#kage rattles
Text
Chapter 30
Rating: R
Pairing: Nalu
FF.Net || AO3
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April Post Date: 16th
As you can see, there will be only one post next month due to me taking part in Camp Nanowrimo. (Similar to Nanowrimo but shorter.) Two chapter posting will continue in May. Those Dates will Appear on the Next Update.
Gajeel knew they were coming.
Before morning hit, he expected the hurried steps and smell of angry magic tickling his nose. He would have been disappointed otherwise.
Laying in his cot with one leg over the other, he affected the perfect air of calm indifference, holding back a snort. Honestly, who in their right mind wouldn't come running after his little stunt? Getting loose was one thing, but sniffing out one of the fairy’s dragons and cornering him in his own home? Gajeel was surprised they hadn’t come sooner.
The door to his cell swung open, revealing the chief all but vibrating in waves of magical power. Sweeping through the small room, the pressure of his power rattled the cot beneath him. He resisted the shiver that traveled down his spine while gooseflesh pricked along his skin. Obstinately, he met the old man’s venomous stare with an arched brow, feigning unconcern.
He couldn't react. Not yet.
Whistling low, he pulled a grin that made his visitor’s eye twitch. A fact that brought him satisfaction as he noted the scents of others crowding the hallway. Good, so he wasn't arrogant enough to think he could handle a possible threat alone. Gajeel could respect that at least.
”Damn is this how ya' greet people in the morning?“ He asked innocently, ”if Kage pissed himself, I’m laughin’ til my lungs give out.“
”I don’t appreciate lying, boy.“ Makarov accused without preamble; His magic strengthened, flowing around the room like an ominous wind, shaking dust from the rafters as bits of broken stone rattled against the floor.
”I ain't lied since I got here.“ He replied, grin widening, ”something wrong?“
Makarov’s eyes narrowed as another wave of magic emanated from his body. It swept across the building and the fortress shuddered and creaked in its wake. Stepping inside, the rising pressure almost stole Gajeel’s breath. He leapt to his feet as the old cot groaned, legs giving way under the power being exerted as it collapsed to splintered boards.
This was more than a show of power; This was a threat.
Instinct and common sense told Gajeel to make a break for it, but he held his ground, digging his sharpened nails into his crossed arms. He stood straight. Too straight. The old chief stood before him with a presence that belied his age and size. If he noticed how stiff the metal draconis became, with pupils blown unnaturally wide, he remained silent.
“You tell me,” The old man hissed. “You seem to be under the impression that you are a guest of some sort. The chains may be gone but you know as well as I that you forfeited your freedom the moment you came within these walls.”
A crack split the stone beneath the window behind Gajeel, neither paid it any mind. Makarov continued fiercely, “ You seemed a smart enough man to understand that. And yet you took it upon yourself to slip away, stalking through the streets of my home like some sort of animal. Tracking down Lucy-”
”Calm down, old man, I ain't interested in the blondie! I told you that already!“ Gajeel retorted, swallowing thickly as the chief's magic sought to overpower him.
“ I’m here for the other one you got hangin’ outside there like a dog on a leash.” Gajeel said, catching an answering snarl to his barb. A glimpse of pink flashed before the entryway before multiple sets of arms drew him back. Underneath the shimmering pressure coming from Makarov appeared a touch of heat. It took to the air in a haze, molding with the immense pressure.
He recognized it immediately, smirking as his gaze peered through the doorway, “The pink brat’s important. Not his girl.”
”And what? Breaking free to harass him is your idea of a formal meeting?! That was outside of our agreed terms and you-”
“Agreed what?!”
Fire sparked to life just beyond Gajeel’s sight as the voices of many yelped in surprise. Their restraining hands fell away as Natsu stormed in, fists ablaze with unbridled fury. “You WANTED us to meet?“
”Natsu! I did not give the command to-“
He wouldn't hear any of it, “No! You acted like you knew nothing about what he wanted from me! and all along you were lying-”
Oh Gajeel was enjoying this- the thrum of pressure lessened and his posture relaxed considerably “Not the smartest move there, Gramps, now was it?”
Natsu turned his glare on Gajeel, yellow bleeding through those dark irises as scales pricked along the edges of his eyes. He spied the hints of darkness that speckled through the orange flames billowing from Natsu’ skin. That’s all it took? Laughter burst forth with no resistance, too pleased by the situation.
“Well well, if it ain’t the man of the hour.” Gajeel greeted with a sneer, “Didn’t take you for a snitch considering…” He let the sentence hang unfinished in the air, innocently tilting his head at the other despite the murderous intent rising in the room.
Snarling, the fiery draconis stepped forward, but Makarov threw out a hand to block his path.
“Enough!” Makarov shouted, fixing him with a stern glare that stopped him in his tracks. “Stay put and silent. As for the rest of you-,” He waited for Lisanna, Levy and Freed to poke their heads through the doorway, both girls looking far more sheepish than the other, “Get in here and get him under control. There's no point in standing by if this fool decides to start causing a scene.”
“I'm not a fo-!”
“Natsu.” His voice rumbled with the force of his power,“I said enough.”
His mouth shut instantly with the blaze of his flames receding just enough to make the temperature bearable. Hatred burned in his now amber eyes, refusing to take them off the metal draconis while the others filtered in. Warily they stood behind Natsu, apprehensively eyeing Gajeel. Paying Natsu no mind, he turned his attention to the others, taking a quick assessment.
Nothing impressive to look at. The group didn’t look like wranglers of any sort, but the white haired girl held herself strong and ready by Natsu’s side. She was poised to grab him at a moment's notice. The other two… blue and green haired mages that reeked of ink, stood by her side. The taller man rested a hand on the hilt of his sword, just as ready and the shortest one appeared nervous, bravely holding her hands in a curious manner, eyes wildly flicking about the room. A caster perhaps?
His eyes narrowed as the last two scents finally answered his unasked questions. These were the fabled barrier makers keeping Kage in check. He’d have trouble with them if things went south.
Makarov cracked his back with a groan, ignoring Gajeel’s snickering. He rubbed his temples in exasperation. “Now then,” he muttered, “You need to explain yourself. Now.”
The Draconis hadn’t moved since the chief’s command, but his body trembled from adrenaline coursing through him. Every second, another scale dotted his skin red, peeking through pieces of bandage that still covered his many wounds. Gajeel watched the smoke that rose from his body with a mild interest.
And then he bared his teeth in return, mocking a snarl.
“Enough about me. Let’s talk about him for a bit.” He stated, cracking his knuckles as he matched Natsu's gaze. Neither blinked, one growing more agitated while the other remained irritatingly calm.
“Now I know you fairies can get emotional, but you wanna explain why he’s about ready to pop? Don’t tell me you couldn’t get that lil temper of yours under control after all this time away from home.”
What little flame was left on Natsu’s person burst back into life, now more black than red, proving Gajeels’ point. He took a menacing stop closer, fingers flexing with sharp claws glinting in the light. The Chief stretched out his arms and shouted a warning, holding Lisanna off from charging her own magic. She nodded, but remained poised, with shimmering silver crawling up her arms in a brilliant web.
Natsu didn't notice, too distracted by Gajeel while he hissed steam, ”Wanna say that again you son of a-“
”And that.“ Gajeel said pointedly, snapping his fingers, ”Had to see it myself to make sure. Did you suckers really think black flames are normal?”
His snarl cut off as he blinked owlishly, nervousness filtered into those wide eyes. His magic still flared, casting shadows to all corners of the room. But the others took note of the streaks of oranges and reds slowly breaking through.
“Plenty of us noticed. He's always been like this,“ Makarov admitted, mustache twitching as he frowned, ”Black fire is as natural to him as breathing. Though it seems to flare when his temper has reached its limit.”
”... umm,“ Levy chimed in, uncertainty pulling at her features as she nervously stepped back. Freed placed a calming hand on her shoulder and she nodded, digging her heels into the floor and inhaling deeply to soothe her nerves, ”We have other fire wielders here, they use purple flames. And though I’ve never seen it personally, our traveling group has encountered people who use flames of all colors. Black isn’t so strange, is it?“
”You really got ‘em tricked good haven’t you flamehead?” Gajeel scoffed, waving off her question, but considered her words regardless. Storing the new information in the back of his mind he motioned towards Natsu again. “Get it outta your heads from now that draconis fire is anything close to what normal fire magic is.”
He pondered his next words carefully.
“I’ll let ya in on a clan secret.” He continued gleefully, ignoring Natsu’s growl of warning. “Despite what he’s made you think, black fire ain’t exactly common back home. Rarer than rare. No run of the mill fire draconis could make those flames unless they were-”
“SHUT UP!”
Fire spilled from his mouth as he shoved his way past Makarov, ignoring the old man’s shouts to stand down. Up close Gajeel could see the glow of flames gathered in his throat, even through the heavy bandaging, ready to let loose on a man who was saying too much.
Freed unsheathed his sword, purple runes rising forth from the blade as sweat beaded on his brow from the sweltering heat. “Makarov,” He began tremulously, “I think it would be prudent to-”
“Shut up.” Natsu snapped in a startling voice that sounded closer to beast than man. He could barely be seen behind the thick dark flames that swirled violently around him. Only the brightness of amber eyes shone through with more fear than rage.“Whoever this bastard is, he needs to shut the fuck up before I rip out his fucking throat-”
Gajeel cocked his head to the side and chuckled. For all the blustering and the threats, he didn’t call upon his own scales to meet the call to fight. He took the brunt of the black flames unprotected, unblinking at the heat scorching his skin. The others couldn’t see it beneath the cloak of flames he used like armor. But Gajeel could see everything. Only his eyes were strong enough to pierce through the head and see how Natsu’s body trembled.
He smirked. He had him cornered. Like a desperate animal. And Gajeel wasn’t afraid of animals.
”What's wrong, hothead? Don’t want me to let something slip? They’re your clan after all. They have a right to know about you. S’not right to keep family in the dark-”
”I'm warning you to shut up right-!“
Gajeel bent to meet him at eye level. His voice rose mockingly above Natsu’s and everyone clearly heard over the roar of his flames.
“-You know exactly why I'm here, don't you, Prince?”
Outside the rumbling keep, Lucy held herself tightly, enthralled by the stranger she’d met. Erza stood by in silence, listening fondly as the two celestial roma spoke. Lucy was eager to know of the state of the other clans and Jellal was more than happy to share what he knew. All were blissfully unaware of the state of things beyond Jellal’s holding.
“So they're…..all safe?” She asked, eyes wide and watery in relief, “No others were attacked?”
“You knew of the ones before your clan began its North-bound trek,” He replied, lounging easily in his chair with a hand resting light atop hers. They'd begun their chat in earnest once Lucy gained control of her emotions enough to stop crying. Now she sat upon the edge of his bed, restlessly fidgeting. Her grip in his was tight as steel in an attempt to ground herself. It was hard to accept the reality; She truly wasn't the only one left after all.
Jellal continued with a faint smile, “I can attest that the other branches made it past the mountain ranges to our haven. Only stragglers like myself ran into issues.”
“I still can't believe Erza knew you all along,” Lucy looked back at the redhead, “Why didn't you mention earlier?”
She coughed into her hand, cheeks turning red at the attention suddenly turning to her, “my excursions outside of the clan I like to keep private unless I feel it necessary to share. That being said, I wasn't sure if he was alive or not and didn't wish to give you false hope.”
This was enough to appease Lucy, who tilted her head right back to Jellal excitedly, “and you weren't hurt too much, were you?”
He didn't bother hiding the truth, ”No, I was not. Jose and his men were not pleasant by any means, but they wanted to keep me alive. … I'm certain they want the same with you, as well.“
That was a quick dampener to the mood as Lucy's hand twitched. Her mouth twisted into a grimace and she wavered between keeping her own counsel and asking more questions.
Makarov had kept most of it secret from her, giving her just enough information to mildly satiate her curiosity, but it wasn’t enough. Here, however, was a man of her own blood who could explain everything.
”... is Makarov aware I'm talking to him?“ She asked, curious how much the chief was aware she had found another way to the truth.
