collectively, it does hurt the story in some form.

If you just go by the English version, it can feel a bit like things just happen because they have to happen now, since there is not as much of a connection between the game’s separate cutscenes.

Less details mentioned at one point that then return later, less direct continuity between individual events that happen, less things leading from point A to point B as the story goes on.

And I know this is more than likely because the localizers probably had to work with the text out of context, possibly out of order, and even with different people having to handle different parts, too.

So please don’t think that I believe the translators were bad or anything, I know they almost certainly did the best they could under the circumstances.

Again, I think this game’s localization is good, actually.

On that note, this is the end of this part. Feel free to check out the next one!

< Previous Part | Start | Next Part >

#legend of zelda #the legend of zelda #tloz #spirit tracks #legend of zelda spirit tracks #legend of zelda translations #spirit tracks translations #my translations #spirit tracks comparisons

14 notes · View notes

prolestariwrites · 4 years

Photo

The Cadet [1]

Fandom: Devil May Cry Characters: Credo, Nero, Kyrie Rating: T Tags: Family, Family Drama, Angst, Mystery Chapters: 1/2 Word Count: 2765

Summary: Credo struggles to establish himself as the head of the Holy Knights while also juggling his new responsibilities as Kyrie's guardian. When Nero comes under the scrutiny of the Order, he must choose whose side he is really on. Set pre-DMC4

A/N: This is a two-part fic, and I will post the second half this weekend. Thanks to @solynacea for reading this over for me. Please enjoy!

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•

Credo drums his fingers on the table of the conference room, looking around at the other council members. Sanctus is running late, and of course nothing can begin until the Holy Father is present. The others talk amiably, some business, some personal, but Credo only nods in acknowledgment when someone looks over with a greeting. He is still not entirely comfortable here, and after adjusting the high collar of his coat he pours himself a glass of water to sip and cover his unease.

Finally Sanctus arrives, and Credo hurries to his feet with the others. They wait until he takes the head seat at the table before returning to their own chairs. He pulls his in and sits up straight, hands folded on the carved stone as the meeting begins.

They run through the typical items on the agenda: infrastructure, health and safety, reports from the records department, the sheriff, emergency services. The treasury reports doing well, with Fortuna preparing to make several investments to help with its sustainability plans. The Order has been granted even more freedoms that move it towards being its own city-state, free from the red tape and politics of the central government. It also keeps them out of the Order's business, which they are not ready to reveal to the world just yet.

Credo smooths his hands down his own report: just a brief update on their numbers and weapons. His department is not very large, and Credo has only served as head of the guard for about six months, unexpectedly nominated after his father's untimely death. He had assumed the role with a heaviness, feeling unworthy of filling his father's shoes but glad that he had security within the Order and the capacity to provide for Kyrie.

As the youngest and newest member of the council, his plan is always to remain under the radar of the others, leaving their political maneuvering to them and focusing solely on his department. Their sole task is serving as security for the temple and the council members, most importantly Sanctus himself. Credo will give his few remarks as usual, wait for the end of this monthly meeting, and head back to his office to run things as best as he can.

Yet when it is his turn, he is interrupted before even beginning. "Credo, I understand it is time to begin recruiting cadets, correct?"

He blinks in surprise at the one who spoke: Eder, the man-at-arms. Technically Credo's guard is under his department, but the defense of the temple and the council deemed important enough for its own branch. Eder and his father had not often seen eye-to-eye, so Credo also regards him with caution. "Recruitment has begun," he answers. "Applications are already in and we are reviewing them now. We will have the finest class yet, I'm sure of it."

Eder snorts. "Your first recruitment as head of the guard. Do you need assistance?"

Credo shakes his head. "I appreciate the offer, but—"

"It just so happens that I have the applications here, perhaps we can go through a few?" Eder gestures to an aide who hurries over with a large folder, and Credo watches in shock as he begins to thumb through the stack of papers. "Many of our finest young men are here," he observes. Then he stops on one and smiles. "I see my Ethan has his application in, and approved. That is excellent news."

Credo watches in annoyance as he holds up the application paper, the red seal affixed to the top corner, as the others around the table murmur their congratulations. "He was evaluated as all the other applicants," he says. "We found him suitable to start training."

Eder gives him a smile that does not quite reach his eyes. "As I said, that is excellent news. My family has been waiting for word, since your office has the list held so closely."

"I've instructed them not to give any information to anyone," Credo replies through gritted teeth.

"Well I am glad you found my son suitable." His tone is clearly laced with warning, but then Eder's brows draw up. "What is this! The Parson girls have applied again?" There is a bit of tittering around the room as the others clearly find this amusing. "This is the fifth year in a row they have applied. When will they learn the guard is not a suitable place for young women?"

"I was actually going to review their applications personally," Credo says. Eder looks at him sharply, but he turns to face Sanctus directly. The leader's eyes fall on him, his expression a cool indifference, but Credo forges on, "They are from a good family, and from what I've observed they are fine soldiers. The threat is building, and we could use members of the guard who are strong, no matter the gender."

Sanctus' expression remains its passive state, and Credo's heart rate quickens a bit as he waits for word from the holy one. But again Eder speaks first, and he must bite his tongue as he says, "Nonsense. There is no need for women on the guard. I'll be happy to send a rejection if you are unable."

Credo flushes with anger. "I don't think I need to remind you that the threat to Fortuna is growing. More and more demons are being spotted every day, and it is only a matter of time before they begin attacking. Until we figure out why these creatures are manifesting here, the emergency will only grow."

"The demons are under control," Eder counters.

"For the general population, perhaps, but I am tasked with guarding the temple and His Holiness. I don't want to risk losing either over gender politics."

They glare at one another as Credo feels heat on his neck, his collar suddenly too tight. This is an issue that he knew his father had been pressing, pushing for more equality among the ranks. He had felt that having women join the guard would be an important first step, but was stymied at every turn; now that he is in charge, Credo is determined to continue pushing for the step. So when Sanctus finally speaks, his stomach sinks with every word. "Having women in the guard will only be a distraction," he says. "They lack the strength and spirit for the work. Reject the application."

Credo bristles, trying to think of an argument. "Sir, I must… if you would reconsider…"

"What is with you, Credo?" Eder laughs. "Are you looking for more oddities to collect? Your father had a few of his own… speaking of which, here is an interesting application."

He doesn't have to wonder whose it is as Eder plucks a leaf from the pile, smiling at the document. "This Nero, he's that boy from the orphanage your father took in, isn't that right?"

Credo clears his throat. "Yes. He's not living with us any longer, the guardianship revoked when my father was killed. But I don't see—"

"I see you gave the recommendation yourself. Aren't you afraid of playing favorites, Credo?" Eder smiles.

"Not at all," he replies. "I recused myself from that applicant. But Nero shows a great deal of promise."

"So I've heard," Eder replies. "I've heard some other things as well." Credo presses his lips into two thin lines, bracing himself for what is sure to come, and is not disappointed. "He is rash, reckless, has a foul temper and fouler mouth. Does not get along well with others. To top it off, the abandoned bastard of a prostitute?" The other council members murmur to one another, and Credo stiffens, refusing to react. "Do you really suppose this is the best representative of our people? Would you trust such a young man to protect the others, protect His Holiness?"

