#discussion of Empire Bay and everything | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

kalevalakryze · 4 months

Text

Yhe'na Det Och'sa

Chapter Five: Det Baht

Summary: "You're too young to fight a war," Ahsoka had said, with little room for argument. But Shin knew they were ready, knew they were meant for more than that, knew they were worthy to fight at Ahsoka's side... If only they could find some way to prove themselves... Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3| 4 AO3 Link: Here! Notes: All amazing artwork posted in the fic done by @somewillwin

Tension had risen in the weeks since Shin had found their Kyber. The rebellion was beginning to make moves, moves that put them in the public eye, actions that could not be brushed away as separatist outlier activity. The Empire and all of its citizens were beginning to face the truth of the Rebellion that’s been brewing under their feet.

Ahsoka was so busy lately, too. She was meant to be training Shin, but now, the Padawan was lucky to see their Master once in the mornings. “I want to come with you,” Shin declared that fateful morning over breakfast. They’d done their morning meditation alone, they’d helped Huyang attend to the ship alone, and now, as Ahsoka pulled her cloak over her shoulders with half of a burned piece of toast hanging past her lips, Shin knew they would be spending much more than breakfast alone. “You’re not ready yet, Shin,” Ahsoka sighed, not even looking at her.

“Isn’t this what I’m training for?” The twelve-year-old demanded, hands flailing towards the door Ahsoka planned on walking out of. It was almost as if every time they had the displeasure of docking with a Rebel Cruiser, Ahsoka would be gone for days , something about a Ghost Crew . Shin couldn’t help the bristling feeling that came with every story of a Padawan boy and a Mandalorian girl that was shared in their brief times together…

“No,” Ahsoka sounded definitive; Usually, that would be enough to quiet the brunette. Today, however, they found a burning in their heart, a restless anxiety that wanted her to beg not to go, a creeping feeling in the Force that made their skin crawl. “You’re training to be something else. You aren’t a soldier.”

“Well… Why not?” Their breakfast went forgotten as they stood from the table, scrawny arms crossed over their chest as they tried to put themselves between the door and the woman trying to go past it. “I have the weapon, the galaxy needs the help. Who’s going to watch your back out there?”

“Shin, you are twelve, you are not fighting a war.” The fire in Ahsoka’s eyes matched the stubborn might in Shin’s own, a brewing typoon that would destroy everything if they’d let it. Ahsoka never talked about it, and Shin had never known to ask, but the words hung in a haunting manner. Ahsoka would not raise another child soldier, but… would the galaxy truly give her that choice.

“Isn’t it the will of the Force that I’m at your side?”

“I’m just trying to keep you there in one piece,” Ahsoka acquiesced, bristling under the long-forgotten familiarity as she reached to place a hand on their shoulder to usher them out of her way. “I’ll be back later, we can discuss this attitude when I get back.”

Her words were final, and with a deflated huff, Shin watched as Ahsoka swept down the ramp and into the bustling hangar bay to board the ship that would take her to the Ghost Crew.

“You do not hate her,” Huyang pointed out as a simmering Padawan joined him in the cockpit of the T-6, watching as Ahsoka’s small starship shot out of the hangar bay and entered hyperspace a short ways away. “You hate how powerless the situation has made you feel.” He added unhelpfully.

“Thanks, Huyang,” The pre-teen grumbled as they dropped into the copilot's seat and pulled the seatbelts tight. “Can I drive?”

“No thank you, I value my life.”

“You’re twelve,” Shin mocked, in what was yet again, another pathetic rendition of the argument from that morning. “I’ll not allow you to do what it is that I’ve been training you for,” The young Padawan scoffed as she passed a small torch to Huyang. “How kriffing ridiculous,”

Huyang was either endlessly patient or he’d tuned her out entirely. From an old radio in his voicebox, speakers played almost calming music, though it did nothing to quell the pre-teen’s frustrations. “Huyang, meht had to get up to something before, right? There’s no way she would have stayed behind.”

“You are a much better-behaved Padawan than she had been, that is correct,” He answered for the first time since they’d angrily barged into his quarters for something to do. “I need that spare emitter in box four cresh, please.”

“Right! I am a good Padawn. I’ve done everything right!” Shin continued, as if she hadn’t bothered to hear the droid, but still pushed off her stool to sort through the box and grab the burnt and ruined lightsaber emitter he’d asked for. “So why isn’t any of it good enough for her,”

Digital yellow eyes clocked onto the brunette as they gathered materials for his next step. These were words he’d heard often, across several lineages of Padawans going back eons, however… This lineage, when they spoke in such a way… he’d learned to become cautious.

“Perhaps you should find another subject to ponder, young Tano. Do not feed those thoughts,”

Silver eyes narrowed at him; “I can control my mind just fine, if that’s what you’re afraid of, Huyang,”

The two stared at each other, Huyang refused to be cowed by the way silver eyes crinkled towards him, the way the human’s nose crinkled as if they would get violent to prove their statement. “Whatever, I’m out of here. Let me know when Ahsoka wants me around,” They huffed, pre-pubescent rage fueling the way their feet stomped to their room.

At least, in space, the comm towers were easier to connect to. The connection was good enough that, as Shin tossed themselves into their bunk and dialed Leia’s comm chain, the Princess was accepting the transmission before they’d even righted themselves in the bunk.

“Shin!” Leia sounds relieved as her form strikes into the holo. Two-vee is parading around the Princess’s head, tutting something or other about taking calls without being proper.

“Hey,” The pre-teen croaked, tucking her small tooka doll into her arms as a welcome companion as she placed the comm disc on a small shelf near the head of the bunk, full of various other trinkets.

“Are you alright? What’s wrong?” Even through the artificial life of the holoprojector, Shin could feel the warmth in dark brown eyes as they focused solely on her. Leia always was kind like that, even with everything she had going on, with her apprenticeship in the Senate and preparing for her Day of Demand, she was always ready to set it all aside for them.

“My mom and I got into an argument,” They grumbled, burying their face into the crook of their elbow as embarrassment crept onto their cheeks.

“You and Ashla? But you two never fight?” Leia squinted at the brunette suspiciously, finally succeeding in getting Two-Vee to back away from twisting her hair into braids, allowing both girls solitude.

“It’s been happening a lot lately, and I just. . .” The pre-teen huffed out a frustrated exhale. There was so much she couldn’t say, things that she couldn’t tell Ahsoka, or Huyang, and things that she really couldn’t tell Leia, for her safety. “It feels like she doesn’t get it . If anyone would understand, you’d expect it to be her, from what Huyang said about her time as a…kid, but then she just acts like…” There was a shuffling noise from Shin’s end, the brunette resorted to animated hand movements that made no real sense but seemed to express what words could not.

“I get it,” Leia admitted, tone touching a tad softer now as she folded her hands neatly over the desk. “Perhaps… she doesn’t want to see you make the same mistakes she had?”

“Don’t be rational with me,” Shin groaned, the pillow they’d cradled into their stomach with their free arm being moved to rest over their head as silver-blue eyes peered past the gap pathetically at the older girl.

Leia laughed at this, bubbly and warm, and enough to bring a smile to Shin’s lips as well. “Alright alright, no rationality from me, promise. Have you thought about dying all of her clothes pink?”

“Oh my makers, you’re a genius. The next time we get to Alderaan, we need to get the dye,”

“Oh, it’s so on. Where are you guys at anyways? When can I see you again?”

Letting the pillow fall from their head, Shin peered to the star map settled on the nightstand, just out of frame. “We’re out in the outer rim, bringing some supplies to Jakku.” Leia’s eyes seemed to light up at the thought.

“I wish I could be out there with you, helping people..”

Shin’s eyes lowered. You and me both… “There’s important work to be done in the senate. My mother is still trying to push past the siege on Mandalore to be allowed to deliver supplies to the citizens who have been cut off by Imperial restrictions. Without people like your father and you, we may never succeed,” It was the same Bantha Fodder that Ahsoka always fed her, when they would ask about Leia joining them on the ship, or when Shin would question her about Leia’s knowledge of the Rebellion and when they would finally be able to be truthful to each other.

Leia seemed to tire of this response as well, idly picking at the fresh paint on her nails as Shin spoke. “There is, but it doesn’t feel like it has as big an impact as actually helping a person, face-to-face.”

“Every choice you make has an impact in some way…” Rubbing her eyes tiredly, Shin shifted in their bunk, reaching to unclip their saber from their belt and stuff it in its safe place, between the mattress and the durasteel wall. “What have you been up to, anyway?”

As Leia went into the tirade of her recent exploits with her father in Coruscant and her plans for her Day of Demand, Shin let herself sink into the familiar feeling of being around someone normal .

It was nearly two standard hours later, as Leia discussed her plans to climb Appenza Peak, that the chill began to permeate everything around Shin. No matter how many blankets they burrowed themselves in, the cold persisted.

“Shin, where are you? I think you’re breaking up-“ Leia’s voice crackled, pulling them from their inquisitive respite, idly reaching through the Force for the source of the cold.

“Huh?” Blinking, the brunette pulled herself into a sitting position, blankets pooling around their waist as paranoia began to flood their veins.

It felt like frost was permeating their very being as they rose from their bunk. Leia’s form was distorting as the comms wavered. With a willing tug of the force, Shin’s saber flew to their hand, easing the anxiety that ate away at their mind. “Huyang?” Shin called, foolishly hoping that the strange feeling had something to do with his work.

The ship rocked with the energy of someone docking with the shuttle, she could hear Leia bark their name one final time before a jammer cut the signal entirely at last.

As Shin slipped from their bunk room, fingers flexing around the bolt of their saber, they heard the telltale hiss of hydraulics as their airlock was being forced open.

“Lady Tano, you need to-“ Shin didn’t give him time to finish as they sped across the cabin; his chassis was hard against their shoulder as they body-checked the ancient droid, sending him tumbling back into his workspace with a loud clang.

His back caught on the sharp edge of a table, and with a wince, Shin noted the sound of wires being ripped from their sockets and the sight of the lights in his eyes powering down. With a quick flash of their saber through the control panel, the door slid shut and locked tight. They had to hope it was enough to keep him safe, at least.

The airlock popped at last, flooding the cabin with a choking darkness that permeated their soul in its venom. Shin took a breath to steady themselves against the tidal waves in the force, thoughts straying briefly to Ahsoka, hoping that some sort of warning would reach her through the jammer. Hells, maybe she was on her way right now .

As heavy footsteps thudded against the durasteel floors and their hands wrapped around their saber, raising their defenses, they sent out their last Hail Mary. Meht… please hurry.

The Ghost crew moved like a well-oiled machine on most days. If that well-oiled machine was chock full of different parts that misfired constantly. But ever since Fulcrum told them who she was- to a degree- they’d found their footing and were making good on nearly all of their strikes against the Empire.

Ever since the Inquisitors started showing up, Ahsoka had been so awfully busy, not only were they hunting Ezra and Kanan, but Ahsoka learned that they had information on other survivors, people Ahsoka had only hoped to find in her years since the purge.

The halls of the light cruiser they’d found floating in open space were crowded with the stench of decay. Stormtrooper corpses mottled the ship in all places, with lightsaber scorch marks all across the plastoid and walls.

“Eyuch,” Ezra complained as he stepped over a body, nose scrunching up slightly. “Can’t believe we found something that smells worse than Zeb ,” The teenager scoffed, actually putting himself closer to the Lasat like a moving air freshener.

“Yeah yeah, kid,” Zeb grumbled, checking his shoulder into the boy as they rounded a corner, bumping him into one of the walls.

“Will you two cut it out?” Sabine’s voice was distorted through her helmet’s vocoder, though her annoyance dripped through it as she pulled her blasters close, popping her arms back out once she was around and clear.

Hera moved quietly between Ahsoka and Kanan, pinching the bridge of her nose as the bickering continued. “Chop, get the door to Hangar nine open, please,” She called over her comms, receiving a warble in reply as they moved.

As the door opened, Ahsoka’s step faltered. Klaxons were blaring, and darkness was flooding a small ship, when she looked at the sabers in her hands, it was not the orange of her skin or the emerald green of her own sabers that met her eye, and it certainly wasn’t Greivious or Pirates piling past the airlock .

“Ahsoka-“ Kanan’s hand was heavy on her shoulder, brows furrowed in concern at her stumble. When she focused back on the real world, it was the familiar and unwelcome comfort that came with the chaos of a battlefield. Ezra stood before the two Clone War survivors, blocking them from incoming lasers, Hera and Zeb each took up one side of the door, firing blind into the smog that filled the hangar bay, while Sabine’s gloved hands pressed into her biceps, steadying her where Kanan couldn’t, with his own saber raised in their defense.

Shaking her head quickly, Ahsoka righted herself, brushing off the support readily as she ignited her sabers. “I’m alright, let’s focus-“

Another wave, a choking presence across the only Force bond she’d allowed herself.

Meht…

Her blade faltered, and a bolt of plasma broke her defense and singed the collar of her tunic, though it didn’t do much in cutting through skin, not with the thick material of the Akul hide protecting her body.

“Chopper! Get these doors closed, now!” Hera shouted; forever perceptive when it came to her Force Sensitive companions.

As the doors slammed shut and the chaos was silenced, Ahsoka found that the ground was rushing towards her all too fast, knees hitting durasteel almost simultaneously as Kanan dropped, a hand to his head as the darkness pervaded his defenses, poison sinking into the three of them with fangs they could not hope to remove.

“Ahsoka-“ Ezra’s face had paled, Zeb’s arms were wrapped tight around him, keeping him up as a cold fever rushed across his skin. “ What is this? ”

“We need to go- I need to go-“ Fulcrum rushed out, once again brushing off the Mandalorian and Twi’lek’s hands from her arms as she forced herself to rise. It was no coincidence, and it was not just the Force trying to warn her, it was Shin, reaching across boundless space to call for help… and that darkness, it was an inquisitor.

Everything she’d done to protect them would be in vain if she didn’t get there fast enough. “Where do you need to go?” Hera offered readily, heart bigger than was safe.

“I need to go alone, it won’t be safe for your crew,” The pilot was going to argue, but Ahsoka didn’t have *time,* the moment she was on the Ghost, she was moving to the phantom. “I have to ask that you don’t track this, Hera. But I will return as soon as I can.”

Uneasy with the situation, Hera found herself acquiescing with only a nod of her head and a brush of her hand against the Togruta’s bicep. “Be safe, Ahsoka,”

Ahsoka did not acknowledge the crew further as she climbed into the Phantom and flew through her flight checks, undocking and engaging the thrusters and hyperdrive the moment she was able.

I’m coming, du tungama.

Scrambling to a panel along the far wall, Shin cut the remaining power to the shuttle, leaving only life support and the dim emergency lights as a way to see. There was only one lifeform pushing past the hatch and that , Shin could handle.

Huyang had left a box of spare lightsaber hilts out, which Shin was quick to take advantage of, spilling them out onto the floor around the airlock before scrambling to find cover under a bench as the stranger passed through.

Metal clanked and rolled as heavy footsteps found her surprise, though instead of something more startled , the stranger only laughed. Low, poisonous and foreboding. Through the dim lighting, Shin caught the lights reflecting off of black gloves, just barely catching sight of the stranger plucking a hilt from the floor. Tutting to themselves, the stranger allowed it to drop back down.

The noise reverberated through Shin’s skull, prompting them to huddle closer to the inside of the bench as the stranger began moving through the largest part of the cabin, looking for… something. When the door to their bunk hissed open, Shin took their move, scrambling on their hands and knees to crawl out from under the table.

Heart hammering in their chest, silver-blue eyes tried to focus, to see past the literal and figurative darkness that clouded their vision, forcing their breathing to still despite the effort that came with each forced inhale. If they were too loud, then she’d be done for; she just had to buy Ahsoka enough time-

This was the mantra they repeated to themselves as they scurried across a dark floor, hauling themselves into the cockpit and all but throwing themselves into the pilot's seat, fingers flying over the controls to see what could be done about forcing the ship to detach and getting comms back up.

“Come out, come out, wherever you are,” The woman sing-songed from the main cabin, footsteps heavy on the floor as she made her way around the outskirts. Shin focused on their presence in the Force, nearly recoiling from shock at the feeling that enveloped the stranger. How can a person be so… dark? A shiver ran up their spine, bile gathering in their throat as she heard the clatter of things being thrown around; the shattering of a datapad rang particularly harsh in their ears, though they did not have time to mourn the loss as the footsteps rounded closer; “I know you’re in here, Fulcrum,” The woman hissed sharply.

The concentration it took to topple the plate on the table from their spot in the cockpit was immense, feeling through the force for the forgotten porcelain with stale toast sitting atop it. Just as the dark stranger passed the threshold, Shin found her grasp, sending the plate and food off the table behind them with a clatter.

A predator who’d just smelled blood, the woman turned away from the cockpit, steps loud as they retreated back to the table. The click hiss of a saber igniting was familiar, freezing Shin’s blood as they hauled themselves into the small hollowed space in the cockpit walls.

The table split in half all too easily under the sweeping strike, if Shin hadn’t moved, they were certain that the swing of the blade would have gone clean through their head. Crimson light bled through the doors into the dark space, filling the air with burning ozone and the reek of crisped bread.

“Coward!” Their voice was distorted like they were speaking through a mask, though Shin could hear the raw anger in their scream as the saber sliced through what they had to assume was a bench. The smell of scorched fibers let Shin know that they’d neglected to move their poncho from the back of the bench like Ahsoka had asked them to at least five times before she’d left that morning .

Meht, please get here, I won’t argue about coming with you ever again, just… hurry, please .

The walls didn’t extend very far, at least, not the hallowed portions that they could move through. The pipes were hot, and Shin could feel perspiration building at their temple as they moved to the gap in the ceiling that would give them some kind of vantage point.

