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lonelypond · 10 months

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Warning Shot

NicoMaki, Love Live, 1.8K, 1/?

Summary: An injured Yazawa Nico finds herself on the run from the notorious A-Rise gang. Headed toward Otonokizaki Falls, she first meets two children who will change her life.

The bullet pinged off the boulder to Yazawa Nico’s left. A chunk of granite flicked her cheek, liquid warmth telling her blood had been drawn. She spun, reaching for her Colt, but froze as she watched Tsubasa Kira hand her rifle to Todo Erena.

“You left the Wells Fargo driver alive.” Tsubasa spit, her right hand hovering over the grip of her pistol. “You’re that damn undercover marshall.”

“Nico is the Number One Bandit.” Nico couldn’t help the proud swagger as she posed.

A movement to Nico’s right showed her that Tsubasa’s other lieutenant, Yuki Anju, settling into a sniper’s position.

“That was your warning shot. The next one…”

Kosoka Honoka stepped in front of Tsubasa, arms up, “I was there too. We got the money; no reason to kill the stagecoach driver.”

“I ordered it.” Tsubasa stepped forward, “Out of my way. You’re cute, Kosaka, and new so I’ll forgive you for not knowing we take traitors seriously here.”

Honoka’s distraction had given Nico a minute to calculate an escape, the minute she needed. But a minute was all she needed. Yazawa forced Anju back into cover with a quick shot that kicked up dirt in her face.

Nico rolled over the rock, tossing a smoke bomb behind her, a high pitched whistle summoning her horse. She sprinted toward where Smiley would be approaching, determined to leave shouts behind her. Another shot, and a bulllet rushed by, too close for any ease. Grimacing, Nico continued in the direction where her horse should be running her way. She needed a bridle and a blanket saddle. Nico paused, small against a night full of danger. She’d need her rifle too. Tsubasa shouted confusing directions. Nico headed for where she had her saddle.

A quick close sound, a pinch in her side, an explosion of pain. Not a warning shot. Erena’s narrowed eyes looked surprised that Nico still stood. And then Erena was tilting, the tiny ginger speedster, Hoshizora Rin having clocked her with the butt of her Winchester. Nico’s horse, prepped with saddle and head bridle, neighed a greeting.

“Mount up and go, Nico-chan. I’ll send ‘em in the wrong direction.”

Nico nodded, hand pressed against the wound in her side. She’d do a more proper bandage once she got on horseback but for now a bandana and hard pressure was all she could manage. Mounting was one smooth motion. With a nod to Hoshizora, Nico headed Smiley toward the North. She’d heard rumors of a quiet town, immigrant built, near a cluster of waterfalls.

###

Sheriff Sonoda Umi sighed, tacking another wanted poster to the wall outside her office. These criminals were getting younger and younger. The latest, Nico Yazawa, looked like a teenager. How could someone with a face like that have committed crimes worthy of such a bounty. Umi squinted at the signature. Some bank manager who’d hired a rider to deliver the posters to all the towns in a 200 mile or so radius. Umi couldn’t imagine a criminal making their way here to the quiet of Otonokizaka Falls. There wasn’t even a full time banker. Three saloons, one general store, a seamstress, a blacksmith, a doctor, a barber, a laundry, livery stable, dry goods, carpenter, community hall, school house. Another town was closer to the mines so most of the shameless activities and businesses miner’s money attracted had grown up there, leaving the Falls a quiet, friendly town surrounded by ranchers and natural beauties, most of the visitors riding in either to see Doctor Nishikino or stay at the hotel and have their pictures taken at the Falls.

###

Daylight was louder, Nico Yazawa realized as she scrunched deeper into the bare warmth of her lined duster. The sun always seemed to give off its own music, a cloud driven rhythm that drove the harmony of creatures living their lives in full daylight. Nico was a nocturnal creature, here, under the silence of the slicing moon, a lone owl hooting, his baritone note a call for companionship. Nico’s horse shifted suddenly, Nico biting back a curse as the movement jostled her. The gunshot in her side needed attention. She didn’t need the pain stabbing her a reminder of that.

In the silence, she could almost hear hooves in pursuit. Surely her picture had been circulated by now, her betrayal complete, cut off by the A Rise gang as an easy target to cover their escape with two train cars worth of gold bullion.

Nico sighed. She needed food, rest, a place to water Smiley, a place to hide. She’d ridden out this far, searching for Otonokizaki Falls. Nico smiled at the thought of water rumbling, rushing, as a soothing wind rustled rough against cool green leaves. Must be a fever, Nico realized, water wouldn’t seem nearly so soothing otherwise. Tugging the reins gently, Nico guided Smiley to the easiest path down this mountain. Maybe by dawn they could be tucked into an unused outbuilding on some ranch.

###

“Slow down, Ruby!” 7 year old Dia Kurosawa worried about the speed at which 5 year old Ruby Kurosawa was racing toward a large black horse. What if her sister fell again? Their new mama, Doctor Maki, wasn’t due back for a day or two. Koizumi Hanayo was sweet and cooked much better than Mama, but if Ruby got hurt, Dia wanted Mama right there. At least until Mama let Dia have her own surgical bag.

Ruby stood in front of the large black horse now, bouncing on her toes, gingham dress flitting in the breeze, hand open, a contraband sugar cube on her palm. She must have pocketed it at breakfast. Dia dressed like her new mama most days, button down linen shirt and corduroys tucked into boots, a matching vest her only vanity. Mama wore wrinkled jackets and kept an open collar. Dia thought it looked messy. But Mama was always in motion, rolling up her sleeves, measuring out medicines, examining patients.

“Sis!!! He’s new. And so pretty.” Ruby was petting the horse’s neck, its head lowered.

“Be careful.” Dia walked quickly to her sister’s side. “He’s not from the herd.” Hanayo had a small herd of horses as well as sheep wandering her ranch, along with Juniper, her sheep dog.

“No. But he’s so nice.”

The horse took Dia’s sleeve, pulling her a little.

“I think he wants you to go with him, Sis.”

Dia was a little scared. It was a very big horse. But Ruby kept looking at the both of them with a total faith that Dia could not disappoint. She gently patted the horse’s neck as she leaned near an ear, “You better not bite me. My mama wouldn’t like that.”

The horse nickered, then snorted, continuing to pull.

“All right.” Dia nodded, her tone decisive.

“Are we going to ride?”

“No, Ruby. We don’t ride strange horses. Mama warned us.” Dia tapped the strange horse’s neck in an encouraging fashion and it took off at a trot.

“He’s taking us to the south barn.” Ruby said.

“There’s nothing there.”

“There’s some hay. Maybe he wants to eat.”

“Bzzzttt. He can’t steal hay.”

“What if he’s really hungry?”

“We’ll have to ask Hanayo.”

“Do you think he’s lost?”

Dia shrugged, hurrying to keep up with this visitor, Ruby’s hand clutched tightly in her own.

###

Voices. Children? Cotaro? Where was Nico? Nico opened her eyes to sunlight bright enough to make her groan. She remembered. She’d crawled into a small barn when the pain had become too much for riding. She was supposed to be gone by dawn so no one would discover she’d hidden out here. No sense bringing threats to some innocent rancher.

Nico sat up, her side throbbing, her head aching. She needed water. Where was Smiley? She’d left him with a loose tie; he must have worked himself free. She could see where he’d helped himself to hay. She’d have to leave some money.

“Smiley?” Nico winced at how raspy her voice sounded, as she pulled herself up to stand in the stall she’d fallen asleep in, under her saddle blanket, the Sharps rifle by her side. She picked it up to check. Unloaded. Nico wasn’t going to take chances around children.

“BZZZTTT!” A hissing sound, “Drop that. Now.”

A very young, very determined voice shouted at Nico, who slowly placed her rifle to the side, then raised her hands in the air. Two children stood in front of her, a tiny one with red hair hiding behind a dark haired one dressed like a junior banker.

“Nico is a friend.”

“Is that your horse?” The redhead asked.

“Yes. He’s very friendly. Just like Nico.”

“He’s pretty. I fed him sugar.”

“He likes sugar.” The junior banker interrupted, “Why are you here?”

“Nico needed a place to sleep. And Smiley needed breakfast. We’ll be going now.” Nico could feel her energy fading. Where was Smiley? She could use his solidity right now. “You look pale. When Mama sees people like you they have to stay in bed.”

Nico didn’t have time to make sense of that statement. Or the time for it to be true. “Nico can’t stay in anyone’s bed. No matter how nice your mama is.” “Mama’s a doctor.” The banker said, each word carrying serious weight.

“Oh.” Nico cringed at any implication that might have been…but surely that child couldn’t be more than six or seven. “What’s your name?”

“Dia Kurosawa. This is my sister, Ruby.” “Hi!” Ruby squeaked cutely as she got nudged from behind by a Smiley who’d decided to join them.

“Nice to meet you, Dia, Ruby. Nico has to go.” Nico, using the top edge of the stall as an aid, pulled herself toward her wandering horse, “C’mere, boy.” It felt like only two more steps and then she would collapse.

“Sit.” Dia pushed her, knocking Nico’s side.

“Ksssshhhh” Nico hissed through gritted teeth, hitting the ground, letting the stall wall hold her up. She’d have to get help. The wound needed tending to. Maybe this doctor could actually do something. Nico heard rumors about women doctors coming West after graduating with actual medical degrees, unlike some of the frauds who’d mistreated people she knew.

“Go get your Mama.”

“She’s not here.”

“Is there someone else?” “Hanayo. She lets us stay here when Mama’s busy. Do you want to stay?”

“Thank you, Ruby. Nico does.”

“Ooh!” Ruby started to run off.

“Wait for me!” Dia shouted after her sister, then turned back to Nico, “You wait.”

“Nico’s not going anywhere, kid.”

Serious green eyes considered Nico’s statement, examining her expressions, then Dia nodded. “We’ll be back.”

Leaning her head back, biting her lip to swallow a pained shout, Nico groaned, “Nico’ll be right here, kid.”

A/N: Does Time surge or swirl? Doing some Yeehawgust prompts to jumpstart writing and because I've always loved Western themes. Cheers.

#NicoMaki #Yeehawgust #Warning Shot #Can't resist a Western #still need a new Stetson #Nishikino Maki #Yazawa Nico #Sonoda Umi #Kurosawa Dia #Kurosawa Ruby #Dia and Ruby are orphans Maki found #A Rise #Kousaka Honoka #Hoshizora Rin #Kira Tsubasa #Wild West #Western AU #saddle up

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onestepfcrward · 1 year

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what if phantom ruby ! shadow 🤔

#i am some of me. — ✦ ooc.#as if shadow wasn't already op enough dskfajskfafsakjkj #when i think of the ruby i imagine it being similar to the grand relics in the adventure zone. it has a thrall that is hard to resist #i feel like. he would probably have an easier time resisting it though if only because he's been through a Lot Of Shit #he's built up a tolerance djfksdf #but also he already believes he's the most powerful thing in existence so why tf would he need the ruby.#i think my shadow is just... too experienced and far into his character development to even bother with that tbh #realistically he would be seeking out a way to destroy that damn thing so it can't harm anyone anymore #but HM #au idea maybe #very fucked up thinking about shadow's subconscious creating a virtual reality version of maria and gerald :')

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aphroditesmoon · 3 months

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lacrymosa [part 2]

clarisse la rue x fem!hecatecabin!reader [boarding school au]

PART 1

summary: you were sent to a prestigious boarding school to be rid from your father as a burden, but when strange things begins to happen upon your arrival, you wonder what truly lies behind the school walls. And as you attract attention from an infamous student, your plans to lie low is disrupted for the semester.

warnings: nightmares, a lil argument, enemies to lovers in a way.

a/n: under a special request, Olivia's name has been CHANGED to Tella, i hopenyou guys don't find the change too weird! And thank you for the love for this series so far, I hope u all can be patient with me writing every part in my own time🩷

wc: 6k

taglist: @bbybubbles @asvterias @kyuupidwrites @lyzsaphrodite @priyajoyy @yourmom-25s-blog

Something was not right. The thunderstorm outside felt unreal, the lightning struck again, and you only saw white slashing in front of you through the glass.

“Get away from the window, sweetheart.” A female voice you’ve never heard of, advised you. You turn around at the same time you felt her hand grip your shoulder.

“Mama?” You’ve seen her before. Of course you had. In pictures, and albums. But you’ve never heard her speak. She pulls you back onto the velvet chair that sat in the middle of the living room. Everything was unrecognizable. She and the place both was.

“What did I tell you about standing too close to the window? It’s already cool enough here- Oh, see? Your fingers are freezing.” True to her words, your fingers were pruning up.

Your mother’s hands loosened from your arm as she walked back into the kitchen. “I’m making some hot cocoa, do you want some?”

You didn’t respond, too busy examining your surroundings. The structure of the building gave you a sense of deja vu. And the view outside, even through the rain and storms, brought out a sinking feeling in your chest.

You walked back towards the window and saw a glimpse of yourself and flinched back. You’re a child.