Credo swallows around his dry throat. "It's true that he has had some issues, but if you take into account his upbringing, and the losses he's suffered—"

"Although I have heard he has demon blood," Eder interrupts.

That gets another reaction from the others, and Credo's eyes go wide. Even Sanctus sits up a bit at that, leaning forward to ask, "Demon blood?"

"Just a rumor, surely nonsense," Eder explains. "The story is that Nero saved Credo's own sister and some of the little ones from a demon attack. His strength and reflexes were not to be believed. Killed one himself, after it had overcome three of our own men."

Sanctus considers. "And we know nothing of his origin?"

Eder smirks a bit at Credo as he takes a deep breath and replies, "Unfortunately, no. It is true that he fought and killed a demon, but was hurt doing so. He is hardly anything more special than any other sixteen-year-old boy with the strength and spirit of youth."

"Killing a demon single-handedly is not something to take lightly," Sanctus chastises. "Bring the boy here this afternoon so I can look at him properly."

All eyes fall on Credo, who nods curtly. "Very well, Sir," he replies, promptly taking his seat.

He does not speak again through the rest of the meeting, until the rest are dismissed. He tries to make a quick exit, but Sanctus calls him over. "I'll be in my study. Come by in two hours with this boy. I'll be able to determine if there is anything supernatural about him."

"Yes, Sir," he mumbles, and when Eder gives him a smug look, Credo shoots him a cold one in return.

Nero is not at the orphanage, in any of his usual hangouts, or at the office where Credo has him working a few hours a day to keep him out of trouble. That only means one thing, and with something twitching in his brow, he heads to the house he shares with his sister, Kyrie. He says a silent prayer to Sparda that Nero is there on a respectable errand, and will find them sharing some hot chocolate, or even better, saying goodbye.

Instead, he stands in the doorway to the kitchen to find Kyrie pressed against the pantry, her hands on Nero's shoulders as he kisses her. He holds her in a tight embrace, his good arm around her waist, the injured shoulder still wrapped on the other side. Nero tilts his face to deepen the kiss, and for a split second Credo wonders if Kyrie is in trouble. But her hands slide up to drag through his hair, and with a roll of his eyes he gives a loud clear of his throat.

They jump apart instantly, both panting and staring at him with wide eyes. Kyrie sags against the pantry door, her cheeks flushed a deep pink, while Nero looks back and forth between brother and sister. "We weren't doing anything! Just talking! I had to bring you some forms, uh, they sent me here to uh—the forms!" Nero pats his pockets frantically. "I have them here somewhere."

"They're on the table," Kyrie manages, slipping past Credo and heading into the front room.

He turns his frown to Nero, who is looking everywhere but him, his good hand rubbing the back of his head. "Uh, I gotta get back to the office, so—"

"You're not going back to the office," Credo replies coolly. "You're coming with me."

Nero looks up in alarm. "I am? Why? I mean, where?"

"I'll explain on the way." Kyrie returns with the folder of documents, which he snatches from her hand. "We'll speak about this later."

She nods, not meeting his eyes, and Credo strides towards the door. There is a brief bit of whispering behind him, but once he steps outside Nero is thankfully right behind him, almost stumbling to stay on his heels. "Hey, Credo, uh…" he begins sheepishly. "Look, I…"

"Let me be clear about one thing," Credo says, turning to regard him coldly. Nero straightens up, his eyes widening in alarm. It's almost comical, and under other circumstances perhaps Credo would simply laugh this off, or at least just give them both a talking-to. But the meeting earlier has worn on his nerves, and the strange off-ness of the Order since his father had died is becoming harder to deny every day. The last thing he needs now is for Kyrie to be caught in some sort of scandal, particularly with Nero of all people. The attraction between the two lovebirds is undeniable, and he supposes its progression inevitable. But that doesn't absolve him from his duty as Kyrie's older brother… or Nero's pseudo-guardian.

Nero waits for him to continue, his face drawn into a wince, and Credo sighs. As much as he wants to be harsh with him, he must admit there is affection for him, especially knowing how his father and mother had been so keen on helping him. Out of all the children in the orphanage, Credo could never understand why Nero stood out so much. His charm is certainly obvious, and he once again frowns as he thinks of that charm wrapped around Kyrie's waist.

"What I just… witnessed," he says, sternly and quietly, "cannot happen again. If you won't think of Kyrie, and what her reputation would suffer, then think of yourself." Nero cringes a bit as he continues, "Your application for the Order guard is currently under review. You are already being scrutinized, and add on top of that your connection to this family. What do you suppose people would make of it if you were caught in some sort of passionate moment with the commander's sister?"

Nero makes a strange wheezing noise, and Credo nods. "Exactly. Everything you do is up for debate, scrutiny, judgment. Even what you do behind closed doors. And Kyrie…" Credo sighs. "Her future is even less certain than yours, simply for being born female."

Not wanting to say more, Credo turns and begins walking back to the buildings where Sanctus lived and worked. They travel in silence, and he can tell by the tension in Nero's shoulders that the boy is thinking deeply. Glad for it, he is relieved Nero isn't chatting his ear off; until they are within sight of the building and he asks, "Are you taking me to be punished or something?"

"No," Credo answers. "His Holiness has asked to see you."

"His Holiness!" Nero stops in his tracks, and when Credo turns, he finds him gaping. "What? Why? Because of Kyrie?"

"No," Credo huffs. "Because of your application. He wants to review it and meet you personally."

Nero frowns in pure confusion. "But why? Is that normal?"

If it had been up to him, Credo would have let him walk into the appointment innocently enough. But he makes a calculated decision and steps closer so only Nero can hear him. With his hands clasped behind his back, Credo says, "I want you to listen well. Your application for the Holy Knights is being carefully considered for two reasons. One, your background is unknown, and that is of interest to His Holiness." He hears the catch in Nero's breathing and sighs. "Secondly, your acts several weeks ago, while admirable, caught his attention. He wants a look at the boy who slayed a demon."

He peers up at Nero to find him white as a sheet. Credo's brows draw in, wondering why he is having that reaction. "Do you object?"

"No, I…" Nero makes a strange face, reaching up to grab his injured arm that is still bandaged by the shoulder. "I don't have anything to tell… I don't know who my parents are and I don't know what happened with the demon… Credo, you gotta get me out of this!"

"Get you out of this?" Credo hisses. "This is His Holiness. When he calls, you answer. You expect to be a Holy Knight and then disobey your first order given?" Nero blanches, and Credo nods. "I don't know what he wants. I don't know why he wants to see you, other than to question you. So I recommend you answer his questions truthfully and succinctly, or you will see your dream of becoming a guard, and any hopes of being with Kyrie, evaporate before you even begin."

Nero offers a weak nod, and once more they are off. Credo leads him through the maze of hallways, not pausing for even a moment until they reach the inner sanctum. Once they reach the vicar's private rooms, the guards move to allow Credo to step up and rap on the huge oak door before carefully opening it to reveal the extravagant study inside.