Through the first gap, Shin caught sight of the stranger, tall, draped in black cloth and adorned with shining armor, equally as black, with a mask that they weren’t sure anyone could truly see out of covering their face. The woman was nearing the door to Huyang’s room, obviously catching the still glowing embers of where Shin had punctured his control panel.

There was a tug in her gut as she watched them approach. Ahsoka had told them about Huyang’s survival, of his importance to who the Jedi were, had been for so long; no one knew what it meant to be a Jedi more than him, and the Empire would soil that; She couldn’t let this… Imperial ruin that for the world.

A discarded saber hilt flung through the air at Shin’s command, bouncing harmlessly off the armor, scraping against the polished paint job once it hit. As the woman’s head turned, Shin dropped down from the vent, boots smacking the ground with a bodily thump .

The Inquisitor was quick to turn towards them, though they did not seem startled by the sudden appearance, in fact… were they shaking?

Her shoulders shook as dark laughter barked from her throat.

Oh… being laughed at. This was the worst way to die… huh?

“ You? You expect me to believe Agent Fulcrum is a child? ” She could barely speak through her laughter as Shin lifted their chin.

The child did not respond, simply squaring their feet like Huyang had taught them, cementing their place between the woman and the door. Ahsoka will be here soon.

The snap hiss of their saber activating was grounding, something familiar they could use to anchor themselves as blue light ignited the cabin, allowing them to see the damage that had been caused at last. Everything had been torn from their places and scattered across the ground, broken and destroyed without a care in the world. Even the picture frames that held digital memories flickered and faded, screens cracked beyond repair from where they’d been stomped all over.

“Mmm, perhaps I did underestimate you,” She could not see the woman’s eyes, but she could feel them, how they raked over her form and analyzed the stance. “ Jedi? Clearly trained…” Shin was taken aback a moment as the woman rambled off notes to herself. “You’re in a form two stance, I haven’t had the pleasure of gutting many who’d favored such a form, would you like to be the first?”

“Sounds like you’d rather be the first one to die here,” They ground out with as much courage as they could manage, though their voice wavered on the syllables. Shin had never taken a life, never imagined it as something they would have to do, but… if they had to do it to protect Huyang, then they would. “You can take this chance to walk away, though, it doesn’t have to go like this,”

The woman across from her blanched at the words, and for a moment, Shin had the childish belief that she would listen, see the error of her ways, and go away . Luck, however, did not appear to be on the Padawan’s side as a crimson snap hiss seemed to suck the air from the room, and her lungs. Red, blue, and purple lit up the inside of the ship, suddenly, Shin’s saber felt heavier, everything felt like too much, and there was a flash of hopelessness that filled their senses.

“The Jedi Code is a sickness,” The woman mocked. Silver eyes caught the way her fingers twitched, a hint that The Force was being turned on them to weigh them down with the malady of the Dark Side. “Do you know why your people failed so easily, young one?”

Shin did not answer, though they assumed the woman would have continued either way as their saber rotated smoothly around their wrist, as if it were some kind of plaything. Or maybe Shin was the plaything and had only tricked themselves into believing they were an equal .

“The one thing people in this galaxy love to see more than Jedi heroes is to watch them fall. This galaxy.. It’s sick . How the scum of the world turned on their heroes so fast, just to enjoy the fall. In spite of everything you do for them, they hate you, have from the start.” A pause as if she was considering her own words. “But… you’re young yet… your Master…”

Shin’s breath hitched at the mention of Ahsoka, was the Inquisitor in their head? A tilt of the woman’s head across from her confirmed the theory that their shields had fallen. “Your Master thinks you aren’t ready, yet here you are, standing up to me…” They could practically feel the smile on her lips. “It isn’t too late for you, Padawan.”

“I warned you,” It was all Shin could choke out before they found themselves lunging forward. Their blade moved along the side in a wide arc, clashing against red all too easily as rich laughter bounced off the walls.

“Oh yes, how could I have forgotten,” The woman barked, seemingly enjoying herself as she countered the swift blows Shin threw at them in quick succession. Tutting occasionally, Shin found the woman calling out tips on their form, calling out their openings instead of moving in for the kill, and allowing them the time to cover the holes in their defenses.

Calling upon the Force to lend them strength and energy, Shin found themselves dipping into Form Five, though they had nowhere near the same skill as Ahsoka in this form, they found that the Inquisitor quieted with the change, and even seemed to be exerting themselves to keep defending themselves.

The smell of burning flesh met one of their strikes, startling enough to throw Shin off center as the Inquisitor hissed and jumped back from the blade that had sliced through their thigh. The woman cursed in a language Shin did not know, though when they bounced back, it was with renewed vigor. “Perhaps you aren’t as pathetic as I thought,” She growled, hand shoving out to command an invisible wall of the Force that sent Shin back into the wall.

It took every ounce of training she’d ever had to keep hold of her saber as her back crashed into the mess on the counter from Ahsoka’s caff. Pinpricks itched at their back where glass had shattered, though it was forgotten as the pre-teen was quickly pushed on the defensive against an opponent much larger than themselves. Each hit came down with a staggering force, keeping the child pinned at the counter as they intercepted the crimson blade with their own.

Bracing their hand against the counter to push back against the growing force against their saber, muscles tiring quickly as sweat ran in rivers down their face, Shin was helpless but to watch as a heavy boot was raised and kicked out against their hand, smashing it between the edge of the counter and the crisp tread of their sole.

Their breath caught in their throat, swallowing the shout of pain that threatened to tear past, tears welled up in their eyes and their teeth grit together hard, even as the boot stayed against their hand, putting it there as more weight was pressed into it.

The Inquisitor was getting joy from their bitten-back screams, finding delight in the way their brow wavered as sweat and silent tears made the white paint on their reddening face begin to run.

Reaching past their sabers, two gloved hands reached out to grasp her jaw, earring another choked sound as their head was turned to face the white-hot light of their sabers clashing together. “You’re good stock, it would be a shame to waste your potential,”

Words were not spoken to Shin, but about her, as if they had nothing to offer besides a pretty face, even as they managed to hold their… mild, defense against the older woman.

Shin’s saber deactivated in a knee-jerk reaction; the sight of a red blade streaking towards their head felt a lot like free-falling through the air, though they were fast- fast enough to duck their head below the blade and shove back up, catching the hard material of the woman’s mask with their forehead.

The Inquisitor stumbled with the force, releasing their hold on Shin’s foot as they took several steps back to steady themselves, a hand even disappeared under their mask for a moment.

Shin noticed with glee, as their heart plummeted to the floor, and with it, their knees giving from under their frame, broken hand and still burning saber hitting the ground in a way that had them biting back a yelp, the Inquisitor’s glove was bloody when it came from under the mask.

But Shin had no more fight in them, their arms shook from exertion, and the pain in their hand shot from their fingertips all the way along ignited nerves to their chest. Every ounce of their weight supported on their left hand that found support through broken fingers threatened to break the dam, their control of the Force was slipping with each attempt they made to will it in helping her stand, and the Inquisitor was recovering fast.

“You are going to regret that!” The Inquisitor growled, voice slurred, as if she were speaking around a heavy tongue, a minor win in Shin’s book, until, at least, the same boot that cracked down on their hand began to lift again.

Shin’s hand raised a vain effort, a silent plea for mercy as she drew near. Their head turned down, catching the bottom of the boot in the back of the head, squeezing their eyes shut tight just in time; they weren’t sure if they’d have been able to stomach just how fast their face had met the ground. The searing pain that exploded had been enough to put the child out, slumping bonelessly into the ground beneath the Inquisitor’s foot.

Where was Ahsoka…?

As the phantom pulled into the last coordinates of the T-6, Ahsoka immediately noticed the signs of forced entry. Airlock hatch pieces floating uselessly in the open space around it. As she began the approach, she scanned for a signal, of some type of life. “Huyang?” She called over the comms, grimacing at the static that flooded the line she was met with.

As she advanced, she heard a quiet beep, hidden under the static, a beeping noise, the sound of a recording being rewound as the static cleared. “Imperial patrols are boarding the ship. I repeat; Imperial patrols are boarding the ship. I… I think it’s an Inquisitor, it’s dark… and so cold. Please hurry. There's not much time… I’ll try to hold them off, meht… I’m sorry…” Then, a loud flash of static and a robotic monotone. “This message will repeat.” With panic stirring in her heart, Ahsoka managed to use the phantom’s emergency gear to latch onto the side of the T-6 and jerry-rig a connector for the airlock, dropping into the dark abyss that met her the moment the door was open.

The darkness that enveloped her the moment she crossed the threshold was overwhelming, though, after going yoke to yoke with Darth Vader, she’d found it easy to push past the veil and forge onwards.

Lightsaber hilts cluttered all over the floor, spilled in what would have been a strategic way if someone hadn’t already trampled through them all. Burning metal, fabric, and the familiar tang of blood met her nose as she continued her investigation in the dark, blue eyes practically glowing as they adjusted to the barely there emergency lights.

There were scorch marks all over the ship; from a cut through the table and benches, so slicing through the door of Shin’s bunk room. As Ahsoka explored, material possessions cracked under her boots, unable to find a clear path that avoided the scenes of the battle. She could hear the recent echos in the force, and with each blink, she would watch as blue met red in a flurry of motion, as a towering black figure advanced on someone much smaller, though each time she tried to focus on the Force’s interpretation of the small figure, they would change. One moment, she would see Shin standing against the figure, then herself, from the Clone Wars, ending with a vision of herself in the present. It didn’t make sense, as only one of these days had come to pass in the worst way possible, though Ahsoka did not have time to focus on that.

There was one marking that seemed strategic, the burns had long since gone cold, so it couldn’t have been from the fighting. Igniting her saber and bringing light to the scene in front of her, the Togruta was forced to take pause. Red ichor painted the countertop around shattered mugs and an old teapot she’d gotten from Rex before they’d parted ways. “Shin…” Her voice was that of a mournful rumble, the pain too great to handle.

Falling into her old ways was easy, a second skin to the survivor who had no choice. The pain was pushed to the recesses of her mind as she focused on her next steps; Where was Huyang? Was Shin alive? How would she find them? Did she give up on her? Did Ahsoka fail her not only as Master but as mother as well?

Focusing on the task at hand, Ahsoka sunk her blade into the durasteel of Huyang’s door. The metal did not give easily, offering a hearty resistance as she sliced a hole through the shot panel. Once a hole big enough to step through was created, the woman pushed forward with her saber held high.

“Lady T-T-T” A malfunctioning voice rasped, though there was no light in the collapsed droid’s eyes. “Tano,”

“Huyang,” Ahsoka breathed, finding a small relief in the professor’s survival. “Huyang, what happened, where is Shin?” She knelt before the droid, peering at the mess of limbs and wires that had been damaged in his fall.

“Padawan Tano lo-lo-lo-locked me in here before they arrived-” His head snapped at a ninety-degree angle with a crack before slowly righting itself to face her. “I went into low power mode, they must have assumed I powered off,”

Reaching into his chassis, Ahsoka managed to reconnect enough wire to get his eyes lit back up, and even get him movement over his own arms again. “She’s alive, the Inquisitor wanted her alive,” He managed to recall, using his renewed control of his arms to shift himself off the corner of his workbench, allowing Ahsoka to sit him on the table to lean his upper half back against the cabinets.

“We need to get the ship back together and find her… fast.”

“Agreed, although…” His eyes shifted to the carnage beyond his doorway. “We have our work cut out for us,”

“We won’t be able to land anywhere near the Rebellion, they’ll have eyes on this ship, and I need to get the phantom away from here as fast as possible… If they can track us, who’s to say they can’t track Her.” The Togruta worried her lip; Focusing on Leia was easier than focusing on the Shin’s pain that echoed through the force here.

Putting herself to work on fixing Huyang was good, it was productive, and she didn’t have to think as she went about the methodical task of removing ruined parts, reattaching pieces that had only been tugged from their sockets, and moving around his workspace, tugging down drawers of spare materials, to his annoyance.

By the time she’d finished, Huyang had most of his fine motor skills back, although she wasn't able to reconnect the pieces that went to the arms on his back with what she had, they’d need to find a real droid mechanic somewhere out here first.

The rest of the ship… was a bigger problem. Oil, coolant, and fuel leaked out inside the ship, thanks to the deep gouges across floors and walls, the only reason the fumes didn’t get her was in part, thanks to the fact that life-support had stayed on, allowing the vents to increase their usage once the lower explosive limit alarms had been set off. “We won’t be able to start the ship,” Ahsoka complained as she popped open the face of an intact control panel. “Not until we get those leaks contained and find some way to refuel.”

Huyang had trailed after her out of his workshop and had paused at the carnage around their home, though Ahsoka did not hear anything from him, even as she got the lights to power back up. When she turned her head to look over her shoulder, her heart nearly froze.

Shin’s lightsaber was cradled in both of his hands, blood smeared across the Alderaniaan hilt, scratches, chips, and scuff marks marring the materials where it had been thrown around. Ahsoka stood there, unable to move, breathe, or speak, as Huyang’s thumb swiped down the saber’s hilt mournfully, blinking at the sight before him.

Tearing her eyes from sight was one of the hardest things anyone could have expected her to do, and still, she managed to do so, focusing instead on darker droplets of blood just feet away from where Huyang had been standing. “Huyang, look,” With the lights on the stains around the cabin, it was clear that the ichor spilled was from two different beings, and the blood in front of her was clearly from someone dark and twisted, everything about them had been poisoned, so it only made sense even their blood would be tainted.

Huyang studied the droplets as well, rising to his feet after a moment as he tucked Shin’s saber safely at his hip for the time being, “Ahsoka,” He began, putting himself in her path, unallowing her from pushing past to the cockpit, “She is alive,” He spoke as if trying to offer comfort, though he did not see the way her lip quivered on her next breath.

That’s what I’m scared of . She was already facing the reality that Anakin very well could have Fallen, she couldn’t lose Shin, too. But she’d known the Fifth Brother and the Eighth Sister herself, had passed them in the Jedi temple all those years ago. They’d been younglings then, and Ahsoka understood that with the riht motivator, even the purest of people could be made to do the worst things. “We’re going to get her back,” Is all she could say, turning her head away from the droid as she pushed past him, ignoring the stinging in her eyes as she began picking up around the cabin. It was all she could say to keep the air in her lungs steady, to be able to take that next step forward at all. Whoever this Inquisitor was, they would pay, somehow, someway, Ahsoka would be sure they received everything the Force had in store for them.

#Shin Tano AU #Shin Hati #Ahsoka Tano #Leia Organa #Huyang #Fanfiction #somewillwin #star wars #ahsoka #Ghost Crew #ezra bridger #Hera Syndulla #kanan jarrus #garazeb orrelios #Sabine Wren #c1 10p

34 notes · View notes

autumnslance · 8 months

Text

FFXIV Write 2023 Day 30: Amity

“You know, I’ve been thinking,” Aeryn said slowly in the Thavnairian tongue as they watched the Garleans discuss the trade agreement and the upcoming use of the Tower.

“About what?” Varshahn asked, slipping as easily into the familiar language.

“The previous agreements, between Thavnair and Garlemald.”

“What about them?” the Satrap asked, turning his crimson gaze to her now. She leaned on a supply crate in her fur-lined Alliance coat, that familiar thinking-line creasing the space between her brows.

“Just…When last we spoke to Emet-Selch—or rather, his spirit—he spoke of many wonders, secrets of the world yet to be discovered, adventures yet to be had. Some of them have already come true, such as finding your treasure vault under the Bounty.”

Varshahn frowned. “As an Ascian, it makes sense he would know of many ancient secrets.”

“Yes,” Aeryn agreed. “But I keep thinking back to how Azdaja was lost, to a voidgate at the Crystal Tower all those centuries ago—a tower created by another empire he had built.”

Varshahn peered at her, wondering where this line of thought led.

“Allag, an empire created for certain purposes by Ascians, was also responsible for the tragedies that befell your eldest siblings,” she continued. “Bahamut was slain. Tiamat was then convinced to summon him as a primal—before she and their children were imprisoned and tormented for millennia.

“And then there’s the Dragonsong War, and I have to wonder how distant the Ascians were. It seems my Ishgardian ancestors held the blame there, but in more recent years…I can’t shake the feeling Nidhogg decided to end his cruel game and attempt to destroy Ishgard in earnest, because he perhaps detected the Ascians’ involvement in the Archbishop’s schemes through his Eyes.”

Varshahn felt a chill climbing his spine that had nothing to do with Garlemald’s weather, given his golem’s immunity.

“Bahamut and Nidhogg were meant to be protectors of this star, with your father claimed by Hydaelyn and slumbering—until he was awoken. By Garlean incursion over his resting place.”

“What is your point, Aeryn?”

She looked over at the nearly jovial Garleans—they were not a people who often showed exuberance—and she smiled at their rekindled hope and confidence. “I think Emet-Selch always knew you were at the heart of Radz-at-Han,” she said. “I think he encouraged the original trade agreements, and encouraged Thavnair’s neutrality, to keep you at bay.”

Varshahn considered that, his greater self in Radz-at-Han rumbling a growl the longer he did.

“If Garlemald had ever attempted to conquer Thavnair, you would have flown to defend it,” she continued. “Your home, your people, mean everything to you. Garlemald had the means to try, and the island has precious few other defenses against such might. But so long as Thavnair remained neutral, a free port of trade, an ally instead of a province…”

“I had no reason to fight,” he finished quietly.

“You were content to remain in hiding and see only to your own,” she said. “That was all he had to do as Solus, to neutralize a potential First Brood threat—extend a hand of friendship, and promise to leave your children alone.”

“And you disapprove.”