It registered to you then that it was all a dream. And more fear erupted from your chest. Were you supposed to be this aware in dreams? It’s never happened before. And yet as you eye the pavement outside being splashed with water whilst your mother called for you from the kitchen, you knew it couldn’t be real.

This is a dream. This is a dream. This is a dream.

You pinched yourself, and still found yourself unmoving.

There is a statue outside on the grounds. A tall white something, you can't tell. But even in the fog and drizzle, it stands magnificent in all it's glory.

The third time your mother called for you, you turned towards her.

Her face glitches as she nears you with a mug in hand. A colorless mug, changing colors the same way her face changes too. You took a step back, frightened. But as your mother cocks her head to the side in question, your feet halts in its place.

“What did I tell you about the window, darling?”

“Mama?” you asked again, against your own resistance. Your mother smiled and moved closer. She wore a necklace with a circular shaped object that laid on her chest. It had rubies on it’s edge, and a triangle cut out in the middle, like a button you could push. It stood out like your mothers dark black eyes that bore no reflection.

“What did I tell you about standing too close to the window, sweetheart?” She asked again, stoically despite her toothy smile.

She glitched again, and for a moment, you thought her face had cracks all over it, filled with red burning glow that looked like lava.

Your hand itched to touch her, to pull her by her collar and scream, you are not my mother. To hug her, to cry in her chest and ask her why she left you.

But instead, you just stood there and hear her calling out for your name again.

The last call clashed with the sound of a thunder, and you felt yourself jump as your shooked out of your nightmare.

The earth below you felt like it had broken into two.

It was raining. It was actually fucking raining.

And for some reason, you looked up to the sky and felt rain water pouring down your whole entire body as lightning struck again from the clouds.

You were standing outside your school building at god knows what hour, in the rain.

“What the hell are you doing?” A thunderous voice shouted from behind you.

You twist your neck to look back, and found the last person you wanted to see in this kind of situation. “Clarisse.” You breathed out with tired eyes.

She stands under the roof of the dorm building, far from you, but close enough to be able to hear her yelling.

Clarisse sprinted towards you from your left with an umbrella that wasn't really standing a chance with the heaviness of the wind and water. Immediately, she pulled you under the pathetic excuse of a shelter and stared at you in disbelief, open mouthed and weirded out.

“Are you insane?” She bellowed out, somehow loud enough to hear. “I- I don't know what happened.” You shouted back.

“What do you mean?” She was beginning to pull you by your arm towards your dorm building, the two of you skipping quickly until you're finally in safety.

“I just woke up and I'm here.” Clarise took the umbrella and harshly flapped it to her side and tried wringing the water out from it. “You sleepwalked?” She asks as she's squeezing the umbrella.

“Yeah.” She then placed the umbrella against the walls of the ground floor, along with the other umbrellas placed there for emergency before taking you by the hand again towards the elevator.

“This has got to be the craziest case of sleepwalking, you could've had hypothermia.” She says it like it's your fault. You almost snapped back at her to say that she shouldn't be awake at this time too, but had the sense to keep your mouth shut. “It's never happened before.” You say instead.

“What never happened? Sleepwalking, or sleepwalking out of a building?”

“Both.” She nodded with an ‘ah’.

The elevator dings open, and her hand slips away from yours as she enters it before you.

“What were you doing awake anyways?” You finally ask her.

“I went down to use the water dispenser to fill up my bottle, then I saw a crazy girl in short shorts in the middle of a storm.”

Your cheeks heated up when you remembered that you were still in a tank top and shorts. A city girl's definition of pajamas.

“Thanks.” You muttered awkwardly, she acknowledges it with another nod.

Once the elevator stops at her level, she exits it and stops in her tracks when she realizes you weren't following her. “Come on.”

“I'm on level 20.” You say dumbly.

“I know, I've seen your dorm. You should come change at my place, unless you want to have to explain to your roommates why you're soaked at 3am.” You considered her proposal quickly and steps out before the doors could close.

“What about your roommates?” You asks.

“Don't have any.” She responds, clicking her tongue.

“Seriously?” She hums positively. “Legacy students have solo rooms.”

The walk towards her room was silent. You let your eyes wander through the red coloured halls and the decorations hung on them. She was an Ares girl, that one is obvious.

There are shields and trophies inside glass boxes along the way to the corridor, and you could assume that the Ares dorm kids are known for their competitiveness, alongside their ferocity.

Once you reach the end of a corridor, she unlocks the singular door that exists in this corner of the level and shoos you inside, following you right after.

Her room was unexpectedly neat, not that you let yourself really look around.

But it was difficult not to notice the air conditioner along with her much-larger-than-yours closet.

She passes you a new and folded towel for you to dry your hair and body while she searches for something to wear.

“Do you want to take a shower first?” She asks whilst rummaging through her closet. “No, it's fine.” It would be too suspicious if you skipped a shower a few hours after your friends woke up.

“Suit yourself.” She answers before handing over to you a thick Princeton sweater with long sleevss and cuffs with a pair of long cotton trousers.

Clarisse had the decency to turn around as you changed and only turned back around once you were done. “Just give me the towel.” She says. “It's laundry day tomorrow anyways.”

You stand near her bedside table after that, eyeing the small picture frame that sat there in solidarity. There was a picture of her, much younger than she is now, and an older woman with her hands around her shoulder.

“Is that your mom?” You asked. Clarisse walked over and shoved the frame down on the table, a CLACK noise following the action. “Someone's chatty.” She noted. But you thought you heard a slight tremble.

“Right, sorry. I should go now.” You feel whatever friendliness that managed to slip through the cracks ofnyour interaction with her, begin to dissolve.

It was easy to be reminded of who Clarisse La Rue actually was.

“What's the rush, I'm sure the rain water have woken you up quite well.” She replies, sitting down on her bed. “Look, I appreciate the help. But if my roommates wake up and they see that I'm gone, they-”

“They'll think you're using the bathroom.” She cuts you off. “For 20 minutes?” Clarisse shrugs. “Some people have issues.”

You sighed at her answer and felt your feet beginning to hurt from standing up for too long without shoes outside the school. You're tired and easily irritated after what just happened, and her push and pull behavior isn't helping.

“I don't know why you want me to stay, I'm tired, you're tired. And it's almost 4am.” You throw your arms up in exasperation. “I just wanna go back to sleep and act like this never happened.”

“You know, I'm just trying to make sure you're alright. Because despite your objection, that did happen. And that's not normal. So a thank you would suffice.” Her demeanor had changed into frustration, she was not someone who takes rejection well.

“I already thanked you. And I don't need a free counseling session from a bully- who by the way, ripped a drawing out of my sketchbook.” Clarisse's head jerked back at your words. She stood up to properly face you before you could run out of her room.

“Oh that's it, isn't it? I'm such a terrible person and your moral righteousness can't stand it, and yet you dedicated a whole page to my face.” You could no longer tell what she was feeling from her tone of voice. Was she amused or defensive?

“That book isn't yours to see, let alone to take.” You snapped back.

“It has my face on it, of course it's mine to take.” she scoffed, folding her arms together.

“Oh wow, I wonder what else you assume is yours to take with that kind of pretentiousness.” You retorted, laughing dryly at her face.

The smugness disappeared, and for a second, you felt proud.

“You know, for someone I can easily make life living hell for, you're starting to get way too daring. It's not cute anymore.” Clarisse's feet stepped closer to you, until your noses were inches away from each other.

There is fear in crossing the point where you can never go back when it comes to her anger. But you have never been the kind of girl to lay back and take a kick from anyone else.

You're also not the type of girl to think that you owe anyone anything for some common decency.

“I’m so genuinely curious Clarisse, who do you think you are? You're just another girl in this place, like the rest of us. Legacy student or not.”

An unhumourous smile paints her face as she shakes her head at you. “You have no idea who I am. And at this point, I'm starting to think that I should've just left you in the rain to freeze and die.”

“I would've woken up and left anyway, even if you weren't there.” As upset as you are with her, that part specifically caused you guilt to say aloud. She was obnoxious, but she did help you.

“Oh sure, miss tortured artist galloping in the thunderstorm-”

“I wasn't gallop- you know what?” It felt like the 100th time you were telling her off. “I'm actually leaving this time. So, thank you, for helping me, and thank you for your narcissism.”

You gripped the door handle tightly and spared her no glance as you pull it open and walked out away from her. You wanted to slam the door on her face but thought twice when you remembered that it's 4am and someone could've heard you.

You tiptoed your way back into the elevator and up to level 20. The dorm room was unlocked, unsurprisingly so.

The dark room's only source of light is the bright moon glowing numbly through the closed curtains behind Harper's bed. The rain have subsided, all the nightmarish lighting qnd thunder have stopped.

You gently climbed up onto your bed, eager to get under the covers. You could see the shadows of your friends from where you lay. Their silhouette giving you a peace of mind.

If either of them had heard of what just happened to you, they would panic. It's been 2 days, and yet they care for you so easily.

You rub your feet together, trying to diffuse the coldness away.

Tonight, whatever that had happened, felt unreal. But tomorrow all will be well. It had to be.

You had not slept a wink for the rest of the hours before your alarm went off.

There were times where you almost dozed off, but for some reason it felt like your tired body was unable to fully shut down and let go of the main control.

You know that sleepiness was evident in your face, but your roommates said nothing of it as they rose up, preparing to rush for the bathroom before the other girls could.

"Did you change clothes last night?" Harper asks absentmindedly. She pulls her hair up into a bun and grabbed her towel from the spinning chair by her table.

You looked down at the sweatshirt and back up at her. "Oh-uh, yeah. I got cold last night, with the rain and all."

"I figured. I just know the chill out there is gonna be crazy today." The both of them left after that for their shower and secured you a booth to get in to after they were done. Thankfully, there was a bit of hot water left for you to indulge in.

It was exactly what you needed after the horrifics you've experienced through a few hours before.

You had spent the hours before getting up, going over the dream you had. It was rare for you to remember your nightmares, let alone be aware that you were dreaming while you're doing it.

You could also remember small details like the glass window with the giant statue, your mother's necklace and the way her face appeared and disappeared. You've never been a superstitious person, but was there a possibility that dreams like that meant something? Or was it just another lucid dream?

You'd thought that you'd feel comforted, seeing your mother that way, and the way she fussed over you. But all you felt was a strong distinction. An awareness that she was not real, and that she'd never be.

There were 2 other girls in the bathroom with you when you were done showering. One was using the sink on your left, and another was still cleaning themselves up.

You forced the freezing water all over your face, trying to refresh yourself and hopefully make your face look less beated. Looking into the mirror felt like a challenge. The dream still haunts you even now. You almost expect a child to stare back from the glass. And god, how you feel like a child right now, out of place and confused.

After a few more splashes, you wiped the droplets off with your towel and clenched your toes as you walked back to your dorm.

The girls were halfway done getting ready when you entered. Their bags were stacked by the door on the way out. "You're a bit slow today." Tella noted as she struggles to keep her hair up without the strands falling out.

"Couldn't really sleep last night." You told them as you began putting on your plaited skirt. The zip had completely fallen off as you tried to pull it up. You swore aloud and had to restrain yourself from banging your head on your table. Everything was going wrong today. From the 3am sleepwalking to your stupid skirt dysfunction.

"What? What is it?" Harper asked in response to your outburst.

"My zip fell off." You mumbled in annoyance. Her head tilted towards you in concern. "I have a safety pin, I think it'd work. Do you want it?"

"Yes please." You answer. She pulls out a tiny box of safety pins from her drawer and hands you one to use. "Thanks."

"Don't sweat it." Harper was the first to finish. She helped Tella fix her ponytail for the 5th time, slapping her hand away when she tried to tighten it herself.

Once the three of you were all done, you left together, locking the dorm doors and going down through the full elevator.

You had stuffed Clarisse's still clean clothes inside your school bag when they were showering. You planned to return it to her owner, and let that be the last time you'll ever owe Clarisse La Rue anything.

The girls had probably assumed your behavior had something to do with homesickness, as they went on without question. You were grateful for the lack of conversation. The last thing you wanted to do today was talk.

You had questions bugging your mind and the need to isolate yourself. It's what you always do whenever you're feeling disturbed and overwhelmed, you black out from the rest of the world.

Carefully walking down the school halls to your locker, you half expected people to stare at you differently, afraid that someone else might've seen you from last night, but everyone minded their business, and so uou did too.

You were pulling out your books from the locker when you hear Tella turning around to greet someone, taking a step further away from you and Harper. You twist your neck to meet the mystery man who's in conversation with your friend.

Sharing a look with Harper, she only shook her head nonchalantly before leaning closer to you. "That's Luke Castellan." She whispered.

The name was recognised quickly, old conversations with Tella being brought back in memory. "That's the guy she likes?"

Harper nodded. "Well, does he like her back?"

Harper shrugged. "They compared hand sizes, so I think so. But who knows with boys." You made a face at her and nodded warily. "As long as she's happy." You tell her. It wasn't that Luke was unattractive, it's that he sounded so much like a regular teenage boy that you have grown to have an automatic dislike for.

It wasn't his fault that the species of his sex have failed in their entirety.