#dmc #devil may cry #credo #nero #kyrie #nerokiri #dmc4 #dmc nero #myfic #fanfiction #the cadet

11 notes · View notes

evilisk · 4 years

Text

Reading Len’En Profiles Part 4

This took a while didn’t it? This is being split up into two parts since Fumikado’s profile is way bigger (with more info about other characters, including future characters in BPoHC) than initially expected. Teams, Sese, Tsugumi, Shion and Tenkai are covered in this part.

= = =

As always, here’s a quick look on the profiles for the returning characters.

Team Profiles

Shrine Team:

I like how Yabusame’s profile mentions that they wear lighter clothes in Winter than in Summer yet the only discernible difference I can tell from their sprite is “Yabu choosing not to wear shoes”

I can't believe Tsuba’s profile casually reveals that they remodeled their body structure so they can't feel the cold. What the heck Tsuba?

Slaver Team

Kuroji’s profile is such a swerve. We went from “gotta put food on the table for my siblings” to Kuroji going full “Ameyama Telegraph style Reimu” who shakes down people [youkai] for money

Kuroji having ambitions to open a school in Mugenri is unexpected

Wait, so Kuroji, who is described as being a scholar of pre-history, wants to open a school (and presumably wants to teach at it). And Keine, from Touhou, is a were-hakutaku who can manipulate history, that teaches at a school. HMMMMMMM.....

“This is kinda dangerous” lmao at that being in Saragimaru’s profile. I appreciate how this is referenced in Yaorochi’s profile (their profile mentions that they feel like they’re being watched)

It’s revealed that Saragimaru doesn’t actually know if they are related by blood which is kinda weird? I got the impression that the one who was in the dark about everything was Yaorochi, not Saragimaru. Maybe I should take another look at their EMS profile...

Bottle Opener Team

I mentioned previously that one of the EMS profiles confirmed that Orochi was a youkai. Well Yaorochi’s profile 200% confirms that Orochi was a youkai with the line “[Yaorochi’s] a youkai very much like Yamato no Orochi” which is good to know

It’s been a while so I forgot, and ended up chuckling at, the bottle opener stuff. Especially the “Yaorochi has been training so good they’re good at the bottle opener now too!” angle

"For the sake of creativity, [Sukune doesn’t] speak like a normal person.” So that’s the reason for their accent? Lol okay

I like how Sukune’s wings are given a small explanation here. I wouldn’t have guessed that they could fly without them (I would have assumed they can’t normally fly, and that they fought on-foot in EMS)

= = =

Boss Profiles

Stage 1 / Stage Extra+ Boss - Sese Kitsugai

Original Opinion: While I find their in-game spellcards (as a Stage 1 boss) to be rather zany, I love this Bony Baby. Seriously, I cannot look at their sprite, with their cute smiling baby fangs, and see Sese as an adult (I think they’re referred to as “a kid” by some of the teams too). I am not so hot on EX-Sese as a design, but in concept? I LOVE IT. I think their BPoHC design (which I love, love LOVE, but more on that in the next post) is a better middle ground between “base” Sese and EX-Sese, but I digress. Sese is 'Sese-rious’ fun!

Comments on Profile:

Interesting, interesting. So apparently Sese Kitsugai (or just “Sese”, according to their Wiki entry) isn’t their real name. They just thought it was a pleasant nickname.

It seems that without their skull, they don’t remember much (like their original name). It’s weird since they draw attention to Sese’s current skull helmet in Yaorochi’s route (Sukune can’t remove it, Yaorochi seems to think it’s special) but I suppose that Sese’s original skull should be WAY bigger than their current one.

Sese has a second profile which adds a lot more details. Apparently, they were scavenging bones near Harujion while that big epic fight was happening in Stage 6.

So EX Sese’s appearance is their canon true/”original” appearance. Boo. I honestly think their BPoHC design is way better. It also seems that without the original skull, Sese cannot maintain their original appearance.

Sese’s EX Profile has an extra ability: “something like conquering the above-ground”. That’s not ominous at all.

I cannot help but wonder if Sese originally fought Tsurubami and just got whooped really hard... okay, now I have the mental image of Tsurubami booting Sese’s skull so hard that they became dumb.

Oh and Sese is mentioned as excavating becoming a hobby for them. Good for Sese.

New Opinion: Y’know, it just hit me that Sese is *basically* Rumia / EX-Rumia but canon and with 200% more bones...

Regardless, Sese is so good. Just like the two other Stage 1 bosses so far. It’s crazy how good JynX is at doing Stage 1 bosses, I dislike most Touhou Stage 1 bosses (the only good ones are Eika and Nazrin).

= = =

Stage 2 Boss - Tsugumi Umatachi

Original Opinion: Tsugumi is the one character I say has aged like fine wine (to me). I thought that Tsugumi being a grumpy goon, despite being a steampunk-looking, bat wing-wearing, eggplant-riding jockey, was such a strange design choice. Then I realized that “grumpy person who dresses colorfully” is basically my real life aesthetic and I totally got it. Though I outright like Fumikado more, I appreciate their personality and their fun musical theme.

Comments on Profile:

...After reading this profile, I’m not sure what to take at face value.

Okay so first off, they were hired by a certain someone. It’s unclear if this someone is Fumikado (the obvious choice) or Iyozane (who is technically the person who put out the bounty that Tsugumi and Kuroji are following up on in the game).

There’s some reference to boke and tsukkomi that I honestly do not understand. Like I recognize the terms from Gintama, but I’m not sure what JynX is trying to say about Tsugumi as a character when they say “Ninjas!” or that Tsugumi wasn’t born in Japan.

Also, their species is “Eggplant Jockey”. I have no frame of reference for what this is supposed to mena.

New Opinion: I... have no new opinion because I have no idea what I just read. I was going to say “oh so Tsugumi isn’t Japanese” but I just skimmed their page on the Shout Wiki and there is no reference to this fact (which makes it seem like that was just an example of this boke and tsukkomi thing mentioned before)

I got nothing :/ Tsugumi is still cool tho

= = =

Stage 6 Boss - Shion

Original Opinion: Just as Sese continues the unbroken tradition of Len’En games having incredibly good Stage 1 bosses, Shion continues the tradition of Len’En games having incredibly underwhelming final bosses

Yaorochi and Clause both had something keeping them from being great final bosses; for Clause, its their joke character personality that lets them down, while with Yaorochi, it’s their theme. In Shion’s case, it’s the fact that they come completely out of nowhere, hijacking Fumikado’s rightful place as Final Boss that gets me all hot and bothered. (I think that Shion giving off strong “low rent Yuyuko vibes doesn’t help their case either)

It’s an absolute shame, since Shion seems to have clearly learned from Clause and Yaorochi, since they’ve got the creepy (cool) personality and the kickass boss theme. If only they had actual relevance to RMI’s plot...

Comments on Profile:

So apparently Shion is from a magical plant that can resurrect or grant immortality, it always pops up in a random place and the Senri Priests are usually supposed to cut it down when that does happen... oh dear.

Oh I see now, Shion is like Ermac from Mortal Kombat i.e. they’re a mass of souls and experiences that collectively form a new being. That’s a pretty cool backstory, actually! ...Wait, so the final spellcard that Shion has... are those like the names of the souls they absorbed?? That seems interesting.