She frowned now, thinking about it. “Somewhat,” she said honestly. “But I’ve learned a few things about dragons over the years, so I understand, I think. Besides,” she looked again at the pleased Garleans, and smiled. “It’s made this possible. He meant for this empire to be a tool of chaos, its people pawns in the schemes of ancient beings who cared naught for them. But now, thanks to that prior agreement, Thavnair’s perfectly positioned to help raise them from the ashes of those manipulations.” She turned back to him and smiled. “And you, Vrtra, have had your part in helping us protect this star, as Midgardsormr promised Her.”

The hide of his true self itched as he recalled his newly-grown scales. Any others that he shed were still carefully collected and taken to the alchemists.

He huffed out a laugh. “And full glad am I, that not all the dragons of Thavnair were content to remain upon our island—and will not be content, I think, until this entire star knows peace, and all its people are friends in truth.” He grinned at her, satisfied to see her blush and duck her head as she grasped his meaning.

“I’m no dragon,” she muttered.

“For better or worse, the blood of my sister and her daughter yet runs in your veins, child of Thavnair and Coerthas,” he said fondly. His tone became more teasing. “And your father may have let slip his nickname for you, when a temperamental child.” He chuckled as she groaned, but then he sobered.

“You are perhaps right, about the former Emperor and his schemes,” Varshahn said. “And certainly about mine own indolence, so long as our people were safe.” He shook his head at her attempted apologetic interjection. “But you are also right, that it led to this moment now. And this time, I pray, the amity between our nations is true, and shall bear fruit not only for this personal endeavor, but for generations to come.”

“So do I,” Aeryn said, pushing off the crate as Urianger called to her, though she looked to her Satrap before leaving.

Varshahn nodded for her to go, watching her stride forward to speak to her friend. “Little Storm Dragon” her stepfather had said, on account of her Coerthan side—having no idea back then how close to the truth her heritage fell—and her tempestuous nature as a child.

An apt nickname yet, Varshahn thought, though she had somewhat better control of herself as an adult. Yet storms of change came with her, and even an ancient wyrm such as he could be swept up in those currents.

Smiling in response to the hopeful grins of the Garleans turning his way as he rejoined them, he was thankful for those storms, and the peace following in their wake.

#final fantasy xiv #ffxivwrite2023 #Lyn Writing #Endwalker #Varshahn #Garlemald #Thavnair #Emet-Selch #Speculation #Aeryn Striker #and that's a wrap

25 notes · View notes

wolfgirl-valentine · 11 months

Text

Hob feels him before he hears him, just as he was relaxing with some of his friends, a weird feeling tickling in the back of his neck, something that has happened in the past and have saved his life more than one, he resisted the compulsion of turning back, so as to not alarm the others.

"Hob Gadling?" The voice, obviously using a modulator, makes the conversation halt.

"Uh? Yes that's me" finally turning around he can see the entity attached to the voice was covered from head to feet "can I help you?"

" I heard you can get anything or anyone to the Outer Rim…discreetly "

Hob frowned, before nodding " let's discuss this in private, see you later guys!" When they were at a safe distance he finally asked "you need to be more careful, that kind of question can attract the wrong kind of attention"

"I will have it in consideration" they came to a stop in an empty alley

"Now, what do you need to be delivered?"

"I need to reach the Outer Rim, but I need to do it without the Empire knowledge "

This guy seriously don't seem to get what discreetly means.

"Ok, I can do that, it wouldn't be cheap tough, I also need to know if there are any bounties on you, I don't like surprises"

The stranger makes a sound that's probably of exasperation, is difficult to say with the mask and voice modulator, then he raises a hand, and the weird feeling at the back of Hobs head is back.

"You would take me to the Outer Rim, without asking questions" the audacity makes Hob snort

"Yeah…I don't work like that mate, I need to know what I'm getting into" the other tilt his head to the side, it remind Hob of a confused massiff

"You can say I am being…politically persecuted…"

"Mmh…and do you have a name?"

"You may call me Dream"

"Right…and the destination? The Outer Rim is a very big place, or you just want to get out in general?"

"I will tell you when we are near to it "

Cryptic little shit.

"Look, if you came to me is because someone else send you to me, because I'm good at what I do, but because I'm good, I need reassurance that I'm not helping a criminal get away, and honestly, you are anything but discreet, the voice modulator and the mask are basically screaming fugitive, and in this type of port everyone would know that" the other makes a little sound of distress at that " so don't treat me like an idiot, the only reason I can think for someone to want to go under the radar, is because the Empire is actively looking for you, so what are you? Someone that decided to try to fight back against them, or someone that committed a crime serious enough that they can't let it pass?"

The stranger paused for a moment, and Hob can feel the intensity of his gaze through the mask lenses, before he sighed in defeat.

"I have underestimated you, and for that I offer an apology. You would call me Dream, for your safety more than mine. The Empire is searching for me, but not for nefarious reasons, I'm not lying when I said I'm being politically persecuted, but it is a little more complicated than that. I'm trying to get to someone in the Outer Rim, and for their safety I can't tell you much at the moment.

They stand in silence for a moment, looking at each other, Hob can't feel any deception now, just a lot of information missing, but he can work with that, he actually has worked with less.

"Alright, one more thing, are there active bounties on you?"

*....Perhaps"

"Kriff…look I don't…"

"I will pay you two hundred thousand credits, half upfront"

Hob stares speechless, it's a ridiculously high amount of money, to had that sum he must really be a politician from the former senate, that would explain the way he talks and his inability to be inconspicuous.

"I don't really like trouble…"

"Two thirds pay upfront"

"Alright! Alright…just…I need some time to prepare everything, meet me at bay 15 in an hour"

"Very well, I will be waiting for you Hob Gadling "

"Just Hob it's fine, I'll see you later, 'Dream' "

Hob watches him move towards the end of the alley, to the principal street were he get lost in the crowd, sighing as he makes a quick mental list of what he need for a journey of indefinite time Hob walks in the opposite direction.

"What you just get yourself into Hob…?"

_________________

More from my Star Wars AU!!! Their meet cute! As I said this wouldn’t be a linear narrative, I’ll post the scenes as they come to me, sometimes with art, sometime without. Also how do people achieve consistency when drawing characters, every time i do it their face always is different, anyways.

Previous post Here and Here

I don't think a knowledge of Star Wars lore is necessary, but for more information I’m focusing just in the movies and tv series(I’m not really well versed in the expanded universe lore, now called Legends), this is like 10 years after the Order 66, Hob spend 4 years as a Imperial Officer, he has a very low sensitivity to the Force, he thinks is like a 6th sense, that’s how he feels Morpheus (he is actually decent at not being noticed), when Morpheus tell him about not asking questions he is trying to use a Jedi skill of persuasion, strong minds are immune to it. The quantity of money he offers is high, I'm planning to explain later why he has access to so much cash.

Photos taken with my phone, English is not my first language.

If you like this and have ideas or questions I love talking to people and my Asks are always open :)

#Dreamling #dream of the endless #hob gadling #hob x dream #dream x hob #the sandman netflix #star wars au #my writing #I'ts 3 am and we are 30°C WTF

13 notes · View notes

hulijingemperor2 · 2 months

Text

Meng shi: *walks in with a few maids*

A-Su.

Qin Su: *sitting comfortably on a cushioned seat* taihou.

Meng Shi: don't get up.

I brought some ginkgo tea for you.

*sits next to her*

Qin Su: aw. Thank you!

Meng shi: no problem.

Qin Su: *takes a sip*

Meng Shi: you're very beautiful. You and baby Meng. *smile* I got you a gift.

Qin Su: you didn't need to get me anything.

Meng shi: oh come on. I gave you gifts for your first pregnancy.

So it's a tradition.

Qin Su: omg. *blushing* I feel so pampered.

Meng Shi: as you must.

You make A-Yao happy, produced beautiful children and you're a very graceful Huanghou.

You'll be A-qing's role model.

Qin Su: I'm delighted that you're proud of me, taihou.

It's an honour to recieve your love.

Meng Shi: *kisses her forehead*

Qin Su: where's Huangdi?

Meng shi: A-Yao is in Moling. He has started a junior sect leader program. So all young sect heirs will he announced.

Qin Su: oh right. He's so brilliant. And he does everything for the betterment of the empire.

Meng Shi: every time he gets a child, he strengthens the empire even more.

Yao'er is really selfless.

Qin Su: i agree.

Huangdi focuses on thr future.

And our Song'er is going to be appointed as Qin Sect leader too.

Meng shi: yes! As he must. I'm so happy for him.

A-qing: *stops by the door.* Huanghou. Nainai taihou.

I'm a little shy.

Qin Su: why are you shy? You can come in.

A-qing: I came to check up on you. How are you going, Huanghou?

Qin Su: I'm good, dear.

Meng shi: aww so sweet. Checking up on your future mother-in-law.

That's good.

A-qing: *blushing* Nainai.

Qin Su: hmm I agree.

A-qing: do you need any help with anything?

Qin Su: not at all.

Meng Shi: A-Su, do you love the gifts?

Qin Su: oh yes, yuemu hou. I love them.

You're the best. *hugs*

Meng Shi: no prob, darling.

A-qing: you gave her gifts! That's so sweet.

Meng shi: yea, that's my little tradition to give A-Su gifts to congratulate her on her pregnancy.

A-qing: awww. Adorable.

I love that tradition.

Meng Shi: I hope A-Su carry on the tradition.

A-qing: *covers her blushing face* Nainai! Stop. You're making me blush.

Qin Su: *laughing* I'll give A-qing a lot of gifts.

But I'm not ready to be a grandma yet.

Meng shi: oh my.

Qin Su: A-qing. What if you surprise Song'er.

A-qing: surprise him?

Do you have any ideas??

Qin Su: wait for him in his residence, Pine Pavilion. Make some food, like dumplings, osmanthous cakes, fried tofu and some tea.

You know, Song'er is at a conference whole day. He must be exhausted.

I think it would be adorable.

A-qing: awww amazing. I really want to pamper him when he's returns.

Qin Su: great.

And pine Pavilion's mansion already have their chefs. You can just ask them to prepare the food.

A-qing: no. I want to try to cook for him with my own hands!

Qin Su: that sounds better.

Meng Shi: this is your time to practice being a housewife.

