#literally been buried in my archives for years now LOL
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“ ࣭⸰ ★ GARDEN SONG . . .
⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ブルーロック ; itoshi rin x fem reader (6.8k)
⊹ ⠀⠀ rin's never been in love. he's never had the right to fall in love. so when sae is betrothed to a foreign princess, he doesn't bat an eye. you're just like every other girl who's attempted to marry his half-brother; yet, for some odd reason, he can't seem to shake you off. his heart aches thinking of you, despite how heated you make his head. he hates you. no. he loves you. no. rin doesn't know what he feels.
contains; royalty au, e2l, sfw, bastard prince!rin, princess!reader, reader is betrothed to sae, slowburn, rin calls reader names (like lowkey sexist sometimes), lots and lots of worldbuilding (bear with me please), forbidden love, swearing?, some sexual innuendos, kind of like...medieval dialogue??, tw rin literally calls reader a breeding ground like..., reader is very princess kaguya coded, some princess kaguya references near the end
author's note; literally dropping this out of nowhere sorry lol :3 i think this is my best piece of writing i've like ever produced so pls give it a chance n enjoy it! i rewrote the whole thing today in present tense,, so there might be tense errors
⋆⋆⋆⠀ ⠀this part of the fic is about 2 1/2 years old
⋆⋆⋆⠀ ⠀originally a keiji akaashi fic,, lmk any name errors
⋆⋆⋆⠀ ⠀extremely descriptive worldbuilding writing,, (heads up) if it's not ur thing then u likely won't enjoy reading this
⋆⋆⋆⠀ ⠀will have a second part titled swan song in the future!
It’s humorous to Rin— the perception that titles and notability have complete control over one’s life, obligations, and status. The pure and blind belief that every problem or issue can be solved with a man on the throne; a man whose birthright has always stated that that is where he belongs. Where he’ll rule and live out his days, utterly unhappy and self-sacrificing all for the benefit of people, his people, that he doesn’t even know. Strangers. Where he’ll wear a weighted crown encrusted in sapphires and jade, bound to strands of hair that’ll be ripped out if he dare defy his solemn promise to protect his kingdom. The crown must always be worn with pride and honor— the two things in the unspoken king’s code that every man of status is expected to follow— two simple things that seem impossible in Rin’s eyes.
Yes, he’s been raised according to the precept of manners and fulfillment of duties, but there’s something of the way his own father seems so distant and disconnected from the world around him— from the connections and relationships that he should be closer with— that makes the idea of being emperor completely disheartening. It’s completely and utterly horrid to Rin when he compares a life of golden chains to his dreams of travel and adventure.
It’s for the best that he’s nothing but a bastard child, then.
Prince Rin of the Itoshi family is nothing if not a black sheep. He’s a man who gentlemen aren’t envious of and whom women never lust for. He’s simply a royal with no drive, no meaning to motives or dreams, and no purpose to carry him onwards. Fortune and prosperity have never and will never be the necessary materials for his happy ending— but freedom and individualism, two contrasting colors amidst blocks of the same shade, speak his language. For in his situation, there’s no point in slaving away his natural qualities in hopes of gaining an ounce of respect from his parents.
The second born bastard child is but a shadow of a man when he stands behind the true heir—his half brother, Sae. The golden child, the pure-bred son of the true royal bloodline coming from their shared father’s genes. Sae, the future Emperor of Japan.
An emperor who’s bound to be married off to an unsuspecting princess who’s just recently come of age, and live happily ever after with their countless children. It sounds positively dreadful, doesn’t it? A life that’s been bestowed upon all of the men that have come before Sae— a life void of real love and connection, one that pleasures the theory of bountiful rulings in retrospect to genuine happiness. A life that Rin has never wanted for himself, and has been lucky enough to avoid.
But as his brother stands opposite to him, with his head held high as he’s about to meet his betrothed for the very first time, Rin feels pity.
It’s a sorrowful sight for Sae and the predicament that he’s been cornered into, but Rin knows his brother does not want his comfort. Their broken bond has been laced with new threads of sadness after years and years of competition— yet, everyone still deserves a choice in their future, in their loved ones, and that choice is being taken away from the crowned prince with every second ticking by.
Tick.
Tick.
Tick.
The time is now.
As the courtroom doors burst open, gold and silver accents vanish from sight. Five guests gracefully enter the palace— that of two guards, a handmaiden, a king, and the most important arrival…you. You, the princess of the neighboring royal family from the South. The royal family that will be merging with Rin’s father’s in a legal binding between you and Sae— the infamous royal wedding of the century.
“What an honor it is.” Emperor Itoshi greets your father with a firm stare.
The two men analyze one another, squaring out in a power strike before stepping forwards for a decisive handshake. As their palms clap together, Rin can see that this king is much different than his father— seemingly gentle, showcasing a non-plastic smile that’s true and bright whilst his daughter stands behind him— and Emperor Itoshi smiles back. “It’s truly spectacular to finally meet you; well, you and the princess, of course.”
At his words, your father grins and extends his arm out to you, encouraging you to step away from your trusted handmaiden and towards your future father-in-law— the man who’s retiring his lifelong title in a mere two months for the sake of passage that’s occurred for centuries. A sacred passage between fathers and sons, full blooded fathers and sons.
“Your majesty,” you bow your head.
As you curtsy in respect, your skirt drapes to the floor— the gown’s extravagance dusting the marble tiles, shimmering beneath the dense candlelight, and reflecting off the mirror and shined surfaces scattered across the ballroom. Despite the perception of beauty and grace that his father and brother seem to share for you, Rin peaks through the cracks of your facade. He can tell this regal persona you’re displaying is nothing but an act. Your stoic expression speaks all he needs to know, that everything about you is princess protocol and lacking personality, and proper folk have never been his usual cup of tea.
While he’s been ordered to entertain ladies of the court and women in the social ring for years-on-years, there wasn’t one occurrence where he actually obeyed his father’s demands— rather string along every maiden sent his way and bid them farewell after a night or two of endless, droning conversation; that and perhaps a few turns in and out of his bed chambers, which is a fact that is infamous among the palace staff. Rin disregards them, though. Tuning others out is his speciality. He uses it in daily conversation, diplomatic meetings, as well as other important matters such as the one happening now, right in front of him. Just a few feet away.
This is pointless.
Why is he being forced to be here?
It’s not like you're his bride.
Rin doesn’t even bother to tune into the presumptuous meeting of you and Sae. They don’t involve him in any way nor does he care for either of you. Typically, most others don’t give him the time of day, so who’s to say that they deserve it from him? The only thing he owes to others is his mere existence as the kingdom’s greatest mistake— all to remind the ton that there is a good and gracious prince, and they should be grateful that he is to be their ruler and not Rin.
Rin, whose birthright is to stand still and respond to his father’s wishes with no choice other than to agree.
So, as the decadence concludes with the bowing of heads and nods of approval dispersing amongst royals and servants, Rin thinks nothing of the way you and Sae stand beside one another in light conversation.
It’s desperate. The sight of you attempting to find a sliver of mutual interest or some sort of connection that binds the two of you other than royalty, makes him look in disdain. He’s grateful that he won’t be the one spending the rest of his already grey life with you, ruling the kingdom.
You aren’t really his type.
“Rin!” Sae’s voice rings through the courtroom, his eyebrows raise in expectancy as he ushers his half-brother towards his bride-to-be, wanting to introduce the two that’re going to be living in close proximity for the weeks to come. “Do come close, I’d like you to meet my bride. Perhaps you’ll find something in common and make a friend for once, for this girl can’t be another one of your whores.”
Typical Sae.
Whether the dig was intentional or unintentional, Rin grimaces at his brother’s words—pursing his lips into a tight smile and closing his eyes in an attempt to disguise his disdain with faint exhaustion.
“Apologies, my brother. I’m afraid I’m rather tired and would prefer to return to my quarters.” Rin nods towards the two of you in respect. “Do enjoy her company, yourself. I’m sure the two of you will be sharing personal physical matters in the near future— best to be comfortable.”
With a quick turn of his heel, he carries on, making his way towards the exit of the throne room, to his grand living quarters— quarters that are fit for a bastard prince such as himself. However, his rancid suggestions aren’t left unanswered, instead contemplated by you as he hears your light voice speak to his brother. Rin hates first impressions. Not because he gets anxious or worried about being disliked; but because he already knows whoever he’s speaking to already knows his history. They know the truth of his bloodline, and they’re never afraid to step on his already small ego. You’re no different.
“So the rumors are true then?”
You speak aloud in a low tone, deciding the best words to use, and phrasing your statements in the most respectful manner you can muster— not wanting to offend Sae in any way, shape, or form while you address his little brother.
“Your brother is not the royal he’s made out to be?” As your voice trails off, regret immediately overcomes you as the subject of conversation stops dead in his tracks.
A scoff escapes his lips, head tilting to the left as your remark settles beneath his skin— hitting that special little spot that enrages every buried emotion, feeling, and reaction in his heart.
Rin spins on his heel with a manic look on his face as he analyzes the regret hidden in your weary posture; which is in great contrast to the confidence and poise you’d displayed a mere seconds before— poise that appears to be only a facade, a mystery that he’d gladly uncover if he actually cared just an ounce about your wellbeing. Taking long strides towards you, ignoring the words of concern from his half-brother, he stops to a halt at your feet— giving you nowhere to avert your eyes, gaze being forced to rest on his anger and distaste only. The rage bubbling in the pit of his stomach is like an over-boiling copper pot, scorching water taunting the brink of the lid, causing it to fly off and wreak havoc elsewhere.
“Tell me, princess.” He ponders mockingly, finding great humor in how tense he was able to make you with three simple words.
“What is it that you make me out to be?”
There’s a shit-eating grin at the tip of his tongue, a taunting aura to his spite. Perhaps there’s a part of him that hopes your response will be genuine, positive to the darkness that’s held to his head on a daily basis— but no matter. He already knows what your misconceptions contain. He knows that you’d already filed him away in the troublesome cabinet at the back of your brain. It’s almost like he’s looking at an average cavern girl with great beauty. You’d be nothing without the small tiara on your head, that’s clear after determining the lack of assertiveness you assume.
…but perhaps, for once, Rin is wrong.
Not a single response emits from your mouth, the silent stare down between glaring eyes being intimidating enough; there’s absolutely no way you were going to anger the bastard prince any further. Yes, he’s considered to be nothing but a brute, but there’s something in his sparks of blue that makes you believe otherwise.
This man is an underestimated enigma, and you sure as hell aren’t going to be one of those common fools who blindly thinks otherwise.
“Your brother tells me you are a good man.” you speak enunciating each word to ensure that it gives its intended effect, that being of a derogative nature masked with falsified kindness and fortitude. “He says that your people adore you, that you are one in the same. Grounded. Of level head.” Bullshit.
Sae would never say those things.
The people would never say those things.
Rin scoffs, listening to the meaningless and unoriginal acclamations being brought to his attention, tired of having to hear them day after day by not only his fellow royals, but staff and peasants— and every other person who’s ever been fortunate enough to cross paths with the royal family, always being disappointed that he is the one to be met.
As he steps closer, wanting to see just an ounce of fear in your eyes, a frown is brought to his beautiful features. What?
In no way are you intimidated by his presence. There’s no shudder, no wince, no flinching whilst his steps grow closer and closer to your position. Just a blank stare of nothingness at his furrowed brows. You aren’t reacting like the other princesses that’ve come to attempt to wed Sae; all princesses who have come and gone due to Rin’s dark intimidation. You have spirit, a fire that’s not willing to be doused by his ocean of hatred.
“Are these your words?” he interrogates.
One of his hands reaches out to brush a stray strand of hair behind your right ear, noticing the tomato red of your cheeks. Smirking, he thinks to himself how dismantled you likely are beneath your stoney stance. “Or are these all of the things my brother has told you? Do you have any thoughts of your own, princess?”
“No need to answer that. I already know what you think of me.” Continuing on, deaf to the attempted precautions from Sae, he leans in— his lips just ghosting over yours, and whispers his final remarks.
“You’re an open book, beautiful— and I can’t say that I'd ever want to read you.”
So, as Prince Itoshi Rin’s steps recede, the distance between you two grows with every second; and you feel a bright, red, rage bubbling deep within your heart. It’s a hot and heavy anger simmering within your soul for the sly man with dark hair— knowing full well that he will be one of the many, if not the biggest, challenge you’ll face in your newfound kingdom.
And never before, have you felt more ready to take on a challenge.
Annoyance is the most prominent emotion Rin has felt in the past two weeks.
Utter disdain at the sight of you and Sae conversing through the courtyard, picking flowers in the rose garden, and taking romantic boat rides in the nearby lake. It’s one thing to fall in love, feel your heart begin to swell at the physical presence of that one special person— but it’s another to have to witness first-hand with no relation to the budding romance at all. Having no need to be involved in the newfound relationship, yet still being forced to interact as a third party member. It’s absolute madness.
He’s somewhat happy for Sae, he truly is. There’s a sense of pride in his soul at the sight of his half-brother stepping up to the position that he’s been in preparation for for all of his life— but with that promotion comes you.
With the rise of power comes your completely lethargic presence.
Oh how he cannot stand you.
You’re just insufferable. You’re unapologetically and unequivocally insufferable to his mind. The mere sound of your voice sends him into a downward spiral. The mere thought of your existence ruins his day with ease. The slightest mention of your life-lasting role in the kingdom he’d grown up in ignites the most powerful feeling of disgust he’s ever known. The weight of his conscience burns with every snarky remark, dig, and insult that flies from your throat; your trained grace never falling scarce in melody, although your words could be considered crude by any proper lady. Words that allow you to terrorize his brain in the midst of night, keeping him awake whilst the moon becomes one with the sun.
He fully believes that you were created to be the bane of his existence…the hell to his heaven…the demon behind all corners in the everlasting game that he has the misfortune of living.
“You’re looking a little grey today, Rin.”
Oh no…
“Perhaps it’d be wise to freshen up a bit!”
Please, just shut up.
“I’m sure the servants won’t mind spending a few hours by your side in an attempt to make you look handsome!”
He hates that damn sound.
There it is. The dreadful sound of your sing-song voice ringing through the hallowed halls, emptying the painfulness of your personality in the wake of the morning dew— as for some god awful reason, you always insist on being the first person to the dining hall, wanting to mark each new day with a classic and large Japanese breakfast.
“As I’ve said many-a-times before, princess.” His head swivels to face you, eyes rolling at the skip in your step. “You are to refer to me as Prince Rin, it is what I prefer.”
“Is it your honored title or is it what you personally enjoy?” you challenge, looking over your shoulder with a mocking pout, having the knowledge that he has certainly come to despise you in the short time you’ve known one another. “Greatest apologies, my liege; but it wouldn’t be proper of me, a woman, to call you, a man, a name that isn’t of great decadence.”
“Surely you can see where my true intentions lie?”
A pained grin comes to shine on his features, shooing away the rain clouds and allowing sparse rays of phony sunshine to shower you. His teeth bite his bottom lip as he struggles to keep his curses imprisoned between his heart and his tongue. You had to have been born of a despicable nature. In no world that is right, in no paradise would anyone deserve the punishment of having to know you— as Rin believes all tyrants belong with the street rats. Not to insinuate you’re a tyrant, but to express that you’re equivalent to a sickly rodent.
“I’m not a fool, you know.” he spits, striding towards your retreating figure and grabbing you by the forearm and stopping you in your tracks. Rin smirks as his touch forces you to become overwhelmed in shock. “I see you, princess. I see through your poise and ladylike mannerisms. I can see what a lonesome and sorrowful shadow you’ll inevitably become. No wonder you’re going to be nothing but an objectified woman, an accessory to Sae’s power— a dull little doll of a woman who perhaps had moxie in her past— yet still became a lifeless puppet beneath a bejeweled tiara, stuck with the hands of judgment up her arse.”
You’re a fool to go toe-to-toe with him, of all people.
Rin doesn’t think he’s ever seen such fire behind your eyes. Fire that burns hot, raging with seething anger and humiliation. If the world were to be supernatural, there’s no doubt in his mind that you’d have set it aflame in response to his vile predictions; the castle crumbling in ash with you standing alone in its wake atop his lifeless corpse that’s burnt to a crisp.
“You are entirely incorrect, never have I shown servitude for the sake of reputation—”
“Really?” his snarling voice interrupts you, refusing to let you get a single word in amidst his long-winded attack. “Then what is it that you’re doing right now, at this very moment. No princess with a functioning brain would ever find herself working with kitchen servants to prepare breakfast for two royal families. She’d simply order them to do it on their own. Every single thing you do is in order to gain likability from those who shouldn’t ever matter. If you had a backbone of any sort, you’d understand that— and you’d understand that titles are of nothing. They’re of no relation to any true purpose or meaning.”
“Then what are you?” you retaliate, ending the lengthy trail of hurtful words and confessions spewing from his mouth. “What are you but a sorry excuse of a prince…of a son?”
