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capsized-heart · 4 years

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Little Lamb

Pairing: vampire!Wanda Maximoff x Reader, incubus!Quentin Beck x Reader

Summary: Your simple life in the Sokovian countryside is no more. The events of a single night disrupt the natural order of your world. God is silent. He always is.

Word count: 4k+

Warnings: (oh boy..) violence, blood, gore, sacrilegious imagery, explicit smut

A/N: This is my entry for @thewritingdoll‘s freaky500 writing challenge! Congrats on 500 followers! <3 I wish I could have finished this before yesterday’s deadline, especially before Halloween since this shit is so dark aha

I had a lot of fun with this! I honestly wish I could have done more bc I could write about Wanda and Quentin forever..I feel like I had to restrain myself a bit. I really like how both Wanda and Quentin can see someone’s deepest fears and thought that dynamic would be really cool for an au.

I was also inspired to write this after seeing this beautiful moodboard by @tohomorii...you honestly killed it with that Wanda vampire aesthetic.

using the quote prompt, “He’s covered in blood again. Why is it he’s always covered in blood?” -harry potter and the half blood prince

Sokovia, 17th century.

Dawn breaks with rosy hues and warm, vibrant gold. The soft, streaky clouds of early autumn float lazily by, stippling the sky with pinks and baby blues. Your eyes follow a flock of blackbirds as they flicker across a patch of sunlit horizon in a melodious chortle, climbing and climbing beyond to lofty heavens. You smile.

Your purse jingles with the sound of newfound coin. You’ve had a productive morning at market, having left your family homestead yesterday afternoon for the day’s ride. You’d sold your stock of bread and eggs to Ms. Ryba, homemade jams to old Dmitri, trading your other goods for the groceries mother had asked of you. As a surprise, you’d also purchased a small leatherbound book for your papa, a new piece of stitching work and silks for mama. Gifts carefully wrapped in linen and secured in your saddlebag, a small bit of happiness glowing in the crook of your ribs. Your heart feels full. You finger the crucifix around your neck.

Times have been hard for you and your family. This summer’s harvest had been exceptionally low with heat and droughts. Money has never been a luxury and you’ve been broken with the disciplines of how to bargain hard, conserve, safeguard, and how to put the needs of your parents before your own.

These gifts will bring favor and approval to their eyes. A godly daughter. Honor thy father and thy mother.

You tilt your face upwards to the flushed morning, relish the fresh breeze tickling your skin and murmur a quick prayer of thanks.

O God, who hast folded back the mantle of the night to clothe us in the golden glory of the day, chase from our hearts all gloomy thoughts, and make us glad with the brightness of hope, that we may effectively aspire to unwon virtues, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

You ride atop Iryna, your family’s tender Carpathian pony now weighed down with your spoils, and watch the fields of your homeland ripple in red and honey light. Even Iryna seems to sense your good mood as her head bobs with her quick gait. You balance a basket of apples in your lap, a reward that you had purchased for her (and for yourself) after a long day’s journey.

This is a safe country, not at all uncommon for young peasant girls to ride to market alone. Broad plains and cut mountains, you’d passed your closest neighbors about ten miles back, welcome solitude on each homestead.

You like to spend your time on these rides daydreaming of riding in a royal procession as princess, or as cavalry returning from battle abroad. How you would be welcomed back home to your kingdom!

Smoke curls from your cottage chimney as the edge of your family’s property comes into view. You squeeze your heels against Iryna in encouragement and she trots faster, the promise of a waiting breakfast and the smiles of your mother and father urging you forward.

The smell of hay and manure greets you as you lead Iryna into the barn. You adjust your skirts, woolen tunic, riding cloak, and wimplet before dismounting, careful not to catch anything on your saddle or packages. You slide off Iryna’s bridle and feed her an apple, rubbing soothing circles into her neck as she devours the fruit, snorting happily.

You give her fresh feed, change her water, quickly removing your tack and supplies and turn her out into the pasture, whispering a promise to give her a thorough brushing later. She gallops away with a swish of her tail. With your arms full of supplies and balancing your bushel of apples, you kick through dust and dirt and enter your cottage.

You’re about to call out to your mama when your voice stops in your throat. The nauseating stench of rot fills your nose, familiar and ominous, like when papa slaughters the chickens for winter stock. Only this time it’s inside your home.

Your arms go limp and your packages fall to the floor in a muffled thud of wrapped paper. Apples bounce, scatter, rolling through soot and blood.

Your father lies crumpled, his strong body disfigured in a tangle of limbs. His skull has been crushed into a crown of grey matter and gore, leaking like tears down the planes of his face. His eyes and mouth hang open in a frozen, silent scream, twisted skyward in agony. Protectively draped over your mother in his final moments.

Your mother is spread-eagled with her throat slit open and her veil stuffed into her mouth, rosary beads crudely circled tight around her wrists in manacles. Her skirts have been torn, bunched around her thighs and you see violet bruises in the shape of hands.

You stumble to the hearth and wretch up bile and water. You heave, vomit, tears stinging your eyes and mucus dribbling down your chin until there is nothing left in your stomach but a wriggling pit of nerves. You can’t breathe, can’t think. Strength evaporates from your body and you sink in front of the cooling embers of the fireplace.

You look to the bodies of your parents. You don’t bother trying to feel for a pulse. You are numb.

You stay beside them until the light outside turns bleak and grey, until your legs ache from kneeling on hard wooden floor for countless hours. Slowly, finally, you wipe your mouth, lift yourself up.

You find the scythe used to harvest wheat. It feels good and heavy in your hands, makes you feel strong. You make rounds to the rest of the property with it tight in your grip.

Your homestead has been completely ransacked. What livestock that hasn’t been stolen lies dead, slain and swarmed by flies. You’re left with one cow, six chickens, two goats, and Iryna.

You salvage whatever raw materials you can. You return the scythe back to the shed, unused, the sharp, pristine metal gleaming a cool blue. Part of you had hoped that the intruders still lurked about. Maybe then you could have descended upon them with all the silent wrath of Jael, as she had killed Sisera.

You whistle a low blast. Iryna trots over to you, nuzzles your hand for another treat. It makes you smile and fresh tears to drip down your cheeks. You wonder if she can sense anything awry, sense that your entire world has been violently turned on its head. You don’t think you’ll ever crave apples again.

They’ll only taste of sin.

It takes you well into the night to dig two deep holes. The ground is frigid with frost and your breath clouds, fogging the air as you work the soil in an eerie echo of familiar, mundane times. Instead of the sun, the moon guides your hand. Instead of toiling the fields to lay in crops, you prepare the graves of your mother and father.

Sweat slicks your skin, dirt streaking down your neck and arms. The moon has dipped below the hillside when you finish, plunging you in complete darkness. You thrust the spade into the ground.

You are not strong enough to carry the bodies of your parents. You will have to tie them to Iryna and bring them here to the fields. But you cannot tonight with the last of the moonlight gone.

And tomorrow is the day of the Sabbath, your holy day of rest. You will have to wait to bury them.

You hug yourself tight. From the cold, from the juvenile fear of death and despair.

Did Christ not feel this way upon the cross? Abandoned by his own father? Alone?

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

You rise late. Fatigue still sits deep in your bones when you go and collect eggs and milk for your breakfast. You step over your mother and father. Splattered blood, now dry, ring around their heads in crimson halos.

You spend the day idly. You read the book you had bought for your father, practice your stitching with the embroidery hoop and silks meant for your mother. You heat water for a bath and sprinkle in some of the salts and oils she kept tucked away in her bedroom. You wash away tears and dirt and grime.

You relish the hot water as it seeps into your tense muscles, watch the milky surface ripple around your limbs. The cottage is quiet and seems to settle around you.

You were always the last to bathe out of your small family. You would be told to fetch and heat the water, waiting until your father finished, then your mother. By the time it was your turn, the bathwater was always cold and dirty. You were not allowed to change it out as it was costly and a waste of time. You would be quick to rinse.

Now, you sit until your fingers becomes wrinkled and pruny, your skin and hair fragranced with the smell of rose petals and lavender. There is no one to scold you to hurry up.

Iryna watches over you as you pack the last of the dirt over the burials. You’re both exhausted. You finish at midday. You finger the crucifix around your neck.

O God, grant unto us, in this dying life, that peace for which we humbly pray, and hereafter to attain unto everlasting joy in Thy presence; through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

You pass your days in solitude and in fear. You wonder if the bandits will return. It makes you pray harder, harder than you have in your entire life. You ask for forgiveness, for protection, for salvation.

The windy autumn nights bring chills and unease. The windows rattle in their frames, the cottage groans, and the goats bleat in the pressing darkness.

Visions of your murdered parents dance behind your eyelids. A crown of gore, blood red tears, suffocating rosary beads. The possibility of specters and demons and Satan’s lurking servants seem to hide behind each darkened corner. The homestead feels too vast, too isolating. You feel yourself slowly going mad, every howl of curling wind making you shudder in your cot.

You ask for companionship. A friend to share company.

A young woman’s voice calls out to you. The day is abnormally warm and you’re hanging laundry to dry in the sun when you first lay eyes on her.

She wears a riding cloak and veil, a pretty woolen dress of fine cardinal fabric. Her hair falls in loose waves down to her chest, catching the sunlight in a gleam of muted copper.

She leads the most magnificent looking horse you’ve ever seen. A towering black Clydesdale that stands eighteen hands high with a glossy coat and tail, powerful muscles moving with every stride. Curiously, you see no saddle or tack, only the leather bridle she uses to guide him.

When you approach her, the young woman asks if you are master of the house. You respond with, yes. She smiles and takes your hands in hers, inquiring if she may stay for a few nights before continuing her journey to the next town. She says she will pay you with coin and labor, with whatever help you may need around the property.

The gesture surprises you. Travelers are few in this stretch of country and your family has never housed one before. But, you think of how turning this woman away would mean another day’s ride for her until she reached the next homestead. As you’ve understood, these trails are no longer safe. Especially for a young woman riding alone.

When you agree to offer her lodging, she blesses you with another radiant smile and kisses your cheeks. It’s enduring, warms your heart and tingles your fingers still laced with her own.

As promised, Wanda helps you with your chores. She does not ask about your family or parents or why a young girl of your age could indeed be master of a homestead all by herself. You do not ask why a beautiful woman is traveling alone. Instead, she carefully listens to your instructions and assists you perfectly.

You’ve just finished gathering firewood when the two of you head to the barn to tend to your few and precious livestock. You muck out stalls, change hay and water. Wanda’s Clydesdale watches you from one of the extra stalls you’ve placed him in.

When Wanda tries to lead out Iryna, she flinches away and flattens her ears in a shrill whinny. It catches you both off guard and you quickly take the rope from Wanda’s hands before Iryna can hurt herself, placating her with a low hush.

“She does not like me.” Wanda frowns. It’s charmingly youthful, makes her look like a pouting child.

“She is not used to strangers,” you soothe, smiling gently. You return Iryna to her stall and slide the door shut. “What is your Clydesdale’s name?” You ask.

Wanda’s mood seems to lift instantly and you catch a glimmer in her hazel eyes. “Paimon,” she tells you. “Paimon is friendly to everyone, especially strangers. But, he loves pretty girls most of all.”

Later, you invite her into your home and the two of you relax your tired bones by the evening fire.

The days grow cold and dark. You and Wanda now share the bed of your late parents, bigger and warmer than your own. You awake each glowing morning with her slender arms wrapped tight around your waist, her face buried into the crook of your neck.

For warmth, you tell yourself.

Her sighs, her moans in sleep stir something in the pit of your stomach.

You’re unsure of what other reason you would prefer.

The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Wind and rain whistle against the glass panes of your cottage. It is a dreary, bleak morning of storm, one that has forced you and Wanda to remain inside. A fire crackles in the hearth and throws dancing shadows along the walls. You sit and read while Wanda busies herself with housework. It is the first time you’ve felt peace in months.

She returns from the pantry, setting down her washcloth and bucket with a faint groan. You look up.

Warm, flickering light highlights the skin of her collarbones and cheeks. Wanda has plaited back her hair to keep it out of her eyes, save for a few wispy strands that fall to frame her face.

You swallow, enraptured.

She catches you staring and her irises seem to glow brighter with firelight. She turns slowly, sauntering towards you with measured, delicate steps.

“Little one, didn’t your mother ever tell you that it’s impolite to stare?” she whispers. She walks until she is flush against you and the fabric of her dress brushes your toes. Without looking away, she eases the book out of your hands and sets it facedown on the table. Your father’s bible.

Your mouth dries up, your pulse hammers.

Wanda tilts her head, her expression clouding. Then, she sinks to her knees to straddle you completely, arms winding around your neck.

“Sweet girl, when I ask you a question, I expect a response.”

Her fingers trace your jaw, looking down at you with a stern, flinty gaze. You find your hands holding the swell of her hips, pulling her closer.

“Those who see you will stare and wonder, ‘Is this the man who made the world tremble and shook up kingdoms?’” you recite into the ever closing gap between your mouths. She sighs, high and breathless, feel her overheated body slowly start to move against you.

Your lips and tongue meet in a tangled kiss. Your first. She tastes of myrtle and honeyed milk. You feel yourself falling when you gently cup this young woman’s face in your hands, kissing and touching and her fingers lustfully twisting into the nape of your neck. Dizzy, ashamed. Your skin is on fire.

You think of Lucifer’s wings burning away as He hurtled towards earth.

“I’m so thirsty, my love. Thirsty for you,” Wanda gasps. Her pupils are blown impossibly wide, ringed in red. Her canines glint in the darkness. “Will you let me drink?”

You remember Iryna’s skittishness, Wanda’s beast of a horse, Paimon. No saddle, no luggage. A lone, beautiful woman wandering the countryside with exquisite eyes and sharp, sharp teeth. A devil in masquerade who never intended to leave.

Slowly, you untie the strings of your dress’s blouse and expose your shoulders, the dip of your chest. Wanda’s lips part hungrily, the shadow of her eyelashes fluttering like feathers.

She sets you back and runs her fingers over the thin skin of your neck. Her touch is smooth, gentle. Then, she leans over you, keeping you still with a single hand wrapped deliciously around your throat, pressing you deeper into the wooden chair.

The bite of teeth, then white pleasure. Your vision rolls and you writhe against her in a fit of sighs and otherworldly bliss. Suction, flickering tongue, the obscene sounds of her mouth devouring you whole. You moan, cage her against your body and you hear her chuckle.

Blood trails down her throat and drips between her breasts when she finally sits back, sated. Half-lidded eyes gazing down at you with more love and adoration than you’ve ever known.

You are her blessed wine.

Take this, all of you, and drink from it,

for this is the chalice of my Blood,

the Blood of the new and everlasting covenant,

which will be shed for you and for all

so that sins may be forgiven.

Do this in memory of me.

“Amen.” she murmurs with a kiss.

God is silent. He always is.

Wanda pulls you atop her. She cradles your face, smooths back your hair as she looks up at you in the silvered morning light.

“Little one, would you like to live forever?”