Harper was about to say something else when Tella suddenly called for you and had gotten closer. "This is our new roommate I was talking about." She says to Luke, gesturing to you.

Up close, you could see that he has a scar on his cheek. He also had dark curls and brown eyes that seemed to fit the whole american sweetheart vibes that Tella was obviously into.

"Hey." You greeted him without any animosity. He smiled and returned the greeting, giving you a small wave. "How do you like it here so far?" He asks.

"Well, it's only been 2 days but I think it's alright." You answer dishonestly. Obviously you weren't going to tell him that this place has conjured some deeply problematic things from inside of you like sleepwalking and attracting assholes.

His grin doesn't falter as he takes in your words. "Not exactly an exciting place, is it? At least you're in good company." You forced out a tight smile for him. God only knows just how exciting it's been for you, and it hasn't even been a week.

You thought of cutting to the chase by telling him it's nice knowing him and walking off before your eyes landed on a girl walking past the lot of you.

Clarisse La Rue kept her eyes straight ahead as she headed for the classroom at the back. Her clothes are still in your bag that's sat on the floor. You picked it up and slung it over your shoulder and excused yourself from all three of them, making Luke and Tella move to the side to give you space. “I gotta go.”

"See you in recess." Tella called out. You raise your arm and give her a thumbs up and keep walking down the same path Clarisse did.

What a coincidence that you two are on the same class today? History is an interesting subject, one you're fully prepared to enjoy. But the thought of being anywhere close to the curly haired girl, makes your stomach feel like they're tied in knots.

You managed to chase after her before she was seated on her desk. And the class was thankfully still half empty since the bell hadn't rang yet. Your mind is racked on how you're supposed to just pass her a plastic of her clothes in the most subtle way possible.

But of course, your mouth had a mind of its own when you impulsively shouted out her name.

Clarisse had just dropped her own bag down against her table when she heard your call. She instantly turned around to face you. "New girl." She addressed you.

She widens her eyes in question. You push the plastic bag in your arms into her chest, and your fingers brush as she takes it from you to examine it. "Oh, this."

"Thank you for the clothes." You say monotonously. Neither of you looked pleased to see each other, but what's unexpected still, is that she also didn't look like she wanted to kill you like she did last night.

Clarisse waved it off and crouched down to keep the plastic inside her own bag.

You stood there waiting until she was gone and stood back up to see you. Something is supposed to be said in a moment like this, but none of you did.

And so with a small nod to enclose the interaction, you spun on your heels to egt to your table. Your feet was locked in place when you felt her hands on your shoulder.

You looked at her with raised brows in expectation.

"This is yours." She says, passing you a folded A4 paper. Your first thought was that this was your drawing that she took. But you hadn't used the kind of paper she was giving. You took the paper suspiciously. “What's this?” You asked.

She only says: “You'll see,” with a shrug.

The moment her grip was lifted from your shoulder, you walked and sat yourself at your desk, and tried your hardest not to turn around.

The bell had just begun to ring outside of the class, and other students were filling into the small space.

Whatever it was, you'd look at it later. For now, it's folded four times more and stuffed into your pencil case.

When one grows up, constantly having to take care of themselves without adult supervision or emotional support, they are also forced to belittle and diminish their own fears in an attempt to rise over their struggles to survive in a hostile environment.

And so you’ve had to learn to do things such as walking home from school alone and risking unwanted attention from men and how to hide a knife under your knuckles for prevention purposes.

And yet as you overcame these fears one by one, only two you had found impossible to fight. And that is your fear of moths and butterflies, and your fear of heights.

And yet, standing up here on the roof, arms placed against the railing and looking down, all you could think of is how beautiful the view was from up here. You could see the closed area of the school from above here. Green grass filled the large space that is guarded behind white walls and a large sign that said ‘NO ENTRY.’

The railing shook slightly, making you jerk back. The cringing noise it made hurts your ear as it vibrates. Taking a few steps back, you figured it’s safer to watch from a distance.

You cocked your head down again, taking one last glance down and tried to memorize the image of the flowery laced garden. Your friends would be looking for you now, you thought..

Your feet moved you to the closed door that awaits for your exits, and yet, as your hand wraps against the holder, the heaviness of it suddenly becomes unbearable. You wiped your hands on your skirt and tried to open the door again, but it wouldn’t budge.

“Shit.” You muttered under your breath. There wasn’t even a lock on this thing. Or was there? You couldn’t remember. You completely let go of the door and sprinted back towards the railing. Was there anyone that could help you?

No, of course not. The area was prohibited for anyone to cross. The same grasses and dying flowers watching you from underneath.

The railing shook again as you scanned the place thoroughly. This time it jerks so harshly that the left side of it completely pulls away from its metal and threatens to fall off. You jumped back just in time to not fall off, but your heart drops so strongly that it feels like you’ve already fallen.

You consider trying to pull back the railing and somehow pressing it back on it’s screw, but the damage was unfixable when you observed it in closer view. You think back to your main problem, escaping this place.

There was no other choice than to simply try pulling the door harder, and to scream for help.

You give all of your strength into pulling. “Help!” You shouted. “I'm stuck on the roof! Hello?”

The door felt like it shook a little, your cramped fingers kept on pulling until you were sure it really was opening. You paused for a minute to squeeze your fingers inside your palms.

“One last try.” You breathed out. Your hands give your best tug while your feet stay on the ground, unmoving. You hear a creak and your heart almost bursts out of hope.

Consistently pulling still, you could actually see the edges of the door sliding through, opening slowly. One, two three-

It opens widely with a slam, you're pushed back until your back hits the ground. Getting back up onto your knees, you rose up and aimed for the door. But the emptiness on the other side of the door held you back.

You gasped loudly. There was no staircase on your opposite. There was no concrete or flat ground for you to land your feet on. Only air and steepness. It was like a never ending hole to fall into, the kind of hole you imagined Alice had jumped inside of to arrive in wonderland.

Panic washed all over you. And as you're pacing around at the roof, you hear someone calling your name. It was help, somebody had arrived to help. The shouting was faint, but you heard it clearly anyways. You returned to the railing and searched for any spot of people, but no one wasn't there.

You hear the voice again, calling your name. It's getting louder, but you're not sure where it's coming from. You yell back on the top of your lungs. “I'm here!” And the response became more vivid.

“Miss?” You hear it like it's behind you.

You snapped your head to your back, nothing.

“Wake up.” The voice insisted. “I'm not dreaming.” You pushed. “This isn't a dream.”

“Wake up. Wake up. Wake up.” The shouting was shrilling, your ears could be bleeding and you'd believe it.

“Wake up.” It screamed into your ear as you knelt down on the ground, covering your ears with both hands.

“Wake up!” You felt hands shaking your back. Your head looks up in a state of disorientation.

“Miss?” It was your biology teacher, bending down to meet your eyes, skeptically watching you.

“Everyone left, sweetheart.” She says, pointing at all the empty tables in the classroom. You hate that pet name. It always sounds so mocking.

This was the last class you had for today, the lack of sleep must've caught up with you. You straightened your back and apologized to Ms. Rhodes for keeping her waiting. She only shook her head and tells you to take care before leaving the classroom.

You looked around the class and tried to remind yourself that whatever you had seen in your mind, was just a dream. It wasn't real. And yet it felt like it, just like the dream you had last night. And in both dreams, you had been aware of the surroundings in ways you shouldn't be.

You wiped your hands over your face and yawned quietly. The clock above the board shows that it's already past 6pm. You cracked your knuckles together and lifted your bag onto your shoulders. If you're quick, you could still make it to the dorm showers before 7.

You stopped by your locker to stack your books inside of it. The hallway is empty, you're not sure how long you fell asleep, but everyone else seems to dread being inside this building more than they needed to.

You think of the vividness of the school landscape from your dream. The place had a staircase that led to the rooftop by the janitor's closet at the back. A small voice encourages you to try and retrace the steps in your dream, just to see how different iit was compared to real life.

But instead of going up the stairs, you notice the space behind it, and ducked your head down underneath instead.

There is a closed door a few steps away from the roof entrance staircase. It was a glass door covered with black plastic and a No Entry sign plastered on it. Those words ring a bell in your head.

You pushed it open gently and was pleased to see that it wasn't even locked. Whoever's trying to guard this place from students obviously isn't very good at their job.

The door opened up just enough for you to slide yourself inside. You weren't surprised to see a room of forests hidden inside.

This must be the garden. It wasn't quite like you dreamed it, but it was accurate enough. It's smaller than expected, and it's much more empty than I envisioned.

You circle the place, paying attention to the roots and veins that have crawled up the walls, stepping your feet on the overgrown weeds and leaves.

You flinched when you hear the leaves ruffles and turn to see the invader. Your shock immediately subsided and morphed into irritation when you saw her.

“Are you following me?” You ask in disbelief.

Clarisse frowned and denies it. “No? I was-?” She takes the time to think of an excuse until eventually she just sighs and shook her head. “Yes, okay maybe I did follow you here- but only because this is forbidden ground.”

“And you're so good at obeying rules?” You sarcastically question, earning an eye roll. “No, really though, what are you doing here?”

“I had a dream about the garden.” Clarisse waved her hands in confusion and frowned deeper. “Okay…that’s great?” You gave up trying to explain to her and focused back on your surrounding.

You tilted your head up at the sky, almost expecting to see the roof and a broken railing, but there is tinted dark glass coves the school roof for the safety of the mids, you thought.}, so all you saw staring back down is a closed building.

“You know, there you used to be a weeping angel here.” Clarisse spoke suddenly. “Hm?”

“A statue. Right in the middle.” She clarifies.

“Did they remove it because of Samara?” You asked. Clarisse's eyes widen and she looks you up and down with her hands on her hips. “Who told you about Samara?”

“My roommates.”

“Of course they did. Can't keep their mouth shut for shit.” Clarise scoffed. You feel overprotective over your friends, knowing them to have good intentions. “Don't talk about them like that.”

Clarisse ignores your warnings and instead moves like she's about to leave. “We should go. The teachers like to do a 360 before locking shit up.” She walks out without waiting. And despite your annoyance, you followed her still.

The two of you quietly walked side by side until you're out of school grounds and entered the dorm building together. There were some girls hanging out on the water fountain and near the elevator, but they paid no mind to either of you.

Clarisse's head is aimed straight ahead, and you consider it the longest she's gone without saying something stupid to you.

Once the elevator stops at her level, she gives you one last glance, her fierce eyes boring deep into yours for that split second. You thought you saw a shadow of a smile ghosting over her face, but before you could confirm, the door closes, and you're on your way to the Hecate level.

After unlocking the door of your dorm, you threw your bag onto the ground and basically swung yourself on your bed, making Harper jump while she's putting on her skincare. “You look like shit.” She tells you.

You snorted and rolled over until you're facing the ceiling. “I feel like it.”

She hummed casually and went on with her business.

You lifted your head up slightly to see Tella, but she's nowhere to be found.

“Where's Tella?” You asks Harper. “Showering.” She responds. “I don't know what's taking her so long, but you'll probably see her when you go to the bathroom.”

You nodded in understanding and began to undress yourself from the school clothes, putting them on the side for washing later.

You then started pulling out your notebooks that had homework in it and stacked it on your desk. Only after you pulled your pencil case out, you remembered about the piece of paper Clarisse had given you.

Curiously, you basically snatched it from inside your case, and unfold the paper from its small size into a large white A4 again.

Inside was the ugliest cartoonish image you’ve ever seen in your whole life.

It's a drawing. A badly drawn girl, half up only, with hair that supposedly, looks like yours. And a nose that didn't have the right proportions for the face size.

You smiled at the image subconsciously. You're sure Clarissebhad given this to you as some sort of trade, her picture for her, and your picture for you. It could even mean a truce between you two.

But instead of stressing over what deeper meaning does her doodles really have, you folded it back and kept it by your night lamp.

“Why are you smiling like that?” Harper asks, you meet her eyes through the mirror. “Nothing, I just remembered something funny.” You lied. She squints her eyes really hard as if she’s trying to read through you for any lies but then gives up after a few seconds of it.

Your smile disappeared as soon as it came, you picked your towel up and acted as if nothing happened and made your way to the bathroom.

What is your stance towards Clarisse? Inconclusive. She’s there behind every ostracizing event that has occurred to you so far. And you wonder just how big of a part does she really play into all of this. Her gaze still burns in the back of your mind, it’s almost impossible to escape her even when she’s not centered around any of the issues.

Should you let things play out in her way or should you keep fighting her off, stubborn to break the cycle of a moth to a flame,

#clarisse la rue x reader #clarisse la rue #clarisse pjo #dior goodjohn #dior goodjohn x reader #pjo series #percy jackon and the olympians #percy jackson #percy jackson and the olympians #pjo x reader #percy jackson x reader

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dragon-kazansky · 4 days

Text

Heart of the Dreaming

Morpheus x Female Reader

Soulmate AU

You are the daughter of Rodrick Burgess. You find out about the "demon" in the basement and decide you want to see it. Things take an unexpected turn when your soulmate connection is made with the man you find down there. You are the one he has been waiting for, and you're being taken away from. Not for long. Dream will protect his soulmate.