“You say titles are rubbish, yet you continue to wear that horrendous crown atop your hair. You choose to take it off of your placid vanity and wear it with honor; although you aren’t much of an honorable man, are you? If you were, then perhaps you’d have a grain of respect from your people. Perhaps you would spend your days in the throne room, being in the advisory alongside your brother— your splendid and valiant brother who has done nothing but serve for the greater good— instead of dallying away with mundane and useless tasks that no one cares to notice! As why would anyone bat an eye at a mistake, when they could be focused on someone like Sae. Someone of the sun’s decadence?”
The face opposite to yours is almost unrecognizable; with his red skin, flared nostrils, and dead-set eyes, Rin looks as if he’s just murdered a man out of spite and grief. He looks as if he’s just induced a homicide and is preparing to start anew, find another victim…that victim undoubtedly being you.
He tips his head downwards, breath grazing against your upper hairline whilst his dark crown shifts in his hair— nearly falling off the front of his forehead, the large arches seem ominous and unwelcoming along with the deadly ocean depths of his eyes. The usual gem-like blues holding a more dangerous tone than a tsunami.
Rin knows he’s frightening…
…and he’s enjoying it.
“You speak on things you know nothing of.” Rin fakes a straight toothed smile; his outside appearance looking completely opposite to the growing pit at the bottom of his stomach. If the peasant’s freak show has come to the kingdom, he’ll be the opening act—a fraudulent performer behind a mask of stoney emotions. “I have freedom and opportunity. If I so wanted, I could order a horse to be prepared, ride through those gates, and never look back. There is nothing holding me here— not my father, my brother, or the people. When will you realize how little your beliefs matter to me.”
He’s boiling with rage, as are you whilst his words ring truer than you’d like to admit; each one hitting the most insecure corners of your heart. “Your meaningless and unimportant opinions in relation to my kingdom— when in reality, you’re simply another black plague that’s washed upon its shores. Another person who’s crawled out of the local sewers and weaseled their way into the generous hands of the royal family. It’s just so unfortunate...”
“...that in the end, you’re nothing but a breeding ground for my brother.”
On instinct, without a coherent thought in your mind, you feel your arm swing out— open palm flying through the air, only to land against the dark prince’s swelling cheeks— leaving not only a bright, red mark, but also an expression of identical shock on both of your faces.
Taking a step back, he reaches upwards to cup the bruise only to realize that you’ve done far more damage than a measly purple wound. You’ve managed to produce a cut, one that seeps through his scarlet blossoms and runs from the corner of his eye to the bottom of his chin; displaying the path of your anger whilst your ring-studded hand has directed itself across his face.
Raindrops of ruby pour from the injury as you stare in horror at your blood splattered engagement ring.
The shimmering diamond turns dark as the tide of rouge rolls in, encasing the notion of property beneath your outspoken and unintentional hatred for Rin; and before you’re given a chance to respond, a second to apologize, the man has already stalked off towards his living quarters— not wanting to see the look of expected satisfaction on your face at the sight of his uncontrollable winces. You don’t deserve to smug as he rests in pain— despite how you are, in truth, regretful of what you’ve done.
Though, not that he’ll ever come to that conclusion.
As why would you, someone in the same likable ranks as a weathered gargoyle have any intent of remorse. Why would you, a woman who would soon have all the power in the world to hold over his head, care about a lasting scratch; no matter how deep.
You’re a tyrant, and oh-how he loathes a tyrant.
A garden of statues would perhaps have more purpose than Rin in his current predicament— standing between his father and half-brother, listening in on the up-and-coming preparations for the royal wedding; whilst even the breaths he takes are ignored, lost in a sea of ignorance and invisibility. Emperor Itoshi gleams with pride, his mindset focused on the change of power— the crown on his head that will soon be worn by his eldest son, the one of pure royal blood. Yet, with the happiness in his heart, his smile only reaches so far; never shedding light on the tundra that consumes his bastard child.
“Rin!” The man hollers beside him as he grasps Sae’s shoulder in a love-bound strength; his god-given touch of a father being miles-on-miles away from the fragile prince who needs it most. “Look at the life your brother’s going to make for himself! Witnessing him amidst the coronation will be splendid—”
“Remind me again, father.” Rin interrupts, not wanting to hear a minute more of the relentless doting. It’s night and day, a never ending string of praise and compliments, all for the great, Sae. “Where is it that I am to be for the duration of these wondrous festivities? I don’t believe I’ve heard spoken word of that as of yet.”
A wave of ignorance acts upon itself through his father’s careless hand, dismissing the trivial concerns of his youngest son; his heart only having enough room for one soul other than himself. “I suppose you’ll stand with the castle staff, it’s likely we have a limited space at the head of the church due to the size of our friends' traveling blood.”
The castle staff?
He’s to stand with lowly servants?
Rin doesn’t know why he feels so shocked, after all, he should’ve been expecting to be cast aside with those of low status. While his title associates himself with the royal lineage, he’ll never truly be accepted into the upper class— that divide has always been inflicted upon him by his own father.
“So, I am not to be in our primary aisle? I am not to have a sliver of sight at Sae’s crowning?”
There’s a hint of spite in his tone, a spite that was usually hidden from the eardrums of others, revealing itself to the people who’d known it was lurking for decades. While Sae simply disconnects himself from the conversation, a privilege that he’s lucky to have, refusing to meet his younger brother’s eyes— their father pushes further. He’s well aware of the growing insecurities his bastard child has, but he also knows how to obliterate the subject in its entirety.
“You aren’t pure.” His voice is stoney and directed at Rin whilst gesturing to Sae, as he shakes his head at his least favorite son. “I can’t possibly have you, a boy I conceived with a gutter whore, stand at the equal sides of neighboring royalty. It would be seen as disgraceful.”
This isn’t the first time Rin’s heard these words.
“You are a disgrace.”
His father tells him these things often.
“All you are is a physical representation of my shame, boy. You’ve already embraced the darkness—it’s about time you allow the shadows to consume you whole.”
That doesn’t lessen the pain, though.
With that, Kyohei turns away and grasps Sae’s arm, leading him towards their higher chambers; ones that Rin has never been honored to walk upon. There are no glances, no solemn, not a single look back by his father to perhaps ensure that his son is somewhat okay or devastatingly upset— though, neither one is true. The only emotion racing through the thick blood in his veins is emptiness. Just the familiar feeling of being worth absolutely nothing in the eyes of the man who should see him as the world. From the beloved emperor that cares for nameless peasants and civil servants, his father is seen as just and valiant— his true nature of disdain and cruelty only being known by his immediate family.
So as he walks alone, with no council weighing down on his heart, no angel on his shoulder, and no devil in the ranks— Rin is blind to the world around him. He chooses to maintain blindness in relation to any matter that seems regal and of importance. Since, after all, who is he to state a claim on that significance…
…when he, himself, has no significance at all?
His feet move on autopilot, like a white pawn at the match’s first mark. As if there’s a knife at his throat, forcing him to play down the chessboard— across the bi-colored tiles and towards the blackened queen. Him being a simple sacrifice; one of many to ensure a victory, no matter the underlying consequences. No matter the fact of how he’ll never hear the final calling, the call of wind inducing the fallen king and victorious player— as he’ll be far too acquainted with death to rise back from the shattered stone. A small sense of relief overcomes him as he steps into the courtyard. His soul is satisfied and alleviated at the location his muscle memory has taken him. While the twilight moon is nearing, his mind is awake; fully conscious and stormy of his own self-doubt and insecurities. Two things that can typically only be dissolved by his favorite location on the castle grounds.
The secluded lake amidst the willow trees. It shimmers and glistens beneath the draping branches, and acts as a hub of life and growth. His secret spot is possibly the most beautiful feature in the kingdom, at least Rin feels so; with its evening flowers and low-light critters, the soft grass and blossoming lily pads, and the perfect view of Andromeda— it’s his safe haven.
A safe haven that he prefers to keep to himself.
A place that no other person has stepped foot in for as long as he’d known of its existence.
A place that has just now been infiltrated by the disguised cockroach that is you.
“You torment me day and night within the walls of my own home; yet you still find it necessary to follow me as if you’re a lost duckling during ungodly hours.” he deadpans, shaking his head at the sight of your furrowed brows and taking a seat at the bay. Rin sighs deeply as his calloused skin comes in contact with the grassy fibers. “A proper princess would be in her chambers by the time midnight struck. It’s nearly 12:30, princess.”
Why are you looking at him like that?
The strange look on your face is laced with some sort of emotion that he’s never seen before. It's buried beneath the layers of organic makeup and skin. He can only assume it’s something similar to discomfort, and despite your intentional mask being well kept— he can see through anyone. He has the rare ability to understand the thickest of thieves, as he, himself, is the biggest phony of them all.
The sparse shadows soften your usually antagonized features in his mind, a more human appearance alleviating in its wake; and Rin swears he sees a tear drip from your right eye, swimming down your cheeks, and dropping off at your chin into the dewey land— becoming one with nature’s true beauty. The earth embraces your unexplained sadness with open arms, blowing the willow branches around your body. In a strange way, Rin thinks this is the first time he’s truly seen you as what you are. A princess. You’re beautiful beneath the moonlight, but perhaps it isn’t your physical beauty that’s catching his eye…but your emotional vulnerability.
“Dearest apologies, my liege.” you mutter, voice droning on with not a sliver of spite in your tone; only exhaustion. “I’m afraid that I’m not much of a proper princess, tonight. If you’d prefer it, I’d be more than welcome to leave you be— perhaps I’d regain some of my lost dignity in doing so.”
He studies you for a moment, his eyes grazing your posture, the physical habits you display on the daily are missing beneath the moon’s kisses. All that’s left in its disappearance is a small-spoken and sadness-consumed girl. A girl that’s tired and painstakingly sick of the expectations and predecessors that she’s been forced to live up to by birth…and as much as he hates to admit it, even just to himself, he’s found a similar identity in you. A familiarity he’s never quite noticed before.
“Stay.” His voice is so faint that even he is surprised at his statement.
“Perhaps we’ll both freeze to death.” he continues on, feigning the annoyance he typically spits in your direction. “I’d quite enjoy seeing your ghastly face covered in ice.”
While Rin believes his offering to be nothing out of the ordinary, your expression tells otherwise. It’s clear that you’re able to read through the misconceptions he’s trying to give you; looking straight into his eyes with an amused gleam and giggling softly in response. He’s never made a princess laugh before— usually the only girls he spends one-on-one time with are the tavern girls who wish to sleep with a prince— and he’d be a liar to say he didn’t like the sound. You have a beautiful laugh and Rin hangs onto every second it continues to carry through the wind. Perhaps he’s been misjudging you just as you misjudged him. Perhaps you’re not like the others.
“I’m sure you would, Rin.” you smile, sitting down next to him on the plush comfort of uncut grass. “But I have had such an awful day, that I don’t think there’s anything you can say to me that will make it worse.” An awful day?
“May I ask what happened?” Why does he suddenly care?
“Yes, you may.” Why do you want to tell him?
A sigh breathes out of your lips, whistling in the wind and getting lost in the space of stars. “I’m a lousy princess.”
He chuckles, shaking his head and nudging your shoulder. There’s no way that you, little miss prim and proper, are a bad princess. You’re practically the model that every father bases his daughter on when raising her in a royal setting; he knows because he’s met his fair share of truly lousy princesses. “No you’re not.”
“Yes I am.” you’re not looking at him anymore, rather at the constellation ceiling above you. The stars reflect themselves in your eyes, and if you weren’t a princess on earth, Rin would think you were a gift from the moon himself. “I could barely keep up with Prince Sae today. We had dance rehearsals for the wedding, and our instructor is so strict that I can barely breathe around her without being reprimanded. I couldn’t even memorize the basic steps, I don’t know what is wrong with me. I have practically been training for this duty for my entire life and I can’t remember a few dances? I’m not fit to be a queen. I just turned eighteen, I’ve barely lived at all. How can I protect an entire kingdom, when I cannot even fend for myself?”
“Prince Sae is perfect. He’s amazing. I can’t possibly be enough to be his wife. I can’t live up to those standards. It’s impossible.”
Suddenly, all of the broken pieces seem to come together. They’re swept by a broom, one that the moon king holds above the two of you, as your shattered stars of insecurities collide into one pile of stardust. Rin sees himself in you. He sees himself from a perspective that he’s never known before. Never in his life has he met someone who understands and agrees that royal duties are impossible; usually common folk and other royals tell him what an honor it is to be of a royal bloodline. They don’t care or consider his feelings on having to be held to a higher standard, while also being at a disadvantage as a bastard child. You are different. He knows you won’t judge him for these fears he has; a small part of him trusts you now.
“My brother is a golden boy.” Rin smiles at you, and it’s the first genuine smile he’s ever given someone. “Please do not take it too personally if you cannot live up to his excellence.”
You gaze at him in appreciation, scooting slightly closer while keeping a healthy balance that wouldn’t ensue romantic implications. “Thank you. I can’t even begin to imagine how difficult it must be for you, though. How do you handle all of this? I can barely keep my head above water.”
Wow…you’re the first person who’s ever asked how he feels.
“It’s difficult,” he explains, “but manageable. I’ve only ever known this life, so I’m quite used to being at the end of the line so-to-speak. My brother— I’m not sure why I even call him that, he’s not my brother, I’m sorry. My half-brother is the kingdom’s blessing. He’s my father’s blessing. He’s perfect like you said; but his destiny isn’t his own. Do you understand what I’m trying to say?”
Your head shakes in confusion, not quite understanding where his story is going.
“I’m sorry, I’ve never spoken of these feelings before; at least not out loud to someone other than my own mirror.” His human instinct shuffles himself closer to you, wanting that physical comfort whilst knowing that he can never have it. “I’m not unhappy that I am not the one to be emperor. I would rather be a bastard, because at least I have freedom to run away one day without worrying about feeding the masses and avoiding war. I can leave this kingdom and not have to think about my father or Sae ever again. That’s the one luxury I have always had— and it’s the one thing that I look forward to. I’m so sorry that you don’t have that same privilege.”
Nothing comes as a response and Rin feels a little concerned, that is until your soft voice reaches his ears.
“I’m sorry for being so difficult towards you.”
You’re apologizing?
“I don’t regret anything, though.”
That makes more sense.
Another laugh bubbles up from the pits of his soul, setting off the volcano of amusement that’s been dormant for so long. “You’re a tyrant princess, my kingdom should be more weary of you.”
You giggle beside him, “Tyrant princess sounds more fun than disciplined empress.”
Maybe he’s gone mad or maybe the chilling breeze has gotten to his brain and made him delusional, but Rin feels his heart pounding— and not in the familiar way of anger and aggression. This rapid heartbeat is something warmer…fonder…gentler. If he’s not mistaken, he believes it to be the warmth that comes with falling in love; something that he’s only read about and wished for when he does eventually run away from home. However, he never believed he’d find that feeling within the palace walls— especially with you, whom he despised prior to this night. He promised himself he’d never fall for another royal, but his destiny is shaping itself in ways that are unpredictable.
He should thank the man in the moon.
Rin stands, dusting off his pants, before offering you a hand. It’s an earnest gesture, one that you cannot ignore, and he’s vulnerable with his sincerity. “I can’t promise that I hold any skills near to my brother, but I swear on my soul that I won’t push you into that lake if you give me one dance.”
“Just one?” your tone is teasing, yet you accept his offer. The feeling of your hand in his sparks flickers of jealousy in Rin’s mind. Why is Sae the one who gets to hold you? It isn’t fair. “If you push me in that filthy water, I’ll give you a matching scar…”
“...right there.”
One of your fingers softly grazes his cheek, the spot underneath his right eye and flicks upwards, brushing against his thick eyelashes, before you lace your hands around his neck. You sway together, with the moonlight showering its stars down upon you, blessing you with well-wishes from the galaxy— and drift away from the worries of royalty and betrothals. Rin is miles from the anger that nestled itself inside of his heart, freezing it and shrinking it until he no longer knew what the emotion felt like. You’ve melted that ice. You’ve found a crack and broken the cycle of rage he’s so accustomed to…and he’s grateful.
For this is the first time he’s ever felt loved…
…if only you were his…
…but you aren’t.
⋆⋆⋆⠀ ⠀thank you for reading! reblogs are greatly appreciated!
⋆⋆⋆⠀ ⠀will have a second part titled swan song in the future!
#this fic is finally seeing the light of day#literally been buried in my archives for years now LOL#hope u enjoy it <3#angelshubnetwork#i.e. garden song#rin itoshi#itoshi rin#rin x reader#rin x you#rin x y/n#itoshi rin x you#itoshi rin fluff#itoshi rin x reader#rin ff#rin fanfiction#rin fanfic#rin angst#rin fluff#itoshi rin fanfiction#itoshi rin fanfic#itoshi rin x y/n#rin itoshi x you#rin itoshi x reader#itoshi rin hc#itoshi rin hcs#itoshi rin angst#rin itoshi fluff#rin itoshi angst#bllk#blue lock
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When the pieces fall into place
I have had so little sleep for the last week that I definitely had rings around my eyes when I looked in the mirror this morning. I relate to this post a lot:
Anyway, after work I left the apartment a bit later than I wanted, because I got an email just as I was about to leave, that I GOT THE JOB!!! (more on that later as it's out of scope for this post.)