A guilty silence from Erza was her answer. Looking to the wall, she fiddled with the straps of her bracer. That was all Lucy needed. For once he was in the dark and Lucy had all the answers laid bare before her, and she hungered for the truth.
Perhaps this could be considered a breach of trust. One that Lucy was unsure if she should take. However... looking at the bruises that dotted Jellal's arm and thinking back to the attacks that began all because she was with them, she couldn't remain in the dark much longer.
“... Was it any celestial,” She asked, voice low, “Or just me? Were they responsible for my Parents-“
She was silenced before the line of questioning could continue as Jellal rested his other hand on her shoulder, sighing. ”I wanted to verify that for myself. And I'm unsure if you'll like what you may hear.“
“Please,” she urged, “I need to know.”
He released her hand and slid from his chair, gaze turning to Erza for a second as he contemplated his next words. Whatever he read in her expression was enough for him to make up his mind. Looking down at the determined Romni, he motioned to the book he'd left shut at the table.
“That you do. But not yet. I think it best I have a meeting with the Chief first to discuss the stirrings I've seen out there,” he decided, dropping to his knees to kneel before her, “but as a fellow Celestial, I promise I will tell you everything you wish to know afterwards. It may not be ideal, but can you accept these terms?”
It wasn't what she wanted to hear and while her shoulders sagged in disappointment, her mind spun with possibilities. Promises were important. No Roma of the celestial blood would dare break one if made. This was it. Her heart pounded at the thought.
She just needed to wait a little bit more.
“Is ... there anything else you can tell me, then?” She asked instead.
His visible relief melted the weight in the room as he looked to her injured leg. The old wound was hidden from him but he spied thin golden strings wrapped gently around her knee, undisturbed in their workings as they hummed with a magic no different from his own.
“Erza may have let it slip that you had issues reclaiming your power.” Humor filled his voice. ”Though there are some differences, I know our teachings have some similarities. Perhaps I can assist?“
Her smile grew so large she felt it would freeze into place, never to change again. ”I would like that.“
And assisted her, he did. He told her things about their abilities: the way the night enhanced them, how to mold the light of the stars to their bidding. Lucy was a natural, he told her, observing her knee with a keen interest. While the current effects did their job well, the efficiency was lost to inexperience, something he expertly talked her through with a guiding hand and patient voice.
Fragmented memories came to the surface with every word. Memories Lucy once refused to let surface. They trickled thoughts of a family long lost, but the old pain from her grief didn’t join them. She watched in awe as Jellal instructed her, hanging onto his every word and practiced motion. The familiarity of it all almost pushed her to tears again.
Erza watched in amusement as Lucy keenly absorbed everything he said. As the minutes passed by she took to the floor, withdrawing a rag and oil from a pouch on her belt to lathe over the length of her blade in delicate strokes. She was as patient as Lucy's teacher and would continue to watch and listen as Lucy relearned her abilities anew.
She was giddy, watching as the magic pooled in her palms and glimmered, casting a warm, yellow glow upon her skin. It was basic: a brief lesson of control that she once did as a child under a parent’s guiding hand. But to do it again without fatigue or pain clouding her mind left her childishly happy.
Jellal eased his weight back into his chair, fondly watching Lucy’s growing excitement. Her eyes glowed from the magic within, widening as a coo left her lips as she observed the swirling depths of her magic. She was, quite literally, starry eyed and her happiness pulled at his heart. To think that something so simple brought her so much joy, he couldn’t imagine the grief it caused to have her magic locked away.
He hummed and looked to the ceiling, eyes glazing over in thought as if he was watching the sky rather than the aged wood above.
Reaching a decision, he snapped a finger and grabbed a candle off the table.
“Lucy,” He asked, holding it aloft between them. The flickering light grabbed her attention as she curiously waited, “What is your experience with talking to the stars?”
Oh. This lit a light inside her mind, eyebrows rising into her hair. “I wasn't allowed to as a child. Even when I was older it was still something kept from me. But I've made ... attempts.”
“Even if you didn’t participate, did you watch anyone in your family do it?”
She shook her head, “I was always sent off to bed before they began.”
At the dubious stare he gave her she quickly amended, “I mean, I tried to sneak peeks. Of course I did, but they always seemed to just know and shoved me back off to bed before I could witness anything.They must’ve had their reasons so I eventually figured not to question them.”
He noted her admittance with a tilt of his head. “How odd. Are you aware of the meditations involved at least?”
When her eyes lost focus, attention leaning towards a speck on the wall, he followed with the candle flame, “I admit, it's much easier at night, but we can practice now all the same. Sometimes the stars speak regardless.”
Attention regained, Lucy flushed prettily and the magic in her palms dimmed with her embarrassment, “Is that what I've been doing wrong?”
“Hmm?” He prompted, settling the candle back down. He reached for a pack of matches, striking one to life as he moved to light a second one.
Well now she just felt silly, ”I can’t recall if I heard them as a child, but within the past year I’ve heard them without trying anything. They were just these voices either whispering nonsense into my head or shouting loud enough to give me migraines for hours on end. I've tried to reach out to them, but I suppose without knowing the proper ways I've never been able to instigate it.“
The match he was using to light a third candle dropped from his fingers, snuffing itself out as it clattered to the floor.
His eyes narrowed, his tattoo beneath his eye crinkled as his brows drew close together in suspicion. Gone was her patient teacher, replaced instead with a sudden interrogator. Even Erza glanced up at his change in tone.
”... you've heard them?“ He repeated with a mystified air, ”no meditation? No prompting? Just... voices?“
She felt very insecure under his cold gaze. Her magic faded beneath her skin and she shrunk in on herself. Her arms fell to her lap to fidget with her skirt. ”.....am I not supposed to?“
Had she just admitted to being absolutely crazy?
“No, no , please, I apologize,” setting the candles aside, he quickly moved to brace her shoulders, expression wide in surprise, “I didn't mean to offend you, it's just…” He gnawed at his lip, “.... not how we normally do things. In fact, I've only heard of one occasion it was done in such a manner and that was-”
He clamped his mouth shut and shook his head, “Nevermind you mind that. Perhaps I'm over thinking it and it's just a sign of you needing to regain control of your abilities. Meditation can help with that.”
Lucy bit her lip as she observed him. He was avoiding her gaze, looking everywhere but her. Sometimes his eyes flickered occasionally back to the aged book. Erza stopped wiping down her blade, eyeing the two of them with intense scrutiny. Her gaze practically drilled a hole into Jellal's stiff back.
“You promised to be truthful with me.” Lucy said blankly. He flinched at her accusation, pulling his hands from her shoulders. Guiltily he ran a light finger over his wounded wrists.
“I did.”
His emotions played out on his face- the confusion, the concern and the briefest hint of clarity before he steeled himself. Donning a placid mask, he spoke again. He cut Lucy off before she had the chance to protest.
"Our promise is not broken,“ He admitted, once again reaching for the candles, ”That I can assure you. But I may need to speak with your chief sooner than I expected. I’ll have to inform him of this immediately.”
“Informed of what?” Lucy dug. Erza rose to her feet in a clank of heavy metal, worriedly looking at Lucy then casting a suspicious eye at her friend. “ What are you talking about?”
“At least tell me this much.” Lucy begged. She wanted to know, before following anything else, she HAD to know.
Jellal sighed and lowered his gaze, blue fringe of hair blocking his expression further, ”... That perhaps, Jose was on the right track. That you may be the one Celestial none of our kind would ever want him to get his hands on.”
He gripped his hands tightly, mirroring Lucy as the world seemed to fall out from under them. She. she had to know more! But from the look on Jellal’s face said the discussion was already closed. He wouldn’t tell her.
Not yet at least.
---
All Natsu felt was rage when he came to. The ghost of a snarl rested on his tongue as his instincts sparked back to life.
He wanted to burn something. No, someone.
That other draconis just wouldn’t stop talking. Every word he uttered in that grating voice of his was deliberate, carefully chosen to dig under his skin and set his blood to a boil. It had driven Natsu closer to the edge beyond the realm of reason.
He had no right to even be here. A stranger with a self assured sneer standing freely in Natsu’s home, looking down on him without a care. He had no right to live after that awful word fell from his lips. Natsu screwed his eyes shut, trying to block out the memory to no avail, it echoed in his mind.
Prince.
He vividly recalled the look of sly victory that settled in the man’s piercing red eyes. He didn’t bother to keep his gaze on Natsu when the title spilled from his lips. Instead, his gaze settled on those behind Natsu. He couldn’t see their bewildered faces as they looked to him for confirmation. For the truth.
He only saw red bleeding away to darkness as the world closed in on him. His heart thumped loudly in his chest, louder than the blood rushing through his ears. It drowned out his only frantic thought- 'They can't know. No one can know, stop him, shut him up, shut him up shut hi- NOW.'
The fires around him swirled like a cacophonous tornado. Any hint of red in its depths was stolen by the black flames pounding at the walls. Gajeel stood arrogantly, unperturbed even as the raging wildfire licked at his skin. The cracking of stone walls under the blast and the groaning of the abused ceiling above were sounds lost to the fury inside his heart. The incessant screams and desperate cries for him to calm down were barely registered, as the others fought to regain his attention over the one word that repeated in his mind over and over again.
He lunged and the room erupted in frantic shouts.
Freed flung himself before Levy and Lisanna, swiping his sword in an arc that sent a line of runes across the floor, protecting Gajeel. It lasted mere seconds against the onslaught before it crumbled under the flames. Pressure dropped to nothing as Makarov grew in size, magic swelled around as he shoved the others out the door. Grasping the burning draconis with an oversized hand, he held the feral draconis back with a power the keep could barely contain.
Power ballooned in his chest, forcing its way up his throat. He dug his claws into Makarov’s seared skin, all sense of himself lost.
Everything went dark after that. While Natsu blinked at the ceiling, clarity returned to him slowly, allowing him to pick up the pieces of his actions and realize his location was different. He wasn’t in Gajeel’s cell anymore.
What... just happened?
He knew this room and knew it well. It was a side room in the keep that Makarov often snuck off to for short naps. The old man’s light scent on the sheets was strong evidence to that. He blinked again when he caught Freed and Levy’s scents as well despite the silent room being void of anyone else.
Straining to move, Natsu grunted in surprise. He realized with horror that he couldn’t. And it wasn’t the weariness deep in his bones that stopped him. He struggled to bend his neck, finding himself covered in runic spells, shifting lines of words he couldn’t read. They bound his wrists and ankles. Now wonder he could smell the two Rune Enchanters . It was their handiwork.
But why? How did he even get here?
”Finally back to your senses are you?“ Makarov’s voice echoed from behind and Natsu craned his head back as far as he could to catch a glimpse of the Chief sitting on the floor with arms and legs crossed, almost as if he’d been dozing for quite some time.
The world swam in and out of focus for Natsu, he couldn't make heads or tails or what was going on. Why was he being held down? His growl of frustration was pointed towards Makarov as he strained against the runes binding him. They didn’t dig at his skin. In fact he barely felt their presence save for a light buzz of magic, but they were unbending against his struggle and he was too drained of his strength to give it his all.
Prince, the word echoed in his head once more and a panic began to settle into his bones.
They- they knew. They heard Gajeel’s admittance of a secret he had long since buried with his past. He stared at Makarov wide eyed, the old man stayed still as a statue, eying Natsu critically. Dread soured the air as Natsu gasped in shaky breaths.
They had him tied up for it.
Why else would they tie him down if not to do something with that information? A surge of betrayal stole his breath even as logic desperately screamed against it. This was his family now, they would never-
“What's going on?” He rasped, breaking free of his turbulent thoughts, “why can't I move?”
”Good, you're definitely more lucid than you were thirty minutes ago,“ Makarov rose from his seat with a low groan, unusually hunched in his posture as he hobbled over to Natsu’s side. His tired eyes keenly swept over the draconis as he let the question go ignored for the moment. ”I was worried about you for a bit there.“
Relieved to take the strain off his neck, the draconis followed his chief's steps in rapt attention.
He was never one to ignore a question. Take frustratingly long to answer as he sought the right words? Yes. The chief was a man of patience, something he often butted heads with the fiery draconis over as he seemed to have none. But Natsu was wise enough in this moment to not demand speedier answers. Not when he couldn’t move.