A-qing: yay.

~~~

Moling 📍

The grand sect conference is in session. Su Minshan is on his sect leader seat as chief cultivator whereas A-Yao sat on the left on a fancy seat of his own.

And of course there were xue yang and mo xuanyu sitting together and judging everyone.

Su she: welcome to the conference, cultivators.

With the help of my dearest Huangdi, I'll present the new sect leaders.

The sect leaders are advised to do some training to get familiar with their new roles.

Like lead night hunts, have meetings and discussions with fellow clan members and make minor decisions.

Soon you'll have your minor ceremonies on your own. Of course everything will be sponsored by Huangdi.

Everything here is approved by Huangdi. Ànd soon he'll elaborate on the structure of the program.

Su she: *clears throat* the new sect leader of the Reformed Qishan Wen sect and GusuLan sect will be Wen Yuan, also known as Lan Sizhui.

Ouyang Zizhen will be the new clan leader of Baiing ouyang.

Ouyang Zizhen: YES!!!

sect leader ouyang: behave yourself.

And you better not act so carefree. Running around.

Ouyang Zizhen: A-Die! aren't you going to congratulate me?! I'm part of Huangdi's young sect leader program.

Sect leader ouyang: congrats.

Speaking of congrats.

Congratulations Huangdi on your little package on the way.

Yao: thank you so much, Ouyang Zongzhu.

Ouyang Zizhen: ew A-Die. Why did you say it like that?

Sect leader ouyang: it's a figure of speech, child!

Su she: Jinling Rulan will be the Jin sect leader, as well as inherit the Meishan Yu sect. Where his grandmother belonged.

Jinling: *smiling*

Rusong: *clapping*

Jiang cheng: that's a lot of responsibility, A-ling. But I'm with you.

And as a gift I'll give you half of the Jiang sect.

Jinling: that's cool, Jiujiu!!!

Jiang cheng: you guys have it easy, thanks to Yao huangdi.

We were pushed into our roles without recovering from what we experienced a couple of weeks ago.

Jinling: you and Xiao shushu are the best.

Zixuan: congrats baby.

Yanli: I'm so proud of you.

Su she: congrats.

Rusong Dianxia will be the Qin Sect leader and subordinate to the Jin sect leader.

Jinling: *clapping*

Rusong: I'm honoured to be your subordinate, Ling gege.

Zixuan: such a perfect pair.

Yao: yes. There will be no corruption.

Jin guangshan was a disaster.

Zixuan: oh yes he was.

Ling'er and Song'er are absolutely precious and really close.

Yao: they'll make a perfect team.

Zixuan: indeed.

Su she: Huangdi wishes that Lan Jingyi a.k.a Meng Ruyi Dianxia gets the Jun title like Zewu Jun for example.

He'll be another Jade of Gusu, where he continues to be in charge of Gusu and their districts as a lord, until Huangdi bestows something else.

Yao: Definitely. He's my beloved, and deserves the Jun title.

Lan qiren: but, but Huangdi. That boy is a troublemaker.

He breaks rules and misbehave all the time.

Yao: he's my son.

And his role models are the twin Jades of Gusu themselves.

Lan qiren: ah...well...as you wish.

I can't let xue yang torment me for disagreeing with you.

Yao: glad we can agree.

Lan qiren: yes. You never let the Jianghj down, actually. So.

Yao: mn.

Jingyi: thank you so much, A-Die.

Yao: it's your birthright, dear.

You know I don't mess with that. You'll get what's rightfully yours.

Jingyi: *smiling*

Su she: Huangdi. Please elaborate your plans. The stage is yours.

Yao: thank you.

Cultivators, I plan to get the Juniors into leadership, so that our empire will be forever strong and progressive.

As a chief cultivator showed everyone that the smallest individual can have an impact of the Jianghu. And now as Huangdi, I'm showing you the talent and potential in younger cultivators.

Xichen: that's so right! *claps*

Mo xuanyu: Lan lips. Huangdi is ours.

Yao: *laughs daintily* ah.

As I was saying. My dearest Rusong will be the representative of the junior cultivator party.

You all will report to him and he'll discuss with Minshan and I.

Su she: *blushing when hearing Minshan and I*

Yao: I also have to teach my son more about leadership, as he's the future emperor. A-Song is absolutely amazing.

Rusong: it would be a pleasure working with my fellow friends. *smiles*

Yao: elder cultivators, is everything OK?

Is Su xiandu doing a great job?

I know he is, but I want to hear from you.

Sect leader ouyang: yes! Definitely Huangdi!

Mingjue: yea.

Xichen: he learnt a lot from you.

Jiang cheng: the Jianghu is under great conditions. Thank you Yao Huangdi and Su xiandu.

Yao: delightful.

You're all strongholds in our Jianghu, so keep up the good work.

*smiling while showing his dimples. Then he took a sear*

Su she: well I think that's all. Huangdi, do you have anything else?

Yao: not at all. Everything was perfect.

Su she: mn. I'll dismiss the conference. Cultivators, feel free lounge around and relax. Grab some more snacks.

Rusong: hey. Su xiandu.

Do I have to do a thesis?

Su she: not at all, little Dianxia. You're my emperor's son. I know that you'll be great.

You and A-ling don't need to write a thesis.

Rusong: ok then. Thank you.

Su she: no prob, Song'er.

Jinling: congratulations A-Song.

Rusong: *smile* thank you, Ling gege. Same to you.

Jinling: *playfully grabs his arm* we'll rule the world.

Rusong: yup.

Let's go congratulate Ouyang Zizhen and the rest.

Jinling: mn.

Jingyi: congrats Rusong! *hugs*

Rusong: *hugs* and congrats to you, A-Yi. Gusu's new Jade and lord of Gusu.

Jingyi: yea bro. Thank you. I feel elite. Right mistress Jin?

Jinling: *rolls eyes*

Jingyi: mistress Jin, I get to lead night hunts.

I think I'll treat my sect members to dinner afterwards! Maybe we can go party somewhere.

Jinling: (amused and a little impressed) do you take yourself seriously.

Do the the hulijings take you seriously

Jingyi: obviously mistress Jin. The hulijings love me!

They also respect my Lan customs.

Jinling: oh really?

Jingyi: they maintain my Lan robes and headband. Only married attendants can handle my headband because they know the rules.

Jinling: how fancy.

Rusong: yea Ling gege. A-Yi is living the life.

Sizhui: that's really cute.

Jinling: i guess.

Rusong: ouyang Zizhen.

Ouyang Zizhen: *blush* R....Rusong Huangdi.....I mean...Rusong Dianxia. Hey.

Rusong: congrats, Ouyang Zongzhu

Ouyang Zizhen: thanks, Qin Zongzhu.

So I must report to you?

Rusong: yes. All junior sect leaders do.

Ouyang Zizhen: if I send a little poem in the documents, would you like it?

Rusong: of course. Why wouldn't I. You're a talented poet.

Ouyang Zizhen: omg.

Jinling: stop harassing my cousin.

Ouyang Zizhen: Jinling! I'm not harassing your cousin!

I just wanted to write a poem about his dimples!

Rusong: *laughing* I'm flattered that Zongzhu is going to write about my dimple.

Jingyi: Zizhen, you're not doing a good job in hiding your crush.

Sizhui: yea. We know you have a crush on Rusong.

Ouyang Zizhen: me???? Ahahaha...ha..ha..ha.

Jingyi: you got to fight with A-qing.

Jinling: A-Song is getting more and more like Xiao shushu.

Ouyang Zizhen: look, I have a beautiful face and she has a bamboo stick. So no thank you.

But I guess we can share Rusong. If Rusong is interested.

Rusong: I have no comment.

But you're very talented.

Jinling: Zizhen. Rusong is Rusong. You have to come better than that.

And he's the future emperor too.

Ouyang Zizhen: I'll do anything for him.

Sizhui: Rusong, other than this. What should we do as the Wen Sect?

Rusong: hmm. How about you have your first Wen watch tower here in Yunping.

I give you permission.

Sizhui: ohh, thank you very much.

Rusong: Ouyang Zongzhu.

Ouyang Zizhen: mn. Dianxia.

Rusong: continue using the river as a source of transportation and cultivation too.

Um. How are the fox spirits in your area?

Ouyang Zizhen: yes Dianxia. They're treated as immortals and equal to cultivators. As the clan leader I'll make sure they get high ranks!

Rusong: that's good to hear.

Some time I want to come to Bailing, just to meet the fox spirits..

Ouyang Zizhen: you?! In Bailing?! I live in Bailing!

Jinling: I think he knows that.

Ouyang Zizhen: I mean....Dianxia, I'll oganise transport for you.

Don't ask your staff!

Rusong: thanks dude.

Ouyang Zizhen: you can stay at my place if you wish. I...I think I need to clean the Bailing's Manor.

Rusong: relax. Everything is fine.

Thanks for the invite.

I'll tell you when I'm coming.

Ouyang Zizhen: I await that day.

Yao: *glaring*

Xue yang: looking at the new Ouyang Zongzhu and Songsong?

Yao: yea.

Zizhen is giving a body language akin to team dimple's.

Mo xuanyu: we have body language, Yao gege??

Yao: of course you simps do.

Su she: what you expect, Huangdi. When you are gorgeous.

Mo xuanyu: and now Song'er is.

Su she: Huangdi. I kind of see it.

But is this how I look?

Yao: 100%, Su Zongzhu.

You sent a whole parade for me when I visited Moling for the first time.

Su she: I must. You're a gift. And my rare treasure.

Yao: aww.

#the huli jing emperor #hulijing emperor 2 #meng yao #foxyao #dimpledlianfang #jin guangyao #jin zixuan #part 2 #su she #the untamed #meng shi #qin su

2 notes · View notes

amai-no-ura · 1 year

Text

Qin Empire Series Netflix MBTI

Simply a masterpiece. Especially on ruling, reforms and transition of a country. Quite good, quite good.

Wei Yang (Shang Yang) - ENTJ 1w9 so/sp (Lion-Bird)

This man is so Te. All his decisions are fact-based with undertone of personal moral code. And his extremely high efficiency/energy level is also aided by his Te-dom and enneagram 1. He is more detached than Ying Quliang though, owing to both his Te-dominant and 9 wing.

Bai Xue - ENFJ 9w1 so/sp (Lion-Snake)

Ying Yu - ESFP 6w7 so/sx (Snake-Lion)

Ying Quliang (Duke of Qin) - ENFJ 1w2 sp/so (Badger-Bird)

Ideal ruler... Although his drive for perfection ultimately dooms him. He is marked with constant frustration (things should be better, he should be better, 'I don't work hard enough' - 1w2 + sp dominant) and his perchance for cooperation and persuasion rather than brute force (wing 2). His decisions are all people-based. Even his objection to the first mass executions came from a place of humanity ('harsh punishment will hurt people's feelings. What if people leave Qin for that?') He is also an excellent negotiator and mediator who is able to find a common ground with anyone. He always focuses on unity and consensus (New policy or Reform, both require change so let's discuss whether we want to change or not - Fe consensus seeking).

He always focuses on emotional wellbeing of people around him. Like, he saw Wei Yang overworking, he told him off because he 'cares' about his friend. He always focuses on people element of everything.

Ying Qian - ESFP 8w7 sp/so (Double Lion)

Duchess Dowager of Qin - ESTJ 1w2 so/sp (Lion-Badger)

Duke Xiao of Qin (Lao Qin) - ESTP 7w8 so/sp (Double Lion)

Lao Gan Long (the old cunt but smart af) - INFJ 9w1 sp/so (Badger-Snake)

His hallmark is the detachment from present reality and his attachment to a futuristic insight that everyone in his faction doesn't understand. He doesn't care if he has to wait decades to enact his plan, he knows he has to survive until then and focuses solely on that. A byproduct of his Ni-dom + 9w1 chillness (I'll wait until it's time, no need to rush). He often speaks in high abstraction that his more grounded apprentice (ISTJ 6w7 sp/so) and son find hard to understand.

He knew the timing wasn't right and waited patiently for 20 years before launching his masterplan to get rid of Wei Yang (even then being careful not to touch the reform, knowing the implication it'll bring to his cause and to his country as a whole). All of that speaks to Ni as his dominant function.

Ying Si

(First Season): ESFJ 6w7 (683) sp/so (Lion-Badger)

(Second Season): ENTP 6w5 (684) sp/so (Burnt Snake-Snake)

Gongzi Ang (yuck) - ESTP 3w4 sp/so (Glory hound Lion-Snake)

Wei Wang (Duke/King Hui of Wei) - ENTP 7w8 sp/sx (Double Snake)

Gongshu Cuo - INFJ 6w5 so/sp (Bird-Badger)

Pang Juan - ENTJ 6w5 sp/so (Double Lion)

..................................................................................................

Zhang Yi (second season)

ENTP 3w2 (379) sp/so (Lion-Snake)

Mi Yue (second season)

ESTP 3w2 (387) sp/so (Double Snake)

This version of Mi Yue is actually how I imagined her to be - a seductress with shrewd political instinct. Someone who can handle any and all situation gracefully (like how image type will be, generally) but also ruthless in her ambition and doesn't mind doing dirty things to get ahead. I love Sun Li version (which was ENTJ 1w2 sp/so Double Lion) but this version is just so iconic and bitchy.

I considered 8w7 at first, given how super aggressive and temperamental she could be, but her drive is still ambition. She is also more able to play the game, flattering people and doing image management (which are all 3. An 8 would just nail them to the ground instead of playing with them)

Wei Furen (second season)

ISFJ 9w1 sp/so

poor soul ...

#The Qin Empire Series #sortinghatchats #enneagram #mbti

2 notes · View notes

serenasufinjapan · 2 days

Text

May 25: Osaka!

Today we went to Osaka go to the top of the Umeda Sky Building, which had a really cool open air deck to walk around that reminded me of the one on the Empire State Building. The view was really cool, you could even see the islands in the Osaka bay. Then, we went to go see the outside of Osaka-jō. Unfortunately on the way I fell pretty hard and scraped my hands and knees, which wasn’t very pleasant. Luckily my friends had first aid kits (they’re far more prepared than me) and we got everything cleaned up. After that, we took a train to the Shinsaibashi area, which has a ton of famous advertisements including the Glico man. Class was over at that point, so I went to a few shops and then to a cat cafe, which I absolutely loved as I was getting a little home sick and missed my cat.

The reading this week was about how urban Japan has been organized and developed. One thing that was unexpected for me was how Japan so readily destroys buildings to make new ones, which is almost never done in the US when it can be helped. Many historic homes in the US are actually protected by law and cannot be overly modified or torn down. In Japan, this is not the case except for very historically significant buildings and homes. Additionally, there is very little regulation on zoning, which is very different from America where zoning is so strict that it forces many cities to be heavily car dependent. This is something I’ve definitely noticed while I’ve been in Japan, I can walk to pretty much any amenity I need, something I’d never be able to do in Florida.

According to our discussion, most large corporations know their rights enough to get a good deal out of urban redesign in Japan. At the sky building, we got a peek of this by seeing the large corporate building that has a highway operating through several floors of it. The highway pays rent for these floors, which must be a very good source of income for the building. I don’t think I would have noticed this strange building without knowing that beforehand! Overall, it was super cool to see the strange urban organization (or perhaps lack thereof) in Osaka, which feels very similar to that of Tokyo.

0 notes

reign-factors · 7 months

Text

As an update being civilized man, instead of tarnishing a record of Blair Slavazza. I believe it being fair to ask for a ride along from her sergeant. Small city don't plan on going that far. So I will use my past tax dollars and go to her sergeant and ask for a ride along. To level the playing field . I would love to hear about equal rights and how this day in the reservist free liberal bay we as a city must uphold the cycle of civilization make sure we as a community need to work together so we are equal with rights respected in each authority. Since on October first 2020 I just came from court . When I got off phone with dispatch I went to my lawyers number to call since order with what you arrested me for was modified to no Ham and since I called for a civil standby i stayed on recorded line till you came on scene . All I did was follow dispatches instructions . You threw down my phone putting me in hand cuffs when I was supposed to be there. I met all the judges requirements as well as you so called sister. The medicine you ripped the label off was saving my life from a suicide attempt. When I noticed your biased ways only then I requested for a male to search me since they were on seen including a sgt. You honored it you will not honor the same one when putting me in car. If I was not supposed to be there why did you leave my stuff there when you're supposed to log that in property. I had all my medicines paperwork on hand at my lawyer's number I was on a recording call when you pulled up to the scene and I was the one who called you guys. I was told from my wife I could come home but she lied to you guys but you the sergeant and her has some some words which I know were caught on your body Cam that had to be on right if they weren't on I'll gladly say online and everything but I was not that's why I kept sending social media accounts of your department on their disregard for the law. That's why I always hastagged it and I sent it to you. I help raise five brilliant children learning on my way and becoming better that's why in the beginning of 2020 none of the officers knew my name. I'm came a functioning man of society who has rehabilitated and corrected myself. Everything I told you guys was not a lie. Like me being a borderline diabetic or when my housing is stable I am able to control it with heathy eating habits and not medicine. Do you even lie to say our waiting for the cop to bring me the probation paper but when he brought it you had to lie it says everything I said to you proving that I was being honest. But I'm trying to be the bigger person consider humanity over being judge as a non-functioning member of society I've learned a lot of lessons in my life and I was on the right path but you jeopardize that yes not on your record for one reason is because I because I avoided the 6 months that I could write a complaint but for you to not acknowledge it or your captain not to acknowledge it and discuss it without disciplinary faults is way better than having this streets disrupted. Because it did happen October 1st 2020 on your body cam your sergeant barleycam all the officers on scene body cam you in the transportation even though you could have taken me in your car because that's what you searched me for I'm trying to be the solution not the problem . What are you trying to be the solution or the problem you is a officer need to get that off your chest because he has a taxpayer don't feel that if you can't answer that properly you shouldn't be a cop on another job there's other people that can have your position that can follow the rules especially the ones that the ACLU brought to trial and won. I would think you being a female in a mixed individual you could understand rights and rights taken away in a civil basis. This angers me so much I'm just going to take a couple minutes to reflect into bring down my cosmic vibrations all I can do now is just pray look out for part two.

#newark california #aclu #bay area #black lives matter #black tumblr #human rights #laws #109 #sexually biased police officer #equal rights #civil rights #gender equality #newark police instagram #police misconduct #october 1 2020 #newark

0 notes

alienorstyx · 11 months

Text

A Night in Paris

Precedent chapters: 5, 6

Chapter 7 : Fury

Canada was watching America walking in circle in his room, his brother woke him up in the middle of the night to come and talk about something important, it could be anything and everything with America. « I am sure she had slept with him. » Cried America , shaking in all directions before adding; « It's been several days since I've wondered who might want to sleep with her, I've even , blah, blah, blah ... »

And there he goes again in his usual paranoia, spying on everyone, trying to master other countries by his ideology. And saying that he criticizes dad on it, they are really similar on this method, thought Canada, but he knew what would cost him to say his thoughts aloud, his brother would find a way to avenge or humiliate him in the months to come. For these reasons, Canada preferred to remain silent, and to play the game of America as long as possible until the latter was satisfied.- Who are you talking about? Asked while baying Canada, who had not understood at all, what his brother had been mumbling for twenty minutes.

" But France and this bastard of communist!" America replied angrily, who couldn't stand for someone not to pay attention to what he was saying.

" USSR?"

"Yes, him, who I don't know why dad is trying to deny that's it him."

" Maybe it's not him then?"

" No! I am sure that France sleep with him, after all she has always been in good term with these reds , and then in her population this party is still popular . It disgusts me that she did not clean up or that she simply banned it ,instead, she lets them express themselves,and be in her government ."

"You still resent the fact that she kicked you out of her country or that she managed to get up to the table of the winners or else it is ..."

"Shut the fuck up! Of course, I didn't like it when once I came to rescue her from the third Reich, saving Europe for the second time, and there she ...immediately after she became hostile to my installation, by demanding and imposing the withdrawal of my troops." America cried out while making big movement with these arms, before Canada, which was visibly tired of all this nonsense.

"She immediately noticed that you tried to destroy her."Tried to justify Canada , he did not like when his brother criticized his mother , she was certainly for America more like his mother-in-law but it was still her and Spain who helped him during his war of independence. "Stupid , I never wanted to destroy her." Bitching America , who couldn't stand his younger brother's accusations, about his actions or attempt. "Yet it was indeed the project of your President Roosevelt and his plan for Europe, wasn't he?" Canada risked.

"Yes, there was that. However, that was not my goal."

"America", said Canada in a weary tone while watched him sweat nervously, he knew that his brother had discussed it with Roosevelt on the question of Europe, that he was happy to be able to show his power over the European countries, some of which had snubbed him and criticized him .