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2024 Apr 04 – Espoon Kultturikeskus (Tapiolasali), Espoo
I managed to catch Pate at the merch table, and he promised to deliver my packet to Senpai (I made him a little calligraphy piece).
I noticed that there was a little pile of leaflets for their big stadium concert in November (did I write about this yet, it was announced in January) which is kind of funny because it has been close to sold out for weeks now. Like, you've 100% made it to top tier when you can fill a stadium THAT quickly.
This post is mostly pictures because I got good pictures!!
Except this one. Why is it so hard to take a good mirror selfie. Why do people crash my (otherwise) good mirror selfies.
This sharpie line on the edge marks centre stage:
Stella is substituting for Heini while she's away:
Have I already photographed this gesture before? (probably. he doesn't have that many gestures.)
Markus always has a grin on and it's hard to look away from it, lol.
(He was wearing the fun socks.)
There's a few times while Leo is doing the invisible microphone thing when he's mirroring what Senpai is doing and it's funny.
This is not the cleanest picture because it's a split second thing when he leaps down from the riser, but there's a nice symmetry to it:
Without string players, they all fit into the picture from the first row without using the wide-angle lens on my phone :)
Tomorrow I will try to film all of Kanto, so you can check out the long guitar solo. I filmed just the solo today but cut it off too soon since it continues a bit after the vocals come back in. So you may as well have the whole thing.
Other stuff
I can't get over this picture that was in Apu magazine last week (he was the cover story). It's a very evocative photo because it's a peek behind the (proverbial) curtain of his stage persona. I think it's also very melancholy, which is entirely appropriate since the article is about his mental health (it has been his ... theme in interviews since late last year).
Buried in the end of the article at the bottom of the bio box was a release date at the end of April for a live album. This hadn't been officially announced yet at the time. It was confirmed and available for preorder today, and it turns out NOT to be the performance in Turku last spring (where he'd mentioned it was being recorded) but the one in Helsinki. It's also not ALL of the songs, of course. I'm probably just going to preorder it and pick it up after work that day instead of being weird and taking the day off to get it the moment the shop opens. After all, it's content that I have (literally) heard before.
They are also publishing a biography book in the fall!! Does that mean Senpai might show up at BOOK FAIR (best fair)???? Will he write another weirdly personal note in my copy???
Maailma palaa
Kohti sydänpeltoja
Intiaanit
Huomenna kaduttaa
Ilman mua
Tummilla teillä
Samaan mutkaan kaatunut
Exodus
Tanssimaan
Valot eteiseen
Kiljut riemusta
Reppana
Faarao
Kolme hyvää vinkkiä
Kanto
Onnellinen mies
Hetken ikuinen
// Ei voittajaa
// Kukaan ei koskaan
// Arlandan portailla
[Concert write-up archive and master calendar]
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Fic Recs (cause it's always nice to give a shout out and get people into things I'm into rn)
[The Magnus Archives] (I recently finished the podcast and I fell into a hole for a while so here you go)
Sing a Song of Sixpence by Kaiel
Ship: Jon/Martin
In which Jonathan Sims is a Siren, and he fails to notice any new abilities granted to him by the position of Archivist. Or really anything about the Entities at all.
Takes place in season 1 featuring Jonah Magnus’s slow decent into madness
(The new mythology interwoven with tma's worldbuilding is so freaking good and I love how all the characters change and develop because of these changes. Also, f you Elias)
Along Came a Spider by Dribbledscribbles
Ship: implied Jon/Martin
Sasha James is the Archivist, as expected. Martin Blackwood is menaced by Jane Prentiss, as expected. Elias Bouchard weaves his web, as expected.
All goes as it should.
At least until something calling itself Jonathan Sims steps in.
(Web!Jon in this makes me want to weep, it's so freaking good. A pretty long, very excellent oneshot on what could've happened if Jon got taken by the web when he was a kid. And Sasha as the Archivist is ALWAYS so cool, we love her in this house.)
A Break in the Clouds by Ash_Rabbit
“I’m eight.” the kid sniffs as if eight was any different from four, maybe not an unspeakable horror then, just a regular horror. “And I heard that the Magnus Institute deals with-” his little nose scrunches, cute. “-spooky things.”
“Do you have a-” he cracks a grin, and then rethinks it as small hands tighten against their burden.”-spooky thing to deliver?” gods he hopes not, it’s bad enough when adults walk in and lay out all of their baggage, but for a child-
“There’s a spider in this book.” the kid says solemnly, raising his textbook sized parcel. “It ate Evan Pritchard.” a bloody fucking Leitner. Of course an eight year old would find a murder spider book. “This seemed like the best place to bring it.”
(I never thought about what the Original Elias could've been like AND NOW I CAN'T STOP THINKING ABOUT IT BECAUSE OF THIS FIC. I LOVE HIM, HE'S COMPLEX AND HE CARES AND JON CARES AND THEY BOTH CARE ABOUT EACH OTHER. THIS IS THE CONTENT I WANT, OMG. Also, Jon being even smaller than usual is adorable, so cute. No wonder Elias wants to hug him, a LOT.)
See the Line where the Sky meets the Sea by The_Floating_World
Ship: Jon/Martin, Jon/Oliver Banks
When Jon is a child he looks into the infinite abyss of space. The Vast looks back into him.
(One of my all time fave fics in this fandom, no questions asked. I have reread this three times and am open to doing it again, god. Vast!Jon, such a concept. It's written so beautifully and the relationships Jon develops, so good. ugh. My heart. Please please read.)
Sweet As Roses by Prim_the_Amazing
Ship: Jon/Martin
“Come in, Martin,” he says, not looking up from his notes.
“Hi, Jon,” he says, and Jon stops writing at the sound of his voice. “We’re out of the green tea, but we’ve got lemon?”
Jon looks at him. Martin smiles at him in his usual tentative way as he sets the mug of tea down on Jon’s desk. Heat spikes so sharply in his gut that he twitches with it.
“Thank you, Martin,” he says, mouth dry, and he stands up.
“Oh,” he says, sounding almost surprised. He smiles again. “No-- no problem-- um, what are you--”
Jon takes Martin by the shoulders, leans up on the tips of his toes, and kisses him.
(You have no idea how much I howled through this fic, my god. *buries face in hands* The number of times I wanted to cry from sheer hilarity and horror reading this good lord.)
Things Could Always Be Worse by theOestofOCs
Ship: Jon/Martin, Georgie/Melanie
Sometimes, the most horrifying thing of all is what might have been.
Somewhere, Jon could swear he heard a crowd laughing.
Or: in which Jonathan Sims is forced to swap places with his alternate self—a tall, chivalrous hero extraordinaire, who knows neither fear nor nuance—and is sent to the aggressively straight alternate universe the Magnus Archives was never meant to be.
“Whatever place this is,” Jon announced, “I just want to be sure it knows I hate it.”
(I will say this once, THIS IS THE MOST CURSED THING IVE EVER READ EVER. Like holy hell. I can't believe this thing exists. please read it oh please please please)
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[Supernatural]
heard from your mother (she don't recognize you) by Schmuzz
Ship: Dean/Cas, Jessica/Sam
A man named Cas wakes up in 2003 with no memories, but he's able to piece together a few things:
1. Supernatural creatures exist, and most of them will hurt innocent civilians if he doesn't stop them;
2. He has abilities that no human hunter should have, but he knows enough about human hunters to keep that to himself, and finally;
3. He keeps running into another hunter named Dean Winchester, who seems to be about as lonely as he is if he's willing to put up with those former facts long enough to help Cas unravel the mystery of who (or what) he really is.
For his part, Dean's still (not) dealing with Sam's departure to Stanford, and figures distracting himself with a bit of mystery and intrigue is as harmless as it gets, right? Right.
(THE fic I'm most into right now, been following this from the very start and it's AMAZING. Cas has agency and is making friends and S1 Dean is growing out of John's influence and is becoming a Person and the both of them first being friends then more. The slow burn as their relationship develops, SO GOOD. SO SO DAMN GOOD. *screams* Seriously one of the best spn fics I've read in a long, long time.)
anamnesis by cenotaphy
Ships: Castiel/Dean, Sam/Eileen
Chuck is depowered, Jack is the new god, and the world is free. Dean and Sam get into the Impala and chase down the miles on an endless highway, and their story is finally, finally their own to follow. At least, that's what Dean tells himself. But the diners and motels and painted interstate lines are blurring together and the smallest details keep catching at his brain like tiny fishhooks and he can't quite shake the feeling that not everything is exactly as it should be.
*
Fix-it/alternate series finale. Canon-compliant through the end of 15.19.
(THIS IS THE FIC THAT GOT ME THROUGH THE FINALE OKAY. WHY COULDN'T THIS HAVE BEEN CANON. It's Disturbing and honestly plot-wise this makes more sense. Why couldn't we have had this. *screams*)
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[Avatar: The Last Airbender]
where the stars do not take sides by WitchofEndor
Ship: Sokka/Zuko
When Azula is nine, she becomes an only child. She hears the Fire Lord call for Zuko's life, and in the morning, her mother and brother are gone. Azula may be young, but she isn't naive. She knows what happened to them.
Which makes it all the more surprising when Azula tracks the Avatar down and fights his group of peasant friends, only to find herself staring into an eerily familiar face.
(The fact one of the tags in this fic is, "Sibling Dynamic: Fucked Up But Wholesome" should give you an idea what this fic is like. Chaotic as HELL and I just love Azula here, she loves Zuko so much in her messed up way and Zuko loves her back in the exact same way lol. It's batshit and I am Here For This.)
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[Naruto]
Eclipse by AislingRoisin (JayBird345) for HybrisAnaideia
Ship: Nara Shikaku/OFC
"In life, it's easier to remain stagnant and wallow in your troubles. But life isn't merely about continued existence, nor is it meant to be gone through alone."
(This is a fic that's slept on and I NEED people to read this. A self-insert fic that I find really interesting in its approach and the worldbuilding for the post-third war shinobi world is fantastic. I feel like there's a certain pattern with self-insert fics, not that is a detriment in any way to how much I enjoy them, so this fic feels fresh to me in a way I haven't read in a while. I am waiting eagerly for this to get updated! Please read!)
On Freedom and Other Formalities by iaso
Ship: Kakashi/Genma/OFC
When push comes to shove, Hiwa Inuzuka doesn't go down easy. Reborn into a new, dangerous world? She puts her past life as a spy to work. Thrown into a war? Hiwa does her duty, for Konoha. And when she's forced into an arranged marriage? All there is to do is beat them to the punch and get married first. Thankfully, Genma Shiranui is willing to lend a hand. Literally. SI/OC
(Listen, LISTEN, it's about the slow burn, the longing, the communication (it both has and hasn't and isn't THAT great??), the messy way you fit three very different people together, it's so freaking good! Also, Kakashi is so Chaotic here this is my fave characterization of him, you can't change my mind. And Genma is a Good Boi who is Doing His Best, along with the Self-insert character who I LOVE SO MUCH, SHE'S FANTASTIC FNEIWOPAF. Sped past this fic in the speed of light, I could not stop reading!)(Honestly, read all of the author's fics, they're all really REALLY good!)
Building a Castle by WhisperingDarkness
Without needing anyone to tell her, Sakura knew that talking to someone no-one else could see or hear would make her weird. It would draw the bad kind of attention to her, something people could make fun of her for.
She didn’t like being weird, but she did like the voice. Her inner voice was helpful and it was a part of her that had always been there. The idea of it not being there would have been so much weirder than anything else.
It was during her first year at the Academy that Sakura realised the voice was not in her head at all, but that it came from a cloudy shape floating next to her.
(Basically a short-ish retelling of Hikaru no Go. Only with more Shogi and Nara and Ninja's)
(Sakura can see ghosts (I'm noticing this is a popular trope for her) and it's really cute haha! Her relationship with Tobirama is sweet and I just enjoyed reading this so much.)
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[The Magicians]
So Long (And Thanks For All The Books) by IncompleteSentanc (Erava)
Ships: Quentin/Eliot, James/Julia, Quentin/Margo/Eliot
When Quentin is told Julia wasn't admitted to Brakebills, he realizes he has a drastic decision in front of him. If he tells Julia about magic, he'll have his mind wiped as well as hers. But he can't just leave her behind, either. He can't lose his best friend, and he can't let her life a life with her magical potential stolen away from her.
So he makes a third choice.
(Really, and I mean REALLY well-done canon divergent fic, this is the Quentin & Julia friendship fic I have been looking for forever. It explores so much of what could've happened and I just love Quentin here, I really really do. Characterization done so right. I also recommend the author's other works too. Been a follower of them for a long time, they're great.)
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[Game of Thrones]
The Road to Victory by writing_as_tracey
Too late in preparing for the Night King and the Long Night, the last stand at Winterfell is close to falling. Bran takes desperate measures to ensure victory, and Jon, Sansa, and Arya pay the price for it in a time unfamiliar to them, on the cusp of another war. [GoT, time-travel fix it]
(I swear, this fic made me laugh so many times, all the Stark are BAMF and fantastic, and Rhaegar gets Wrecked lol. It's crack btw, and the plot goes in directions you'll never guess and it's amazing hahaha!)
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[Haikyuu!!] (I am very very late to the fandom but here I am)
Ballare (To Dance) by MidnightSparks
Ship: Iwaizumi Hajime/Kageyama Tobio/Oikawa Tooru, and platonic Kageyama & Kentarou (really love their friendship)
Kageyama’s first love is volleyball. His second, however, is ballet.
In one world, Kageyama Tobio is left behind by his parents. In this world, the existence of soulbonds keeps Kageyama’s parents in Miyagi and leaves Kageyama in the care of his grandma and grandpa.
(In which soulmates exist and that changes everything and nothing at the same time.)
(*buries face in hands* I have fallen for this ship so hard and I can't get out fudge me. I understand now. Their DYNAMICS FIEWONPAF)
Kings of Tomorrow by bokubroya (liarielle)
Ship: Kageyama Tobio/Oikawa Tooru
On the eve of Tobio’s 16th birthday, he counts down the seconds to midnight, and emerges with Oikawa Tooru’s name on his wrist.
It’s been two years since then, and Tobio thought they had an understanding. A silent, never spoken about understanding that this thing between them is nothing, and they’re going to pretend it doesn’t exist.
Of course, it’s just like Oikawa to change the game and leave Tobio wondering what comes next.
(I am WEAK for soulmate fics between these two, I don't even really like soulmate fics half the times what is WRONG WITH ME-)(Please suffer with me, I'm begging you. Its a good fic, thumbs up.)
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[Crossover]
Honey and Magic by JustARatherVerySillyWriter, White_Squirrel for Super Carlin Brothers
Fandoms: Matilda (yeah you read that right), Harry Potter
Everyone knew Matilda was a rather extraordinary child, but even she didn't know she was a witch. Matilda Honey receives her Hogwarts letter in the year of the Triwizard Tournament, and soon, she will leave her unique mark on the magical world.
(Do I even need to explain how amazing it is to have Matilda in the wizarding world? And Matilda is a HUFFLEPUFF AND I WILL DIE ON THIS HILL THIS FIC IS GREAT PLEASE READ!!!)
An Eye for an Eye by DpsMercy
Fandoms: The Magnus Archives, Welcome to Night Vale
In which Jonathan Sims is not from the UK but instead, if you took his origins and turned them sideways twice then flipped them over, he technically would be from the US, the town of Night Vale specifically.
Elias can’t do shit about it and gets a headache and slowly creeping madness instead.
(Look, I know probably everyone has read this because if they haven't, what have you been DOING with your lives??? Jon interning at Night Vale is Incredible, nothing phases this man, it's Delightful. I laughed so many times reading this, I'm not even kidding right now. Read or perish.)
The Favour by R_Cookie
Fandoms: Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Ship: Original Percival Graves/Harry Potter
Percival is ten years old when his grandfather tries to tell him that he's ensured the greatness of the Graves legacy for him, that he ought to be eternally grateful - but the explanation is hijacked by a stranger who manages to intimidate Chester Graves with an ease never seen before.
or: Hadrian (Harry) Potter is the Master of Death, who grants Graves a boon. Nobody could have known that the Deathly Hallows didn't turn you so much into the 'Master of Death' as into the anthropomorphic personification of Death. And so, Death becomes Percival's guardian angel, and Percival does not spit out his cereal.
(Look, I don't know how I stumbled back into the FBAWTFT fandom either, it just happened and I'm grateful for that. Otherwise, I wouldn't have found this amazing fic. Their relationship is slow and strange and I just love how Percival is characterized here. Also, one of the tag promises that it deviates from canon so I am really, really excited for that! XD)
baby that's what i do by natanije
Fandoms: Naruto, Katekyou Hitman Reborn!
"Are you telling me," Hidan exclaims, incredulous, "that you collect money all this time to give to orphans?!"
Kakuzu pauses. He blinks a few times.
"Huh. I guess I do."