But the question bubbled in his chest, burned the tip of his tongue and refused to be quashed down. It died on his tongue only when Makarov stumbled, gritting his teeth to quiet the pained hiss that left him.
Gramps was wounded? How? Who- he struggled to sit up again, desperately trying to reach the old man’s side to help him. His thrashing was cut short by the chief laying a hand against his chest, giving a firm pressure to hold him down.
“None of that,” He chided, “I'm better now that you’re awake. Wendy has already had a look and Porylusica will be double checking later. I'd rather talk about you.”
“But-” he tried to remember on his own, what exactly happened during his outburst, who could have- the only conclusion he could figure sharpened his features in a barely concealed rage, “Did that draconis-”
“No,” interrupted Makarov, fingers flexing on Natsu's chest. “. Gajeel has not laid a finger on me. In fact, if not for him, everything would have gone much worse.”
Gajeel …? The name sounded oddly familiar to him but he couldn’t ruminate on it further as the master’s words only served to confuse Natsu, “He's the one who snuck around and said all that- what do you mean thanks to him?“
”... I almost think it's better for you to see for yourself,“ Makarov muttered more to himself than to Natsu but negated the idea immediately, ”no, perhaps not. Not in your condition. Who knows what it would do to you to know the truth so quickly.“
The truth?
The truth?
Already his earlier ire was starting to rise again, simmering under his skin as heat swelled and smoke started to leak from his nose, ”This ain't making any sense! Can't you just-“
Makarov continued in his inspection, silently ignoring Natsu’s outburst. He examined the magic bindings on the draconis' body and clicked his tongue at the growing singe marks on the sheets. Wordlessly he shot Natsu a look that demanded his silence.
The stony intensity in his eyes cut Natsu off immediately, “I can’t just proceed further without caution! This situation has fallen from my grasp without my knowing! And you especially my boy! I cannot just-!”
He sucked in a breath to steady his nerves. Natsu could hear the frantic beat of Makarov's heart hammering away in his chest and the old man wobbled on his feet. Natsu whined, “ Gramps please.”
His shoulders fell in defeat and his other hand found its way to rest atop Natsu’s crown. A calming gesture. But if it was to calm one or the other, Natsu couldn’t tell. “...Before I explain anything, I need you to promise me not to blame yourself.” He continued in a low voice. “In fact, I need you to mentally prepare yourself to remain as calm as you can manage. I won't say anything further until you prove to me you can do that.”
How could he-? ”I can't just not feel things!“ Natsu protested.
”Promise me!“ Makarov's voice was a harsh whisper, bordering on pleading, ”My boy, it is alright to feel, but you mustn't 'react'! Do you understand?“
His desperate plea froze Natsu in place, staring wide eyed at Makarov’s face. At that moment, he reminded Natsu of another man he wanted to forget. A man who never shied away from his fire even as it was thrown around in frustrated bouts that burned the area around him.
It was safe then, screaming his rage in a room designed to contain his outbursts til he grew weary. And a comforting arm would wrap itself around his shoulders. Warm eyes that always beheld him with quiet pride would meet him at eye level, accompanied by whispered instructions that held no fear. No judgement.
'My son... it is alright to be angry; to feel it and express it, but you must not react. You must control yourself. Can you do that for me?'
Tears pricked the corners of his eyes and Natsu forced the memory out, nodding vigorously to his chief. “I'll... I'll try.”
Makarov waited in silence for a few seconds, watching as Natsu closed his eyes and took in deep breaths. Allowing his body to relax against the sheets, the burning embers of his body simmered and the smoke dispersed. It was hard to dampen his own inner flame, but with a few more breaths, he managed.
Makarov sighed in relief, “Good. Now keep it tethered. I’ve always known you to have a temper on you but I see now why Gajeel treated your outbursts as abnormal. I don't appreciate him purposefully baiting you. That man took too much pleasure in the barbs he threw at you, but I believe, I think this is something we all needed to see.”
His grip on Natsu’s chest tightened. “Your black fire has always been a point of interest, but never one of danger. It’s become so rare in these past years I'd almost forgotten it. But today…..This level of anger and hatred…. I’ve not seen anything like this from you before; The reports Laxus and Cana gave of your fight with Kage, today's instance hardly compares….. I’m worried for you.”
Today?
What did he mean by…?
Makarov patiently waited for him to connect the dots. He was often like this, giving others the chance to find the truth at their own pace instead of thrusting it on them all at once. But nothing made sense.
Gajeel wasn’t at fault for what Natsu could barely recall no matter how hard he tried. It made him feel light headed as he fought to piece together all that was laid out for him . Annoyance started to take hold. He inhaled deeply to steady his slipping nerves and almost choked on it when a familiar scent coated his tongue.
The muted scent of charred flesh, burnt black beyond recognition. It wrapped Makarov as he stared down at Natsu, forlorn, waiting for it to click. He didn’t need to see to know how bad the injury was and the truth struck his chest like a pile of rubble crushing his bones.
Natsu didn't always put things together as fast as the others, but this wasn't something that flew over his head, “... it was me….?”
No. He wouldn’t, he couldn’t. He searched Makarov’s grim expression for something that said otherwise but woefully found nothing of the sort.
The limp, his restraints…. The hand on his chest, how didn’t he notice the burns that marred Makarov’s fingers sooner? Panic seized him.
“What did I do?!” Natsu’s terror threatened to choke him. He vaguely recalled Makarov’s order to stay calm but control was slipping from him again as fear sank its claws into his frazzled brain. ”Where are the others?! Did I-“
”No,“ Makarov chided gently as he moved to rest his hand against Natsu's forehead, ”Freed moved quick enough to protect the others from the initial blast while I held you down, but the explosion was bigger than any of us could’ve imagined. If not for Gajeel knocking you out, the Keep may have been lost. I had guessed his affinity with metal, but to see an entire arm turn into it was something else entirely.“
Natsu wished he could do something instead of just laying there. He wanted to run, to cover his face in shame, to sink into the floor away from Makarov’s worried eyes that held no fear. There was only pity in their depths that made him feel worse. His breathing grew harsh as everything began to come back in vague pieces.
The memories were faint and blurred from the anger he'd felt, but with the chief's recollection he could catch the hints of surprised shouts and the crackling burn of splintered wood in his mind. He wouldn't be surprised if the room was nothing more than a gaping hole in the side of the building. The realization reflected on his face in horror and despair.
He'd hurt the old man. He could have killed everyone if not for Freed and that damned, filthy metal head and it was all because he couldn't control his temper.
He couldn't remember reason, try as he might, his rage had ignited something that made him blind to everything around him.
The tears that streamed down his face were unnoticed until a choking sob wracked through his body. “I'm sorry... ” He rasped, “I'm so sorry-”
Makarov continued to rub his forehead, shushing him quietly with clicks of his tongue and a gentle hum. It wasn't the same as the night before, when Lucy had held him tight, but the comfort was there. It had always been there. The chief was respected and loved for more than just his leadership and strength, he had always acted as a father or grandfather to the majority of magic users in his home and Natsu was no different. He shuddered beneath the touch, whimpering softly as his inner turmoil threatened to boil him alive.
“I told you,” Makarov murmured, voice low and mixed with pain, “it's not your fault. Whatever this is... this madness, it can be tempered now that we know about it. Don't just blame yourself for what you can't control: at least not yet.”
But he could control it, Natsu thought. He'd been taught so long ago to keep his rage in check, the lessons were a part of him for as long as he could wield those dark flames.
When had he begun to lose it? When had he stopped caring to hold the dark vestiges of it in check? He didn't have the time or the mental power to think it through in that moment, too aggrieved by his own actions, but he nodded despite himself, desperately wanting to believe anything Makarov said.
He didn't know how much longer he sobbed, unable to move while the elder stayed at his bedside. All he knew was the anguish at his own mistakes and the wild thoughts swarming through his mind in a tornado of regret.
If only that draconis hadn't come, if only he hadn't come to Natsu's window last night if only- he must have begun to mutter the thoughts out loud as Makarov quickly shushed him.
“I'll take care of him myself,” He assured, voice gruff, ”whatever he's after, it's not Lucy. What he has done to you is another matter that won’t go unpunished. He's followed my rules down to the letter, so far. You don't need to do a thing.“
”but...“ Natsu struggled through his words, sniffing as his earlier tears stuffed his nose and made his eyes far too swollen to be comfortable, ”we, I can't just-“
”Natsu,“ Makarov warned, removing his hand to flick the boy's chin in a sharp reprimand, ”as your chief, I will handle it. I can’t let you do anything in this state. His interest is clearly focused on you, not what Jose wants. I beg of you, please, hold yourself back..“
Natsu couldn’t. It wouldn’t be enough. It sounded so simple to do but how could he? Not when everything he’d struggled to build for himself was at stake. Why couldn’t Makarov get that?
”He knows about me…..who I am.“ Natsu whispered, voice cracking as he tried to get his point across.
Makarov hesitated, lifting his hands from Natsu at the reminder of a bold truth. True the questions burned at the old man’s mind. It was another strange puzzle piece to an already complex situation that continued to swell out of his control.
But what was he to do? The boy before him was just that: a boy as terrified as the day Makarov carried him in his arms to a new life. He rested his palm over Natsu’s heart, the erratic beats thumping wild enough to rattle his bones.
”A secret you have kept hidden for good reason I'm sure,“ Makarov agreed softly, ”but we all have our own secrets, and yours has been forced from you in a terrible way. It’s something I would like to speak with you about, but only when you are ready. For now I need you to recover. Focus on staying calm in the coming hours: understood? I’ll be back later to check on you.“
Natsu had no choice but to nod his head as another wave of guilt washed over him. Makarov gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze before he turned away, limping towards the door. It was painful to watch as he dragged a leg lamely behind him despite his best efforts to appear hale and hearty. He could see it now, the burnt edges of his pants, and the tight wrappings of white bandages spotted with red through the charred holes in his shirt.
He tilted his head towards the wall and clenched his eyes shut, unable to accept the truth that he was the cause of everything. Makarov’s groan of pain was shut out by the door clicking shut, leaving him completely alone.
Natsu bit down hard on the inside of his cheek, forcing back another whine. More tears threatened to spill down his face. Not even the tang of his own blood filling his mouth could distract him. He deserved it for what he’d done.
What else could he do if he wasn’t careful and lost control again? Just how much damage would be done because he wasn’t strong enough?
The thoughts clung to Natsu’s mind the rest of the day, unable to think of anything else.
#fairy tail fanfiction#nalu fanfiction#ft fanfiction#nalu#natsuxlucy#Natsu Dragneel#Lucy Heartfilia#plot bomb drop#AWAY#this chapter is my gift to myself#and i think i did good lmao
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PLEASE DO NOT LET THEM DIE IN VAIN, SHARE FOR ALL TO SEE WHAT THEIR PRESIDENT LINCOLN DONE ...
Dakota Indians Hung at Mankato ¥ NEVER FORGET A'HO ✊🏼 ...