The question takes you by surprise, makes you pause. She takes the opportunity to kiss your fingertips, arch her hips into you. It makes your breath hitch, but your mind is clear.

“As long as it’s with you.”

She grins, gleaming and bright, the first glimpse of sun you’ve seen in this godforsaken autumn.

“Oh, my sweet little bride, my princess of night.” she sighs.

“Yes,” you whimper.

She gazes into your mind and sees what you’ve always wanted.

Wanda prepares for the ritual that very evening. Candles, parchment, a single serrated knife.

She bathes the two of you in the shared tub, washes your hair and cleanses you, a mock baptism with soap and scented oils. Her fingers wander, coaxing pleasure as you lean back against her.

Finally, she guides you to the bed when the world outside stands cold, silent, watching, at the cusp between night and day.

Wanda eases your finger between her lips and pricks the skin with the point of her teeth. Her eyes flutter before reluctantly removing it, a string of saliva following suit. You watch the single bead of blood bloom and sign the parchment with a steady hand.

Cold air brushes your cheeks, skin tingling as if touched, breath in your ear. You feel your vision haze in and out of focus, a foreign sensation overcoming your body.

Then, a young man appears before you. He’s tall and lean and handsomely bearded, dark hair curling against his forehead, down the tufts of his chest and arms. His eyes, green and glimmering, inspect you carefully, tracing every curve of your exposed skin. You feel achingly vulnerable, pinned.

Your eyes trail lower and lower until…

You find that he is completely bare. You flush and turn to hide your face into Wanda’s shoulder. She chuckles, gently takes your chin in her hand and tilts your gaze back onto him.

“This is the flesh of Adam, sweet one,” she murmurs. “It is not shameful to lust. Did God not create man in his own image?”

Wanda reaches out her other hand in offering and the man takes it, lowers himself onto the bed. There is an air of familiarity between the two of them as they share a kiss of greeting.

“Welcome, Quentin.” she hums. She fondly runs her thumb along his cheek and he leans into her touch. Quentin’s eyes then flicker to you.

“Is this my gift?” he asks. His voice is soft, sweet like honey. Wanda hums again. Quentin smiles warmly, looking you up and down. Your blood ignites.

With one hand on both of your faces, she guides you and Quentin together. He kisses you, surprisingly soft and gentle, cradling your jaw with a touch that makes your stomach flutter. You hear Wanda moving, feel her touch.

Some of the tension wound tight in your shoulders evaporates with Wanda beside you. It encourages you to be braver, bolder as you kiss the incubus back more urgently, touch his skin. Quentin responds with a purr and tangles a hand in your hair, mouthing at your neck, tracing your puncture wounds with a soothing, possessive tongue.

He draws you upon his lap, still pulled flush against him and the heat of him so close to the most intimate part of your anatomy makes you timid, afraid.

“Relax, lamb.” he whispers. “Enjoy this, enjoy us.”

The broad touch of his fingers against you makes you mewl in surprise. Wanda hushes you with a soft kiss, takes one of your hands in hers. Quentin’s palm rests on the plane of your stomach, his other easing into where you’re most aching and tight, where a man’s strong touch has never breached.

He slowly guides your hips upon his hand, until his fingers glisten with your slick and your body starts to warm with the glow of angelfire.

“Keep going, little lamb,” Quentin urges into your ear. “You know how, don’t you? Those lonely nights when your parents lay fast asleep abed?”

You moan. Indeed you do. Nights where darkness was most suffocating and you prayed that God would turn a blind eye to your lust.

You shatter with the heat of hell rain. With your body still clenching and fluttering, Quentin lays you out beneath him, his eyes darker, lips turned up into a sly smile. You’re breathless.

He feels cold when he enters you, a sensation you would have least expected from a creature molded by burning sin and Lucifer’s fire. Yet, it pushes your poor, mortal flesh to the thresholds of pleasure and you reach for Wanda, keening. Wanda slinks closer and pushes your hair out of your eyes.

“How does she feel?”

“Like a dream,” Quentin moans, laughing. “You want Wanda and I both, lamb? I can see it in your mind’s eye. So needy, you are. I’ll give you what you want, lamb. You’re doing so good for me.”

You don’t remember waking up. A blood moon hangs in the sky.

You feel the lull of pleasure, of Quentin’s lush curls buried between your thighs. Your fingers catch on horns, his velvety tongue forked as it slips into you.

Your world blurs around you, dreamlike.

Again, you reach for Wanda and she laces your fingers together with a smile, kisses your damp forehead.

“Is this real?” you moan into her neck.

“As real as your God, sweet one. Are you ready to come home?”

You nod, drowsy with euphoria. You see Wanda take up the silver knife and again, you offer your hand.

You wince when she slices open your palm, watch the blood seep over and down your arm in great drops. Quentin lifts his head from between your legs, intoxicatingly beautiful with shining lips and heat in his eyes. He keeps his gaze on you as he drives into you again, as your hand stains his chest and neck with crimson, ravishing you again and again. You feel Wanda’s tongue and then the bite of her fangs.

You arch, reborn with the blessing of immortality and pressed between two demons.

You wonder how many times these two have completed a ritual like this, with Quentin’s powerful body covered in virgin’s blood.

His blessed cup.

And the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.

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xavinisms · 4 years

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2019 Round-up | A Vintage Year

Wow... What a ride it's been.

Between trips to places I have never been before, from Copenhagen to Tasmania, Melbourne to Ahmedabad and New Delhi, I have worked with and met so many amazing artists, thinkers and activists that have shaped the way I came to understand the world this year.

I felt equally privileged, delighted, sad and unwelcome in various capacities throughout the year.

The quality and breath of work I had the pleasure to engage with this year has been incredible. Every artist, producer, curator, tech manager, designer, and overall colleague, has shown me what humanity can create: a sense of risk, ambition and most of all, humanity. For that, I am incredibly thankful.

The political and social developments in the UK continue to disturb me and at the same time meant I joined groups of activism that I consider to be of the utmost importance right now, namely Momentum and Migrants in Culture.

It is no surprise that I am quite tired with constantly being told - directly and indirectly - that I am not welcome in the UK. It's been like that for a while and if it wasnt for the people here mentioned (and many,many more) I most probably would have left by now. The fight continues though, and as the UK enters a new darker period where fascism is ever creeping up our public and private systems and life, we must never loose sight of the end goal: each others and our well being. So much is dependent on our generations to turn this around, and it all feels impossible at the moment. I don't know exactly what I can tell you about the future. What I know is that things wont be the same in the new year and beyond, personally and professionally.

Nonetheless, there is plenty to celebrate...

2019 in Chronological-ish order:

🇮🇳 Travels to Ahmedabad and New Delhi in India where I was privileged enough to work with my friend Pankaj Tiwari on a performance research and then spent time exploring, learning and adoring the culture and people I met.

The project, Coding The Currents, is set in the river Khari in the vicinity of Ahmedabad, in the Gujarati state. Led by Pankaj and Agat Sharma. You can read more about the work here and the overall project (which you should, because it is excellent). https://codingthecurrents.cargo.site/Post-Human-Dinner-Party

I will forever cherish the time I spent there, the people I met and that made me feel so welcomed. Experiencing the local cultures, the food, the history of the country and learning how to get around was a breathtaking experience - and I look forward to returning in the future.

🇦🇺 Travels to Australia, where I hang out with my friend Bek Berger and met some new wonderful friends and colleagues, swam in the ocean and the swimming pools of Melbourne, went to music festivals in Tasmania, and generally relaxed.

💃🏼 Toured POST a bit more including a run at Battersea Arts Centre and gathered some of the best feedback and reviews of my career. Some info here: https://www.xavierdesousa.co.uk/post/165981228414/post-tour

👑 Got commissions, residencies and performances booked and engaged on for new show REGNANT which I will open in 2020. A durational play, REGNANT focuses on structures of power and local government. This project will be the biggest of my solo career, and it will be a new chance to work collectively and learn new skills along the way, as well as collaborating with new and exciting artists.

🌆 Curated and delivered a lot of New Queers on the Block across the UK:

· Returned to the towns and cities we visited in 2018, from Folkestone to Blackpool, via Hastings and Bradford, to present small to mid-scale performances, film works, talks and events by Ira Brand, Last Yearz Interesting Negro, Harry Josephine Giles, Demi Nanhdra, Marikiscrycrycry, Harry Clayton-Wright, Rachael Young, Mandla Rae, Lucy Hutson, Samir Kennedy, Istanbul Queer Arts Collective, Benjamin Sebastian, Nando Messias and Subira Joy, amongst many others.

· Commissioned local LGBTQ+ artists such as Sea Sharp, Subira Joy, Wandia Wahogo, Kirsty Taylor and Adam Frost to create their first theatre shows, with development and producing support from us, as well as producing teams around them.

· Commissioned Oozing Gloop, Marikiscrycrycry and Rachael Young to create new work and upscale their practices to larger, tour-able models or to experiment with new forms.

· Released ‘New Queers On The Road’, a documentary following our first ever tour and explores the impact the work has already had in local communities. Directed by the incredible Rosie Powell, this has been seen by over 100,000 people across the country and online, as well as local TV stations.

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· Worked more closely with our Local Ambassadors Bean, Benjamin Sebastian, Elis Johnson and Sonia Sandu across those locations, and developed new local audiences; Welcomed new members to the New Queers team, such as our General Manager Carmen D’Cruz, Marketing Manager Rasheed Rahman and Associate Producer Lee Smith, who, together with our PR Anna Smith have taken the projects to new hights of efficiency and awareness.

· Partnered with new friends, such as SHOUT Festival and FIERCE Festival (Birmingham), Art BnB and Abingdon Studios (Blackpool), Brick Box Rooms (Bradford) and Camden People’s Theatre (London) to present new performances, a full day symposium on care practices in the queer arts scene and co-produce the development of local queer artists.

· New Queers on The Block is a Touring and Artist Development Scheme led by Marlborough Productions in partnership with Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts (Brighton), Theatre in the Mill (Bradford), Left Coast & Art BnB (Blackpool), Home Live Art (Hastings), Creative (Folkestone), FIERCE Festival & SHOUT Festival (Birmingham). Funded by Arts Council England, Jerwood Arts, Esmée Fairban & The Space.

✊🏼 Curated and delivered a LOT of performingbordersLIVE with my friend Alessandra Cianetti

· Commissioned new performance for camera by Istanbul Queer Arts Collective and Tara Fatehi Irani

· Live interviews with Nima Séne and Tuna Erdem (Queer Contact, Manchester), Sim Chi Yin and Annie Jael Kwan (Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts, Brighton) and Anti-Cool & osborn&møller (Artsadmin)

· Commissioned All The Tea in China by Burong (曾不容) and Patrolling by Critical Interruptions

· Curated and produced the event Curating Borderless Spaces at Live Art Development Agency, which included provocations, talks, interventions, workshops, key notes, performances and food by Season Butler, Instanbul Queer Arts Collective, Raju Rage, Bojana Janković, Dana Olărescu, Kai Syng Tan, Helena Walsh, and Lois Keidan.

· Online interviews with Pelin Başaran and Warehouse9

📻 Did an extensive residency with Warehouse9 in Copenhagen with An* Neely that resulted in an exhibition and a series of podcasts with Lasse Lau, Jupiter Child, Sarah Lamming and Lukas Raki.

✊🏼 Co-founded Migrants in Culture and launched an investigation and the final report on the Impact of the UK Home Office's policy Hostile Environment against Migrant Culture Workers. You can read it here.

👨🏻‍🏫 Taught at Central St Martins for the first time and had a great time, although this time no-one called me Professor X. A bitter highlight.

🥖 Presented a new work in progress of a one-on-one piece, Breaking Bread, at ARC Stockton as part of Curious Festival

And more... much much more...

May 2020 be the year we turn things around politically and socially. And may it be a vintage year for you, for me, and for us.

Xavier

#2019 #year review #theatre #performance art #queers #queer #lgbtq #live art #uk #australia #india #tasmania #travels

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dragondrew7 · 5 years

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Original Credits

All of the art here(unless otherwise stated) is mine however most of the characters are not. My OCs are Frost, Raven, Rosalie, Kaiyo, Nirina, Jordan, Cyn, Trice, Amber and anything else tagged as my OCs. Here are credits to the creators of all the other characters I draw and post. They are sorted by alphabetical order and basic classification. I tried my best, but no one is perfect. Please tell me if anything here is wrong in any way. I will update this post every time I draw a new character as well.

Original Character Credits::

Anime:

Black Butler - Yana Toboso

Bleach - Tite Kubo

Blue Exorcist - Kazue Katō

One Punch Man - ONE

Soul Eater - Atsushi Ōkubo

Tokyo Ghoul - Sui Ishida

Books:

Warrior Cats - Erin Hunter

How to Train Your Dragon - Cressida Crowell

Fandom Writing/Comics/AUs:

Bleach: God of Shadows - MidnightEden234

FNAFNG - Namy Gaga

FNAF: Springtrap and Deliah - GraWolfQuinn

Undertale GB!Sans: BOTWOT - Skeleherron

Other People’s OCs:

Trion - Withercat1

Mekachi - mekachi_and_kris

Horas - Mindtravler13

Rustle - Mindtravler13

One - Mindtravler13

Newt- Mindtravler13

Other Stuff:

CampCamp - Rooster Teeth

SCP 1471 - SCP Foundation???

Songs(the covers I made comics off of):

Copycat - VocaCircus

Happy Pills - Weathers

Monster - Kuraiinu

Take A Hint - Victoria Justice & Elizebeth Gillies

The Wolf - SIAMES

Shows/Movies:

Gravity Falls - Alex Hirsch

How to Train Your Dragon - DreamWorks

Jurassic World - Universal Pictures

MLP - Lauren Faust

Steven Universe - Rebecca Sugar

Undertale/ Deltarune AUs:

Acrylic Sans - Mindtraveler13

Aftertale/Geno Sans - Loverofpiggies

Angeltale - Miyagawa

Blueberror/ Blooper - Loverofpiggies

Encryption Sans - Mindtraveler13

Fusion characters(unless otherwise credited)- me

Dream Sans - Jokublog

Dreamswap - Onebizarrekai

Dusttale - ask-dusttale

Epoch Sans - Me

Error Sans - Loverofpiggies

Gasterblaster Sans/BOTWOT- Skeleharron/ unknown

Gaster!Error and Ink - Miyagawa

Goth - Nekophy

Gradient - askcomboclub

Hand plates AU - Zarla-s

Horrortale - sour-apple-studios

Human versions(my designs)- me

Ink Sans - Comyet

Killer Sans - Rahafwabas

Little Jammy hood - Blogthegreatrouge

Lust Sans - nsfwshamecave-pb

Minusculetale - tiny_inky_sans_

Nerd and Jock AU - Blogthegreatrouge

Nightmare Sans- Jokublog

Paperjam and Bluescreen- 7goodangel

Parable and Exemplum - cs.mt

Predatortale - Foxy-Sierra

Reboot and Eraser - Blogthegreatrouge

Reapertale - Renrink

Seraphim Sans - tratserenoyreve

Science Sans - ??