(Tsuna reincarnates as Kakuzu and it's HILARIOUS. HE'S SUCH A MOM HAHAHA)
#Fanfiction#AO3#Fic Rec#Fic Rec List#Podcasts#The Magnus Archives#Supernatural#Avatar The Last Airbender#Naruto#The Magicians#Game of Thrones#Haikyuu!!#Crossover#Matilda#Welcome to Night Vale#Harry Potter#Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them#Katekyou Hitman Reborn
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all these bones in my closet (and the back of my mind)
Summary: When Colson meets Lola Gone at The Dirt's read through, he's not quite sure what he was expecting. He definitely wasn't expecting to feel like he already knew her.
[ Run to Paradise ]
He’s not quite sure what he was expecting; he’d seen photos, and footage, and read tabloids about the band’s exploits from archives put online, and everything that had been said about her in The Dirt book, and in Nikki’s Heroin Diaries, but truthfully, he has no idea what he’s expecting.
Lola wears a suit.
A month into filming, someone will mention that she runs Lionheart Management, and Colson’s perceptions of her will shatter once again, all but kicking himself for not making the connection since he’d looking into potentially signing with them a few years ago. Now, however, in the initial read-through of the script, Lola, sat between Nikki and Tommy, themselves wearing far more casual clothing, wearing a pristine, all-black suit, her hair slicked back and immaculate. If it weren’t for the array of earrings in her ears, and her closeness with the two band members, he probably wouldn’t have recognized her at all.
Lola’s unassuming, watching the actors give it their all as they read through the script for the first time with an audience, laughing along, occasionally resting her head on either one of her companions’ shoulders, warmth in her eyes. Courtney Eaton, the woman playing Lola, is sat between Colson himself, and Douglas Booth, creating a mirror of their older counterparts, though the younger three lack the inherent familiarity and intimacy, having only met a few weeks ago, rather than decades.
The script and the woman across the table don’t seem to match up. Lola’s just as nasty, debauched, and hedonistic as any of the band members, screwing her way around the scene with the best of them, practically feral at times. If he were a more prudish man, Colson would probably have blushed at half the scenes he shared with Courtney, realising how intimate they’d have end up getting, but the whole cast was more than onboard, and everyone just seemed excited; they all knew what they were signing up for.
“After everything went down with Roxy,” Colson read out the voice over, eyes on his script, “Lola and I took a trip to Boston.”
“Lola and Tommy sit opposite each other in a booth in a diner, sunlight silhouetting them as we see a bright, suburban street outside,” the director reads out, and when Colson looks up, trying to gauged Tommy and Lola’s reaction, Tommy’s got his arm around her, and Lola’s surprisingly somber.
“Are you really gonna kill her?” Colson reads, and Courtney, who’s frowning down at her own script, responds with a single-word affirmation, “to say Lola had a rough childhood was the understatement of the century, it’s something I’ll probably never understand,” he reads as the voice over, before getting back to the scene, “I can’t- I’m not gonna help you kill your fucking mom!”
“Then go home.” Courtney snaps in character.
“This isn’t fun, Lols, this is serious shit -”
“Then go the fuck home! Better yet, send me someone who will help, send me Nikki!”
Beside them, Douglas sucks in a breath between his teeth, and the words fill the room. Lola herself has pressed her face to Tommy’s shoulder, and she’s muttering something that no-one else can hear. Colson, after a moment, clears his throat and looks back down at his script.
“Tommy stands abruptly and leaves,” the director announces, and Courtney takes a deep breath.
“I don’t remember this,” she says softly, “I don’t remember saying half the shit I can never take back, I was spiraling so wildly out of control, losing my boys and myself to the highlife.”
“We descend into a super wide shot of Vince’s mansion at night, with a party in full swing,” the director cuts in, before Courtney continues with her voice over.
“I never hurt my mom, for the record, but apparently I scared the shit out of Tommy; I lost him that day, for good reason. First Vince, and even Mick wasn’t speaking to me. All I had left was the only constant I’d known. Maybe that was the problem.”
And then at the party, Nikki and Lola are getting high together, oblivious to most of the outside world, and looking across the table, Colson’s surprised to see Lola looking right back at him, expression carefully neutral. There’s something in her eyes that he knows but can’t quite identify, and after a moment, her expression turns thoughtful, barely tilting her head, but he immediately knows she’s considering something about him.
I know you is the feeling he gets in his chest, inexplicably, but he quickly buries it and smiles at her, wide and cheerful, hoping at least that she was enjoying the read through. After a moment, Lola smiles back, crows feet and laugh lines creasing across her face, making her instantly seem warmer. But there’s still that indescribable something in her eyes that he knows.
When he gets to speak to her, gets to talk to her, he finds she’s grounded and easygoing, and it’s easy to compartmentalize, to forget all the things he knows she’s done, how much of her he’s seen, how much of her the world has seen, in the most literal sense, and to just see her as a successful business woman.
Perhaps that’s the thing, that he, like the rest of the world, only know the superficial things about her; she’s associated with Motley Crue, but she’s not in the band, so no-one’s ever really been as interested in going in-depth with her. There’s still arguments about whether she dated or just slept with Vince, Nikki, and Tommy when the band first formed, and how she really met them.
“You remind me of Tommy, back when I first met him,” her voice is rough, after decades of smoking and partying, her smile fond as she regards Colson.
“Thanks?” He gives a confused grin; there’s too many conflicting stories about Tommy Lee for him to draw any sort of conclusion as to what she means by that.
“It’s a compliment,” she clarifies, “that motherfucker was full of energy, bright as the sun, heart of gold; I’ve pretty much loved him since the moment I met him,” that was certainly a compliment, and something about it feels more like she’s giving him her seal of approval than anything else.
Lola doesn’t tell him then, but she saw her younger self when she looked at him, just as she’d seen Tommy. She’d seen her ambition and anger and loss, the fear of being used, the desperate need to run from something, but not sure what, not realising that part of it is wanting to just run from yourself, all of it reflected back at her. She’d seen someone who does what it takes to survive; as much as she loves Tommy, he’s never been truly cut-throat.
But Colson... she saw a kid who can keep up with the world he’s found himself in, even though he sometimes doesn’t understand it. She saw a kid who made it big despite the odds, despite their upbringing, despite not knowing to consolidate the two opposite worlds he’d known, though they’re both so clearly a part of him. She saw a kid who knows loss.
But she can’t say that.
So she tells him he reminds her of Tommy, of enthusiasm, and energy, and heart. Colson smiles, and thanks her, bright and sunny.
I know you, she’d felt it in her chest before she’d really met him, when she’d first seen his audition tape, and idly scrolled through his Instagram, and listened to his music.
They’d both made something of themselves when they were young, so young they didn’t stop and consider the cost.
#colson baker#motley crue#colson baker imagine#motley crue imagine#the dirt#the dirt imagine#the dirt cast#the dirt cast imagine#the angry lizard writes
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With the Ghost of You(When the Sun Goes Down We All Get Lonely)
Maybe he’s just imagining, maybe its just another fantasy he pictures, but Luke seems semitransparent, a halo casting around his figure, holy, angelic.
“The night was very long but it didn’t seem long to the Snow Man; he stood lost in his own pleasant thoughts, and they froze until they crackled.”
or: Ashton meets Luke in a library, and the story tells itself. (AO3 link👇)
ooookay so my first fic for lashton and 5sos . Thanks for reading it. And tbh I'm extremely nervous because English's not my first language. So sorry for the mistakes lol.
One thing: I read Marquez's work in my first language, and I can't find the English version of it, so I translated the title and first sentence to English. There might be a mistake so sorry again lol
-
Ashton has always loved the library.
It isn't the school library, which is always so grand, demure, solemn, much like a robot- no, too cold and inhuman.
What he prefers, rather, is a smaller one run by a group of retired professors. It seems determined to hide itself in the northeastern corner of the campus, made up of three small but never crowded reading rooms. No matter when he walks through the doors be can find lamps shading yellowish circles on wooden tables, rows and rows of bookshelves up to the ceiling, and seats, beside small windows where the sunlight outside leaks in just perfectly on sunny afternoons.
To him it's always a getaway, a secret hiding place from the stressed and sometimes too fast school life, the only friend he can turn to when he isn't that enthusiastic about life, a comfort when facing another rock bottom. He's already studying a too rational subject; he'd love spending some time being just sensitive in here.
He'd spend hours and hours wandering among the bookshelves, picking one when he feels like it, skimming a few pages before deciding to read on or not. By doing this he feels just like a boy on the beach, amazed by an emerald or sapphire brought on shore by waves from time to time- what matters isn't just the book he gets. It's more of the communicating, the chore he gets to strike.
-
Unsatisfactory experiment result, loads of homework, a long and tiresome discussion with the professor about his research orientation- which he thinks is too early for him to consider, but she insists that as he has already got postgraduate recommendation he needs to consider it fully right now- and Ashton finds himself wandering in the library again, walking aimlessly, not for finding books, just to feel the connection.
It is a strange feeling, really, to be connected with books. Most of them on the shelves just seem to be books as they are, silent, quiet, lifeless. But, well, maybe it’s just his imagination- but some particular ones seem to be staring back- especially that one.
His hand automatically moves to pick that book out of the column.
It is quite delicate, a hard back small enough to be held on one hand, the title shimmering under the dim lights.
Ann’s Diary.
He remembers reading it in his teen years.
“Sorry, but that's mine.”
Ashton springs from the bookshelf. The book slips straight from his hand, hitting the wooden floor with a thud, as a boy rounds up from the other side.
He's tall- even taller than Ashton. And quite young, a freshman or sophomore, maybe. He is staring at Ashton from behind those strands of blonde, messy curls falling off to his face, piercing pale blue eyes met with his hazel ones, and that made his breath hitch for a second- although those eyes are definitely showing dismay.
"I... I don't really understand." He tries his best to cover all the confusion and fear- dealing with strangers always makes him uncomfortable (although he can manage it by acting cheerful and shit), especially with a pissed one.
But the boy seems determined to stay silent and on edge. He just flips the first page open, gesturing to a mark on it.
It's a two-word initial. Must have written quite a long time ago, as the lines are a bit blurry and the ink has faded into light gray. But he still recognizes the word, written in Italic, reading "L.H.".
Wait. The librarians never said that there is a place for personal collections.
Before he can ask about it the boy swirls around and walks off, leaving alone a dumbfounded Ashton.
-
He goes to ask the librarians, then the curator(because the librarians know nothing), about books with a L. H. written on it.
"This is a long story, darling, but it's late." Mrs. Hemmings' voice is collected and calm as always, but Ashton can tell that there is something as her eyes are a bit dull, "Maybe the other day."
-
His favorite spot in the library is a small table tucked behind seven rows of bookshelves of English literature(yes, he counts how many bookshelves are there), just besides a small window. Others rarely find it- unless they're crazy for novels by Adeline Virginia Woolf or they're just too bored to do anything else.
That's why he chooses here- There's no disruption, no noise, only the random shuffle for a person searching for books and pages being turned. Being alone.It suits him.
The sound of a chair pulling broke the silence,ripping him from the novel plot- someone has slipped into the chair opposite of him.
Well, fuck.
Ashton lifts his head from the pages, slight agitation rising from his chest, which shifted to utter surprise as his eyes meet a strangely familiar shade of blue.
Before he could say anything the boy blurts out , "Please... I want to explain."
For a moment Ashton just sits there, staring. Thoughts cloud his mind, tangling messily, laying conflicted- He was so senseless but now he seems so sincere! He won't trust his own voice right now, afraid that something stupid pops up all of a sudden. So he decides to just nod, a silent permit for the stranger to go on.
The boy clears his throat, looking a little nervous, "About the incident yesterday... I'm sorry. Got into something stupid and was shouted at all day long- but, I mean, fuck, even that isn't the reason I became such a jerk to you. I'm not trying to defend myself, but please don't be angry... Oh my fucking god, I don't know what I'm saying." He groans, pushing a hand through his curls, messing it up a bit.
Well, isn't that adorable.
Ashton hears himself chuckling, "I understand, no worries. Everyone has a bad day, don't we?"
He watches as the boy visibly relaxes with the reassuring words, a smile slipping on on his face, "Yeah, I guess. Thanks... Um, what's your name, by the way?"
Oh, right.
"Ashton."
"Thanks, Ashton." the boy's smile widens, "I'm Luke."
So the initial does belong to him. The L. H..
It's not until silence falls that Ashton realizes he may have stared at those sea- blue, sincere eyes for a bit too long. Hastily he ducked his head into his novel, flushed, trying to pick up the stream of Woolf's consciousness again.
"Virginia Woolf?" Luke's voice cuts in, and to Ashton's surprise- filled with pure interest.
Everyone else just thinks he's crazy and nerdy fancying Woolf's works.
"You like her?" He can't help but feel hope lighting up.
"One of my favorite!" Luke's literally buzzing with excitement, like a puppy finally getting some fresh air after a long lockdown in the house, "Never found another person to discuss, though. Everyone just say it's too hard to understand and shits."
And with that their conversation swiftly shifts into a heated discussion about stream of consciousness novels, to Woolf, then Proust, Faulkner, all way up the history, even to Freud- and Ashton finds, surprisingly, that they can strike a chord in every part of it- and the way Luke talks relentlessly, smiling so broad, eyes shining and hands waving- tells him he holds the same feelings, same thought, same passion.
His throat's sore- he hasn't talked that much in like, forever- but that doesn't stop him from being smug like an idiot when he leaves the library.
He's been alone for a long time, But it seems that he has finally found someone.
-
He starts to spend more time in the library- first just to do some more leisure reading and writing stuff there, then he starts bring his textbooks and laptop there to finish his homework, then even starts to stay there as long as he neither has classes nor needs to go back to the dorm. Yes, he admits it's kind of strange one's never tired of a library- especially that he has already ploughed through every part since he first stepped into it- but he knows why- a cute boy with ocean blue eyes and a smile is always there now.
It has become a routine. Luke accompanies him every day, sometimes already halfway through a novel when Ashton arrives, while other times Luke shows up merrily when he’s buried in the middle of projects and homework, bringing in a sense of cool breeze and fresh air before peeking over and ushering him to take a break(well sometimes the work has to be done, but Luke’s so sweet that he can’t refuse). Their time spent together is usually quiet, Ashton either typing away on his laptop or on a book, while Luke is immersed in his own novel, just piping up from time to time to discuss the plot or asking about the author. Topic wanders- books, school life, bands, music (seriously, how many same hobbies do they hold?).
They have went through so many fields- Stream of Consciousness to Science Fiction, Agatha Christie to Akudagawa, Shakespeare's Sonnet to Samuel Ullman's prose, but the list still seems far from ending. To Ashton's surprise Luke have read most of the writers not only by representative works but also less- famous chapters- many of which he only knows but has never read. He had thought he's an English Literature student, but Luke amazed him again by saying he studies Math actually- the same amazement occurred again when Luke discovered the chemistry paper Ashton's working on.
He can’t recall the last time he felt this content -Well, he can’t even remember when he has become so silent and depressed, on edge and under pressure.
But seems Luke has already become the solution.
-
Ashton sighs, recoils back in his chair, takes off his glasses and rubs his eyes- He never learns the lesson of not leaving your homework to the deadline, fuck it.
Besides him Luke rises his head, a slight smile tugging at his lips, "You finally done?"
He just groaned, eyes shut."I wonder how the fuck you can even finish your homework. You never seem to be doing anything related to math."
"Maybe that's because all can be done quickly if I want."
Smug idiot.
"Wait till you're a post graduate and you'll know what's torture."
"Will quit right after four years, then."
Ashton scowls, cracks open one eye and spares a hand to flip Luke off, to which he ducks away (he always does) and giggles, "You're of no fucking help."
"What do you want me to do, then?"
"Don't know. Tell me a story. Or just read something. As long as I'm not thinking my head off about the synthesis route of some stupid fucking molecule I'll be fine."
He heard a light chuckle, "Aye- Aye, Captain, here we go."
The sound of pages turning, Luke clearing his throat, then,"'It's so bitterly cold that my whole body crackles!' Said the Snow Man."
Ashton lifts an eyebrow wearily,"Now you're telling me an Andersen's Fairy Tale?"
"Shh. Shut up and be a good boy. It's my favorite one." then, "This wind can really blow life into you! And how that glaring thing up there glares at me!" He meant the sun; it was just setting..."
Luke reads on, and Ashton finds himself relaxing, sinking into the familiar tale he’s read hundreds of times as a toddler, following the thread of the story, recalling the dialogue, how the Snow Man calls the Old Watchdog “my friend”.
Luke's voice fades for a brief second, then returns, slightly changed, softer, “Then the Snow Man looked, and he really saw a brightly polished thing with a brass stomach and fire glowing from the lower part of it. A very strange feeling swept over the Snow Man...”
Here comes the part- tracing the memory he can still feel it, the confusion when toddler him read to this part, then realization and excitement for no reason when he picked it up again, just for one time, before he come to this city.
He thought a new place brings a new life. That he would finally leave that old black and white town. He thought he knew what life was all about, what love was.
So ambitious, so young, so dumb.
