i want to go home and get high i am in so much pain holy shit periods should be illegal

Hey so I just saw you had request opened for Adam so could you please do headcannons with Adam x reader where the reader is like very nervous at first and is quiet but after a bit when they open up is supper out going and talks a lot? Have an amazing day/night!

Hello there! Happy to write some Adam headcanons for you, dear reader! Hope you like these and have a wonderful day/night yourself :3 I assumed these were meant to be romantic but they can be read either way.

Adam x Quiet -> Outgoing! Reader HCs

Adam isn’t really sure what to think of you at first.

He never knows what to make of quiet people; is there a storm brewing in their little brain, or are they uninteresting and as such undeserving of his attention? Lute is the first for example, and he quite likes her, so he decides to give you a chance.

What really amuses him is your nervousness around him at first; he’ll tease you by asking things such as “What, cat got your tongue?” and make fun of you when you stumble on your own words, his booming laugh catching the attention on anyone nearby.

Lord knows why you stick around, but you do, and day after day you two somehow grow closer; you get used to his tacky jokes about your personality and little by little you learn to either ignore him and move on or retort with the first thing that comes to mind, shushing him. He’ll either blow you a very immature raspberry or flip the bird at you whenever this happens.

Once you open up a bit and become way more talkative though, unfortunately for you, he finds a whole new reason to be rude to you;

“Got your tongue back I see. Great, now I’ve got a pest by my side.”

“Oh for fuck’s sake, you’re going to give me a headache!”

“Do you ever shut up?”

As you can probably tell having any kind of relationship with Adam is not the easiest thing in the world – or well, in Heaven, in this case.

It’s not rare for you to get a bit offended by what he says, but you’ve figured out a way to worm your way into his heart and get him to listen to you: acts of service.

Adam is a bit lazy when it comes to doing things that aren’t fun for him, so the best way to get him to calm down a bit is to take the weight off his shoulders and do whatever needs to be done in his stead.

Of course, we’re talking about everyday acts, such as doing the groceries or cleaning. He’s going to be overjoyed if you get him something he likes while you’re out too; every time you come back home from grocery shopping with ribs to cook, he’s oh-so going to listen to your rants about how long the line at the cash register was or whatever you have to talk about this time.

He’s also a big napper, and it’s surprising even to him how much it helps him fall asleep when you talk about literally anything as he’s trying to take a nap. These are the times where he’ll actually reply to what you’re saying too!

“...and that’s when my friend left. I couldn’t believe it, like... if she really cared she would’ve stayed, right?”

“What...is she a fucking bitch? Of course she would’ve stayed if she gave a damn.”

He answers with his eyes closed each time, but his eyebrows are still furrowed in frustration whenever you tell him about someone or something that pissed you off.

Lute probably questions you guys’ relationship, not going to lie. She can deal with Adam, but you? She has absolutely no idea how you put up with him, but as long as she gets some free time for herself she’s not going to complain.

Avenue of Approach (John Price x Reader)

Kate tries to pick up where she left off. John plays developments in your relationship close to the vest.

less than 1k words

CW: reference to oral sex

feedback welcome

It takes Kate almost half the night before she can pinpoint what’s different about John. Which annoys her. Which in turn throws her game off. Which annoys her even further when John wins the pot that evening and sticks around to count it out slowly, mirthful in his victory. She decides to exact some vengeance and sharpens her metaphorical blade on his thick skin. 

“Took a while but it finally dawned on me what’s different about you tonight. You might be in the best mood I’ve seen in a year or two, John.”

“mm…depends on which year or two you’re referring to, I suppose.” He says by way of agreement, tapping a small stack of bills into order against the table top. 

“Got anything to do with your lady-friend from last time? Get things, er…moving in the right direction?” Kate asks, having had enough whiskey while sitting around waiting for the game to end to feel braver than she ought.

John tucks his chin into his chest and looks up at Kate with his brows raised, assessing. A familiar look of disapproval slowly settles in to his features. 

“Are you asking to be a friend or to be a sore loser?” John pokes back, nailing Kate in her soft underbelly. Their friendship, hard fought and well tested, a vulnerability for them both. 

His response confirms her earlier suspicions, no matter his half-assed denial. Kate knows him well, and won’t be swayed from her assessment of the situation easily. She’s happy to watch him try, though. 

“John, please. You’re leaving with all my spending cash for the rest of the week, at least cough up some details.”

The corners of John’s mouth twitch as he fights off a smile, his face mellowing again. He can’t summon the energy to be cagey with Laswell, simply in too good of a mood to act otherwise.  

“What did you want to know?” He’s humouring her, tucking the wad of cash that is his winnings into the inner pocket of his jacket.      

“Surely you’ve got her to agree to do more than just kiss you by now?” Kate’s nursing the end of a whiskey, spinning it in her hands while she waits for John to answer. 