Shattered Dream and Illusion- drawingerror

S’more Sans - Starlight_cookie

Swapfell - ziznine(?)

Template and Pale - Unu-nunium

Underfell - desconocido/ unknown

Underfresh/ Fresh Sans - Loverofpiggies

Underswap - Popcornpr1nce

Underverse/Cross - Jael Penaloza

Underworld - Coulsart

Vampire verse - Blogthegreatrouge

Vibrant Sans - Me

Watermelon Ralsie - me

Watermelon Sans and Rotten - missladytale

Werewolf AU/versions - me

Video games:

Bendy and the Ink Machine - Kindly Beast

Bleach Brave Souls - KLab Games

Deltarune - Toby Fox

Fallout - Bethesda

Five Nights at Freddy’s - Scott Cawthon

Overwatch - Blizzard

Pokemon - The Pokemon Company

Portal - Valve Corporation

Skyrim - Bethesda

Spyro the Dragon - Insomniac Games(originally)

Subnautica - Unknown Worlds Entertainments

Undertale - Toby Fox

Youtubers/ YouTube Persona(you can find these under the name listed on YouTube)

EddsWorld: Tom - Tomska

-Hellbent

-Jacksepticeye

-Mandopony/Andrew Stein

-Markiplier

-NateWantsToBattle/Give Heart Records - Nathan Sharp

#original credits

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youthmagazinecas-blog · 5 years

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Holiday Playlist / Song #1

youtube

“Frosty the Snowman” ( 1950 )

Genre: Christmas song

Written by: Walter “Jack” Rollins and Steve Nelson

Recorded By: Gene Autry and the Cass County Boys

Song meaning: A snowman that comes to life with a hat that is magical and it makes the snowman come to life. He comes to town to and causes trouble with a traffic cop.

Why I like the song: “Because it makes me hungry because of the word frosty and it makes me feel jolly and I really like Jack Frost and the song makes me feel I will see that snowman again. The song is very interesting and very a bit fright because like the word like come back to life it just makes me bit scared. It’s very interesting about but hey the song is still good because Christmas is not about gifts, its about spending time with your family and frosty the snowman looks like a snowman that is funny and that will make children cheer up and he’s like a very nice snowman and a very good story like u can just think about it he’s a snowman that is very fun and I like playing in the snow frosty the snowman likes playing in the snow too.”

- Jael Garcia, Age 11, MS 319. Grade 6

#Holiday music #Frosty The Snowman

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ekbirchelps · 6 years

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Cringe Tag

I was tagged by the kind @pixel-letters to participate in the cringe tag. I’m currently unsure whether it’s a curse or a blessing that you haven’t seen enough of my work to be able to tell what I wrote some time ago and what I wrote more currently. But never fear! All of you get a nice little glimpse of my fetus writing days way back in middle school. All you need to know about this particular nightmare is that I wrote it many long years ago and have since abandoned this project in favor of less cringeworthy endeavors.

As the fleet of rowboats got nearer to the giant castle, I steadily got more and more drenched, getting hungrier by the minute. I was also having to endure the stares and whispers from the other first years around me, I suppose because I was fifteen and they were eleven. Not that it bothered me very much, as I was used to being goggled at and criticized in the wizarding world, but it was still quite annoying. I overheard snitches of their conversations, the more I listened the more I found out. Thankfully, they hadn't found out I was Bellatrix's daughter, or the whole tiny lot of them might've had a hairy canary.

We disembarked from the boats, when we got to the shores on the other side of the great lake, all thoroughly drenched. Brisk Lady marched swiftly up to the large double doors of the castle and knocked three times. The wooden doors opened, and a rather severe, stern looking older lady with a pointy hat and long sweeping robes allowed us entry to Hogwarts. Brisk Lady disappeared somewhere, and we all stood shivering in the long hallway as Stern Woman had directed us to do.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," Stern Lady said, getting everone's attention. "My name is Professor McGonagall, I am Head of Gryffindor House and I teach the subject of Transfiguration."

I gulped. Her beady eyes swept the hall, bearing down on all of us, causing most of us to diminish in size. I studied her some more and decided that she was probably a strict teacher, but hopefully fair one. She seemed nice enough as she told us new students about how things were done at Hogwarts while we stood there drying off. She told us about how if we did something exceptionally well, then we would be awarded House points, and if we misbehaved, then points would be taken away.

Yes, i wrote Harry Potter fanfiction. Yes, it was one of those countless Bellatrix’s daughter stories. And yes, I do want to stab my eyes out after I had to dig through chapters of similar garbage to find something shareable. Now onto more a more auspicious undertaking. As you can probably guess, this excerpt is from a draft of The Magenaza Epic: Solstice Rising. As per my MO, it’s long-winded and histrionic.

They say there's two kinds of fear a creature can experience, the innate, primal instincts that have kept us alive since our creation. There's cold fear; the kind that makes your blood turn to ice and your veins coat with frost and the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. That's the kind that freezes you, rivets you to the spot even though your mind is whirling, racing, flying faster than your body ever could. Then there's hot fear, the pulsing, searing dread that fills you with an inferno that burns more ardently than the flames of the strongest heliad. That fuels you with the energy to flee from things you wouldn't dream of outrunning, to press on when your body should be incapable of persevering. While cold fear freezes you, hot fear gives you the strength and the courage to move.

In the fraction of a second it took Jael to fall, both of those kinds of fear flashed through me like a wildfire, like a blizzard, like a lightning strike. They detonated like fireworks, fire and ice, fragmenting my composure into jagged pieces. It evaporated any qualms I had about hurting Bruce or any of his friends, any hesitation I felt at letting my magic free. Those sinful wights and malevolent fay could do what they wished with me. I was a destitute halfbreed, something foul and unclean to those seeking purity and virtue. And I can't say I'd done anything but prove their assumptions correct. I suppose that taking dung from them was just part of the mongrel package. But my sister---my kind, selfless sister---had done nothing wrong. And I would see myself lynched, incinerated, and eviscerated before one finger touched her. No one would harm her ever again.

So many emotions surged over me at once, eclipsing my control and conscience: Rage at fay and mortal behavior toward me and my sister, that they felt they had the right to treat me badly because of my heritage and treat Jael badly because of her affiliation with me. Frustration at how utterly helpless I was to stop it. Fear---that paradoxical, uncontrollable fear---at the thought that it would never end. And hatred toward them, and all they have made me suffer for something I had no part in.

I had to let some of that out before it drowned me. Punching and kicking could only do so much.

Jael fell. The thud of her body hitting the ground was like punch to the gut.

I let loose a scream worse than that of any banshee---furious, terrified, an utter calamity. I was vindictive goddess unleashing her wrath, and nothing and no one would stand against me.

I apologize---I didn’t realize this post would get so long. Anyway, I tag @writerightmegpie, @starlillies, @peebwrites, @writingguardian, and @creativityflows. If you’ve already done this tag, don’t feel obligated to do it now. Good luck!

#tme

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razorblade180 · 2 months

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Ignited 5: Hidden Attack

Ch 4 <-

With no major distractions and vigor to spare, Yujin continued running through the Forever Fall, occasionally coming across pits with future peers trapped inside. She knew better than to completely tank her time but that didn’t stop her from snapping tree limbs and tossing it one at an angle.

“Climb it and then pay the favor forward!” She yelled as she ran. There was a high chance the others would follow the example. Maybe not for righteous reasons, but for the fact that they were all being recorded. No way they would pass if they were caught being too incompetent to escape a deep hole and ignoring others.

Jael kept watching the performance but in all honesty, it wasn’t much. Yujin hardly came across anything worthy of displaying real combat skills. Nevertheless, she watched. Several other contestants had made their way back to the beginning, including the boy in the fox mask. She was only familiar with the boy under it from last year’s departure. Why he was wearing a mask, she didn’t know. Wasn’t keen on asking why either. That was until he approached her to watch as well.

“Sup.” Tenzen said casually. “We really haven’t been properly introduced. My family knows your family and all that jazz. I’m Tenzen. Currently being called-”

“TZ.” Her gaze shifted to him slightly. “What’s with the mask?”

“Oh this old thing? Hehe, I’m a street performer that’s decently sized online.”

Jael vaguely remembers hearing that alias before. Her mind hasn’t been on many other hobbies or interests for awhile now. “That doesn’t make much sense. A group of people called your name earlier, so the mask isn’t hiding much.”

“Oh you misunderstand. People know me for my mask. Not my face. I came here pretty conspicuously but with all the eyes Yujin and her family drew, I went ahead and took some of the heat off.”

“Hmm.” Jael went back to focusing on the screens. “Lucky for her she has so many in her corner.”

Her tone was rather dry and lacking any enthusiasm. Even so, Tenzin got a weird vibe. He only really knew what Yujin told him about Jael. The girl definitely didn’t get out. Lack of communication was to be expected? “Looking for someone in particular? A friend maybe?”

“They already made it through after you. Watching your competition pays off.”

Okay, maybe her social skills were fine? He just wasn’t expecting her to be the super serious type. “That’s true. If you ask me though, nothing is more important than keeping yourself loose until the final moments. All rigid things snap under tension.”

“Or become compacted. Then they become the pressure others bear. But yes…your words have merit.”

“Yeah…” he trailed off, walking away to leave the girl to her own devices. “See ya around.”

“Probably.” Jael barely gave him the time of day. Although, he was pretty keen on the uptick. She made no effort to hide who exactly she was looking at on the monitor. It was a real shame she couldn’t see his face though.

Lilith watched the entire interaction from afar with Canary. She looked at her future teacher to see a level of scrutiny in her gaze. “Something the matter?”

“That girl rubs me the wrong way. It’s common for some people to be calm during examination, but unbothered? I can understand boredom; I definitely was. This though…”

“Maybe it’s your natural biases? Worried she has a grudge against half your family tree?”

“Pfft, depends on the half.” She crossed her arms. “Are you really telling me you don’t feel anything? I’ve been told you have quite the intuition.”

“It’s nothing worth bragging about.” Canary wasn’t wrong to feel tension though. From the looks of it, their esteemed guests were all operating on a different level of tension. “I’m not privy to the ins and outs of every single detail, but there’s definitely something in the air that’s dying to rear its face.”

“So you agree? Regardless, we can handle it. That I’m certain of.”

“Should we though?” Lilith raised a brow. She put her hands behind her back and cocked her head to the side.

“What does that mean?”

“I’ve noticed that despite this being your first time in a while being on this side of Remnant, you would rather speak to me more than the family you have several feet away. And when you do, it’s rather…peckish.”

“Umm, y-you’re point?” Canary wasn’t expecting Lilith to become suddenly off putting.

“You clearly have your own tension you could probably confront now, but like most clever people, you want to do it unimpeded. Correct?”

“I’m also working right now. This is sorta on the job training.”

“And this Jael girl is taking a test. I’m sure whenever she chooses to act, it’ll be on her terms. We could become hurdles much like this course, but there’s only a way around.”

“No offense, but it sounds like you’re content with watching.”

Lilith gave a full grin. “Isn’t that the job? Don’t forget, I’m still a student at the end of the day. Drama among peers is interesting; but don’t worry. Count on me to make sure nothing gets to the point of being irreversible.”

Her words didn’t exactly inspire confidence, but Canary couldn’t say she wasn’t interested. To think so many people around her had something more than meets the eye.

“I’d believe her words if I were you.” Glynda said, maintaining her gaze on the students and the paper she grades them on. “Lilith has an annoying way of being correct more often than not.”

The girl couldn’t help but giggle to herself as she placed her hands on her hips. “Why does it have to be an annoyance exactly?”

Canary could see why her cousin had a soft spot for Lilith. The girl had an odd but attractive personality about her. “Birds of a feather.” She mumbled, turning back towards the screens.

xxxxx

“Alley oop!” Yujin cried out, flinging a straggling beowulf into an incredibly thick wall. She had seen the obstacle back at the other wall, but now that she was up close she could tell an incredible punch would be pretty mediocre against it. Not to mention it was smoother than the last one.

“C’mon. We have a brain for a reason.” She looked both ways to see it stretch out forever. If there was an end, which there had to be, it would eat up too much time to get around it.

A few people she helped had immediately started to climb or even warp short distances up. It would’ve been nice if her kindness was returned in this moment, but Yujin knew it really is a matter of circumstance if anyone could help her. The more she thought out about the singular reality made her ponder if this test was also meant to give a pretty brutal insight of their shortcoming. “I’m in deep water now.” She groaned.

Years of not designing firearms into her weapon suddenly felt like a dumb idea. Tenzen probably rocket jumped! Oh well. No use crying over spilt milk. She had to think of something soon. That’s when a different problem arrived….

“HEEEELLLP!” Cried a girl that was no older than her. She came running out of the thicket and would’ve hit the wall if Yujin didn’t grab her.

“Wow wow wow! Why are you shaking!? The girl’s eyes were shaking with fear and her clothes were covered in mud.

“I- I can feel it! It keeps stalking me! Always getting closer! Eating the grimm!”

Yujin couldn’t believe her ears. A chill went down her back. “Eating?”

The girl nodded furiously. “We need everyone to leave! I’m not cut out for this! I’m only alive because I can feel it!” She tried getting out of Yujin’s grip but she wasn’t going anywhere. “Let go! It’s still stalking!”

“Slow down! What type of grimm!?”

“I don’t know! But it’s huge! The vibrations, I feel them! It’s my semblance!” The girl felt like she could die on the spot, eyes flooding with tears. “It’s getting closer!”

A semblance that involved vibrations. Yujin has been vigilant and she doubted the faculty would leave a grimm in the area too dangerous for a novice to kill. That only left one terrifying thought; Yujin looked down at the dirt. A second later, the minerals trembled more than the frightened girl.

“Shit.” Yujin tossed the girl sky high in the direction of the wall and onlooking participants. She was glad she acted when she did, because now the ground at her feet was gone; shattered to pieces as a massive Death Stalker came lunging out.

xxxxxx

“YUJIN!!” Yang yelled as she watched the screen in immediate horror.

Raven immediately grabbed her hilt but a golden portal opened with Lilith already dashing through it before Raven could draw the blade.

Lilith came sliding out with her auburn bow and drew the golden string back, ready to fire at the beast; her eyes widened in shock to see that while Yujin was in the right pincer, she wasn’t exactly in danger. “Wow…”

Yujin held both sides of the crackling claw open with pure strength. Lilac eyes glared into the many golden eyes of the monster as it tried clipping her with the left claw. Yujin was fortunately still quicker than it, hoisting herself out of its hold and jumping over the second attack. It’s tail flicked rapidly, prompting her to cross both her arms before taking a stab. However, as it struck, a blinding gleam of light flashed by them, severing the stinger. Yujin landed safely and turned her head left as she heard a tree thud. Standing on a branch was Jael sheathing her sword.

The young swordsman looked at the girl with indifference. “Shouldn’t you move now?”

“Uh right!” Yujin grabbed the huge stinger and jumped back. The Death Stalker tried to charge at her but immediately howled in agony as a barrage of arrows blinded several eyes.