Ashton blinks furiously, shaking the thoughts flooding up away from his mind. He’s here, in his favorite place, with an adorable boy who keeps his company, reading a tale to him. He’s fine, they’re fine, it’s fine.
His eyes lands on Luke.
The small lamp on the table is tilted slightly, soft golden light casting gently down on the boy’s right side, splitting a silhouette, leaving the left side of his face in the shadow. Curls falls off his face, dangling. His long, thick eyelashes turns to an almost-silver color under the light, trembling slightly, dancing altogether with the little particles floating in the air, as those blue eyes, clear as the sunny day but still deep as the sea, moves with each line, each word on the page. Maybe he’s just imagining, maybe its just another fantasy he pictures, but Luke seems semitransparent, a halo casting around his figure, holy, angelic.
“The night was very long but it didn’t seem long to the Snow Man; he stood lost in his own pleasant thoughts, and they froze until they crackled.”
The story’s still going, coming to an end, and Luke’s voice, a little raspy now, is merely above a whisper, like if he tells it any louder the fragile, beautiful tragedy will be destroyed.
“Come out, dear sun! Come often, skies of blue!
And nobody thought any more about the Snow Man.”
And with that Silence falls, a sad love story coming to its end.
For a while they just sits, looking into each others eyes.
The atmosphere’s changed, he knows it, can feel it. It’s a brand new feeling, one he has never felt, the rising urge, the need, the want, to get closer to the boy in front of him, to truly know him, to be with him, go through everything with him, feel the same with him, to like him, love him.
Hesitantly, he reaches out, slowly, hand trembling.
For a moment Luke seems to be on the same page with him, eyes fluttering shut and automatically leaning in, but suddenly he gasps, like being reminded of something he has long forgotten, and recoils back sharply, Ashton’s hand touches nothing but air.
Why.
“It’s late, Ash.” Luke whispered, not looking him in the face, “Maybe the other day.”
-
Something’s changed between them.
Not that the intimacy has changed- no. They still meets at the very table, reading and chatting, Luke still listens to his bickering about homework and fucking lab life- but something’s there, like The Sword of Damocles, hanging dangerously, but both just choose to ignore it.
Luke’s still Luke, sweet and gentle, cute and caring. But he’s somewhat quieter then before- he’s still chatting when it comes to their hobbies, but he always stops abruptly after the topic’s over, cutting the conversation.
It’s only that Ashton’s confused, confused about fucking all of it, confused about why Luke refused his invitation, why Luke takes a step back while he finally decides to step forward. It’s like an invisible barrier is built, all things suddenly turns indefinite without reason.
He hate it. He fucking hate all of it.
It’s only worse that he’s stuck in the library right now- it’s pouring outside, he’s left his umbrella at home, his jacket has no hat, and Luke’s oddly quiet.
He’s reading, more of scanning automatically, mind crowded with uncomfortable thoughts, screaming at him to at least find out what’s wrong with Luke(he don’t know how when they’re in this awkward state), to pluck up his courage and try again(well look what a coward he becomes when it comes to pining), to get this mess sorted (to which he has absolutely no fucking idea).
Fucking shitty day.
He doesn’t know how much time has passed- the sky is darkening, pure black seeping into pale gray, as the window starts to mirror the lighted lamp, making it unable to see the outside.
He hears a sigh, then the sound of book shut.
He can see those clear blue eyes from the corner of his eye, a little dim than usual, like the eyes of a sad puppy, and that almost break his heart. He wants to get close to the boy again, tell him it’s okay, he’s here, no need to keep those shit all alone and stuff- but instead he stares intently at the screen, so hard that his eyes starts to water, cursing himself inwardly.
A pause. Then, “Ash.”
Ashton gives himself a slap in the head, then puts on his most cheery face, “Yeah?”
Luke shakes his head furiously, “Don’t... Don’t act in front of me. I know you’re not well these days, and it’s all because of,” He waves his hand impatiently, then pulls his curls, casting out another deep sigh, “Yes, I... feel there is something I need to explain.”
And again he finds himself lost of words, exactly like the last time Luke made an explanation. But Luke’s acting different- strange. He’s frowning, shifting in his seat, hands tightly clasped together, teeth tugging at his lower lip, eyes filled with... fear.
Luke has never gone frightened in front of him.
“Hey, hey.” He reaches out, trying to grab Luke’s hand, but the boy squealed and pulls away abruptly again- so he just sighs, being as comforting as possible, “It’s okay, Luke. All okay.”
Finally the boy seems to have made the decision. He points to the book he just finished, which is lying on the table now, “The second short story.”
“You’re making me a puzzle through Marquez? Typical.” Ashton picks up the book, checking the writer. He’s trying to make a joke, but it came out weak and not funny at all, as Luke just sighs again and rests his head in his hands.
“I don’t know how to say it, so.” God, he hates how Luke’s voice sounds, all hurt and in pain.
“Luke, I mean, I’m not forcing you, but you know you can tell me everything-” panic’s rising, and he feels the urge, that they’re coming to the crossroads-
“Um, Ashton?”
He’s never hated life- the approaching librarian as well- more than now.
“Yes?”
She comes to stand beside him, a hand on his shoulder, “It’s ten now and we’re closing in five minutes. You need an umbrella?”
“Um, just a minute. We have something to discuss. I promise it’ll be quick.” He gestures to the seat across the table, where he knows Luke’s sitting.
He expects a nod, but her face is puzzled, coated with a layer he can’t read, “We? But Ashton, there’s no one across the table.”
“What?”
His head whips around, so quick that he thinks he must have strained his neck. He closes his eyes, then opens them again- yes, Luke is sitting right there, in the chair, totally frozen besides the nervous act just now- but he’s there.
“But...”
She only shakes her head, “You’re the only one here all day, Ashton. No one else feels like coming on such a stormy weather.”
With that she leaves.
Ashton turns back to Luke frantically, “What the hell-”
He’s met with a stony face and watery blue eyes. Luke seems defeated and in total grief.
“Tell me, Luke. Tell me!” Panic overcomes him, his voice three octaves higher than usual. It can’t be real, it’s just his fantasy, things like this can’t happen in real life...
Luke holds out his trembling hand, and very slowly, reaches over, linking it with Ashton’s.
A wave of icy cold rises up- from his feet up to his spine, overwhelming him, drowning him, making his head dizzy, the world turning, the sense-
The sense of not being touched.
Luke’s hands go straight through his.
“Because they can’t see me.” The silhouette figure whispers, voice barely audible.
“I’m not as real as you see me, Ash.”
-
The next three days come and go like a blurry scene.
Ashton remembers it just vaguely- he remembers fleeing out of the library, running alone the dark campus path till his chest burns and every breath becomes a burden. He remembers the rain, pouring down and hitting him relentlessly, flowing off his face, mixed with some warm fluid he didn’t dare to think about. He remembers walking back to the dorm, all worn out and broken down, throwing himself on his bed and crying till weariness finally came over. He slept, then woke, then ushered himself into sleep again, like only in dreamland he could forget all of it, until he was really not able to sleep anymore.
He pushes himself up from his bed and stumbles into the bathroom, eyeing himself in the mirror. He looks like shit, even worse than a hangover, purple bags hanging from his eyes and hair sticking in all directions. He sighs, turning to walk from the bathroom, cursing as he nearly trips over something on the ground- but the word died halfway in his throat.
It’s that book. The Collection of Marquez’s Short Stories. He must have thrown it on the floor that night.
Ashton swallows, hesitant- he’s not that sure if he’s ready to face it, that memory, that typical boy- but his hand does it for him, already flipping through the pages.
The second work, what is the second work......
He sees the title.
Someone Messed up the Roses.
He takes in a breath.
Today’s Sunday, the rain’s stopped, and I want to pick some red and white roses to my grave...
His eyes is welling up, but he reads on, about the story of a boy’s ghost and his sister, a wish never coming true, a story of love and regret.
There’s a note, written in Italic, at the corner of the page, end of the story, black ink suggesting it’s freshly written.
You have given me the happiest moments my whole life and beyond life, Ash. It might be like a cheesy novel, but I love you and I’m sorry.
Luke Hemmings
He’s crying before he knows it.
“Fuck, Luke.”
-
The scenery outside the window’s changing, fading from concrete jungle to fields and woods. On the end of the road, a hill’s approaching.
He’s sitting in the bus, hand clutching at Marquez’s Collection and a piece of paper- a piece of paper Mrs. Hemmings gave him, showing a route to the place he wants to go.
The vehicle stops and Ashton stands, hopping off the bus, going for the iron door just beside the muddy road.
He pushes it open, the rust on it sticking on his hands, the scent of soil coming up to greet him. As he keeps walking stones appears- delicately carved, yet lifeless.
An oak. That’s what she told him- an oak beside him.
He lifts his head, looking around, and found it- an oak, already tall, rising from the soil, pointing straight to the pale-gray sky.
Uncertainty and fear echoes in the back of his mind, trying to stop him, as he just goes on.
He’s already experienced lost once. He doesn’t want to lose it again.
He stops in front of the oak, hesitates before sitting down, cross- legged.
“I don’t know what to say, Luke.”
He stops, swallowing the lump in his throat.
“A part of me is telling me to forget all this, deny it, wave it off as a dream. It’s all just a fantasy, something I pictured, and I’m supposed to, I should...”
“But, Luke, every minute spent with you is so real.”
“They would say I’m crazy, everyone will; I mean, who would believe a person falling in love with someone already gone- and supposed to be in the state of nonexistence? But... you’re like someone I finally found, a person in this world who could understand me... Who I’ve searched for my whole life.”
He sniffs, blinking away the tears welling up, “You know, during my years alone I’ve learned about not to expect, not to hope; but you... you bring the difference, like a light suddenly cracking in. I mean... if you’re there, if you’re really there... please, just please, give me something to hope, to wish for, and don’t just go away like that.”
“Because I’m so lonely,” He finally let it slip, “So lonely, Luke.”
A soft wind picks up, leaves rustling, like an answer. But as he listens on everything just stays silent, like they’ve always been forever. No silhouette, no soft voice belonging to a boy.
The sky’s getting dark, so he just pushes himself up and leaves.
-
He continues with the life. Attending classes, finishing homework, finally deciding his research orientation. His professor says something about “A big step” and “I know you can do it”, which he just brushes it all off, not truly listen.
He continues to go to the library- but not sitting in that very table anymore, and just stays there for less then an hour each day. He’s read Someone Messed Up the Roses again and again, like all of the other works have suddenly lost their attraction to him.
The pages are all dog-eared and worn out, but he just goes on with it, flipping the pages, ready to read the short story for like the twentieth time.
“I wouldn’t treat a book like that, you know.”
He jumps from his seat, eyes widening, turning around.
Someone turns up from behind the bookshelf.
Messy curls, sea- blue eyes, the lips curling up in a slight smile.
It’s like a dream. He’s in a dream.
Like he can read Ashton’s mind, the blonde walks straight up to him and extends his arms, wrapping him into an embrace.
He feels warmth.
Still no feelings of being touched, the figure still semitransparent, but warmth.
“It’s real. Don’t doubt it.” Luke’s voice is soft, reassuring, barely above a whisper.
Just like he remembers.
The warmth doesn’t fade, like when he’s standing under the afternoon sun, closing his eyes, feeling the hope coming up.
He finally believes it- tears are sliding down his face before he knows it.
“Luke."
#lashton#5sos fic#5sos fanfic#5sos fanfiction#5sosfam#5sos fanart#5sos fandom#5sos slash#first work and I'm nervous as hell
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from the archives: snippets of a sterek pacrim au
hey y’all! i definitely haven’t been super active on this blog or tumblr at all lately, for a lot of reasons but mainly just... life. doesn’t that suck sometimes? but i really, truly hope everyone is doing well and you + your loved ones are staying safe. (long reflection + tumblr fic after the cut, lol)
i’ve been in kind of a funk with writing since the last time i “had” to do it, which was 12 days/sterek secret santa like, 6 months ago. it’s frustrating to me that i went from writing my longest fic ever exactly 2 years ago to having almost zero output now, but i’m trying not to be too hard on myself and i know writing is a really fickle pastime. anyway, this is a really long leadup, but i decided to just release some stuff i wrote into the wild. it’s either here or my google drive, so i might as well see if anyone wants to read it!
pacific rim is undoubtedly one of my favorite movies of all time (it was only bumped down by into the spider-verse, but they’re almost tied ;D). it came out right after my sterek obsession began, and i always imagined writing a sterek au based around derek and stiles being drift compatible. that whole concept has always been so lovely to me and fits in nicely with some of my favorite soulmate-y tropes. this idea always felt too ambitious, though, and i didn’t write a single word of it until i rewatched the movie in november/december 2019. i wrote the following stuff in an extremely giddy haze over the next few weeks. i’m not good about pushing myself to write, so i never added any more, but i still really like what i had/have! i hope maybe someday i’ll feel the urge to come back to it. but anyway, here’s my completely self-indulgent homage to one of my favorite movies and one of my favorite fandoms. in my au chronology for this, following the events of the first movie, global governments and the ppdc decided to deploy jaegers for continued deep sea exploration to further benefit scientific discovery and avoid wasting such expensive tech/training. this lead to a lot of corporate interference re: treasure hunting, etc. (national treasure, but make it underwater). oh, and werewolves exist (because wouldn’t they make great jaeger pilots?!). also, A SECOND PACIFIC RIM MOVIE WAS NEVER EVER MADE. THE END. laura and derek were copilots before a kaiju-fighting incident forced them into early retirement. laura is still alive, though! (because it’s me.)
***
“Mayday! Mayday! LOCCENT, do you copy? This is Luna Geminae paging for backup. LOCCENT! Danny, we can’t hold them much longer…”
Laura’s growl of frustration rang in Derek’s ear as he strained against the beast.
“Keep holding it, Derek. You can do this. I know you can. They’re so close, Derek, they’ve gotta be. Just a few more—”
Derek never knew how Laura intended to finish that sentence. All he would ever remember was the scream that tore out of her throat. Later, he would describe it as the first time he ever understood the meaning of “bloodcurdling.”
“Laura!” Derek gritted his teeth as pain roared down his left arm, causing his vision to blur and spark white around the edges.
“My arm, Jesus, my fucking… They got my arm, Derek—”
As water poured into the cabin above and around him, the last thing he remembered hearing was Laura’s anguished howl. Then the sky became fire, and everything went dark.
***
The day of the accident convinced Derek that his world would never stop burning.
For months after, when he lay staring at the ceiling until the early hours of the morning, the staticky shapes his eyes created to fill the darkness always melted and formed a wall of flames no matter how many times he scrunched his eyes shut and buried his face in his pillow. The noises, too — the ambient whoosh of the Dome’s ventilation system and the soft heart-like thud of the power grid soon coalesced into a unified, rhythmic chant that sounded more and more like Laura’s scream the longer Derek listened: Derek! Help!
In the days and weeks following their accident, Derek had tried every trick he could think of to reassure his subconscious that Laura was alive and safe, and would remain so even after she left his line of sight. For almost a week after she was released from the medical bay, he slept in the spare bunk above her. As reticent as he normally was to invade Laura’s privacy any more than he had to, experiencing her near-loss allowed panic and instinct to envelop Derek’s frayed nerves. He never fully explained it to Laura, but he didn’t have to — she never questioned his presence, nor did she point out that Derek always waited to fall asleep until he was certain she had already drifted off.
Eventually, though, Derek realized the routine was leaving them both sleep-deprived and irritable. He resolved to move back to his own quarters, not wanting to smother Laura with his relentless, anxious presence. But he knew she still sensed his distress — every evening at 2300 hours, like clockwork, she knocked on his door to tell him goodnight and gently pressed her right palm against her brother’s neck before waving and returning to her own room. It was a routine they continued even now, half a decade beyond the fight that had left their Jaeger decimated.
They had made progress, which Laura was always quick to remind her younger brother. Nothing could have prepared him for the aftermath of the accident, though, and the dark places where Derek’s mind would drift when there was no one around to distract him. Alone with his thoughts, no reassurance was strong enough to quiet Derek’s memories.
He shifted again in bed, his half-awake mind scrambling to remember the breathing exercises Deaton had taught him over the years.
Inhale through your nose. One. Two. Three. Hold. Exhale through your mouth. One. Two. Three—
Derek!
Start again. Inhale through your nose. One. Two. Three. Hold. Exhale through your mouth. Slower this time.
Good. Again.
***
This comes way after the scene above lol sorry
“Right hemisphere locked. Left hemisphere locked. Vitals are steady. Initiating neural handshake.”
Danny’s voice echoed through Derek’s head as he let his eyes flutter shut and tipped his head back. He’d been anxious about this moment for days now, but he would be lying if he said he wasn’t secretly a little — or a lot — excited, too. Drifting was a heady, emotional experience, and if he and Stiles were truly compatible, Derek might finally get to settle the unease he had felt since his connection with Laura was severed.
“Alright,” Danny said. “You should be feeling it in three… two… one.”
Derek’s eyes flew open, but his gaze defocused as he felt his center of gravity list forward before returning.