“We’re taking it slow, but yes.” He doesn’t elaborate and Kate’s smart enough, even drunk, to not stray further down that avenue. John has to physically start a task or he’ll starting reminiscing about eating his love out on her couch the other night. Her delectable thighs wrapped around his head were not enough to muffle her keening cry when she came on his face and fingers. He starts picking up the playing cards and facing them in the same direction, keeping his hands busy and his brain preoccupied. It works and stymies the beginnings of an erection. Kate’s prying works wonders as an ice bath, too.   

“Thought you’ve known her a long time, why take it slow? Don’t know her well enough yet? Do you think maybe another 20 years ought to do it?” The drink is making Kate mouthy, something she’ll regret tomorrow. 

“Piss off, Laswell. She’s scared to lose something we’ve had for a long time.” John stacks the cards on the table and crosses his arms over his chest.

“How did you two meet?” Kate tries a different tack, asking for details from the past instead of the present. It works, as much as anything ever works on John. 

“She was dating a mate of mine for a while before I shipped out. By the time I got back on my first leave they had broken up.” He kept the fact that his mate had taken to harassing and intimidating her, and that John had broken the lad’s cheekbone convincing him to leave her alone, to himself. Going forward he’d dropped the mate and kept tabs on the pretty bird. He’d yet to regret that choice. 

“And you didn’t get an opportunity to ask her out in the last two decades?” Kate is the embodiment of skeptical. 

“No.” John deadpanned, shutting down that line of questioning. He watched Laswell sulk into her whiskey for a moment.

The truth was, he’d had a front row seat to half of her life. His line of work, and being away as much as he was with no guarantee of return was too much. He knew it would kill a fledgling relationship with her quickly. She didn’t have the temperament for long periods alone, and John didn’t have the heart to ask it of her. He’d promised himself that if he made it to retirement, if she was single by some stroke of luck, he would finally do something about the feelings he’d been harbouring. The rest, as they say, was history.    

Recent history. It had been enough, once upon a time, to know she was out there, doing well in the world. Made it easier to leave, to know it was ultimately keeping her safe, what he did in the shadows. Now, selfish man that he was, he couldn’t sit and watch and have it be enough. He needed more; from her, from their relationship. He was willing to go slow, and like a starving man brought to a feast, it was probably wiser to do so.

“If you’re done, Kate? I’ve got somewhere else to be.” 

He pushed back from the table, swinging his coat over his shoulders smoothly. He gave Kate a smirk on his way past, just to rile her up and was gratified to see it working.

Good. Nosy git. 

Genshin As: Types of Soulmates

tags: gn!reader, racially ambiguous reader, soulmate aus

ft. xiao, itto, ayato, ei, yae miko, childe and thoma

a/n: this might not be the most original concept but i’ve always wanted to write one which is why you’re all seeing it. consider it a celebratory ‘we’re one step closer to getting to sumeru’ post. TAT assuming it really is after 2.8. FINGERS CROSSED THOUGH (And good luck to the Yelan/Shinobu/Heizou wanters). feel free to hit up the ask box to chat!

XIAO: YOU SHARE A SOULMARK you were told plenty by ver to simply ignore the young man who didn’t enjoy other’s company. you were also told plenty that he was apparently an adeptus, the vigilant yaksha in fact. such information was shared easily when, like many of the staff, you were truly working for lady ningguang. so when you saw the yaksha, you were more than happy to oblige his unspoken wish for quiet when you caught sight of the unique upside down bird tattoo on his right arm. the same one you had on your left. well fuck

ITTO: YOU SEE AND HEAR THE OCCASIONAL GLIMPSE OF YOUR SOULMATE you were sure that no one had as eccentric a soulmate as you, he was honestly quite entertaining. there was the time you caught a glimpse of him falling out of a tree trying to find an onikabuto beetle. there was also the time you were pretty sure you heard him laughing his ass off for highjacking a theatre performance. once, you were able to talk for just a brief moment in an extremely rare back to back thought sharing session. he asked for your birthday and you happily told him. it just wasn’t so fun when, at 3am, you awoke to hearing your soulmate beatboxing an enthusiastic happy birthday song to you (okay maybe it was really cute)

AYATO: YOU SEE THINGS THE COLOR OF THEIR EYES blue was your favorite color. of course, technically by default it was your favorite color because it was the only one you could see. you weren’t sure what green looked like and you couldn’t quite visualize the peach and violet sunrises your friend described, but you knew blue. the blue of the sky above you and the blue of the sea below, they were comforting sights on your trip to inazuma. you were finally making your way to visit the country on your quest to visit all the nations in teyvat with ritou your first stop. so when a merchant stopped you to try his milk crafting station, you decided to amuse yourself with the assorted mix of ingredients. “i’ll try the ganoderma and lavender melon” ganorderma is blue you smiled pleasantly to yourself. “i’ll have one of those myself” a man piped up from beside you. at that you, grinned and turned to face him with teasing words but they died on your tongue as you saw blue and then everything else