{Masterlist}

{Previous Chapter} - {Next Chapter}

Chapter Seven - Burgess curse

☆☆☆

"You have to wake up."

You're not sure exactly what happened or who that man was, but you were afraid. Dream wasn't opening his eyes, and you didn't know what to do.

Matthew stood next to you, looking at you both. You couldn't tear your eyes away from the unconscious Dream.

"So, uh, I have to ask..." Matthew started. You glance at him, but only for the briefest of moments. "Are you two... close?"

"No."

"You seem kind of close."

"We're not." You curl up into a ball and take some deep breaths. You're not sure what's going to happen if he doesn't wake up.

"But he was worried about you."

"Look, Matthew... it's complicated. I'm his soulmate or whatever. It doesn't mean anything. The only reason he is tagging me alone is because of that. Once we're done here, I plan to leave. I don't know where I'll go, but I'll figure it out."

"You're not going to stay with him?" Matthew caws.

"No."

"Maybe you should."

You look down at the raven again. You're sat there talking to a bird waiting for the Sandman to wake up. Nothing is making sense, and everything is overwhelming. You just wanted to rest.

"Why don't you get some sleep. I'll keep watch," Matthew offers.

You feel like you would rather stay awake, but you csnt dent how tired you were starting to feel. Matthew seemed trustworthy, and after everything that's happened, you needed to trust in something. Maybe this was your new normal, after all.

After a few hours, Dream wakes. He opens his eyes slowly and takes a moment to gather his thoughts together. He remembers being in Hell and then coming to get his ruby. When he touched the ruby, he could tell something was wrong.

Morpheus pushes himself up with a soft groan. Matthew hops into view and looks up at him.

"Matthew."

"Uh, my lord." Matthew bobs his head down into a bow. "We were worried about you."

"We?"

Matthew turns his head and looks over at where you're sleeping. You're curled up against the wall. Dream gazes over at you. This is the quiest you've been since he rescued you.

Morpheus moved over to you quietly and took a moment to admire you. You're very pretty.

He thinks back to what you said to him. You dreamt of him when he was trapped. As you lay there in front of him now, he wondered what you dreamt about now.

He raised his hand toward you, feeling tempted to touch you gently, but you began to stir, and he took his hand back quickly.

You wake up and turn your eyes toward him. "You're awake!"

"Yes." He watches you push yourself up into a sitting position. He wanted to ask how you were doing but resisted. "The ruby?"

"Gone. There was a man. He came and took it. I don't think he saw us, but he's gone. I'm not sure where."

Morpheus looks at you. You had stayed by his side. You could have left at any point, but you didn't. That meant quite a lot to him, but he wasn't about to tell you that.

"I can find the ruby. It has been altered, but I'll be able to find it. Come." Morpheus leads the way out of the storage unit.

You get up by yourself and take a moment to look down at Matthew before following Morpheus out of the storage unit. You have no idea just how much time had passed while inside there. It took a while for Morpheus to wake again. You can tell he knows more of his power is gone. He is weaker than he was before. The ruby has robbed some more of his power at seemed.

You find yourself outside a diner. The place was in disarray. Something had clearly happened here. Morpheus glances at you and then steps inside. You follow him quietly.

People lay dead in the middle of the room.

You stand by the door as Morpheus approaches the man sitting at the counter alone.

"Hello." The man sighs. "I'm John. I'm glad you're here. The power has gone out. So there's no TV, and no one left to talk to."

"What is it you think you're doing?" Morpheus asks.

"Saving the world from its lies."

"The ruby wasn't made for that."

John gasps softly. "Oh, you're the Sandman. My mother was right. She said you'd be coming for it."

"You must return it to me so that I can repair the damage you have done." Morpheus tells him.

"I'm not giving it back to you, it's mine."

"It is harming you, John, and your world."

"It's revealing the truth," John says softly. "This is the truth of mankind."

"No. You're wrong. This is the truth of mankind."

Morpheus shows John how these people he killed lived their lives. What they did. What they dreamed about. How they lived. He took all of that away from them.

Kate dreams of running away where no one could find her. Garry dreams of proving his father wrong. Bette dreams of creating something that would matter to people. You feel sorry for all these people. Their hope had been taken from them.

"The ruby is hurting you, John." Morpheus says to him. "It has too much of my power within it. It stole more when I tried to use it."

"Then perhaps if I use it to steal the rest of your powers, I will be the King of Dreams." John says.

You frown.

"Your mother... what was her name?" You ask.

John's eyes turn to you. He looks like he only noticed you now. You don't think much of it as you watch him closely.

"Ethel." Dream answers for him.

"Your father..." You look at John. "My word..."

"Do I know you?" John asks.

"No. No, but I... I think I know you. Sort of." You tell him your name. "Rodrick was my father too. Though you didn't know him. I did. I lived in his house for many years."

"You don't look old enough," he comments, suspicious of your words.

"No. I suppose I don't." You glance down at yourself. You had almost forgotten you had long since stopped aging.

"Did he love you?"

You look up at him in slight shock. You didn't think he'd ask that. "No."

"I see." John takes a moment to look at you. Really look at you. "We are alike then."

"Are we?"

Dream is cautious of the other man. He doesn't quite like this conversation topic. This man could use you against him if he was clever about it. Dream didn't want to take any chances.

"I think so, yes." John nods.

"I don't want power," you tell him softly.

"I'm want to expose the lies."

"Lies?"

"People turn a blind eye to the truth. They pretend not to see it and live in a fantasy just to make them feel better. Wouldn't the world be a better place of everyone was honest?"

"Honesty is important, but so are dreams. It is not for you to decide what people do and don't do." You look at him firmly and raise your hand up. "Give me the ruby."

"No." He shakes his head. "I know what you're trying to do. I won't let you."

You want to take a step closer to him, but Morpheus reaches out and grabs your wrist gently. He pulls you behind him gently.

"If you would rob a Dream lord of his power, you shall do so in his realm. In dreams."

Just like that, John is in the Dreaming. You have no idea where you are. You assume this is his realm. This is your first time here. Everything felt strange.

While John chases his past through dreams. Morpheus prepares to deal with him.

John comes to the throne room. "Is this your palace... Dream Lord? Is this your throne... King of Lies? Well, it's mine now!"

John raises the ruby in his hand. The palace begins to crumble. "Are you watching? Can you see me?" The palace continues to burn away. "Using your own powers to burn away your lies."

"You must stop." Morpheus appears with his helmet on. "It is not too late to save yourself."

"Oh, you think it's me that needs saving?" John says.

"Your father stole the ruby from me and cursed you with it."

"You mean he blessed me with it." John raises the ruby up again. "Your reign ended when my father captured you. Your kingdom is my birthright."

"No!" You shout, but he doesn't listen. John is killing Morpheus with the ruby.

"Your power resides within me."

Morpheus falls to the ground, curled up, unable to fight back. "How does it feel to know I hold your life in my hands?" John asks.

"You're hurting the dreamers," Morpheus says, grunting in pain.

You can not go to him. Morpheus has made it so. He didn't want you hurt at the hands of John Burgess.

"Well, it's time they woke up! Your life and your lies end now."

John crushes the ruby. Everything around him is gone. He did it. He killed the Sandman, or so he believes.

"Thank you, John."

John looks up to find himself looking up at the Dream Lord. He is standing on his palm, feeling so small compared to this Dream Lord.

"But I killed you."

Morpheus speaks. "You destroyed the ruby and released the power inside it. I would never have thought of that. I'd forgotten just how much of myself I had placed in the jewel."

"Are you going to kill me?" John asks.

"I could. Perhaps I will. But the dream stone was not made for mortals. And it came to you through no fault of your own. So, no, John. I will not kill you."

☆☆☆

You stand in the throne room and gaze up at the large coloured windows. A lone throne sits at the top of a set of stairs. Dream stated he had to deal with John and that he would be back soon.

You turn with the sound of footsteps behind you and find Lucienne coming over to you, Matthew flying over her head and landing beside you.

"Welcome," she greets you.

"Hello."

She looks at you for a few moments, taking you in. This was her first time seeing you. She was curious about the woman fated to her king.

"Will he be long?" You ask softly.

Lucienne lifts her head up a little bit and town answers. "I don't think so."

"I see."

Silence fills the space between you both again. You're not sure what else to say to her. You just wanted to talk to Dream about what happens now. He has his tools.

"A room has been made for you," Lucienne tells you.

"A room?"

"Yes. Where you shall stay. If it is not to your liking, you can tell Lord Morpheus, I am certain he can change it to how you like."

You don't have the heart to tell her you don't intend to stay, but never the less you nod. Lucienne takes you to your room.

You enter the neatly decorated place. There's a bed, a dresser, a vanity table, and a chair next to a stained glass window.

"You can wait in here until his return," Lucienne suggests.

You say nothing and walk over to the bed, taking a seat on the night sky bedding. Lucienne looks at you once more before leaving you alone.

You sigh and lay back on the bed.

You had a feeling nothing in your life would ever be the same again.

☆☆☆

@deniixlovezelda - @missdreamofendless - @kpopgirlbtssvt - @meganlpie - @thoughtsfromlayla - @ladyjbrekker

@mwaaaaaugh - @bluespecs14 - @intothesoul - @lady-violet - @navs-bhat - @krahk - @oldsoulmagic

@rubyrose2014 - @lorkai - @roxytheimmortal - @star-maker-rain-dancer - @intothesoul - @gemini-mama - @whotperlinda

@dreamingblueberries - @the-shadow-of-aurora - @novavida - @blackgirlmagicforever

@permanentlyexhaustedpigeon88 - @hopshusushi - @sloppyzengarden - @thecraziestcrayon -

#heart of the dreaming #morpheus x reader #dream x reader #the sandman #soulmate au #dragon writes

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donelywell · 18 days

Note

how does your version of the Phantom Ruby work?

Oh buddy you're in for one hell of a ramble.

I don't care that this is stuff I wanted to reveal in my Forces retelling- I'm babbling about it neow! Besides, I have no idea when I'll be motivated enough to continue my actual canon adjacent au, SO WE CAN HAVE FUN WITH THIS!

Tw: blood

Okay, so the Phantom Ruby is an ancient artifact hidden in a pyramid in Regal Ruin Zone (Sonic R Stage because I really do hate it when zones are just a one and done thing, not overused like Green Hill Zone per say, but I want to actually explore the zones instead of just zooming by them for about 4 minutes total).

A legend says that if you sacrifice some of your blood to it, it will grant you the power to make your wishes a reality. Zero (I'm going with the headcanon that Infinites name used to be Zero) was a huge fan of this legend, he heard about it when he was doing some bounty hunts near the zone.

When you give the Phantom Ruby your blood, you and it are locked together until the blood supply is used up. Only the blood user can use the Phantom Ruby.

The Phantom Ruby is a sentient gemstone (haha, watch me make every single gemstone in Sonic sentient gods), but it lies dormant until someone feeds it blood. Because the Ruby doesn't want to go back to sleep for who knows how long, it starts whispering things into the users mind, feeding thoughts into their head to make them use the ruby more. To give it more blood, to be consumed by the lust for power.

The legend told of a god who was banished and imprisoned into the ruby. Centuries later a crow mobian found the ruby and brought it to their travel group an echidna, a leopard, a tortoise, and a scorpion. They were ambushed later that night and the crow bled onto the ruby in the battle. They realized it had the power to grant wishes, and the crow grew insane with it's power, becoming consumed by the ruby.

The other members of the group realized they need to stop the crow and cut its connection with the ruby, so they begged the gods to give them a way to save the crow. In turn, the gods gave each member a gemstone blessed by different gods a citrine, jade, amethyst, and an onyx. With the gemstones powers, they managed to save the crow from the ruby and lock it deep in a pyramid covered in complex traps and curses as to keep people away from the cursed Phantom Ruby.

Eventually, the group disbanded, with each of the members who helped save the crow carrying the gemstone they had with them as they all scattered to the different corners of the planet.

Ehem- now past this goes into the plot I have for Infinite in my Forces retelling, so you can skip this if you want.

Zero managed to get past all the traps in the pyramid and capture the Phantom Ruby for a bounty he accepted from a mysterious person who wouldn't reveal their identity. This however led to him getting the Phantom Ruby inserted into his chest and have it drive him insane with the whispers it constantly had speaking in his head. He snapped, going completely insane and mindlessly following the voice. He became Infinite, the vessel for the god of illusion.

The legend wasn't lying, as he continues to abuse it's power, the Phantom Ruby slowly started to consume him. Literally. The Phantom Ruby slowly turns his body into it as he uses the power. The process is accelerated when The Resistance begins to be able to push back after the 6 months, making him use his illusions more.

It's up to The Resistance to find the legend of the Phantom Ruby, get the citrine, jade, amethyst, and onyx (names still deciding on), and stop Infinite (and Eggman).

Thank you for letting me ramble about this! I tried to hold myself back a little bit at least from spoiling some of the plot I have for the retelling because I don't wanna ruin the story (if it ever gets made) by spoiling everything about the Phantom Ruby.

