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galactic-magick · 3 years

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Remember Me: Agnes/Agatha Harkness x Reader

Request: Ok so I have this idea for a wandavision fic. Agatha had a wife prior to westview, and the wife comes looking for her and gets zapped into the hex. The wife loses all memories prior to westview so when she sees Agnes for the first time she’s like head over heels in love with her all over again. Agnes of course absolutely recognizes her and remembers everything and decides to woo her wife into marrying her again. Of course shenanigans ensue. Also Agatha doesn’t want to just give her wife’s memories back cause she wants to protect her. I also think the wife’s personality is pretty opposite to Agnes’s, I see her as more quite and innocent, but still bubly and positive. I know this is a lot lol but I just think it would make a great fanfic!

Summary: You and Agatha have been married for years, but a rough fight causes you to take a break for a while. When you’re ready to try again you go looking for her, but accidentally get sucked into the hex in the process and lose all your memories.

Words: 3.6k+

Warnings: spoilers, some angst

Author’s Notes: This fic got pretty long cuz I just kinda ran with this amazing idea, hope you enjoy!

Taglist: @nyx-aira @midnight-lestrange @thestrangeundoing @dreamydanvers @sleep-deprived-athlete @dr-robotnik-said-hella @fallingfor-fics @p-nymph @thelanawinterrs @sunproud

You feel…lost.

It’s as if something was at the tip of your tongue, something extremely important was on your mind a few minutes ago, but you can’t think of it for the life of you.

You’ve always struggled with directions, so you know you probably took a wrong turn. You remember driving into a town called Westview, and you’re pretty sure you’re here now, but your mind feels fuzzy. You can’t recall anything that happened to you before driving here. Your body feels like it got ripped apart and put back together, if that’s even possible.

You try your best to shrug off your concerns, and you start to feel more and more at home here. You know what, you have been here your whole life. You grew up here, you have friends here, and you never want to leave.

Despite that, though, you have no idea where your house is. You drive around, searching for anything that looks familiar, to no avail.

You see a woman picking some flowers outside, so you pull over and get out to talk to her.

“Good afternoon!” you wave. “I don’t believe we’ve met, I’m Y/N,”

“Hello!” she smiles. “I’m Wanda. Are you one of my neighbors?”

“Oh, um, yeah! I’m in the neighborhood,” you nod. “Those flowers are beautiful. Is there a special occasion?”

“Yes, actually! It’s me and my husband’s anniversary today! I’m planning a romantic evening to surprise him when he gets home. One of my other neighbors gave me some ideas and tips,” she laughs. “Oh there she is again!”

You turn around to look at the house next door, and see the most beautiful human being you’ve ever seen in your life. There’s something familiar about her, like a distant memory. She waves at Wanda, but when she sees you she stares. She can’t take her eyes of you, like she’s seeing a ghost.

“Agnes! Come here a second!” Wanda calls her over. “This is Y/N, she also lives around here. Have you met?”

“Oh…”

She’s wearing a gorgeous yet simple plaid dress, and her smile is captivating. There’s a gleam in her eyes that’s magical, and you find yourself falling a little too hard for someone you just met. You’re not usually the type to lay your heart down so quickly, but something about her is different.

“Oh, no! I don’t think we have!” Agnes snaps out of her trance and shakes your hand. “I’m Agnes,”

“Y/N,”

“Lovely to meet you,” she momentarily turns her attention back to Wanda. “Now, is there anything else you need for tonight? Extra candles, more magazines, makeup?”

“Some more candles would be amazing, thank you,”

“Great, I’ll drop them off in a bit,” Agnes glances at you again. “Would you like me to walk you home, darlin?”

“Sure,” you start walking together down the sidewalk. “I’m sorry if this is weird, but I feel like I know you from somewhere,”

“Do you now?”

“Maybe you just have one of those faces,” you sigh. “Anyway, I honestly can’t remember where my house is. I’ve always been bad with directions,”

“Did you just move here recently?”

“Maybe?” you scratch your head. “I…think I’ve always been here, but maybe I left and came back. Is it weird that I can’t remember?”

“Not at all,” she smiles. “Is this it?”

You look, and there’s a house just a few down from Wanda’s that you can almost swear wasn’t there before. But it looks like home, it looks familiar.

“Yes! This is it!” you race up to the door, and find a key that fits perfectly in your pocket. “How’d you know this was mine?”

“I just had a feeling,” she says.

“Well, thank you very much,” you reply, about to close the door.

“Wait,”

“Hmm?”

“Would you like to get some ice cream tomorrow?”

You nod, a bit surprised she’s so interested in you, “Sure,”

You meet up again at the ice cream parlor the next day, and you’re shocked when you get there that Agnes has already ordered your favorite, and a couple scoops are in your grasp within a few minutes.

You sit down together and start eating it, “How’d you know this was my favorite?”

“Oh…um, you just seem like that kind of gal?” she takes a spoonful of her own.

When you’re both done, you take a walk around town, waving to other people you think you’ve seen in the neighborhood. It feels a little strange that you’re hanging out with Agnes for hours as if you’ve been friends for years, but at the same time it feels so right. It’s almost like she knows everything about you already, yet everything is still a mystery.

Later in the afternoon you attend the talent show together, and you find yourself laughing especially at Wanda and her husband Vision’s performance. Some of their tricks fool you enough into thinking they might be real, but how could they be? Magic is all just a trick on the eyes, isn’t it?

You say goodbye to everyone and turn in for the night, and you have a strange dream.

Agnes is there, but she looks different. Older? Younger? You’re not sure.

She smiles at you, and takes your face in her hands. She presses a kiss to your lips, and doesn’t let you go until you can’t breathe.

You continue to see snippets of you and her together, each time in a different place, maybe even a different era. You’re happy, it seems, the love is deep and strong, something so good you didn’t think it could exist.

Until the last one.

You’re yelling at each other, but you can’t make out the words, not even your own. You can almost feel tears streaming down your cheeks, and Agnes takes her bags and leaves. You fall on the couch, completely miserable. You can’t tell what happened, but the aching in your chest is enough to tell it was the worst thing you’ve ever experienced.

When you wake up the next morning, you don’t remember anything.

The world is now in color, but you honestly can’t recall what it looked like yesterday, so it doesn’t seem strange to you.

You get a call from Wanda telling you she’s pregnant, and you congratulate her excitedly. She asks you to keep it under wraps except for close friends, which makes sense since it’s so early on.

Even though you have plenty of time before the baby arrives, you decide to go out to the store and pick out some stuff you could give her. You’ve never had children of your own so you’re not sure exactly what she’d need, but you know the basics, like clothes, teething toys, and blankets.

You look through the racks and piles, picking out a few things you think would be cute.

“Don’t tell me you’re pregnant now too, hun,”

You jump, and you see Agnes behind you.

“Oh! Agnes, hi!” you exhale quickly. “No, no, I’m not. I’m just picking up some things for Wanda. Maybe we could plan her a little baby shower or something?”

“I’m just kidding, hun. And that’s a great idea!” she pushes her cart forward a bit. “I’ll catch up with you later, okay?”

You nod as she hurries away.

As you’re walking home, you see Agnes chatting with one of your other neighbors, Herb. You don’t particularly hear or care what they’re saying, but you stop in your tracks when you see something purple coming out of Agnes’s fingers.

Herb’s eyes roll back for a moment, and then they carry back on in conversation. After a few minutes Vision runs out of the house and talks to them a bit, then they all go their separate ways.

Maybe you were just seeing things, but something about that interaction was really weird.

You catch up with Agnes down the street, saying hello and asking how she is. She doesn’t seem to know you saw what happened, so you decide to ask yourself.

“What was that purple stuff coming out of your hands?”

“What?” she chuckles, scoffing as if you’re crazy. “What are you talking about?”

“I was walking by Wanda’s house earlier and I saw you talking to Herb, and there was something coming out of your hands. Maybe it was just weird light or reflections or something-“

“Oh, yes, that must be it,” she pats your shoulder. “Say, how about we grab some dinner or something?”

“Really?”

She raises a hand and strokes your head and hair, and it feels like a wave of calm rushes over you. She murmurs some words you can’t understand, and you forget what you were going to say.

“What was that for?” you giggle, cheeks flushing a bit at her tender touch.

“Oh, there was just something stuck in your hair, dear,”

“Agnes,” you say, after taking the last bite of your dinner. You’ve had a wonderful night, you don’t think you’ve smiled and laughed so much in your life, and she makes your heart feel like it’s transcending to peak happiness.

“Hmm?”

“I really love hanging out with you,” you’re too nervous to say the actual words you want to say, and you desperately hope she understands.

“I love hanging out with you too,” she reaches for your hand. “I’ve missed you,”

You cock your head, “What do you mean?”

“Oh, nothing,” she laughs. “It’s just…been awhile since I’ve had someone in my life that I care about so much,”

You sigh as she squeezes your hand, “Do you believe in soulmates?”

“I might,” she grins. “Why?”

“I just…I know it’s so weird, but I feel like there’s something between us that’s beyond our control, you know?” you talk fast, hoping getting all the words out quickly will help you to say what you’ve wanted to say since you first met. “Maybe we were together in another life, another universe, I don’t know, it’s just…it’s not just me, right?”

She shakes her head, and you can almost see a tear in her eye, “No, it’s not just you,” she kisses the palm of your hand. “I wish I could tell you everything, I really do,”

“What do you mean?”

“But I can’t,” she stands up and waves her hand in front of your face, all memories of your conversation slipping from your mind. “It’s for your own protection sweetheart, I promise. Once I figure out how all this is happening, we can be together again,”

Agnes walks you home that night, but you don’t want to leave. You’ve had such a wonderful time with her, and you can’t bear for it to end.

“Do you want to come inside?” you ask.

“Oh, honey, I don’t think I should,” she laughs.

“Please,” you beg. “Just for a little bit? I have some tea and cookies,”

“Alright,” she sighs. “Just for a little bit,”

You start boiling the water and arrange some cookies on a plate as Agnes sits down on the couch.

“What kind would you like?”

“I’ll take anything,” she says.

You return with a cup and plate for her and plop down on the cushion, “You know I should probably apologize,”

“For what, dear?”

“I just feel like I’ve been a bit forward, which is weird since I’m normally super reserved and shy, but I just feel so comfortable with you, ya know?” you sip your tea. “I feel like I’ve said or done something wrong. I can’t remember what, but I definitely did,”

“Oh darling, no,” Agnes shakes her head. “You’re perfect,”

“Really?”

“Yes, just as you always have been,” she lifts your chin and leans in, capturing your lips. “My everything,”

You never knew what head over heels felt like until now.

You wake up smiling, barely able to contain your emotions. You kissed Agnes last night. You kissed Agnes last night.

You. You did.

You head over to Wanda’s that morning, wanting to meet the twins and give your gifts. When you walk in they’re crying very loudly and Wanda and Vision look stressed out of their minds.

“Hey, Wanda!” you give her a hug. “Baby troubles?”

“Yeah, they just…won’t stop crying,” she sighs in exhaustion.

“Do you need any help?” you ask. “Also, I got you some stuff,” you hand her the gift bag.

“Oh! Thank you so much!” she smiles in appreciation. “And yeah, could you? I’ve tried everything, but if you have any ideas on how to calm them down go for it,”

You start to rock the cradles a bit, when you hear the doorbell ring.