CHILDE: SHARING INJURIES you wanted to throttle your soulmate every time you got a new reminder of them because they seemed to constantly be finding themselves in trouble. scar after scar, bruise after bruise. you worried briefly that perhaps your soulmate was experiencing darker troubles at home, but those worries were somewhat soothed when an adventurer friend told you those looked like battle scars. now you were just wondering what the hell your soulmate did to constantly be receiving said battle scars. you were sure your mother would faint when she found out your soulmate turned out to be a fatui harbinger who, in addition to sporting a giant grin, sported a very familiar scar on the palm of his hand

EI: TIMER COUNTDOWN the god of eternity honestly thought her timer was broken for the longest time when the seconds on her wrist equated to centuries in the future. even after she crafted her raiden shogun puppet and her true body faded away, the timer somehow remained. after so much loss, ei put thoughts of soulmates away and paid the timer no mind throughout her centuries long meditation. after encountering the traveler, ei finally looked at her timer and was surprised to see that meeting her soulmate wasn’t too far off from the future. imagine her surprise when she met you some time later, a diplomat from natlan coming to secure favor with the shogunate now that the trade routes had opened once again

THOMA: DIFFERENT SOULMATES your boyfriend was perfect. honestly, perfect. he was sweet, charming, cooked and cleaned when you were too tired to. the only imperfect thing was that he wasn’t soulmate. you knew that wasn’t a big deal, at least not as much of a big deal as you often made it. you were one of the rare few that didn’t have a soulmate, thoma was part of the vast majority. he had one. somewhere in the world, thoma’s soulmate was waiting for him. wondering where he was and when he would meet them, yet here he was kissing you and exchanging sweet nothings with you. “plenty of people never meet their soulmates” he said and you knew that. “i just... want you to know if you ever met your soulmate, i wouldn’t- archons it would hurt but i wouldn’t get between you both” “as far as i’m concerned, i’ve already met my soulmate”

YAE MIKO: FIRST WORDS “my my, look at this. i wonder what the story behind this is” were the words transcribed on your wrist. you always wondered what the scenario behind those words would be. maybe you were going to be an adventurer and the first time you met your soulmate, you’d be holding treasures in your arm. or maybe you’d be reaching for the same book at a bookstore. reality, unfortunately, was a lot more embarrassing as you looked down at a violet-eyed woman as you were held in the trees by a singular vine. you’d been stooped into playing with the bake-danukis and here you were, meeting your soulmate. “this isn’t how i thought we’d meet” you sheepishly chuckled “you mind getting me down here, miss...” “miko. yae miko”

Routine Examinations Pt7 - Jimmy Keene - Black Bird Imagine

Hi there, this story is loosely based off the Black Bird series starring Taron Egerton as James Keene. Although the series is based off real events, this story is not and deviates from the show’s plot.

Summary: You’re a doctor working with the FBI, your new patient: Jimmy Keene.  

Word count: 2000

Pairing: Reader x Jimmy Keene

TW: angst, prison environment, mention of insulin injection.

Jimmy doesn’t hide his surprise when I show up outside his cell. His tired expression is replaced with one of recognition and worry. My patients weren’t alerted about the morning routine change. It’s only for a couple of days. Just until enough people are discharged upstairs and my office is my own again.

“Dr. Green,” concern laces his tone as he stands up from his bed to greet me. He approaches the bars, looking me up and down, searching for evidence to support his wariness. 

“Morning Keene, how are you this morning?” I smile at him through the doors. I’m careful not to be too overtly friendly. Jimmy is not the only one watching. As I’ve made my rounds, the male attention has only grown. At least a dozen depraved eyes are on me as we speak, peering from all angles of the floor. 

Nelson steps around me to unlock his cell door. Jimmy’s eyes flicker to the officer only briefly before landing back on mine. His brows are furrowed, clearly questioning my unannounced visit. He isn’t the only one who reacted this way. several others were upset I’d altered their routine, but thankfully none put up a fight. Once it slides open, Nelson takes a stand near my medical cart, ensuring nothing will get stolen. He stands with his back to us as I requested at the start of our route so it didn’t look suspicious if I were to ask at Jimmy’s cell. 

“Is something wrong?” He asks. 

“Not at the moment. I’m doing medication on the ground today to avoid extra traffic in the infirmary,” I step up to the entrance of his cell. The door is unlocked but his broad frame guards the opening. He’s hesitant to let me in.

“May I come in?” I step up to the entrance. Intense eyes stare down at me as I wait for him to decide. I don’t think he wants his injection out in the open. 

Jimmy takes a small step back, just far enough to allow me in, but not far enough back so that I have space to move past him. We’re standing almost chest to chest. 

It feels strange being in an inmate's cell, especially Jimmy’s. It’s a small glimpse into who they are. What few possessions they have are often incredibly important to them. Yet Jimmy hasn’t been here long enough to add to his cell. I’m not sure he would anyway. He doesn’t come off as that type of person. But maybe I don’t know him that well. 

Nevertheless, you’re stepping into what little space they can call their own. It’s not a home but it’s as close as many of them get for years. It's where they sleep, where they dream, where they think about friends and loved ones on the outside, where they reflect on their past actions, where they determine if it was all worth it. It’s the closest thing they have to a safe space. So just the act of being in his cell, in his space, feels oddly intimate. 