#sonic the hedgehog #sonic forces #infinite the jackal #zero the jackal #phantom ruby #sonic forces rewrite #I have thought about the Phantom Ruby for MONTHS if it isn't obvious.#Many a sleepless nights have been spent thinking of how much wasted potential was in this stupid jackal and his stupid shiny rock.

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cuubism · 2 years

Text

some uhhhhh dreamling smut that got a litttttle more kinky than originally intended 😳

necessary background: this is from me and @magnusbae insane and stupid au wherein dream starts coming around the university and hob's students assume he's hob's sugar baby cuz like he doesn't work? he's always wearing really nice clothes? hob pays for everything? how did hob pull this hot goth anyway? and dream does absolutely nothing to disabuse them of this notion, if anything he cleverly and carefully encourages the idea because fuck it, he loves a good story. he is the king of stories after all. hob gets in on it later

secondary less important background is dream spending his free time around the university making art and sculptures and stuff because he is a CREATOR even in the waking world. and of course his sculptures are amazing.

ANYWAY

---

“Professor Gadling, might I have a word?”

That voice never ceased to make Hob stutter where he stood, no matter how often he heard it, how often it whispered endearments and worse in his ear. If anything, he was more affected the longer things went on.

He turned, chalk still held in his hand from where he’d been writing on the board.

Dream lounged in the doorway, hip pressed against the doorframe, hands casually in his pockets. And he was wearing—

Holy God, Hob was going to die and then come back to life and then kill him.

Hob first noticed that he was not wearing a shirt, unless the strings of jewels – rubies? diamonds? – draped over his chest counted. They glimmered sharply even under the weak classroom lights. Dream was kept modest, barely, by a long silk blazer that narrowed his shoulders and cut low to the upper thigh.

Thank fuck he was wearing regular pants, at least, ankle-length black slacks, and— were those fucking loafers? The other day, a student had made a comment – rather inappropriate, Hob really should reprimand them, not that he would ever get around to it – about Hob being some kind of Victorian maiden bowled over by the sight of an exposed ankle, and Dream had apparently taken this as a personal bet, for he was not wearing socks, either.

And the smirk on his face was like fire.

“Um,” Hob said, managing with great effort not to collapse on the spot. He glanced at the clock. “You know what? There’s only ten minutes left of class anyway. Why don’t you all go home early; I’ll send out the lecture notes and we’ll pick this up next week.”

None of the students seemed upset to get out early, but they were tittering amongst themselves, looking between Hob and Dream. This was becoming a problem. In a mere one semester, Dream had turned Hob’s university reputation from good-natured modest professor to deranged sex fiend.

That was what Hob got for loving the Prince of Stories, for he could never resist a good one, even if it was at Hob’s peril.

When the students had gone, Hob took Dream’s hand and dragged him down the hall. “My office. Now.”

“Oh dear,” Dream mused as he was yanked down the hallway and into Hob’s office. That smirk still hadn’t left his face. “I am in trouble.”

As soon as they were inside and the door was very firmly locked, Hob pressed Dream up against it with a hand around the base of his throat. “Are you trying to kill me, love?”

Dream leaned into Hob’s hand. His eyes were burning. “I would bring you as close to death as I could and then pull you back.”

“You’re managing it.” Hob released him, pinning him by his waist instead – his bare waist, mother of Christ – and kissing his throat, his collarbone, his sternum over the draped jewels. Dream leaned his head back against the door, sighing like a wanting creature now satiated. “You should be classified as a public hazard.”

“I would like to be your hazard,” said Dream, as Hob mouthed his way down his stomach. The jewels swung and glimmered unnaturally bright against his skin, crimson and shining like fresh love marks. Hob knelt to nip above the waistband of his slacks, tangling a hand in the dangling chain and tugging so it pulled on the back of Dream’s neck.

Dream arched his back against the door, petting at Hob’s hair like Hob had done something particularly pleasing to his majesty.

“I suppose this is exactly what you planned?” Hob gasped, wrapping his hands around the backs of his thighs.

“Perhaps.”

“Menace.” Hob tugged at his slacks and managed to unbutton them with his teeth. “You ruin me. Never stop.”

“I was not planning on it.”

Hob lurched to his feet again, pulling him forward by the bejeweled chain. “Come.”

Dream did as Hob bade, but the way a tiger might perform on a leash – easily escaping with one swipe of its claws. He let Hob push him up onto his desk and crowd between his legs. Hob had to push one of Dream’s ridiculous sculptures out of the way to do it, and was careful not to let it fall.

“Let it smash,” Dream murmured into his mouth as Hob kissed and bit at his lips. “I will make another.”

“I’m not going to break one of your sculptures, Michelangelo.” Hob huffed. “That would be sacrilege.”

“I make them not for the finished product, but for the experience of using my hands.”

Hob slipped his hands under Dream’s blazer. The fabric was incredibly soft, but not as soft as his skin. “The experience of using your hands, hm?”

Dream’s lips curved up against his. “Mmhmm.”

He tugged Hob’s shirt from his waistband, pressing those strong, delicate hands to Hob’s back, holding him close.

“You know,” Hob murmured against his ear, mapping Dream’s stomach with his fingertips, smooth skin punctuated by jewels, “I believe I vastly underestimated the experience of loving such a dedicated, skillful artist.”

“Are you saying that you like my hands, Hob Gadling?” Dream asked, and used those hands to unzip his jeans, slipping one in to wrap around him, never once looking away from Hob’s face. The tips of his fingers were always a bit cold, but Hob liked the way they warmed against his skin.

He struggled to regain his breath. “In so many words.”

Dream looked so superior. “Good.”

“I’ll show you good, you nightmare,” Hob muttered, and tangled a hand in his hair, tipping his head back. Dream still just looked down at him from under his lashes, muscles straining.

“You shall?”

“I’d take you home and lay you out and show you if I thought we would get that far.”

“Worry not, this—” Dream wrapped the glimmering chains around his hand until they cut into the skin in white lines— “can always make a reappearance.”

“It had better.”

Hob finally got his own hand around Dream, wrapping his other arm around his back to hold him close, and Dream twined his legs around Hob’s back. This pressed them close enough that they were essentially just grinding against each other, barely managing anything more precise. Hob ravaged his mouth, giving in to the sheer power of Dream in these clothes, and Dream only urged him on, biting at his lip.

Heat raged through Hob’s body. He found the strings of jewels again and twisted them around his fist, pulling so they went taught around Dream’s neck like a choker.

Dream’s breath stuttered and tripped over itself and then they both came, one on top of the other. Dream’s legs tightened around Hob’s back. He panted into Hob’s mouth.

When they’d caught their breath, Hob held his face between his hands and kissed him, light kisses on his forehead, cheek, the tip of his nose, and finally his lips, the tenderness deserving of such an exquisite creature, and Dream smiled.

He collapsed back onto Hob’s desk, arms draped languidly above his head, jacket falling open on his naked chest. His mouth was ruined, and there were hickeys already starting to settle on his neck and stomach, but he didn’t seem to mind. He closed his eyes, humming. They had just come, and Hob still wanted him with a violence. If anything, it was worse.

“We shall have to do this again,” Dream murmured, voice barely more than a gravelly hum.

Hob sat down in his desk chair, running his fingers through his hair as Dream sprawled before him like some kind of hunter’s catch. “What, ruining my reputation with my students?”

“Among other things.”

“Nightmarish, you are,” Hob said fondly.

Dream tipped his face into Hob’s hand. “Hmm. Yes.”

#magnusbae and i have gotten a LITTLE OBSESSED with dream's fashion and with JEWELRY IN PARTICULAR #also come talk to us about Nightmare as a pet name ok #magnusbae #the sandman #dream of the endless #hob gadling #dreamling #smut #undernegotiated kink #uh #choking kink #can't believe i'm having to put that tag on something god help me #my writing #the. uh.#sugar baby au #?#silly rabbit au

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honeykaes · 1 year

Text

—𝐬𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐥𝐲

✦ pairing: kaveh x reader

✦ w/c: 2.1k

✦ warning: dark content, yandere content, minors do not interact

✦ disclaimer: gender-neutral reader, gods/goddesses au, based on apollo myth, kidnapping, stalking, planned assassination, same universe as death's infatuation, gaslighting (alhaitham to kaveh), implied drugging, unedited

Kaveh hated how much he wore his heart on his sleeve despite being a divine entity. He was the God of Creativity after all, and his kindness and diligence with his craft had granted him favor with the many Gods and Goddesses of the lands. He even had favor with the other two most powerful Gods in Sumeru. Alhaitham, who he hated to praise, was analytical, granting favor for all that asked for his knowledge and skill. Nahida, who he loved, was sweet and merciful, often blessing the unfortunate and giving them a chance in life. Still, between the two of them, his heart couldn’t help fluttering in envy at times—wishing he could have the respect they craftily created.

It wasn’t until one day when he met with Alhaitham he saw another side of the usual stoic and cynical God. His typical eyes burned from their usually greenish hue to bright red, silently steaming. Kaveh resisted the urge to back up watching vines beginning to climb up and weave their way through the room. The God of Wisdom glared down at Kaveh before turning his body away from him. Kaveh only narrowed his eyes but could feel himself shrink, feeling Alhaitham’s anger. Kaveh swallowed, saliva coating his dry throat letting flowers begin to grow on the vines as a means to try to distract him and let the sweet aroma coax his anger.

“Alhaitham. It’s unlike you to be this bothered about anything. What happened to the perfect creation,” Kaveh attempted to greet in a sarcastic and light tone. Alhaitham’s body shook for a second before he sighed, as red began to dissipate from his form returning to its emerald green state. Alhaitham took a seat grabbing a large henna berry from a bowl beside him.

“One of the villages that pray to me has stopped because a lowly foreign mortal has convinced them the meritocracy, I so carefully created, should be crushed,” he sighed. Kaveh resisted the urge to sigh. He couldn’t help but agree with the mortal for once. He despised Alhaitham’s meritocracy style, seeing how many people fell through the cracks.

“...Diplomacy? Acceptance? As if these mortals can actually enact these laws without a coup or the knowledge to keep their civilization alive without the Gods,” Alhaitham sighed. Kaveh simply shrugged, a lazy smile on his thin pink lips.

“To think you’re bothered over something so trivial. You just said it yourself. They’re a mortal, Who cares? They’ll probably die before they can enact real change in your civilization, yknow?” Kaveh replied. Alhaitham’s eyes flickered up to Kaveh in annoyance.

“Sheesh, okay okay. I’m sorry!” Kaveh yelled out. Alhaitham sighed once more. His slim fingers tapping on a marble table..

“...I need you to do a favor for me. Get rid of them. Kill them. Make them disappear. Take them back to wherever they came from, I don’t care,” Alhaitham announced,” It’s too dangerous to let them continue doing as they please as the seeds of change have already been planted.”

Kaveh ruby eyes widened. Kaveh typically didn’t do bounties anymore, especially after...he had to kill another God. Kaveh swore to himself he wouldn’t let himself go that far anymore.

“Alhaitham I can’t—”

“You don’t think you owe me after all the support and needs I gave to a dying God. Let’s be real, if you were on your own, you wouldn’t be able to talk to me right now, now would you Kaveh? I would do it myself, but I know Nahida would encourage me not to and I don’t feel like debating her right now,” Alhaitham muttered. Kaveh clenched his mouth tightly, flowers beginning to wilt at his frustrations. Alhaitham was right, he couldn’t protest. It was because of Alhaitham people began to pray to him again, raising him to popularity. If that last girl, Nilou, managed to perish, he would have disappeared with her.

“...Fine. Show me what they looks like.”

Kaveh flew in the night, based by the dark the night graced him. Below, he saw your blurred form talking with someone in a temple. Trees were scattered around, as Kaveh descended. As his eyes adjusted and saw your sad form, his cold, guarded heart fluttered. He felt his cheeks heat up, he was sure he was blushing. Why was this happening at all times?

“We fall in love in one second as divine beings. It only takes one sight to know we want to be with that person for the rest of our existence.”

That comment from his late mother resonated with him. Was this a sign? You must be his love? His forever? Kaveh has been so jealous of the other deities having cute nymphs catering to them. He wanted that, to fill the void in his life. Kaveh wanted you to help fill the void in his life.

Kaveh could see the old tear stains on your face as you spoke with your friend. You had caused the wrath of Al-haitham? You seemed so gentle and sweet.

“(Y/n), I promise it’ll be okay. I swore to you that I would protect you. I refuse for you to get hurt and I stand by any of my promises,” the man insisted. His dark-skinned hands wiped your cheek before gently caressing your cheek gently, the coolness giving you goosebumps. Kaveh resisted the urge to swoop in and take his hand from you. Kaveh didn’t expect you to be this close with Cyno, the God of Judgment. He was considered a lower god and mainly did dealings in the human world.

“Cyno, I’ve angered the Gods and couldn’t even give you what you wanted. This is it for me. I’ve accepted my fate. The village was already planning on marrying me off to appease Alahitham’s other villages. You don’t have to protect me,” you insisted. Lightning begins to crackle from a distance causing your form to jump. Cyno narrowed his eyes towards the rest of the temple, gentle snow falling from it.