" Admit America, you are trying to weaken the old colonial empires to increase your own power."Murmured timidly Canada, who immediately regretted making this comment, seeing his big brother take off his iconic sunglasses and his dark blue eyes then flashed lightning.

"And so what!" The latter replied, visibly angry.

" You cannot criticize Mom's actions." Dared shyly Canada by hardly supporting America's insistent gaze.

"And if she chose the camp of this communist. You would follow her like a good big boy to his mommy, eh."

" And so you try to intimidate me, for what? And then mom is still a powerful country whether you like it or not!" He bits his tongue, insulting himself internally for saying that.

"No, I ... , she ...she is no longer a great power, period. And then she has already started to make treaties with this coco."

"What are you talking about, Mom wouldn't do something like that."Canada really didn't like how things were going, he was hopeless that everything would stop, and that this nightmare would end so that he could finally rest. "Oh yes, well look,and open big your eyes, my dear brother. She did not wait until the end of the war to form an alliance with the USSR, they signed on December 10, 1944 in Moscow."

Canada remained speechless due to this revelation, how he could not have been made aware of it, it is perhaps a small treatise of nothing at all that will probably have no impact in the future, finally he hoped . However , what irritated him the most was not this treaty, but the air of complete satisfaction that America displayed. It was with an inordinate calm and in a frigid tone that Canada uttered his words that hurt America:

"You have changed far too much. You are no longer the brother I knew."

#A Night in Paris #countryhumans #countryhumanscanada #countryhumans america #fanfic

1 note · View note

weememories · 1 year

Text

Best Places To Visit In India With Friends

In today’s post you will learn everything about the Best Places To Visit In India With Friends.

India is a sizable nation with a complex tapestry of customs, cultures, and history. The fact that India is also home to some of the most stunning locations on earth is therefore not surprising.

There is likely to be a destination that appeals to you, whether you're seeking for a spot to unwind and recuperate or you want to experience India's colourful culture. And with your buddies at your side, what better way is there to enjoy India?

We'll discuss some of the top locations in India for group travel with you in this blog article. There is something on this list for everyone, from calm beaches to busy metropolis. So, get arranging for your trip right away!

Best Places To Visit In India With Friends

Malana

Malana is a hamlet in the Himachal Pradesh state of India. On the banks of the Malana River, in the Parvati Valley, is where the settlement is situated. There are about 200 households living in the village. The villagers are thought to be the offspring of warriors who served under Alexander the Great. The peasants' dialect and traditions are distinct from those of the rest of India.

From Jari, it is a 10-kilometer hike to the settlement. You pass through some of the Himalayas' most breathtaking landscapes on the walk. Along the trip, you'll pass across waterfalls, glaciers, and snow-covered mountains.

Goa

Goa is a state in India with a sizable coastline and a rich past. Goa is renowned for its beaches, churches, and temples. Goa is a well-liked vacation spot because to its vibrant nightlife and wild parties. Goa is the ideal destination if you're seeking for somewhere to travel to in India with your buddies.

Goa offers a variety of activities, whether you wish to explore the city or unwind on the beach. You may go to some of Goa's busiest beaches, such Baga Beach and Calangute Beach. Alternately, you might stroll around the city and stop by a few old sites, such Fort Aguada.

Gokarna

A tiny town in India's Karnataka region is called Gokarna. It is a well-liked travel destination because of its stunning beaches and temples.

Gokarna offers a variety of activities, including going to the Mahabaleshwar Temple, swimming in the revered waters of the Gokarna Beach, and climbing up to the Om Beach. You may also travel to the neighbouring Dattatreya Temple, which is where the Hindu deity Dattatreya is claimed to have been born.

Hampi

One of the nicest spots in India to travel with friends is Hampi. It is well-known for its historical ruins, which originate from the Vijayanagara Empire. UNESCO designated the Hampi site as a World Heritage Site.

In Hampi, there are many things to see and do. The Vittala Temple, the Virupaksha Temple, and the Elephant Stables are a few of the most well-liked sights. Numerous hiking routes also lead to some of Hampi's most beautiful locations.

Pondicherry

Southeast India is home to the city of Pondicherry, sometimes referred to as Puducherry. The history and architecture of the city are influenced by both French and Indian colonialism. Both Indians and foreigners like visiting the city as a tourism attraction.

The beaches, churches, temples, and museums of Pondicherry, which is situated on the Bay of Bengal, are among the city's top draws. The French Quarter of the city, which has colonial-style buildings and cobblestone walkways, is particularly well-liked by tourists.

Conclusion

This blog has explored the best places to visit in India with friends. We've spoken about the benefits of travelling with friends and highlighted a few of them.

Following that, we spoke about the top 5 places you and your friends should visit at least once in your lives. Every detail you should be aware of before visiting these destinations has been addressed.

#Best Places To Visit In India With Friends

0 notes

radioactivepeasant · 3 years

Text

Fic Prompts: Star Wars Wednesday

(Based on the prompt: What if Luke was captured on Hoth?)

The room was dark when Luke woke. That, in and of itself, was unusual. The medical bay in Echo Base was always painfully bright. Luke squinted through the thick bacta and tried to make out his surroundings. Why was the room so dark?

Luke thought he remembered warning sirens pulsing faintly through the tank. A sense of fear and urgency. Had they cut the power to hide from a probe? No...that didn't feel right. This place was too empty. Han and Leia and Chewie weren't here watching over him, as they had been since Han found him in the snow. They wouldn't have left him if-

...if everything was okay.

Despite the warmth of the bacta around him, Luke realized that he felt cold. Maybe he was still in the base. But then, where was everyone else? Had he been left behind?

They wouldn't leave him!

...would they?

The increase in his heartrate sounded an alarm on the outer controls of the tank. All at once, the bacta began to drain out, and the harness rose. Relief washed over Luke. Obviously someone had to still be here, or nobody would have noticed the heart monitor. It was probably 2-1B. He couldn't really sense droids, after all. The medical droid would know what was going on.

A wave of heat staggered him as soon as his bare feet touched the ground. At a control panel beside the tank, a jet black Artoo unit hooted at him in a suspiciously judgmental manner.

This was not Echo Base.

This isn't right...

Luke swallowed, grimaced, and spat out a bit of bacta that had gotten under the oxygen mask.

"Droid!" a harsh, modulated voice barked, "Why did you release the subject without authorization?"

Luke whirled to find a guard in crimson robes entering through a door behind the tank. His heart sank when he recognized the design of the uniform.

Empire.

Oh no. No no please, Force no!

He had been captured.

But then, why would they let him heal? He had a pretty high price on his head! Usually Imps were scrambling to kill him, not heal his wounds.

"Put him back under. Now!" The guard approached slowly, brandishing a spear at Luke. "You. Hands where I can see them."

Luke backed away, on the verge of panic. Where was he? What had they done to his friends? Why was he unhurt?!

"What the kriff is going on?" he croaked.

Watch him, watch his movements. If that spear isn't electrified, maybe I can grab it...

"You aren't here to ask questions, Rebel, you're here to answer them. Get back in the tank before I give you a reason to need the bacta," the guard snapped.

He swung his spear closer, and Luke jumped back. His bare shoulders collided with a tank wall, and the Artoo shrieked at him in dismay. A swift glance behind him revealed that Luke had not backed into the same tank he'd come out of.

There was a second tank beside his, and it was still occupied.

Luke felt the cold again, as if the tank had been filled with ice water. Inside the cloudy liquid, a battered figure seemed to hang frozen. The figure's limbs ended abruptly in scarred amputations that looked old, but aggravated. Dark contusions spread across what little of the person's torso Luke saw before returning his attention to the guard. Was this someone else they'd been interrogating?

The guard advanced again and held the spear to Luke's throat. "That's enough, Rebel. By rights, you shouldn't even have been brought here! We're wasting perfectly good bacta on scum like you."

Fear and adrenaline swirled together into an indignant mixture not too far off from courage, and Luke spat out, "Yeah, because I'm so eager to walk forward with a karking spear at my throat. You been out in the suns too long? I'm not impaling myself on that!"

The tip of the spear pressed closer, and this time Luke felt a low humming from it that promised a nasty shock if it made contact with his skin. He could almost swear he felt faint amusement in the red guard.

"Well that's what the bacta's for, isn't it?"

A spark arced from the point of the spear, and Luke instinctively jerked his head backward. But the jolt never struck. Luke tried to look, but it was as if the air itself had turned to stone, locking them all in place where they stood. If he strained his eyes, he could just make out the spark, flickering pathetically in midair, never to land. He could breathe, at least, but it was labored and shallow. The guard seemed to be having more trouble than he was -- the only indication to Luke that this was not some kind of paralysis weapon.

"Touch him and your life is forfeit."

The voice was soft, barely audible through the transparisteel of the second bacta tank, but it seemed to ring in their ears all the same. Luke couldn't turn, or shift his eyes far enough to see the speaker, but he could guess who it might be. The other prisoner had awoken. How was he holding them in place? Was it-

Was he a Jedi?

The guard collapsed, and suddenly Luke was free to move again. He turned slowly to look into the tank, barely even noticing that the guard lay where he had fallen, unmoving. The bacta was still cloudy, pumped full of heavy antibacterial solutions. But now that the man's eyes were open, they were impossible to miss. The fiery golden eyes of a dragon pinned Luke in place; they weighed him down with their gaze as surely as if he had been manacled to the floor.

Whoever the other prisoner was, Luke understood instinctively that he was a very dangerous man.

"No harm will come to you while you sleep," the man vowed. He appeared to be making some attempt to soften his dragon's stare, while simultaneously sifting through Luke's very soul. It did not alleviate the young man's fears.

"Thank you...?" Luke managed after several failed attempts at speech. "I can...keep watch while you sleep, if you want." Not that I can help much without my-

The lightsaber.

His father's lightsaber was gone. Was it still in the Rebel base? Or had the Empire taken it? Luke gripped the side of the tank for support. No friends, no weapons, no connection to his father; he had nothing but the shorts he'd been wearing when 2-1B first put him in the bacta tank.

I'm sorry! First Aunt Beru and Uncle Owen, then Ben, now I've failed you too, Father. I'm so sorry!

"Have you failed? Or did Kenobi fail you?" The man in the tank interrupted his thoughts without warning. The cold grew sharper, and shadows crept from the corners of the room to curl around the tanks. Golden eyes burned in the darkness of the occupied tank.

"What?" Luke gasped, pulling away from the tank.

"Sleep, Luke. When you have recovered, there will be much to discuss."

As Luke felt the chill close in on him again, it struck him that the dangerous stranger knew his name. And he spoke it as though he were familiar with Luke.

Luke had questions. But he wasn't sure anymore that he wanted them answered.

#star wars wednesday #revenge of the fifth #fic prompts #writing prompts #star wars au #empire strikes back au #luke skywalker #darth vader #darth vader's fortress of drama #vader tried to pull the old parenting trick of sleeping when the kid sleeps #unfortunately for him Luke woke up before he did #Vader absolutely did NOT want Luke seeing him like that but now he's at least got a chance to have a conversation without Luke bolting #Luke knows this guy is setting of alarm bells in the Force but without the distinctive mask and asthma he could be any Mos Eisley regular

215 notes · View notes

the-arctic-commune · 3 years

Text

Philza’s SMPEarth Livestreams

[check #philza archives for other posts like this]

Because, even though Philza is good and kind to us and saves his livestreams, twitch’s archive system is still impossible to navigate.

I’m slowly adding and updating timestamps for these, but it’ll be patchy and inconsistent.

Day 1: Nov. 22, 2019

Joins the SMP: 1:59

Joins the Antarctic Empire: 3:26

Grinding & mob-spawning experiments: Nov. 25, 2019

Joins the SMP: 3:05

Taking over the world: Nov. 29, 2019

Antarctic Empire owns the world: 1:58

Leaves the San Molo Trials: 2:50

Not usually putting other people’s moments on here but here’s some incredible Technoblade lore: “When I was kid on faction servers I’d make chicken farms so big other people’s computers lagged out, so no one could raid me unless they had a better computer than I did.” 3:16

Messing with a redstone contraption found on the map: 3:30

Visits Fit: 3:52

Dec. 8, 2019

Making an iron farm: Dec. 11, 2019

Weapons experiments: 5:37

Philza dies to an air strike: 5:47

Destruction of the Villager Adoption Agency: 6:05

WAR: Dec. 18, 2019

Battle of the Pit: 0:11

One last airstrike before we stop cyberbullying Tommy: 0:54

Investigating a giant area of bedrock in the ocean: 4:24

Watching Pete xray: 5:12

Mining & Grinding: Dec. 30, 2019

Various people are hanging out in his chat / TTS for the early parts of this stream, particularly KaraCorvus, while he goes mining.

Why does he want so much sponge. He’s not draining anything. Why has he spent two hours gathering sponge.

Time to bully Tommy (The Raid of Bean York City): 1:57

Wispexe joins the Antarctic Empire, conflict winds down: 2:42

Joining Kara and CaptainSparklez in investigating the ARG: 4:17

Command block blows them up (Philza Death #2): 4:33

To the Moon: Jan. 5, 2020

Building the Port-aux-Francais interior: Jan. 6, 2020

Joined by Wisp and then Pete: 2:24

Goes to the moon with Wisp to gather supplies: 2:42

Finished with the moon and leaves voice call; goes to the spawn to see if something dropped through the end portal ends up there and gets trapped inside the spawn area: 4:15

Beginning of the Dragon Egg War: Jan. 8, 2020

Starts out working on the Port-aux-Francais interior.

Uses a glitch with villager trading to force a server restart: 3:34

Pete joins voice call (while server is down). Philza explains the exploit, and they start talking about possible locations of the map’s ocean monument, which hasn’t been found despite a concerted effort by several members: 3:44

The second level of Port-aux-Francais, and most of the future fanart gallery, are complete; leaves to go “yoink” beacons from spawn, then gets distracted looking for the ocean monument: 3:57

Wilbur starts occasionally sending TTS’s: 4:14

AllanahVA (AFitzy) joins the voice call: 4:25

“Wilbur didn’t even win a Minecraft Monday” [makes the funniest face I have ever seen]: 4:32

Wilbur joins the voice call (I think? They address him as if he’s been there but I can’t hear him before that): 5:00

Technoblade joins the voice call. Pete comes and goes, but there’s too many potential timestamps for this stream for me to put them all in: 5:57

Philza arrives in Newfoundland and starts threatening Wilbur for the Dragon Egg. Dragon Egg War kicks off in full force: 6:07

I won’t put in time stamps for everything interesting because it’d be way too much, but the SMPEarth wiki has a full description of events. If you’re look for Chaos Phil, know that you’ve come to the right place.

Wisp joins the voice call: 6:11

Krinios joins the voice call: 6:33

Phil leaves the voice call; zooming around in an ice boat while jamming out to gas gas gas is not an activity confined to the dream smp: 6:51

Checking the moon for the ocean monument: 7:09

The Casino Conflict: Jan. 10, 2020

Starts out the streaming chilling in Port-aux-Francais for a bit and then visits Business Bay. Discusses “rescuing” Pee Dog back from Kara (0:16). Finds TimeDeo hiding in a trapdoor box (0:19).

Visits NewHawaii and finds that the plug-in that stops you from opening other people’s chests doesn’t stop you from breaking them: 0:24

Heads out to go ARG-hunting: 0:42

Explains some of the ARG / ocean monument location clues and shows a graphic relating it to a song from Snow White: 0:54

Back to building (mostly working on the upper floor “war room,” which has a floor inlaid with the Antarctic Empire’s flag; I think it’s really cool looking, and it never made it into any highlights that I’m aware of, so it’s worth checking out): 1:14

Tommy invites Philza to his newly-built casino: 3:37

They arrive at the casino. Philza seems unaware of both how casinos work and how dispensers work. Tommy seems only vaguely aware of how casinos work. Icebomb is lurking in the background like a traumatized cryptid: 3:47

Hostilities begin to kick off and Deo joins the call. Icebomb fights, and Wisp and Pete are occasionally in vc. See the wiki for a full description: 4:02

Philza declares enmity, fights Deo, and kills Tommy: 4:18

Back to Port-aux-Francais. Thunder1408 (Jack Manifold), the first customer of the C ASS INO, joins the voice call briefly at this time to yell at Tommy: 4:31

Turns off his overlay to get cool screenshots of the build. Kara comes to get a tour: 5:41

Travels with Kara to admire her Eiffel Tower build: 5:56

Honorable mention: conclusion of the Dragon Egg War and (I think) Philza gains the moniker Angel of Death: Jan. 14, 2020. Streamed by Wilbur, Sophie.

The Northwestern Volcano: Jan. 15, 2020

Starts out putting up fanart in the gallery.

Recaps the events of the Dragon Egg War: 0:48

Joins voice call and heads to investigate the newly-formed Northwestern Volcano as part of the ARG. Pete, Deo, GrunksPromise, TanningOil, and Bitzel all join. I think I hear Fit occasionally as well: 2:53

Kara joins and they start heading into the volcano. See the wiki for a full description: 3:18

CaptainSparklez joins: 3:59

As their investigations begin to come to an end, they suddenly see lava pouring into the cave from above. Philza flies up, leaving the others behind, and sees that the volcano is “erupting:” 4:32

He tries to fly back down to join the others but is knocked off-course by an explosion, hits the ground too hard, and dies: 4:37

He tries to fly back to the volcano in a plane, but once he gets there he he can’t fly down the tunnel, glitches into the wall, and suffocates, after which he is teleported back to the volcano by an admin: 4:40

JoshA20 gives him a pickaxe with impossible enchantments to apologize for the item losses, then places a command block and tries to get Phil to ban him from the server; shenanigans continue for a bit, and Josh briefly gives him a stone button enchanted with Knockback 50: 5:05

The World Police: Jan. 22, 2020

A TTS points out that Philza’s name has been written out somewhere so that it appears on the map, derailing his plan to “make a few farms:” 0:09

He arrives at the mark, discovering that JoshA20 has set up a challenge; by completing a set of objectives, like getting items with certain enchantments and being nice to Tommy, he will become the first member of the World Police and receive a “Buttonator 3000:” 0:18

TommyInnit joins to chat while Phil builds a heart next to his base: 0:50

Literally the “I stopped a murder today” “how” “self-control” meme: 1:08

Phil is so good with his elytra how... he rockets upwards and swoops to land on top of a single fence post without breaking a sweat: 1:17

Almost done with the quest, but in true Philza fashion he decides that Josh is playing a trick on him and spends the next like twenty minutes trying to solve a problem that doesn’t exist and do things the hard way: 1:38

Pulls up a list of the wealthiest people on the server in terms of the in-game currency, if you’re curious to see that; Philza’s on top with a whopping 1/5 of the total wealth of the entire server, but OGBeefStew is not far behind: 1:53

Talks about how Notch was recently in a video with this guy named Dream who’s been blowing up lately: 1:56

At long last he obtains the Buttonator 3000, which is enchanted with Knockback X: 2:14

Arrives at VoiceOverPete’s residence of Boomer Mansion; Pete joins the call, and they and Josh mess around with the button for a bit before Pete and Philza spend some time discussing farm designs and future builds: 2:19

Thunder1408 (Jack Manifold) suddenly joins the call to beg for shelter from TimeDeo, who is chasing him; TimeDeo quickly joins as well, and Philza decides that as world police :tm: he should help resolve the conflict: 2:58

(Tumblr tends to muck up list formatting on mobile platforms and sometimes even dashboard, sorry)

(If you have streams I missed, or timestamps / descriptions to add, would love to see them! I’ll be editing this to add those, but it’ll be a long time.)

#philza #reference #smpearth #philza archives

327 notes · View notes

allzelemonz · 3 years

Text

Don’t Go: Crosshair X Gender Neutral Reader Part 1

In honor of the return of Star Wars! I’m a little late... but Crosshair is in need of love. I want nothing bad to happen to him and I will likely be sad in the coming weeks.