Friday, December 26th, 1862 ... 1 Tipi-hdo-niche.-Forbids his dwelling ... 2 Wyata-tonwan-His people ... 3 Taju xa-Red otter ... 4 Hinhan shoon koyag mani-Walks clothed in an owl's tail ... 5 Maza bomidu-Iron blower ... 6 Wapa duta-Scarlet leaf ... 7 Wahena-(Meaning unknown) ... 8 Sna mani-Tinkling walker ... 9 Rda inyanke-Rattling runner ... 10 Dowan niye-The singer ... 11 Xunka ska-White dog ... 12 Hepan-Family name for second son ... 13 Tunkan icha ta mani-Walks with his grandfather ... 14 Ite duta-Scarlet face ... 15 Amdacha-Broken to pieces ... 16 Hepidan-Family name for third son ... 17 Marpiya te najin-Stands on a cloud (Cut nose) ... 18 Henry Milord-(French mixed-blood) ... 19 Chaska dan-Family name for 1st son-dan little) ... 20 Baptiste Campbell-(French mixed blood) ... 21 Tate kage-Wind maker ... 22 Hapinkpa-Tip of the horn ... 23 Hypolite Auge-French mixed-blood ... 24 Nape shuha-Does not flee ... 25 Wakan tanka-Great Spirit ... 26 Tunkan koyag i najin-Stands clothed with his grandfather ... 27 Maka te najin-Stands upon earth ... 28 Pazi kuta mani-Walks prepared to shoot ... 29 Tate hdo dan-Wind comes back ... 30 Waxicun na-Little Whiteman ... 31 Aichaga-To grow upon ... 32 Ho tan inku-Voice heard in returning ... 33 Cetan hunka-The parent hawk ... 34 Hda hin hda-To make a rattling noise ... 35 Chanka hdo-Near the woods ... 36 Oyate tonwan-The coming people ... 37 Mehu we mea-He comes for me ... 38 Wakinyan na-Little thunder
RESPECT AND HONOUR ✊🏼✨ PLEASE SHARE AND DON'T LET THEM DIE IN VAIN ✊🏼
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CLOSED: @dearclem
LOCATION: the weeping glass
When he’d noticed her come through the door, Kage had been busied by a customer, one of the sorts that liked to rattle on about the history of the object they were buying, a verbal puffing out of the chest that wanted to claim they knew more than him, his ownership of the very building ignored. He’d only been able to cast Clem a glance, unspoken words shared across the cluttered room. Time ticked slow as the checkout ran long until finally Kage had the privilege of handing the item back, wrapped nicely and bagged with receipt, across the counter with a curt, “Come again.”
Before the other patron had even the time to pull away from the checkout, Kage had taken purposeful strides deeper into the shop. He’d found her, tucked away in the far corner, a section he’d spent just yesterday reorganizing. “Give me your honest opinion. Nothing less.”
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A calm day while the fae demon was chilling and having a tea party with the family. They were at mid sip when a thought came to mind.
"Oh, babe! I've been wondering, did you ever have a commission that had given you trouble before? Like it not turning out how ya want, got any advice on how to beat the block? :>"
Minus the table manners from Kage using only their tongue to lap at his milk and making a mess, while Hollis attempting to dab a tissue to his face, all did seem like a calm day. Sterling's own thoughts rattled when asked of his work and he hummed through a long sip.
"Mmm, whenever I'm having that sort of artist block I'll stop at whatever I'm creating, grab a few things like some snacks and my bag, and... fly to anywhere I haven't been before.
Sometimes my creations don't come from looking at the shiniest of gems or my noodle doodle of drawings:
It comes from looking at the open scenery around me, and that includes people too; from ocean sparkling from the moon's light, to people physique and how they move. Thus my creations come to life from life itself~ "
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Not That Bad
Fandom: Naruto
Rating: PG-13
Prompt: Chojuro & Rukia (platonic) - "Ok, well...fuck."
For: @justmyownreality
Pairings: Chojuro/Natsumi (OC) mentioned, Shino/Rukia (OC) mentioned
Warnings: Rukia says fuck
A/N: Just a fun little prompt where I introduce Jmor's OC Rukia to Chojuro! Enjoy.
~
Rukia sprinted to the Hokage’s office with a huge smile on her face. Today was the day that the Kage would start to arrive for tomorrow’s Summit, which meant that shinobi were needed to escort them around the village. Which in turn meant that she would get to see Gaara again, and hopefully Aki as well if she’d come with him.
It had been so long since she’d seen her friends from Suna. They kept in touch through letters, discussing love, life, and the latest kitchen disasters. But seeing each other in person was always better.
She made herself slow down as she reached the door, brushing the dust off her and walking calmly to Kakashi’s office.
“Good morning, Rukia,” Kakashi said, his smile visible even under the mask.
“Morning, Dad,” Rukia said. “I’m ready for Kage escort duty.”
“I would expect nothing less,” Kakashi said. He set aside the document he was working on and folded his hands together. “The new Mizukage and his attendant should be arriving any minute. I’m assigning you to be their escort for this Summit.”
Rukia blinked. “I’m sorry, did you say the Mizukage?”
“I did,” Kakashi replied. “Is that a problem?”
“No…” Rukia said slowly. “But, is there a reason I’m not escorting Gaara like I normally do?”
“Ah, yes,” Kakashi said, looking apologetic. “Lee came to me when the Summit was first announced and specifically requested that assignment. I didn’t see a reason to deny him, so this time, he’s in charge of Gaara while you handle the Mizukage.”
Rukia’s shoulders slumped. “Ok, well…fuck.”
A chuckle came through the doorway. “I promise, I’m not that bad.”
A man entered the doorway behind her. He was dressed in blue-grey attire from head to toe and crowned by a wide-brimmed blue hat. His dark eyes sparkled with mirth through his thick glasses. He was followed by a woman with long brown hair and a green coat.
Rukia turned pink as she recognized the current Mizukage and his bodyguard. She hastily bowed her head. “Forgive me, Lord Mizukage,” she said. “I’m so sorry, I-”
“Please, don’t worry about it.” He extended a hand. “Chojuro, and this is Misuno.”
Rukia accepted his hand, trying not to look rattled. “Rukia Hatake.”
“Welcome, Lord Mizukage,” Kakashi said, standing at his desk. “I hope you had a pleasant journey.”
“Thank you, Lord Hokage. And yes, for once we did,” Chojuro said. “The winds were with us, so we didn’t experience any delays.”
Kakashi nodded. “I’m glad to hear that. Was there anything you needed to discuss prior to the beginning of the Summit?”
“Not this time, fortunately,” Chojuro said.
“Very well,” Kakashi said. He nodded at Rukia. “Then I’ll leave you in Rukia’s care. Enjoy your stay.”
“I plan to,” Chojuro said. He turned and smiled at Rukia. “I’m in your hands, Lady Hatake.”
“Just Rukia is fine, Lord Mizukage,” Rukia replied. “But right this way, please.”
“Of course.”
“Where would you like to go?” Rukia asked as they left the building, a prickle of nervousness almost causing her to stumble over her words.
“The hotel, please,” Chojuro said. “Misuno and I could use some rest after our travels.”
“You got it.”
“Your village really is lovely,” Chojuro said. “Especially this time of year. The fall colors are something else.”
“Thank you,” Rukia said. “Though I’m sure Kiri looks nice as well.”
“It does, but it’s nowhere this vibrant right now. Have you ever been?”
“No, I haven’t,” Rukia replied. “My diplomatic duties haven’t taken me that way yet.”
“Well, should you ever find yourself in my village, I’ll make sure you get to see the sights,” Chojuro said with a warm smile. “Natsumi can show you around.”
Rukia looked at him curiously. “Natsumi?”
“My fiancée.”
“Oh!” Rukia said, her face lighting up. “Congratulations, Lord Mizukage! That’s so exciting!”
“You can call me Chojuro,” he said. “But thank you very much. We’re both looking forward to it.”
“I’m sure!” Rukia said. “When’s the wedding?”
“March,” Chojuro replied. “We want to be able to see the cherry blossoms while we’re on our honeymoon.” He then smiled. “But that’s enough about me. Why don’t you tell me something about you?”
“Um, sure,” Rukia said. “What do you want to know?
“Anything you want to tell me. Favorite place to eat, place to visit, something interesting that happened in your life.”
“Ok, well…” Rukia paused for a moment to think. “I’m afraid nothing has happened in my life recently that you would be interested in. But, the best spot to visit in the village is Senju Park, in my opinion. The trees are beautiful to look at, and there’s usually a festival or some other event going on most days.”
“That does sound nice,” Chojuro agreed. “What about your favorite place to eat?”
Rukia faltered over the question. In truth, her favorite place to eat was Shino’s place, because he was the only one who could make her steak and rice exactly how she liked it. Plus, Shino was there. But she couldn’t offer that to the Mizukage. “Um, probably Yakiniku Q,” she said instead. “They’ve got the best barbecue in the village.”
“Mmhmm,” Chojuro said, eyeing her skeptically. “Somehow I don’t think that’s the truth.”
Rukia felt the pink return to her cheeks.
“Well…it’s the most popular restaurant in the village,” she said. “But I prefer eating at my boyfriend’s house.”
Chojuro chuckled. “I thought it might be something like that.”
“Was it really that obvious?”
“To me, yes, though that’s because I feel the same way about Natsumi. I’m sure others would miss the signs.”
“Oh, I see,” Rukia said. “She’s a good cook then?”
“She is. I can have her send you her recipe for roasted peppers if you’d like.”
“Oh, no, that’s ok,” Rukia said quickly. “I wouldn’t want to trouble you.”
“All right. Let me know if you change your mind.” He came to a stop and looked up. “Looks like we’re here.”
Rukia stopped as well. Sure enough, they were outside the hotel. “What time would you like me to come back for you?”
“I think around 6 for dinner would be fine. Does that work for you, Misuno?”
She bowed her head. “Whatever is most convenient for you, Lord Mizukage.”
“Then 6 it is,” Chojuro said.
“At 6,” Rukia agreed.
“We’ll see you then.”
Rukia waited until they disappeared inside, then started down the road back to her own apartment.
She had to admit, he was right. He wasn’t that bad.
~
Tag List: @justmyownreality @therantingfangirl @mrsbakashi @starnightcat @anchy-bananchy @hashira-mal (if you would like to be added to the tag list please let me know)
#nightingale writes#Chojuro#Chojuro x OC#Naruto OC#oc talk#fanfiction#writing#my writing#Natsumi Kaioh#Rukia Hatake#Shino x OC
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Best B! For the WIP game, tell me about "So New A Thing," please. (Capital letters optional. 💜)
Questionable capitals for a questionable story! 💛 This WIP was a plot bunny simply coming to the wrong person in that this story would have been about a series of events and not just characters having a series of feelings. I love how Rogue One leans into the moral ambiguity of the Rebellion and I have a persistent fondness for the depth of worldbuilding that’s accumulated in the Star Wars universe. It’s a fun sandbox to play in.
The idea here was digging into the Rebellion as an internally complicated coalition which at the fringes includes some extremist groups like the ex-Partisan Dreamers and also at the other end moderate groups, who are generally hesitant to take action at all—and the politicians and Realpolitik that attempt to hold the unwieldy mess together enough to fight a war. Though I got a hell of a lot further with a similar idea in another Rogue One WIP, Hard Time Killing Floor Blues. In fact, plugging in the canon background of the ex-Partisan Dreamers would have helped Killing Floor, I think, which was a little unmoored from the Star Wars universe. The two stories have remarkably parallel scenes:
So New A Thing
The briefing is almost over when Draven adds, “Get Erso to help,” and Cassian finally understands why he’s been allowed to stay on Yavin IV this long into the evacuation.
“Sir?” he asks, because he’d know if Jyn had enlisted.
“You’re responsible for her.” Draven gives a long exhale. “Would an oath really make any difference to someone like Jyn Erso?”
Yes, he thinks immediately. And then, I don’t know. But Draven doesn’t require a response.
“Get her to agree. Take Rook. Deliver the information. Report in for a rendezvous point.”
Cassian nods and turns away.
—
Jyn sits on the far side of the U-wing’s hold, cross-legged on the ground. Her dark hair falls around her face in messy waves. A set of knives range out in a line on an oil-stained cloth with a canteen and a narrow wet stone on the ground in front of her. Her damp fingers fan out along the side of the blade she’s dragging against the stone, from the thin looped-ended handle to the narrow tip.
She looks up and blinks, slowly, in a greeting that carries the warmth of a smile.
“Hey,” he says, but with a curt, stiff nod. Some of the softness drops off her face and her attention shifts back to sharpening. The knife slides up and back with a delicate rasp.
Bodhi raises a hand in an unfocused wave, still holding a thin piece of eutectic alloy and without looking up from the circuit board he’s soldering.
Cassian steps around the central bench, reaching by habit for a handhold that still hasn’t been replaced, and crouches down in front of her. He needs to see her face and he is not going to ask this standing over her.
She doesn’t look up, just says, “What?”
“When you were with Saw Gerrera,” he says and the slide of the knife blade against wet stone stops. “Did you ever meet a Kage going by the name Ru Vushan?”