So it goes that the souls in Shion were split at some point: the good souls formed the body while the evil souls formed the spirit. This intended equilibrium, however, was distorted by Mugenri’s barrier and instead of a split of good and evil it was just evil and more evil. Well that basically explains why Shion went from no chill to being very chill after Stage 6. Shion is mentioned as literally getting killed in all the endings (because everyone apparently went too ham). So we basically have “Evil and Eviler Shion” dying and then Harujion bringing them back as “Equilibrium of Good and Evil Shion”. Interesting, interesting.

This last part of the profile is such a mood. “[...] a good number of those voices were playing the same melody in unison, that “the world is full of malice.” “...Shion had no doubt about that claim. If their body is a miniature copy of the world itself, then they are evil itself.”

New Opinion: While I still hate that Shion hijacked Fumikado’s role as final villain, they are a way more interesting character than I initially thought. I do know that Shion is apparently a playable character in BPoHC, but have no idea how JynX intends to use them, so I’m interested to see what JynX’s plans are for them

= = =

Stage Extra Boss - Tenkai Zuifeng

Original Opinion: I think my first thoughts went exactly like “oh god that outfit is horrible” to “oh god this fight is insane” to “oh so they’re just Tsurubami’s really, really tired friend, I dig it”. I think the aspect I appreciate most is that they’re basically the straight man character the series has been missing. Yabusame and Tsubakura are weirdos, Kuroji is a scoundrel, the Adagumos operate on weird youkai logic and Sukune lacks common, human sense.

Tenkai is your only option if you’re looking for a sensible recurring character. And this sensibility only makes the interpretation of a Tenkai who is “endlessly tired of everyone’s shit” stronger in my mind. Beyond the personality, they have a great theme, a cool backstory and, most importantly, a really damn good shot type in BPoHC. Now if only their outfits weren’t absolutely, consistently garish. It’s like JynX heard me say “the Len’En games need more colour” and decided to concentrate it in Tenkai’s outfit which has like, EVERY SINGLE COLOUR.

I still love my Tired Barrier Carpenter but please stop picking your own outfits

Comments on Profile:

Okay so Tenkai is from a renowned family of barrier builders that has worked with the Senri Shrine. Note the focus on the word *builders*; apparently these builders aren’t so good at repairing barriers. Cue Tenkai getting a job to repair the Mugenri Barrier as part of her ‘training’ (at least, that’s what it seems like on the surface. It’s mentioned that this training is also an attack on Tenkai’s prestige).

The profile mentions Tenkai pulling some prank as a way to get back at her bosses. Tenkai hating her bosses just makes tired Tenkai more and more real in my head.

From my knowledge of the routes in-game, this prank was not repairing the barrier immediately, letting the souls outside the Barrier into Mugenri and basically letting the events of the game happen (Fumikado and co. start gathering souls, Harujion sprouts near Fumikado, Shion is born, Sese transforms in the Extra etc.). I guess it’s also meant to be an excuse to test Tsubakura and Yabusame. In short, we can all thank Tenkai for the events of this game.

IIRC, I think Tenkai is referenced as being from the Outside World? Maybe? I know it’s brought up in the Kuroji / Saragimaru route.

It’s also not mentioned in the profile I believe Lumen is responsible for punching a hole in the barrier in the first place which is HILARIOUS

Their title is of the “Old Dictators”. So basically, Tenkai is the Marisa to Tsurubami’s Reimu.

New Opinion: I already liked Tenkai, this is just cementing my headcanon of Tenkai being a very, very tired person. There’s not a whole lot to say about Tenaki since this is all just plot and worldbuilding details

= = =

I will finally get into Iyozane (who has a small profile, but has a large role in Fumikado’s profile) and Fumikado (who has a huge, huge profile) in the next part.

#len'en #len'en lore #reactivate majestical imperial #len'en project #len'en content #len'en reiretsuden #sese kitsugai #tsugumi umatachi #shion len'en #tenkai zuifeng #len'en reiretsuden reactivate majestical imperial #not a reblog

6 notes · View notes

mhall070 · 4 years

Text

MY SUPER SMASH BROS STORY

I first played super smash bros in 08, when brawl was new. It belonged to my mom's ex's nephew's friend, me my brother my mom's ex's nephew and his brother all played for countless hrs (funny with the 4 of us it really was super smash BROTHERS). Now I first played smash before I new what smash was so it was really just a fighting game with a bunch of familiar faces to it. My mane was Mr game & watch I only played him because he was visually the most impressive character (being flat and all), my brother played snake because he was a solder the nephew would play sonic and his brother would play rob cuz he looked like wall e.

Unfortenently this fun would not last for I had forgotten all about it in the 3 yrs it was absent from my life. 3 yrs later in the last month of of middle school I did not rediscover smash but it was first introduced to me. It was super smash bros 64 I fell in love instantly with its bizzar game play and mechanics, but most importantly with the characters and settings. The first character I played was jigglypuff because no one else played her and she was the only unlocked character. The connection with jigglypuff and I was strong and would be indefinite because she was so quirky and fun, I enjoyed being a nuance to my friends while having my ass handed to me. Note ssb64 is when I first met my partner so you could say smash is a love story. After a while I new I had to own this game so I asked my mom for super smash bros, yep those were my words, I never specified I wanted ssb64. On my next birth bay I received a videogame as my gift it was super smash bros brawl (in my opinion the most ambitious game in the series). As I played through with my brother we shuffled through an onslaut of options like music choices and modes like saving photos and replays it was amazing, and don't get me started with subspace emissary. The story mode was almost to much fun being so dramatic and hilarious, it really was something to behold. In super smash bros brawl there were a few more characters I found I had a great fondness for. They were Zelda & sheik, falco, marth, and the ice climbers whom I would not learn were from the previous instalment for some time and the newcomers were zero suit samus, Lucas, pit, toon link, and rob. It was also brawl that introduced me to my favorite video game franchises, like metroid, star fox, zelda, and f zero. When we first returned to the fighter select screen a memory from the past suddenly changed the way I looked at this game series. My life was suddenly just like the entangled crossover mess that was the game, it was like meeting an old friernd who had always been there, and it was then I decided super smash bros was the greatest video gaming experience of my life. Not long after completing brawl I discovered super smash bros melee instantly I new I had to own it, so I bought a copy and a GameCube cuz I didnt own one. It took me a stupid long time to unlock every character and stage (melee stages explained). I was surprised to learn that some characters in melee didn't make it to brawl, only one of wich I really fall in love with. Roy was one of many characters that were sadly cut from the next instalment. And I mean clones they were everywhere in melee and all but absent from from brawl. As for other characters I grew especially fond of the ice climbers and their gimmicky play style. Unfortunately super smash bros melee modes were a bit lackluster compared to brawl. Say for adventure mode wich was surprisingly deep, it really made you feel as if you were traversing through the games the characters belong to, unlike subspace emissary. But where I believe super smash bros melee really shines is in its game play and mechanics. It feels like a movie hopping around with explosions and lightning fast movements and it's technical input options that make the competitive scene so alluring (I'm a casual player BTW), unlike brawl wich is slow and sloppy and ssb64 wich in my opinion is worse. All things considered it is perhaps the most well put together game in the series.