Part of me feels like an intruder after that first step. As though I need to tread lightly because no one should know I’m here. But that’s not really the case, is it?

I fidget with the packaged vile. Jimmy’s name is nearly labelled on it. They’re all meticulously labelled. Every vial for every patient. So, even if I’m not the one doing his shot, Jimmy will receive the crystalloid solution instead of insulin. The wrong vial could kill him. 

He watches me intently. I briefly saw him yesterday for less than five minutes at the crack of dawn, but we couldn’t talk. My office was and still is being shared by two doctors with only a curtain as a divider. Nothing we’d say would be confidential. Today is the first real day since the riot that we’ll be able to talk. Even if it’s for a limited amount of time. 

“How are you?” Jimmy whispers as he towers over me. Looking up into his eyes is mesmerizing. Yet the nagging in my head reminds me of those watching. I grab his arm to pull him deeper into his cell. Here we’re sheltered from everyone but Nelson, who isn’t looking anyway. 

“Tired,” I respond. “Overwhelmed. I haven’t really had time to think about it,” I anxiously rub a hand along the back of my neck. I don’t know how much I can tell him anymore. After Hall’s trip to the infirmary yesterday, part of me wonders what Jimmy all shares with him.  Or if it’s possible he shares details about me in exchange for details about Hall’s life. The logical part of my brain says that would never happen, that Jimmy wouldn’t do that. Yet, I’d be stupid if I didn’t at least consider those possibilities. Because after all, Jimmy is a desperate man. And desperate men are dangerous men. “You?” I ask. 

“Tired. I’m always tired,” Jimmy lowers his voice. “I can’t stop thinking about you” he raises a hand to brush over my bandaged collarbone. Underneath my clothes, the scar is red and still several days away from being fully healed. Part of me wants to disappear into his arms, to be held and comforted again, but I know we can’t. I long to melt into him. I can tell he wants to touch me more because his hands linger above my shirt, but I know he won’t. “These last few nights, all I could think about was if you were okay,”

“I’ll be fine,” I whisper. “Can you take a seat on the bed please?”

Jimmy obeys my request, taking a seat on the neatly folded mattress. He sits with his legs spread and I take the opportunity to stand between his thighs. Our legs brush and I can feel the warmth from his skin pass through our clothes and embrace my outer thighs. 

“Did they catch those fuckers?” Jimmy’s voice is raspy and I can hear the underlying anger in his tone. 

“Sort of,” I hesitate before continuing. “Ralf was charged for stealing the supplies and put into solitary, but Moe wasn’t caught,”

“But you know who they are? Why didn’t you identify them?” I didn’t want to talk about this today but now it’s too late to stop. 

“Because if this goes to court, it doesn’t just draw attention to them, you’ll be brought into it too,” realization dawns on Jimmy’s face. “What you did was technically assault, even if it was to protect me. I don’t know if you’d be charged, but you would definitely be mentioned in the hearing. What happened would be talked about by other convicts, if it hasn’t already. I’m fine. I’ll be fine. But I need you to focus on Hall, okay?” As the words leave my mouth, he breaks eye contact. I don’t think it’s guilt he feels. It’s something else. Something harder to describe. His brows furrow and his eyes search his cell for a nonexistent answer. Jimmy’s hand starts to reach for mine but then he stops and pulls back. My heart clenches. 

“I’m not sorry for what I did,” he says seriously. 

“I’d hope not,” I joke. He looks up at my change of tone to see me smiling down at him. “Now, lift your shirt.”

I’m starting to think Jimmy will never get used to needles. His entire body remains stiff throughout the thirty seconds it takes for me to finish. His breathing is shallow and he refuses to look at my hands. It’s almost cute. 

“Done,” I cap the syringe. “Jimmy, there’s something we have to talk about before I leave,” he looks up. I have his full attention. “Hall came to visit me yesterday,” I watch his reaction carefully. 

“Hall did? Why?” His brows furrowed in confusion and he shifts away from me slightly. 

“He faked an injury because he wanted to see who’s been treating you every morning,” a flash of anger crosses Jimmy’s face but doesn’t stay. He remains quiet, allowing me to continue. “He said you mentioned that I was nice and pretty and he had to see for himself,” I finish with a sigh. 

“I didn’t say those things to him,” Jimmy’s whispering now. Maybe he fears Hall will hear us from his nearby cell. “Well not like you implied. He was asking me what you were like because he hasn’t gone to the doctor since coming here. So I said you were nice, but that’s it.” 

“Has he said anything else about our appointments? Anything at all?” I lower my voice to match his. Jimmy looks to the corner of his cell and I know immediately there’s more. 

“Every once in a while he’ll ask, never in much detail. But he’s asked about what it’s like having diabetes. How often you do my shots. That kind of thing. Once or twice he’s tried to talk about you in more detail but I don’t say much,” he forces a swallow. 

“What did he say?” My tone is more serious than ever, I need to know if Hall’s curiosity is just that or if it’s more.