As his sense of internal balance returned, the tingle of the neural link fizzed over his scalp. There it is. Slowly, then all at once, he felt the rush of Stiles’ mind meeting his own. Their emotions flowed over one another like water, memories flashing and sensations pulsing before slipping away into their shared flow of awareness. Derek had trained himself long ago to let himself float until the waters steadied, and he could feel Stiles, ever perceptive, do the same.
“Neural handshake established and holding at 100 percent.”
Without having to think twice about the gesture, Derek felt his knuckles meet his palm as he dipped into a customary bow. As he and Stiles led Luna in her first exploratory steps, Derek felt the weight of any lingering fears melt away.
With Laura, Derek had always felt like they were extensions of one another, movements and decisions cascading seamlessly from a fully unified thought process. Drifting with Stiles, though, felt unlike anything Derek had ever experienced. They were two sides of the same coin — each aggressive and reserved in equal, opposite measure. If Derek and Laura were reading from the same script, he and Stiles were finishing each others’ sentences as they improvised the same scene.
When they first met, Derek had found Stiles anything but graceful — but now, as they nearly seemed to glide across the ocean floor, he felt foolish for not realizing the instinctive adjustments and calculations stiles was constantly making based on his surroundings. As they steered Luna across the testing ground, Derek felt his temples begin to thrum with an energy he hadn’t felt in years. Best of all, he knew Stiles felt it too — he could literally trace the path of his elation as it wrapped around Derek’s senses and amplified his own excitement.
“How are you doing?” Derek shouted across the rig. It wasn’t a question he needed to ask verbally, but he chose to anyway, knowing it would help ground them both in the present moment and prevent any stray thought spirals from taking over their link.
“So good, dude. This is — this is unreal,” Stiles replied, slicing through the air with his left arm to test the angle of the jaeger’s knuckle daggers.
Derek smiled. “Not exactly like the simulators, huh?”
“Nothing like the simulators, man. Holy shit.”
As they continued to acclimate to the drift, Derek took Stiles through a few more of Luna’s signature maneuvers. Stiles’ extensive research showed, and combined with the knowledge he and Derek now shared, the moves seemed to come naturally.
“Do you want some music?” He and Laura always played music when training, but he didn’t want Stiles to feel—
“That’s all I want right now, Derek.” Derek’s grin broadened as Stiles flicked through the controls hovering in front of him. A heavy bass line thrummed through the cabin, and Derek finally did what he never thought he would be able to again in his lifetime: he let his mind relax and free-fell into the drift.
***
Two hours after he and Stiles had eaten dinner and finally parted ways, Derek still couldn’t stop thinking about their drift.
That wasn’t unusual, all things considered — emotional transfer was common, especially for werewolves and especially during the first few drifts with a new partner.
Every time Derek thought about his connection with Stiles, though, and the experience of their emotions weaving together, his mind kept snagging in one place. It was a place that had struck Derek even during the high of the neural handshake, not because it felt odd or foreign, but because it felt hauntingly familiar — but looked ugly and sinister looming over someone else.
It was anguish. It was a grief that had been doused in shame and set alight. It was a feeling of loss and self-loathing that made Derek feel like he was suffocating. It was exactly the way Derek had felt every day for years after the fire, and again after the accident.
He had tried to explain it to Laura as dispassionately as possible all the times she chided him for blaming himself or expressing guilt over what happened to their family, but he never knew how to describe it until he experienced it through Stiles’ memories. It was sore, like a bruised rib, a persistent ache that radiated out from the point of impact and lingered at the edge of his consciousness. Distractions might be able to push away some of the pain, but as long as he kept breathing, it would always be there.
Derek hadn’t seen exactly where Stiles’ pain radiated from, but it seemed to shroud the memories of his mother especially strongly. Stiles told him she had been sick, though — why would he feel guilty about her death?
He sat up, his leg bouncing as he fidgeted absently with a hangnail. Since deciphering what that unexpected shared emotion reminded him of, Derek couldn’t stop thinking about it. This, he knew, was normal too — without an outlet, emotional transfer tended to create a feedback loop as a co-pilot bounced back and forth between their own memories and their partner’s.
Before he could talk himself out of it, Derek shot up and strode to the door. It was late, almost midnight, and the full body experience of drifting had left Derek racked with fatigue. But — he just wanted to talk to Stiles. To be near him, again, as if it were a substitute for the feeling of absolute synchronicity they had just shared. It would only take a few minutes.
He was so distracted by his own jumbled thoughts that it took him a moment to register who stood just outside his door as he flung it open — it was Stiles, hand paused in mid-air.
“Stiles.” Very eloquent, Derek, he chided himself with an internal voice that sounded suspiciously like Laura.
“Oh— Well. Um. Hi.” Stiles gave a small wave before shoving his hand in his pocket. “Sorry, I didn’t realize you were about to—“
“I was about to find you.”
Stiles paused. “Really?”
Derek stepped back, nodding toward the doorway. “Really. Do you want to come in?”
As he and Stiles stood facing each other silently, Derek scrambled for exactly what he wanted to say. Everything was so effortless when they were in the drift. Why was it so hard to find the words now?
To his relief, Stiles was the one who broke the silence. “Sorry, I’m sure you’re tired… I’m just kind of keyed up, I guess, and I couldn’t—“ Stiles ducked his head down. “I don’t know. I thought it might help to see you.”
“Don’t apologize. You have good instincts,” Derek assured him. “And I— I wanted to see you too,” he added, feeling the tips of his ears heat.
He could almost feel Stiles’ sigh of relief in his own chest. “Can I sit?”
“Of course.” Derek scooped a discarded pile of clothes off his bed and gingerly sat down after Stiles, mindful of the careful space between them. “Are you feeling okay?”
Stiles’ eyebrows jumped. “Yeah, I feel fine, I really do, but I just feel… jumpy, I guess. Which is normal for me, but I can tell this is different. I don’t know how I know, but…” he trailed off, gesturing abstractly in front of him.
Derek nodded. “I know what you mean. You can’t really prepare for the drift until you’ve done it,” he said, remembering how disjointed he felt after his first few test runs. “But it gets easier,” he added.
Stiles shook his head. “I’m not worried about it. I trust you.” His eyes shot up to meet Derek’s, as if challenging him to dispute the steady, honest heartbeat behind his words.
Derek was surprised to feel something behind his eyes sting at the pronouncement. He looked away from Stiles’ scrutinizing gaze, but he felt the other man’s eyes continue to study him. “I’m glad. I— that means a lot to me.”
Stiles nodded, remaining thoughtfully silent. Derek sensed he wanted to ask something, but wasn’t ready to admit it on his own.
“Is there anything I can do?” Derek asked gently, eyes seeking Stiles’ again.
Stiles looked pointedly away and bit at his thumbnail. “Um. It sounds stupid now. But I read… I read that physical contact can help,” he mumbled, so quickly Derek might not have caught it without his magnified hearing.
He realized Stiles’ admission may have felt embarrassing for a human, but for Derek, it was almost a relief. He reached forward slowly and cupped his hand over Stiles’ shoulder with a light squeeze.
“It’s not stupid. You felt how intense the drift is. When you separate from a complete mental overlap, it can be disorienting. And you know how tactile wolves are — that makes it even harder for us, so you’re probably getting some of this from my own emotional bleed.” He didn’t miss the way Stiles melted into his touch, his whole body swaying into their point of contact.
Stiles nodded. “Yeah. That makes sense. Thanks,” his gaze flicked up to meet Derek’s.
“Do you—“ Derek didn’t really know how to ask for more contact. It came so naturally with other werewolves, so he’d never really had to think about it before. “I don’t want to touch you in a way you’re not comfortable with. But if you want to lay down, or you want me to lay down or…” He took a sharp, steadying breath. “I’m trying to say that I understand, and I think it will make us both feel better, and I’m fine with whatever level of contact you’re okay with.”
Stiles laughed, a bright and unexpected break in the tension. “Jesus. Listen to us. I feel ridiculous, but— Thank you. You’re very considerate.” He paused, expression drawing almost imperceptibly tighter. “I want that too, though. I want you to feel comfortable. If you’re not, if there’s anything I do— I promise I’ll ask, first, and if you can tell me, I want you to.”
Derek felt a lump rise in his throat. Stiles’ words were sincere, but carefully chosen. He wasn’t sure how much of his own memories Stiles had observed, but it seemed to have been enough to understand that physical touch had once been a powerful weapon wielded against him.
“Thank you,” he answered quietly, before gently tugging at Stiles’ arm. “Here, lay down.”
The bed was barely wide enough for both of them to lay side by side, but it was just enough space for both men to settle on their backs with their elbows carefully layered between them. Derek hesitated for a moment before angling his head against Stiles’ neck. “Is this okay?”
Stiles hummed in agreement, the back of his hand flitting against Derek’s so softly he almost thought he imagined it. “This is perfect.” He inhaled deeply through his nose and tilted his head closer to Derek’s. They lay silently for a handful of minutes, and the rhythmic in-out of Stiles’ breathing nearly lulled Derek to sleep.
Suddenly, Derek felt Stiles still. “Why were you about to come look for me?”
Derek huffed. “I wanted to see you.”
“What, you had to check in on the rookie who can’t handle a drift?” Stiles’ tone was light, devoid of any real offense, and he jostled his shoulder gently against Derek’s.
“You did great. If anything, I— I hadn’t done it in so long, and Laura was my only co-pilot before you.” Derek frowned, remembering the heavy emotions of Stiles’ that had ensnared him earlier. He didn’t want to overwhelm Stiles, but he also wanted him to know that he both empathized with and thought highly of him.
“I never thought I would get in a rig again,” Derek continued. “I don’t think I trusted myself enough. I carry… I carry a lot of guilt, Stiles. But when I thought about piloting with you, the guilt didn’t win. You’re the first person who’s been capable enough, smart enough, strong enough, that I didn’t have to worry.”
Stiles didn’t respond at first, and a flash of panic seized Derek before he felt strong, warm fingers curl around his own.
“I won’t let you down,” Stiles said, his voice nearly a whisper and rough with emotion.
“I don’t think you could,” Derek whispered back, before he let his eyes slip shut and exhaustion overtake him.
***
When Derek awoke the next morning, he was startled — but it wasn’t in reaction to the way Stiles had draped himself over Derek in his sleep. Feeling Stiles’ arms around his waist felt oddly natural. The surprising part was how well he had slept — it was the first night of uninterrupted slumber he could remember having in months, if not longer.
***
yeah so... that’s all for now! if you read this, thanks and i hope you’re doing well!!! ❤️
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August 23rd, 2018 CTP Archive
The archive for the Comic Tea Party chat that occurred on August 23rd, 2018, from 5PM - 7PM PDT. The chat focused on Pathways: Chronicles of Tuvana by Elaine Tipping.
Featured Comment:
Chat:
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
COMIC TEA PARTY START!
Good day everyone~! This week’s Comic Tea Party is now officially beginning~! Today we are discussing Pathways: Chronicles of Tuvana by Elaine Tipping~! (http://pathways.smackjeeves.com/) For those new or in need of a reminder, discussions about the comic are freeform, so please feel free to bring up whatever you wish. However, every 30 minutes I will be dropping in a discussion question for participants to help those who would like a prompt. These questions are totally OPTIONAL to answer! If you miss out on any though, they’ll be pinned for the duration of the chat once they’re posted~! Remember, constructive criticism is allowed, but the primary focus here is to have fun and appreciate the amazing comic~! All that being said, let’s get started and have a great discussion!
QUESTION 1. What is your favorite scene in the comic so far and why?
snuffysam
the most recent couple pages are my favorite
"help me!" hides under cape
Kabocha
Ufufufu. Actually I'm really enjoying the current scene and chapter with Atawn trying to escape. Both he and this guard are in for an adventure... Also, the guard is such a good egg. I hope we find out their name soon.
Respheal
The guard is a good friend
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
yeah i loved the cape thing. mostly cause i appreciate any cape that is big enough to hide a whole person
Respheal
I liked finding the people in the cave because that was the first bit where I was really like "Go on....-scoots forward in seat-"
Kabocha
The stakes are super high, too. Like, I'm already super into the adorable scholar character type, so I want to protect him. I'm a little bit surprised how quickly things escalated. (Well, not really)
YES
I wonder what the deal is
http://pathways.smackjeeves.com/comics/2595217/pathways-58/ We know they're considered Gods now, but it's like. ........ All right, so....... how doomed is everyone, and how many survivors are there going to be out of the researchers, not counting Atawn
snuffysam
doomed from the gods or doomed from getting their camps burned?
Kabocha
It's DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM Does it really matter? I mean, Zealots are gonna zealot....
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
unless the zealots arent zealoting and just know more and are trying to save everyone from the scourge that is their spooky gods
TriaElf9
Eee I'm glad people like the cape bit, I'm so happy we hit it before this chat happened ^_^
🎵Tenor🎶
IDK if ill be back in time but wanted to say I love the story and art and I have so many speculations. Love its presentation and eager 4 more
Kabocha
@✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨ ...Good point. That would be a twist XD
"OUR GODS ARE AWFUL, WE WANTED THEM TO REMAIN BURIED AND DEAD"
snuffysam
"nobody leaves" sounds like a fun way to save people
as does setting their tents on fire
Respheal
My first impression is that the Akarna aren't awful? I didn't get that sorta vibe from them.....in what little we've seen
But yeah, zealots gonna zealot
Kabocha
What types of gods command you to light things on fire?!
The best ones
.......or the worst ones, if they're living things
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
well tbf they couldve lit the tents on fire while the scholars were inside
legit that is what i expected when atawn turned the corner
to just have on fire ppl everywhere
>_>
Respheal
Hahaha kinda x'D
That woulda been baaaaaaaaaaad
As if the situation isn't bad enough as it is
Kabocha
you mean they're not planning to do that now?
I mean, they realized Atawn escaped, if he gets caught, he's SUPER dead
and so is the guard, I'm sure
Respheal
.....probably
They certainly don't want this info leaving
Kabocha
Yeahhhhhhh
Respheal
Makes me wonder if they have some more "humane" way of not letting the information leave
Since clearly the books aren't leaving this camp
(Mind wiping? I dunno lol)
Kabocha
What is the magic like in this world, I wonder :3
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
i think they mentioned they were gonna lock them up
so just eternal prison
forever
Respheal
Oh
Kabocha
They're going to get tired of feeding them at some point
TriaElf9
Yeah I will note, that big tent was the main research tent, so essentially they burnt all the information that'd been collected
And yeah, they have indeed started the clock on that, where it leads, we'll have to see ^_-
Kabocha
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
TriaElf9
TELL ME ABOUT IT it's very hard to not just blurt it all out AHHHH
Respheal
x'D
It was smart to tell Atawn to just memorize everything though
Kabocha
I'm not at the point in the comic where I can start spouting conspiracy theories. I MUST KNOW MORE
Respheal
Good bit of foresight there
Kabocha
or am I
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
plot twist: everyone just goes home and lives happily ever after, no deaths. and the bad guys pay for the damages.
TriaElf9
I want to know the theories!!
AHAHAH perfect, it's just festivals and parties until the end
Respheal
All I know is I'm in the "An Akarna person joins the party" party
Kabocha
Ahahahaha
The Guard's actually a spy
Respheal
Wakey, wakey, Akarna person, you've overslept by like a thousand years
Kabocha
He's infiltrated the Mikarna, and is looking to get information out about their gods, and the TRUTH about the Akarna's sudden disappearance
The truth being they have a secret magitek that was sealed away -- because they threatened the world. The other countries engaged in a war with them resulting in a pyrrhic victory... and forcing the Akarna underground for millenia...
.................................And they all had cake
TriaElf9
mmmm cake
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
well at least cake denotes a happy ending O_O
Kabocha
That's the terrible Magitek secret the Akarna had. A killer cake recipe.
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
the one cake to rule them all
snuffysam
there's a reason they call it death by chocolate
Kabocha
GASP
TriaElf9
AHAH ^_^
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
aside from the guards since were still on favorite scene i want to mention i really enjoyed the festival montage. it was nice seeing all the activities, and i think the fireworks at the end really tied it all together with some beautiful imagery
Kabocha
A shame they're going to soon be embroiled in an international incident
TriaElf9
Aww, yay! ^_^
eheh
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
well we have to have calm before the storm O_O so ill take what calm i can get
Kabocha
I'm sure there'll be plenty of nice, calm moments
TriaElf9
I actually drew all that after having gone through festival season here, as well as a fireworks festival, so I had a lot of places to draw from for inspiration ^_^
Kabocha
enough for us to get attached to all of the adorable characters
Awww
TriaElf9
OH yes, I want to show the world through down-time as well as the AHHH time ^_^ it can't all be AHHHH or we'd get tired
Kabocha
YES
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
i also wanna say i really love that one doublepage where you see the crowd and the wall. i really love that huge sense of scale that makes you go "dang those walls are some marvel of architecture."