Some time later super smash bros for Wii u and 3ds was announced, I was shocked, I believed ssbb was to be the last game in the series. I couldn't believe it, smash for handheld and home it was unreal. The first installment in the series I could truly enjoy the hype for, it was fun aside from being a skeptic of all the leaks that would later turn out to be true. First I shall say I accurately predicted paluteana would be a playable character, second the biggest surprise was definently pac-man (didn't think he'd be possible), and third I was crushed to learn ice climbers would not make the cut because of the 3ds and I'd resent it for that reason. Not only that but I new the 3ds version would be inferior so I waited for the Wii u version. I stood out side the game store late at midnight to get my copy early. And I played for hrs, my favorite addition to the game had to be 8 player smash I allways wanted more action. I must say the roster of this game is one of if not the strangest with the cutting of semi clones like wolf and Lucas and the return of clones, specifically Dr Mario, of all the melee characters you'd choose to bring back why him over mewtwo, and the inclusion of dlc later. Nonetheless I did receive a few new characters to enjoy in paluteana, villager, the mii fighters, and corrin. Speaking of dlc I was not surprised by the announcement of mewtwo as dlc and I am glad both Roy and Lucas returned and Ryu I new you couldn't represent capcom with just megaman. The other game modes in Wii u and 3ds were interesting to say the least, target blast was fun but I still prefer target smash, master and crazy orders were amazing but hard, smash run was certainly the best thing about the 3ds version oh yah I did get a copy and a 3ds because I didn't have one. Oh and people, smash board isn't comparable to subspace emissary or world of light so, stop comparing them. The inclusion of amiibos really can make the game interesting but ultimately (pun intended) aren't very fun, however that won't stop me from buying all the amiibos I want. Now taking all this into account super smash bros for Wii u and 3ds allthough is flawed is also endlessly entertaining.

Then one day my partner came up to me and said, MERDY (thats my name) there's a new super smash bros game coming out. We watch the teaser and the thoughts just start rolling in, what characters will there be, what stages, what items, what modes, I was ready for all the answers but I would have to wait. I can say before the big "everyone is here" reveal I knew the ice climbers would return I also new there was no way they'd pass up another chance to add a story mode. World of light and spirits for that matter are probably the best thing to happen to smash, it's so complex and in depth it's creative and bewildering, it may not be as enveloped in worlds as adventure mode and we may not be able to enjoy the creative level design Masahiro Sakurai brought to subspace, however world of light has one thing the other two don't, customisation and the choice to play how you want, it's not as linear as adventure mode or subspace, and your fights aren't chosen for you. As for other game modes, I should first say 2 great new additions are video editing and vr mode, anyway you might as well go back and play some of the earlier installments in the franchise because ultimate leaves a little to be desired. Say for smash mode wich has lots of fun and well we can't talk about smash mode or super smash bros ultimate as a hole without mentioning it's shining star. The characters in super smash bros ultimate really make the game, I always dreamt that all the character from past installments would be in one game together. Of course I still had my predictions and surprises, first I accurately foresaw chrom, Simon, king k rool, technically hero (I really predicted erdrick only), and banjo & kazooie. Second I did not suspect, daisy, dark samus, and incineroar, although it was not a surprise ridley's presents in the game is highly appreciated for I am a huge metroid fan, BTW inkling was a no brainer. And I should mention the only new character I really enjoy playing is king k rool. Before the last section I wanna reminisce the things I'll miss about super smash bros. I'll really miss board the platforms, race to the finnish, 3d models of the characters and stages on select screens, event matches, coin launcher, boss battles, master and crazy orders, trophy rush, trophies, smash run, and good online gameplay... oh wait that was never a thing. I must state I'm sorry this story kind of turned into a critique, but super smash is first and foremost an experience and looking back now my life has be influenced by it, learning to grow strong and live big, and I can tell you super smash bros still is both a brotherly and love story for I still play with my brother and partner frequently. As for the future I can't say, ssbu is still growing and I personally believe it'll be Sakurai's last game in the franchise and video games are starting dwidle out of my life. Nonetheless it will be an unforgettable experience and I plan to continue to share it with all the world as it should be, being the largest crossover event in the history of entertainment, how can you even avoid it.

Waluigi for smash!!

-------------------END-------------------

#super smash bros #super smash bros brawl #super smash bros melee #super smash bros ultimate #super smash bros for wii u #super smash bros for 3ds #ssbb #ssb #ssbm #ssbu #super smash bros special #ssb4 #jigglypuff #2008 #2014

1 note · View note

sparda3g · 5 years

Text

Kimetsu no Yaiba Chapter 165 Review

youtube

It’s such a cruel transition from the last chapter to this. Last time, it gave the fans a fun, light-hearted event; this time, it grant them a hard-hitting, heart-pounding event. I was hoping to turn back to the battle with Upper Moon 4 and leave the other as a long-lasting cliffhanger. I realized that I was avoiding the inevitable, and sadly, it’s all coming true. While the chapter was very solid with how it builds a credible hype for Upper Moon 1, it left me horrified and fear for the worst.

The last page of the last chapter left me breathless; this chapter resume that feeling. It makes it worse when Kokushibou can see the other world, much like Tanjiro earlier, and because of that reminder, the fans will instantly know how powerful he is. That’s rather amazing, but scary as all hell. The way how Tokito describes him convinced me that we are dealing something unseen or unspeakable, which is crazy considering the recent Upper Moon 6 was like him. This speaks volume because the power gap is so huge, it’s like the sixth didn’t happen. That’s bone-chilling.

Sadly, that applies the same for Tokito as he is shaking beyond his control. It’s a good thing he had a badass moment back in the last arc; a huge gap to maintain his credible hype. If it happened within here, he would have suffered a Chad’s syndrome. Allow me to explain. Chad is a character from Bleach, who always have bad luck. Within an arc, he gets a power-up that gives him a time to shine, but soon after, he’s used for hype buff for another character. It happened many times. With Tokito, his moment left a lasting impression in fans’ memory, which garnered him more fans. He’s well liked, so with this unexpected turn of event, fans will weep, cry, and suffer.

I was taken back with Kokushibou since he doesn’t go ill intent to kill right away. Instead, he’s rather intrigued with Tokito’s heritage as much as I am. I’m intrigued to learn about the lineage from him as it can serve plenty of interesting details of the Pillars and the foundation. Someone in the fandom called out that he’s related to Tokito. They are technically right, but it’s a bit complicated. His human name was Michikatsu Tsugikuni and his name has died out a long time ago. But the legacy transfers over, and so, Tokito is his descendant. That’s just cruel.

Not only he’s about to fight Upper Moon 1, who wields a sword like the Pillar, but he’s also part of his blood. It’s far apart, sure, but it is in the ancestry tree. It’s simply the past meets the future; no personal grudge required. There hasn’t been any move and already the sensation gives me serious chills. Once the action kicks off however, anyone who wanted action will be begging to stop.

The action is expected, but still intense and fearsome. Even if I were to predict the way how it’s going to go down, reflecting back to Chad’s syndrome, I’m still floored by the demonstration on the credibility of Upper Moon 1. This is no ordinary hype buff; this left me frozen. It becomes clear from the first move that Tokito has no chance in hell to defeat him. That’s how fast it is to be convinced.