“He wanted to know if you had kids, you know, stuff like that. If you were married, to which I said I didn’t know and he told me to check for a ring next time,” he pauses to consider his words before continuing. “The day before the riot he started getting more personal. He asked what you smelled like. What shoes you wore. What colour your bra straps are because apparently women send secret messages to men based on the colour of their bra,” Jimmy finally finishes. “But I went into the least amount of detail without it being suspicious. It’d be weird if I outright refused to talk about you with him.”

My stomach drops at the amount of information he just mentioned. Weeks worth of information. Stuff that should’ve been written down and recorded. I can’t believe he didn’t mention this before. 

Despite this, Jimmy’s right. It’d be weird if he refused to talk about me to Hall. Not only that, it would be suspicious. But the fact that Hall has taken a special interest in me, not out of suspicion, but for a more sinister reason, is almost as concerning. 

I sigh. “Okay. Jimmy, in the future you have to tell me this information. Even if you think it’s going to creep me out or that you’re protecting me by not saying anything, I have to know. Okay? Have to.” 

He grabs my empty hand and gently squeezes. “I will. I shouldn’t have kept that from you,”

Any tension I had towards him slips away as the warmth of his hand wraps around my own. His calloused hands are large and gentle. I break eye contact with him to stare at the embrace. I brush my thumb along the top of his fingers as they apply a reassuring pressure to my hand. 

As I stand between Jimmy’s legs, I subconsciously lean forward. He shifts, allowing us to be closer than before. Part of me wishes we were still locked in my office together where there were no prying eyes. I want to relish in the feeling of his arms around me. To linger so close his breath becomes my own.

I allow myself one last moment to memorize the feel of his strong hand.

“We have a lot to talk about once my office is back together,” I murmur.

“Okay,” he whispers. 

I squeeze his hand one last time before pulling away without a look back. My shoes echo along the cement floor as I step out of the cell. Nelson hears my footsteps and takes his cue. Jimmy’s door slides shut and closes with a loud clank. 

As I gather my cart I feel a set of eyes on me. I look back at Jimmy’s cell to find him watching with care. We share a small, risky smile before I quickly look away. However, as I turn away, I notice another set of eyes intently watching our exchange. 

My body stiffens as I lock eyes with Hall. He leans against his cell door, diagonal to Jimmy, twirling his beard between his fingers. My breath catches in my throat as I’m caught off guard. I quickly cover my tracks with a polite smile as I head for the exit. My pace is faster than before and Nelson struggles to keep up. 

Keene and Hall aren’t the only ones watching me leave.

Chapter One

Percival Fredrickstein von Musel Klossowski de Rolo III

Warnings: None.

“We’re all Runaways.”

Chapter Two - A Rouge to be.

Ironheart, wildly known for its ore and bitter cold nips within the air was beginning to wake up. A few early birds trudged through the at least two and a half feet of snow. Carrying baskets full of fresh bakes to take to the bakeries or deliver, and their cloaks dragging behind them. Men that were the guards with great-swords, maces and ax’s at their back exit the barracks for their shifts today. The ones who were on the graveyard shift stumbling back inside.

Nor’i sniffled soldering soon to find the nearest open shop. Walking up into the market square the snow was being shoveled away, leading paths too entrances of building’s and stalls assorted in even spaces.

Inside the warmth hit like a brick, it was a rush of chills that ran down her spine but again very welcomed. A young looking Elven fellow sat at the counter, scribbling away onto some parchment. As Nor’i approached, he did not look toward yet. He had long, dirty blonde hair that was shaven at the left side. On his ears were two black jeweled piercings that were placed at his lobes. His honey toned, tired eyes continued to keep their attention as he wrote, and Nor’i had to clear her throat to have those same honey toned eyes look at her.

“Gods I’m sorry, would you believe me if I said I didn’t hear you come in?” He spoke, his tone just a sweet.

“I might now since you’re the least rude person I’ve bumped into today.” She replied, a tilt at her head but not an emotion aside neutral blankness could be noted. A small smile tugged his lips as he tried to shake the apparent grogginess away.

“We’ll it is the morning, and my sister had to have me open up this early because we have to maintain business.” He set the quill down.

“Ah yeah, siblings. I was an only child though, but I do count my childhood friend as a brother. He would always make sure I was up not a minute later then the time we were supposed to be.” A small smile was finally displayed. She remembered those simple times all to well.

“Sounds like our siblings are alike then. On another note - welcome too Linnie and Vinnie’s, traveling shopkeep. We range with various goods. You can find armor, too the potion of fire breathing that might save your life in a pinch. What can I do for such a beautiful woman like you this fine morn’?” He put his face into his right palm, that smile still not subsiding.

“I’d like to possibly grab a few health potions, see your selections of daggers, and browse your best light armors.” She headed straight to the point, ignoring his attempt at flattery.