It raised both claws to dig down again, yet found no dirt as it struck a glyph. Canary came diving out of the portal with Harbinger crashing down, cutting off a pincer before changing to scythe mode and raking through several legs. The beast only screamed louder until it was silenced, choked by a stinger that was beamed right into its mouth. Canary looked back to see Yujin still in a spear chucking stance. “Nice throw.”

The girl's eyes went back to blue as she took a breath and shrugged. “Yeah? Well y’know?”

Lilith saw the Grimm begin to fade so she turned her gaze to her future peers who looked from the wall, spotting the worried girl who was thrown. Looks like she was physically safe. “I trust all of you are physically well? Please continue and take this moment to understand where you are trying to get accepted into. With all that said…I apologize for this disruption.”

It was the first time today that Lilith actually sounded somber. It wasn’t her fault a Grimm this dangerous was hiding underground. Still, Canary doubts that fact would make her feel better. Instead she put attention on Jael. “Hey? While I appreciate a quick call to actions and am grateful you aided my family, I have to ask you to refrain from doing anything reckless. As talented as you might be, you’re not even a student.”

“Yet.” Jael added confidently. “The portal was opened right next to me. It only made sense to move in.”

Yujin smiled cheerfully. “Can’t argue with that. Not that I needed the save, but I appreciated it all the same! Thank you!”

“It’s nothing worth mentioning.”

Jael jumped down from the tree and made her way back to the portal. Yujin really didn’t think much of it. Jacquelyn did say that Jael needs her focus. Although with skills like hers, Yujin couldn’t imagine why. She didn’t even see the blade, only Jael putting it away. Definitely Adam’s kid.

“Soooo…” Yujin batted her eyes at the two people in charge. “Do I get to walk through the portal? I handled this situation pretty well after all.”

“Tah!” Canary scoffed, “So now you want special treatment. From what I heard, you didn’t even have to take this test since you got a recommendation letter! Sorry squirt, handle the wall!”

“Hehe… worth a shot. No big deal though. I have my ways.”

Canary and Lilith were planning to head back but watched curiously as Yujin made her way towards the wall with a fist raised to the sky!

“Lil? What’s the likelihood she’s about to break her hand on that wall?”

“You tell me. She’s your cousin. Also, Lil?” We’re onto nicknames already?”

Yujin took a deep breath before swinging downward. Not at the wall, but the ground right next to it and under her feet. The single blow was enough to rattle the ground, reducing the spot into rubble and making a crater. Yujin looked straight ahead and sure enough, it was nothing but more dirt ready to be obliterated.

More sounds of tremendous force shook the rock at Lilith’s and Canary’s feet. The former couldn’t help but laugh.

“Hahaha! Well that’s one way to do it! Points for creativity.” Lilith starts walking to the portal.

Canary followed her with a smile on her face. “You make it sound like she needs those points.”

They both returned to the starting area and Canary looked at her family to see that calm expressions returned to them. “I am amazed that no one else ran through the portal with the way you screamed.”

Yang’s face went completely red. “Well…you two missed the part where she caught the claw. After that I may have realized I may have shouted a little too loudly…” She kicked a rock.

Jaune was perfectly calm the entire time. “I knew she could handle it. I’ve caught her in the rain fighting bears before.”

“You mean…the Ursa’s on Patch?” Ruby asked, only to see her father, Jaune, and aunt sigh heavily.

“No.” They said in unison while Tenzen tried to keep it together. He may have a few ridiculous videos to share later.

Not long after, The girl of the hour came walking through the proper portal. Her gloves were covered in soil and she smelled like nature, but she was here.

“Wait…” she blinked twice, realizing where she was. “That was the last obstacle!? It just loops back here!?”

Glynda handed her a green slip of paper. “Congratulations on passing. You will move on to the final portion.”

“I would hope so after what happened! It feels like involuntary extra credit!”

“Welcome to Beacon.” Glynda smirked and walked away. Lilith gave a silent nod to Yujin that basically said, “yeah pretty much.”

With the stragglers arriving and the second portion coming to a close, Glynda gathered in front of the screens as the second group was soaring into view “Alright everyone, well done to those who have made it this far. You will be flown to the next and final destination where you will have a proper chance to recover, eat, and prepare for the next challenge.”

“Is that another lie?” Marcus asked, his voice drained of energy.

“A well deserved question, but an unnecessary one. I’m not in the mindset of deceptive word play, unlike certain people.” She looked at the two culprits. They didn’t even look guilty.

Yujin leaned closer to Tenzen. “I don’t think it was that deceptive.”

“Oh, yeah you missed the funny part. Apparently the people who chose to prepare in town didn’t fail. They’re on their way now.” He pointed to the distant airship.

The girl fell silent, blinking twice as she realized she hasn’t the foggiest clue about how they are being graded if the second group is about to run a used obstacle course. “Elite schools are insane.” Yujin raised her hand. “Headmaster?”

“Yes? Is something the matter?”

“I trust your words, but can we have a show of good faith? What is our final challenge exactly?”

Glynda raised a brow. “ It’s the same as it is every year. For confirmation of that, look no further to the alumni.”

The aspiring heroes turned to the adults. Ruby and Jaune casually took a step away from everyone. “Don’t look at us. We got in on special terms.”

“Tah! Special terms you say.” Glynda scoffed, specifically at Jaune. “Ms. Rose did indeed stop a crime. What was yours, Mr. Arc?” Her eyes narrowed, knowing exactly what he did.

Fortunately Nora was there to pull everyone’s attention. She raised her arm up and chanted, “Hahaha! Aptitude Sparring!”

Those like Yujin, Tenzen, and even Jael were actually aware of this, but it was clear many others found themselves caught off guard. Though the confirmation was reassuring to Yujin. In the grand scheme of events, this exam checked knowledge, practical environmental skills, and combat.

Glynda continued explaining to the crowd. “In this line of work, battles never stop at Grimm unfortunately. It only makes sense to see how you all go against people. I recommend you all take this seriously. You may find this challenge to be the hardest one yet. That is all.”

This is it. At last, this is it! A golden opportunity to face Yujin. Jael could barely contain her enthusiasm, which became increasingly evident with the way her hand gripped the hilt of her blade. Jacquelyn noticed this and couldn’t stand idly by.

“Jael…remember why you’re here.”

“I know exactly why I’m here.” She said immediately. “I would’ve come last year if I didn’t know why I personally chose to wait, and you know that too.”

“There’s a dozen reasons why last year’s plans fell through. A vendetta wasn’t one of them for me. If it was then I wouldn’t have trained you.”

“What’s with the virtuous act all of a sudden?” Jael faced her mother and looked her right in the eyes. “Why are you acting like you aren’t upset, or like you have no clue what my motivations are? I’ve made no effort to truly hide them; unlike my name.” The venom in her voice leaked through in those final words. “I’ve been nothing but patient and obedient. Are you saying it’s been for nothing?”

“I’m saying don’t let it be for nothing! You don’t even know if you’re facing her so stop getting worked up and don’t do something you’ll come to regret. I have no right to tell you to hold in your rage, but understand I will always fundamentally disagree with you if you choose to direct that anger harmfully. Don’t waste your future by being your father’s past.”

Jael’s eyes widened, her heart murmuring from the accusation. “I thought you would have more faith in your daughter. This isn’t anything like he’s done. I thought you of all people would understand remotely just what type of anger I have. However, unlike you, I won’t erase a bloodline.”

Jael walks off without looking back.”I’ll settle with the death of a dream.”

A quiet tension remained in the air. Jacquelyn didn’t even find the opportunity to bring the girl’s blade. She had unsheathed it for the sake of dealing with the grimm but something about it felt…unnatural. Almost as if she was rushing to put it away. The entire thing left Jacquelyn feeling more uneasy. For a moment, the carefully crafted mask Jacquelyn displayed began to slip as her eyes flickered. She took a deep breath, concealing the internal storm. Although now she wondered if the mask was of any use? It clearly wasn’t fooling her youngest. As for the oldest…

Jacquelyn let the air in her lungs escape mournfully. “Stay strong…”

xxxxxxx

It was a silent prayer but a prayer nonetheless that was meant for the girl who quietly sat in a hidden hospital room with her tear stained face resting on the bed; her soft eyes keeping their gaze on the man so still that you could mistake him for a corpse. Her stomach remained empty all day, and her strength only appeared to hold the man’s thin, frail fingers.

Her voice was dry and quiet, the same as it was countless years ago; back in that dark, dark place. “Dad, please…” once again, tears greeted her face and her vibrant white tiger ears fell. “Please…wake up.”

#rwby #rwby au #rwby ignited #jaune arc #ruby rose #yang xiao long #lilith aspen #glynda goodwitch #raven branwen #canary branwen #yujin xiao long #lie tenzen #jael frost #sienna frost #jacquelyn frost

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enchanted-motley · 7 years

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@eilahuntswolves

The place where the glade outside of their well-hidden freehold met the paved paths of the city's biking trail was a liminal space of which they were fond. All around, there were trees and thick grass, but there was a fairly persistent stream of people on the trail. Typically, it was a relaxing confluence of civilization and the natural world, tied together on either side of the picnic benches.

That evening, those tables were occupied by an unusual assortment of companions. An elderly man stretched his legs forward and made himself comfortable, the low light of dusk casting deep shadows on his face. Beside him sat a middle-aged woman, carefully applying frosting to a collection of undecorated cupcakes. At the grill stood a fellow in his early twenties, occasionally rolling the sausages with a casual poke of the tongs. Not too far away sat a similarly young woman with her rear planted firmly in the mud, blowing raspberries in the face of a highly amused toddler.

And not too far away leaned a tall individual who - of all things - wore a broadsword strapped around their waist. Their golden-brown eyes traveled up and down the path, watching strangers go about their business, hurrying to get home before darkness fell. "Is it wise for us to have him outside like this?" Espen glanced sidelong at Chase, who was being undeniably entertained by Harper's antics.

"Kids need the sun." Arun plucked a cupcake away from Jael's plate, beaming unrepentantly as he swiped a bit of frosting from the top. "Besides, he's having fun."

"Mm." Was all they offered in return, continuing to pan their watchful gaze around the area. They weren't entirely convinced someone wouldn't recognize the little boy, though they hoped Arun's confidence was more than just a reassuring bluff.

#eilahuntswolves #I hope this works as a starter for you!#I was thinking she and Big Bad could come across them #though whether its coincidental or a hunt is totally up to you #Let me know if anything needs to change or if you'd prefer this one for Maulie #If this works for Eila I'll have one up for Maulie soon :D

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mystic-heuristic-blog · 7 years

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Jubilate Agno

Jubilate Agno is a religious poem written by Christopher Smart between 1759 and 1763, while hospitalized in London for lunacy (a very 12th house experience). Christopher Smart was born with Jupiter in Sagittarius. Note all the animals in the excerpt below.

(cover art from the Jubilate Agno reprint from Factory Hollow Press)