It’s not because what happened, but how it was presented. Tokito goes for an attack and Kokushibou quickly dodges it. It sounds like the usual Shounen hype, but not only his hype was maintained well to this point, but his response is more on learning rather than mocking or unimpressed. He’s taking his time to learn about his descendant. In short, he’s more into learning than fighting. That’s harsh in its own rights. We’re not seeing a fight; we’re seeing a performance.

He even has the nerve to give Tokito a gratitude, mainly due to the heritage. He’s reassured that his former name’s blood carried on well to Tokito for he has shown great developments in swordplay. It’s a twisted way to show gratitude since it only pisses Tokito off further. It is one thing that he’s fighting against a former Pillar based on his appearance, it’s another that he’s fighting against a bloodline. It brings shame to his name, and he will remove him at once. Amazing how it managed to make it personal within a chapter.

Although now Tokito has the marking activated, it only resume Kokushibou’s amusement, examining and theorizing the technique. Even when he was covered in obscuring clouds from the Mist Breathing, he wasn’t faze nor fear for a sneak attack. It’s worth noting that you never see him make a dodging motion or anything. It’s like he’s not dodging, rather Tokito missed aimlessly. It’s bizarre and terrifying. Then, it tops it with the first ever draw.

The double-page spread shook me. Kokushibou only attack because he thought he was being rude to the code of a Slayer. That’s his reason, not because he saw him threatening, let alone equal match. That’s ironically disrespectful. I was shook for two reasons. One is the Moon Breathing. The fact he wields this as a demon is jaw-dropping. It’s also the introduction to Moon Breathing, and knowing the Sun, we can safely assume it’s powerful. The presentation is enough to convince me.

The second and more importantly, Tokito lost his left hand. If I can scream like a little girl, I would. This threw me off big time. This moment not only shows the glimpse of Upper Moon 1’s skills, but the fact is, this is a permanent damage. There’s no science or anything to recover it. Damn, that pain look on his face is disheartening. I like how he didn’t give in to fear though, showing you the fearless spirit. He even stops the bleeding and continue to fight. That’s a true fighter.

As good spirited it felt to see him fighting, by this point, this is an inevitable defeat. Kokushibou reverses Tokito’s sword and stabs him. I cringed badly at that scene. You may think what the purpose behind Kokushibou’s examination on Tokito is. While it could have been simply due to his character, it turns out he was so impressed, he declares to honor him to become a demon. That is a nice twist, since I was prepared for a funeral, but becoming a demon, that would be fate worse than death. Will it happen? I honestly don’t know and that’s why this series is enticing as hell.

This was an intense intro to the one and only Upper Moon 1, and clearly, we can see why. Whether he’s really happy to see his descendant to be this strong or his old blood still shows great promises, it didn’t devalue any less of him showcasing the gap difference that Tokito has no chance in winning. It had me intrigued, cringed, and terrified. It’s one of the better introduction to a clear overpowered foe. The sensation always had me hooked with fear and the ending certified it. I don’t know where this is heading, but any moment now, if nothing changes, we will lose yet another Pillar, and that is painful.

#demon slayer #kimetsu no yaiba #chapter 165 #review #spoilers

10 notes · View notes

formerlyrunephoenix6769 · 5 years

Text

Catra: Journey to Redemption.

(Long post and spoilers for Season 1 SPOP)

In the run up to the release of ‘She-Ra: Princesses of Power.’ season 2 on April 26th 2019, I have been seeing lots of posts about our resident, ‘misguided; villain and all around badass who knows damn well how to rock a suit.

Yes, of course, I am talking about Catra!

The nature of the posts I have been seeing have all had a similar vein or sentiment.

“Give Catra her redemption arc.” or “Start Catra’s redemption arc.”

I am just as hopeful as the the next person for Catra to have a redemption arc, if that is in fact what Noelle Stevenson and the rest of the team have planned for the character. But one thing I will say, is ‘patience’ and a small warning to be prepared,

Catra is going to get much worse before she can even begin to get better!

Catra could not possibly even begin to start on a path of redemption by the end of S2 because at the end of S1, she hasnt even begun to explore the full depths of her villainy. (Being we dont know exactly how many seasons are planned, or what the overall narrative end goal is when it comes to the final conflict and Good triumphing over Evil, much of this is speculative.

We can however use Avatar Last Airbender and the industry standard of best Redemption Arc ever, in all mediums, Zuko, and their timeline, which I think Noelle Stevenson said in an interview that if a redemption arc was to occur, that they would like to do something that could stand next to Zuko’s redemption arc.

I will also be using Joseph Campbell’s Hero With a Thousand Faces, and his hero’s journey map as a resource but try implement it for villains)

If you would like to take a look at my thoughts on redemption arcs in general the feel free to check out the link below.

https://formerlyrunephoenix6769.tumblr.com/post/182640410231/are-all-villains-redeemable

I’ll be covering similar sentiments here.

Ok first.

TIMELINE:.

ATLAB is only 3 BOOKs long, however the number of episodes, 61 over all, containing 20 minimum in each Book is far more than SPOP’s standard 13, meaning that technically Zuko’s redemption arc played out over just under 6 SPOP seasons, meaning that Zuko’s penultimate episodes, detrimental to his redemption arc, ‘Blue Spirit’ episode 13 in Book 1 and ‘Zuko Alone’ Episode 7 of Book 2, didnt technically take place until till the end of season 1 and half way through season 3 ... going off an SPOP standard time.

Meaning there was over a season and a half between Zuko doing something right for the wrong reasons and also then moving off to really begin the start of his redemption arc in earnest, which he continues to struggle with right the way into Book 3 ( season 5/6)

The difference here, I would also like to point out is that Zuko at the very beginning of ATLAB is already technically way ahead of Catra due to him being physically away from his ‘abuser’ and direct control of the life long indoctrination. He also has one up on Catra at this point as he has a ‘Mentor/Guide’ helping to facilitate the transition and help him see the error of his ways.

Technically, this puts Zuko’s character development on the road to redemption (OTRTR) at least ONE season ahead of Catra. Meaning that his moment of ‘doing something right for the wrong reasons’ in ‘Zuko Alone.’ does not take place until at least the end of season 2, SPOP standard time!

In other words...

It's going to take some time for a pussy riot to manifest.

Taking this into account.

SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES.

We can not continue without addressing the fact that there are many similarities and differences between the supposed ‘villains’.

Both were the Scape Goat to a favoured Golden Child yet their interactions with the ‘Gold Child’ are vastly different.

For Zuko, Azula was an antagonist. For Catra, Adora was an ally.

Both suffered abuse from their primary caregiver, both were belittled and chastised for supposedly being ‘lesser’. However the fundamental difference is their reactions, Zuko continued to attempt to receive his Father’s favour, whilst Catra, on the surface didn't care, resulting in acting rebelliously.

Both have issues surrounding self worth and how they express it is vastly different.

Zuko is hugely unaware of his ‘Empire’s’ indoctrination and the imperialistic rule, believing the propaganda he was raised with.

Whilst Catra is fully aware of the Horde and its intentions.

And I think this is worthy of note!

Their ‘villainy’ and motivations are seated in entirely different places.