Jyn’s mouth tightens and her shoulders pull back as she looks up. Her eyes shift with small, darting movements as she studies whatever is showing on his face.
He doesn’t let himself think too hard about what she might see.
Behind him, some tools rattle together and, with a clang, Bodhi slots a piece paneling back into place.
“Why do you want to know?”
Cassian blinks and stops fighting the reflex to hide his tension behind a looser set of his shoulders and deliberately relaxed hands, settling into the false front with an unsatisfying relief.
“More and more splinter groups are starting to call themselves Dreamers.”
Jyn flinches and her gaze jumps away.
Cassian imagines touching her arm, how the contact would make her look at him again, and doesn’t.
“These scattered groups, they have a new symbol to rally around. The empire realizes that, too. The Imperial Security Bureau is targeting anyone they can find with ties to Saw Gerrera. We’ve heard about attacks on Jeosyn that wiped out whole cells.”
“Is that a problem for the Council?” she asks. “Or does that solve a problem?”
She starts to sharpen the knife with fast, twisting sweeps.
“We want to warn them, Jyn.”
She stills, staring down at the knife. He hasn’t heard any noise from Bodhi for a while, which means he’s paying attention.
“Another introduction?”
“No,” he says, since it’s true and since that’s not what she’s really asking. “I can get us an introduction. But you’d give them a better reason to trust what they hear. They say the cells on Jeosyn were infiltrated by imperial spies before the attack. The Dreamers who survived, they’re wary and they have good reason to be.”
Bodhi’s footsteps cross the hold to stop near the open hatch, but he doesn’t leave.
Jyn glances over his shoulder and raises her eyebrows at Bodhi to ask what he thinks. After a long pause, Bodhi offers, quietly, “We could help.”
Jyn’s stare jumps back and catches, not hostile but pulled so far inside herself he can’t read her. Cassian doesn’t let himself look away.
Raised voices drift in from the hangar from the salvage crew outside. A distant crash is punctuated by laughter and then you karking idiot yelled without any particular malice as the last embedded fragments with any value are stripped out of the crumbling temple.
“All right.” Jyn’s shoulders drop and she leans back. Her head knocks against the ship’s wall with a soft thunk, still watching him through half-closed eyes. “When do we leave?”
“As soon as you and Bodhi are packed.” Standing is a relief. The muscles along his spine near the implants go an eerie sort of numb rather than hurt, but pain as a signal is more useful.
Jyn nudges the small pack next to her with her elbow and gives an uneven shrug.
“Bodhi?” she asks, still without breaking eye contact.
Bodhi raps his knuckles against one of the storage lockers.
“Okay,” Cassian concedes. “As soon as I’ve packed. Wait here. Grab anything else you want to take.”
“Not much left,” Bodhi remarks softly. Cassian claps him on the shoulder in passing as he steps down from the hold.
“There are more knives,” he hears Jyn point out. “A whole crate of them.”
The steady rasp of the wet stone is back.
“Uh, I’m good on knives. Thanks.”
Jyn replies, but Cassian is too far away to catch distinct words, just the sound of her voice.
————————————————————————————
Hard Time Killing Floor Blues
The briefing room is a tall, boxy space that extends up several stories but still feels like a bunker. Mon Mothma stares up at a vast map projected onto the transparent wall at the far end of the room. Streams of information flow and shift over the glass. A point of red light appears near the upper edge and begins to spread out in widening circles.
Jyn wants to ask what will happen to Cassian, if he’s all right, before the door even snicks closed at her back, but makes herself not say anything even as the silence stretches out.
“Thank you for joining me, Jyn.” Mon Mothma drops her gaze from the shifting map, although some fraction of her focus never leaves the expanding circles of red light. “There is never enough time, so I will be as direct with you as I can. We are planning a mission to Kidir. Your ties to extremist groups and your history of controlled property destruction would be considerable assets.”
Jyn is caught so wrong-footed she has to replay the statement in her head for any meaning to shake out. The claustrophobic sense of an ambush drops into place around her.
Extremist groups and property destruction.
“Those aren’t usually compliments.”
Mon Mothma smiles without discernible warmth. “The moral quality of a skill depends on how it is used. Despite your record, you’ve avoided causing serious harm. You could continue to do good.”
Mon Mothma turns to the holoprojector table at the center of the room and the flickering blue image of a city map projects into the space between them.
“Kidir City. The primary target is a Star Destroyer production facility. Our enemies produce one Star Destroyer each week from this facility alone. A local resistance cell has developed a plan to disable the factory. Repairing the damage will cost the Empire dearly in time and resources.”
The image of the city flicks to a human male with shrapnel scars on his face.
“The cell’s leader has agreed to abide by our policy toward civilian casualties in exchange for the funding required to smuggle in needed materiel. The Alliance will also supply specialists to see that our interests are observed. Multiple members of the cell are former Partisans. Your presence could help to establish trust.”
The image cuts off, leaving Mon Mothma spotlighted within the circle of overhead lights.
“General Draven has selected Captain Andor for this mission. Neither objected to my proposal to ask if you would join as well. I am aware that you are not a formal part of this organization, but I would have you aid us in this.” For the first time, a genuine warmth disturbs the stillness of Mon Mothma’s face. “I read the reports of the tragedy at Jedha. You risked your life for a single child.”
“I didn’t save her.” The initial moments of the blast must have annihilated her along with everyone else.
“That does not negate the act. You would be expected to follow Captain Andor’s orders as a civilian specialist.” But Mon Mothma follows her statement with a careful beat of silence. “You have already performed a great service for this Alliance. You have no obligation to help us now. But I hope you will.” Mon Mothma steps back from the holoprojector and the brilliant circle of lights. Even in the dimmer parts of the room her white robes and pale skin glow. “We do not have much time to prepare. Please inform General Draven or Captain Andor of your decision by 2100 hours.”
The dismissal is unmistakable. The force of Mon Mothma’s focus shifts back to the circles of red spreading across a far corner of the great galactic map.
It’s only after the door slides closed behind her that Jyn realizes Mon Mothma never mentioned the Death Star plans. Before Jyn can decide whether to try her luck at demanding the answers Mon Mothma didn’t offer, the white protocol droid has already shuffled up to escort her back the main turbolifts. The sheer volume of words the droid uses almost manages to make the action seem like a courtesy.
Level by level, turbolift descends back down to the bottom of the complex. At the ground floor, the heavy, decaying smell of the surrounding jungle overlaps with the sharp edge of jet fuel that the air scrubbers can’t quite strip out.
Jyn turns towards the hangar only to stop as a sinking feeling of exposure hits. They’d known just where to find her—she hadn't realized how closely she was being watched. She starts down one of the few other paths through the base she knows, but takes a wrong turn halfway to the infirmary she has no reason to visit just to get lost.
The hallways alternate between smooth sections of ancient stone and rough cut tunnels that twist haphazardly through the ancient structure, dug out fast and already crumbling inward. When she’s dumped again into a passage that loops back to the central turbolifts, Jyn takes another wrong turn.
You would be expected to follow orders, Mon Mothma had said. But Jyn keeps returning to that beat of unnecessary silence.
You are not a formal part of this organization.
So not really expected to follow orders. The lack of trust runs both ways.
And why dangle a dead child from Jedha in front of her if limiting civilian casualties was built into this mission? Or at least the version of the mission that Mon Mothma was told about.
Not objecting is a very precise degree of agreement.
The silence about the plans gets louder and louder the farther she wanders aimlessly forward. The minutes streak pass and Jyn can’t find the right sightline for this.
The Alliance isn’t the rebellion, for all that the Alliance would like everyone to think the two are the same.
All the hive-like complexity of the base keeps looping back in on itself and she always ends up back near the central elevators regardless of the turns she takes until she gives up and starts following the spray-painted directory signs towards the officers’ barracks.
The room number listed on Cassian’s medical records is mid-way down a long bright hallway of identical doors. Room 11A-4 stares blankly back at her. She feels a line of sick nervous energy spark inside her chest. She wishes she could pretend Cassian hadn’t lied to her from the first day she knew him because that would make so many things easier. But she also wishes that Cassian not taking that shot had been enough to keep her father from dying, so wishing doesn't really count for much.
Jyn hits the buzzer with the side of her closed fist. The door opens quickly, but if Cassian feels the same roiling uncertainty, he keeps it off his face. He steps back to let her into the neat, institutional room. Inset panels near the ceiling cast a diffuse yellow glow that fills the small space. The only sign that the room belongs to anyone is a lockbox barely bigger than the palm of her hand on a shelf by the bed.
The silence drags out until at last Cassian says, “Mon Mothma told you about the mission to Kidir.”
Jyn envies the complete neutrality of his statement. “Asking me about the mission wasn’t your idea.”
“No.” Cassian pauses. “I’ve often worked alone.” But he’s watching her so carefully that the intense lack of any definite response becomes its own tell.
“Mon Mothma came to me because she thinks I’ll disobey orders I don’t agree with.”
“Most people think that.” A flicker of humor crosses Cassian’s face. “Or they figure it out pretty fast.”
“A surprise attack big enough to disable a factory could kill a lot of civilians who have nothing to do with this.” Jyn stares at all the pieces like she’s reassembling an engine that’s been handed to her in component parts. “She’s worried Draven will give you orders that she isn’t told about until it's too late.” Jyn doesn’t pull the punch even though she’s sorry to see his tightly controlled flinch. “But you’ve disobeyed orders, too. So why did Draven choose you?”
“I’ve worked with Gor, the cell’s leader, before.”
Like her ties to former Partisans.
Jyn fits those pieces into the strange engine these ruthless forces are trying to shape but is still left with a gap. The reasons sound plausible. But why would the Alliance take a gamble on a mission like this?
The exhaustion that Cassian has carried for as long as she’s known him settles over him.
She waits him out until he finally gives.
“Draven is a pragmatist.” Cassian tone is colored with a resignation she hadn’t known to listen for before. “This is a test. To see where I stand.”
They were never going to believe you.
Fury pools, hot and sharp-edged, in her gut and scatters out at Mon Mothma and Draven and Saw and all the leaders of causes who demand sacrifice after sacrifice and then discard the instruments they break.
Fuck resignation. She wishes she could make Cassian angry.
She doesn’t have time to figure the angles, to separate the barbed lures from what little genuine good manages to persist in even the most compromised circumstances. The furious part of her wants to go spit in Mon Mothma’s face for trying to maneuver her like a piece picked up and dropped on a board to counter another piece moved with the same ruthless indifference.
But she and Cassian are the last of Rogue One and she’s going to make that mean something.
Jyn takes a step closer. “The galaxy could stand for fewer Star Destroyers.” She lets the tug of energy carry her the next step forward. “Disable the factory, make sure as few innocent people as possible get hurt.” Cassian’s attention has been fixed on her since the first deliberate movement towards him. “But we need to be on the same mission.” Only a hand-span of space is left between them when she asks, “Are you with me?”
Jyn feels a certainty that vibrates through her like a rumble of a distant explosion. She knows what he is going to say.