“Hiya kids!” Agnes strolls in. “Hey hun,” she winks at you.

“Oh Agnes!” Wanda says, relieved to have yet another person to help with the situation. “Oh, Y/N, could you actually grab some milk for them? There’s some formula on the counter in the kitchen,”

“Yeah, sure!” you smile at Agnes, your heart pounding a bit before you turn around to make the milk.

As you’re stirring, you hear Vision escalate into a panic, and then it falls mysteriously silent.

“Do you want me to take that again?” you hear Agnes say.

What?

“You want me to hold the babies, should we just take it from the top?”

You hear Wanda laugh and the conversation continues on normally. You finish mixing up the milk and head toward the living room, but you meet Agnes running in to look for some liquor.

“Agnes! What do you think you’re doing?” you whisper.

“What do you mean? I’m just trying to help with the kids, just like you!”

“Yeah, but, you’re acting really weird,” you shake your head, staring at her in disbelief. “What were you talking about in there? Taking it from the top? What does that even mean?”

“Oh, honey, don’t worry. I’m just a little jazzed up today!” she kisses your cheek.

“Y/N! AGNES! The kids are gone!” Wanda gasps.

You rush in, and all of your turn around towards the stairs to see two definitely not baby boys in front of you.

“Ah, kids. You can’t control ‘em, no matter how hard you try,” Agnes chuckles, taking a sip of her drink.

Are you the only one that finds it strange that the twins randomly grew older right in front of you?

That evening you go on another date with Agnes. She doesn’t bring up anything that happened this morning, but she does mention the tragedy of Wanda’s family’s dog passing away. You feel awful, especially since they got him recently.

For the most part it’s a normal date, you’re still very much in love with her and you have an amazing time.

But by the end of it when you’re heading back home, the eerie feeling returns, and you can’t keep ignoring it. You need answers, and you need them now.

“Something’s not right here, Agnes,” you observe. “Everyone here acts weird, especially Wanda and Vision, and even you sometimes. I don’t get it,”

“Darling-“

“No!” you snap. “Every single time I’ve brought up feeling weird with you or in this town in general you distract me so I forget about it. You know something Agnes, I can tell you do. Why won’t you be honest with me? If we’re gonna do this relationship thing, we need to be honest with each other,”

She takes a deep breath, “I can’t,”

“Why not?”

“I can’t now, but I will,” she says. “This weekend, Halloween. Meet me at my house and I’ll tell you and show you everything,”

“Do you promise?”

“Yes, I promise,” she nods, then leans in to kiss you. “I just have to do a few more things first,”

She walks away.

You stand outside her house on Halloween just as she asked, dressed in a cheap witch costume you found in your closet.

“Oh, look at us!” Agnes opens the door, eyeing you up and down and grinning. “We match!”

You laugh as she takes you hand and leads you to her car.

Before she pulls out, she turns to you, a glaze of fear in her eyes.

“Are you sure you want to know everything?”

“Yes,” you nod.

“Okay,” she presses down the pedal and drives.

She passes by all the familiar streets, into the neighborhoods you’ve never seen. There’s people outside that are barely moving, and the farther you go, the more frozen they become. It begins to scare you a bit, but you trust Agnes to explain everything to you when you get to your destination.

She finally stops the car at the last stop sign on the edge of town, and everything ahead looks like an empty field.

“You don’t remember how you got to Westview, do you?” she asks.

“No,” you shake your head. “I think I’ve been here a while, but my past is fuzzy,”

“But somehow you have memories of me?”

“I…” you search your thoughts. “I felt like I recognized you when we first met, yeah. But I don’t think they were actually memories,” you look into her eyes. “Why, do you think they’re real memories or something?”

“I know they are,”

“You mean, we were together before?”

“Yes,” she nods, and her gaze falls to the floor, unable to look at you. “But it didn’t end well. I made a lot of mistakes, and you asked me to leave, so I did. I’ve been all over the place, and I ended up here. Then all of a sudden, you were here too,”

You can’t believe what you’re hearing, “How come I don’t remember any of that?”

“Wanda created and controls this town. She wiped and changed your memories,”

“Wanda?” you scoff. “How would she even do that? And even if someone could do that, why would they? She’s so nice, you really think she’s controlling me?”

“I don’t know how she’s doing it, that’s what I’m trying to find out. But I know it’s her. She’s the only other magical being in this town, and she got her powers from an infinity stone. Maybe it’s just that, maybe she’s a mutant, maybe it’s chaos magic, I don’t know. But she’s the one,”

You shake your head, almost giggling at how ridiculous it sounds, “Agnes, no, you’re not making any sense. Magic? Infinity stones? Mutants? Are you serious? Come on, just tell me the truth,”

“I am telling you the truth,”

“Stop lying to me!” you storm out the car door, walking back towards town. Agnes calls after you, but you keep going. “I can’t be with you if all you’re going to tell me is complete bullshit!”

“Y/N!”

Your feet lift off the ground and you spin around, flying through the air towards her. You scream, and you see that same purple smoke coming out of her fingers that you saw before. She pulls you against her, one arm wrapped around your waist and another cradled around your head.

“It’ll all make sense now, sweetheart,”

She whispers a spell and all the memories flood back into your mind. Your real first meeting, your first kiss, your first date. Your wedding day, your first house. You see every moment, the good and the bad, the way she looked at you like you’re an angel every single day. You relive every anniversary, every holiday together, every tradition you shared, and finally the last moments together, and the day you decided you wanted your beloved wife back.

“Agatha?” you whisper.

“Yes,” she crashes her lips to yours, taking in everything she loves, everything she missed. You wrap your arms around her neck, kissing her deeply, a smile escaping every so often. You don’t care that it’s messy, you don’t care if your teeth get in the way, you’re in love and you never want to let her go again.

“I’m so sorry, darling,” she exhales, breathless.

“No, I’m sorry,” you say between more kisses. “I can’t live without you Agatha. I can’t,”

“It’s okay, we’re together again,” she slithers her fingers into your hair.

“But what now?” you wipe your teary eyes. “If you’re right about Wanda using magic to control everything, what do we do?”

“I’ve been dropping clues to make Vision suspicious, and I’ve been trying to get her to crack,” she says. “I have a feeling she might make it all crumble on her own. If it’s chaos magic like I think it is, it’s unpredictable and she might lose control if she keeps it up much longer,”

“Do you…think she’s doing it on purpose?”

“She has some consciousness of it, yes, but I don’t think she’s trying to hurt anyone,” Agatha replies. “But at the same time, I don’t think she’d hesitate to hurt anyone either if someone threatened her,”

“Oh,” you fall back in her arms a bit so you can look up at her. “How come you didn’t return my memories when we first met again?”

“I wanted to protect you. I was afraid you might get targeted if Wanda found out you remembered who you are, I doubt she’d hurt you but I couldn’t risk it,” she runs her thumb along your cheek. “Plus I thought it might be fun to fall in love with you all over again,”

You laugh, “It was kind of fun,”

She pulls you in for another kiss, “I love you, sweetheart,”

“I love you too,”

She holds you close, making up for all the lost time. You’re not sure what will happen or what you’ll have to deal with next, but you’ll do it together. Always, no matter what.

#agatha harkness x reader #agnes x reader #agatha harkness #agnes #wandavision #wandavision x reader #wandavision spoilers

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yetanotherramblingfangirl · 5 years

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2/52 Hackle

Royal AU + Marriage of Convenience

So I may have gone a bit overboard, but now I’m into this idea. Like a lot.

Princess Ada is the ruler of a small principality, Argutos. Argutos is known for two things: its high literacy rate and agricultural production. Ada is considered by her subjects to be a good ruler, one who has made it a priority to make herself available to her people. She holds weekly open sessions at the palace during which any of her subjects may come forward to raise an issue.

Ada’s twin sister Agatha was banished from the kingdom ten years ago for her attempted coup against their mother, Princess Alma. She fled to places unknown and their mother’s spies were never able to determine exactly where she’d settled. Well, now she’s emerged as the leader of the Grand Duchy of Nocivis and Ada feels it is only a matter of time until she attacks Argutos.

Hecate is the sharp-tongued, bookish eldest daughter of King Jasper of Alaitasuna. She has managed to run off most suitors, much to her relief and her father’s mounting frustration. Her interest in being a political pawn for the furtherance of her father’s power is nil. She is perfectly content to be left to her books and experiments.

Hecate stood before her father’s throne, chin tilted upward, shoulders back, and gaze steady. Despite her outward calm, she could feel her heart hammering against her ribcage as she waited for her father’s lecture on how to behave toward suitors to end.

“Hecate, you are nearing 25. Your duty is to marry well, and you will. There will be no further discussion on the matter.”

She waited a moment before speaking, waiting for her father to truly look at her. “I know well what is expected of me, Father. I am far enough down the line of succession to know that I will be married off to the first suitor of any note who asks. The first politically advantageous match will be made, and I have resigned myself to the reality that I will be little more than chattel. But I refuse to be lectured on how to appeal to suitors. It is immaterial and a waste of both our time. I will not compromise myself for anyone. Including you, Father. Excuse me.”

Without waiting to be dismissed, Hecate left her father’s throne room and walked quickly back through the palace to her chambers. She felt lighter, as if a weight had finally been lifted. But the closer she got to her rooms, the harder the realization hit her that she had accomplished something. She would not be complicit, she would not simply wilt away into subservience.

Ada needs to cement Argutos’s alliance with their more militarily powerful neighbor to the west, Alaitasuna. She is not sure of the best way to go about it, feeling that the most obvious route may not be open to her. Political marriages are the tried and true method of securing alliances with foreign powers. Tucking that thought away as not worthy of real consideration, she focuses instead on strengthening trade ties. Her visit to the Alaitasuna for the trade summit becomes her point of focus.

The visit of the Princess of Argutos is viewed as something of a coup by Hecate’s father. Alaitasuna is incredibly mountainous and relies on agricultural trade with Argutos to feed its people. Hecate is ambivalent about the visit at first. It is a disruption to her current research projects.

At the official reception dinner upon her arrival, Ada is seated next to Princess Hecate. While the initial conversation is difficult, Ada does eventually find they have a common interest in the works of Alaitasuni alchemist Itzal Mintxo. The change in Hecate’s demeanor is immediate and Ada finds herself wanting to continue talking with the younger woman. Intelligence and enthusiasm are magnetic and Ada can admit that she enjoys having a good conversation with someone who shares her interests.

The trade summit drags on for almost two weeks. When they are not in meetings, Ada and Hecate are in Hecate’s chambers working on her latest scientific research project or walking in the gardens. Though neither would consider the other anything more than a friendly acquaintance due to the recent nature of their meeting, they do get along. Two days before she is set to return home to Argutos, Ada invites Hecate to join her on a walk through the palace gardens.

They walked side by side, the guards surrounding them on all sides doing their best to allow for privacy. The only sound for several moments was the crunch of gravel under feet. Ada looked around, observing the grounds. They were quite lovely, the mountain view really quite something. Argutos could not have been more different, with its miles and miles of rolling plains. She would miss the view here, though she was more than prepared to return home. But she couldn’t leave without offering Hecate something: the chance to leave on her own terms.

“Is something the matter?” Hecate asked, her brow furrowing slightly with worry.

Ada smiled over at her, laying a gentle hand on Hecate’s shoulder. “Not at all. I just had something of a proposition for you.”