Kaveh clicked his tongue understanding the situation now. Cyno had been the one to get you to advocate for diplomacy and crush the meritocracy in the village. He wondered if Alhaitham would retaliate against him if he knew.

“I’m going to make this up to you, I promise. I’m going to head off and ask my allies to protect you—this used to be Tighnari’s village after all. I’m sure...he has already requested for your head,” Cyno muttered. You placed a hand on his shoulder.

“...You should be protecting yourself, Cyno. Now go, alright?” you insisted. With a sad nod, the God of Snow morphed into stormy purple clouds, as it drifted towards the sky to Mount Celestia. You sighed into the night once more before going to the plaza where the village was celebrating.

The men were conducting traditional dances of the forest, in an attempt to appease Alhaitham. The bright color of green, black and gold was worn all over—contradicting your soft red attire. You knew the village was filled with kind people, who feared what would happen if larger villages would come in and overrun the area. You were thankful they still treated you with the kindness you gave them. Your eyes wandered towards a boy who suddenly dropped his toy on the ground, eyes wide and looking at something else. Slowly, the other villagers followed. You narrowed your eyes, turning your head towards their direction—to see him.

Kaveh loomed in the sky as the mortals looked in awe. He continued to look at you, attempting to morph his face into that of anger—a complete contradiction to his internal feelings that wanted nothing to hold you in his arms.

“Foreign mortal, you have angered a friend of mine and for that, I have been sent down to deal with you myself. How lucky,” Kaveh seethed. He quickly lunged forwards swooping you in his arms. He resisted the urge to moan from the smell of your body. You felt so soft under his tight grip, as you struggled in fear. Kaveh shifted his head causing his blonde hair to seem wilder than what it was, gripping you tighter, as he looked down to the village.

“Be sure to not piss him off again. Would hate to see him bury this place up like he did the last,” Kaveh stated, shooting up to the sky. He could hear the screams of the villagers dying out as he reached closer and closer to his home in the heavens. You had stopped struggling, your beautiful eyes shut closed. Kaveh assumed you had stressed yourself out so much, you passed out. It was no worry though.

He’d be sure to take good care of you.

You fluttered your eyes open, looking at the large empty bed lifting your form up from the silky sheets of the bed. You’d been with the mysterious floating man for 3 months now. Life was relatively mundane for you.

You couldn’t ask him questions, he’d ignore you insisting on talking about something else. You couldn’t leave wherever you were lodging at, he insisted it was for your protection. The only company you had were the books he had given you: stories of different deities in Mount Celestia. Out of all of them, you felt a connection with the newest spring god. You wonder how they were feeling, being with both the God of Death and God of Hurricane.

Life wasn’t all that bad though. You didn’t have to fear Alhaitham anymore. The blond man had given you everything you could have wanted, only wanting your touch and affection as payment. You weren’t really sure if you truly liked him though; he was just a question mark to you.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Your eyes wandered towards the window as you approached it. Your eyes widen seeing familiar stormy scarlet-slitted eyes look back at you. It was Cyno. You quickly opened it, feeling your skin shiver from the cool breeze outside. How you missed your close friend.

“Cyno! I missed you so much! Are you alright?! How did you even get here?!” you began to ramble. Cyno looked around you, seemingly more serious than he usually was, most likely out of caution of being caught talking to you. You narrowed your eyes in confusion.

“(Y/n), I don’t have a lot of time, but you need to get out of here as soon as possible. The man you’re staying with is Kaveh, the God of Creativity, Flowers and Dreams. More importantly, he’s an ally to Alhaitham!” Cyno quickly murmured. The smile on your face fell in confusion, fear began to bubble in your stomach.

“W-What? If that was the case he would’ve killed me already right? I mean I’ve been here for 3 months—

“What are you talking about? You’ve been here for over a year!” Cyno shouted back. Your body began to shake. You had assumed every night you fell asleep, you’d wake up to the next day. Was that not the case? Has Kaveh tampered with your sense of time? Cyno lifted his hand up revealing a silver dagger, placing it gently in your hands. It felt so cold against your skin.

“...If you can manage to stab him with this, it’ll render him immobile for the time being. I can then take you away and up towards my Tighnari’s domain where he agreed to let you stay, alright? You have to do it tonight, do you understand?!” Cyno grunted. His body was becoming foggier and foggier. With a sad sigh, Cyno flashed a gentle smile.

“I promised I would’ve made it up to you, right?” With that, Cyno’s body faded, leaving the view of the blue sky you knew all so well. You held the silver dagger up, the metal shining in the sunlight.

You trusted Cyno over Kaveh in a heartbeat.

Night arrived rather quickly. You insisted on not eating, claiming you were feeling sick. Kaveh insisted you go to bed early claiming he would sleep with you too. His arms were wrapped around your frame. You could feel his breath evening out. Your frozen body could feel the blond man relax. You wiggled out of his grasp, grabbing the dagger you hit underneath your pillow.

Your hand shook, tears beginning to develop. Could you do this? Could you really stab someone? Surely Kaveh was still kind...right? Did he deserve this? You exhaled, lowering your body from him, dropping the knife away from your grasp. You couldn’t do it. You were too conflicted.

“...Looks like I was right about you all this time—”

You froze, feeling his hands cup against your cheeks, leaning his face close to yours. Kaveh smiled gently, pale cheeks flushed in a rosy hue. The world around you seem to be slipping, the smell of sweet flowers overwhelming your senses.

“I just knew you were just meant to be mine”

#genshin impact x reader #yandere genshin impact #genshin x reader #yandere genshin #kaveh x reader #yandere kaveh #kaveh imagines #kaveh scenarios #tw dark content #tw yandere

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zazter-den · 9 months

Text

Stained Glass Circumstances

Series: Current, Snippet 2, Ch. 1 Foul-Mouthed Frit

Synopsis- Captain Kirishima appreciates the overlooked beauty of glass.

Warnings- Servant Dynamics, Concubine Dynamics, Suggestive Themes.

Tags- Less explicit prologue, No Sex, Fantasy AU, Dragon!Kirishima, Consort!Reader, Brief BarbarianKing!Bakugou, Black Haired Reader.

Word Count- 400 word Prologue I

"Oi, Kirishima!" The barbarian king barked with his usual arrogant tone, ordering the loyal captain to escort his newest concubine to the hot springs to wash. Kirishima's slit pupils landed on your exhausted form, sprawled on Bakugou's dark blankets and furs like a masterpiece displayed on an ebony canvas.

Despite the fatigue radiating from your body, Kirishima couldn't help but find you captivating. The crystalline horns jutting from your hairline were of a clear quartz, an odd hue even for a dragon hybrid. Facets refracted rainbows on your black curls and the surrounding obsidian fabric, the beams of color dancing with each ragged breath you took. Captain Kirishima, having a ruby pair of his own, doesn't see how anyone could find your glass-like horns plain.

He had laughed, thinking his friend was surely joking when the rowdy regent had called you the “extra” consort he found. Claiming you on a whim.

Though he tried to dismiss his lingering thoughts and desires, Kirishima couldn't fully resist your allure. Despite their current roles—one as King Bakugou's concubine and the other as his trusted captain of his guard—Kirishima carried a deep...affection for you. One that couldn't easily be brushed aside. Gods know, he tried.

Captain Kirishima unbuckled the clasps of his scarlet cloak, the vibrant color signifying the high rank he fought tooth and claw for, and the fabric slipped from his broad shoulders. The thick ornate clothe was gentle against your skin, offering warmth and protection. He carefully wrapped your naked curves, shielding you from any prying eyes that may be present as he made his way to the baths outside the borders of the courtyard.

With gentle strength, Kirishima lifted your sleepy form into his arms, holding you as if the most delicate treasure. The weight of your body pressed against his chest, bodies fitting together in a way that felt natural. Intimate. He was lucky the tyrant's attention was long lost to the battle plans on his desk.

Then again, most servants ceased to exist in Bakugou's mind the moment he no longer had a need for them.

He held you close, cherishing the friendship he had formed with you over the past fortnight or so. Kirishima carried you out of King Bakugou's chambers, your head tucked into his chest as you continued to doze, and moved into the quiet hallways. The flickering torches along the walls cast a soft, warm glow. Their light danced upon the horns peaking out of your ebony hair, creating a mesmerizing display of color on your dark curls and his polished armor.

Stained Glass, Kirishima realized with a soft grin, that's what your horns reminded him of.

Comment/Reblog for more of this series!

#Already got half a hot spring scene written (｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡#zaz drabbles #minors dni #Dividers by the hard working @CafeKitsune #kirishima eijiro x reader #kirishima x reader #dragon kirishima #dragon!kirishima #bnha fantasy au #mha fantasy au #dragon reader #dragon!reader #bnha x reader #mha x reader #stained glass circumstances series

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multiversal-madness · 6 months

Note

Does Magwood!Simon still end up meeting Marceline? Does he start getting hairy and look like a werewolf over time?

Yes, Simon meets and looks after Marceline in this au. Things actually turn out better for them in this au since Magwood doesn’t drive Simon insane like the crown does and they have a sort of truce at this point (they have a shared mind scape of sorts where they can talk, though Magwood rarely speaks while Simon is awake). Simon can stick around to take care of Marcy into adulthood.

As for whether Simon gets hairy like a werewolf, that only really happens when he shifts into his fire dog form (the lava dog form doesn’t exactly have fur with all the lava). Also I wanted to further push the difference between this au and canon by having Simon not have facial hair since he has so much in canon.

Instead one of the biggest visual changes (aside from the shifting into fire/lava dog and the Ruby embedded in his forehead) are small cracks that form around his skin when too much heat builds up.

This relates to how Simon’s shifting works, instead of following any lunar cycle he needs to shift based on how much heat has built up inside him. The heat builds up and when it becomes to much, he shifts to a fire dog to release it, then he can turn back (this usually takes around half a day, or it could take longer depending on how much he’s been suppressing it).

Those cracks start to show when he’s holding back too much or resisting it. They don’t exactly hurt but they are uncomfortably hot both for him and to the touch since they’re essentially vents for the heat to get out while Simon isn’t transformed.

(Though another way he can release heat/go longer without transforming is by making his hair fire or turning into a fire-person kinda thing, but he doesn’t do that too often because he doesn’t want to accidentally burn Marceline).

#Magwood’s Will Au #Adventure Time #Adventure Time Au #Simon Petrikov #Marceline abadeer #my art #multi’s art #ask #I have lots of ideas for this au so this answer was kinda long lol

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somebluemelodies · 6 months

Text

DAY TWO OF SPIDERBIT THEME WEEK STARTED BY @anonymous-dentist! :D SELECTED THEME: MURDER HUSBANDS (au slash something or other where purgatory happens later bc we were robbed of murder husbands plans) (i, uh… violence warning? murder husbands commit murder. i think this is one of the more interesting things i've ever written. you'll see why)

Their synergy is that of a well-oiled machine; quick yet eerily meticulous, like they’d done it together a thousand times already.

(Only one of them has. But the anger, the desire for blood and revenge from the other, is the perfect compensation.)

Their victims don’t stand a chance, one dropping to the floor right after the other with barely a chance to react.

The guard vaguely recognizes the man pinning him to the ground, whose arms are littered in scars new and old and whose clothes are stained with blood. A red and black dagger is held against its throat. They warned it, about this man. A potential threat, but not definitive.

Definitive, indeed.

The struggle only seems to make the man more pleased, laughing with a grin like the Cheshire Cat. The guard gets a few hits in with its baton, knocking him back, but he always comes right back, eager to fight. Eager to play. Eager to kill.

The other worker knows next to nothing about the other man dealing with it. But what’s more concerning is that they were wrong. There isn’t just one killer to be weary of. Since when was there two? Has it been two this whole time?

It’s this worker that’s the first of the two to go, the spider-hybrid above it playing no games with it, unlike his companion. The worker’s one and only attempt at self-defense is blocked with ease, and it watches as two extra sets of ruby red eyes open to stare at it, pupils as thin as needles.

(As if to say, you shouldn’t have done that.)

He strikes, and there are fangs piercing its neck. Immediately, it feels something coursing through its veins, numbing as its limbs feel as heavy as lead. The fangs are torn out of its white fur with no remorse, and the last thing it feels through coughing and sputtering is a spider leg piercing right through his chest. Digging.

And that’s that.

The guard sees it happen. And that’s the last thing it sees. Because the dagger that’d been shoved through its chest is pulled out and slicing against its neck, quick and efficient as it slumps to the floor, unmoving…

Cellbit climbs to his feet, lifting the dagger and swiping his tongue along the flat side of the blade, licking the blood clean off.

He watches Roier - his love, his husband - hold a heart without so much as flinching. If anything, the spider-hybrid seems just as pleased as he is, even if his expression is stoic, borderline angry.

(He knows how to read that man better than most people.)

Roier’s black sweatshirt is stained even darker still with fresh blood, hands covered in it too as he drops the organ carelessly, standing as well.

(Cellbit’s heart jumps, and he resists the urge to walk over, pulling him into a smothering kiss.)