Let Elizur rejoice with the Partridge, who is a prisoner of state and is proud of his keepers. For I am not without authority in my jeopardy, which I derive inevitably from the glory of the name of the Lord. Let Shedeur rejoice with Pyrausta, who dwelleth in a medium of fire, which God hath adapted for him. For I bless God whose name is Jealous—and there is a zeal to deliver us from everlasting burnings. Let Shelumiel rejoice with Olor, who is of a goodly savour, and the very look of him harmonizes the mind. For my existimation is good even amongst the slanderers and my memory shall arise for a sweet savour unto the Lord. Let Jael rejoice with the Plover, who whistles for his live, and foils the marksmen and their guns. For I bless the prince of peace and pray that all the guns may be nail’d up, save such [as] are for the rejoicing days. Let Raguel rejoice with the Cock of Portugal—God send good Angels to the allies of England! For I have abstained from the blood of the grape and that even at the Lord’s table. Let Hobab rejoice with Necydalus, who is the Greek of a Grub. For I have glorified God in greek and latin, the consecrated languages spoken by the Lord on earth. Let Zurishaddai with the Polish Cock rejoice—The Lord restore peace to Europe. For I meditate the peace of Europe amongst family bickerings and domestic jars. Let Zuar rejoice with the Guinea Hen—The Lord add to his mercies in the west! For the host is in the west—the Lord make us thankful unto salvation. Let Chesed rejoice with Strepsiceros, whose weapons are the ornaments of his peace. For I preach the very gospel of christ without comment and with this weapon shall I slay envy. Let Hagar rejoice with Gnesion, who is the right sort of eagle, and towers the highest. For I bless God in the rising generation, which is on my side. Let Libni rejoice with the Redshank, who migrates not but is translated to the upper regions. For I have translated in the charity, which makes things better and I shall be translated myself at the last. Let Nahshon rejoice with the Seabreese, the Lord give the sailors of his Spirit. For he that walked upon the sea, hath prepared the floods with the Gospel of peace. Let Helon rejoice with the Woodpecker—the Lord encourage the propagation of trees! For the merciful man is merciful to his beast, and to the trees that give them shelter. Let Amos rejoice with the Coote—prepare to meet thy God, O Israel. For he hath turned the shadow of death into the morning, the Lord is his name. Let Ephah rejoice with Buprestis, the Lord endue us with temperance and humanity, till every cow can have her mate! For I am come home again, but there is nobody to kill the calf or to pay the musick. Let Sarah rejoice with the Redwing, whose harvest is in the frost and snow. For the hour of my felicity, like the womb of Sarah, shall come at the latter end. Let Rebekah rejoice with Iynx, who holds his head on one side to deceive the adversary. For I shou’d have avail’d myself of waggery, had not malice been multitudinous. Let Shuah rejoice with Boa, which is the vocal serpent. For there are still serpents that can speak—God bless my head, my heart and my heel. Let Ehud rejoice with Onocrotalus, whose braying is for the glory of God, because he makes the best musick in his power. For I bless God that I am of the same seed as Ehud, Mutius Scœ vola, and Colonel Draper. Let Shamgar rejoice with Otis, who looks about him for the glory of God, and sees the horizon compleat at once. For the word of God is a sword on my side—no matter what other weapon a stick or a straw. Let Bohan rejoice with the Scythian Stag—he is beef and breeches against want and nakedness. For I have adventured myself in the name of the Lord, and he hath mark’d me for his own. Let Achsah rejoice with the Pigeon who is an antidote to malignity and will carry a letter. For I bless God for the Postmaster general and all conveyancers of letters under his care, especially Allen and Shelvock. Let Tohu rejoice with the Grouse—the Lord further the cultivating of heaths and the peopling of deserts. For my grounds in New Canaan shall infinitely compensate for the flats and maynes of Staindrop Moor. Let Hillel rejoice with Ammodytes, whose colour is deceitful and he plots against the pilgrim’s feet. For the praise of God can give to a mute fish the notes of a nightingale. Let Eli rejoice with Leucon—he is an honest fellow, which is a rarity. For I have seen the White Raven and Thomas Hall of Willingham and am myself a greater curiosity than both. Let Jemuel rejoice with Charadrius, who is from the height and the sight of him is good for the jaundice. For I look up to heaven which is my prospect to escape envy by surmounting it. Let Pharaoh rejoice with Anataria, whom God permits to prey upon the ducks to check their increase. For if Pharaoh had known Joseph, he would have blessed God and me for the illumination of the people. Let Lotan rejoice with Sauterelle. Blessed be the name of the Lord from the Lote-tree to the Palm. For I pray God to bless improvements in gardening until London be a city of palm-trees. Let Dishon rejoice with the Landrail, God give his grace to the society for preserving the game. For I pray to give his grace to the poor of England, that Charity be not offended and that benevolence may increase. Let Hushim rejoice with the King’s Fisher, who is of royal beauty, tho’ plebeian size. For in my nature I quested for beauty, but God, God hath sent me to sea for pearls. Let Machir rejoice with Convolvulus, from him to the ring of Saturn, which is the girth of Job; to the signet of God from Job and his daughters blessed be jesus. For there is a blessing from the stone of jesus which is founded upon hell to the precious jewell on the right hand of God. Let Atad bless with Eleos, the nightly Memorialist ελεησον κϮ..ριε. For the nightly Visitor is at the window of the impenitent, while I sing a psalm of my own composing. Let Jamim rejoice with the Bittern blessed be the name of Jesus for Denver Sluice, Ruston, and the draining of the fens. For there is a note added to the scale, which the Lord hath made fuller, stronger and more glorious. Let Ohad rejoice with Byturos who eateth the vine and is a minister of temperance. For I offer my goat as he browses the vine, bless the Lord from chambering and drunkeness. Let Zohar rejoice with Cychramus who cometh with the quails on a particular affair. For there is a traveling for the glory of God without going to Italy or France. Let Serah, the daughter of Asher, rejoice with Ceyx, who maketh his cabin in the Halcyon’s hold. For I bless the children of Asher for the evil I did them and the good I might have received at their hands. Let Magdiel rejoice with Ascarides, which is the life of the bowels—the worm hath a part in our frame. For I rejoice like a worm in the rain in him that cherishes and from him that tramples. Let Becher rejoice with Oscen who terrifies the wicked, as trumpet and alarm the coward. For I am ready for the trumpet and alarm to fight, to die and to rise again. Let Shaul rejoice with Circos, who hath clumsy legs, but he can wheel it the better with his wings. For the banish’d of the Lord shall come about again, for so he hath prepared for them. Let Hamul rejoice with the Crystal, who is pure and translucent. For sincerity is a jewel which is pure and transparent, eternal and inestimable. Let Ziphion rejoice with the Tit-Lark who is a groundling, but he raises the spirits. For my hands and my feet are perfect as the sublimity of Naphtali and the felicity of Asher. Let Mibzar rejoice with the Cadess, as is their number, so are their names, blessed be the Lord Jesus for them all. For the names and number of animals are as the names and number of the stars. Let Jubal rejoice with Cœcilia, the woman and the slow-worm praise the name of the Lord. For I pray the Lord Jesus to translate my magnificat into verse and represent it. Let Arodi rejoice with the Royston Crow, there is a society of them at Trumpington and Cambridge. For I bless the Lord Jesus from the bottom of Royston Cave to the top of King’s Chapel. Let Areli rejoice with the Criel, who is a dwarf that towereth above others. For I am a little fellow, which is intitled to the great mess by the benevolence of God my father. Let Phuvah rejoice with Platycerotes, whose weapons of defence keep them innocent. For I this day made over my inheritance to my mother in consideration of her infirmities. Let Shimron rejoice with the Kite, who is of more value than many sparrows. For I this day made over my inheritance to my mother in consideration of her age. Let Sered rejoice with the Wittal—a silly bird is wise unto his own preservation. For I this day made over my inheritance to my mother in consideration of her poverty. Let Elon rejoice with Attelabus, who is the Locust without wings. For I bless the thirteenth of August, in which I had the grace to obey the voice of Christ in my conscience. Let Jahleel rejoice with the Woodcock, who liveth upon suction and is pure from his diet. For I bless the thirteenth of August, in which I was willing to run all hazards for the sake of the name of the Lord. Let Shuni rejoice with the Gull, who is happy in not being good for food. For I bless the thirteenth of August, in which I was willing to be called a fool for the sake of Christ. Let Ezbon rejoice with Musimon, who is from the ram and she-goat. For I lent my flocks and my herds and my lands at once unto the Lord. Let Barkos rejoice with the Black Eagle, which is the least of his species and the best-natured. For nature is more various than observation tho’ observers be innumerable. Let Bedan rejoice with Ossifrage—the bird of prey and the man of prayer. For Agricola is Γηωοργος. Let Naomi rejoice with Pseudosphece who is between a wasp and a hornet. For I pray God to bless polly in the blessing of Naomi and assign her to the house of david. Let Ruth rejoice with the Tumbler—it is a pleasant thing to feed him and be thankful. For I am in charity with the French who are my foes and Moabites because of the Moabitish woman. Let Ram rejoice with the Fieldfare, who is a good gift from God in the season of scarcity. For my Angel is always ready at a pinch to help me out and to keep me up. Let Manoah rejoice with Cerastes, who is a Dragon with horns. For christopher must slay the Dragon with a pheon’s head. Let Talmai rejoice with Alcedo, who makes a cradle for its young, which is rock’d by the winds. For they have seperated me and my bosom, whereas the right comes by setting us together. Let Bukki rejoice with the Buzzard, who is clever, with the reputation of a silly fellow. For Silly fellow! Silly fellow! is against me and belongeth neither to me nor my family. Let Michal rejoice with Leucocruta who is a mixture of beauty and magnanimity. For he that scorneth the scorner hath condescended to my low estate. Let Abiah rejoice with Morphnus who is a bird of passage to the Heavens. For Abiah is the father of Joab and Joab of all Romans and English Men. Let Hur rejoice with the Water-wag-tail, who is a neighbour, and loves to be looked at. For they pass me by in their tour, and the good Samaritan is not yet come. Let Dodo rejoice with the purple Worm, who is cloathed sumptuously, tho he fares meanly. For I bless God in behalf of trinity college in cambridge and the society of purples in london. Let Ahio rejoice with the Merlin who is a cousin german of the hawk. For I have a nephew christopher to whom I implore the grace of God. Let Joram rejoice with the Water Rail, who takes his delight in the river. For I pray God bless the cam—Mmr higgs and mr and mrs washbourne as the drops of the dew. Let Chileab rejoice with Ophion who is clean made, less than an hart, and a Sardinian. For I pray God bless the king of Sardinia and make him an instrument of his peace. Let Shephatiah rejoice with the little Owl, which is the wingged Cat. For I am possessed of a cat, surpassing in beauty, from whom I take occasion to bless Almighty God. Let Ithream rejoice with the great Owl, who understandeth that which he professes. For I pray God for the professors of the University of Cambridge to attend and to amend. Let Abigail rejoice with Lethophagus—God be gracious to the widows indeed. For the Fatherless Children and widows are never deserted of the Lord.

#jupiter

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razorblade180 · 9 days

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What’s it saying?

Deep into Menagerie’s desert, the orange glow colors the sand as well as a secluded house. Jael, a young girl in training, walks out with her new blade. It’s seen no real battle but has earned countless experience in training with the best, her father. The man currently sat by the oasis her mother made. He was waiting for, his legs crisscrossed and his sword stabbed deep in the sand between them.

Jael eagerly approached. Anytime spent with her father was time cherished in her eyes. She sat down in front of him and mimicked his stance, blade and all. He couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiasm.

Adam:That eager to train?

Jael:Of course! I’m always willing to learn from you. Even the boring stuff.

Adam:Heh, the “boring stuff” will be the root of all your success. At the very least, it’ll make your failures less grand.

Jael:I was joking. I know stance practice matters. It’s just a bummer when that’s the entire lesson before you go off on another mission. Standing in the sand gets dull. Unlike my blade.

Adam:Heh. I suppose I can’t fault you for that. However, today we focus on your semblance.

Jael:Really? Okay. You’ve always said I was pretty talented with it. What’s there to learn outside of a science lesson on gravity?

Adam:Semblances have the opportunity to grow and evolve. You’re not like most people; gaining a semblance three years ago at the tender age of eight. It’s rare.

Jael:Yeah? But you told me you got yours really early to.

Adam:Yes, I did. But not without reason. Jael, tell me, have you heard the common philosophy behind semblances?

Jael:Mom talked a little about it. I also read a few general things after I got mine. Some people believe personality defines what you’ll manifest, but people also think you act like what your semblance was always going to be.

Adam:Heh, you really are a smart kid.

Jael:Our house is stuffed with books. I get bored sometimes. What do you believe?

Adam:Personally, I could go either way to an extent. What’s important is the question itself and the conservation you’ll have with your semblance.

Jael:I…don’t think I follow.

Adam:I got my semblance right after the worst moment of my life. A typical thing really; stress induced moments force the body to act. For a very long time though…I never really pondered why it formed the way it did. For it to be exactly what I needed felt more like a response rather than predetermined circumstances.

Jael: A response. So…what I felt, or rather asked, is what this is about?

Adam:Precisely. Can you think of why it’s gravity?

Jael:…..*looks away* Well…life is heavy I guess.

Adam: “Life is heavy.” Heh, I can see that. A young girl growing up in a place like this, it’s far from ideal. I’m sorry it’s not always accommodating.

Her head snapped back towards his direction in disbelief.

Jael:No! I’m not blaming you or mom! I don’t even hate this place. I just…*grabs her chest* Life really feels heavy. Even now; especially now.

Adam:…..Are you angry?

Jael:I-I can’t afford to be. “Everythings in moderation.” I get it, I really do but it’s soooo tiring. I’ve learned so many interesting things, was hurt falling down step before, and have even seen a grimm; and yet in all those experiences it feels like I’m only living in those moments half the time. Even with my meditation! I-

Her words fell short as she felt a faint flutter. The family taste of iron hit the back of her throat, and Jael quickly took a breath. The practice routine of breathing slowly and checking her nose for blood only served to prove the point that her life was like a boiling pot she mustn’t let spill over. Hell she couldn’t even cry without making her family and herself scared! Jael gripped the sand beside her as she held her head down in silent frustration and anger.

Adam gave his daughter a moment not to collect herself, but to simply exist in this difficult moment. Somedays he wondered if the gods put a cage around her life because he never made the choice to stay in one. If that were the case, then they were crueler than any warden. Then again, despite the medical problems, his daughter beat the odds. Stubbornness was one of the few things he was thankful she got from him.

Jael:If I was given the power to use gravity because of how I feel, then I don’t know if that’s a good or horrible thing. I can’t tell what’s stronger. My dream of feeling free like everyone else, or that sometimes I get so angry that I wish I could bring them down to my level so they get what it feels like. Am I…am I a bad person?

Adam:Of course not. You’re upset and handling an issue that was out of your control. It only makes sense to feel jealous towards those who don’t have your problems, but…don’t hold it against them. It wasn’t in their control either. Believe me, I know that doesn’t sound comforting.

Jael:.You’ve the conversation. What did you hear?

Adam:…Myself. It took quite a while, but I eventually sat with my Anger and it told me its name was Guilt. It screamed in my ears, telling nonstop that ever since I lost everything to my rage that I deserve nothing else but standing in the line of fire and takes what’s coming at me like I deserve. Either let it finally do me in or throw it all back screaming like I’ve always done. My semblance is my retaliation and rebellion. I wouldn’t call it as noble as a similar semblance I’ve come to known, but even so, that doesn’t mean I can’t stand in line of fire and retaliate for others. Like my daughters for example.

Jael:If that’s the case, then I think I know even less about myself than before.

Adam:I wouldn’t cut yourself short. You feel shackled, unable to stretch your wings like other people. I’d switch places with you in an instant but I can’t. So…I’ll do the next best thing and help you make your semblance into a key. Bear in mind, it won’t be easy.

Jael:*raises head slowly* What…are you talking about? A key?

Adam:If your life feels heavy then let your semblance lighten the load. With enough practice, a bit of skill, luck, and rigorous effort, some people learn to use their semblance’s in meticulous ways while others are capable of incredibly long applications of their talents. Starting today, let’s make you into one of those people and keep the pressure off your heart.

Jael:You, you think I can do that?

Adam:I can’t promise you it’ll be anything perfect but as I’ve told you, and like I’ve been reminded of, you’re a talented person. Let’s fight together for a sense or normalcy in our own right.

Jael:A sense of normalcy, huh.

It sounded so…average. So mundane and simple in a way that was so glorious despite the distance. Jael couldn’t help but let the idea of such a life bring tears rolling down her face as she watched her father get up, walking towards her with his arm stretched out for her to reach. Her left hand raised up slowly on its own as she was still enraptured by such a dream. A sense of normalcy.

Jael:Yeah, I wanna fly too.

#rwby #rwby au #adam taurus #jael frost #rwby lasting embers

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razorblade180 · 8 months

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One thing I really enjoy thinking about when it comes to writing children of canon characters is they really don’t know the depths of how much of a menace their parents are.

Especially for RWBY. Yujin knows her mom is cool, but she wasn’t there seeing Yang grab a manticore by the horns and throw it off a moving train. Jael knows the facts about Adam and how he was dangerous but only someone like Mercury could begin to describe how this man had society by the throat for awhile.

All the kids can be like “my parents are skilled.” Nah, your parents were cookin! Ruby flew inside a canon and blew it up. She can’t be too mad when her kid does something like jump out of a moving car or go to a burning town alone. It’s part of the legendary process. Nora rides grimm for laughs. 😭💀

#rwby #rwbabies #yang xiao long #ruby rose #carmine arc rose #yujin xiao long #jael Frost #adam taurus

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razorblade180 · 3 months

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Ignited chapter 3: Hidden Obstacles

Ch2 <-

As the promising youth of today took their exam, the heroes of days gone by were filled in on what transpired during their secret war. Yang told Jaune, Tai, and especially Jacquelyn, how Adam had saved her from an explosion that could’ve cost her life and put the man in an indefinite coma. After the story, Jacquelyn was finally able to explain to all, the festering hatred that hounded Jael like a tempest in her soul.

Most were privy to bits of the situation already, but for Jaune and Tai, who remained home to take care of the children, it was quite the story. Jaune had noticed the reserved and cold nature that Jael gave during her greeting like everyone else did. He wouldn’t have guessed the reasoning though, or how deep seeded the negativity would be.

“Poor girl.” He said, folding his arms. “That’s a lot for anyone to handle.”

Jackie nodded in agreement. “I’m happy to see you can empathize, but I also have to apologize. I’ve tried my best to get her to understand while her anger is justified, it shouldn’t be directed at any of you. Yujin especially. It’s just…” Jacquelyn sighed in defeat.

“It’s hard to tell your own child to look or feel one way when it’s impossible to hide your own frustrations. Believe me, I get it.”

Yang didn’t even want to think about the countless conversations Jaune must’ve had with Yujin about why her own mother wasn’t around. “I’m sorry.” She said softly. “To all of you; for…so many things.”