Zuko starts out wishing to ‘reclaim his honour’, prove his worth in his father’s eyes, and reclaim his birthright as the heir to the Fire Nation throne, in the words of his sister,

It is only as he travels over the next SPOP SDT, 4 seasons that he realises his true purpose.

Catra, is aware the Horde is evil, is given an opportunity to leave, but chooses not to, instead she willingly sets herself on a dark path to gain power and prove her self worth to everyone around her, esp her abuser, step mom of the year, Shadow Weaver,

Thus setting up the whole shenanigans of SPOP season 1.

CONFLICT.

As I covered in my previous post in the link above, a redemption arc cannot occur without showing that the ‘villain’ is conflicted.

A redemption should be a slow burn, from starting point of why/how they are villains, also showing the seeds of discontent, inner conflict, conflict of their actions, conflict of their ideals, whether indoctrinated/learned/or their own misguided musings, then later a larger amount of focus should be placed on how they have overcome that villainy and change of perspective culminating with coming full circle.

What makes Zuko’s particular redemption arc so good is the work that goes into showing this. The time, the attention to detail, not being shied away from by the writers, that intentionally trickles down and infuses with the character’s essence of being.

Yes, Catra is conflicted about her relationship with Adora and what Adora means to her.

This conflict about her and Adora’s relationship was partially resolved with Catra taking Adora’s motivations the wrong way, due to her own issues surrounding her self worth.

This ‘resolution’ only serves to push Catra further down the a dark path.

But we have yet to see Catra conflicted about her actions and dont expect to see that happen until after we see her fully embrace her villainy, which by the end of S1, she was nowhere near close to doing. (See Triggers and Turning points)

Meaning that “Catra Alone” might not even occur until midway S3 and actual beginnings of feeling conflicted about her actions, until S4.

TRIGGER A TURNING POINT.

So we have discussed conflict. Conflict about ones actions can come about in many different forms, but it must be triggered by something that is enough to shake the core foundations of a villains motivations.

In order for it to be believable and carry weight, a villain cannot suddenly overnight go,

And the protagonists accept it at face value, as the audience wont.

A redemption should be a slow burn, from starting point of why/how they are villains and most importantly, focus on how they have struggled to overcome that villainy and change their perspective.

The link below is to a previous post, with an avenue of thought of what could trigger Catra on ONRTR.

https://formerlyrunephoenix6769.tumblr.com/post/182601000156/catra-could-she-be-a-lost-princess-and-if-so

Another avenue of thought is that Adora is gravely injured. I am not normally one for such an easy and over done trope but in this instance it is highly possible, because as it stands now, Catra has never nastily physically injured Adora, only She-Ra!

(When she raked her darn claws down She-Ra’s back. Showing that Catra see’s a difference between to two personalities and isn't as of yet willing to cross that line... Maybe crossing that line will be a stepping stone to embracing her chosen darker path?)

In fact, Catra has gone out of her way to avoid just that, much preferring to go after Adora emotionally.

FALLING INTO OLD PATTERNS:

Even after ‘Zuko Alone’ and the Ba Sing Say arc, Zuko begins on a false start redemption by bonding with Katara but by the next episode falls back into old patterns by choosing to side with Azula as the ties that bind and the potential to reclaim his birthright is too hard to ignore.

Which is totally normal for a teenager.

This adds so much depth to his inner conflict, a catalyst that later cements his realisation at his true purpose, ushering him through the gates of his redemption arc, towards trying to make amends with the protagonists before they can accept him.

Catra strikes me as someone who will never be wholly ‘good’, in the sense of the word when it is applied to Bow, Glimmer or Adora, but rather someone who will make super dark comments and morally grey suggestions of how to deal with an issue, which is what we have been shown of her from the very beginning.

It is hard to say is Catra will ever have this step in a redemption arc due to her already morally grey nature, this could very well be skipped over entirely.

Narratively speaking and characterization wise, this particular part of an arc could present itself not as a ‘false start’ but could come from ‘Subterfuge and infiltration’ , whereby Catra pretends to come to their side only for her to betray them later, for her own ends.

OR,

We could very well have a ‘false start’, where she is trapped with any of the protagonists and they need to work together to escape, similar to the aptly named ATLAB ep 40 ‘The Crossroads of Destiny’ and SPOPS s1e9 ‘Promise’, which would be a nice mirror, from a narrative standpoint, only for her to run off and return to the Horde once free.

Again note, that this false start occured for Zuko the very end of S3 SPOP SDT.

CONCLUSIONS.

Before Catra’s Redemption arc can come to fruition , we need her to go on her journey. Something akin to this, but for villains.

On this map, if Resurrection is Catra being genuinely accepted by the protagonists as being changed and truly on their side. I would see Catra as in between Meeting of Mentor (Hordak) and Crossing the Threshold into full blown villany

So, we need to see her,

1) Become a true villain.

2) 1st Trigger.

3) baby Conflict

4)False start, falling into old patterns

5) 2nd Trigger

6)Conflict and Realisation/ (Seizing the Treasure)

7) Through the Gates

8) Trial of Proof.

9) Acceptance/Resurrection.

We could be waiting for some time for a Catra redemption arc to kick in, and please dont be disappointed or frothing at the mouth if we dont see it starting in Season 2... No matter how much you want it out of the way so that ‘other’ things can occur..

Please keep in mind..

A good Redemption Arc has to be earned! And doing it well takes time!

MEANWHILE ...

There is ALL OF THIS....

I dont even know where to begin starting to unwrap all this tension and awkwardness.,

Think I’m going to leave that for a an entirely different post.

#spop #redemption arc analysis #character analysis #avatar last airbender #catadora #catra #adora #glimmer #bow #zuko #atlab #prince zuko #catra redemption arc #formerlyrunephoenix spop analysis #long post

35 notes · View notes

cerillosvillage · 5 years

Photo

<<Previous | List | Next (NSFW)>>

Four: Work It Out

Take it easy/ Don’t worry ‘bout it/ I got this/ I got this

The giant looked up as Ib entered the meeting place. The mercenary's face was still pale and his injured arm was in a sling, though the way he carried himself showed that either he was not in much more pain, or that he had enough experience with being in pain around enemies that he knew how to hide it. He took a seat besides Magdalena on the stone floor, crossing his legs underneath himself as she had. Unlike her skirt, though, his kilt did not reach the floor when he stood, and when he sat, it was clear that he did not bother with undergarments.

He said nothing, but made direct eye contact with the giant beastman. Omkir, for his part, did not appear fazed in the slightest.

"Your bodyguard?" He asked Magdalena.

"Her advisor," Ib corrected him in a clipped tone.

The meeting place was a great stone circle painstakingly carved out of the sandstone floor of the village. It was deep enough that most of the Cerillos clan, being just over five feet call, could not stand at the bottom of it and look out over the top. There were no chairs or seats of any kind in the meeting place. Anyone who came to have their voice heard in matters concerning the village had no choice but to sit on hard floor, so that everyone was of equal height - and therefore equal importance - during meetings. Most would bring woven rugs with them to sit on, but right now, the only people in the space where Magdalena, Ib, and the trio of mages. The mages, of course, had no rugs to sit on.