It’s Roier who walks over to him first, finally smiling and looking evidently satisfied. Roier slips behind him, chin hooking over his shoulder, arms circling his waist as they both admire their handiwork.

“Que lindo,” the spider-hybrid murmurs.

The tone nearly sends a pleasant shiver down Cellbit’s spine. “Sim.”

Cellbit finally wheels around after a few moments pass, shoving his dagger away momentarily to cup Roier’s face and pull him into a bruising kiss.

His husband makes a surprised sound but immediately reciprocates, arms wrapping tight around his neck and deepening the kiss.

It tastes like blood; metallic and bitter and addictive.

(Cellbit’s heart hammers in his chest, and he’s never felt more alive.)

(Roier starts to understand the thrill, too.)

…

Two new bodies show up, mutilated and massacred as ever. But there’s a catch, this time. They don’t show up days apart; they appear on the same exact day, and the exact same place.

(And one of them is missing a heart.)

The dead Federation workers have been morbidly displayed on the quartz floor in front of the train station. Bloody symbols paint the pristine white floor crimson with another message, another clue.

Find it before we do.

Far away from the train station, in a tall, brooding castle on a hill, the island’s head investigator sits, carefully cleaning red off of his wedding ring as he and his husband strategize and plan out their next little date.

#one of my spider hybrid roier hc’s is that he has four additional ‘legs’#kinda like some variants of spider-man having retractable mechanical ones #but these aren’t retractable or mechanical he just keeps them hidden a lot #unless he’s fighting #bc they’re very useful for fighting #on another note i think i surprised myself with this one #it is one thing to talk about wanting spiderbit to make out covered in blood and admire each other #and it is another thing to write it #i have no further comment #qsmp cellbit #qsmp roier #spiderbit #qsmp #blue writes qsmp #a.d's spiderbit week

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pearlywritings · 2 years

Text

The little chaser

synopsis: your son likes chasing and catching crystal flies now, and giving their cores as gifts brings him joy.

pairing and characters: Diluc x fem!reader, your twin sons

tw: pure fluff, domestic moment

word count: 2k+ words

author’s note: just a small something my brain came up with when I was thinking of Rufus loving bringing different trinkets from his outings to his parents, whenever one of them or both stay home.

Family AU masterlist

"Ma, ma! Do you think dad will like it?" Rufus appears next to you almost as if out of thin air and extends an open palm to show you a crystal fly core. "I caught a big one!"

"Oh, firefly,” you smile and brush your fingers through the thick mane of crimson hair, which somehow always manages to look decent, “I am sure he'll love it."

“Yeah??” Red eyes widen and stare at you in a hardly contained excitement, to which you hum in confirmation, giving him a firm nod. Giggling, your son plops on the grass near you and, holding the gleaming piece tightly to his chest, falls head first on your thigh, disturbing his twin, who's been peacefully napping on your other hip.

The little boy lifts his head and starts owlishly blinking, which, paired with his hair messily hanging from a ponytail, creates such a cute image that you can't help but laugh softly. How can you not, when your baby looks like a little owlet with ruffled feathers? His father looks the same almost every morning and the fond reminder makes your heart swell with adoration.

"Wha- wha's happenin'?" He reaches to rub on his eyes, ridding of the remnants of his nap. Your fingers gently tug on his shirt, that rearranged itself on his shoulders, smoothing the fabric and running knuckles against his rosy cheek.

"Nothing, Lu, I just caught a crystal fly, look!" Your older son reaches a hand back over your legs to show his brother a sparkling thing clasped tightly between his small fingers. Lucas finally blinks the sleep away and now stares at the core mesmerized. Rubies of his orbs twinkle with awe and mouth falls agape.

"Woooooow…so pretty! Did you really catch it!?"

"Yes, I did! Wanna one?"

"Yes, yes, I do!"

You watch your sons roll off of you and then some more on the ground and think of poor maids who are going to wash the grass stains from their white shirts later. Their little masters could care less though at the moment, getting back on their feet and, at least, dusting their shorts.

"Mama," Rufus turns to you with a serious expression and then reaches to hand the crystal core over, "please keep it while I get one for Lu. Oh! Do you want one?"

"Maybe another time," you smile, accepting the little treasure that'll soon adorn your husband's desk. "We are going back soon, so don't take too long, alright?" Just as the words leave your mouth two sets of identical eyes turn from gleaming with joy to sad.

"Alreaaaady?" They whine almost in one voice and you have a hard time resisting these cute pleading faces, with puffed up cheeks and puppy eyes. If it was Diluc here, he’d probably have a much harder time resisting his little balls of mischief. But mama owl in you knows better.

"We've been out the whole day. I bet papa misses you two already. Plus it's going to get dark soon, we better be on our way before sunset."

"Alright…" begrudgingly they eventually sigh in defeat and then, realizing they have little time, disappear almost as if whisked by the wind.

To think of it, the wind has been almost non-existent today. Thanks Barbatos, it hasn't been too sunny and heat hasn't really bothered any of you. But then again the summer days go by and autumn approaches, which means the evenings get chiller, so you hope the boys do hurry up with the elemental creature. It'd be great to get home without as much as even starting shivering.

Soon Lucas indeed returns back to your side and climbs into your lap with back facing you.

"Ma, hair almost got caught in a bush…" he quietly complains and you nearly give yourself a facepalm - letting your boy go running around with messy hair, how smart of you.

"Don't worry, baby, I'll fix it," the ribbon comes undone and the twin grips it in his tiny fingers - he knows you need both hands to deal with his hair. A brush appears in your grasp - with how active your sons are, having it with you is a must, - and start working on the nest, turning the bird's home into a flowing river of fire. Lucas doesn't even fidget, only humming something under his nose and looking ahead, to where his brother is slowly approaching three anemo crystal flies, floating in the air almost lazely. The height is perfect for Rufus to grab and there is only a couple of feet separating the little hunter and his prey. The redhead has such a concentrated look on his face, that he looks almost adult-serious, each step and movement is coordinated and measured - he has an important mission after all.

You lift your gaze when Lucas claps his hands with a giggle, watching a single crystal fly speeding away, desperate to save its life. His older brother lifts both hands in the air, grinning victoriously.

"Mom, I caught two!" With the triumphant cry the boy sprints to you, eager to present his trophies. Lucas holds his palms together when Rufus bends to drop one gleaming core to him. Absolutely stunned, he is now twirling the little treasure, watching how light is playing on its edges, completely forgetting about everything surrounding him. Meanwhile your oldest turns to you and offers you the second one, equally beautiful and shiny. With a wide smile he watches you put the brush aside and take the gift. A gleeful squeal then erupts from his mouth when you hug him and press to your side, kissing under his chin.

"Thank you, Ru," butterfly kisses against his skin are like caresses of the crystal fly wings, and the boy keeps giggling and squirming in your hold from the ticklish sensation, kicking his feet and holding onto your arm.

"You, hehe, like it? Ahaha, stooooop!"

"Of course I do. Maybe I'll make a necklace later," you stop your loving attack and hum in thought and the idea seems to catch Lucas' attention. Suddenly he turns around and extends his hands with the core and his ribbon.

"Make me one, please!"

"Oh, why not," you quickly agree, letting Rufus go, only for him to drop onto his knees to catch his breath and collect himself, "But I want you two to gather things back into the basket while I am doing so. And put my and dad's cores there too."

Boys nod and, after Lucas scrambles back to his feet and his twin follows him a couple of seconds later, begin cleaning up. You effortlessly loop the ribbon around the "horns", tying a knot just in case and then one on the ends, making a simple trinket.

Your youngest looks purely happy with it hanging around his neck as the three of you are making your way back to the Winery. Rufus is absolutely pleased with himself for making his brother this elated and is telling you all about his hunting techniques, promising to teach his twin everything next time. Lucas eagerly nods, staring at his brother like he is a hero from the books the boy loves Adelinde or his parents reading him.

The fond look doesn’t leave your eyes, as you watch your babies interact. So similar, yet so different, but most importantly being each other's best friends. Somehow you are convinced that these boys will forever be getting along and adore each other, no matter how many stories exist of siblings getting in serious fights. You only hope they’ll stay these little happy balls of vermillion joy for as long as it is possible, playing, learning, exploring the world through the childish fantasies of theirs.

This sentiment you share with their father, whose eyes lit up affectionately and proudly whenever he watches Rufus and Lucas doing whatever. Just like now, as you spot him outside, not taking his eyes off of his sons, who started chasing each other among the rows of the wineyard, laughing and squealing, drawing the attention of the workers that remained to finish some work.

Diluc, with a shawl wrapped around his shoulders, is standing in the main doorway of the winery, shoulder pressed to the doorframe and arms crossed on his chest. Probably having noticed you three out of the window he came down to be the first one to greet his family back.

The boys don’t notice him just yet, running around Tunner, making the old man helplessly smile and joke that they’re going to make him dizzy. You use this opportunity to approach your husband, putting the basket to one of the benches nearby, and stepping into his embrace right after.

“Hello, my flame,” his voice is hushed and a little bit hoarse, red strands tickle your cheek as his chin comfortably rests on top of your head.

"Hi, love," you softly murmur against his collarbone, snuggling to him with arms wrapped around his waist. "You good?"

"Mhm," the hum vibrates in his throat, arms squeezing you a little bit tighter. "You?"

"Couldn't be better. Are you cold?"

"...yes, a bit. It'll pass soon."

Being an owner of the Pyro vision your husband's body was far warmer than a normal person's should be. But that's only if he has his vision with him, and you don't notice it on his hip this time, meaning he left it somewhere within the house with his body heat returning to an adequate degree. When it happens it always makes him a bit receptive to the chill around if there is one, fortunately, it's just for a few moments.

"Well... It always can be helped by the snuggle session with me and our boys," you suggest and feel Diluc nod against the top of your head.

Turning in his embrace you search for two red heads and quickly spot them on the other end of the wineyard, observing a crystal fly, whose wings barely touch the green leaves of the grapes. You know what is going on inside their heads, but you'll have to ruin their fun. Sorry, boys, but that's enough hunting for today.

"Sounds good to me. By the way, I let the maids go earlier today. Tomorrow is going to be very busy," oh, your man is too kind and caring, and that's one of the reasons you love him dearly.

"This is perfectly fine, love. I'll cook dinner today, not a problem at all."

"Ru! Lu! Come home, babies!" Raising their heads the twins lock eyes with you and Diluc. Then they glance back at the elemental being and even from the distance you can see them sighing in disappointment before trotting to you.

"We could catch it!" Rufus complains, attaching himself to dad's leg almost immediately, hugging him in greeting.

“They became obsessed with these,” your words bring a small, but indescribably warm smile on Diluc’s face, who didn't miss the scene. No doubt he thought about the times he and Kaeya used to do the same, chasing crystal flies and bringing collected cores to Master Crepus so he could turn them into something beautiful.

“But they are pretty…” Lucas sighs, fidgeting with one around his neck. “Right, dad?” He even lifts it a little to show his father, which reminds Rufus of his present. He starts searching for the basket until you point to the bench and he runs to get it.

“Right, Lu,” Diluc nods, keeping one arm wrapped around your shoulders and bringing the other to run fingers through his son’s hair. “It’s so unusual to see him with hair down,” he quietly admits and you chuckle, understanding what he means.

“Bet Tunner couldn’t even guess who is who today.”

“Undoubtedly.”

"Pa!” Rufus finally returns, holding a core with both of his hands. “That's for you! I caught it myself."

“You did, didn’t you?" The softness in his gaze and the easily perceptible adoration in his voice makes you weak in the knees, but you manage to stay put. "Tell me all about it.”

A swift movement and the twins are resting in their dad’s arms, who steps back into the winery, having decided that’s enough of standing outside. Quickly grabbing the basket you follow them inside, glancing at the third core resting among all the items you brought to the stroll.

You make a mental note to find a small chest for the twins to store these, because, if Diluc’s stories of his childhood are something to take into consideration, there are going to be dozens of cores in the near future. Well, it can’t be helped if the game is to their liking. Most importantly your crystal flies chasers have their fun.

taglist: @sleep-deprivedracoon

#genshin impact #genshin impact x reader #diluc ragnvindr #diluc x reader #diluc x fem!reader #diluc ragnvindr x reader #dadluc #genshin oc #genshin impact fluff #pearly family au

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dollyyun · 2 months

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how you get the girl | jake sim

SYPNOSIS: jake sim excels in everything, be it sports, academics, or even silly little games—everything except for one─he sucks at winning over a girl's heart. he has a crush on a girl in his department, but he has no idea how to approach his crush without being weird or even get her to reciprocate his feelings. and so he implores his best friend since diapers to help him out─ the ways on how to get the girl. however, little does he know that his best friend harbours feelings that are beyond platonic for him.

PAIRING: non!idol jake x fem oc (who goes by evelyn) ft. jay, sunghoon, yunjin from le sserafim, wonyoung from ive.

GENRE: college au, fluffs, slight crack, lil angst (kinda), best friend to lovers, one shot au.

WARNINGS: drama, heartbreaks, expletives, suggestive themes, alcohol consumption.