It all happened so suddenly. One minute you were working with the resident Jedi on Kamino, then a clone asked for you to follow him. Then you heard the blaster fire. When you tried to turn back the clone grabbed your arm and kept you there.

“It would be best if you stayed with me, Commander.”

You stared at the expressionless helmet in shock. From the tone of his voice to the words themselves, this clone was not acting right. Nevertheless, he had a blaster in his hands and you did not. He released his grip on your arm and you followed him away. Nothing seemed right.

He led you to the Prime Minister who was waiting in his usual weird egg chair. When the trooper was gone you gave the Kaminoan a curious look as he calmly poured a drink for you.

“I’m sorry if you witnessed any unpleasant things today, Commander.”

“Do you mind if I ask what’s going on, Prime Minister?”

You tried to keep you cool in the presence of the Kaminoan, knowing that manners and politeness was their favored character trait. You accepted the drink from him with a small thanks.

“All will be explained in due time, but I’m afraid I must inform you that your employment in training the clone troopers may be coming to an end.”

“What do you mean?”

“We have come under a sort of new management.” The Prime Minister took a small sip from his cup. “An announcement will be made later this evening, I just thought it would be best to let you know of the threat to your employment ahead of time.”

“Thank you for that, but I’m still a bit confused.”

“We will speak more tomorrow, after the announcements. Everything will make more sense then.”

You gave the Kaminoan a nod and promptly exited the room. You were met with hallways full of troopers going in every direction. You took a shaky breath at the sight of an occupied stretch being carried to the med bay, seemingly for analysis. You had a sinking feeling you knew exactly who was on it.

You made your way to your barracks, changing your mind halfway there, and instead turning down the hall leading to the barracks room of Clone Force 99. You waited there for an hour or so, trying to distract yourself with cleaning one of Crosshair’s old rifles.

The door slid open to reveal Tech and Wrecker first. Tech going immediately to his workstation.

“Ah! Good to be back.” Wrecker exclaimed as he put his helmet down.

“The smell’s getting worse.” Echo commented.

“You’re still new. You’ll get used to it.” Hunter assured.

“Speak for yourself.” Crosshair pushed passed his brothers, finally seeing you.

The other boys went about their usual coming home routine as Crosshair sat next to you and took his helmet off.

“How was the mission?” You asked, mostly to gauge if he’d be acting weird like all the clones you’d seen today.

“Mediocre.” He mumbled.

He leaned over to you and placed a quick kiss on your head. At least that hadn't changed. The rest of the Bad Batch seemed to be acting like themselves. There was something about Crosshair’s movements that seemed different. He hadn’t taken his helmet off until sitting with you. He didn’t say anything about you cleaning his rifle.

“Not every objective” Crosshair said.

You tuned into the conversation, having ignored it until now.

“Hunter let that Jedi kid escape.” He continued. “Or do you want to keep lying to us?”

You looked between Crosshair and Hunter. Let the Jedi escape? Were all of the Jedi being killed?

Hunter stood up and walked to the window, looking out at the waters below.

“I don’t like to think of executing our commanders as a mission objective.”

“An order is an order.” Crosshair argued.

He wasn’t wrong, but killing all of the Jedi was a questionable order at best. And the Padawans, children, there was no way to justify that order. When you were first brought on to aid the trooper training you couldn’t believe that pre-teens were holding a rank that you didn’t earn until you were twice that age. You couldn’t imagine killing them.

“Since when?” Hunter fired back.

Even from behind him, you could see Crosshair become annoyed. The end of his toothpick flicking around and his shoulders tensing up.

“None of this makes sense.” Echo chimed in. “Those clones served alongside General Billaba for years. How could they turn on her like that?” The former reg hit his fist against the table in frustration.

“Because of the reg’s programming.”

Everyone looked at Tech as if he was crazy.

“What programming?” Hunter asked.

You recalled being told that the clones were made to be more obedient than the average person, but you never thought of it as programming. Tech explained what he meant and Wrecker laughed.

“Ha! We sure don’t” The giant clone slung an arm around Crosshair, stuffed toy in hand.

You could see Crosshair’s annoyance at the action go beyond his default level of only moderate annoyance.

Tech explained why they didn’t adhere to the same standards as other clones, which you could have guessed. They’re different. Tech made it sound more complicated than that, but really the short answer was that they were simply built different.

Crosshair pushed Wrecker off him as Tech continued his explanation. Wrecker began to softly hit Crosshair with his stuffed toy in opposition. Crosshair got away from his large brother and replaced his toothpick in his mouth. You could still tell he was a bit off put by the current topic of conversation. The boys continued to discuss why they didn’t follow the order that had apparently been put out. You came to your own conclusion about the Jedi and troopers you’d been with earlier.

Crosshair leaned against the wall next to his bunk, you nudged him lightly and asked silently if he was feeling okay. He didn’t respond as he usually did.

An intercom message gave the order to report to the staging area, interrupting the conversation.

The Bad Batch walked to the staging area. You followed with them, Crosshair keeping pace with you in the back. It was his form of PDA like holding hands, just walking with you in step.

You split from the boys to take your position at the head of your group of clone cadets. All of them acting strange, not a single one out of place or trying to talk to one another. All of them stood at attention as if they were clankers. Even your subordinate sergeant didn’t give you any more comment than an acknowledgement of rank and a curt nod. He’d usually at least crack a smile or a wink if he was feeling confident.

You watched the announcement with a bad feeling about what was to come. You tried to catch sight of Crosshair or Hunter, anyone of the batch, but they were too far ahead and blocked by too many other clones. You couldn’t even see Wrecker towering above everyone else. The news that all Jedi were to be executed for treason explained a lot, but it didn’t change your mind about anything. The clones around you cheered at the announcement of a new Empire. The cadets behind you included. Men that just a few weeks ago had been talking about their disgust with the authoritarian Separatists. Maybe Tech had a point about the programming.

After the announcement you were caught up in the chaos that was clone cadets. Your fellow training commanders all worked to get the cadet back into their schedules and you couldn’t slip away no matter how much you wanted to. You escorted your troops back to their training area and got them back on track, leaving them to the bounty hunter trainers they were working with.

You made your way back to the batch’s barracks to find Crosshair looking over the old rifle you had been cleaning.

“Where is everyone?” You asked. It was a rare case the barracks were only occupied by one member of the batch.

“Out.” Crosshair stated plainly.

You took his meaning. Everyone was doing their own thing. You sat by the tall clone and watched him inspecting the weapon.

“I’m sorry I haven’t been accommodating recently.” Crosshair said, breaking the silence.

“Since when are you accommodating?”

The sniper chuckled and set the rifle to the side, turning to you. He took your hand in his and met your eyes.

“I try to be for you.”

He leaned in and kissed you. The usual crosshair kiss, short and to the point, but exactly what you needed.

“Have you been feeling okay?” You asked.

Crosshair raised an eyebrow at the question.

“You’ve been picking at Hunter a bit more than usual is all.”

“He made a bad call.”

You nodded, not wanting to provoke him. Maybe Crosshair wasn’t as immune as the others. He was acting off, but not nearly as badly as the regs.

“Do you want to go to the mess?” You rested you had on his cheek, tracing the point of his tattoo with your thumb slightly.

“Maybe later.” He answered, leaning into your touch.

He inched closer to you, pulling you close to him. He wrapped his arms around you in a rare hug. You relished in the action, pulling him closer as well. You ran your fingers against his short hair. Crosshair never hugged you for more than a few seconds, but you sat there for a while before the clone pulled away to kiss you again.

“Are you sure you’re okay, Cross?”

“Just missed you.” He spoke softly.

He hugged you close again. It made you wonder what was going through his head right now. The stoic man Crosshair usually appeared as was fading the longer he held onto you. Something wasn’t right.

236 notes · View notes

nanaminokanojo · 3 years

Text

Play the Game | Nanami Kento X You | Part 8/8 [COMPLETED]

collection masterlist

one - two - three - four - five - six - seven - eight (final)

"Play the Game" Masterlist

You stood by the door, watching the chaos in your brother’s bedroom as he prepared for his wedding at sunset, waiting for everyone to leave so you can finally speak to him in private. He was, after all, the only one in the family you cared for enough to inform him of your decisions.

People always say you and Gojo were similar. However, those very things that made you alike also set you apart. Besides the platinum white hair and remarkable blue eyes you shared – unique even within the clan – being the absolute obvious, the similarities stopped there.

You siblings were supposed to be akin to one another, but the same things they loved about your brother were the same things people abhorred about you. You and your brother were both prodigies. He was richer than the whole clan, all assets combined being the successful businessman he was ever since he was in his teens. It was as freakish as it was awe-inspiring. You were an artist of great renown with your multi-million dollar pieces and the youngest to have been dubbed as a national artist when you were the same age as him.

But where he basked in fame and acclaim, your prominence was fueled by infamy. Gojo built an empire that served as one of the pillars of the local economy. You produced artistic pieces that inspired execration and controversy. Undeniably brilliant, yes, but absolutely contentious.

Your brother was kind. In fact, he was the best older brother one could ever ask for, and that was not lip service nor was it because of your biases towards him. You can never discount how caring he is to you, how hard he tries to make you happy and how he would go through lengths as to be the idiot just to satisfy your whims. He was just genuinely good-natured although he appeared somewhat insouciant. He had his evil streak, too, which is established in the clan, but his goodness radiated like a light that followed him wherever he went.

However, you have long accepted that your side which reflected Gojo in every way when you were younger had long died. Altruism wasn’t one of your strongest suits and you were only ever affectionate to people you had deep, deep fondness for. And that wasn’t even something common. Even your parents had always been the receiving end of your lackadaisical attitude.

He attracted people, you repelled them. Being surrounded by the good people he called friends was a testament to that no matter how vexing his personality was, and more people want to be near him. Apart from your three friends, you didn't make any more and your school life sucked because majority of your classmates hated you. For what, you didn't know. You don’t think you will ever understand.

It was your seven-year gap that made all the difference, you liked to think. It was much easier to swallow than the concept of the whole cosmos conspiring to create two creatures to be equals but of the opposite nature. Maybe it wasn’t meant to be that way, but you will always be the one looking up to him regardless if you did not choose the same path as his; regardless of whether there were no comparisons with what either of you endeavored to do.

And above everything else, you loved Satoru very much.

“Got a minute?” You began, standing before him in front of the mirror. It was rather annoying watching him struggle with the cufflinks, and you didn’t think he would manage to fix the bowtie still hanging loosely on his neck. Thus, you thought of taking charge. “Give it here.”

Gojo was surprised, but he was nonetheless happy. He wore his heart on his sleeve after all, and you could only guess it was that vulnerability he risked showing that attracted people to him. You have only learned the intricacies of such a matter recently, something you had to agree with since it all made perfect sense.

“Thank you,” he said, tilting his head to the side, watching you work on his cuffs.

“You’re really getting married, huh?” you began, feeling yourself start to falter, but you have decided. You may not have gotten him the best wedding gift materially speaking, but you swore to let him in on what was going on with you, to be honest with him like you hadn’t been for the longest time. “Who would have known?”

“Am I finally getting that emotional pre-wedding sibling talk?” he asked, walking towards the seats by the window and looking out into the garden.

“You’re getting married, not being sent away to prison. I don’t even understand why this happens during weddings,” you quipped, sighing. “But I guess you could call it that.”

He smiled at you, patting the space beside him. You did as you were told, assuming the spot, but also looking out the window, watching as the organizers made finishing touches to the garden below. No expense was spared to make the occasion as perfect as it could get. You couldn’t argue with it. Gojo deserved the best, and to him, Utahime did, too.

“I’m waiting,” he said, breaking the silence that had befallen the room. “You’ve been pacing before the door for god knows how long when you should have been getting ready.”

“I got ready much faster than you did.”

“And you look beautiful.” He tilted his head to the side, eyeing you appreciatively. “Sometimes, I can’t believe you’re all grown up. And what a beautiful woman you’ve become.”

You smirked. “You’re looking at your mirror image after all.”

“Well, there’s that, of course.” He laughed slightly. “But I’m not just saying that because we’re basically the same person. You really are beautiful, baby sis.” He tucked a stray strand of hair behind your ear, opting for it instead of his usual choice of mussing your hair since it has already been styled for the wedding.

You just shook your head. “Thank you, Satoru.”

“So, what did you want to talk about exactly?”

“The other day…” Your voice trailed off, thinking about what to say. It wasn’t that way before between you and your brother. He was always the easiest person to talk to, always open minded and optimistic about matters. But now that you were going to discuss something that he had vocally opposed, you were a bit scared of saying anything. Nevertheless, it wouldn’t do Nanami justice if you decided to hold back now, considering that he was more than ready to speak to your brother.

You’ve both initially decided to sit Gojo down and tell him about your decisions together, but you informed Nanami earlier in the day that you needed to have a proper conversation with him first. It wasn’t just your choice to be with Nanami that was the matter, and you wanted to get things straightened out with Gojo before he gets married.

“Yes?” he prompted.

“You said I don’t talk enough to you; that I don’t tell you things anymore.”

Gojo slowly nodded.

You breathed out. “Things changed. We can’t deny that. I grew up and you…well, you’ve decided you want to spend your life with Iori and build your own family.” Your lips curled up awkwardly as you tried to keep your emotions at bay. It was new territory having such talks with him when you’re used to your easy-going dynamic with him. “I’m scared, too. I mean, I can’t just bother you anytime anymore cause you’ll have your wife and eventually children to pay attention to and prioritize.”

He was taken aback by what you said, immediately drawing closer. “What are you saying, Y/N? You’re my sister. Nothing will change –”

“Our bond will not change, dude, but you have to admit that what I’m saying is true.” You took his hand in yours, squeezing it gently. You beamed at the fact that your fingers were structured in the same tapered manner as his. Even the shape of your fingernails were the same, just that his hands were bigger than your delicate ones. “What I’m saying is that even if you need to do that, I will be fine.”

“Of course, you will be. You’re my sister, and above that, you are your own person, and you’re stronger than you think. You’ve been handling things on your own for as long as I can remember.” He pouted, trying to act cute with you. “It’s disappointing, to be honest, because you’ve never really given me the chance to play my role in your life because you’re always the mature one.”

You were confused now. “What are you on about? You’re my only brother, but I can’t imagine anyone else holding that position in my life. You’re the best I could have asked for. I’ve always looked up to you. You’re my role model.”

“I am?”

“Yeah. The fuck are you so surprised for?” You snickered. “That aside, if you felt like I’ve been leaving you out, that’s not the intention at all. I always want you to be the first one to know what’s going on with my life…”

He clucked his tongue. “I understand you’re not doing it on purpose, kid. I’m just worried that you didn’t think I’m worth telling anything because, well, I’m not exactly a proper adult, am I?”

“You’re realizing that now that you’re about to get married?” you taunted him, jabbing your thumb towards the direction of the garden. “Should I tell Iori to call this whole thing off?”

He waved you aside. “Hey, don’t say that!”

You chuckled, shaking your head. “Anyway, there’s something I wanted to tell you for a while now.”

“How long is a while, exactly?”

“Years and years.” You flashed him a rueful smile. “I just couldn’t figure out how to tell you because I am not exactly sure how you feel about it although you’ve told me many times you were opposed to it. What I’m saying it that, I know that fact, but it’s the motivation behind it that is beyond my knowledge.”

Gojo’s eyes rounded, realizing what you were saying. “Are you…”

You nodded. “Yes, I am talking about Kento.”

He just blinked and stood up, pacing around in front of you for a while that you had to stop him from doing it. He had such a bad habit of doing that when he is in deep thought, and always in front of you, too. He was making you dizzy.

You seized him by the wrist. “Please say something.”

“I…”

“Why are you opposed to it?”

He stopped pacing and faced you, taking you by the shoulders, his eyes starting to water. “Y/N…”

“Oh no, are you gonna cry?”

He furiously blinked his tears back, the action almost comical if it weren’t for the serious look on his face. “Because you are my little sister. You think it will be easy for me to just hand you over to anyone? My friends aren’t exceptions to that although I trust them with everything that I have. I will always, always worry about you when it comes to that matter because I don’t want you to get hurt. I don’t want you to be taken advantage of, and I don’t want to have to break either Suguru or Kento’s bones when the time comes.”

“I can manage the latter on my own.” You sighed, finding your resolve strengthening. “But like you said, I’m this old now. I want you to understand that I know what I am doing and I am confident about my decisions. Honestly, I didn’t want to talk about this as if I am asking for your permission. This is what I meant when I said I will be fine. I am not saying you don’t have a say in my life, but I am telling you this time because I want you to know before anyone else does.”

“Suguru doesn’t know?” he asked, eyes sparkling.

“Don’t be petty. I tell him things I can’t tell you just like you tell him things you can’t tell me,” but you nodded anyway. “He doesn’t know yet…I think.”

“So…you and Kento…”

You nodded again. “I’m in love with him, Satoru. And he feels the same way.”

“You are?” His expressions softened, hugging you to him. “You’ve grown. Really grown.”

You returned the gesture, holding onto him tight. “Please don’t ever think that I am leaving you out of my life because I always want to tell you everything.”

Just then, he pulled back, his brows furrowing while his eyes narrowed at you. “So, why isn’t he the one telling me this? Where is that bastard?”

You shrugged. “He wants to be here. Trust me. I just asked him if I could talk to you first because I have issues to resolve with you apart from my relationship with him.”

Gojo exhaled, nodding in understanding. “I understand, Y/N. But are you certain?”

“Yes. I’m scared of hurting him, but I’ll do my best, I guess.”

“Hmm, yeah. Maybe you should tone down on your mischief, too. I don’t want him dying of stress because of you. He’s still precious to me.”

At that, you laughed. “I know.”

He poked you on the cheek. “Alright then. If that’s what makes you happy, I won’t stand in your way. You have my blessing.” His teeth clenched then. “But I’m still going to have to talk to him man to man in case he thinks he’s off the hook.”

“Worry about your wedding first,” you jibed.

“I almost forgot about that.”

“I’m telling Iori.”

He shook his head, feigning panic. “Don’t.”

You both ended up laughing, joking about the guests who were arriving at the garden, poking fun at the relatives you both detested but had no choice but to invite. Just like that, you were back to how it used to be, easily conversing and sharing the same sentiments about things and same penchant for devilry.

Soon, the organizer came to his room, informing him that he needed to go to the garden to prepare. You reached up and fixed his tie and jacket for him, holding him at arm’s length to appreciate your handiwork. “You’re all set.”