“Please, don’t burden yourself like this.” Jacquelyn looked at the group. “That goes for all of you. Nobody expected you to be perfect and despite my own grief, it was ultimately my husband’s choice to join you in ending this dangerous threat. Jael understands this too. I know she does. It just doesn’t change the fact Jael has sadly lived a life with things she could call hers and that are precious to her. The years Adam spent looking over your family in her eyes is time lost with him. Then this tragedy happened. To her, Yujin, or rather, the Xiao Longs have taken arguably the most precious thing of all from her.”

“Doesn’t help Adam trained Yujin.” Raven added. “It would be impossible for Yujin to not be the center of that girl’s resentment. I’m not saying Adam thought of my granddaughter as his own child by any means, but he definitely took his role as a mentor and figure quite seriously. Maybe he felt like he owed Yang for past grievances, or he is truly fond of Yujin? Either way…”

“It would be hard to stomach as his legitimate child.” Ruby finished. She couldn’t help but wonder if Canary held any similar sentiments in regards to how Uncle Qrow treated the two of them. “So what now? I can’t imagine Jael is swearing a lifetime of vengeance. I mean she’s taking the huntsman exam as we speak and seems like a pretty earnest kid.”

Jackie smiled gently. “Thank you, and she is quite earnest. Today, for better or for worse, she’s being comforted with the person she hates the most. She hopes to completely outshine Yujin and prove her superiority. At least, that’s how I see it. It’s why she hasn’t told Yujin about Adam. She wants to definitively prove that all the time she had with her father was well spent and more valuable than anything he gave yours. My fear is that she’ll get far too worked up, or worse.”

“Oh!” Yang perked up. “That reminds me, I saw her spit out blood. Adam had mentioned she was ill. Something about her heart?”

Jacquelyn’s eyes widened. To think he would share that with Yang of all people. Not to mention the look of concern on her face. Will wonders never cease?”

“Yes, my daughter was premature and has an exceptionally weak heart. In all honesty, she completely destroyed the odds of her life expectancy by more than a decade. Thankfully it’s completely possible for her to live a long life with her medicine and own diligence in her health. Her semblance, which is gravity, has also done wonders in lightening the stress on her heart.”

Ren was more than a little intrigued to hear that. “She uses her own semblance to help her heart? That takes incredible control.”

“She’s not always doing it but yes, she does. Life finds a way as they say. Her control probably surpasses mine. Still, the body has its limits. Reckless excursion and letting her emotions get the better of her too much will put strain on her heart. Sadly, I’m not surprised her first conversation with Yujin made her a bit… agitated. It’s why I asked Yujin to let Jael focus on the exam and try not to interact too much.”

Winter furrowed her brow, crossing her arms in skepticism. “You’re letting your daughter attempt to become a huntress despite the health risk!?”

“You see me as irresponsible? Truthfully, I can’t blame you, but believe me when I say my daughter is vastly more capable than I can put into words. If it weren’t for these specific circumstances, I’d imagine today and countless following days would be nothing she hasn’t handled in the past. We don’t exactly live in a comfortable environment. Also…”

Jacquelyn looked off at a single little bird standing on a branch. She watched as it took the leap, barely catching itself and taking flight into the sky.

“Any self respecting mother wishes a long and happy life for their children. That being said, I constantly see my youngest child doing everything she can to always feel her emotions within reason; as if she were a bird in a cage. As much as I would adore the idea of Jael living a simple, ordinary life for all her days, I know happiness is the last thing she’d feel. She may look like her father, but passion and desire to dream… those are my gifts to her. If I have a regret, it’s that I couldn’t give her a body naturally strong enough to chase down those dreams and ambitions without a second thought.”

A breeze blew through the group. It was hard not to feel some sort of pity towards the maiden and she deeply cared about her family. It was also difficult to not fear for Yujin. Once again, a Taurus and a Xiao Long were on opposing sides. The more things change, the more they stay the same. The sound of the tower’s bell rang. Nora turned her head to see several of the potential students already heading back.

“Time really flies. Looks like the first part is over.” She looked at Jacquelyn. “Sooooo…”

“Please treat my child normally, and I’d like it if all of you could continue honoring her request about Adam. If something happens, I’ll take full responsibility. Glynda already knows this, and you all of course have the right to intervene if you really think it’s necessary.”

They all nodded, but silently wished this day could stay pleasant. Yujin and Tenzen were already on their way back; Jael wasn’t too far behind them so Jacquelyn started putting a little distance from the group.

“We’re back!!!” Yujin grinned at her mother.

“Ha! Someone looks confident.”

“Of course! There were a few questions about grimm I was hazy on, but I know my stuff! If the grading scale is normal then I definitely passed this section.”

Tenzen wasn’t worried in the slightest either. In fact, he was even more relaxed than before. “I have a perfect score.”

“Oh yeah?” Nora smirked, hands on her hips. “That’s a bold statement before it’s graded.”

“Trust. I may not have been the star student at combat school but this surprise exam was easier than the finals.”

Yujin chuckled to herself. “I remember that day. You were sweating buckets and looked ready to vomit when I saw you.”

“I forgot my textbook! I couldn’t study properly!”

Several feet away, Jael let out a pensive sigh and tapped her left foot. “That could’ve gone better.”

“Oh no. Was our material not up to standard? I had Blake triple track.”

“No, it was.” She signed again. “I had just never taken a timed test before. Actually, I’ve never really taken a standardized test at all.” Being homeschooled really showed its consequences today.

“Did you manage to finish?”

“I managed that much. I also realized maybe my knowledge of dust isn’t what I’d call…up to par. As far as the rest goes, I feel pretty good about my answers.”

“Glad to hear it. I wouldn’t fret over the test too much. Many people here also don’t have the benefit of attending a combat school before entering an academy. However Beacon is grading this, I’m positive they take individuals like you into account.”

“Gee, I didn’t say I bombed or anything crazy. It was just…unfamiliar.” Jael pouted but quickly shook it off. “Regardless, I’ll make up the difference in the next part.”

“That’s the spirit!”

It wasn’t much longer than Glynda and Canary came walking out of the building at their own leisurely, but efficient pace.

“So was this a test of my grading skills?”

“Young lady, I wouldn’t have entertained an interview with you if I doubted your ability to do average math. Many of these children will be in your class before long. It serves you well to know what you might be getting into. That and if you’re anything like your father, learning to retain names now will make for less awkward moments later.”

Canary couldn’t help but smile softly. “Yeah. That sounds like something he’d struggle with.” They made it back to the group and surprisingly, the examinees all quickly lined up again. “Ha! Wow. Nice to see all of you are dedicated but loosen up a little. It’s not like you’re students…yet.”

Canary pulled out her scroll and raised it for all to see. “Now I could project all the scores big enough for you all to see. However, I’m not in the business of public humiliation or unnecessary stress. I’ll leave that to Professor Oobleck.”

The alumni of Beacon all sighed in unison. “Dr. Oobleck.” They said in a tired and strangely rehearsed manner.

Canary was only joking but now she shared the same look of worry the young adults did. “O…Kay then. Any who, once I hit the send button, all of you will be sent your personal scores thanks to all of you following the test direction by writing down your ID number. I will say this now. Even if your score is low, it doesn’t mean you’re doomed. Just that you have a steep hill to climb in terms of convincing us to let you in. Although for some of you…well, you’ll know who you are.”

She presses send and all scrolls start pinging. Voices of triumph were scattered alongside sighs of relief and agitated grunts. Yujin immediately sent her proud 89% to her family and heard their excitement. Tenzen scooted shoulder to shoulder with her, tilting his scroll her way to flash his 100%.

“…Fuck off. It’s my birthday. ” She nudged the snickering boy.

“What can I say? I’m a good test taker.”

Jael had to fumble with her new scroll a bit before finally opening the attachment to see a humble 72%. Honestly she wasn’t proud of it, but her attitude changed as a few of her peers actively began moving from their spot, heading towards an airship or back to their parents as they left.

“They could feel you immediately?” She said softly to herself.

“Yeah.” Said a boy with gray shaggy hair right next to her. “My cousin told me if you miss critical questions or get caught cheating, then you’ll fail immediately. Not that I can confirm this rumor but it makes sense. Huntsmen need knowledge and integrity after all.”

“Makes sense. Although by that logic it sounds like you could fail honorably and stay. At least that’s what it feels like.”

“Hehe, I like that theory.” The boy decided to show her his own score.

Jael wasn’t expecting to see a solid 50% in red. Yet there was a comment below that gave approval to stick around. “And here I was pitying myself. Guess my theory might have merit.”

“Looks like I’m steep climbing.” He laughed nervously.

His lack of confidence was more outstanding than his ability to get half of the possible points. This guy looked pretty sincere though and about a head shorter than her. Grayish blue eyes and deep blue jean shorts that contrasted his white shirt and open black button up. Even his cyan high top sneakers were pretty normal. Jael would’ve thought he was ready for the mall if it wasn’t for the black mechanical spear on his back.

Jael tilted her head as she examined the engravings on the pole and wide arrowhead shaped tip. “I didn’t catch your name.”

“Marcus.” He smiled. “Marcus Graystone. Nice to meet you. And yours?”

“Jael. A pleasure.”

“Likewise.”

As the failures left, Canary took the time to summon a giant Ursa, choosing to sit atop its head. Her eyes scanned for a certain person then checked the time. “Hmm, looks like I’m not the only person who shows up tardy; eh Glynda?” She smiled.

“The difference is you’re not a child. Also I have a pretty good idea on what’s holding them up.”

“Looks like they’re waiting on something.” Tenzen whispered to Yujin. “Any clues on what?”

“It probably has to do with the next phase of the entrance exam, right? Maybe another teacher is coming.”

“Ooo, I hope it’s Professor Peach.”

“Y’know I hear that name occasionally, and yet for some reason it sounds made up.”

Glynda took the initiative to call the examiner. It only took two rings before an answer.

“Sorry! I’m sorry!” A youthful and gentle voice cried out. “The devil's always in the details! Not to mention I took it upon myself to do some grimm dispatches. I know I probably shouldn’t since this is a huntsman academy exam but a particular few-”

“Ms. Aspen. Are you ready?”

Glynda said calmly.

“…Yeah. We’re all set, I'll say.”

“So I’ll have the students move to the next location and meet you there?”

“Mmm, no need for all that trouble. Plus it’s important to have ample time for good decisions. All you gotta do is video call me and point me towards the crowd! I’ll handle the rest.”

“Very well then.” Glynda hit video call and extended her scroll out. “May I have everyone’s attention!”

There wasn’t a single person who wasn’t squinting as they tried to see what was on the scroll.

“Ah, the courtyard. A nearly full one at that. Looks like there’s a bunch of good apples this year.” The young woman said, knowing few would hear her. “Let’s see who’s right for the picking!”

A golden portal opened up a few inches in front of the scroll and everyone’s eyes widened. Although some, like Yujin, had their eyes immediately grow to the size of dinner plates before the portal could fully open for a young woman to come walking out. It was as if radiant sunlight draped the new visitor. Long orangey-yellow fabric hung off her arms and the back of her dress while the front stood at her knees. The embroidered cuffs and the top of her strapless dress was an intricate white pattern that matched her shin high cowgirl boots. The most peculiar thing was the thin golden veil that rested on silky black hair. Her presence was sudden and captivating like a woodland sprite from a fairytale. However, one person was in immense awe from knowing exactly who that was.

“LILITH!?” Yujin all but shrieked in a burst of bumbling excitement before everyone looked her way, including the young lady who now lifted her veil to gaze with left sky blue eye and right amber eye. Yujin’s cheeks turned a crazy shade of red while her hands instinctively covered her mouth after her outburst.

Lilith waved. “Ah, looks like I have a fan in the ranks.” She smiled warmer than her dress. She could tell right now that the young girl absolutely wanted to disappear so Lilith chose to not dwell on the moment and addressed everyone. “Hello my future classmates. As several of you may know, I’m Lilith Aspen. A junior this year at Beacon and currently your examiner.”

Jael gave a long and puzzling look. She could’ve sworn she’s seen this person before. “Aren’t you the girl from the cereal box?” She blurts out casually.

To no surprise, several people look at her like she’s crazy for a second. Lilith on the other hand found Jael’s question pretty humorous. “Haha! If that’s how I’m recognized then perhaps I should listen to Professor Port and put more flair into my combat next time I go to regionals.”

“Please don’t.” Glynda said dryly.

“To answer your question properly, yes. I’m the lady on the Pumpkin Pete’s cereal box. Today though, I am the lady telling you all that the next phase of the exam is…an obstacle course!” She gives a very quiet round of applause. “Now I won’t spoil all the obstacles but the premise is simple. You’ll start at one end of Forever Fall and have to make it to the opposite side. You will be timed and there’s cameras everywhere to monitor both progress and safety. Any questions?”

“Is it a race!?” A girl yelled.

“Uh, essentially. All of you do have to start at once. Anything else?”

Tenzen raised his hand. “Are we going through your portal or taking a ship?”

“Hehe, excellent question.” She giggled. “That is all up to you. I imagine most of you, if not all, have brought all your equipment already. Due to the nature of this particular exam however, it also makes sense to be prepared. Forever Fall is still grimm territory at the end of the day. We have prepared an airship to bring you into town for exactly half an hour near all the approved equipment shops if anyone is feeling underprepared. After that you will get back on the ship and it will take you to the test site. Those who feel well equipped…” she stepped aside and gestured to her portal.

An interesting proposal for sure. The groups muttered amongst themselves, thinking of the best solution. The first to move and gain attention again was Jael. The contestants watched in awe as the girl floated over everyone towards the portal.

“She can fly!?” Yujin was beyond amazed. “That’s an awesome semblance!”

“Yujin, your grandma can turn into a bird and your aunt can turn into scattering petals.”

“Hush Tenzen! Multiple things can be cool! Anyways, let’s get going!”

They both followed Jael’s lead. This entire day was prepared ages ago. Tenzen jumped in feet first while Yujin sheepishly waved after Lilith gave another disarming smile. Yujin darted in quickly before she would do something embarrassing again. Many others began to follow their example while others headed towards the ship. Once all the participants got through the portal, Glynda went through.

“Ms. Schnee?”

“You can go ahead and go through.” She pointed at her family and friends. Raven had already made her own portal. Maybe she figured walking over was pointless with Yujin on the other side. “I’ll ride with them.”

“Kay. Heh, what are the odds of two portal users in the same space? I wonder how hers work?”

“I’ll try giving you an opportunity to ask later.” Canary gave a thumbs up and ran off to the heroes. “Hey! Don’t leave me out!”

Raven turned her head. “Wha- you were closer to the other one!”

“Don’t be like that auntie. It’s been ages since I’ve done this. I like the sensation.” Canary walked through the scarier looking portal. “Woooo~”

Canary’s carefree attitude earned a couple of snickers as others went through. “Looks like she’s in a bit of a better mood than earlier.” Winter said.

Ruby had to agree. “Yeah. I’m relieved. I thought I’d ruin her entire day.”