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FC(NES)感觉值得玩的游戏，因为我是做游戏的，所以这个榜单是根据“游戏类型”分类的，所以一个类型的游戏一旦出现一个，其他可能就不会出现，所以假如出现“迷糊蛋”就不会出现“银河战士”。或者后面有MOD画质增强版就不收录了。
❶Super Contra(超级魂斗罗)
❷热血时代剧(ダウンタウンスペシャル くにおくんの时代剧だよ全员集合)
❸赤色要塞(Jackal)
❹忍者神龟3(TurtlesⅢ；日版是忍者神龟2)
❺帝国战机(Crisis Force)
❻Summer Carnival '92(烈火92)
❼Bram Stoker's Dracula(德拉克拉伯爵)
❽小美人鱼(The Little Mermaid)
❾脱狱(Prisoners Of War、P.O.W)
❿龙珠Z外传-赛亚人灭绝计划(ドラゴンボールZ外伝 サイヤ人絶滅計画)
⓫孤独战士-惑星戒严令(Isolated Warrior、Max Warrior)
⓬怪鸭历险记(Dark Wing Duck)
⓭西游记世界Ⅱ天上界的魔神(西遊記ワールド2天上界の魔神、Whomp 'Em)
⓮打砖块(Arkanoid)
⓯Jurassic Park(侏罗纪公园；英文，很难)
⓰雪人兄弟(Snow Bros)
⓱敲冰块(Ice Climber)
⓲松鼠大作战(Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers；有一代二代)
⓳气球大战(Boalloon Fight)
⓴Snake Rattle 'n Roll(双蛇城)
㉑航空小英雄(Tale Spin)
㉒忍者神龟2(TurtlesⅡ)
㉓三目童子(三つ目がとおる)
㉔Solomon's Key(所罗门之钥)
㉕七宝奇谋(The Goonies)
㉖迷糊蛋(へべれけ、HEBEREKE、Ufouria:The Saga)
——
画质好的任天堂卡带和MOD，其实这里开始就不按游戏好玩程度了，而是按卡带和游戏技术排列，也就是没有排列。
㉗Cosmic Epsilon(宇宙战机)
㉘Hard Drivin'(超级赛车)
㉙Bill Elliott's NASCAR Challenge(比尔艾略特之云斯顿赛车锦标赛)
㉚RESCUE-The Embassy Mission(救援-大使馆任务)
㉛無賴戦士(Burai Fighter)
㉜口袋里的魔鬼(Monster In My Pocket)
热血系列，很多汉化版，游戏太多无法一一介绍。
㉝邦夫君的热血足球联赛(くにおくんの热血サッカーリーグ；热血足球3其实是2，热血足球2其实是1代的国际版)
㉞热血格斗传说(熱血格鬥伝說)
㉟热血新纪录(びっくり热血新记录 -はるかなる金メダル、Crash'n The Boys Street Challenge)
㊱8 Bit Music Power(8Bit音乐力量)
㊲奥瓦的觉醒(Alwa's Awakening)
㊳Splatter House(腐尸之屋)
㊴魂斗罗力量(Contra Force)
㊵恶魔城传说(Castlevania III - Dracula's Curse)
㊶Solomon's Key Fire 'n Ice(所罗门之钥火与冰)
㊷魂斗罗(Contra)
㊸大金刚JR(Donkey Kong JR)
㊹忍者茶茶丸(忍者じゃじゃ丸くん、Ninja Jajamaru Kun)
㊺猫捉老鼠(Mappy)
㊻超越地平线(Over Horizon)
㊼突袭班戈灵湾(Raid on Bungeling Bay)
㊽Fire Hawk(火鹰)
㊾碰碰车(City Connection)
㊿双截龙(Double Dragon��有一代二代三代)
51 Cabal(勇士们)
52 Bee52(小蜜蜂52)
53 Commando(戰場の狼、战场之狼)
54 Kickle Cubicle(迷宫岛；推冰块)
55 Super Mario USA(超级马里奥USA、梦工场ドキドキパニック、Yumekojo DokiDoki Panic)
56 Super Mario Bros3(超级马里奥兄弟3)
57 月宫桌球(Lunar Pool)
58 天使之翼2(キャプテン翼Ⅱ Super Striker)
59 冒险岛(高桥名人の冒險岛；有一二三四代，有的有汉化版)
60 アルマジロ(Armadillo、仙人掌)
61 Startropics(热带之星；游戏内信件密码747，有一二代)
62 Metal Slader Glory(メタルスレイダーグローリー)
63 火炮(GUN-DEC、Vice: Project Doom)
64 重力装甲(Metal Storm、重力装甲メタルストーム)
65 Bat Man-Return Of The Joker(蝙蝠侠2)
66 剑王(Sword Master)
67 圣铃传说(聖鈴伝説Lickle、Little Samson；密码5555)
68 Power Blade2(Captain Saver)
69 忍者蛙(Battle Toads)
70 蝙蝠侠(Bat Man)
71 Dragon Fighter(龙战士)
72 Zanac(银河号)
73 加纳战机(GUN-NAC；在片头长按AB键进入作弊模式)
74 Q版沙罗曼蛇(Parodius)
75 鳄鱼先生(The Adventures Of Bayou Billy)
76 赤影战士(KAGE、Shadow Of The Ninja)
77 忍者猫(キャッ党忍伝てやんでえ、Samurai Pizza Cats)
78 炸弹人(Bomber Man)
79 B-Wings(B计划)
80 Mappy Kids(少年快乐鼠)
81 The Lone Ranger(独行侠、长枪手传奇)
82 Felix The Cat(菲力克斯猫)
83 双翼人(Legendary Wings)
84 特救指令(Shatter Hand)
85 马里奥拆屋工(Wrecking Crew)
86 Rampage(大猩猩拆楼、怪兽拆楼)
87 SD快打旋风(Sd Final Fighter、Mighty Final Fight)
88 星之卡比梦之泉的物语(星のカービィ_夢の泉の物語、Kirby)
89 Chack'n Pop(拯救爱心、流行恰克)
90 ELITE(精英、银河侵略者)
91 彩虹岛(Rainbow Islands)
92 泡泡龙(Bubble Bobble；有一二代)
93 Double Dribble(二次运球、篮球)
94 迷宫组曲(Milon"s Secret Castle)
95 杀戮战场(Combat)
96 超级中国人2龙之子(Super Chinese 2: Dragon Kid、Little Ninja Brothers)
97 弹珠台(Pin Ball)
98 Batman Returns(蝙蝠侠3)
99 Thundercade(雷电节奏、摩托车特殊部队)
100 影子传说(影の伝説)
101 Flappy(顽皮精灵、フラッピー)
102 Paper Boy(送报童；有一代二代)
103 ココロン(Cocoron、魔法世界)
104 唐老鸭历险记(Duck Tales、わんぱくダック夢冒険；有一二代)
105 超惑星战记(超惑星戦記メタファイト、Blaster Master)
106 踢王(Kick Master)
107 龍牙(Ninja Crusaders、龙牙)
108 激龟快打(Turtles Tournament Fighters)
109 上尉密令(Captain America and The Avengers)
110 红巾特攻队(Sky Destroyer)
111 梦之勇士(Little Nemo - The Dream Master)
112 Rock man(洛克人、Mega Man；有1到6代)
113 Exerion(火凤凰、凤凰战机)
114 Silk Worm(中东战争、联合大作战)
115 前线大作战(Front Line)
116 CLU CLU LAND(金鱼、克鲁克鲁世界)
117 魔法门之英雄无敌(Heroes Of Might & Magic)
118 嘉蒂外传(The Guardian Legend、ガーディック外伝)
119 绘描衛門(描绘卫门)
120 Super Spy Hunter(超级间谍猎人)
121 Devil World(恶魔世界)
122 重装机兵(Metal Max)
123 阿尔戈斯战士(Argos No Senshi、阿格斯战士、未来战士)
124 忍者龙剑传(有123代，很难)
125 希特勒复活(トップシークレット ヒットラーの復活、Hitler no Fukkatsu: Top Secret、Bionic Commando、生化尖兵、希魔复活)
126 魔道士阴谋(リトルマジック、Little Magic)
127 龙珠英雄(半熟英雄)
128 天神之剑(God Slayer - Haruka Tenkuu no、Crystalis)
129 WILLOW(威洛之旅、风云际会)
130 Daiva(DAIVA Story 6: Nirsartia no Gyokuz、超人迪瓦)
131 Shadow Gate(暗影之门)
132 Joy Mech Fight(快乐机器人)
133 ミッキーマウスIII 夢ふうせん(米老鼠3梦幻气球、Mickey Mouse III - Yume Fuusen、Kid Klown in Night Mayor World)
134 外星战将(Bucky O'Hare、バッキー オヘア、宇宙野兔）
135 G.I. Joe - A Real American Hero - The Atlantis Factor(特种部队2亚特兰蒂斯行动)
136 特种部队-一个真正的美国英雄(G.I.JOE - A Real American Hero)
137 Puzznic(连锁方块)
138 成龙之龙(ジャッキーチェン、Jackie Chan's Action Kung Fu)
139 Wizards&Warriors(巫师与武士、巫师与战士；有多代作品)
140 Gimmick!(吉米克)
141 Star Soldier(星际战士)
142 双鹰-乔兄弟的复仇(Twin Eagle-Revenge Joe's Brother)
143 The Flintstones(摩登原始人；有一二代)
144 六三四の剑(六三四之剑、Musashi no Ken-Tadaima Shugyou)
145 AbadoX:The Deadly Inner War(阿贝道X)
146 Terra Cresta(神鹰一号)
147 The Immortal(不死传说)
148 えりかとさとるの夢冒険(Erika To Satoru No Yume Bouken、绘里香与悟的梦冒险、少年梦冒险)
149 Ikari Warriors II - Victory Road(怒2-胜利之路)
150 西武ロードリスト蘭のチップチューン地獄(Seibu Roadlist Ran no Chiptune Jigoku、Seibu Roadlist Ran's Chiptune Hell、Run's Chiptune Hell、Chiptune Hell、西武大道_清单兰花之芯片音乐地狱、西武路单兰奇普顿地狱、西武路清单兰花芯片地狱；日文。有体验版(Trial版)但未找到正式版ROM，出品公司ProgressiveGames)
151 Iron Tank:The Invasion Of Normandy(Great Tank、铁坦克:入侵诺曼底、铁胆坦克)
152 Nespeccy(演示DEMO，用点的改变做出方格旋转)
153 Tokumaru Raycaster01(演示DEMO，可控制，德军总部)
154 Heoh Demo(演示DEMO，做假旋转场景）
155 High Hopes By Aspekt(演示DEMO，多种效果，模拟器未必支持）
156 AxelayNesMusic(256ko)(演示DEMO，假地平线扭曲)
157 BladeBuster(刀锋战机)
158 Race America(上下分屏双人赛车)
159 Bio Force Ape(生化猿人、生物力量猿人)
其实还有橄榄球之类但是不知道怎么玩，很多没有排列了。
——
MOD(改版)或玩家自制，这些是个人独立作品，不是系列，所以会收录。
Celeste Mario(蔚蓝马里奥)
RockMan 4 Voyage(4代之前没充分使用FC机能所以123代claw和2Bm和7Ep都不收录)
RockMan 4 Miuns Infinity
RockManCX_ワィソー課長の挑戰
RockMan 4 Burst Chaser X Air Sliding
阿拉丁
Blazing Blocks(炽热方块)
東方老桜夢
1944(1943的改版)
烟山坦克(有多个版本，福州烟台山16中学傅瓒制作)
导弹坦克(福州烟台山16中学陈天明制作)
Salamander_Arrangement Chronicle(沙罗曼蛇高画质版；是日版，日版有三个子机，美版只有两个)
Gradius_Arrangement Chronicle(宇宙巡航机高画质版；有一代&二代)
魂斗罗2019空神贺岁版
Prisoners Of War-2Players(脱狱双人版)
BöBL
Jewelry(魔法宝石、宝石方块；有一二代)
blockage-0.3.2(球与方块与洞)
NESertGolfing(dgolf、瞬间高尔夫)
Gruniozerca2_NesDevComp(搭桥狗)
thwaite(高射炮挡陨石)
SolarWars2001(太阳系战争2001；类百战天虫)
◇〓坦克大战过关版4.0_Zeng Ge Hack 2012.12.24
〓Binary City(坦克大战双子星_2009_Shederv.Org.Ru)
Rockman 6 Unique Harassment(洛克人6稀世侵袭)
Over The Moon(月亮之上、非常高兴；银河战士改版)
〓Balloon Fight-4Players(气球大战四人版)
◆重装机兵_最终明奇
〓Super Mario Bros-2Players(超级玛丽奥兄弟双人版)
Bad Apple(演示视频，作者未知)
〓BattleToads-DoubleDragon4Players(忍者蛙与双截龙四人版)
〓Battle City 4Players(坦克大战四人版)
〓Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers 2-4Players(松鼠大作战2四人版)
◆生化危机(精卫填海、Bio Hazard；从Game Boy移植并修改剧情为1代)
Gemini Wing(捉虫敢死队；盗版商台湾人从街机移植，Rom已遗失，特色是拿到的炸弹都拖在机尾，还可以互相飞过自己或敌人机尾截获对方拖着的炸弹，FC版没大威力炸弹还只能带三个炸弹，不好也不可玩)
〓Street Fighter Zero 2(StreetFighterZero97 2、少年街霸2；)
〓Sterrt Fighter Ⅲ(街头霸王3、九人街霸)
◇快打旋风3(Mighty Final Fight 3)
Street Fighter2010(街头战士2010阿木一坑改版)
天王降魔传(国产抄袭变身忍者的游戏，→→A冲刺，↓→A发波，AB必杀，近身AB变敌人)
Sonice(索尼克、超音鼠)
Hell Fighter(地狱战士)
〓JupiterScope2(土星分数2)
we_are_hejickle_v3(希腊地牢)
LoveStory(奇爱冒险)
MelanchonyOfExistanceChapter0(方块头探索)
Auge(横版飞机)
JamminHoney(吉他甜心)
ChickenOfTheFarm(田雞、田鸡)
wolfling(狼的逃脱)
robo-ninja-climb(忍者爬墙)
squish(喵喵冲刺)
nebs-n-debs(半空冲刺者；目前还是DEMO)
f-ff_v1(3D赛车)
super-homebrew-war(宅天堂明星大乱战)
InherentSmile(3D假笑迷宫)
Function(编程游戏)
SaveTheKuin_v01(RPG拯救坤坤)
〓Super_Tilt_Bro(测试乱斗)
〓WreckingBalls_alpha1(四人炸弹人)
240pee(电视测试)
sfx(音效测试)
theremin(音效测试)
full_palette(色彩输出测试Demo，发色数极限为(2灰度颜色+12颜色)*4亮度*8强调色)再减去一些重复的颜色大概为410种颜色。
RockMan5YH(洛克人5YH；只是改得有意思)
洛克人3キノコ王国的末日(洛克人3蘑菇王国的末日)
Rockman6 Spirits Of Hackers(洛克人6黑客精神)
Rockman Install Metal(洛克人5安装金属)
Megaman In The Mushroom Kingdom(洛克人在蘑菇王国)
SteinsGate(命运石之门，Steins Gate (U) (IRQ scanline fix)；英文版，修复IRQ问题，让实机游戏中对话框不再随着DPCM鼓点抖动，这是因为DPCM的DMA会占用CPU周期，以及将PPU帧中写入调色盘的操作带来的杂信尽量移动到屏幕边缘)
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the mangekyo is classic kishimoto. he needed a cool powerup thats the explanation, you can clearly tell he was just doodling cool eye design and came up with an excuse later. the mangekyo isn't from killing someone its from the grief of someone you love dearly dying, because the uchiha are the clan of emotion (the one consistency in the manga). all sharingan upgrades are from intense emotions. and mangekyo only unlocks with the most intense emotion: grief. there's plenty of uchiha that awakened it even if they didn't directly kill their loved one. anyways the explanation is that the intense emotion causes a chakra reaction in the brain that causes their eyes to change. see the secret is that naruto is 95% bullshit like this. mangekyo sharingan is a great example of the phenomena.