“Thank you.” He smiled wide but you saw the nervousness in his eyes. “I’m getting married!”

“You are.”

“I’m more anxious about seeing Kento after what you told me,” he stated dramatically.

You eyed him witheringly. “Shut up and pull yourself together.”

He snickered then. “Kidding. Let’s go.”

“Okay.”

The two of you walk to the garden, your arm around his. He stood at the spot just by the last row of seats with you, grinning at you when he saw you looking at Nanami who was already dutifully standing on his spot, speaking to Geto.

“Concentrate on your vows, yeah?” you told your brother.

“I’m off.”

“In case we don’t get to talk before you leave for your honeymoon,” you began, “Just know that I am waiting for the speedy arrival of my nieces and nephews.”

Gojo laughed at that, but nodded anyway and said, “I’ll do a good job, I promise.”

“And Satoru?”

“Yeah?”

“Love you.”

“I know, kid. I know.” He turned on his heels and walked towards his place at the front pews while you watched, his steps leading you towards the very man you would want to see standing there when the time comes, his halo of golden locks bright under the setting sun but you knew your future with him would be even more brilliant.

The familiar bars of Johann Pachelbel’s “Canon” began to play in a modified, slowed-down wedding version made especially for Gojo and Utahime’s wedding, played on the harp, piano and violin, cueing the beginning to the entrance of the bridal entourage. It began with the entrance of the flower girls who scattered petals of different flowers on the white carpet that lined the long aisle.

Arches and bouquets of flowers festooned the garden, with gossamer cloth hanging about, interlaced with live wisteria that hung down from the canopy along with fairy lights that progressively turned on as the sky grew darker. White and pink dominated the color palette as Utahime had wished and the same goes for the reception area. It was probably one of the most beautiful wedding setups Nanami has ever seen.

But his eyes weren’t on the ornaments. They were trained on the end of the walled garden, waiting for your ascent on the marble steps where the white carpet extended, the march made more dramatic by the organizers by opting for a meandering aisle instead of the traditional, straight walkway for the bride. And it did achieve the desired effect when you finally emerged from the steps and into view.

He couldn’t help the smile that tugged at his lips upon finally seeing you clad in that familiar faded rose gown he had first seen being fitted on you to perfection. He kissed you while you wore that very article of clothing not long ago at the couturier’s shop, and though he thought back then that he has never seen anything more beautiful, he was amazed at the fact that you looked even more gorgeous in it as you glided towards the front.

He loved you so much it hurts, and although you’ve both professed your deep affections for one another and decided to take things head on together, he still felt like he was in the middle of a dream he didn’t want to wake up from. You came closer, and once more, he was back at the semi-outdoor ballroom the first day he came that week, beholding the goddess that was you but seemingly in a different light – brighter this time, overwhelming him to the point that he had to remind himself how to breathe when you finally looked his way and beamed unabashedly, your affections towards him unmasked, real and not under the guise of a game.

“Kento,” he heard Gojo say softly just then, the man’s blue eyes furtively glancing at him.

“Yes?” he answered in hushed tones.

“Hurt my baby sister and I’ll have your severed head hung by the gates of the estate,” he said. “Are we clear about that?”

Geto snickered, concealing it by facing the other way.

“Understood,” Nanami said seriously. “I’m counting on it.”

When you were near enough, you smiled at your brother and Geto before turning your attention to Nanami. You winked at him as you passed by before turning towards your spot opposite them across the aisle, your attention trained towards the point where you came from.

He couldn’t stop looking at you, not even when he felt Gojo hold onto his arm, squeezing tight as Utahime came into view. He didn’t mean to be insulting to his friends. She was beautiful in her wedding gown and he couldn’t help but be moved by the loving look that your brother had on his face as he watched his wife-to-be come closer, guided by her father who will give her away as the sun set. It was poetic. A new beginning after a beautiful end. He probably looked the same whenever his eyes would find you.

The ceremony carried on as everyone sat down, waiting for the couple to exchange their ‘I do’s.’ their vows, rings and the much-awaited kiss. It was making him emotional, thinking of the time when he himself would draw your veil and get to claim you as his for life in front of everyone you both loved and cared about. He couldn’t wait for it, and he may be getting ahead of himself, but he wanted what Gojo and Utahime had with you.

As the minister announced the pair man and wife, everyone applauded and cheered for them. He did so, too, chuckling when Geto whistled loudly, being his cheeky self. Just then, he nudged Nanami on the side, grinning impudently.

“Is it safe to assume you’re next?” he queried in the same manner.

Nanami rolled his eyes, shaking his head. “Who knows? Someone might actually steal your heart in the next months and we’ll be seeing you crying as you watch your bride walk towards you by next year.”

Geto snickered at that. “Yeah, right. You looked like you wanted to jump Y/N and replace Satoru and Iori at the altar all this time.”

“Who wants to replace my brother and sister-in-law at the altar?” they heard you say, appearing out of nowhere, your head tilted to the side as you shifted your blue orbs between the two males, but before either of them could answer, you linked your arm with Nanami who smiled down at you blissfully. You returned the gesture, your cheeks blushing prettily under the twinkling lights overhead.

“I see you’ve figured things out.” Geto smirked, patting Nanami on the back just as Shoko came into view, taking the former by the arm, claiming she needed a smoke. She pulled him away, leaving you and Nanami to yourselves, winking as they walked away.

“So, you told him?” you asked, cocking your head towards the wide lawn where the pergolas were, built on three sides of the square and closed by an elevated area for the band, all surrounding a dance floor under a huge, white tent above, also adorned with thousands of lights. It was your design, solely for the wedding reception and a form of gift to the newlyweds.

“Satoru did indirectly when he said he’ll have my head hung at the gates of Gojo Manor if I hurt you.” He shook his head, laughing slightly. “Bastard had the gall to laugh at me, too.”

“He nearly cried when I told him earlier,” you said, regaling him with how your conversation with Gojo went. “He trusts you and is actually afraid I’ll hurt you, too.”

He shook his head. “It’s all part of the process, isn’t it?”

“Mhmm.”

“We’ll take it head on.” He held your hand, twining your fingers together.

You nodded, squeezing his larger hand. “We will.”

Just then, your friends emerged from the reception area with Noabara taking the lead, mischief drawn all over her face as she approached you. “I took care of the sitting arrangement,” she said to you then turned to Nanami. “Take care of Y/N. Make her cry and –”

“You’ll have my head?” Nanami supplemented but Nobara shook her head. “I’ll tan your hide. Satoru gets your head apparently.”

At that, Nanami laughed, nodding nonetheless. But to your surprise, she also turned her attention to you, holding you by the shoulders. “Are you still playing?”

“Nope.” You pressed your lips together, shaking your head slowly.

She smiled then. “Good.” She glanced at Nanami. “You’ve got you a good one here.”

“I know.”

They left you alone after that much to his relief, but then you said, “Wanna play a game?”

His eyes rounded and he felt tension again once he heard you say those familiar words, always the preamble to every single mischievous stunt you’ve ever pulled on everyone including him. He paused and looked at you. “I thought no more games?”

You smirked at him. “One more won’t hurt.”

He sighed, giving in. “You’re going to be the death of me, I swear to god.”

“So, are you in?”

“When did I ever say no to you?”

You giggled. “Great.”

“What is it about this time?” he asked, indulging you.

“Whoever gets a rise out of Satoru first wins.”

“The stakes?”

You just winked suggestively at him.

You forfeited. For the first time, you lost in your own game. It counted – albeit momentary – because you initiated the game…said the very words that began everything that paved the way to the result you’ve always wanted. But you did not really consider it a loss when for the long run, you’ve gained the very person you’d always gladly lose to at any given time.

After you father offered a toast for the newlyweds, the speeches began, starting with Utahime’s parents then yours, eventually moving on to you, then the bride and groom’s shared close friends. Geto had been rather irreverent as usual, pointing out the things that both Gojo and Utahime supposedly disliked from one another yet brought them closer, making everyone laugh when Shoko came up the stage and began her speech, saying, “Opposites do attract.”

You sat on your table with Nanami, both of you waiting for your turns. He was next in line after Shoko, smirking at you as he stood up and walked towards the platform and began his piece by congratulating Gojo, “for landing a very gracious woman who has the most enduring patience I have ever known in all mankind, given the grief that Ieiri, Suguru and I had to endure before Iori came to his life.”

He continued on with his witty address, pretty much reflecting what Suguru said and entertaining the crowd enough when he started to express his gratitude. “While I know that this changes nothing between us as the best of friends – including your nature that tested one’s forbearance – I would like to say thank you for many things. Thank you because you are, well, you…” He did a dramatic eye roll.

The guests laughed.

“Thank you because you are a real person who offered friendship to quiet, boring old me,” he said, droning on about the things he appreciated about the couple before saying the things he was thankful to Gojo about. “And thank you, because without you, without our friendship, I wouldn’t have met the very person I also want to walk this earth with for the rest of my life.”

You would have fallen off your seat when Megumi playfully nudged you if it weren’t for Yuuji who also held onto your shoulders from behind your seat, shaking you excitedly.

“If it weren’t for one Gojo Satoru, I wouldn’t have met Y/N.”

You felt all eyes turn towards you, including your parents and your brother, heat suffusing your cheeks as you tried hard to keep yourself from smiling like an idiot for everyone to see. Nanami has outdone you this time, and you knew you didn’t have a chance to go against that when he had so publicly expressed how he felt about you.

“I love her with everything that I am,” he continued, “and I will continue to do so even without your threat to behead me.” He raised his glass. “To Iori and Satoru. May you have the happiest, most prosperous married life from today and for always.”

Geto whistled loudly while the guests applauded. You also stood up, clapping your hands slowly as you shook your head. You’ve lost big time, backed by the fact that your brother stood up raising his glass as he said, “I couldn’t have wished for a better future brother-in-law.” He then looked at you, smiling fondly.

Nanami got Gojo to state his approval for everyone to hear. You can’t win against that even if you nearly made the latter cry.

And now, you were just happy to be in Nanami’s arms as he swayed you both to the tune the jazz band was playing, your arms hanging around his shoulders and your fingers playing with the hair at the base of his head while he held you against him by the waist.

“So?” Nanami began. “How’s that for a final game?”

“Not bad,” you acceded, smirking at him. “I’ll admit defeat.”

“Damn right, you are.” He smiled down at you, his dark eyes reflecting the muted, xanthic lights that surrounded you. “I have a couple of things I’d want you to do for me, by the way.”

You nodded slowly, keeping a straight face at the mention of his prize. “Rules are rules.”

His brows furrowed slightly. “Then again, you haven’t told me what you wanted when you won a week ago.”

You grinned, burying your face on his chest, listening to the faint sound of his heart. “But I did get what I want.”

“And that is?”

You met his gaze from under your lashes. “You,” you stated in full confidence.

Nanami nodded, suppressing a smile. “If you say so.”

“I wouldn’t wish for anything else.” You pulled him towards you so you could peck him on the mouth. “Thank you.”

“I don’t know what for, but as always, anything for you.”

You chuckled at that. Knowing him, he’ll make good on his words for sure, so much so that you didn’t feel the least bit of worry where your future with him was concerned. “You have to learn how to say no to me.”

“I guess, but since I won, have I finally made it to the list of people you don’t mess with?” he asked.

“As promised, yes.”

“No more games?”

“No more games,” you repeated. “Although I have to say it keeps things interesting between us. Don’t you think so?”

You both dissolved in laughter, the merry mingling of your voices coming to a standstill when he bent down and cupped your cheeks, running his thumb over your cheek before staking his claim on your lips while you returned the gesture in kind, locked in each other’s arms, glad you both played the game. And won.

-THE END-

I would like to say thank you to everyone who read this and kept up with my erratic updating. It's been a good 6 weeks. Thanks!

*I used “you” here, but since my character is Gojo’s little sister who is established to be his female clone for reasons essential to the plot, she possesses the same blue eyes and white hair. I did not exactly want to create an OC (although technically, I did by describing Y/N), but I opted for the best of both worlds in this fic, leaning more towards the literary aspect of it as opposed to it just being reader/you-oriented. I hope this isn’t iffy to anyone, and yeah, i’m not being exclusive or whatever.

Thank you so much for reading. Likes, comments and reblogs are deeply appreciated! Hope you enjoyed it.

PHOTO/IMAGE/GIF/FANART CREDITS TO THE RESPECTIVE OWNERS.

68 notes · View notes

felassan · 4 years

Text

Mass Effect development insights and highlights from Bioware: Stories and Secrets from 25 Years of Game Development

This is the Mass Effect version of this post.

[In case you can’t read it the subtitle in the bottom left logo above is “Guardians of the Citadel”]

Note: Drug use is mentioned.

Cut for length.

Mass Effect 1

ME began its life in a vision document in fall 2003

Codenamed “SFX”

Conceived of by Casey Hudson and a core team from KotOR. Its genesis was the intention to create an epic sci-fi RPG in an original setting that BioWare owned (so they could have full creative control), and in a setting that was conceived of first and foremost as a video game

Initially players could control any squadmate, but they wanted it to be about Shep and for players to be focused on Shep being a battlefield commander, rather than on switching bodies

By the start of 2004 its story was shaping up. Initially humans landed on Mars in 2250 and discovered evidence of an ancient alien race and a powerful substance, Black Sand, which rapidly advanced tech to the point that FTL travel was possible. (My note: obviously now the Prothean artifacts on Mars & associated mass effect force tech enabled this in the final canon, but I wonder if aspects of the ‘Black Sand’ naming-type & powerful substance stuff was rolled into red sand from final canon) Humans were suddenly capable of travel to multiple star systems and made contact with a multitude of other species. At the start of the first game, these species together with humans had a fragile peace, with focus placed on the political center of the galaxy, a hub known as Star City, later renamed the Citadel

Multiplayer was a vision for the series as far back as 2003. The plan was for ME1, an Xbox exclusive at launch, to take advantage of the platform’s online components. Early designs saw players meeting in one of the central hubs to interact and trade items in their otherwise SP adventures

By 2006 it had the name ME and the story was more specific, with the theme of conflict between organic and synthetic lifeforms. The story’s scope now stretched across 3 games and included scope for full co-op MP

They tried to do MP in every game, discussing it from the get-go, but it always just fell by the wayside. “When you’re trying to build something that is a new IP, on a new platform, with a new engine, you’ve got to really focus on the core elements of the game.”

The conversation system prototype was made in Jade Empire, and some of ME’s earliest writing was done in an old JE build. At first there was no conversation wheel. Paragon was “Friendly” and Renegade “Hostile”. In the prototype Shep was a silent unnamed Spectre. Many conversations in the prototype about the player’s choice in smuggling a weapon through Noveria made it into the game

In said prototype a merchant referred to themselves as “this one”, though the word hanar never appeared. The PC in it also had the option to end a conversation with “I should go”. In the prototype also, Harkin was voiced by Mark Meer

An early version of the Mako got used as the krogan truck in ME2

Early concepts of the Citadel were drawn in pencil by CH. A piece of concept art of its final design was painted based on a photo of a sculpture near Aswan, Egypt

As with any new IP naming it was a struggle. They put out a call to all staff for ideas, did polls, made a name generator that combined words that they liked in random ways and made pretend logos of ones they liked in Photoshop to see if they could make themselves love the name or find visual potential in it. (Some of these names are in the pic at the top of this post.) CH liked “Unearthed” as it was a reference to Prothean ruins dug up on Mars and humanity’s ascendance going away from Earth. They knew the game would have a central space station featuring prominently so some of the ideas were based on that - “The Citadel”, “The Optigon”, “The Oculon”. “Element” was another one they had in mind due to the rare substance in the game

CH: “I was a big fan of John Harris’ book Mass, which had epic-scaled sci-fi ideas, so that was a word that came up often. Many of the names came from the idea that the IP featured a fifth fundamental physical force (in addition to the known four of gravitational, electromagnetic, strong nuclear and weak nuclear) so the word ‘effect’ came up pretty often.” Ultimately none of the ideas really felt right. One Monday morning they were going over the names and Greg Zeschuk said he had an idea on the weekend: “Mass Effect!” CH: “I said, ‘I don’t hate it’, which in the naming process is a high compliment. And it stuck!”

CH on Shep’s Prothean vision from the beacon: “It was hard to imagine how we would do this. CG was - and is - really expensive. Instead I wanted to try doing it through photography and video editing. So I went to a local grocery store and bought a few packages of the weirdest looking meat that I could find. Then I set up a little photoshoot in my basement, complete with some electronics parts and some red wine for juicyness.” He used these props to create a video sequence where the photos were rapidly cycled and blurred, along with production paintings, to create the scary vision an organic/machine experiment on the Protheans. These mashups were also used as inspiration for concept artists and level designers who were working on these themes

Tali used to be called Talsi

On the licensing side they often joke that they’re licensing N7 not “Mass Effect” due to N7′s popularity

There was a confidential internal guide to the IP in 2007 to help devs along and summarize/synthesize the vision etc. Some excerpts from it are shown in the book and this is the first time the public have ever seen them

Early versions of Asari had hair

Asari were designed as a nod to classic TV sci-fi (with human actors wearing obvious makeup and prosthetics to play aliens)

The turian design guideline was “we want them to be birds of prey”. They also wanted a range of alien types, some close to human like Asari, while others were to be a lot further away, like turians

BioWare patented the conversation wheel, which was a first for them. CH had been frustrated with reviews of Jade Empire that said that the actioncentric game was too wordy [with its list dialogue]. “I’m like, story is words. [...] What is it about our games that is making people feel like they’re wordy?” Then he thought “In a game you kind of need to feel like you’re continuing to play it. Maybe you should continue feeling like you’re playing it actively into the dialogue.” “[The wheel] kind of gave a new experience with dialogue when you did start to react based on emotion, and that’s ultimately what we’re trying to bring out in our games”

The original krogan concept was based on a bat “with a really wide squidgy face. We just used its face on top of this weird body and it kinda worked”

Geth musculature was based on fiber-optic cables, with flexible plates of armor attached

The vision for the IP was 80s sci-fi inspired space opera

The concept art of Saren lifting Shep by the throat inspired a similar scene in-game. The staging wasn’t planned til designers saw that art

A squadmate with Shepard on the way to meet Ash in an old storyboard was called Carter. Early name of Kaidan or Jenkins?

Bono from U2 was kinda instrumental in bringing us ME lol

Finding the right cover art for ME1 was notably tricky

Matt Rhodes got his start drawing helmets for ME1, including one which would become Shep’s “second face”. He estimates he drew between 250-270 different ones

Some of the sounds in-game were people smashing watermelons with sledgehammers and sticking fists into various goos