“And the beautiful woman knows exactly what she wants, I like you even better my amastacia.” He got up, heading to pull a set of daggers out. “These are our non magical daggers that deal quite a good lot of damage if used right. Some of the finest elven smithed daggers you can find, straight from the chambers of a high bidder that decided to swindle me if you catch my drift.” After a quick wink, he bent again pulling out a red velvet box, opening it to revel a short black dagger. “This is a personal favorite of mine, blinking in and out of existence. It’s got me out of quite a few binds.” He picked up the blade, running his finger over it. “I’d hate too see it go, but if I know it’s in good hands, I might give it to you at discount price. Especially if you decide to come find me to do more business later down the road.”

“You don’t even know me.” Another tilt to her head, and that empty look upon her face still lingered. “I might never come to find you after this transaction.”

“I’m quite perceptive.” He twirled the blade around his fingers now, his grin tugging even further.

“Is that all you’ve got?” She questioned, placing her hands down and leaning forward on the counter. “Or are you holding out on me?”

He chuckled, setting the blade down. “Sadly I’m being honest. We’re fresh out of wondrous daggers for now until we head into the trade market in a much more refined area.”

“And this dagger is magical? I’ll have to attune right?” Nor’i questioned now, finding an interest in said dagger. A special friend not to far back would have liked this one. She smiled internally too herself.

“Yes.”

“How much.”

“A thousand gold.”

“You said you might give me a discount price.”

“If I knew it were in good hands.”

“My hands have a lot of experience, don’t worry about that part. Good? I’ve been tittering on a fine line there for a while. Skilled on the other hand, there’s a difference.” He went and placed his hand over the hilt of the blink knife now.

With a narrow of his eyelids and a shifty grin he spoke, “Is that so.” At the pit of her stomach she felt it. In a flash he blinked out, and in a split second she had grabbed both the daggers laid down, and turned where he’d be just as quick. One was at his neck, the other at his stomach both at an angle to kill. His blink dagger’s tip lifting her chin up to meet his gaze. Nor’i’s cheeks burned from the sudden closeness. But she felt no real danger, even with a blade so close that could kill. The thrill got her blood pumping in away she admitted made her even flushed than usual. “You’re not a fine-tuned Rouge yet.”

“Monk first, Rouge later.” Her eyelids narrowed with a playful glare. He let out another set of chuckles now, she still holding him at knife point just the same.

“My names Linnie.” He dropped the dagger at his side finally, moving a step back to give her space.

“I don’t have a name, got it?”

“That’s fine by me, amastacia suits you well. So get used too it.”

-

Nor’i walked out of Linnie and Vinnie’s with a blink dagger, a new set of leather armor that isolated heat for the cold weather. It kept her quiet and well defended whilst not putting her at disadvantage on her movements. A couple healing potions were in safe keeping, and she continued on to grab some rations for a week. Into the bag of holding it all went.

She followed the tavern keep’s instructions next. At least to pop by. Most all nobles expect punctuality right? Down a long walled path, she managed to stop at a tall looming gate. It felt like death here, and she didn’t like it all to well. The gate itself had been pushed open previously. Snow piled at the other side, and a path of footprints she’s been following continued on. It had snowed late that night so, this is a new set. A new visitor. At least unless the servants here don’t live in this mansion.

Up the steps too this light bricked, wooden logged manor and too the big set of double doors she shifted on. Nor’i took the large knocker at the dark elm door, slamming down a couple times to get the message a-cross.

Thirty seconds pass, and a few snow flakes began to flow around her again. The wind catching exposed skin, and the cold still blistering the tip of her nose and ears. A lock, and then another lock and slowly with a heavy pull came to view a small man with a hunched over back peering at the new visitor to his Lordship’s home.

“O-oh dear me. Wasn’t expecting this many visitors for Lord Euston this early in the morning today.” He spoke so timidly, it made Nor’i taken aback.

“Sorry to drop in so early, I’m here about possibly looking into the mysterious death of his son.” She explained bluntly, which took the servant off guard quite easily as well. A pass like ping pong if you will.

“Well, it is quite early. Although, I do know he wakes at five in the morning. That is if he’s gotten a lick of s-sleep at all.” He clasped his hands together, and looked nervously over his shoulder. “You can come in and wait here with our other visitor.” He turned back too Nor’i. “Please, please follow me! It’s very frigid out there.”

He lead her inside, and too her right she saw the same person who knocked into her early this morning. What in the Gods is he doing here?

“Are you positive he’ll be able to speak to me?” Nor’i questioned now, a slight annoyance left her lips.

“I-I’ll have to go and find out. Just can’t leave any guests out in the cold no, no, no. That won’t do at all.” He held out his hand to gesture for her to stand next to the other guest he spoke of. “Please do wait here. I’ll be back with Lord Euston’s word.”

And with that he turned heal still hunched with such bad posture it made Nor’is back hurt. His still hands were clasped together and he swiftly walked with fast pace up the steps and turned down the great hall to his left. That left Nor’i and this jerk that didn’t say sorry or at least help her up in the tavern. She made her way and stood at least a good five feet from him. A minute of silence past. She didn’t say a word, and then another, and another. Her fingers fidgeted and with a deep breath in she spoke.