“Please don’t think like that, or let everything she said get to you. I can’t claim to know my daughter's exact feelings towards you currently, but I do know she still loves you a lot. In truth, that’s probably why she’s taken things so personally.”

“I know…” Ruby sighed. Hindsight really is 20/20 at the worst of times. “I’m sure the talk after the exams will be long, but worth it.” Ruby walked through the portal.

Everyone came out on the other side at the edge of Forever Fall’s forest. Medical staff was prepped and ready on the sidelines while a giant red archway signified the starting point. Glynda was already checking the monitor, double checking all the cameras.

Lilith clapped her hands and cried out, “Everyone ready!?” Earning many confused looks from adults and students.

“Umm aren’t we waiting for the people who went into town?” A shy girl asked in the crowd.

“Oh, about that, nope. It was a tactical lie.” Lilith said casually. “Everyone was given notice ahead of time on what they needed to bring. Failure to be prepared upon arrival is willful negligence.”

“Wait…” Marcus spoke up. “Does that mean getting on the airship meant failing!?”

“I’d think less about the choices you didn’t make and more about the road ahead; literally and metaphorically. The obstacles are vast and your path isn’t strict. My tip to all of you is to make use of the open area. Friendly reminder, you are timed. Starting now!”

A loud buzzer signaled the beginning of chaos as the future students began running through the arch and into the forest. Yujin and Tenzen broke free from the pack immediately by going out to the right and then continuing straight.

Tenzen looked at his friend with curiosity. “You following me?”

“Pfft, get real! Going straight is quicker in terms of distance. However…”

“It probably has the most obstacles. I’m practically a ninja though so I’m not worried. What’s your plan exactly?”

“Play it by ear? It’s not like there’s a marked path best suited for me. Plus I’m sure they aren’t only scoring us on time. Lilith’s words were like Canary’s during the first part. They’re intentionally trying to make us think in certain ways in order to mask others.”

Tenzen was amazed how much thought Yujin was putting into this. She was really trying to give it her all today. “Teamwork.”

“Huh?”

“If I had to take a wild guess, they’ll score teamwork. Everything Lilith said stoked competition but if we’re applying for a huntsman school then teamwork is important.”

That made sense to Yujin. If people failed by choosing to go into town then it wouldn’t be surprising if you could fail by willingly ignoring someone in need or intentionally getting in their way. Okay; her mind was made up.

“Tenzen, let’s have each other’s backs! We’ll also stick our nose out for others in trouble.”

“I mean I was going to do that regardless, but sure!” He grinned.

Jael stuck the trees and was in far less of a rush. A single lunge propelled her several feet to one branch after another as she made her way left and outward. Where less people gathered. She had thought of similar things in regards to Lilith's intentions and decided on pacing herself slower than normal. The obstacles could be anything and while she could easily avoid a lot of things, having others encounter them first could give valuable insight.

Back at the start, Canary and the others caught up with Lilith as she watched the monitors. “I never would’ve guessed a girl like you would use a tactical lie as a way to set up a bigger lie. I feel bad for those kids on the ship.”

“Don’t be. I haven’t failed them by any means.” She smiled in satisfaction. “That was the tactical lie, haha!”

“Excuse me!?” Nora questioned. “So what’s your angle!?”

“I could never fail someone who chooses to prepare with time given to them. Just like I acknowledge the readiness of everyone who decided they’re fully prepared.”

“So you did it to gauge personality?”

“A little. By the time the second group arrives this first one will be done. Luckily the split was fairly even. It’s easier to guarantee safety.”

“So this is the mind of the regional's winner? Not bad at all.” Jaune praised.

“Thank you, but it’s more of the mind of an overthinker if you ask me, hehe. Can’t say it makes for an easier grading scale unfortunately. Such is the price of nuance.”

It was an interesting approach to the exam. Those who did poorly in this group may come off as being too cocky or rowdy. On the other hand, failing after having time to prepare is going to look abysmal for those in group two.

Yang greeted Lilith with her scroll and a new journal she planned on giving Yujin. “Hey, my daughter is never going to ask herself but can she please have your autograph and maybe a photo?”

Glynda clicked her tongue. “Is this really the time to be asking for that?”

“It’s a cute surprise. Plus your eyes are glued to the screen. It’s obvious you have the say in finalizing scores. As if you’d give the control to anyone else.” Yang’s words earned a side eye from her old teacher, but she was right!

Lilith happily signed the inside of the book and held up a peace sign for a quick photo. It was hard not to notice how much the famous Yang Xiao Long looked like the girl who called her name. “By any chance, was your daughter-”

“Yes.”

“Hehe, outstanding.”

xxxxxx

“Achoo!!! Eugh!” Yujin sniffled.

“Uh oh. Getting sick on your birthday? That’s no good.”

“Relax. It was probably the leaves or something. I’m firing on all cylinders! Bring on the first obstacle!”

As if the gods heard her, hidden launchers fired hunting nets and bolas! The girl let out an “eep!” Before jumping over bolas aimed at her legs. Her shirt was quickly yanked by Tenzen, allowing her to avoid a net. She quickly returned the favor when she shoved him away from another net fired to her left. It flew right between them and tangled another pair of bolas.

“Phew! That was- ah!” Yujin yelped as Tenzen talked her to the ground and out from under a falling wooden cage.

Tenzen could not believe they set up an entire cage! Not that it would’ve been impossible to escape but come on! “Why do I have a feeling Professor Port was in charge of this section?” He chuckled.”

“Tenzen?”

“Hmm?” He looked down to see the girl staring right at him, her cheeks a little flushed.

“You can…get off of me now if you want.” She awkwardly asked, clearing her throat with a fake and weak cough.

“…Sorry.” He sprang up, extending his hand to help her up. “I guess I could’ve just broken the cage when I think about it.”

“It’s good!” She dusted herself off. “It’s all good. So uh..should we be…?”

“Yeah! Uuh, yeah…”

They both took off running again. Although this time they weren’t as talkative and extra mindful of their surroundings. Hopefully the cameras didn’t catch that particular moment.

Meanwhile in Jael’s neck of the woods, the girl finally touched solid ground and jogged down a path riddled with soft dirt. Left right left right left right left; every step felt good enough. She assumed pits had to be dug around the place.

“Am I getting lucky?” She asked herself. Right left right left right left ri-

Click

“Hmm!?” Jael froze immediately, keeping her right foot exactly where it was after hearing the mechanical click. She hissed softly. “Shit! Pressure plate; but for what?” There was a lot of foliage. It could easily be a trigger for projectiles or a trapdoor. She doubted it was anything explosive. She could raise her foot and found out. That was always an option.

xxxxx

Jacquelyn watched as her daughter stood motionless on the feed. “What’s on the floor?”

“Launching springs.” Glynda said as she monitored multiple kids. “They aren’t as powerful as the ones we use for the first day of school, but they’ll send anyone flying backwards at least 15 feet. More if they’re unprepared for the recoil.”

“That’s rough.”

Raven shrugged. “I see landing strategies are still highly encouraged for the start. Let’s see Jael’s. She can’t stand there forever.”

“They all waited to see how the girl would take this first obstacle. Only her mother expected the girl’s next move. Every witness Jael simply walk off. Anticlimactic for sure but still surprising! Jael stared at the spot she moved from briefly before continuing her jog. A few seconds passed before the springboard triggered forcefully.

“It was delayed.” Winter said, examining the live feed. “And she isn’t changing her path either.”

“Haha, why would she?” Jackie smiled, raising a single brow. “I told you all already. My daughter has amazing control of her semblance.”

xxxxx

Jael freely walked through this section of the course without fear. Hidden pressure plates weren’t so scary when you’re too light to trigger them. And even if she did, a little extra pressure to keep it still until she got off of one was just as easy.

Jael smirked at her own cleverness. She felt sorry for whoever made this obstacle. Clearly they weren’t thinking about her when they made it.

“Today might be easier than I thought.”

#rwby #rwby au #rwby ignited #ruby rose #yang xiao long #winter schnee #jacquelyn frost #jael frost #yujin xiao long #lie tenzen #glynda goodwitch #nora valkyrie #lie ren #lilith aspen #rwbabies #canary branwen

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razorblade180 · 3 months

Text

Ignited Chapter 4: Hurdles

Ch3 <-

Expect the unexpected is a common phrase Yujin was taught countless times over the years thanks to her grandmother’s training. When it comes to being a huntsman, the least expected is the most common occurrence. Even so…

“This is wild.” Yujin said in utter disbelief as she looked out at a massive section of Forever Fall that had turned into a massive muddy lake she couldn’t see the end of. Tree stumps, boulders, and even people were still actively falling or sinking into this insane obstacle. “I can see why Lilith was a little late.”

“No kidding…” Tenzen muttered, his own mind processing this rather interesting challenge. The sight of his fellow participants crashing into each other and drudging through the thick slop made him wish there was another way, but that unfortunately wasn’t the case. Tenzen took the leap to clearly placed slabs of rocks very carefully. “Woah!”

“Be careful!” The blonde huffed. It was clear to see going around was not an option. Getting dirty was no problem from a country raised gal like herself, but the issue stemmed from not only knowing nothing about what was in the mud, but the many people currently struggling to find their footing. “It’s like a natural oil slick.”

“Need me to carry you?”

“No. I’m just thinking.” Her metal bands straightened out and connected side by side before the actual segmented blade extended from the hilt with scorching heat that she used to harden spots of mud quickly in order to make wider gaps easier to jump as she jumped onto debris and better footing. “Tenzen, don’t feel as if you have to wait for me. We’re timed after all.”

“What happened to helping each other out?”

“As long as you’re within ear shot we’ll be fine. I know you wanna show off a little anyway.” She gave the masked boy a smirk.

“Haha, I can work with that.”

He didn’t spare a second thought in channeling his aura under his feet before leaping forward with a burst of speed towards a rock. The boy effortlessly landed upside down on his hands then pushed off into a front flip to land on a stump. The contestants could only watch the modern day ninja in awe as he made this course look like a trip down the sidewalk. Even Marcus found himself captivated, until he quickly remembered he was struggling waist deep. He grunted and groaned like many others as he grabbed a root and pulled himself one inch at a time. “Ugh! Agh! I get we won’t actually sink but this is ridiculous.” He lodged his spear in wood to hoist himself up and sit on it. If his shoes weren’t so slippery he might consider jumping. But…he’d also lose the spear. Marcus could only sigh. “I’m definitely losing points.”

Catching your breath is one thing, but he needed a plan of attack. He did his best to gather his thoughts when something unexpected happened. Suddenly, Marcus was greeted by a sheathed blade that levitated right in front of him.

“Ummm hi?” He was convinced it would speak. It was very disappointing when it didn’t. “So is this a curse or…” The blade wiggled furiously as if it was actually upset. “Sorry!” He grabbed it. “Huh, I’m surprised you actually let me grab y- woah!”

It forcefully pulled him up. He barely had any time to grab his spear before he was flying high in the sky over the mud before descending halfway onto a massive root next to a familiar stranger. “Ah, Jael. I guess the levitation makes sense now. Telekinesis?”

“Nope?”

“Are…you going to tell me?”

“It’ll come to you.”

“Truly a girl of mystery. Guess I shouldn’t complain but why exactly are you helping me?”

“To be honest, it’s kinda on a whim. You seem nice and have effort going for you.”

He raised a brow. “Implying I have no skill? Not everyone can soar over their hurdles. Literally.”

Jael looked across the course at Tenzen, who took time to pull others up to platforms before flipping away. “He’s not making excuses. Barely using his aura; let alone his semblance. I don’t know you, but I have a feeling you aren’t actually the kind of person to make excuses.”

This strange redhead gave a subdued smile that kinda threw him off. “And what kind of person do you think I am exactly?”

“The type that knows his shortcomings but at least puts in an honest effort.”

“…Thanks.” He cracked his knuckles.

Jael found it funny, the way the boy got fired up. “So do you have a plan?”

“More of an idea. “ Marcus looked Jael in the eyes and gave a big grin. “Can I hitch another ride? I’d appreciate it.”

Clever enough to think, upfront, and no stupid ego that prevents him from acknowledging others abilities. “Well… since you asked nicely…”

xxxxx

“Oooo. Very interesting.” Lilith giggles with enjoyment. “With mastery like that, Jael could probably avoid most of my traps.”

“Why not fly to the end?” Canary crossed her arms in speculation. “A bit odd of her to stop in the mud.”

“I like it.” Jacquelyn said. She smiled watching her daughter make it to the other side and walking with her new acquaintance. “I could boast about how clever my daughter is to choose conservative ways of completing the course…”

“Which you’re doing now.” Winter said bluntly.

“However!” Jacquelyn emphasized greatly, “I’d wager she’s simply curious. This is the first time being in a forest or seeing a pit of mud. Things we would take for granted. I’m glad she’s not gunning it.”

“Ha! So the test is a field trip is it?” Canary laughed. That perspective was rather charming. “I can respect that.”

“She needs to take this seriously.” Glynda said sternly. “I don’t doubt the daughter of a fully realized maiden is capable of defending herself, but Grimm are dangerous nevertheless.”

Ruby and the others reeled back from the response. “Ms.G!” Ruby gestured to Lilith. The girl was clearly in earshot but Glynda just stared at Ruby.

“What? Ms. Aspen knows everything.”

She nodded. “Yep! Salem and all. It’s probably the only real reason why I get to be here.”

“So what makes the runt so special? Aside from being a talented regional winner. That’s starting to paint a picture y’know?” Raven’s eyes narrowed.

“That’s a story I don’t really feel like getting into while I’m working. Let’s leave it at that.”

“Looks like sketchy behavior comes with being a headmaster.”

“Oh it’s nothing like that.” Lilith reassured. “If Ms. Goodwitch had her way, I’d never see combat. My stubbornness brought me to the school and nothing more. That I can promise you. Now then, shouldn’t you all be cheering for your family? Looks like they are really putting their best foot forward.”

xxxxxx

Freedom from the jaws of a glorified dirt trap felt wonderful to Marcus! He was very happy to touch solid ground again and so was Jael from the looks of it. The girl let out a deep exhale the same time the sword left his body and back to her left hip.

“You alright?”

“Yeah. I’m just not used to carrying people far. Glad I didn’t drop you.”

“Ah… didn’t realize that was a possibility.” Suddenly he was extra happy to be on solid ground. “In that case, I’ll take point while you catch your breath.”

Marcus ran ahead to scope the area, but that moment was fleeting as Jael caught up to me easily.

“Appreciate the offer, but this is sorta a race. Besides, I’m not really winded.”

“I can see that.” Marcus was aware Jael was taller than him, but he was also pretty quick. The fact that she was keeping pace with his stride so effortlessly was impressive indeed. “That’s some crazy stamina ya got.”

“Grew up walking through the desert dunes. Cardio comes naturally.”

“Eugh, sounds rough. I’m a mountain kid myself. Although this scenery has its merits.”

Jael couldn’t agree more. The entire sky was blotted out by vivid scarlet swaying amongst the branches and dancing on the wind. “Yeah. It really is something.”