The audio team had fun trying to slip the iconic main theme into unexpected places throughout the MET. “We were very aware of how powerful that track was for the fans and it was tempting to overuse it for any moment we wanted to make really emotional”.

The theme was creatively repurposed in ME3: slowed down and reworked as the ambient sound for the SR-2. “If you listen to it for a really long time, just stand in the Normandy and listen, you’ll actually hear the notes change slowly. It doesn’t sound like music, it sounds like a background ambiance, but it’s there.” (My note: Well no wonder the Normandy feels so much like home?? 😭 sneaky..)

Bug report: “Mako Tornado”. There wasn’t enough friction between the tires and the ground, causing testers to lose control of the vehicle and send it spinning into the air like a tornado. “As it turns, the front end comes up, and then it starts spinning and spinning and spinning and spinning faster and faster and faster until it just flies up in the sky” (My note: Sounds like a regular day in the Mako to me)

Cerberus originally had a bigger role in this game. It was cut but they had a whole explorable outpost. “I called it Misery,” says Mac Walters, “It was this planet with a little outpost that said ‘Welcome to Misery’”. Everything on the outpost was shit - dirty worn stuff, no windows, no kitchen, the vehicle bay was open to the elements etc

The Reaper sound is literal garbage. Some audio designers went on a recording trip to a national park. One of them got fixated on a garbage can, “a metal bear-proof receptacle with a heavy lid that creaked horribly when opened”. “It was like, ominous, spooky, tonal and almost musical. I decided to throw a mic into the garbage and record it moving. I didn’t know what it was going to be until later”

They were making lots of noises to record like throwing logs and rocks around. An old couple peered at them through the window of their camper van in the woods and must have called the cops because then the cops showed up, pulled them over and told them to stop. The cops towed their car (the driver’s plates were Cali plates and expired), drove them to Edmonton outskirts and then the audio producer Shauna got a call and had to go pick them up “like three little boys”. “We got a stern talking to”. Once back they were playing around with the garbage sound, editing it etc. Casey heard it and proclaimed “That’s the sound of the Reapers”

Preston Watamaniuk: “There are things I could have done to Mass 1 to make it an infinitely better game with better UIs” and some simple cuts and changes. “But when you’re living with it, it’s very hard to see those things”

BioWare Labs

As social media and smartphone games exploded, BioWare dedicated a small team dedicated to exploring opportunities here - BioWare Labs

Mass Effect: Galaxy used a unique graphic art style and static visual presentation common in visual novels. It has the distinction of being the only iOS game BW have made during their first 25 years

Scrapped ideas were a 3rd person space shooter called Mass Effect: Corsair and 2 DA titles - a strategy game and a top-down dungeon crawler starring young Wynne. (My note: Maybe the corsairs stuff was rolled into Jacob’s backstory in 2, the Alliance Corsairs)

Corsair was a very short-lived project that never got its feet under it. It was a spin-off on Nintendo DS featuring a behind-the-ship perspective and branching dialogue. At one point it had MP. The idea behind it was basically “ME: Freelancer” - fly your ship around, do missions, get credits. It had a limited branching story but was a gameplay-centered experience intended to fill the gap between ME1 and 2. That gap ended up being filled by Galaxy

Galaxy and Corsair’s smaller screen allowed concept artists to use bold colors and a simplistic character design style to help those games stand out from Shep’s story

Nick Thornborrow did some art for Corsair but was worried his art style didn’t fit ME. He moved to DA where he feels his art style fits better

Lots of BioWare VAs and even a lead writer and the VO director are drawn from Edmonton’s local community theater scene, which is vibrant. Think this is how Mark Meer got involved

Mass Effect 2

Player choices carrying over was a first for BW

Dirty Dozen-inspired plot

Its plot is a web of conditionals (see Suicide Mission)

Was more of a shooter than anything BW had made since Shattered Steel

There was 2 camps on the team, those who wanted to push combat and systems forward and redefine the ME experience and those who wanted to make a true sequel, with the same gameplay and systems but a new story. Karin Weekes: “I think it ended up being a good push-pull. It felt like a pretty healthy creative conflict”

“ME2 was a game you could hold up to someone who argues that games aren’t a serious medium and go ‘Oh yeah, then why is Martin Sheen in this?’” Sheen was their first pick for TIM

The idea for TIM came from a mash-up of concepts CH had collected over the years. The name “Illusive” originally came from his pitch for naming DAO’s Eclipse engine, a word inspired by Obi-Wan’s line “It’s not about the mission, Master. It’s something... elsewhere. Elusive”. “I thought, what if we called our next engine 'Elusive', but used an ‘I’, and then it’s like ‘Illusion’. [...] I still really like the word with an ‘I’ and what it conjures”

When ME1 DLC was in production, CH had been watching a lot of CNN, specifically Anderson Cooper. “How is one guy travelling to all these places and never looking tired and always being able to speak with clarity?” CH says it seemed almost superhuman. “What if there was someone who is the absolute maximum of the things you would aspire to be, but also the worst of humanity?” Cooper, though not evil, became an inspiration for TIM down to the gray hair and piercing blue eyes

Inspiration for TIM’s behind-the-scenes role pulling political strings came from Jack Bauer’s brother Graem in 24. Graem “can call up the president and tell him what to do and hang up, because he’s so connected and so influential”. Sheen had played a president and his performance brought gravitas and wisdom to the role. He had quit smoking, but the character smokes. He didn’t want to fake it, but he also didn’t want to smoke, “so he actually asked for a cigarette” to hold so he could stop his words to take drags with natural cadence

Writing was still pushing to write and revise lines hours before VO started. A series of problems like injury and some writers leaving for other opportunities left it so that Karin, Lukas Kristjanson and editor Cookie Everman hand to land the story safely, with PW helping where they could. Lukas: “We took over the writing bug and task list, and I can’t stress enough how much [Karin and Cookie] did to get ME2 out the door. There’s no part of that thing we didn’t touch”. Karin: “That was the most dramatic 2 weeks of my life”

Initial fan reaction when they started promo-ing ME2 was very negative because people didn’t want to know about new chars like Jack and Mordin. “[fans were like] ‘Get them out of here. We want our characters from the first game’. But then when they played them, those became some of the most popular chars [of the series]”

Concept art of Thane has an idea annotation saying “Face can shapeshift?”

At one point when designing Thane concept artists sent multiple variations of him to the team asking them to vote on which was the most attractive

Most of the Normandy crew was written by lead level designer Dusty Everman. Lukas gave him advice in the evenings between bugs

BioWare Montreal made ME2 and 3 cinematics

CC for Shep was based on tools used by char designers to create in-game chars. Under the hood similar tools existed to create aliens

Aliens were much easier to animate than humans. When something is human it’s very difficult to make it look realistic and you can see all the mistakes and everything

Over the holiday period in 2007 CH worked out a diagram on a single piece of paper that would define the entire scope and structure of the game. The diagram is included in the book

Bug report: “I shot a krogan so hard that his textures fell off”. At one point shotgun blast damage was applied to each of the pellets fired, and shot enemies ended up with just the default checkerboard Unreal texture on them after their textures got blown off

Blasto was meant to be 1 step above an Easter egg but his fan popularity prompted them to bring him back in ME3

They rewrote chunks of Jack 2 days before she went to VO. She was the only one they could change because all the other NPCs were recorded. They redesigned her mission by juggling locked NPC lines and changing Shep’s reactions by rewriting text paraphrases to change the context of the already-recorded VO

Lukas snuck obscure nods ito ME2′s distress calls. In the general distress call for the Hugo Gernsback, there’s BW’s initial’s and Edmonton’s phone number backwards. In a fault in a beacon protocol there’s the initials and backward phone number from Tommy Tutone’s “Jenny”. In 2 other general distress calls there’s initials and numbers from Glenn Miller Orchestra’s “Pennsylvania 6-5000″ and initials and numbers from Geddy Lee and Rush’s “2112″ respectively

Mass Effect 3

“The end of an era marks the beginning of another”

ME3 “marked the end of Shep’s story”

Saying bye to Shep was as difficult for devs as it was for players

JHale’s final VO session included Anderson’s death and romanced Garrus’ goodbye. “We were in the session and we both just started crying”, Caroline says. “I couldn’t come on the line to give her notes because I was crying, and she was crying. And so there was just this minute-long pause of like, nothing, nothing, nothing - just silence through the airwaves. And then I came on and just told her that I was crying and she said ‘I’m crying!’” They talked about these anecdotes also here on the N7 Day reunion panel

The Microsoft Kinect voice support required devs to teach Kinect hundreds of commands in a variety of accents across multiple languages. The result was useful but made for some awkward moments. Numerous players accidentally said “geth” or “quarian” while making a particular decision and accidentally killed Tali

MP chars were voiced by cops and military people

The helmet on one of the MP chars was originally designed for cancelled project Revolver

The payload device at the end needed to attach to the Citadel while essentially serving as a giant trigger. “It ended up becoming quite the engineering feet just to visualize how this thing would move and connect to the Citadel”

Concept artists explored creating an anti-team, where Kai Leng was almost an anti-Shepard essentially, with an elite squad to counteract your team. This idea never went beyond concept phase

ME3 Special Edition was released on Nintendo Wii U exclusively. This exclusive version of the game includes Genesis 2 (a sequel to the original Genesis comic) and unique gameplay features that took advantage of the touchscreen GamePad. For years Sonic Chronicles: Dark Brotherhood had had the honor of being BW’s only game made for a Nintendo console

FemShep regrettably didn’t feature in major ME marketing til ME3. Later releases like DAI, MEA and Anthem have taken increasing care not to gender their protagonists in cover art

To capture combat sounds they took a trip to CFB Wainwright, a military base southeast of Edmonton. They got a big tour of it and were allowed to record anything they could find. The tour ended with them getting to drive and shoot tanks (real shells). The force of doing that sent waves through Joel Green, he felt his whole chest compress when it went off; the perfect sound for the Black Widow! After the trip the soldiers let him keep the shell he fired and it’s been passed on like a torch to various devs since

Kakliosaurs began life as a joke in the writers’ room after John Dombrow placed a Grunt figure on a t-rex toy he had on his desk. Lore was brainstormed to justify the mash-up before someone asked, “Why don’t we put this in the game?” They loved it so much Karin had custom coffee mugs made

Bug report: For a while Tali’s final romance scene would fire when she was supposed to be dead

“Balancing combat: how designers in ME3 entered an ‘arms race’” - the solution to players feeling OP vs players feeling frustrated by really strong enemies is to find a good middle ground, but for designers Corey Gaspur and Brenon Holmes, it was war. Brenon designed enemies, Corey designed guns. Corey “was obsessed with bigger, heavier guns. We had this sort of informal competition where he’d make this crazy overturned gun that would just murder all the enemies, and then I tuned some stuff up to compensate”

Brenon had to invent new ways to “stop Corey” and this led to the Phantoms. Corey had in turn designed consumable rockets that could wipe out entire waves of enemies. He must’ve figured this would make short work of Brenon’s space ninjas, but Brenon had other plans: “I had just added the ability for her to cut rockets [when Corey was playing MP and he was watching]. She cut the rocket in half... Corey just turns and looks at me and is like: ‘Really dude? I just shot a rocket at this Phantom and she’s fine? Not even damaged? Zero damage?’”

This friendly rivalry helped elevate ME3′s gameplay. Corey had a knack for making a gun feel so good to fire it had his fellow designers scrambling to keep up. It was his version of balancing. Before Corey sadly passed away he mentored Boldwin Li in all things weapon design and the arms race continued

Corey designed the Arc Pistol. It was causing problems for enemies because it was too powerful. It seemed hell bent on staying that way, Boldwin would tune down all its stats and it was still doing 3x the damage it should have been doing. “I was like ‘What the hell?’, and then I looked closer. It secretly fired 3 bullets for every pull of the trigger! Corey, you sneaky jerk”

The day it launched there were midnight launch parties across North America including one near the BW building. Numerous devs sat at long tables greeting fans and signing autographs as the fans picked up preorders. When midnight struck the line was long enough that it took several hours for some fans to get their game. One particular fan is remembered: “It was 3am. Some guy drove up from Calgary with his friends. He was like one of the last people in line. I think he was sort of tired-drunk. He threw himself across the tables, pulled up his shirt and shouted ‘Guys, sign my abs!’ And like I did, because he waited so long. It felt impolite not to. So I hope he enjoyed his copy of ME3″

For designing Protheans concept artists had free reign to design something that read as ancient

Before the concept art team had the story of the game to work toward, they explored wild ideas of their own including an image of the crew stealing back the Normandy to go after the Reapers

Jen Cheverie was testing scenes and was initially excited to be testing Mordin scenes, til she saw she was testing the Renegade version of his death. “This is even before like all of the audio and everything was in, so you didn’t even have the sad music. I remember sitting at my desk and my hands just went to my face when I saw that the gun Shep pulls on Mordin is the gun he gives Shep in ME2. I burst into tears and was crying for the rest of the day. People are waving to me as they walk by and I’m like, ‘It’s ok, I’m just killing my best friend’”

There’s a segment called “Shepard’s story ends”. Casey on the ending: “There’s a whole bunch of things that come together to make it incredibly tense and emotional for players. I think the biggest one was the sense of finality, that whatever it was that happened in that very last moment... was it.”

Wrapping up the story was a massive feat. In a way all of ME3 is an ending. Its final moments were the players’ last with a char they’d been with all the way from Eden Prime

“And while the critical reception of the game was extremely positive, many fans were unsatisfied with the ending, which became one of the most controversial in the history of games.” CH: “We were, on one hand, at the end of a marathon trying to finish the game and the series. But as devs we also knew that there would be more. We knew that we would continue to tell the story. In retrospect, we didn’t fully appreciate the tremendous sense of finality that it would have for people”. He envisioned an ending that posed new questions, something in the tradition of high sci-fi that left players dreaming about what that particular galaxy’s future could hold. “Frankly, there’s a lot more that we could have and should have done to honor the work players put in, to give them a stronger sense of reward and closure”

AAA games are massive undertakings with a million moving parts. Somehow they come together but even the best-planned projects don’t turn out quite like devs hope. From start to end video game production is a series of compromises. It’s rare if not impossible for devs to ship a game they’re entirely happy with. “I think that people imagine that when you finish a game, it’s exactly the way you wanted it to be. But whether people end up loving or hating the final result, we work hard to finish it the best we can, knowing that there’s a lot we would have wanted to do better. I think that’s true of any creative work”

As the dust settled after the initial reaction to the ending and later its epilogue, meant to show the wide-reaching ripple effects of Shep’s final choice, “players emerged mostly asking for one thing”. CH: “Now, most of what we hear, after both ME3 and MEA, is ‘Hey, just go make more Mass Effect’. And that to me is the most important thing. Knowing that players want to return to the ME universe is what inspires us to press on and imagine what comes next”

Mass Effect: Andromeda

By creating a new ME in a new galaxy the team was challenged to put their own visual stamp on the game while keeping it true to the franchise

Being the first ME game on a new gen of consoles meant for more detail

“Massive transport ships called arks populated with salarians, turians, humans, asari and quarians” made the risky jump to the Cluster

MEA was the first time BW had truly codeveloped across 3 studios: Edmonton, Montreal and Austin. The bulk of the work especially early on was done in Montreal, which was composed of a handful of Edmonton expats and heaps of experienced devs who joined from elsewhere specifically to bring a new ME experience to life. Series vets in Edmonton then came on to contribute writing, cinematics, design and QA, along with leadership from creative director Mac Walters and the core Production team. Austin writers and level designers also joined the fray

“It took a new team to take ME beyond the Milky Way”

Mac: “A lot of people in Montreal joined BW as fans of the franchise, so they just had this passion, and it felt like it was more like the days of Jade Empire, where a smaller younger team gets to do something for the first time. Even though it wasn’t necessarily a new IP for me, it felt fresh and new because of that. The team was just super excited to be working on it”

Early plans had the player exploring hundreds of worlds, procedurally generated, allowing for a nearly infinite variety of experiences. But as development wore on, it became clear that the game narrative required more specific, hand-touched level design on each world to keep the story focused and the experience engaging. “The plan was to give players numerous uncharted worlds to explore. Designers worked hard to come up with procedural elements that would make such planets special. Eventually the team made the difficult decision to abandon procedural planets in favor of more memorable hand-touched alien worlds, each with a specific story to tell”

One challenge was defining what ME meant without Shep. Care was given to include many of the MET’s key species. “Ryder recruited turian, asari, krogan and salarian followers”. Like Shep Ryder represents humanity’s hope for a peaceful coexistence among aliens who had long operated without human contact

Beginning with MEA the team decided that with few exceptions vehicles in ME have 6 wheels. Early Nomad concepts were bulkier. Later ones focused on its ability to move over its ability to protect itself from hostile fire, underlining the themes of exploration

German concept designer and auto-motive futurist Daniel Simon was contracted to create the Nomad and Tempest. The Tempest’s final design took inspo from the Concorde

Concepts for angaran fighter ships have the following notes: “Two doors swing open, wings rotate down to function as landing struts, the landing struts split open. It has a spinning turbine engine

Despite being set a galaxy away and some 600 years after Mordin’s death, there was a time when he had a cameo. It wasn’t cut due to running out of time however, it was cut due to drug references. John Dombrow explains: “One day I had to write a small quest for Kadara. I thought it’d be amusing if these 2 guys living way out on the fringes in a shack were growing plants for uh, medicinal purposes, and needed Ryder’s help with it. It occurred to me, wouldn’t it be amusing if Ryder had the option of actually trying ‘the medicine’ to see what would happen? And I thought, what if it turned into some hallucination that somehow involved SAM - like maybe SAM would sing? But why? How could I motivate that? Then it hit me. Who else in the ME game sings unexpectedly? MORDIN. As a nod to him I wrote SAM singing Modern Major-General. It got even better when our cine designer John Ebenger wanted to take it even further. Bless him, he came in on a Saturday to do a special hallucination showing Mordin himself. It was great. Til the fateful day we were told MEA had already been submitted to the ratings board. That’s when you declare things like drug references in your game. Mordin fell under that category which meant it was a no-go. We were too late”

Ryder’s white AI armor contrasts Shep’s iconic dark armor (intentional design)

Concept art for Ryder involved experiments with cloth (cloaks, ponchos, capes - “Pull here to release cloak”) and asymmetrical design elements

For alien design, there’s a few exceptions but humanoid figures are the ME standard and this persisted into MEA

Kett and angara concepts explored striking lines and textures

– From Bioware: Stories and Secrets from 25 Years of Game Development

415 notes · View notes