“You know you usually are supposed to apologize when you run into people.” Nor’i didn’t look back to him when she spoke. He nor to her, paying no true intentional mind to make proper conversation. But he did reply, for the sheer impatience of having to wait only.

“I believe you ran into me.” His tone, it was well snobby putting. This made Nor’i snap her head back to him finally. Looking his very well put posture over, his upper class clothing that was well tended too. If he was an adventurer, his scuffles he’d get himself in only meant he’d take extra time to mend his clothes. Unless he’s a wizard or sorcerer of some kind? Mending would be so easy with that spell. “I believe you’re the one being rude now staring me down I might add.”

Nor’i didn’t look away as their eyes met. “Staring? No. Sizing you up, and possibly coming to a conclusion that you’re an asshole who doesn’t give two shits about the people around him? Yes.”

A scoff come out if his mouth, and he turned away to look back toward the stairs. “I have no time for your peasantry attitude.”

“I come from a fine line thank you.” She looked back away with the biggest look of annoyance plastered upon her face. At least, her line was good before her mother and father past, having her grandfather snap and make the monastery into an unbearable, viscous cult sucked and haunts her every move.

He didn’t say another word, and neither did Nor’i. A couple minutes later and the servant who greeted them both came slowly down the stairs. His back still hunched over, and his hands still clasped within the other. Stopping before the two, a look of pure belittlement was read upon his features. “I’m sorry, Lord Euston will not be taking visitors today.”

“I’ve been trying to contact him for a day now, does he not have time for one simple conversation?” This stranger at which has not been named yet rose out one of his hands in gesture.

“I thought all of you nobles were in each other’s pockets.” She muttered, which the man did hear at which he shot another look of annoyance toward her. The servant looked amongst them two now. His nervousness well apparent.

“You just said- Oh forget about it.” He looked to the servant yet again. “Reginald, please could you let Lord Euston know it’s urgent.”

“I did, but he is very busy I’m afraid. His business takes a lot of his time.” The servant now known as Reginald spoke up yet again. “That means he will not be seeing any visitors.”

“There’s no changing his mind if you attempt again Reggie?” Nor’i huffed. Reginald sort of hesitated with the use of a nickname from a stranger girl, but he nodded to reply.

“Uh, yes there would be no use.” He simply tried putting a bold line under his answer.

A sigh left the young man’s lips and he put his hand to his forehead, pressing glasses he wore further back to fit against the bridge of his nose properly. Softly he muttered, “There’s got to be away to talk to him.”

“That’s a shame.” Nor’i pipped up, but then she took one step forward and began to walk past him.

“W-Wait! You can’t-“

With a quick swift whip, out came her trusty Thumper to halt Reginald’s movement’s as it pointed directly at his nose. “I’m seeing your Lord, so if you value your pretty little face, I’d suggest you not make any actions against me.”

With narrow of her eyelids added, the sheer panic set in as he held up his hands. “I d-don’t want any t-trouble! But I beg you, h-he should not be disturbed!” A high pitched squeak left his throat, making Nor’i almost feel sorry for him.

She let the staff fall at her side and she began on. The young noble stranger that stood where he was the entire time, watched as she made her way up the stairs now. He did like the fact she seemed to want to get things done, and he did believe this young bratty woman had no evil malice to her. Although, quite chaotic to be frank. He sighed, knowing this was his chance. He then began to follow in foot, as Reginald begged for both to cancel this brashness. 

Footnote: amastacia “star flower" in Elven.

Chapter Three

Finally posting oc content again bc I can’t hold it back anymore <3

Ok so I have this set of ocs (I’ve talked abt them before in this post right here) and uh. I’m remaking them now. or trying to, I’m having bad writer’s block hngh—

So like. Now that I’ve exploded and absolutely NEED to post them or I’ll die, I’ll give you some basic info on them :)

I’ve renamed Jay to Jeiviin. They’re a six-year-old Sky Dragon born and raised in Emporia, having lived in Taldrena their whole life (up until an incident in which they ended up in Voxtren). They’re intersex and were raised genderless, and have an older sister.

I’ve renamed Cora to Avaki. She’s a seventeen-year-old Sky Dragon that was born in Talix, one of Emporia’s islands, and moved to Taldrena with her family when she was 8. She’s Jeiviin’s older sister, and really into true crime.

I’ve renamed Sigasi to Sivea. She’s a fourteen-year-old Healer Dragon born in the Philippines, but moved to Emporia (specifically Voxtren) when she was 11. She’s an only child, but became best friends with Jeiviin and Avaki after the events of her (and the other characters’) story takes place, and she’s surprisingly feisty for a Healer.

I’ve renamed Delta Sun to Astrallon. They’re somewhere around 150-160 years old, and they’re an Angel from the Concept Universe (or the Void). They left their home when they were in their 20s to search for their missing mother (idk what happened to her though), but they never found her, and instead decided to just. Stay in Emporia. I mean, it’s a really pretty country, so. Fair enuf.

None of them have designs yet, but I have some very basic ideas for what I want them to look like —

Jeiviin will be pretty short (I mean they’re 6 so ofc), and their main colour will definitely be blue. Lotta scars.