Kabocha
The color illustrations for pathways are a treat, too
http://pathways.smackjeeves.com/comics/2534068/chapter-2-the-dig/ Like, even though this is based in what could be a very brown landscape, the reds and greens add such a nice warmth to it, and the cool blues for shading are just pleasant
TriaElf9
Fun fact, that city is actually the smallest of the main cities in Tuvana ^_-
And I'm glad that page came out well, it took foreeeveerrrrrrr
Kabocha
http://pathways.smackjeeves.com/comics/2622607/chpt-3-attack-on-the-camp/ ...To be honest, it took everything in me not to start throwing fire puns when this page came out
Respheal
Do it
Unleash the puns
Kabocha
It's so serious in context, I can't help but make fire jokes
TriaElf9
I love how it was all "yeah, I'm gonna start this comic, it'll be great! I'll just start with....a massive festival... with thousands of people WHY DID I DO THIS TO MYSELF
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
i demand fire puns
Respheal
They are both very nice cover pages
Ha! xD
TriaElf9
omh puns are the best
Kabocha
This cover page is HOT -- have you seen it yet?!
TriaElf9
HEHEH
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
beautiful
serious context is even more reason for puns
gotta defuse that tense situation
TriaElf9
so true
Kabocha
The Mikarna really brought the heat!
My passion for this comic cannot be extinguished!
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
but puns aside i do think the chapter covers are really nice. its some immensely beautiful coloring.
TriaElf9
Ah, Miakarna ^_^
but yes, they did bring the heat eheh
aww, thank you! ^////^
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
masterpieces. kabo just gonna have to make a book of puns to story situations
Kabocha
Things are really heating up for the researchers... ....You could say it's... in tents...
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
the holy head guy was like "you need to put the heat on." miakarna set the tents on fire. holy head guy like "I DIDNT MEAN LITERALLY"
Kabocha
PFFFF
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
QUESTION 2. After discovering the supposed Akarna, things go downhill for the scholars at the ruins rather quickly. Do you think that Atawn will manage to escape? If he does, will he actually manage to make it somewhere safe, or will he be pursued and captured eventually anyway? Where will Atawn even go? Why do you think that Miakarna guard is helping Atawn, and will the guard suffer consequences for helping later on? Will Atawn’s records be of use, and if so how? What do you think will happen to the other scholars that Atawn left behind? Lastly, what do you think will be the consequences for the Miakarna regarding their actions? Will they spark a potential war, or will their declaration of the scholars being profane be allowed to stand?
Kabocha
Someone told the Mikarna to light a fire under someone's ass to get all the research disposed of -- they probably weren't meaning literally
TriaElf9
Oh man, all great questions!!!
snuffysam
maybe this whole thing is a misunderstanding. maybe the miakarna are fine with discovering religious secrets, they just don't like holes in the ground.
Kabocha
@snuffysam -- like Trypophobia, just on a large scale?
where there's one hole with people in it, there might be another
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
holes are like graffiti of the earth
cant have hoodlums adding their graffiti
snuffysam
my hope is that atawn and the guard become best buddies and escape to visit taria and friends. and then the gang has a bunch of misadventures in an attempt to quell a brewing holy war.
Kabocha
http://pathways.smackjeeves.com/comics/2610497/pathways-62/ Well, Rykhana'i will probably not take this well. "Oh, yeah, we uh, lost one of your guys, and burnt all their research. No you can't visit them. NO. THEY'RE TOTALLY FINE"(edited)
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
this is assuming they can get word out. which tbh i do think they can
i think atawn will make it
with the guards help
Kabocha
we can hope
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
i believe O_O
although i dont think the guard is going to be safe in the long run
Kabocha
Is the guard already raising death flags for you?
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
yes
ankoart
Atawn's gonna escape, but probably be pursued as he tries to tell others about what he's seen. A man on the run! The guard is gonna join him cause he probably knows shady stuff is afoot and feels guilty just standing by and doing nothing. He seems like the thoughtful type, and he probably became a guard to protect and serve others, not deceive them.
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
super death flags
the guard is a profaner O_O
Kabocha
To be honest, I think Atawn's more likely to be injured badly and have to adapt, the guard will be fine long-term.
ankoart
-hugs the guard- don't you touch him
TriaElf9
eats popcorn, grinning
Kabocha
oh no
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
yeah i do get the impression the guard has a kind soul at least and is becoming disillusioned
which good for the guard
Kabocha
I still think the guard's a spy
TriaElf9
WHY CAN'T I DRAW THE COMIC FASTERRRR so many parts to get toooo
Kabocha
AHAHAHAHAHAH
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
someone on the inside should be thinking "maybe its us who are the bad guys"
TriaElf9
"are we the baddies?"
ankoart
Maybe the real baddies are the friends we made along the way
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
LOL the plot twist of the century
Kabocha
http://pathways.smackjeeves.com/comics/2550453/pathways-43/ I dunno, Guard totally knows who the baddies are. They're very observant
OH NO ANKO
@TriaElf9 -- ....how long until we find out the Guard's name
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
in regards to the other scholars i also see death flags over them. like i think for now theyll be locked up. but then ya know, public executions of the profane and all that to set an example
im gonna burst out laughing if the guard's name is "Guard"
Kabocha
As soon as Atawn finds a place to stop and write a letter, there's going to be a newspaper or something: "SCHOLARS FIRED"
TriaElf9
AHAH
Respheal
> FIRED
Why
Why do you do this
TriaElf9
We'll learn more about the guard soon, I've drawn those pages already, it's just a matter of getting to them in the posting schedule ^_-
extra extra, read all about it! ^_^
Kabocha
@TriaElf9 appreciates my awful, awful jokes
ankoart
It's good to have things to look forward to reading soon!
Respheal
The guard seems smart, so I imagine they'll make it out of this alright I don't foresee them following the narrative much though? But that's just my guess
TriaElf9
I'm trying to build a buffer, so I'm like a bunch of pages ahead, so I keep getting surprised when I check the site and we're not there yet lol
Kabocha
Aaaaaaa I know this feeling. XD But that's okay
So, so far, I can group everyone in this comic into two distinct groups: "Adorable Characters I must protect" and "Flamethrowers"
Respheal
Yes xD
TriaElf9
EHEH
ankoart
I get the feeling they're gonna be joining the narrative to stay~
Kabocha
Actually, you know.... Could we call this event the start of a... flame war?
TriaElf9
I think the other question is, how is this all going to affect Atawn really ^_-
AHAHAHAH
Respheal
istg
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
i feel the guard will be around for a while at least. the guard will rise to help again O_O
atawn will be fine. no years of therapy needed or anything
Kabocha
Yep
Respheal
Oh yeah I imagine the guard'll be back at some point if we do part ways with them now
TriaElf9
no survivor's guilt or anything NAH
Kabocha
definitely no therapy necessary never
Respheal
Ahahahaha poor Atawn x'D
Kabocha
Y'all should look at the vote incentive
snuffysam
atawn and the guard get captured. the rest of the comic is taria and gang doing something completely different.
Respheal
Wait
Waaaaaaaaaaaait
the person behind Atawn
TriaElf9
Oh yeah, my full cast art reveals a lot lol
Respheal
I rescind my remarks; Guardfriend joins the gang
Kabocha
GuardFriend is even more adorable without the helmet
TriaElf9
tho it takes the context of connecting faces and people eheheh
excelleennnttt ^_^
Kabocha
+10 want to protect score
Respheal
Also I do really love the umbrella idea with that art. So cute!
ankoart
I wanna know more about the dragons. Everyone deserves dragon cuddles.
Kabocha
YES OH GOODNESS
the dragons are freakin' CUTE
Respheal
Shvir is a good noodle friend
TriaElf9
I also wanted to do a pride yukata picture, but I just didn't have time that month, sadly
Kabocha
How large do the dragons grow?
TriaElf9
a full cast of 8 characters turned out to be murder on the hands lol
they vary in size
they can be tiny to massive
Kabocha
Oooh
ankoart
I need one
Alakotila
Just in time for the cute dragon talk!!
TriaElf9
I haven't much gotten into the dragon stuff yet, but a few people picked up on some of it during the first chapter
eyy, dragon talk! welcome! ^_^
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
the dragons were cute but i was curious why all the royalty seemed to have them
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
pant pant pant
Sorry I'm late!
snuffysam
maybe just a popular pet
a popular, expensive pet
Respheal
I suspect there's more to it than that
TriaElf9
more popcorn and grinning
Kabocha
I imagine there's some sort of bonding
ankoart
Yeah they seem like more than just "pets." Companion seems a better word
TriaElf9
Companion is a very good word for it ^_^
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Heehee~
So i see you're the creative mind that made this comic, aren't ya Tria?
ankoart
I'd like to know how they find each other, dragons and their people.
TriaElf9
I am indeed ^_^
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Heehee, pleased to meet ya~
TriaElf9
and I'm having such a hard time not just like spilling all the beaannnssss
Kabocha
Are you cackling like mad?
ankoart
Oh no, all these beans!
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
maybe its both. maybe the dragons are companions...but also expensive pets O_O
TriaElf9
cackling ^_^
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
A 500 dollar pet?
Kabocha
Don't spill the beans, they're needed for setsubun
TriaElf9
very true, gotta keep those oni out
I will drop that size of dragons is actually a plot point, there is a reason to size ^_-(edited)
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
oooh?
Kabocha
Ooooh
Interesting...
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Are you hiding something from us?
Kabocha
............................................................................ HMMMMMMM
Well, yes, that's the point of telling a story :'3
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Ye~
Kabocha
things are hidden from the reader and gradually revealed
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
And I like that there's dragons that are friendly to each other
TriaElf9
it's not a huge thing, really, but there are layers to it ^_^
Respheal
It's definitely just the royal people that have dragon companions, since a merchant recognized them as royalty for having dragon companions
A pact, mayhaps?
ankoart
The bigger the dragon the gayer you become
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Hmm, Ice Candy
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
i feel like it must be related to magic somehow. but thats all i got on that one. need to see the dragons more.
Kabocha
It's interesting that royalty is easily able to walk amongst their people. Must be a pretty peaceful country.
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
As a food enthusiast I need to know exactly what kind fo treat it is
Is it like water ice but with bigger chunks of ice?
Kabocha
It'd be a shame if the Mikarna did something....
TriaElf9
Oh Ice Candy is similar to shaved Ice ^_^
snuffysam
might just be a funny way to say sno cone
yup got it in one
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Heehee
I was thinking of having a snow cone earlier lol
TriaElf9
they call it kakigori at festivals here
and it's one of my go to favs, so I had to include it of course eheheh
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
You live in Japan?
TriaElf9
I do! ^_^
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
That's epic! I always wanted to see what living there was like but I'm too afraid to leave my own home XD It's got everything I could want, but I digress
Kabocha
http://i.imgur.com/sZQnzuA.jpg This, I feel, is an accurate representation of the Mikarna. But, y'know, with fire
Respheal
snrk
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
And I love that the dragons share the treats with their masters~
ankoart
Haha, cat reaction posts are always best
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
So many food vendors too at this fair in the first chapter
Respheal
A cat dragon
snuffysam
i feel like fairs generally have a lot of food vendors?
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Yea
though some just serve lots and lots of fast food
and it's usually the same stuff every time
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
tbf in the comic its the harvest festival
TriaElf9
the dragons are very cat for sure ^_^
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
and well
harvest
food is implied in the name O_O
snuffysam
you know what my favorite thing to harvest is?
ice
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
You have a good point there
TriaElf9
It's basically a matsuri
ankoart
lol
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
>harvesting ice
Kabocha
http://pathways.smackjeeves.com/comics/2521877/pathways-8/ EVERYONE MUST ATTEND AND HAVE FUN
TriaElf9
it's a festival to celebrate a time or a thing, but they also have staple foods at these things
Kabocha
actually, Shvir's expression is just Way too cute there
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
like the aforementioned candy ice?
wondering what flavors they have there too
TriaElf9
various Tuvana fruits flavors probably
also, I am that servant, and Taria is deffo people trying to get me to stop working and GO TO THE DARN MATSURI lol
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
i feel like being told its a royal order is a gurantee to not have fun. too much pressure. starts running around forcefully laughing saying, "AM I HAVING FUN NOW!?"
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
In the end it's all about the matsuris
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
QUESTION 3. At the beginning of the comic we are introduced to Taria, Dhiren, and Quinel, royalty far detached from the current situation at the ruins. What do you think their overall roles in the story will be? Will they deal with the situation at the ruins personally, have heavy involvement in the political arena regarding the Miakarna, or will they be involved in some other way? Will Dhiren successfully have his ceremony to celebrate the promise of Cova’t with Jorah, or will the situation with Miakarna throw those plans into disarray? Will Quinel’s role at the House of Healing be significant, and do you consider it foreshadowing of something to come? What about Taria? Will her fighting skills come into play, her apparent charity, or something else?
snuffysam
i think they'll be among the first to find out about the tent-burning
TriaElf9
AHH EVEN MORE GOOD QUESTIONS
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
That's our Rebel!
snuffysam
atawn manages to escape and gets word to them somehow
TriaElf9
Given that Taria and Atawn are from the same country, that's a good bet ^_-(edited)
snuffysam
and honestly quinel being a healer could factor in right then and there
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Maybe~
snuffysam
i doubt he'll escape without a scratch
Kabocha
Taria strikes me as an action princess, so she's going to want to be out there to check on things. I wonder if she knows Atawn though?
Yeah, Quinel's going to be very useful... ............."Yeah, we'll dispatch our best healers to help" ...."Everyone's dead."
TriaElf9
I wonder what the state of necromancy-like magic is in Tuvana? ^_-
Kabocha
.................
OH NO
TriaElf9
This could mean everything OR NOTHING
cackles more
Kabocha
They're going to end up pod people! and then there to wage war against their own peoples!
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
quinel for resident necromancer
Kabocha
NO
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Finally, I binged all the way to the end so far!
Respheal
Just need a lot of diamonds.........#dnd(edited)
TriaElf9
We also have 3 more characters to meet ^_-
Kabocha
I object to this! Atawn strikes me as much more likely to approach Necromancy from a scholarly point of view.
TriaElf9
I can't wait for chapter 4 ahhhhhhhh
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
3 more to meet, you say? :3
TriaElf9
so many diamonds
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
quinel's healing will be useful tho. healers are always useful.
Alakotila
hohohoho
TriaElf9
need that revial spell lol
Alakotila
I guess I can't say anything there
Kabocha
OH DEAR
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
Made it for the second hour. ^.^
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
hey math~!
Kabocha
ALAKOTILA KNOWS SPOILERS
TriaElf9
woo, welcome! ^_^
OH RIGHT
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
I also like Atawn's water-generating ability
Alakotila
EDITOR IN THE HOUSE
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
also HEY MATH!
TriaElf9
MY EDITOR KNOWS THINGSS
Kabocha
:'3
Respheal
That was handy xD "Oh, no access to water....welp. -generates water-"
Alakotila
that was a whole ton of good questions up there Rebel!
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
speaking of the water-generating ability i was super stoked to see magic used for something practical like that
thank you
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Oh, you're the editor of this here story?
Alakotila
yeah! that was awesome!
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
Hmm, so the royalty will probably have to try and calm down the populus when they see all the smoke from the fire.
snuffysam
how far away is the site?
Alakotila
just the copy editor! all fabulousness is created by @TriaElf9 !
Respheal
I imagine the camp is pretty far away
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
There is hydrogen and oxygen in the air, just need the magical bonds.
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Sometimes mundane is all you need
And nice X3
Kabocha
If you really want it to explode, just break those bonds
TriaElf9
yes, they check me on my very over use of commas and my rambling ahah
Kabocha
and uh ....add a spark
ahahahah
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
lol
TriaElf9
Yeah the camp is pretty far and surrounded mostly by mountains
we'll see more of the land in the next upcoming bit
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Oh Tria, I have a small idea for the sit if you're the one that made/coded it(edited)
Kabocha
Rumors of the scholars' fate may spread like wildfire once Atawn escapes....
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
so i feel like war is for sure brewing and theyll have to try and stop it. cause at the very least i think this current discovery is gonna make the miakarna invade all the ruins which iirc are spread out on all four lands
TriaElf9
and I'm glad you're liking the magic! I'm really proud of the system and can't wait to share more ^_^
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Yea, it's really good magic~!
Kabocha
The Akarna ruled the world with their cake recipes!
Alakotila
CAKE
Kabocha
I mean, they were considered Gods... OF BAKING
TriaElf9
Oh and no, I have loads of help on the site, I'm useless at those things lol
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Lol, alright then
ankoart
Now I wanna make cake
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Cause I thought of suggesting using the arrow keys to navigate through pages
instead of just clicking the page
also
DID SOMEONE SAY CAKE?
TriaElf9
I always want cake, I went out and got cake during last night's typhoon
Kabocha
Ooooh, what kind of cake though
ankoart
-stares at bag full of ingredients to make ace dessert- maybe I'll finally do that this weekend
Respheal
....-wants cake now-
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
I got italian ices during a bad thunderstorm
Alakotila
that's pretty extreme cake getting lol
TriaElf9
I think the arrows do navigate?
snuffysam
this... this is the true power of the Akarna!