“Oh?”

“I must warn you, it’s somewhat unconventional.”

“Now you’ve really piqued my interest.”

Taking a deep to steel her nerve, Ada said, “I know that your father wishes for you to marry. I would like to offer myself as an option, should you agree.” When she did not receive an immediate response beyond stunned silence, Ada plowed on. “I would expect nothing of you, aside from your presence at official functions, and you would be free to continue your research. I would never wish to constrain you. I just–”

Hecate stopped walking and simply stared for a moment, her entire body stilling. “You wish to marry me?”

Ada smoothed imaginary creases from her skirt, eyes everywhere but on Hecate’s face. “I am proposing a mutually beneficial arrangement. In the form of marriage.”

“What do you gain from this?” Hecate’s hands twisted in front of her, the torsion and flexion a somewhat painful distraction from her mounting anxiety.

“A stronger alliance with Alaitasuna and military support in the event of foreign incursion.”

Silence stretched between them for several moments before Hecate took a deep breath and spoke. “Is that a pressing concern?”

Ada offered no hesitation, staring Hecate directly in the eye as she answered. “Yes.”

“I see.”

Ada took a few steps away before turning back to look at Hecate. “I know the arrangement is probably suboptimal, but you would fulfill your father’s requirement that you marry and my home would be more secure. I do not make this offer lightly, though I will feel no ill will should you say no. I hope that we can be friends, Hecate. You are a brilliant woman and I have enjoyed our time here together. I just thou–”

“I accept your terms.”

Ada and Hecate are married several months later and Hecate comes to live in Argutos. Ada builds Hecate her own lab in the palace and helps with experiments when her help is requested. Hecate uses her experiments to help develop new treatments for blight and insects in Argutos’s staple crops. Despite being very severe and taciturn in her official appearances, no one can say that she doesn’t care about the people of her new home. When she volunteers to help treat patients during a rheumatic fever epidemic breaks out in the capital, she becomes something of a national hero.

Ada and Hecate have been married for ten years when Agatha finally attacks Argutos. The ensuing conflict, which ends with Ada being forced to directly confront her sister and Hecate almost sacrificing herself in order to save Ada from harm, shows just how close the two have become. Hecate is injured in the battle, which serves as the last motivation Ada needs in order to vanquish her sister for good.

As Hecate is healing from her injuries, Ada confesses that she has fallen in love with Hecate. She remains a constant figure at Hecate’s bedside and over time Hecate is comfortable enough to admit the depth of her own feelings. [“Hecate, I think you throwing yourself in front of my sister’s sword was enough to tell me how you felt.” “No. I would have done that for anyone honorable.” “Really?” “Hopefully you won’t have cause to find out.”]

Having freed the people of Nocivis from Agatha’s cruel reign, Ada and Hecate restore the rightful ruler to the throne, coincidentally a distant cousin of Ada’s, Mona. A firm alliance is formed between the two states. They rule for forty more years and bring about a new era of peace and prosperity. They leave behind a legacy their heir, the young Grand Duchess Maud of Nocivis [the grandaughter of Mona], continues to build upon for years to come.

send me two tropes and a ship and I’ll tell you how I’d use them in a story

#trope mashups #ask meme answers #hackle #i may have gone a little bit overboard #as in it got kinda out of hand #but i like this idea #and it was fun to think about for a week #so i hope you guys like it too #also if you have a problem with the bullet points please refrain from commenting #i went into outline mode with this one because i went full on epic with this in my head

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john-deco · 5 years

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The ABC Murders, first impressions

Welp, the first episode of the three part miniseries based on Agatha Christie’s novel “The ABC Murders” has aired, and I must say it’s really good. The performances were really great, most notably Malkovich as Hercule Poirot, and as for Rupert Grint, he didn’t get much but that’s reserved for ep 2 and 3. But for what he got, it was great. It set up a mystery and a certain character that might trick you ;). There are some notable departures from the book, but personally I think most of them are for the better. The cinematography was great and it set up a dark and intriguing mystery up ahead.

Hercule Poirot, the same character or not?:

Luckily, Malkovich portrays the same Poirot we knew to love. The media said he wouldn’t have an accent, but it seems they’re wrong, cause there are some scenes where you hear a bit of an accent. Poirot’s eccentricities however, takes a step back. Only bit of it can be seen where he dyes his goatee. Some fans might be disappointed, but in all honesty, I don’t think it’s very necessary here.

But don’t worry, atleast this Poirot lives in a symmetrical building, so that’s something...

Does it lack the charm because it’s darker?

Not really, while the episode is consistent of dark and calm moments, Agatha Christie’s charm is still there. But it’s the one that focuses that everyone has a secret to tell and the lingering mystery among the characters. If you want something like the early Suchet series, there’s only one scene that might get you that feel.

How faithful is it to the book?

Faithful at its core, Poirot receives a letter, murders occur, now he must solve the case. Most scenes differ from the book, and the way the victims were killed too. But those changes don’t detract or harm the story at all. Instead, it enriches it. One character was removed, Hastings (Poirot’s best friend) and it helps make the mini series stand on its merit rather than being supported by any other bit of continuity. Allowing new viewers to see this without having to spend hours reading on past stories. New characters were added to flesh out the story as it’s book counterpart, was reserved to at least 7 or 9 characters.

As for the character’s personalities, they detract from the usual “fancy” attitude and going more for a typical person, but done in a way that fits the time era of 1933.

Conclusion:

For the first episode of this adaptation, it does an excellent job at setting up this mystery. While it makes many changes, these enrich a story that originally felt short. The cast do a great a job of showing us what the middle class must’ve lived like during the early 1930’s. It focuses on a more realistic part of that era, rather than a romanticized one.

The ABC Murders is a series that wins us over, and does Christie’s work justice so far. And Malkovich leads this train of excitement. It gets a 8.5/10.

#agatha christie #hercule poirot #the abc murders #john malkovich #rupert grint #1930s #It was pretty good #I look foward for more!#I think Malkovich is better than Ustinov at being Poirot #yeah I said it

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dachi-chan25 · 5 years

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So I watched like 2 episodes of Nightflyers...

So after a loooong time of procastinating (I have a big ass TBR k??) yesterday I finally got around reading "Nightflyers" (the ilustrated edition is 200 ish pages so it's a very quick read) and decided to watch the series because I really liked the concept of the book but felt that a series could really improve the ending and flesh out the characters.

Now I must start saying that I hadn't even watched the trailer or anything about the series, I just directly jumped from the book to the series and I was not impressed tbh.

It was -

K so there are gonna be spoilers about the book and the series (at least the 2 episodes I've watched of Nightflyers so if you don't wish to read them don't read any further.

Ok first off I had a huge 'pls no pls no' moment at the beginning of the series (like I mentioned before I didn't know a thing about the casting of the series) and upon watching the first scene of what I supposed was the climax of the book I see Gretchen Mol struggling in the ship with no gravity and for those of you who have read the book will already know I mistook her for Melantha as she was the only one aboard the ship (well the only one alive in any case) by that point now Melantha was very clearly described as a WoC in the books so I was already thinking it had been a case of whitewashing (not the case but I am still not sure and I'll get to that later) but when she is recording her warning message she identifies herself as Dr. Agatha Matheson and I was throughly confused from that moment on... do i even need to talk about Rowan (by that point a nameless stranger to the audience) is doing his best Jack Nicholson impression and then Agatha kills herself?? Like I was just completely confused by that point.

So I was like ok fine I already expected them to change some stuff and that’s fine, so I kind of tried to pretend I was watching a series completely unrelated to the book (I played myself cuz I know damn well my stupid ass brain likes to nitpick about everything) but fam they changed the whooooole ass premise of the book.

So what I actually liked a lot about the book was that the concept was lot like a mix between "Psycho", "The Hunting of Hill House" and "And then there were none". I mean if I told y'all this story is basically a haunted house/murder mystery in space it would sound pretty cool right??? Well they managed in 2 fucking episodes to kill any suspense they might have built up.

Right, so Karl D'Branin (wasn't his name Karoly tho?? Why is there a need to change a goddamned name?? And he is much younger than is book counterpart) is a prefessor? Investigator?? Who the fuck knows for an unnamed university or government facility (who knows?? I'll go for investigator cuz he was that in the books) in the year 2093 on earth (so again wildly different from the book because he was doing his research from a planet named Avalon that is very scholary //this planet is also mentioned in "Dying of the light" another book by GRRM that I absolutely adored// and we are in an era where space travel and aliens are common af I mean Earth is barely glossed over at the beginnig of the book and not relevant whatsoever to the plot) and he is talking to his wife about how apparently he discovered the volcryn are somewhere near the earth and he and only he must find them and communicate with them because they maybe? Possibly? Hopefully? Will help them save the Earth from dying (why is it dying tho? Global warming? Nuclear war? And why or how does he know the volcryn would help?? This plot is convoluted and has holes everywhere you look at) but they (the people he works for) won't help him financiate his work never fear tho cuz Roy Eris (wasn't his name Royd in the books?) wants to help him (the expression on his wife's face suggests he is a super well known man and I am like ?????) if he gets together a crew yadda yadda.

So what I liked is that they gave Karoly a family, in the book we never really get to know much about the past or family of most of the characters so it's kind of hard to find them sympathetic but apart from that everything is a fucking mess, so the thing is I know they are introducing this noble 'we are the planet's last hope' bullshit because they want this mission to have bigger stakes than those of the book (in the book Karoly has been studying the volcryn as a myth that has been repeating throughout the galaxy in different moments and different cultures and he just wants to prove they are real it's as if a Folklore researcher traveled to Transylvania to find vampires tbh) but it makes no fucking sense in any way, first off how does Karoly even know they exist save from the Teke energy readings? How does he think they can help save the Earth?? How is he gonna communicate with them if the people in this universe have never contacted aliens before??

And well there is the Nightflyer, this ship is crucial and while I think the design for the series was intresting it doesn't work for the story, so in the book Royd Elis is a super unknown random captain of a ship that is completely automatizied (this is SUPER important for the plot) he usually trasports cargo not people but he takes on D'Branin' crew because he is very intrested in people and he is curious about the volcryn.

Ok now Royd mentions his mother in the 2nd episode (by then I had just given up trying to make sense of things tbh) and says she designed the ship and he made some improvements, but the thing that is most glaringly out of fucking place for me is the Nightflyer is a colony ship and Royd's mother wanted to make a legend of herself wtffffff? So in the book the reason why the ship is completely automatizied is because Royd's mom absolutely hated people and with good reason she was an extraordinarily gifted telepath but in her home planet her abilities were deemed as evil an unnatural so she faced a lot of abuse growing up til she got a Job in a ship and then when she had enough money she comissioned the Nightflyer to a race of aliens especialized in technology, so you see why this makes no sense to me to have a full crew instead of just the group of scholars (it kind of takes away from the mystery murder element).