i hate this explanation so much. special brain chakra... and then the mangekyo is a more extreme version requiring even stronger emotions. the sharingan doesn't normally develop over time. it requires the intense emotions to level up and it just so happens that putting child soldiers in a war in life or death situations where most of their friends and family die tends to meet those requirements.
im rotating the fire lightning sasuke chakra affinity debate in my head. Sasuke's shown talent with both making giant fireballs in like a week and a small one on his first try and lightning chidori in a month. He uses a mix of fire and lighting jutsu. So theres no strong evidence in either those two points that tilts the scales. His mangekyo sharingan is the most unique and personal of his skills and ameterasu (sun goddess) is a fire skill. This is probably the strongest evidence that he's fire affinity. His clan's specialty is fire. On the lighting side is how he's a reincarnation of indra, indra irl the hindu god of the sky (indoeuropean sky father diety thik odin or zeus) so theres a strong association with lightning there, most of the jutsu sasuke's created has been lightning too like kirin or the sword thing.
Finishing up the naruto manga and i have to say sauce-gay is the worst at thinking, truly not a single thought rattling around in there only murder. When naruto is the brains reasoning side of thia fight, you should knkw you've messed up. Im going to kill itachi -> im going to kill everyone in konoha -> im going to kill the kages just because -> save the world teehee -> jk lmao back to killing all the kages, bijuu, and ofc naruto.
One thing i find interesting about the third hokage hiruzen is how his belief in the good in others causes so many problems. Hiruzen believes so strongly in people being their best selves than he will overlook anything and everything and do nothing about problems because he thinks those problems will fix themselves. Danzo and orochimaru are great examples of this.
Danzo: betrays hiruzen
Hiruzen: thats ok you care about konoha
Danzo: tries to throw a coup
Hiruzen: thats ok you care about konoha
Danzo: betrays hirizen again
Hiruzen: thats ok you care about konoha
Danzo: kidnaps and tortures children
Hiruzen: thats ok you care about konoha
Danzo: genocides the uchiha clan
Hiruzen: slap on the wrist.
Really the whole uchiha affair was very indicative hiruzens personality and leadership style. He makes attempts at dialogue but makes 0 policy changes to back up his words or address the grievances of the uchiha. Because he believes it will all work out in the end, the fugaku and the uchiha are good people and a part of konoha so of course hiruzen doesnt actually need to take any action or need to demonstrate that the uchiha that they are a part of konoha. I think in any other job hiruzen would have just been the kindly old man and a good person but because he was in a leadership position where his negligence and willingness to believe the best in people, he was complicit in just a lot of evil like all the torturing kids wow.
The konoha leadership or the narrative potential of it i find very interesting. But thats mostly because i like political dramas. I would happily read a political drama about all the factionalism and clan politics of konoha and probably like it better than the actual series. All the hokages and leadership end up a bit morally ambiguous. On the pretty clearly evil but does have a couple points is danzo who was right how sometimes sacrifices must be made but his vision of konoha was so tied up in his own ego. His foal was what was best for konoha but what he saw as best for konoha oh so conveniently placed him in a position of unilateral total power. And thus anything he did to advanced his own position also in his mind advanced the interest of konoha. On the other end is hashirama who did so a lot to end violence and brokered a lot of peace agreements and instead of 6 year olds he was only sending out 10 year olds to for die for their nation. Progress. And he also went and enslaved the bijuu as war weapons. And rhen theres tobirama who invented public education but also zombies, encoded factionalism into law and isolated the uchiha his clan's rival clan (and we all know how well than ended up).
Back to political drama. Boruto seems really bad like really really bad and i don't think it should have been made at all. But if the premises were to be salvaged i think the best way would be to make it a work comedy/political drama/midlife crisis story geared toward struggling 40 year olds. Of course this would never sell which is why they didnt do it. But you could really revel in the mess of things. Stressed out, overworked, marriage in shambles, dreams all crumbled to dust. Like naruto and hinata married at 19 and had a kid at 20. Yikes slow down. A more interesting take would have been that naruto didnt particularly want to marry hinata but wanted all the things that came with it. Naruto's a people pleaser this is canon, and hinata loves him unconditionally and fiercely in a way he has no reference for so of course he loves her back and wants her to be happy. Naruto is nice like that. He alao has little references for healthy marriages. He wants to be happy, he wants to be loved, he wants a normal family, he wants kids. And you know the hyuuga clan was putting on the pressure. Town hero and future hokage? Oh they are jumping on that. And he likes being with hinata but the pressures getting to him and the job is getting to him, he's wanted this for so long so of course he has to push himself. But he's unhappy and desperately in denial that he is unhappy because he has everything he's ever wanted what could be wrong.
... boruto (the kid) is a boomer. Like a literal post war baby boom
A lot of people were mad at that kishimoto decided to put a war in naruto and im not. The writing is bad but a lot of the writing in naruto is bad..i dont hate the concept because war is a reoccurring theme in naruto. The last continent wide war was a little over 15 years ago so all the adult characters are traumatized by it. Their society is geared towards perpetual war and the constant imminent of threat of war drives the politics of all the nations. And the 4th shinobi war does continues the main themes of Naruto. Because the contingent is caught in a cycle pain and hurt where wars are waged against each other but finally they arent fighting each other they are fighting with each other, they break that cycle. This ties in with the other theme that people cant do things alone (nagato, itachi, madara, obito), people are stronger together (naruto, the allied shinobi force). The "with all our power combined" thing is heavy handed but eh naruto isnt a good series. Ninja war had parts that were very good and them a whole lot of filler inbetween. Pacing was bad.
Contrast this with bnha (which im currently reading) which overall is a better series with better writing but unlike naruto, bnha did not have those underlying themes of war so its was arc is more out of place. In some ways bnha is more political especially in the social justice sense. The dynamic between those with and without quirks in particular i find interesting. In that when quirks first appeared those with them were heavily discriminated against. The term "quirk" itself in universe was an act of early quirk activism. And to this day those with very visually noticeable quirks or bodies that look different are discriminated against in the same society where now a quirkless kid will get bullied for not having a quirk. Those who are oppressed are not innocent of never further the oppression of others. Like irish americans becoming cops
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y’all are being so nice to me omg… you’re making me want to bring back my old tradition of taking meta requests and writing essays about fake ninjas for this hellsite
#( mobile. )#( ooc. )#like the daimyo system? the way the naruto military system makes zero sense? the aborted imperialism?#how kishimoto neutered the village system by making the DAIMYO responsible for electing kages (at least the hokage) and stating that the#villages (at least konoha) are BEHOLDEN TO THE DAIMYO who owns the land the villages are founded on. and that everyone just follows that#system? for no reason? no diversity in international conflicts except for in kiri bc kiri is hell?#[rattles my cage] WHAT IS THE ROLE OF CIVILIANS IN AN INNATELY MILITARIZED SOCIETY YOU SON OF A BASTARD
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i love watching reaction videos for ranking of kings and getting other peoples perspectives on characters and seeing how they change as the season progresses but people aren't commenting enough on kage and his motivations enough for me😭 like he's a character where i find myself honing in on his responses to things bc they tell you so much about his character?? like even down to his reaction when he thought bojji killed that guy at the tavern...kage is so young and has experienced more death than most, and those experiences have very clearly traumatized him, so to see his closest friend have potentially taken a life (in very much the same way his last parental figure died too), of course he was very deeply rattled! and the following scene where bojji admits he fears his mother is conspiring against him...its not just that kage knows she loves him, but he sees his own mother in her, sending her son off in a move that is ultimately to protect him. he's seen how deep her love for her son goes, and he cannot let bojji doubt that for a second, and its just as much for himself as it is for his boy...
#ranking of kings#seeing people comment on hiling and bojji in op2 but its kage being swung around n embraced by his mom that gets me everytime tbh#i could type about him forever BUT ANYWAYS. HES NOT JUST A SIDEKICK...HE SIDED W BOJJI BC HE SAW HIMSELF IN HIM.#AND HE COULDNT LET THAT LONLINESS PERSIST. ETC SO ON AND SO FORTH
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it just hit me that at my new job i would like, 100% be allowed to just show up in cosplay sometimes. or just the most absurd ass alt outfits (endearment) and that is a dangerous power to bestow upon me when combined with some semblance of financial stability
#kage rattles#THE BOSSES DO IT ALL THE TIME ITS LITERALLY SO COMMON AND EVEN /ENCOURAGED/!!!#showing up to work at 8am in full hunter clawthorne cosplay with a monster energy in hand: hello wanda.
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Favourite plush toys I think Haikyuu regressors/ caregivers would have- part 2
((There are mentions of unspecified trauma, a panic attack and tic fits. Stay safe!))
Hc for this round: Aone and Kogane are foster brothers
-Tenma lived with the Ukais during high school
Ps: I have included some head cannons that some caregivers who are close to the littles have a toy they carry with them in case something happens.
Hoshiumi- little
-is called chicken (Niwatori!)
-originally wanted a sea gull but said he looked sad
-Hirugami caved immediately
-needs to have him with him whenever he is away from his mum or Hirugami
-literally shoved him in Hinatas face as an introduction
-“you’re a caregiver?! This is my stuffie! His name is chicken and he’s just as good as any other bird!”