Her growing fondness of the area didn’t prevent her keen gaze from noticing how the scarlet leaves had the unfortunate consequence of hiding the faint glow of malice filled eyes, their intensity burning red. It wasn’t even a second later that a man sized Nevermore swooped down, maneuvering through the trees.

“Marcus.”

“I see it.” The trees rumbled before a flock of them descended in fury. “Them! I see them!” Marcus twirled his spear before swinging it like a bat that launched a massive gust that delayed the grimms’ advance.

Their wings spread wide to brace the blast, but left no defense for the man to rush in and stab several of them in their putrid flesh. He pivoted to the right to stab another then severed a wing. As he prepared to defend from bone white talons. Jael blitzed by him and bashed the outer skull with a single blow of her sheath, killing the bird instantly. Several extra Nevermore came to the aid of the flock and began circling the two of them.

“Quite the performance they have going on.” Jael said, watching the formation.

“I could live without it. Should we run?”

“I don’t even think that boy back at the mud pit could outrun this. Not like we need to.” Jael stood back to back with Marcus. “Stay close.”

Suddenly all the grimm hovered again, and rained down their armor piercing feathers. Marcus was ready to make another gust but his spear was immediately grabbed by Jael. “Hey! What are you-”

“Relax.”

The salvo of feathers drifted slightly to the right before curving left and then back around in a circle around them, eventually slowing down while remaining to float in this new orbit.

The boy's eyes widened as he watched the attack become completely harmless. He could also feel his own body feel a little…lighter. “Oooooh” he said, figuring it out. “Gravity control. That’s a cool semblance.”

Her eyes scanned the circling flock. “Thanks. Hey? Do you see that slightly bigger one with the extra armor? I’m betting that’s the leader.” She pointed.

He followed her arm and sure enough, there was definitely a Nevermore with bone white armor on its beak, wing outline, and sides. Its actual face had the red markings of a mature grimm and its speed was unrivaled by its kin.

“I see it. If we kill it then the others have no orders to follow.”

“That’s definitely a solution, but I don’t want to fight an entire flock of this size. Do you think you can wedge your spear in it without killing?”

“I mean I doubt it would die in a hit.”

“Good.” Jael finally lets go of his spear. “Your earlier attacks were precise. I’m confident you can hit a moving target like this? Aim for center mass.”

Marcus barely knew Jael, but he had a feeling that asking her to elaborate wouldn’t yield anything. Oh well. Listening has done him well so far. Not to mention her faith in his ability wasn’t misguided. “Consider it done!”

He didn’t even have to think twice about the flight pattern before he held his spear like a javelin and chucked it full force. Sharpened metal found its mark right below the leader’s chest. All Jael did was reach her hand out and the beast was forcefully yanked from the sky along with the spear; then along the ground before her feet. As the Nevermore tried springing up for a vicious bite, Jael finally used both her hands to slam the beak shut.

“That’s enough.” She said coldly, her eyes staring down at it.

The air itself became heavy. Marcus watched the beast’s body fall to the floor, struggling to fight against immense gravity. It’s kin stopped circling and landed around them, as if to watch properly. Marcus retrieved his spear and readied for an attack but also found himself…trembling as he witnessed the apex continue to struggle in vain against the girl who made no movements. She didn’t even blink. Several long seconds passed before finally, it gave up. The Nevermore stopped fighting. Jael slowly let its beak free, and returned gravity to normal around it.

With a calm and pleased look she said, “bye” prompting the Grimm to let out a loud call that sent all of its kin flying away with it. Jael looked at Marcus. The boy was rightfully on edge. “See? Way faster than killing them all. Let’s walk and talk.”

She said that, but quickly took off running like before. Despite his reservations, Marcus ran after her. Even when he caught up to her, he found himself stammering. “H-How did you…that was…Are you real?”

“Huh, that’s a funny question. I feel real.”

“The last couple minutes don’t! The heck was that!?”

“I’ve had my fair share of territorial and mature grimm. If they’re smart enough to lead a pack then they’re intelligent enough to understand when they’re faced with certain demise. I just gave it the opportunity to reach that conclusion.”

“You intimidated a Grimm into running away? You have experience in that!?”

“Like I said, it’s only possible because it lived long enough to learn. That was my first time trying that tactic on a Nevermore though. It actually went smoother than most. Canine variants of grimm are a bit more…strong willed.”

This girl got weirder by the second. “I feel bad if others run across them. Maybe we should’ve killed them?”

“I highly doubt that thing is any condition to fight. It’s not like we’re not being monitored either. The others will be fine.”

“Sounds like you’re certain about it. Do you have classmates here?”

“….In a sense.”

xxxxxx

“Taaaaake This!” Yujin roared, her blazing sword cleaving a ursa’s torso in two like a hot knife through butter. She turned her sword towards a charging beowulf and sent a wave of searing fire that quickly reduced the beast to ash. A quick flick of the blade extinguished itself and Yujin continued her journey through the forest.

She had spent a little more time in the mud than she would’ve liked but it couldn’t be helped. Thankfully she had the stamina but now she was regretting not designing a weapon that was part gun. Tempered Steel was lovely, even she could admit her attempt to make a sword that doubled as metal knuckles had many things left to be desired. Yujin split her blade apart vertically. The cross guard on each half laid flat right above her knuckles, similar to the placement of brakes on a bike. Meanwhile the actual metal collapsed perfectly to cover it on each hand.

“Tsk, definitely needs work.” It’s not that it didn’t feel natural, however, it was still a tad clunky. Still, easily her best attempt and capable of getting the job done. She put her engineering mind at rest as she noticed Tenzen and some others standing up ahead in front of a huge wall. “The heck is that!?”

“Concrete from the looks of it!” He yelled back. “Wanna take a look up top?” He squatted and locked his fingers, causing Yujin to run faster and leap. Her right foot landed perfectly in his hands for him to launch her sky high.

Yujin effortlessly grabbed the ledge and sat on the wall. “It’s pretty thick! Maybe a solid foot of rock!” She looked on the other side to see…nothing. It was more forest but in the distance was another wall that was twice as long and potentially thicker. It also was by the end of the forest. Perhaps the entire point was that some people may have to loop around while others could easily scale up?

“What a strange obstacle.” Yujin muttered. She looked back over the edge where Tenzen was to see people climbing while others were actually planning to go around. Admittedly they were pretty quick. It was an option for Tenzen too now that she thought about it. “Did you wait for me for my sake?!” She yelled?

“No! I just wanted to see what you might do. There’s subtle groves in the walls so obviously they were giving us options.”

“Hmmm.” Well she did say she wanted to stick relatively close and help others. Yujin cuffed her hands and yelled, “Everyone! Get off of the wall! I’m gonna break it!”

The many constants looked at one another. None of them were ever a quarter of the way up so might as well listen to the strangely enthusiastic girl.

Tenzen couldn’t help but chuckle. “That’s definitely a choice.” He muttered to himself.

Yujin closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Focus…” blue eyes turned lilac and her body became dense. Yujin leapt backwards off the edge into a spin. As she fell, her body curled up into a ball to gain more speed before she kicked her legs out! Both feet slammed into the wall near the base, blasting out a section and sending her into a controlled roll along the ground and back onto her feet.

“Damn…” multiple people said, both impressed and a little scared as they started making their way through while Tenzen waited for the girl to pat herself down.

“Y’know I’m a little surprised you didn’t do that from the other side of the wall.”

“The debris could’ve hit somebody. Can’t have that.”

“Yeah, but if you weren’t strong enough to break it then you would have at least been on the other side.”

“And what? Tell everyone I’m sorry and run ahead by myself? Not my style.”

“I didn’t say all that!” What Tenzen had in mind was the two of them breaking it from both sides. Apparently that didn’t register for her. A testament to Yujin’s confidence in herself but also her need for flair. Not that he was one to talk. “Hehe, never mind. Let’s outrun everyone we just helped.” He took off and she followed suit.

“Honestly they’ll probably like that. There’s another wall near the finish. A much bigger wall that extends farther than this one.”

“Was it taller?”

“Can’t tell from this distance. Wouldn’t surprise me. Probably not bashing that one. There’s also no telling what’s between us and the wall.”

“Sooo we loop around?” He suggests. “It’s been a little over half an hour and I’m sure no one is expecting record breaking speed from us. This isn’t even the final test.”

“Isn’t that all the more reason to finish quickly? That’s more rest time as my cousin, Goodwitch, and Lilith wait for the others. You’re basically a ninja anyways. I’m sure you can run up the wall.”

“Oh most definitely, but how exactly do you plan on getting over a wall you can’t go through? No offense but I wouldn’t say you’re a particularly skilled climber.”

“You make it sound like I suck!!!” Yujin huffed. “I’ll find my way past. You can count on that. From here on out we probably shouldn’t rely too much on each other. Last thing I need is them docking my points because of you.” Yujin playfully shooed him away. “Go on. I know you’re not actually running. I will see you on the other side.”

“You sure? I don’t mind carrying you over or giving a boost.”

“Nah it’s cool.” Yujin smiled. “Besides, my mom is watching. Gotta look awesome for her.”

“Ha! I’m sure she would tell you that you’re plenty awesome already, but I get ya. Don’t make me wait too long.”

And just like that, Tenzen left her in the dust, propelling himself forward with his aura again like he did over the mud pit. Admittedly, Yujin was wishing to have inherited her grandma’s semblance or any of her acrobatic skills. “Too bad I can’t be a bird.”

xxxxxx

“Huh…this is a weird obstacle.”

“Yep….” Jael nodded, both of them staring at a massive wall.

Marcus wiped the grimm blood off of his spear and put his weapon on his back. His head craned up to find the edge. “Hmm, it’s not the worst thing I’ve climbed.”

“You’re really going to climb this after wiping out a herd of boarbatusk?” She sighed, stretching her wrists and examining her sheath. “They weren’t exactly easy to deal with; all that rolling around got old quickly.”

“It may have helped if you unsheathed your sword.” He pointed. “Yeah, I noticed.”

“The blade stays at rest.” Her voice was stern, adamant towards this particular subject. “Besides, those grimm were armored. Bashing made more sense.”

“Didn’t Lilith say she cleared out tons of grimm beforehand? Doesn’t feel like it.”

Jael looked around as they rested for a moment. “Hmm, maybe she did? Look.” She pointed to their left.

Marcus turned to see the walls end in the distance. Wasn’t too far. Certainly closer than the right, which seemed endless.

“This could be inaccurate, but it stands to reason this test can’t be built evenly l throughout the forest. Aside from the mud pit and the beginning, we haven’t come across too many elaborate traps. Mainly beasts and tripwire. Quick things. It’s probably because we’ve been going up and to the left.”

“Ah, so that was intentional by you. I partly suspected you just weren’t used to navigation.”

“I mean…I’m not.” She said frankly. “I went this way because bunching up made no sense. It’s a giant forest and even though there’s merit in letting people spring the traps ahead, you can easily be set up by others or dragged into their problems.”

A rather pessimistic outlook if Marcus had to say anything about that, but he understood the logic and what she could be implying. “So you think if we stayed towards the center that we probably would’ve found more obstacles and less grimm?”

“I have no evidence but it makes sense. We dealt with combat and risks for the benefit of less obstacles made to slow us down. And our final potential reward is…” she gestured to the left again.

“The knowledge and ability to go around. Still, it’s a little ways off. Maybe a mile? I wouldn’t be surprised if we found more grimm. I for one am done taking my chances.”

Jael watched Marcus walk up to the wall and begin to climb up it; rather quickly she might add. He did say he lived around mountains. Dude wasn’t even breaking a sweat.

“You’re seriously going to climb this?”

“Of course! I’m surprised you aren’t if I’m honest. I can’t say I’m well versed in all things Faunus but I’m pretty sure those are goat horns on your head.”

“Not all goats are exceptional climbers.”

“I know that.” He said, casually scaling the side. Marcus took a moment to find his footing. In doing so, he looked down to see Jael floating up and ahead of him. “That works too.”

“Want a lift?”

“I appreciate the offer but this is a breeze for me. I also remember what you said earlier about carrying people. I’d be in real trouble if you dropped me.”

“You…have a point.” Killing a participant by accident wouldn’t look good for her. “See you on the other side then I guess?”

“Right on. It’s been nice to meet you.”

Now that was something she definitely wasn’t expecting. Most of what she’s done was on a whim, but that wasn’t to say this hadn’t been enjoyable. “Likewise.” Jael said calmly, waving goodbye as she ascended.

As she floated, Jael wondered if Marcus counted as a friend. Probably not. They had just happened to be standing by each other in the lineup and of course he’d take help from someone who trivializes this test. She wasn’t mad at that however. She did help him out purely for the experience of it all and scope him out a little. It didn’t bother her if this was a fleeting moment. The only problem was she noticed the slight gaze of fear he held after she put the Nevermore in its place.

“Maybe I should’ve just killed them all normally?” Jael thought aloud, getting over the wall and falling straight down on the other side. She caught herself a couple feet from the ground with her semblance before walking regularly again. Immediately she noticed an archway similar to the entrance of the test. This was near the very edge of Forever Fall, so she guessed it made sense. Jael walked through and was immediately greeted with a yellow portal like the one she flew in to get here in the first place. She didn’t think twice about stepping in and came out back at the entrance where the grown ups were.

Jael blinked twice as they all looked at her. “I gotta be honest, having this test loop back to the beginning feels cruel.”

Lilith laughed and gave a shrug. “Saves on building an exit as well as a long trip for us. Anyway, congratulations. First one back. Thirty seven minutes is something to be proud of.”

“Wait, I’m really the first?” She looked around and sure enough, there was no other teen here! Jael stood up a little straighter realizing that fact. She also felt a little guilty yet relieved for Marcus. He’s close to the end.

Jacquelyn walked over and gave her daughter a hug. “You were awesome.”

Her cheeks turned red, but since no other participant was around…Jael let the embrace sink in lovingly. “So I definitely passed, right?”

“If you didn’t, then everyone else would be in deep trouble.” Canary emphasized. “Yes, you passed phase two. Although given your semblance, I’d hardly call this a good aptitude test. At least in the traditional sense.” Canary couldn’t ignore the girl’s control over her powers. If she hadn’t learned about Jael’s condition then Canary would never guess why someone her age was so proficient. Life and determination really does find a way.

“It’s not my fault this test was so open ended. I don’t think I could have asked for a better set up. What’s phase three?”

“That will be shared all at once.”

There was no way it wasn’t a standard combat test. They literally asked everyone to bring their weapons. Sure this test had grimm but no way everyone encountered some. At least not enough for a proper evaluation. “Suit yourself. I’m in no rush.”

Jael walked over and watched the monitors, choosing to ignore Yang and the others on the way. Being first was wonderful and all, but it would only be made sweeter by watching Yujin.

“Okay, show me what you’re made of.”

#rwby #rwby au #jacquelyn frost #jael frost #yang xiao long #ruby rose #glynda goodwitch #lilith aspen #yujin xiao long #lie tenzen #rwbabies #rwby ignited #canary branwen #rwby dragonslayer

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