Another thing that killed the suspense was that we never get eased into a sense of calm, from the very beginning Thale is seen as a menace in the ship (again why even go about the telepaths if you are going to do it in the boring way) and there is wierd ass stuff hapenning all the time yet everything is blamed on Thale while in the book we get weeks of the crew living together with only one thing that worries them and that is Royd, because just like in the series he is just with them through a holoprojection and they feel wary of him, and Thale is just one more scholary who volunteered to go with them (he is a Level 1 telepath but this is not that big of a deal and everyone treats him normaly up to the point when he starts feeling a sense of danger) tbh everything in the beginning points to Royd being the one who is killing them, and then we suspect of the volcryn, until the ship and Royd's mother spirit inside it is revealed as the culprit, but in the series by the end of the second goddamned episode we see Royd talking to the ship and it's like ok the ship is responsable for this, as I said it doesn't build any suspension, they managed to take a story that was intresting and scary into a boring bland stereotypical mess (you know what I am not even gonna mention how Melantha is shoved aside as the main female character and Agatha is instead proped up).

I don't know if I am going to keep watching tbh.

#nightflyers #george r r martin #i just think it's a hot mess #even if u don't see it as an adaptation #which is a shame cuz it could have been awesome #my salty rants #dachi rambles

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audeity · 5 years

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JOINED: Heartbxnd, Kxkuko, Wxtaru, Katsxra, Yanxgi and Bxrryjxn

OOC INFO

Name: Vani

Pronouns: Whatever is fine

Forms of contact: Discord Vani#0007 , Tumblr Ims to Heartbxnd / pokemusesvani

Triggers/squicks: N/A

MUSE INFO

Agatha

Url: https://forgxtmxnot.tumblr.com

Name, alias, etc: Agatha

Pronouns: She/her

Home region: Kanto

God of: the Underworld

Associated with: Time’s passage, death, knitting/sewing/stitching- and all sorts of utensils used on them, prophecies, wrath, and grudge.

Abilities: Necromancy (control over the dead- not just animals but plants as well).

Current residence: Viridian city

Current occupation: Agatha runs a small sewing studio, crafting stunning outfits for her clients.

Is their real identity common knowledge: No.

List at least three fact about your muse:

Agatha is the one who created the underworld- a place where the dead were sent to once their lives have ended. Seeing how there used to lack a place for such thing in ancient times- so for the longest time she not only was the creator and ruler of it, she was also the one handling and doing every single duty- that would later be fulfilled by her descendants. Agatha then dedicated her time and attention in knitting- essentially putting together a tapestry of the universe/world they were in. It was said that once she completed her work, the end of times will come. She would use strings of lives that had passed away as material for her work. Until they “ran out of business” and started their lives as mortals, the last time she had stepped out of the Underworld was in order to arrange Morty and Lance’s wedding.

Agatha is Morty’s creator- he can oftenly be found in her studio.

Agatha may look like an adorable elderly woman, always sitting by her sewing machine’s desk never facing away from her work. Don’t let this seemingly calm facade fool you, especially don’t ever try to disrupt /distract her work. She is well known for the short fuse and explosive reactions to most situations, that find their way to her.

Blaine

Url: https://forgxtmxnot.tumblr.com

Name, alias, etc: Blaine

Pronouns: He/him

Home region: Kanto

God of: Knowledge and inventions

Associated with: Fire, curiosity, the act of learning/researching, algebra, ideas, alchemy later in the future he would become a symbol for science.

Abilities: Control over fire to a certain extent, grant someone a small tidbit of his vast knowledge.

Current residence: Cinnabar Island

Current occupation: A scientist, the sole soul that can be found in the Island where Science once thrived in the Kanto region, he stays the entire time inside of his workshop where he is always working on something.

Is their real identity common knowledge: Yes

List at least three fact about your muse:

Blaine is amongst the few deities that have always shown a very clear bias towards humans, he will stand up for them- defending them from the other Gods’ wrath. Because of it, he may not really be a popular or quite welcomed by his fellow entities.

Blaine is the one responsible for creating most of the objects that have become synonymous to their owners;

In the ancient times, Mr.Fuji had transcended his mortal condition thanks to the deity, and became the oracle or the only consistent bridge between Blaine mortals and most deities. He was always the one speaking for him. In the present time however, Mr.Fuji now runs a cemetery for pokemon located at Lavender town- he is amongst the very people allowed in Blaine’s workshop.

Lance

Url: http://wxtaru.tumblr.com/

Name, alias, etc: Lance

Pronouns: He/him

Home region: Johto.

God of: Nobility, heroes, execution.

Associated with: The Sun, leadership, the upper class in societies, kings/emperors/ministers/etc. gold, fury, bloodlines, demigods, dragons the guillotine.

Abilities: Summon any of his three soldiers at any time and have full control over them, whoever drinks/consumes his blood will temporarily have their strength and senses upgraded.

Current residence: Celadon city, Kanto.

Current occupation: He lives the fine life, experiencing only the best that the modern world has to offer. Such as parties, travels and so on. He doesn’t work, and can easily be found around those of the upper class.

Is their real identity common knowledge: No.

List at least three fact about your muse:

Lance is married to Morty, and has been since long ago in the ancient times. Despite that- they have a long history of infidelity to each other. Their marriage ensures a good relationship between the underworld and the surface. It is unlikely they will separate from each other anytime soon.

Lance used to be the champion of the Kanto and Johto regions (more so of Kanto than Johto), he used to rule over all the other deities in the golden era. He has lost this position ever since they started live a mortal life.

Lance has had MANY demigods as his children throughout history, they all turned out to be important figures in the human society- living up to the status of heroes. He keeps close tabs on them, by protecting/guiding/teaching/etc when necessary.

Morty

Url: http://heartbxnd.tumblr.com

Name, alias, etc: Morty/Matsuba/Enoki

Pronouns: He/him

Home region: Johto.

God of: Death and funeral rituals.

Associated with: The upper class, nobility, fortune, embalming materials, peace.

Abilities: Call upon his three headed Gengar at any given time, prepare a mortal/deity’s corpse flawlessly.

Current residence: Celadon city.

Is their real identity common knowledge: No.

List at least three fact about your muse:

Morty is married to Lance, and has been since long ago in the ancient times. Despite that- they have a long history of infidelity to each other. Their marriage ensures a good relationship between the underworld and the surface. It is unlikely they will separate from each other anytime soon.

Morty used to be known for being three entities in one body, however ever since they started to disguise themselves as mortals his other two identities have gone out of use- he hasn’t assumed them in a long time. The other two entities he used to be were Enoki (protector of cities/temples/graveyards/households) and Matsuba (Underworld’s ferryman who guards its entrance). Morty will not respond if someone addresses to him, by using any of those two names.

Morty is most of the time a calm, friendly and wise God. Thanks to these qualities, he is oftenly seeked out to try and give some kind of neutral view or an opinion for most matters when Lance isn’t around.

Pryce

URL: https://forgxtmxnot.tumblr.com

Name, alias, etc: Pryce

Pronouns: He/him

Home region: Johto

God of: Winter, family and knowledge

Associated with: The act of teaching and learning, professors, teachers- those who possess knowledge, large families, protection, frostbites.

Abilities: Control over the temperature surrounding him, cast freezing blizzards and destructive hailstorms, summon upon the winter itself.

Current residence: Mahogany town

Current occupation: Pryce is a professor at the local university, as well as a librarian.

Is their real identity common knowledge: Yes, although no one seems to believe in such claims.

List at least three fact about your muse:

Pryce is the personification of Winter (or in this case used to be), his children and grandkids are all representations of the winds that carry the cold and low temperatures throughout the Johto region. He is one of the oldest Gods within the region. He, just like Blaine are deities that represent knowledge- because of it they have a powerful friendship that has been going for ages. They can be oftenly found reading or even playing some games together- when in doubt, they aren’t shy of reaching out for the other’s help and piece of their mind.

Pryce is the one who taught Morty as much as he knew about how to prepare a God’s body for their funeral, when he had to do that for the very first time. Lance has learned a few hunting skills and war strategies from Pryce. He is the only person who is constantly solving Blaine’s quizzes on a consistent basis.

Pryce is amongst the very few deities who would stand up for the mortals in ancient times- it is safe to assume how much pride he has taken with the modern world.

Barry

URL: http://bxrryjxn.tumblr.com

Name, alias, etc: Barry

Pronouns: He/him

Home region: Sinnoh

God of: Love and the messenger of the Gods.

Associated with: Childhood (naivety, cheerfulness), speed, gusts of wind, lightning bolts, sunshine and young love.

Abilities: Inhumanly speed (to a point he can actually fly), make people fall deeply in love with each other (using his bow and arrows of love).

Current residence: Twinleaf town

Current occupation: Barry chose to maintain his child looks, and because of it he doesn’t work. Instead Barry is constantly travelling all over the world- he still occasionally takes up the messenger duties for the others of his kind, but it comes nowhere near to what it used to be like in ancient times. It seems like he is in an eternal childhood.

Is their real identity common knowledge: No

List at least three fact about your muse:

Barry is the son of Palmer (the entity responsible for carrying Earth on his back) and a deity assosciated with maternity and fertility. Unfortunately, because of his duty Palmer wasn’t able to start a mortal life like everyone else- meaning he is nowhere to be seen. Barry is one of the few deities who can visit Palmer.

Despite trying to live as a human, Barry still acts on his God of love duty occasionaly. In fact- it is quite easy to find him pranking others with his arrows of love.

As expected Barry is quite impatient when dealing with most he runs into- he can come off as quite bratty at times as well, meaning not all Gods may be thrilled to be in the boy’s presence.

#audeity #new member #submission

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thebibliomancer · 7 years

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Essential Avengers: Avengers #131: A Quiet Half-Hour in Saigon

January, 1975

This time, the Legion of the Unliving! Which is always an embarrassment to the writers when some dead characters turn out to not actually be dead. But to be fair, how could Steve Englehart know that Steve Englehart would be bringing Wonder Man back in twenty issues?

Also, as usual, this cover is a filthy lie. As the title suggests, this issue is more about a quiet moment before the storm. The Avengers taking some time to chat it up and explore character beats while behind the scenes a foe (spoilers: its Kang again) prepares a new attack.

The cover would be more accurate if the Avengers were standing around oblivious while the Legion of the Unliving loomed behind them. And maybe the Avengers would be taking a water cooler break, standing around talking about the game.

Anyway.

Last times: Kang kidnapped several women, including one very past menopause, because one was destined to be the Celestial Madonna and have a god baby but it turned out to be Mantis and also Swordsman died and Kang literally wrestled with himself and the Avengers went to Vietnam to explore Mantis’ past some more and got into a scrum with the Titanic Three, three ex-villains who decided it would be more fulfilling to be North Vietnam’s Avengers but who will inevitably go back to villainy.

This time: I already said. Its a breather episode, of sorts.

Although we do start with Mantis KLOK!ing a mugger right in the face.

What the dude was even thinking trying to mug this particular garishly dressed group, I’ll never understand.

He seems confused that someone dressed like a bar girl is so agile. Which. This whole time, Mantis was just dressed in her old uniform? That’s a bar girl outfit? She’s been serving on the Avengers basically dressed like a cocktail waitress?

Although I guess if its okay when Zatanna does it...

Anyway, after kicking the dude, choking him, and then slamming his face into the ground, she takes a moment to angst about becoming the Celestial Madonna and that she’s unknown on the streets where she remembers growing up.

But Mantis time is over, Steve Rogers just showed up in his new Nomad identity and becomes the center of attention.

And geez, he’s the happiest I’ve seen him in a long time. He’s smiling in every panel. He just wrapped up his first case against the Serpent Squad and decided to drop in on the Avengers.