Tenma- little
-keeps it hidden
-was a present from Ukais family when he was first fostered with them
-refuses to show it to Akiteru, even after he finds out
-has a lot of unresolved trauma attached to the turtle
-refuses to name it (because he wasn’t given a name until he stayed with the Ukais)
-has had a lot of violent tic fits that could only be calmed by his turtle
Shirabu- little
-present from Semi before he graduated
-keeps it hidden in his dorm
-only Goshiki knows about it
-is covered in bandaids from playing vet
-was the start of his bunny stuffie collection
-called snowball
Osamu- flip leaning CG
-doesn’t normally regress but uses them if he is caring for his brothers
-is called scratch
-got a red panda because Atsumu really wanted the fox
-doesn’t sleep with him but he sits on his bed
-has his name stitched into the paw
-perfectly clean, if not a little worn
Aone- flip
-is called Armi
-is big enough that he can hold it with two hands (!)
-bought it while out with Kogane, after he realised he was a regressor
-Kogane loves it cause now they have a big brother to play with sometimes!
Tsukki- baby sitter
-went out and bought it after he accidentally gave Kageyama a panic attack in the change rooms
-is called koda (reference to power rangers Dino charge bc nerd)
-hates that Kageyama will bite it on the tail but doesn’t stop him
-isn’t very good at playing so he will just put the stego in Kages lap and rattle off Dino facts
Daichi- CG
-called nessie
-bought it after Oikawa spoke to him about little space
-brings it to camp as littles seem to like him for some reason
-(it’s his thighs, they’re wide enough that the bigger littles can sit in his lap comfortably)
-always makes the brrrrr noise for her when playing littles
Tendou- CG
-bought it for his twins but also uses it with Ushijima
-is called Ossom
-actually sleeps with it too
-always tries to stop Ushijima form putting its tail in his mouth
-immediately gives in when he looks like he’s gonna cry tho
Oikawa- CG
-takes it everywhere
-uses it to calm himself down when he gets too worked up in caregiver mode
-also uses it to distract upset littles
-Iwaizumi has had to use it on him too tho
-called is poppyseed ((for some reason???))
#Haikyuu agere#Haikyuu age regression#sfw agere#stuffies#plush toys#hoshiumi kourai#tenma udai#shirabu kenjirou#miya osamu#aone takanobu#tsukishima kei#sawamura daichi#tendou satori#oikawa tooru
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yaknow- i said i was gonna try my hand at making my own takes on at least Kagehara and Bonkichi- guess i should actually do that.
here's my take- instead of the abusive or hella creepy stuff where one or both are completly off their rocker cause i never understood that- what if they're just two nerds who suck at socializing who found one another and decided the other was really cool, and they like them alot, and maybe they should hang out or something
Bon carries over my artistic talent hc from Ouma, and loves to draw all sorts fanart, from fluff to angst to shitposts. He likes to draw Kage fanart of all the detective character as those are all his favorites, and sometimes draws a ship or two for him. He has a wall he covered in traditional art, and has almost run out of space on his tablet from the sheer amount of digitals drawings and refrence images he has saved.
It's his comfort/venting media so he spends alot if time working on new art when his paranoia issues are higher than they should be (which is more often than he'd ever admit) Bon is reserved, but still a bastard and loves to do things that tic people off, he's a bully in that regard- using a verbal bite to keep people out of his buisness. People love his art, but most don't ever confront him cause they'd rather not get bullied, the only person to have actually surpassed his bullying is Kage, and even then to an outsider the way Bon talks to Kage sounds like bullying- even if it's lighthearted
Kage is a semi school-popular danganronpa geek who loves to write, he does mainly theories- but on ocassion he'll bust out a great fanfic / oneshot. He's mainly popular because of his looks but most find his DR hyperfixation a turnoff so not that many people actually try to go after him, as results he gets some very mixed interactions.
Kage is the kind of guy to sit there and rattle your ears off about little very unnoticable things in danganronpa that are somehow importiant to the overaching plot of DR. the only known people to have enough patience for his rants are his tumblr followers, and Bon- who also follows him on tumblr. He honestly is just a harmless geek and most people can't handle how much energy he puts into his hyperfixation, so he just kinda vibes with the few people who don't mind. Outside of his hyperfixation he's mostly a talkative but shy geek with some serious adhd that he has meds for but forgot to take for the past year. he also has a soft spot for anything fluffy
it's also worth to note here i 100% think these two are dating and people just don't realize it cause Bon's publicly used love language is insults, and Kage is just too much to really imagine anyone actually finding a personality to love underneith the DR hyperfixation, but they make it work and very well. They probably were mid fangan creation when the oprotunity to join DR popped up. Kage was so desperate to be part of it he over exagerated himself in the audition to try and secure a place, and Bon joined to fufill a personal desire to fuck shit up- he'd actually gone behind Kage's back to join cause he didn't want him freaking out over his safty
#danganronpa#danganronpa v3#ndrv3#kokichi ouma#shuichi saihara#kagehara#bonkichi#saiouma#kagebon#danganronpa headcanons#headcanon
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If you still have a slot left, would you fit in Tenten and Gaara for an acts of kindness piece? I realize that you already have a bunch of “Naruto” requests, so if you have too many arriving at the closure I can save it for the summer or fall. Thanks!
GaaTen! That’s cute! Always here for some cute Gaara ships, he deserves all the love <3 And not to worry! I usually just go ahead and take last-minute requests, because I try to be fair when people are jostling for the last couple of slots, especially if it happens when I’m asleep or something.
Not Good For Business
He’d been staring at her for at least three minutes now-- definitely too long, but Gaara couldn’t help it. She was slumped over the counter of her weapons stall, mouth parted as she breathed deeply and steadily. Her breaths clouded before her face, dusting her cheeks and eyelashes in frosty crystals, and her cheeks were a ruddy red compared to her pale skin. Even if Tenten was dressed in a scarf and a downy overcoat, it certainly wasn’t the weather to be dozing out in the open.
Blanket, Gaara thought, the first coherent one he’d had after spotting the girl fast asleep at her weapons stall. He walked into the nearest general store and found a display of thick, downy blankets stacked near the front. He rifled through them, scrutinizing each one-- which would she like? He decided on one patterned with camellia blossoms. Girls liked flowers, right? Even if Tenten wasn’t exactly the most ordinary girl...
After paying, he walked back across the street, where she was still snoozing against the cold wood of her weapons stall. A fine layer of frost adorned the various weapons hanging from the hooks behind her. Weapons weren’t exactly selling in bulk in this new era of peace, he thought wryly. Gaara carefully edged around the counter so he could unfold the blanket and drape it over her slumbering form.
He froze when she inhaled sharply, and her eyelashes fluttered open to gaze up at him. At first, her eyes were hazy with sleep, but they gradually cleared and flooded with curiosity.
“You fell asleep,” he said dumbly.
She looked around, taking in the puddle of drool on the wood and the impression of the wood grain on her cheek. She rubbed her eyes with an incomprehensible grumble, squinting at the snow-dusted street.
“Oh. Well, that’s not good for business,” she joked and looked back to him. Gaara flushed. How could she look so pretty just glancing at him like that? “Thank you,” she said and pulled the blanket around her shoulders. “It’s really pretty.”
“You like it?” Gaara couldn’t help but ask, his heart fluttering in his chest. Tenten smiled and nodded. Her smile was pretty, too. “I’m glad.”
“I feel honored, being doted on by the great Lord Kazekage,” she giggled with a little wiggle of her shoulders. Gaara grimaced in embarrassment and scratched at the back of his neck. “Sure makes a girl feel good.”
“I... Well...”
“Care to keep me company?” she asked, scooting down her bench a little to pat the spot beside her. “It’s not like I’m busy, so if you’re not too caught up in official Kage business, I’d love to sit and talk.” The way she was looking at him, peering expectantly at him from underneath her lashes, made it impossible to refuse if he’d even wanted to. She laughed as he plopped down clumsily beside her, rattling the counter as he bumped his knee against it. He curled up with a groan, trying to pretend the pain shooting up his nerves wasn’t agonizing.
“I imagine inviting someone to chat isn’t exactly good for business, either,” he wheezed through the pain, looking at her through his peripheral vision. She tipped back her head in an airy laugh.
“Yeah, but it’s not like I’m selling anything anyway, so I might as well take my chance to flirt with the Kazekage, eh?”
Gaara’s face flooded the color of a tomato, making Tenten laugh more. He really didn’t know much about girls, but he knew she was pretty and he knew he liked her, so what more did he really need to know?
Enjoy this drabble? Feel free to find more on my Table of Contents!
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River nods eagerly, still bouncing in his seat. Pulling out a rubex cube to keep his bones from rattling.
Kage sat next to them he took out his phone and began texting Akarui he glanced over at River.
"So kid anything you wanna ask me before I head out?"
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What mental conditions does Kakashi exhibit in Naruto?
“OCPD
This one isn’t as serious, nor is it verified as solidly compared to the others. It’s more of a head-canon if you will. It’s kind of like a less extreme version of OCD (which is a mental illness, you can read up on it if you want). OCPD isn’t a mental illness, though, it’s a personality disorder.
Admittedly, it’s less prevalent now that he’s older, but as a child, he was naturally OCPD-like.
Here are the characteristics of OCPD and how Kakashi exemplifies them:
I don’t think it takes a genius to figure this one out. Kakashi keeps himself to himself and has the tendency to bottle up emotions (which is why we see him shut down when he’s emotionally rattled; he can’t take it — e.g. the fight with Obito).
As a child, Kakashi was abrasive and rude to others. While he was popular because he was a good shinobi, he formed little to no close relationships.
The only close relationship he currently maintains is the one with Gai.
We’ve already been over this.
During his childhood years, Kakashi was quick to anger when it came to Obito, and was frequently making indignant or self-righteous comments towards the other boy (e.g. putting him down for being late).
Kakashi also displays the tendency to push people away. In his ANBU years, despite Gai pestering him constantly, he was alone for most of his life.
I’m not so sure about the perfection part here, I feel it’s not as pronounced. However, we do see he’s naturally hardworking (as seen when Gai notices Kakashi works just as hard as he does, but doesn’t flaunt it as much) in his childhood, though he’s more laidback in adulthood.
Here are the symptoms of OCPD:
I have only seen one case of this, but it struck me as so odd I had to write about it. Actually, this was what made me headcanon that he has OCPD.
In Boruto, we see him offer to peel an orange for the A, the old Raikage. After five minutes, we see he’s meticulously peeling off the pulp from the orange, and the other Kage make fun of him. A gets irritated and just eats an orange whole, peel and all, while Kakashi continues to insist that he has to “peel it right” or something along those lines.
Kakashi was naturally formal in his childhood, so much that his superiors often commented he acted more like an adult than a child (we hear some chuunin complaining he’s creepy).
Kishi wanted to give him a formal appearance, actually, so he did consider making Kakashi end all his sentences with “gozaru” or something along those lines, which I think is an extremely formal way of talking in Japanese?
Kakashi is nothing if not a cheapskate. His bedroom is completely bare, he only has the essentials, and…
He cheats Yamato/Tenzo into buying meals for him.
Yes, yes, I know, this is anything but Kakashi. However, as a child, he had an obsession with being early. He was always on Obito’s case about it. I think he only started being late for everything to honor Obito’s memory.
It’s what makes him good in battles. He notices pretty much everything.
Look at his room. Just look at it. There’s not a hair out of place. He also appreciates the cleanliness of Sasuke’s room and is put off by the dirtiness of Naruto’s.
He hasn’t stopped following rules. He’s just stopped following the shinobi rules and started following Obito’s rule. That’s why he obsessively repeats: “Those who break the rules are scum, but those who abandon their comrades are worse than scum.” He’s just fixated on a different rule to base his life off of.
Moreover, he thinks to himself during his assessment of Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura as a genin team (whether to pass or fail them): “Am I still too obsessed with my rules, Obito?” or something along those lines.
Sorry, that got much longer than expected! I just got caught up in speculation.”
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