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
They take the cake.
TriaElf9
I got strawberry shortcake b/c of course ^_^
Kabocha
I think Justin means using the arrow keys on the keyboard
TriaElf9
ooooh
ankoart
YOU BOUGHT CAKE DURING THE TYPHOON? (Haha I thought about stopping by a conbini actually but I was actually soaked)
Kabocha
That... might be doable...
TriaElf9
I have no idea if SJ has the ability to do that ^_^;;
Respheal
It does, I can link ya
Kabocha
throw it at me
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
Back on fave scene, I just wanted to mention I liked the bit near the start where it looked like as the people were meeting back up, so were the dragons. That was just a nice little detail. Hadn't expected different breeds of dragon.
Alakotila
the dragons are wonderful
TriaElf9
oooh I love that bit!
Kabocha
Shvir is like... a noodle cat dragon
TriaElf9
and yes, I wanted to vary dragon types ^_^
Kabocha
also the meeps are great
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
I wonder how many dragon species total exist
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
And in terms of theories, when they first found the door, I wondered if they'd open it and that high priest guy would just be sitting there with a TV. And he'd go, "Well damn, you found my tech man-cave. Now I have to kill you."
Did not expect the frozen gods.
TriaElf9
EHEH
Kabocha
Are they frozen or just... On ice?
TriaElf9
pay no attention to the man behind the curtain
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
Ice see what you did there.
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
i expected religion breaking secrets but not frozen gods
Kabocha
It looks vaguely computerized. They need an IT person to come in and take a look before the whole system freezes up
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
for a sec I thought they were mummified
ankoart
They're taking a long nap. I relate to them.
TriaElf9
Also, dragon-wise, so far we've met Tova, Shvir and Var ^_^
snuffysam
the secret is that's where candy ice comes from!
the frozen gods!
ankoart
Ice candy, god flavor
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
Interesting that the most important God was at the top, as opposed to at the bottom. Is it really safe up there? Is that also where the power is being generated? (And are they "on ice" in a magical way or a tech one?)
snuffysam
"And are they "on ice" in a magical way or a tech one?" is there really a significant difference?
Kabocha
The ice treats are like soylent green
Respheal
por que no los dos?(edited)
Magitek cryostasis
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
Well, this is mostly a magical world, but that area was only recently getting magic, hence the desert. Maybe there's an incompaitiblity... or maybe all the magic was being absorbed by the stasis tubes. So could make a difference for plot.
TriaElf9
oh mannnn I'm loving this AND equally tortured that I can't say anything aHAHAH
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Hmmmm
You're onto something Math
TriaElf9
I'll be dropping more in chapter 4, so look forward to that ^_-
snuffysam
yeah i'm just saying that in this world, it seems like magic has a big impact on technology, and vice versa
TriaElf9
I wish there was a plotting emoticon
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
Gotcha.
Maybe the dragons are actually mechanical beings.
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
yeah i feel like its significant that it looks like theyre being preserved by technology in a world where there isnt a lot of technology around or so it seems
TriaElf9
I will say some of the things people have said today are indeed on the right track
now the question is WHICH of the things muhahahah
Alakotila
hmmm yes
where did the tech come from?
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
I wonder that as well
Respheal
Aliens
Alakotila
ALIENS
Kabocha
They're gods because of the tech!
TriaElf9
that's another emoticon we need
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
"What solved the world crisis?" "Aliens."
Kabocha
any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic!
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
The shipping of Atawn and that Guard is the right track, yes? Surely someone already proposed that?
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Always blame it on them
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
The Gods are actually aliens. They crash landed here and decided to seal themselves away from the cavemen until there was a decent enough civilization to rule over.
Alakotila
setting ships sailing is fun
snuffysam
actually i don't think anyone mentioned the atawn x guard ship
Kabocha
They gave people enough to get started, then went into stasis until they could take over
snuffysam
even though it's a pretty good one
TriaElf9
I've gotten some comments on the comic about it, but not here yet
Kabocha
"Yeaaaaaaaaaaah, your world isn't comfortable enough... we'll be back when you make it better..."
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
snuffy: Glad I corrected that oversight then.
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
i feel the atawn x guard ship is just obvious is all. they got all them googly eyes going.
Kabocha
Ahahaha, right?
Alakotila
LOL rebel
Kabocha
but more than anything, I want to protect them both
Alakotila
do they
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
Rebel: Maybe the Guard has a nice sister he wants to marry off, who knows.
Alakotila
I gotta look closer for the googly eyes
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
"I want a smart guy, but not a guy who's TOO smart. The scholar who dehydrates himself will do nicely."
TriaElf9
AHAHAH
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
no the lol part is to the fact i now cant unpicture them with googly craft eyes glued to their eye lids.
http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/supplyimages/564756_1000_1_800.jpg
ya know those kind
TriaElf9
dehydration is definitely something to look for in an SO
Alakotila
oh so those kinds
yeah
I can see how that would give the ship away
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
"Stay hydrated!!"
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
"You know where there's some moisture? In mah mouth..."
TriaElf9
PFFT
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
"I have a spell though." "Oh, well fine."
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
thats gonna be the guard's best selling pick up line book
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
In terms of the fact that there's new characters we haven't met - there's four kingdoms who can lay claim to that one area, right? And we've seen two of them...? Maybe there will be counterpoints to Taria. (Or is Dhiren already one?)
Like, they'll have a Summit.
TriaElf9
Dhiren and Quinel are from another kingdom yeah
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
dhiren and quinel are both from kuvar
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
I really want to see the other kingdoms now that you mention it
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
I am SO bad with names.
TriaElf9
The only one we've yet to see is Durhan
lol me too, and I wrote them ahah
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
this is why notes exist
especially when you got a billion fantasy names
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
"There's these four kingdoms, uh... A B C and D."
TriaElf9
I changed the spelling on a few, and I keep getting confused eheh
yuup, I have so many lore notes ehehe
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
Do they speak different languages in the different kingdoms, I wonder?
Or is magic the universal langauge?
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
thats a good question
about languages
Kabocha
We can probably safely assume the characters all are fairly well educated
Alakotila
Is there a common tongue?
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
When magic's involved, spelling counts.
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Yes
snuffysam
to be fair, we don't know if the guard is well educated
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Who knows what can happen if you mis-pronounce a certain spell
snuffysam
he may have just been hired to stand there
Kabocha
I dunno, I'm still going with spy theory
TriaElf9
there is at least a common tongue, yes
so far we've seen that and magic
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
snuffy: True, but they probably don't want people who are too dense walking over the scholars.
"This is actually a recipe for biscuits, yes."
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
QUESTION 4. The comic quickly makes it apparent that there are many mysteries afoot regarding the past. In regards to the ruins, what do you think the Miakarna are hiding and why? Did they know about the supposed Akarna there? Are they protecting the land simply because they believe it’s holy? Alternatively, is something else going on? What lengths do you think the Miakarna are willing to go to protect the ruins? Atawn also briefly mentions that magic had not returned to the area the ruins are in. What do you think that means for the past and present day of the story’s world? Of a last note, do you believe the people under the ruins are the Akarna, and if so, what are they doing there?
TriaElf9
SO MANY GOOD QUESTIONS
Kabocha
Qualifications for being a Mikarna guard: -The ability to yell "PROFANER" in at least 3 different languages -Looks good in helmets -OK with bringing the heat(edited)
TriaElf9
EHEHEH
snuffysam
the way the miakarna were acting was like there was a specific thing they didn't want the scholars to find. so i think this was that thing.
TriaElf9
and an almost fanatical devotion to the Akarna
snuffysam
like each day they seemed more worried that the archaeologists were going to find something
Kabocha
The Miakarna probably knew, or had an inkling of what they'd find, just not WHERE and when. And they're hoping to harvest that sweet, sweet cake technology
TriaElf9
hey, cool cake in a desert? priceless
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
snuffy: I got the impression that they didn't know what it was they were even protecting though. Like, they didn't want them to find... something... this is probably it, burn it all.
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Of course
use fire at first resort
Great idea
TriaElf9
people knowing things and straying from their control is BAD
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Yes(edited)
snuffysam
i'd hate to see what the miakarna will use after fire fails to get atawn
Kabocha
OH GOSH
THE AKARNA KNEW... how to make ice cream cake
like the perfect ice cream cake
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
Unless the Miakarna are actually under the mental control of the Akarna. Subconsciously or not.
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
im gonna be honest i think its a mix. like the miakarna were told something vague like "this is the final resting place of the akarna" cause there has to be a reason they already considered the land sacred. so they knew theyd find something they either proved that right or wrong. and then ya know, they found pods.
Kabocha
GO HOME EVERYONE WE'VE SOLVED THE CONSPIRACY
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
BY BURNING IT ALL \o/
Kabocha
.............
darnit
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
the miakarna being under the control of the akarna sounds interesting though
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
Rebel: Or maybe they were just told that where the magic was weakest was the final resting place or something. Way vague, which is why they don't want anyone until they figure it out themselves.
Alakotila
it does make sense they'd have been told something vague AT LEAST in order to consider it sacred
I wonder if they expected to find what they did
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
Arkarna are all telepaths.
Kabocha
The Akarna were the ones who made the desert
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
swings pendulum "You are getting... creeeepy."
snuffysam
*dessert, kabo
TriaElf9
PFFT
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
as a general semi crack, semi serious theory, i think theres gonna be war as the miakarna block the others from the ruins. but then theyll wake up an akarna. and then the akarna will yawn and wage an even bigger war and everyone will have to come together to scream oh shit oh shit the gods want to murder us.
Respheal
Ahahaha I can get behind this theory x'D
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
never trust the pod ppl
Respheal
The pod gods
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
better, even more specific
Kabocha
An ancient empire awakens, bent on reclaiming the world they once dominated. A small group of people, drawn together by a common cause, are determined to stop them. However, they face more than threats from the outside.... I mean, the synopsis of the comic is this....
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
dont trust pod gods
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
^
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
Rebel, I can totally see that. Suddenly the Miakarna wave the white flags, "Stop shooting at us, we're under attack from within too."
Respheal
Yuuuuuuuuuuuppppp r.i.p. everyone when the pod gods wake up
TriaElf9
author cackling continuessss
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
Unless the Gods decide to use the Miakarna as the instruments to wipe out the other kingdoms.
Kabocha
Does "Mi" have a meaning
because Mi-Akarna
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
Mama Mia.
Kabocha
are we following hi-fu-mi here
bc if so, this means they're the third iteration of the Akarna's people... potentially
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
mi actually used to be my because the miakarna are the descendants of their slaves O_O
Kabocha
GASP
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
They're also probably great at dodging magic, if they're spending a lot of time defending a region that doesn't use it.
Kabocha
Bwahahahahahaha
So, basically, we can sum this up as: "They're all doomed"
The Akarna join with their faithful servants,and..............................
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
R.I.P. everyone
Kabocha
TAKE OVER THE WORLD
snuffysam
unless a rag-tag group of friends can stop them!
Respheal
Well if the Miakarna consider the Akarna to be gods, I can't imagine it'll take much to convince them to join in on the conquest
ankoart
Everybody wants to rule the world
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
maybe this will be a technology vs magic war. cause the akarna could be technology wizards instead of regular magic wizards. and the akarna are the reason magic went away.
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
oooh
That'd be epic
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
Leaves it up to the cat dragons to save the day.
ankoart
Cat dragons save the day! That would be the best
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
The smallest and cutest fighters
Kabocha
The akarna are all sudo rm -rf /
snuffysam
the entire story is just the akarna trying to remember the admin password
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
"As soon as we thaw out our army, you'll be in trouble."
(Wasn't there an episode of Star Trek Voyager like that?)
(Dragons Teeth or something.)
snuffysam
use a blow drier to thaw out the army
have to go to the store for extension cords because of the size of the room
it's a whole thing
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
Unless blow drier runs on magic. Also, they'll have fabulous hair.
Kabocha
Sam -- you know, they probably just have to boot into single user mode
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
"Aim for the heads." "Why aren't they wearing helmets?" "Would you cover up that hair?"
Kabocha
http://pathways.smackjeeves.com/comics/2595215/pathways-56/ "What, you must be mistaken" Clearly they know what's up
Gaslighting before they torch the place
Respheal
I dunno, might be legitimate surprise
TriaElf9
which one which oneeeee ~dances~
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
i read it as legit surprise too
Kabocha
....you missed the joke T_T
TriaElf9
OH
OHHHHH YOU
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
i saw it O_O i just dont have a witty response to it XD
Kabocha
ahahahaha
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
TriaElf9
sorry I'm getting prepped for critical role lol
Kabocha
It's ok XD
I'm being awful
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
Seeing that panel reminds me, did all characters have slightly pointy ears, or no...?
TriaElf9
I HAVE FAILED YOU
it's mixed
Kabocha
IT'S OK, THIS COMIC IS WONDEFUL
TriaElf9
Dhiren and Quinel both have rounded ears
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
Gotcha, thanks. I wondered about races at some point there, then forgot.
TriaElf9
so does Vala
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
I guess it's connected to Kingdoms.
TriaElf9
yup, it's just a little detail ^_^
it's actually not a spoiler or anything, it's just a genetic variation in this world
like connected earlobes or detached earlobes
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
Nice detail. Actually, really good artwork, given the large setting too.
Kabocha
I'm 100% here for the pointy ears
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
interesting.
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
There's also, like, foreground-background in places.
Kabocha
@TriaElf9 -- now, I have to ask one question before it gets to the end... Is ther ea character we'll get to shout "YOU HAD ONE JOB" at
and will they have a ribbon
TriaElf9
it's more of a "this isn't Earth" tidbits ^_^
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
is there any sort of discrimination caused by the difference in ears or is everyone shrugging about it?
TriaElf9
also I like pointed ears ahaha(edited)
Alakotila
me too
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
The person who made the large cloak, when it fails and Atawn is seen. Had one job.
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Mind of I say one last thing before this chat ends?
TriaElf9
for sure!
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Because this is an incredible read so far with lots of cool (and sometimes cute!) ideas and I love everything about it thus far
TriaElf9
eeee ^////^
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Hope it continues on and we experience a lot more about this world you created
(and long live candy ices!)
TriaElf9
I've been working on this comic for a few years now, building the world, I'm so glad people are liking ittt ^_^
oh it'll keep going for sure ^_^
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Glad to hear!
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
Is Tuvana the land or the planet?
TriaElf9
and if we hit the next goal on my patreon, it'll reliably update twice a week
ankoart
Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with us!
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Sweet!
TriaElf9
instead of my 1-2-1-2 pattern I have now
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
yeah the effort put into the world really shows through. its got a lot of those necessary details that really bring the foreignness to fruition.
TriaElf9
it's both
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
Gotcha.
TriaElf9
the world is the land is the planet
TriaElf9
Tuvana is what they call the whole thing, and then there are 4 distinct countries
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
Helps the aliens out that way.
TriaElf9
heheheheh
hey it does have a dash of sci fi ^_-
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
That's cool~
TriaElf9
I've only had one panel with it I think, but keep an eye on the sky, there are a few cool things there ^_-
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
Yeah, definitely didn't expect the pods... I wonder if they're all actually functioning? Oooh, what if they're all just holograms?
"Thank you for opening my pod, this is a recorded message..."
TriaElf9
EHEHE
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
"...to build the thermonuclear device, insert tab A..."
Respheal
Now I'm going back through, looking at all the sky shots lmao
Divulge your secreeeeets(edited)
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
i feel like some of the pods must of failed maybe. at the very least i can hear them waking up and being like "General Lod is okay but General Joe Bob kicked the bucket I'm afraid."
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
Always nice to have reasons to go back. Like, even hair has tufts and strands.
Kabocha
AHAHAHAHAHAHHA
TriaElf9
it'll show up more in coming pages
Kabocha
I can't wait to read more
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Same here~
TriaElf9
but the night sky has a little fun thing ^_-
MathTans the super Pun 👑Prince👑
Rebel: Hope they took out life insurance.
snuffysam
looking forward to more world building!
Kabocha
I want to see more cuties
TriaElf9
oh there will be more cuties for SURE
also more world building
Kabocha
EVERYONE IS ADORABLE NEED ALL OF THEM ALL THE TIME
TriaElf9
chapter 4 we get some world lore AND some cuties
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
COMIC TEA PARTY END!
Unfortunately, the scheduled Comic Tea Party time is now up~! Thank you everyone so much for reading and joining this week’s chat~! We want to give a special thank you to Elaine Tipping, as well, for making Pathways: Chronicles of Tuvana and volunteering it for our reading queue. If you liked the comic, please be sure to support Elaine Tipping’s efforts however you’re able to. All that being said, if you would like to continue discussing this week’s comic, we highly encourage you to do so~!
For next week, Comic Tea Party will focus on The J-Man by Jonny Aleksey. As always, please use the next several days to read as much of the comic as you would like. We hope to see you next Thursday on August 30th from 5PM to 7PM PDT for the chat~! Until then, happy reading~! @The Undefeatable Jonny Aleksey Comic: http://jonnyalekseydrawscomics.com/thelatestpage/
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