Iron Man gives him a friendly shoulder punch and tells him he’s looking great, apparently unable to remove his gaze from Steve’s exposed man cleavage.

Meanwhile, Hawkeye bemoans all the changes the Avengers have been through since Hawkeye ragequit the team. Steve is Nomad, Swordsman died, Wanda studying witchcraft. It makes him wonder where that leaves him.

Meanwhile, Kang and Rama-Tut continue wrestling through time. Rama-Tut basically being ‘geez just accept you’re going to mellow out in the future’ and Kang is more like “You cannot make me believe that I will become as soft as you! Though we fall through this void for a thousand thousand eras, I’ll yet fight on!”

Kang needs to chill.

But he doesn’t get the opportunity to either chill or fight for a thousand thousand eras because his time sphere is yanked into Limbo. No, not the Illyana Rasputin dimension.

Instead, the timeless realm of Immortus, MASTER OF TIME.

The narration wonders how a timeless place can have a sequence of events and that is a really good question.

Kang immediately gets into a dick waving contest demanding to know who Immortus is and why he thinks his name alone should impress him.

The reason this is a dick waving contest is that Kang already knows who Immortus is. He’s been spying on the Avengers since #8 and even though Enchantress retconned the entirety of issue #10, Kang still saw it happen. He says this later. He’s just being difficult.

Immortus puts Rama-Tut into an imprisonment tube and Kang decides to take the time to yell at the unconscious man. He gets really into it too while Immortus looks on at his baby tantrum and muses that Kang is most certainly a man he can use.

Meanwhile, back in Saigon. Which. I mean. Can you say meanwhile when one of the places is a timeless place? Limbo is too confusing.

Hawkeye contacts Jarvis on the handheld visio-transceiver to see if Captain Marvel returned their message yet. He has not. As I said, very busy in his own book. Even though he expected the Avengers to drop everything for an issue to be part of his big storyline, they don’t get the same courtesy.

This is why everybody prefers Monica and Carol to you, Mar-Vell.

Hawkeye then asks if Wanda can come to the screen for a quick chat but she’s sequestered with Agatha Harkness and she left strict orders that they were not to be disturbed.

And while that call is going on, Mantis approaches Vision. But not to seduce him this time.

She apologizes for her behavior toward him in the recent past. And although Vision insists there’s no need to apologize, she likewise insists yuh-huh. With the whole Celestial Madonna thing, it seems that her life is coming to a new phase and she wants to put her affairs in order for whatever happens next.

Vision tells her she’s taking this too seriously and that if anything, he was flattered. And if an android can feel that emotion, imagine what new heights she could reach!

But that’s the thing. Mantis does not want to reach new heights. She was happy as she was.

Meanwhile, everything is great for Steve Rogers! He’s very much the guy that’s finally dating again after a contentious divorce. Except in this case, its after the president of the United States committed suicide in front of him after trying to take over the country with a mutant-powered UFO.

But it feels good to put the White House scandals behind him and start again. He’s even thinking of rejoining the Avengers. After he gets that pesky Serpent Squad finished off! Ha ha ha!

There’s a lot of Steve/Tony shipping fodder in this issue.

Meanwhile again, Mantis stands on the outside looking in, admiring the spirit of adventure and camaraderie between the Avengers. She thinks of herself as a Not-Avenger but I call BS on that. She appeared in Giant-Size #1 and Swordsman didn’t. She’s at least a de facto Avenger.

Also, her Mantis senses are tingling that someone is watching her but by the time she looks, the mysterious cloaked figured from last issue who has been watching her from the roof has disappeared.

And apparently in timeless Limbo, five hours have passed while Kang yelled at his older self and only now has Immortus gotten to the point of bringing Kang here.

Also, only thirteen minutes have passed in Saigon. Remember, half-hour in Saigon is in the title.

Immortus wants Kang to help him attack the Avengers. And here Kang reveals that he did know who Immortus was all along and is familiar with his work in issue #10.

Rama-Tut, now awake but still in the imprisonment tube, tells Kang he’ll never capture the Celestial Madonna. So Kang threatens to kill him. Which is less stupid than it sounds. Killing his future self won’t affect his present self and he doesn’t want to become Rama-Tut so he’ll be glad to have himself die if he ever does.

Anyway, Kang wants to use Immortus’ ability to pluck men from any era, like he did in retconned issue #10. Except he’s going to do it smart, not dumb like Immortus did.

Immortus grants Kang power over his machines to let Kang do what Kang gonna do.

So Kang summons the Legion of the Unliving, as seen on the cover!

With a specific eye toward people with powers and people who will bring a crucial element of fear to this campaign because all these people are dead by the year 1974, which is the year the comic is in.

First, the Frankenstein Monster (Adam or The Modern Prometheus to his friends)! Because Hammer Horror is spooky.

But seriously getting into it, the next selection is WONDER MAN from the year 1964! A man whose powers were created to equal the original Avengers, who the Avengers let die, and whose brain patterns were used to create the Vision.

His appearance will cause consternation in all the Avengers but will discombobulate the Vision most of all. And that’s what’s important because the Vision will be the one most likely to remain calm and logical in this assault.

So lets double up.

The next member of the Legion will be the original HUMAN TORCH from 1954!

More like the Human-Shaped Torch or perhaps the Inhuman Torch. Since he’s a robot. But he will serve as a threat to Vision’s robot body as Wonder Man threatens his artificial mind.

For reasons that will be revealed in upcoming issues but I’ve already touched on it before.

The next selection is to match Mantis. MIDNIGHT from 1973 but also from the Master of Kung Fu #16.

He’ll be able to counter Mantis with his own martial arts. That way Mantis can be taken unharmed so that she can marry Kang and make him the ruler of the universe.

You can give Kang this. He stays on message.

Next, the GHOST from 1969 but also from Silver Surfer #8-9. He is a pirate ghost. And he was chosen because he’s double dead or something.

And last, BARON ZEMO! Died in Avengers #15. Surely a man with no powers who was dumb enough to glue a mask to his own face will aid this battle. I mean, I guess seeing him would discombobulate Captain America. If he were participating in this battle. Which he isn’t. So. Choosing Zemo is stupid. You went against your own stupid rules, Kang.

BUT ANYWAY GROUP SHOT!

Although, if the point is to confuse and terrify the Avengers, I have to wonder why he didn’t choose Swordsman for his Legion of the Unliving. Having to fight against Swordsman so shortly after watching him die would rub some major salt in the wound. Could they even raise a hand to their recently fallen friend?

These are some haphazard selections, Kang. I mean I gave you shit about Zemo but at least the Avengers have some feelings about him probably. And Wonder Man and Human Torch are inspired choices. But who are these nobodies like Midnight and the Ghost and ‘Frankenstein’? What are they to the Avengers?

Back in Saigon, Vision decides to talk to Iron Man about love. Which makes him incredibly uncomfortable. Its kind of great.

Vision confesses he finds Mantis’ presence distracting. Her recent distress and the idea that she may leave the Avengers soon have become things that tug at his thoughts. And surely Iron Man has picked up some knowledge regarding matters of the heart after all that time he has spent with his employer, renowned playboy Tony Stark.

Iron Man tries to stammer through an answer that love is different for everybody.

Realizing that the subject embarrasses him, Vision swiftly lets him off the hook and promises he will never talk about love with Iron Man again. To Iron Man’s immense relief.

Meanwhile, Mantis is still wondering about her fate and the feeling of being watched when she spots Swordsman’s ghost in the busy streets of Saigon.

Just “standing there so grim and... green.”

She tries to tell herself that its not happening. Tries to force herself to stop seeing it. But finally she breaks and runs toward the green ghost. But as she reaches the spot where he was, he is no longer.

Its now minute twenty-four of the apparently literal half hour.

Oh, and the narration assures us that Kang had nothing to do with the apparition. Which would have been a really good way to grab Mantis without the Avengers being able to stop him.

Because as we are soon to learn, with Immortus’ equipment, he can just kidnap people right to Limbo.

But Kang and Immortus are too busy discussing tactics right now. See, Kang initially wanted to just transport himself and the Legion of the Unliving to 1974 to fight the Avengers in Saigon. But Immortus talks him around to just kidnapping the Avengers to Limbo.

There is an endless maze of tunnels beneath Castle Limbo. And if Kang wishes to inspire fear and confusion in the Avengers, its a good battleground.

Its a good idea. AND THE LAST THING HE NEEDED FROM IMMORTUS!

He traps the Master of Time in an imprisonment tube.

Kang has no respect for a man that holds his attacks until an ally appears. Immortus lacks the aptitude for true warfare. And he thought Kang would consent to be a mere warlord in his court.

Immortus acts surprised at this sudden but inevitable betrayal but he really shouldn’t.

Now, twenty-eight minutes into the Quiet Half-Hour in Saigon and Cap Nomad receives a notification that the Serpent Squad has been sighted in Los Angeles. So off Nomad goes, bounding over a wall to go wrestle some snake themed supervillains. And, again, this is the happiest he’s been in a while.

And as soon as Nomad is gone and Hawkeye wonders what they’re going to do now, the Avengers are kidnapped to Limbo with a mighty KZAP!

Transported into separate locations within the labyrinth beneath Castle Limbo.

And Kang contacts them on the PA telling them they’ve defied his will for the last time and that they will die here in the Labyrinths of Limbo. And then he sicks the Legion of the Unliving on them.

And that’s the end of the story. But there are more pages in the book. The letters pages have been included! And dang but there was apparently a shipping war in the fandom back in 1974.

But the letters I’ve seen in this and recent issues seem to lean toward Vison and Mantis getting together.

One letter says that Vision and Wanda’s relationship has gone far enough. “One of the most basic beliefs of love is to eventually marry and procreate children. How can a machine return love and warmth to Wanda? How could the Vision be a father? The whole situation is unrealistic. I know this is comics, but with the realism Marvel has instilled in its books, I hope this is changed.”

Another letter argues that Vision and Mantis suit each other much more naturally than Vision and Wanda and hurls vile obscenities on anyone that disagrees. Both Vision and Mantis “exhibit magnificent control of both body and mind, they are both without a past, and both are ‘strangers in strange lands.’” And wonders why Vision even loves Wanda. I mean, sure, he can see why Wanda loves such a mysterious, brooding powerful, attractive fellow with a sexy voice. But why does Vision love Wanda? The letter writer theorizes “The Vision, thrust into a world of mature adults, is still immature in the ways of the heart. To hide his emotional adolescence, he becomes involved with a beautiful woman. More importantly, being ‘in love’ with Wanda makes him feel human. Read over the last sentence. We all know how much the Vision would like to be human. He’s somewhat resolved to the impossibility of this, but loving Wanda compensates for it.”

Another letter in last issue, wanted the love square between Wanda, Mantis, Swordsman, and Vision to end with Vision and Mantis together and was noncommittal what would happen to the other two.

Which is all funny, looking back from a perspective of Wanda and Vision being one of THE couples of Marvel to rival Hank and Jan (divorced), Scott and Jean (she died, he remarried), Peter and MJ (demonically retconned), Black Bolt and Medusa (divorced) and Reed and Sue (together but could probably use marriage therapy but there’s no therapists in the space between dimensions where Reed trapped them to rebuild the universe without running it by Sue).