STATUS: WIP

TAGLIST: [open! do comment below]

RUBY’S NOTE: whenever i listen to taylor’s ‘how you get the girl’ i always affiliate it with jake because he fits the song sm, and i’ve been wanting to write a cute, fluff with a tinge of angst story for jake with this song.

PREVIEW BELOW: (may or may not have to change)

Evelyn Park can't precisely recall the realisation when she knew that her feelings for her best friend were beyond platonic.

Perhaps it was when they were seventeen that he asked her out for prom, but only because he wasn’t brave enough to ask out other girls and was comfortable with her. Perhaps it was when he comforted her after she had broken up with her ex-boyfriend of two years. Or perhaps she had always harboured feelings beyond platonic for him when they were young.

But the thing is, Evelyn knows that Jake doesn’t see her as more than just a best friend. As a matter of fact, Jake relies on her and naturally expects her to be his wingman, or rather, wingwoman.

So, when Jake comes knocking on her door, where she resides in a dormitory with her two best friends, she doesn’t know what to expect and definitely doesn’t expect the words flying out of his mouth.

"I really need your help." Desperation resides in his gaze—his gaze that always sends a flutter to her heart. "Please?"

"Jake, it's nine p.m." Evelyn sighs, rubbing her tired face. She leans her hips against the door with her arms folded below her chest. "You couldn’t wait until tomorrow to ask for my help?"

"This is important. Like way important." Jake's pouty lips tempt her to kiss him, but she holds herself back. "My pride is wounded, and I've officially made an embarrassment out of myself."

Her eyes soften. "What happened?"

"I uh," Jake rubs his nape, smiling sheepishly. "I may or may not have been rejected by my crush."

There it is, the sound of her heart shattering into pieces. "Oh," is all she can afford to say.

It is no surprise that Jake is undoubtedly an attractive individual who has a charm that no one can resist. He excels in everything he does, be it sports or academics. In fact, he is every girl's dream guy. But the thing with Jake is that he has no interest in girls at all, unlike his best friends.

Only Evelyn knows the reason why he has zero interest in girls, and that specific reason is that he sucks at talking to girls. Even if he does talk to a girl, he will avoid eye contact and occasionally stutter.

"Oh? Oh?" Oblivious to Evelyn's disheartened spirit, he continues to express his aggravation. "Is that all you have to say? Don't you want to know the details? It was bad, Eve. Like, really bad. I might even have to drop out of college."

"All because you've been rejected by your crush?" She deadpans.

"I've liked her since last year, okay?" Jake grumbles. "You might know her. She's in my department."

"So why exactly do you need my help?" She frowns. "You've already been rejected by her."

"Because I want to win over her heart." Determination blazes in his eyes. "And I need your help on the ways to get my crush to reciprocate my feelings."

There is a protracted silence as he awaits her response with a glimmer of hope in his eyes. He can't seem to decipher the emotions in her eyes, but he knows for a fact that his best friend since diapers won't be able to refuse him.

"No."

The smile on his face drops. "Eve─"

But Evelyn slams the door in his face. The abrupt loudness draws attention from her roommates, whose faces are wearing facial masks and whose attires are in matching pyjama sets, as they peek their heads from the living room just to see Evelyn leaning her back against the door, looking crestfallen.

"We heard Jake's voice." Yunjin speaks up as she observes her best friend carefully. "What's wrong?"

Before Evelyn can respond, she is startled by the knocks on the door. "Come on, Eve! Help out your best friend!"

"He still hasn’t left?" Wonyoung asks in bewilderment before popping a candy into her mouth.

Evelyn closes her eyes and draws in a sharp breath, fighting an internal battle, but eventually she gives in. With a scowl, she opens the door rather aggressively, almost leading to Jake stumbling forward.

"Fine. I'll help you." She narrows her eyes at his beaming face. "But you owe me, big time."

"Thank you so much!" Jake lunges forward to pull her into a hug. The warmth and sense of security in his arms encasing her bring heat to her cheeks.

As she reciprocates the hug, taking her time to relish this moment of closeness, she knows for a fact that it is too late to take back her words, as her best friend has officially put his trust in her to help him out by teaching him the ways of how to get the girl, or rather, his soon-to-be girl.

#enhypen #jake #enhypen jake #best friends to lovers #college au #one shot

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paiirupie · 11 months

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HI ID LOVE TO HEAR ABT YOUR SONIC FORCES AU HEHE..... love those redesigns

hii !!!! i'm glad ur interested in my au, atm i don't have stuff writen abt it, as i mentioned once in a few tags, all my ideas sort of, just, live in my head, but i'll do my best to organize them here for u !!

the main characters of this au are sonic and shadow. both of them start working together after shadow finds and rescues sonic from a sandstorm in the dessert. he initially only intends to bring sonic back to the resistance, but first, both of them have to prove sonic's identity in order for him to join in, since he has been lost for so long, and also because of infinite's illusions taking sonic's form causing trouble and confusion to the resistance. in the end, shadow joins as well to create a plan in order to defeat infinite.

tails is also a prominent part of this au. he is, for the most part of the story, helping the resistance from the shadows before joining them. he's got his own squad even! omega, and an illussion of classic sonic created by a phantom ruby prototype tails carries with him. this sonic follows him around and responds to any given command.

as for the leaders of the resistance, amy is in charge of logistics and strategy, meanwhile knuckles is actively fighting in the battlefield and is training new recruits.

and finally, infinite. he's a soldier himself, and the general of eggman's forces. not many actually know his name, so, the general public usually refers to him as "the scarlet soldier". he didn't have any special abilities before obtaining the ruby besides his tactical knowledge.

i planned to give the other characters their own cool names. i already have amy's code name decided, she'll be "oracle". as for sonic, i'll just call him nick. it's simple, and it's cute. hehe...sonick.....

and that's like, the main idea of it, let me know if you would like to know anything more specific !!!

also, here u have an old artwork i made of tails and his squad ^_^

[ image id: a drawing of omega, classic sonic, and tails. tails is at the bottom of the illustration, pointing to the side, holding a ruby prototype on is other hand. classic sonic is at the center of the illustrations, he has red glitches all over him. omega is at the top of the illustration, he's making fists with both hands. end id. ]

#💌 paii's art #sonic #sonic the hedgehog #sonic forces au #ask.

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atla-genderbender · 3 months

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ATLA Gender Bender: Firelord Ozai

"You will learn respect, and suffering will be your teacher."

The principle behind this AU is to swap the genders of the main cast (Aang, Katara, Sokka, Toph, Zuko) and other characters where it enhances the story. This means that most child characters, like Azula and Suki, are also swapped, but adults are swapped on a case by case basis. This is especially true for characters who had a formative influence on the main characters, like parents and other role models. If you swap a given character and their parent(al figure)s, this alters the character's personality more than swapping that character without swapping their parents. Sometimes this effect is subtle, and sometimes it is large. This is why I would avoid swapping the genders of a character's parents, unless it makes sense to do so.

In the case of Zuko's parents, I do not think it detracts from the story to swap their genders. I would even go so far to say that some things are enhanced by swapping both Ozai and Ursa. Female Ozai fits surprisingly well into the role of an "evil empress". "Urson" also works as a "papa bear" character. A female Ozai would contrast well with a female Zuko, serving as a "good queen" "evil queen" dichotomy. I also find it fascinating to think about what would change and what would stay the same if Ozai's gender was also swapped.

I picture female Ozai being no less evil or sadistic as normal Ozai. Unlike Ozai, she would have to maintain the image of a good mother to her children, and a good daughter to her father. This is especially interesting if she is the first female Fire Lord in a line of male Fire Lords. She would be a queen who has to strike the perfect balance of femininity and power in order to please her court. A woman who possesses bewitching beauty to conceal a wicked, sadistic soul. I think she would be very narcissistic and cruel, obsessed with being beautiful and powerful at once.

I attempted to convey this through her design, which could be tweaked in many respects. To explain the rationale behind her design, the Fire Lords of Avatar draw from East and Southeast Asian influences. Firelord Ozai's hairstyle is Chinese inspired (see: atlaculture.tumblr.com/post/65…), but his clothing is Burmese inspired (see: atlaculture.tumblr.com/post/63…). As such, I decided to base the hairstyles of female Fire Lords on East Asian hairstyles worn by female rulers.

It feels inevitable that female Ozai would be compared to Wu Zetian. I wanted to minimize these comparisons, and make it clear that female Ozai is not supposed to be a representation of Wu Zetian. Doing so would unfairly demonize a real historical figure. Still, I could not resist including a couple of elements inspired by Fan Bingbing as Wu Zetian in "The Empress of China" (see: dwvyw8kf1avne.cloudfront.net/s…). This is what inspired female Ozai's red makeup, and the stylized phoenix headdress that she wears. Other design elements are not inspired by Wu Zetian, but other portrayals of powerful queens and empresses in Chinese dramas. Namely, Empress Du Feihong in "The Glamorous Imperial Concubine". I hope that the final design is so stylized that it is clear that she is not supposed to represent a real historical figure. I attempted to simplify her headdress in a way that could be easy enough to animate while still making it clear that she is wearing a ridiculous amount of gold and rubies on her head. This is meant to contrast with female Zuko's design. Where female Zuko is humble, female Ozai is vain.

In the end, I am dissatisfied with the design I came up with, for reasons I will explain under "OUTFIT DESCRIPTIONS".

This design approach diverges from the design principles behind the one female Firelord shown in Avatar, that being Izumi. I took liberties with hairstyles, but did not change the masculine style of robes. I felt this would diverge too far from the pre-established rules of Avatar. Additionally, I think it creates an interesting contrast between a feminine hairstyle and masculine robes, especially if Ozai and "Zuka" are the first female Firelords in a long series of male Firelords.

The phoenix imagery actually makes more sense if Ozai was a woman, since the fenghuang is traditionally a feminine entity. I also think it would be cool if she was still named "Ozai", kind of like how "Ty Lee" is very feminine but has a masculine name. It would also imply that "Ozai" isn't the name she was born with, but a name she adopted for its meaning "large presence".

I picture Grey Griffin as the voice of female Ozai. Specifically, how she voices adult characters, like Ming Hua in LOK and the female Viltrumite from Invincible. I don't think that she should have the same voice as Azula, but Grey Griffin could give her a venomous and vicious voice that would fit her really well.

OUTFIT DESCRIPTIONS:

1: Firelord Costume

I am dissatisfied with the hairstyle I came up with for female Ozai's Firelord costume. I have written previously about my concerns that viewers would conflate her with the real life Wu Zetian. In order to minimize these comparisons, I tried to make elements of her hairstyle abstract instead of authentic to real life costumes. However, I do not think I was successful in achieving my goal. When I first started drawing female Ozai, I knew little about hanfu, and have since learned more about traditional Chinese costumes. The crown that I gave her is clearly inspired by fengguan, which is a distinctly Chinese element. Given Ozai's affinity for phoenixes, I can't not picture female Ozai wearing some sort of fengguan. The design I came up with is flawed, as it is something that "looks Chinese" without being authentic to Chinese costume design. This could come across as offensive. The best approach would be to fuse the Chinese element of the fengguan with other cultural influences, so that the result is something that is not specifically Chinese. I took some time to try to come up with a better design, but to be transparent I am approaching creative burn out with this project and was unable to come up with a better design. I guess this speaks to my limits as an artist.

With all of this said, these designs are best viewed as a first draft and not the final product. These are meant to give an impression of what her character would look like, and could use more sets of eyes to review and improve the design.

2: "Phoenix Queen" Costume

In the second costume, her cape is somewhat inspired by Maleficent's cape in "Sleeping Beauty". Maleficent's appearance also helped inspire female Ozai's widow's peak and facial structure. As I mentioned before, her costume is inspired by the real life apsara. She has dressed herself in the image of a goddess of fire.

3: "Phoenix Queen" Costume, after removing crown and cape

The third costume is supposed to be how female Ozai would appear at the start of her fight with "Aangi". I intended for her to have the same body type as the female Viltrumite "Thula" from "Invincible". I also think that female Ozai's voice would sound like Thula's. I picture her as a warrior queen who spends a lot of time training, giving her an athletic and muscular appearance. I think she would appear more physically intimidating if she has some muscle mass on her frame. This being said, there are a lot of different athletic body types. A less bulky but athletic body type could arguably fit her better.

4: Appearance after being defeated by "Aangi"

The fourth costume is supposed to be how female Ozai would appear at the end of her fight with "Aangi". Since she doesn't have a goattee, I think "Aangi" would grab her by the gold part of her top. I think it would be cool and dramatic if "Aangi" ripped this part of her costume off. In the heat of battle, female Ozai loses the gold parts of her costume, and a waterbending attack by "Aangi" washes off her makeup, exposing her as a false goddess.

Her finger nails and toenails are painted and sharpened, to resemble the talons of a phoenix.

Like what I’m doing? Consider leaving me a donation via Ko-Fi.

#ozai #avatar the last airbender #atla genderbender #genderbending #rule 63 #gender bender #genderswap #genderbend #my art #my headcanons

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