"As I was saying," Omkir continued, "we have brought with us a letter from our University explaining our purpose here. I understand that you have not heard of our University, but I believe you will find that the letter will answer many of your questions." He held a scroll up with one hand, opening his palm. The letter glowed a faint pink, and levitated on its own across the meeting place, until it hovered just in front of Magdalena.

She looked at the scroll, her face screwed up in the manner of someone deeply uncomfortable with their present situation.

Ib knew the issue without having to be asked. Not only did she not know anything about the University, she could not even read. The Cerillos people were a people who recorded everything orally. In fact, few people in the village had any education to speak of, something that Ib found quaint but frustrating.

"I've heard of your college," he said, reaching out on his own to grab the scroll. It felt warm in his hand and vibrated for just a moment, until the pink glow faded. Omkir furrowed his brow at Ib's actions.

"You lot, you're the ones that fuck around with the borders of earth and space, correct? I believe I heard stories of one of your schools exploding because a mage tried to harness cosmic energy."

Modthryth, the skinny masculine one, opened his mouth to speak, but Omkir raised a huge hand to silence him.

"An unfortunate accident. Master Scipio's work is not indicative of the rest of the institution."

"Right, right," Ib muttered, slipping a finger underneath the purple wax seal on the scroll. He unfurled it and read over it. The diction was long-winded and complex in the way only academics were, and while he was far more educated than the rest of the village, he'd never had a knack for reading such writing.

It did, at least, confirm that the trio truly were representing the University of the Arcane.

"So you have the backing of a school," Ib said, tossing the scroll aside. Omkir's brow knit together further. Ib was beginning to find amusement in antagonizing the beastman, though a glance from a worried-looking Magdalena made it clear that he needed to reign it in a little.

"So you're from a school," Ib continued, trying to tone down his natural arrogance. "But what are you actually here for? I want to hear it from you lot, not some obtuse professor."

Omkir's shoulders rose with a deep inhale, though he managed to keep his face relatively composed.

"As I said, we are mages--"

"I don't know that word," Magdalena interrupted. Ib cast a glance at her, willing her to shut up and not display her ignorance, but she continued. "I don't know what a mage is. That is not a word we have here. Before you go on, please, explain it to me."

The two smaller mages exchanged a bemused look, but Omkir did not show any signs of surprise or amusement.

"Simply put, we are practitioners of magic. Am I right in assuming you know what magic is?"

Magdalena nodded. "My husband's father was a holy man. He communicated with spirits, and they lent him their powers. Is a mage like that?"

"Not exactly," Omkir replied. He managed to say things that could easily be condescending without actually being so. He acted very much like a teacher, Ib thought.

"We do not have direct communication with spirits, though we do rely on them. We work to learn the secret names of everything we encounter; every rock, every tree, every stream. We then call upon those things by their secret name, which allows us to control them. When Modthryth disarmed your… advisor, he was using the secret name of steel. When Poe created fire, she was using its sacred name."

"I see," Magdalena said softly. "So… am I right in assuming you have come here because you want to learn the secret names of our caves, and try to control them?"

"No, you are not. We do not want to control the magic found in this region at all. We simply want to study it. Cosmic energy swirls around this village like a typhoon. Very few places in the world have such a strong connection to the cosmos, which indicates a connection to the Gods. We wish to understand this energy, to catalogue it, and, if you allow us, to help your village harness it."

"My people believe it is an affront to the Earthshaker to try to control him," Magdalena murmured. The very idea was sacreligious, and one of many reasons why both Elyakim and Ajra had been so reviled by the Cerillos people.

"My apologies, you misunderstand me," Omkir said gently. "I don't mean to suggest that you try to learn the secret names of the Gods. Rather, the energy surrounding this place runs wild and chaotic, which is why we were attracted here. No doubt other magic users will be drawn to this place as well, as long as the magic runs freely. We wish to help you contain it, to urge it into more productive uses, so as to avoid a confrontation with forces and people with malicious intent."

Ib could see that the mage's reasoning had struck a chord with Magdalena. She clutched her skirt so tightly, her knuckles had gone pale, and she sucked on her teeth. Already there had been two cult leaders try to take over the village. One, Ajra, had technically succeeded, and from what Ib had come to learn about Elyakim, he had been using the village's magical caves to create monsters. He could understand why the mage's offer was a tempting one.

Suddenly, she turned to face him. "Ib," she asked in a hushed voice, "you've heard of this… 'University.' Have they ever waged war on a region?"

Ib glanced at Omkir. The mage's face was impassive.

"No," he murmured back. "Mages are crazy, but they've always seemed too self-involved to bother trying to take anything over on their own. I've worked for kings who employed mages in battles, but the University itself has always remained neutral."

Magdalena bit her lip, looking at the floor for a moment.

"I… I'm not sure that we have the resources to provide room and board for strangers…" She said, finally looking up at Omkir.

"Money is of no concern," he said, waving a hand. "We have been given funding by our University. If you allow us access to your village, we will pay for anything that we use."

Magdalena looked down again, thinking.

"I'll allow you to stay for a month," she said eventually. "But you will be supervised everywhere that you go."

"A fair condition," Omkir said, bowing his head.

Magdalena stood up and climbed half way up the steep stone steps leading down into the meeting place. She signaled for a villager who had been sitting just above the meeting, and instructed him to lead the mages to an apartment. The mages stood and followed without a word.

Ib stood as well, watching them go. After the last of them had climbed out of the hole, Magdalena started up again. Ib reached up and caught her by the arm.

"Maggie," he said, "a word, please."

She looked over her shoulder to watch the mages follow the villager, then nodded and stepped back down the stairs.

"You think I did the wrong thing, don't you?" She asked.

"I'm not going to judge or question your decision," he said. "But I do have a concern. We have three patrolmen, and none of them has any experience fighting magic users. We're lucky that those mages didn't do anything worse. But if they're right, and this place is a hotbed for magical activity, we need to be better prepared."

"I've asked for people to join your patrol," she said. Her voice was pleading, and Ib was reminded of just how young she was. "But our people are pacifists. Even considering all that's happened to our village, it's hard to change their minds. My husband was always frustrated with that about his father."

"It's okay," Ib murmured, doing his best to soothe her before she had a breakdown. "I understand. But we do need to do something about the situation."

"Do you have any ideas?" She asked.

Ib took a deep breath. This would be a hard sell. "Let me bring in some mercenaries," he said.

Magdalena pursed her lips. "We don't have the money to pay mercenaries," she said, which was certainly true, but Ib could see the deeper meaning behind her words. She didn't trust mercenaries.

"I'll pay them," he said. "I've enough money to last me multiple lifetimes. More importantly, though, I don't want to bring in the first mercenaries who take up the job. Let me hire people from my old troupe. They know me, and they're loyal to me. They won't turn on this village."

Ib could see the calculation going on behind Magdalena's eyes. No doubt she was thinking about the fact that he was Ajra's consort, and that Ajra had once conquered the village. And he had first come to the village with every intention of helping her conquer even more. But he had found a home here, had saved the entire place despite knowing there would be no reward in doing so. He hoped that was enough for her to trust him.

"...Alright," she said slowly. "Bring your mercenaries."

#rockbreaker lore #long post

8 notes · View notes