Hm. Discouraging. But anyway, with the perspective looking back, its weird to realize that at one point, it wasn’t sure that Wanda and Vision would end up together, get married, have demon children, lose their demon children, get divorced, and eventually Wanda would go crazy and cause Vision to be killed by She-Hulk. Readers back then wouldn’t know that.

And its heartening, in a weird, small way, that basically fandom has never changed. People have always been over-invested in who fictional characters kissed and they will continue to always be over-invested in who fictional characters kissed.

I can only hope that the letters pages continue to be included on Marvel Unlimited so I can see how people react to upcoming events.

#Avengers #Legion of the Unliving #Kang the Conqueror #Immortus #Nomad #Mantis #the Vision #Essential Avengers #Essential marvel liveblogging #Avengers taking a slow day #only beat up one mugger #and then sat around talking about their feelings #while this jerk time traveler abducted a bunch of dead people and mistreated his future self #Celestial Madonna Saga

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worldtouradvicetravel · 4 years

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Christmas Sun Holidays abroad

Egypt has a great and mild weather, enjoy and spend your Christmas Sun Holidays abroad, make this holiday more special with your family or your friend in the best atmosphere.

Visit and explore Egypt that considered the land and mother of civilization, visit all marvelous attractions places in Egypt, it will be good opportunity to know more Pharaonic civilization.

Enjoy your Christmas Sun Holidays abroad and visit this marvelous and luxurious city in upper Egypt which is considered a big open air museum and have a variety of unique ancient monuments, it's full of landmarks of the great Egyptian civilization and full of historical places .

Exploring the Ancient Egyptian civilization with Christmas Sun Holidays abroad by watching the marvelous Pharaonic inscriptions on the walls of Edfu Temple, which give us a lot of information about the Pharaonic history, myth, religion and ancient languages, which were used at Greco-Roman era. Unleash your soul watching the glory of Kom Ombo Temple which was built during the Greco Roman period, was constructed on the ruins of a much older temple which was called "Ber Sobek" or the house of the god Sobek.

Day 1 Christmas Sun Holidays Abroad - Arrival Egypt

It is your first day in Egypt, Once your feet touch the land of Cairo airport you will feel our warm and friendly service, Our tour representative will meet you and help you to end all arrival procedures, Transfer to hotel, free night per leisure

Overnight in Cairo

Day 2 Christmas Sun Holidays Abroad - Pyramids tour and Nile cruise dinner

Enjoy your late and yummy breakfast,( If You need it earlier, no problem but tour start not before 9 am in winter to enjoy the sun more and more ) , Usually We start the half day tour in winter at 10 : 00 am so you enjoy the warm and sunny weather around Giza pyramids, your tour guide will pick up you from your hotel in Cairo, drive by modern van to Giza pyramids, Visit the most famous and attractive ancient spot in all the world, Cheops is the only one thing still in exist from the ancient 7 wonders of ancient world, Riding camels is included for 30 minutes around the pyramids ( Entry inside Cheops pyramid is included ), visit the valley temple and the mysterious Sphinx, lunch meal, visit the papyrus gallery and back to hotel, then at 6 or 6:30 our rep will return to pick up you to got o your Nile cruise boat to sail for about 2 hours on the river Nile including Dinner meal and musical and dance show ( Tanoura and Belly dance )

Day 3 Welcome in Luxor - Luxor Tours, Nile Cruise Christmas Sun Holiday

Be ready for your first day to enjoy the cruise vacation, relish your tasteful breakfast and meet our delegate to go the athe airport to fly to Luxor, Welcome in Al Uqsur governorate (Luxor ), Worldtouradvice tour delegate will meet you in Luxor airport, then,you will be escorted to your 5 stars Nile cruise ship to check in for 5 days/4 nights Nile cruise vacation

Today relish a tour to the enormous Temple of Karnak. one of Egypt’s superb ancient temple , Strolling through the massive Court into the Great Hypostyle Hall in Karnak temple, it’s impossible not to be overwhelmed by the 134 columns towering above you like an antique forest. At the backward of the complex you will see the holy lake where centuries ago it was used for purification. After touring Karnak temples complex, you will have more free time to reconnoiter at leisure.Stir to Luxor Temple which revealed by Mariette in the 1860 and was once connected to the Temples of Karnak by a two-kilometer long Avenue of Sphinx. A pure Egyptian temple, the internal walls and columns are adorned with knotted hieroglyphics which your masterly guide will assist you decipher. Find out how Alexander the Great recorded himself into Luxor Temple’s history, and set your eyes on one of the original pair of obelisk, the second of which now stands on the Concorde square in Paris

Overnight in Luxor - Lunch- Dinner meals

Opt tours Sound and light show or tour to banana island

Day 4 Luxor West Bank Tours From Nile cruise

You can opt to float over luxor temples in a hot air balloon to relish views of Egypt most scenic landscapes, It is an adventure framed by pure blue skies over Luxor, Then starting your circuit in Luxor West Bank; where 64 ancient Egyptian pharaohs lie entombed in the Valley of Kings and the most famous tomb was the only intact tomb found in the valley and belonging to king Tut Ankh Amen, It was revealed by the Archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922.

If you want to enter inside King Tutankhamen and Ramses VI tombs, a supplementary cost is payable immediate during the tour. West bank’s touring also encompassing the staggering Funerary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt’s only female ruler, rising out of the desert plain in a series of terraces. Relish free period to reconnoitre at your leisure as you stroll the massive courtyards and marvel the complicated hieroglyphic frills. you’ll also enamour the Colossi of Memnon Standing like guards along the way to the Valley of Kings, impressive memorials of Amenhotep that soar 75 feet above the desert yellow sands.You will cruise to Edfu via Esna dam. Relish your afternoon tea and snacks out on the sun deck, bask in the sun, Tonight, enjoy a specific Egyptian Galabeyya Party. Overnight in Edfu

Overnight in Edfu - Breakfast-lunch-dinner

Day 5 Edfu and Kom Ombo tours from Nile cruise

Today your masterly tour guide , Expert in Egyptology will guide you to reconnoiter the gorgeous Temple of Horus at Edfu, the falcon-headed god, Edfu temple is the most completely preserved Pharaonic temple (albeit Greek-built). According to the Ancient Egyptian legends , Edfu temple was the site where the falcon-headed god Horus revenged the homicide of his father Osiris by killing Set.Relish an absorbing lunch while sailing to Kom ombo which is devoted to the crocodile god Sobek and you can still see the mummies of an ancient mummified crocodile, which was venerated here thousands of years ago. Kom Ombo temple was erected on the honor of two gods the crocodile-headed Sobek, god of fertility and innovator of the world, and Haroeris or the ancient falcon-headed Horus. Then, quit for the picturesque sailing to Aswan and overnight in Aswan.

Day 6 Aswan sightseeing tours from Nile cruise

Relish a leisurely breakfast, Starting you tour by visiting Aswan high dam, an engineering miracle when it was erected by president Nasser in the 1960s, Aswan Dam ( Al Sad Al aali ) is an embankment dam existing across the river the Nile in Aswan, Egypt. it was erected to dominate the water flowing of the Nile river, it creats a huge lago behind it ( Nasser lake ), The High Dam was constructed since 1960, and only after few years of building it, it has had a worthy effect on the economy and culture of Egypt, Relish the splendid landscape along the river, peek have a glimpse of the world-famed Aswan high Dam, 10 minutes free time for walking on the bank, take the best photos of Aswan dam, the guide will tell you more about the background of the history of the river Nile and Aswan dam.

Stir to the awe-inspiring antique granite quarries and site of the Unfinished Obelisk. Illustrating the talent of Egypt’s stonemasons, this monolith is one-third towering than any other ancient Egyptian obelisk. Now ride a motorized vessel to Philae Temple on the island of Agilika. This heavenly complex was consecrated to the Goddess Isis and reflects a melting of three great civilizations — Egyptian, Greek and Roman.

Thereafter, Relish the peace and quietness of the felucca Nile sailing ride in Aswan. Enjoy the sunset and high tea and snacks in the same place where Agatha Christie wrote her famed mystery fiction, Death on the Nile, and taste the flavour of the Imperial age when famous guests such as Charlie Chaplin and Winston Churchill stayed in Nile cruises tours.

Overnight in Aswan

Breakfast, Lunch, dinner

Optional tour to witness Sound and light show in Philae or Abu Simbel tour from Aswan

Day 7 Check out, End of Nile cruise Blue Shadow holiday

Early breakfast followed check out , transfer to Aswan high dam to check in your second cruise sailing on lake Nasser from Aswan to Abu Simbel, Relish One of The Most Relaxing holidays in Upper Egypt ( Nubian lake cruises) , transfer to Eugenie Lake cruise, check in the Eugenie cruise which is a Good Experience and an Opportunity to Discover Another Side in Egypt, Lunch will be served on board. Start the Eugenie cruise tours, Lake Nasser Cruise and Stay is The preferable Way to enjoy realize seeing charming Temples, visit Kalabsha temple, Beit El Wali, & the kiosk of Kertassi. Enjoy your afternoon tea served in the lounge Dinner & overnight on board in Aswan Harbour.

Day 8 : (Wadi El Seboua - Amada) -Ms Eugenie Cruise Boat Tours - Lake Nasser

Start your Day by sailing on lake Nasser to Wadi El Seboua and cocktail while passing the Tropic of Cancer, Enjoy your lunch served on board the Eugenie cruise, The boat purvey a tempting selection of luscious buffet style dishes, Launch your Tour to visit Wadi El Seboua temple, the temple of Dakka and temple of Meharakka. Proceed sailing to Amada. Dinner and overnight aboard.

Day 9 : (Kasr Ibrim - Abu Simbel) Nasser lake Tours -Sailng To Abu Simbel

Relish a luscious breakfast, Resume your tour with your masterly guide ( Expert in Egyptology ) to visit to the temples of Amada and Derr as well as the tomb of Penout. Eugenie boat proceed sailing to Kasr Ibrim ( Ibrahim palace). Tour to visit Kasr Ibrim fortress. Sailing from Kasr Ibrim to Abu Simbel. Enjoy your lunch meal,The boat purvey a tempting selection of luscious buffet style dishes, proceed sailing to Abu Simbel, Enjoy the calming, romantic atmosphere and incredible views of a water front stay on board lake Nasser boat will wash away your daily stresses, Arrival Abu Simbel, Tour to visit the Abu Simbel temples, dedicated to Ramesses II king and his wife Nefertari. Attend the Sound & Light show at Abu Simbel temples (non-compulsory, ticket not included). Candlelight dinner on board and overnight.

Day 10: (Abu Simbel) Cairo Sharm

Enjoy a tasty breakfast on board, Disembarkation, after having your breakfast, World tour advice rep will escort you to Abu Simbel airport to fly to Cairo airport, then fly to Sharm El Sheikh, arrival Sharm, free time for leisure

Overnight in Sharm

Day 11 Ras Muhammed tour Snorkeling and boat trips in Sharm

Enjoy early breakfast followed by meeting World Tour Advice representative, you will be escorted to the port, check in your boat, sailing in Red sea to Ras Muhammed, enjoy 2 stops at 2 different station to see and explore the best of the underwater world, lunch included, and soft drinks, back to hotel at 16:00 Pm

Overnight in Sharm

Day 12 Free day - Opt tour to Saint Catherine

Free day for sea activities or opt tours to Saint Catherine, Mount Moses or the coored Canyon or other sea and Sharm El Sheikh activities

Overnight in Sharm

Day 13 Petra Day tour - Visit Jordan from Sharm

Early wake up, pick up from your hotel, tour to scout the lost city, the rose city of Jordan ( Al Batra ) or Petra city, ferry boat from Egypt to Aqaba, then bus from the Jordanian port Aqaba to Petra, guided tour, free time for walking and discovering the raea, back to Aqaba port , ferry boat to Egyt, then transfer to Sharm hotel

Overnight in Sharm

Note : We can make your turs in Jordan more than 1 day Contact our operator for more details or t tailor made your Christmas holiday

Day 14 Free day for leisure

Enjoy free day for leisure and Red Sea activities

Overnight in Sharm

Day 15 Final departure

Enjoy your luscious breakfast in hotel, meet our tour delegate, Say good bye to Egypt and you will be escorted to Sharm airport to Fly to Cairo then to your home or to fly directly home

Good Bye

Tours Includes

Meet and assist service , pick up and drop off service from Cairo, Luxor, Aswan Abu Simbel and Sharm El Sheikh airport

All airports ,cruise tours transfers by modern AC coach with expert drivers

Accommodation 4 nights on board 5 stars Nile Cruise includes breakfast, lunch, dinner

Accommodation 3 nights on board 5 stars luxury Lake Nasser cruise

Accommodation 2 nights in Cairo in 5 stars hotel

Accommodation 5 nights in Sharm El Sheikh Soft All inclusive

Cairo day tour as per itinerary

Cairo tours transfers and tour guide and entrance fees

Flight ticket from Cairo to Luxor

Flight ticket from Abu Simbel to Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh

Ras Muhammed tour in Sharm El Sheikh

Petra day tour from Sharm El Sheikh

All the Nile cruise and lake Nasser cruise tours as mentioned in worldtouradvice itinerary

Professional English speaking guide ( Expert in Egyptology ) on board both Nile Cruise and lake Nasser cruise

Entrance fees to all the mentioned sites in World tour advice itinerary cruise vacation

All Service Charges and taxes of our cruise vacation

Tours Excludes

International flight tickets

Optional tours

Tipping, Recommended but not obligatory

Christmas Sun Holidays abroad

[email protected]

Website

http://www.worldtouradvice.com

Mobile and what’s App:

002 012 11217070

#cairo #egypt new year tours

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kurtty-drabbles · 6 years

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Lovecraft au part 3

(This will be break into past and present because of plot relevance)

@djinmer4

In the monastery of Tibet, silence is the norm as many of its habitats are in deep thinking wondering about the news, their leader is not giving them an answer yet and that ...judging by their suffocating silence is not a good sign.

Inside the temple, a man floating with a red cape is considering all the options.

"So, Stephen...Are you going to say something or are we going to watch you float all day?" Agatha said, the old lady seems to be the only one to show a perfectly calm manner, unlike the others.

"We have a problem in our hands if she realizes what she is....the child could murder all of us...it will be the era of Cthulu again," Dr Strange said doing a poor job to hide his fear.

Agatha is the only who isn´t shocked.

"Well, she is not an abomination, isn´t it? She is just a sweet little girl from human parents, that loves her magic and learning. Nothing wrong on that, Stephen" Agatha said as if explaining something really simple to a slow student.

"Agatha...I think we should murder the child, I don´t want any risks. If she is here then Chtulu or any of his.....family could invade earth" Dr Strange said in desperation as the cape put him on the ground.

"Oh, please, we have so many, by your definition, abominations, how is Damian Hellstorm? You know, the son of Satan? did you two take selfies together" Agatha explained summoning a nice cup of tea.

"That is different, he is not...a monster ready to kill everyone"

"Why not?"

"He is human"

"And so is she, so Stephen, if you are planning on murder the girl, then you will have to murder Damian as well," Agatha stated as pristine as possible and take a sip of her favourite tea.

Silence remains and the others are watching to know what will happen.

"Then, what do you suggest? We let her live free with her powers and, I don´t know, start the apocalypse?"

"Well, yes. It would be a hypocrite of you if you killed her just because she may not be 100% human" Dr Strange makes a frustrating sound and rubs his temples for a few minutes

"Fine, we won´t kill the girl, but I´ll put seals on her. I won´t take chance. This ....girl, as you think, can destroy universe on her own, I ´ll not take this chance" Dr Strange adds " the seals will only block part of her power and no, they won´t hurt her"

"I suppose that is the most humane solution. See, Stephen, isn´t that easier? You silly boy, now, dragging me to Tibet to such an obvious solution, this generation" Agatha commented shaking her head " I´ll be off now, I have students to teach and yes, Stephen, I´ll be present on those seals...just to see if you really did pay attention to my classes"

Dr Strange watches the old woman disappear from her spot. Funny enough, a migraine is starting to forming on his mind. Agatha has this effect.

(present)

Rogue remembers quietly vividly that she did make a promise to Kitty once. After the Bobby fiasco, the promise was "friendship over boys" and it was a nice way of apologies. Rogue could definitely be the scary older sister and give the "don´t hurt my friend or else" ...but there´s a situation that she never thought it would be possible.

The man in front of her is drinking beer absently to the chaos that is the X-men´s kitchen. And for the second time in her life, Rogue is feeling fear. The first time it was when Sabertooth and Fabian team up to take her down, almost murdering her.

Now, the fatal duo would be a relief in comparison to this...abomination in front of her.

"You humans have good beers, excellent beers and bad beers, wanna take a guess which beer this one was?" Kurt, the creature asked showing his fangs and Rogue shakes her head.

Kitty was there as well and Kurt seems to pay more attention to her moves than Rogue. Could she take down this monster? Super strength, flying or sucking other powers is not using against ...him.

"You killed Jean," Kitty said drinking water, it is surreal, at least to Rogue how well she is taking this situation. " why?"

"She wasn´t your friend" Kurt tittle his head letting his tentacle scratch his head "why are you sad? Besides, even Rogue thought of killing her"

All eyes turned to Rogue and the woman pale. She never makes a secret that she dislike Jean Grey(take for granted so many good things, her family, her friends and even Scott, just to be what?) but the implications that this creature knows is enough to make her gets 10 times scared of him.

"Jean wasn´t a good person, but still, we won´t celebrate her murder" Rogue try to explain herself.

"But if you have the will and the desire to kill her, then you have no means to point your human finger to me" Kurt explained amused."Besides, now that she is gone the path is free for you" Kurt seems deeply amused and Kitty is confused as what he meant as Rogue feels fear and rage battle in her mind.

"Why did you killed Jean?" Rogue asked as his tentacles are ghostly touching Kitty´s hair. Rogue wants to scream at the fact that she is letting this continue(then again, if she runs or tries to fight what would happen?)

"She makes insinuations that...displease as if I would want any other living creature or not, when Kitty is here" now, to Rogue´s shock, he looks like a lovesick boy. "I wait too long to meet her"

"And...what do you want with me?" Kitty asked still not being freak out by the tentacles.

"What everyone wants, live with you for the rest of our immortal lives" Kurt stated in such a cheerful way.

Rogue is shaking like a leaf.

Kitty finally lets go of the tentacles.

"If you want to stick around here, you have to promise to not hurt any other mutant ever. Not in a mental or physical way, got it?"

"Sure, sure, there are many other people to play with it" Kurt stated playfully" by the way, Katzchen, what is hentai?"

Rogue did what any sane person should do in a situation like this. She runs like the devil from the church as Kitty dances around the question.

#kurtty yet #Kurt Wagner #lovecraft au #kitty pryde #rogue #ultimate sucks

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paulasmiths-blog · 6 years

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Mallorca- Voted as a Top European Summer Holiday Destination 2018

Mallorca or Majorca, which is the largest island in the Balearic archipelago, is located amidst the azure blue of the Mediterranean Sea. Every year millions of travellers come to this beautiful island to spend their summer vacations. The international airport, Palma de Mallorca Airport, is the place where you will have to reach if you want to spend a memorable vacation this summer. This is one of the busiest airports in Spain and was used by 27.9 million passengers in 2017, and 26.3 million in 2016.

Let’s explore the reasons why Mallorca has become the top summer holiday destination

Rich culture

This city has a history dated back in prehistoric era. Many important civilizations like Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Moors, Umayyad, Christians and Muslims have contributed to the development of the city. The city offers the charm of an old city filled with the Gothic Cathedral La Seu, Royal Palace of La Almudainaas, Bellver Castle as well as the charms of the modern times like Palma aquarium, Pilar and Joan Miro Foundation in Mallorca, Llotja de Palma, The Convent of San Francisco de Palma de Mallorca etc.

Variety of entertainment

Apart from visiting the monuments and the rich culture of the city, these are some of the other things you can do while you are here-

1) Beaches- There are 262 beaches in Mallorca and you can laze around in any of them. Cala Agulla, Portals Vells, Playa de Muro, Formentor, Illetas, Son Serra de Marina are some of the most popular ones to choose from. Cala Agulla will offer you a serene place surrounded by pine trees and mountains. Portals Vells is a sandy beach with numerous caves to explore. This is a perfect picnic spot for families. Formentor beach is a narrow beach on the Formentor peninsula. The pine trees lined up all around you will cool you off, and the blue water will always invite you to take a dive.

2) Literature, art and music- The calmness of this island has inspired many artists, writers and musicians who have spent a lot of time here and have created their masterpieces. Spanish artist Joan Miró chose this place as his home in 1954, and got married here. His works are kept in Pilar and Joan Miró Foundation in Palma.

The famous composer Chopin spent the winter of 1838-39 in Valldemossa and was inspired to finish the Preludes, Op 28 here. He was accompanied by the talented French writer George Sand. It is believed that the affair between Chopin and Sand had blossomed on these serene lands. Sand wrote about her time in Mallorca in ''A Winter in Mallorca'' which was published in 1855.

The English writer Robert Graves went to his graves in Deià on this land after living on the island for many years. Agatha Christie too is believed to be inspired by the beauty of this island and wrote a short story about her stay here.

3) Mountains- The ones who love to trek and wander around, ''The Serra de Tramuntana'' is the perfect place for biking or hiking. It is a world heritage site declared by UNESCO and the day spent in the mountain range will fill your soul with tranquillity and peace.

So with so many options to explore, and so many things to do, Mallorca certainly stands out as a famous holiday destination. Not to forget the mouth-watering cuisines of the land which will keep on inviting you to gorge on, and put on some calories. Happy holidays!!!

Enjoy your holiday rentals spain and write your own travel itinerary by booking villas with private pool.

#holiday lettings costa brava #Luxury villa Lloret de Mar

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alexander40wong · 7 years

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21 Things To Do On The Islands Of Malta

Malta sits between Sicily and the North African coast.

It’s actually an archipelago of three islands. Most of the population lives on Malta, while the second largest, Gozo, is known for its beaches and scenery. Comino, the smallest island, is just 3.5 square kilometres. There’s no cars and only one hotel, which means it’s quiet and unspoiled. Malta’s got about 7000 years’ worth of history under its belt, good weather, and beaches. That means it’s an excellent place for a lazy holiday, or a cultural city break.

To make sure you don’t miss out on the country’s best sights, sounds and flavours, here’s our guide to the best things to do in Malta.

1. Stroll through the beautiful capital city

Malta’s capital city is Valletta. It’s very small, covering less than a square kilometre. Which makes it very easy to explore on foot.

Valletta’s streets are distinctive. They’re filled with historic buildings, baroque-era architecture and houses with colourful balconies. You don’t even have to walk around Valletta to take it all in. You’ll get a great view of the city and its harbour from the Upper Barrakka Gardens.

There are several fascinating museums around Valletta. The best place to go to find out about the country’s history is the National Museum of Archeology. The museum’s collection includes items dating back to 5000 BC, and is housed within one of the city’s most beautiful historic houses.

2. Set sail for the Three Cities

A regular ferry service to three equally historic cities operates from Valletta’s harbour.

Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa), Senglea and Conspicua are collectively known as the Three Cities, and were founded in the Middle Ages. But their origins go back much further than that. They’ve been the main entry point to Malta since the days of the ancient Greeks.

Even less modernised than Valletta, if you wander through these cities’ streets you’ll experience a more traditional way of life. Especially during the lively festivals that take place throughout the year.

3. Explore historic forts

Eyeem

Fort St Elmo overlooks Valletta’s harbour. It played a major role in defending Valletta during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, and again in the Second World War. These days, they stage military reenactments in the grounds, and the National War Museum is housed here.

However, you’ll also find historic fortifications all around the Maltese islands. In the 17th century, a series of lookout towers were built all around the country’s coastline. Although some were demolished over the centuries, many of them are still standing. Some are even accessible to the public.

4. Hit the beach

Being in the Mediterranean, April to October is the best time to go if you’re visiting for the beaches. All three of the islands have some truly spectacular beaches, and the water’s particularly clean for swimming in.

On the main island, the most popular beaches include Għajn Tuffieħa and Golden Bay – both found on the north-west coast. Gozo’s beaches are popular with divers and sailors. The island’s Ramla L-Hamra beach is particularly worth a visit, to see its red sands.

5. Get out and admire the scenery

If you’re not bothered about sunbathing, Gozo is particularly good for nature walks. Head there during the winter months when it’s still warm, but the peak tourist season is over. You’ll have the islands’ countryside to yourself.

Back on Malta, there are several horse riding schools and stables. However, some of the very best routes are along the island’s north coast.

That said, all three islands have excellent climbing and abseiling spots. More than 1300 of them, to be precise. Both Malta and Gozo have rock climbing clubs and adventure tour operators who can help you arrange a trip.

6. Swim at the blue lagoon

Just off the coast of Comino, the extremely photogenic Blue Lagoon is the country’s most popular spots. It’s on the route between Malta and Gozo, so sailing boats from both islands regularly stop in the lagoon’s shimmering turquoise waters. There’s not much of a beach around the area, so the sands can get very busy. Avoid the crowds by going either early morning or late afternoon.

7. Explore the blue grotto

Another one of Malta’s most beautiful natural sights is the Blue Grotto. It’s a series of sea caverns on south coast of the main island – great if you’re sailing or scuba diving.

The best time to visit the Grotto is during the morning – up until about 1pm – as that’s when the waters are at their most brilliantly blue. The vibrant blue colour is caused by sunlight shining through the caves at the right angle to illuminate the phosphorescent marine life under the water.

8. See the silent city of Mdina

Mdina is a perfectly preserved walled city found on a hilltop in the north of the main island. Very few cars are allowed there, which has earnt it the nickname of “the Silent City”.

Up until the mid-16th century, Mdina was the country’s capital, and home to many of the Mediterranean’s most wealthy people. After the capital was moved to Birgu (and then Valletta), Mdina went into decline. It’s remained largely unchanged since its heyday, so there are some fascinating historic houses and palaces to explore.

Just outside the city walls, you’ll find the remains of a Roman villa. Not much survives of the house itself, but there are some beautiful, and largely still intact mosaics which are well worth seeing.

9. Explore Malta’s beautiful churches

Churches are found all around the islands. There are more than 360 of them in total – that’s more than one every square kilometre.

There are two particularly famous churches: the domed Rotunda of Mosta, found in the north-west of the main island, was inspired by Rome’s Pantheon. And Valletta’s St John’s Co-Cathedral,which is often named as one of the most beautiful Baroque buildings in Europe. It dates back to the 1570s, and was founded by the Knights of St John. The cathedral’s impressive art collection includes famous works by Caravaggio and Peter Paul Rubens.

Many of the churches celebrate feast days, dedicated to their own patron saint. So you might even stumble across a traditional festival or two.

10. Head underground

Some of Malta’s most fascinating landmarks are hidden deep underground.

The town of Rabat is famous for the St Paul’s and St Agatha’s Catacombs. Dating back to the days of the Roman Empire, they’re among the oldest Christian landmarks in the country. Despite being more than a thousand years old, you can still see some impressive murals in the catacombs.

The Lascaris War Rooms in Valletta were originally built as slave quarters in the 16th century. Then the network of tunnels were turned into a base for the allied forces during the Second World War.

11. See temples older than the Pyramids

Ġgantija temple complex on Gozo, which was built around 3600 BC. That’s older than both Stonehenge and Egypt’s Pyramids.

On the main island, the Ħaġar Qim temples are almost as old. And the island is also home to the Tarxien Temples complex. Dating back to around 3150 BC, the ruins feature some incredibly detailed carvings.

The best preserved of these ancient monuments is the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum. Although almost as old as Ġgantija, this underground burial complex has been protected from the elements, and was only rediscovered in the early 20th century. It’s worth booking in advance for a tour, as visitor numbers are strictly limited for conservation reasons.

12. Treat yourself to a pastizzi

Being so close to Sicily, there’s a definite Italian influence to Maltese cuisine. You’ll find pasta, pizza and other Italian classics in many of Malta’s restaurants (and in generous Italian-sized portions too).

Malta’s own national dish is stuffat tal-fenek, a rabbit stew. But if you only try one traditional Maltese dish during your trip, make it a Pastizzi. They’re easy to find. There are specialist “pastizzerias” in every town, and they’re also sold in bars and by street vendors. The small pastries are traditionally filled with ricotta cheese or mushy peas. If you have more of a sweet tooth, try an Imqaret, which is a similar snack, but with a date-flavoured filling.

13. Discover a new favourite wine

Malta’s big on grape-growing. But you won’t find many bottles of Maltese wine in your local supermarket.

Being so close to Italy, traditionally the Maltese just imported most of their wine. However, in recent years, a wine-making industry has started to emerge. Malta has a couple of its own unique varieties of wine. Girgentina and Gellewza grapes have been grown on the island since ancient times, and they create light, fruity-tasting wines.

14. Eat some very fresh seafood

You won’t go short on seafood on Malta. National favourites include lampuki (also known as dolphin fish or mahi mahi), which is often served in a pie. The best place to try Malta’s freshest seafood is in the village of Masaxlokk. Found on the main island’s south-east coast, the picturesque village hosts the country’s biggest fish market every Sunday.

15. Come face-to-face with colourful sealife

If you prefer to see fish in its natural habitat, good news – there are loads of fantastic diving spots in Malta.

Many Maltese seaside towns have their own diving schools. The country’s calm and clear waters are also generally very good for first-time divers. Close to the Blue Grotto, Ghar Lapsi is good for divers and snorkelers of all abilities.

More experienced divers can explore shipwrecks, including the Um El Faroud near Ħaġar Qim, and HMS Maori, which is just outside Valletta’s harbour.

16. Join the party at a festival

Malta has a packed festival calendar. The Malta International Fireworks Festival marks the country joining the EU, and happens in late April each year, in Valletta’s harbour and villages around the country.

In late June to early July, the Malta International Arts Festival brings concerts, theatre, film screenings and art exhibitions and performances to venues all around Valletta. And the Notte Bianca does the same for one night each October.

Malta’s most popular music festival is the Isle of MTV – a massive (and free) open-air concert, which takes place each June. There’s more music at Lost and Found around the start of May.

Valletta has also been named European Capital of Culture for 2018. There’ll be all sorts of events taking place around the city throughout the year.

17. Experience the local music scene

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Malta’s own music scene is equally lively.

The best place to experience traditional Maltese folk music is at Għanafest in Valletta each June. It’s a the three-day festival featuring some of the best performers of the country’s own style of traditional folk singing, Għana.

Music is at the heart of many Maltese communities, with band clubs being an important source of local pride. Band clubs perform at local festivals, but also play a major part in a town or village’s day-to-day life. In towns with more than one club, a friendly football team-style rivalry takes place between them. At local festivals you can expect to see a band’s supporters wearing their club’s colours.

18. Go clubbing in Paceville

Paceville is Malta’s entertainment district, just outside the resort town of St Julians. This is where you’ll find superclubs, restaurants and rock and salsa bars.

During the summer months, much of the nightlife action shifts to open-air clubs, which are found in towns around the main island. One of the most popular is the Bedouin Bar – a chill-out club which overlooks the sea in St Julians. Many of the area’s luxury hotels also have rooftop bars.

Malta also has a vibrant gay scene. It was named one of the best places in Europe for LGBTIQ rights. Paceville has several gay-friendly clubs and bars, and Valletta’s Pride Week takes place in early September.

19. Catch a show in one of the world’s oldest theatres

Valletta has one of the oldest working theatres in Europe. Opened back in 1732, the Manoel Theatre‘s auditorium has kept many of its original features. The venue regularly stages plays in English, including a traditional pantomime each winter. It’s also particularly popular with international opera and dance companies.

20. See stunning modern architecture

Valletta’s other major theatre is the open-air Pjazza Teatru Rjal. It’s one of several buildings in the city designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano, the man behind London’s Shard. Piano also designed Valletta’s Parliament House and City Gate, which have quickly become local landmarks.

This modern theatre replaces the old Opera House, and is built on the foundations which were all that were left of the original building. Its mix of tradition and innovation (not to mention the beautiful surrounding views) make it a memorable place to see a show.

21. Visit a film set

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Hit movies that have been filmed on the islands include Gladiator, The Da Vinci Code and The Spy Who Loved Me. Game of Thrones also shot much of its first season in Mdina.

However, a notorious flop has had probably the most lasting impact on the country. The Sweethaven village set from the 1980 Robin Williams-starring Popeye was left intact after filming finished. And it’s now been turned into one of Malta’s most popular family attractions. Tucked into cliffside on the island’s west coast, the Popeye Village park offers some picturesque views, as well as theme park-style live shows.

Essential information

Getting there

Flights from London to Malta take just over 3 hours. For the latest deals, take a look at our flights to Malta.

Getting around

A bus service operates on Malta and Gozo. Malta Public Transport sell a selection of passes for bus travel (and some ferry services).

Gozo Channel operate a ferry service between Malta and Gozo. A ferry service between Malta and Comino is operated by the Comino Ferries Co-Op.

When to go

Malta has a Mediterranean climate, which means the country enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year.

Summers are generally hot, with temperatures peaking at 30 degrees in July. However, many locals take their holidays during mid-August, which means that smaller bars and restaurants may be closed, and the beaches a bit more busy than usual.

Winters are mild, with an average temperature of around 15 degrees. It might be a bit too chilly for sunbathing though.

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, and hit the beach, the best time to visit Malta is either late Spring (May) or early Autumn (September).

Tempted to experience Malta for yourself? Check out our Malta holiday deals.

Or do you have some tips for other things to do in Malta? Please share your recommendations in the comments.

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