Avaki will be more seafoam green I think? And a lot taller. Possibility of being emo or scene

Sivea is so so purple. I kinda want her to resemble a violet-backed starling. I love those fucking birds. I want her to have a sorta medieval-goth-princess aesthetic, but more modern

Astrallon gets to be tall as hell. Way taller than they need to be. Get enlarged stupid. And I want them to have some vague religious vibes, like biblically accurate or something. Perhaps multiple sets of wings, or too many halos. Or too many eyes.

Ok now that that’s out of the way.

Storyline thing or something!

The kiddos are still both gonna be experiments — that was an integral part of their story before the remake, and I don’t wanna change that — but Astrallon won’t be an experiment anymore. Instead, they’ll be friends with the guy running the experiments, but they won’t know about it until he calls them up and says “DUDE WE’RE GETTING FUCKED UP PLEASE HELP”.

The experiments aren’t gonna be turned into some form of superhuman (superdragon?) beings anymore, either. Instead, the cult is trying to transform Dragons into Humans by surgically removing their Draconic traits and making them physically look as human as possible.

Those experiments never end up working and all the subjects that went through the procedures died. Including Jeiviin. But they get to come back as a ghost, because I said so.

Anyway!! The reason Mr. Cult Guy calls Astrallon screaming for help, is because Sivea and the other still-living experiments broke out and started killing motherfuckers. As they should.

Astrallon is a very kind person, so of course, they immediately run over to their friend’s location to help, and promptly get their shit FUCKING WRECKED by Sivea, who thought they were another cultist.

Some other stuff happens after that, and then the story ends, but I haven’t gotten to that point yet. As I said, I’m having writer’s block atm, so I can’t get past the part where Sivea starts plotting.

Also, despite the setting of this story being in Emporia, which is also where my AHiT AU takes place, this is not set in the AHiT universe! It’s an entirely original work, full of the blorbos from my autism.

I am tired and can’t think of anything else to write, so that’s it post’s over. Eat up

Pre-Birthday Routine

Words: 2619

@kkgweek

Birds chirped outside, alerting Gai to a beautiful new day.

A day which he would love to spend outside doing morning laps around the village, or partaking in a challenge against his Eternal Rival. With a bright, warm sun that shone down on Konoha, welcoming a brand new day.

           The final day of the year. 

Instead of being outside enjoying the warm sun on his skin, though, Gai was stuck in bed. With Doctor’s and nurses checking in on him every hour, ensuring that he was staying put.

“I’m bored,” he complained as Shizune sat at his side looking over his X-rays. “When will I be allowed out to enjoy myself again?”

“We’re just waiting on a wheelchair to be made for you,” she assured him, holding up a hand to silence him when he tried to respond. “And no, walking on your hands is not an acceptable alternative. Even you get tired at times, Gai. A wheelchair will be beneficial.”

He knew that. 

Every nurse he’d spoken to explained it to him, assuring him that he would get used to it in time. The problem was, he didn’t want to get used to it.

He wanted to be able to walk just as he had before the war. 

He longed for the freedom to hop out of bed without the risk of injuring himself simply by applying weight onto his damaged leg.

The moment Gai had decided to open the eighth gate to try and put an end to the war, he’d welcomed death. Accepted that he would never be able to open his eyes again. That he’d never have an opportunity to see his friends smiling or his students cheering. 

He’d even accepted that he’d never be able to see Kakashi again. 

If it meant saving the world, he was more than happy to die. 

What he hadn’t expected, was to be saved.

To be offered a second chance at life, but with restrictions. 

“The wheelchair is due to be finished in just a few days,” reaching out, Shizune laid a hand over his knee. “I know this is hard, Gai. Change always is and I’ve seen more than enough people struggle with big changes due to a battle gone wrong, but you’re alive.”

Alive. 

That was right.

He was alive. Able to breathe in the fresh air and stare up at the sun hanging over Konoha, greeting on a brand new day.

A day that was meant for celebration. 

“Here, I brought you something,” retracting her hand, Shizune reached down to her side and picked up a small bag that was sitting beside her chair. “Emi-san threw in a few extras and said that she’s expecting to see you in person soon.”

Gai couldn’t help but smile. He didn’t even need to peer inside the bag to know what was waiting for him. Emi-san was the delightful woman who ran the Dango shop that he frequented, and it was a tradition of hers to add a few extra sticks of dango to his order on his birthday. Not even a war or Gai being confined to the hospital could stop her from keeping with that tradition, it seemed. 

            Though, today wasn’t his birthday. It was December 31st, a day early. This year was special, though. Even if he healed at record speed he would still be confined to bed tomorrow. Unable to go out and join the lineup that formed outside of her little shop every year on January first.

            A line-up that he usually stood at the front of. 

“Thank you, Shizune,” he smiled as he reached out to take the bag from her. “I will enjoy every bite that I take.”

Placing a hand over her mouth, Shizune giggled. “Well, make sure to save one,” she insisted with a playful wink. “I know for certain that someone will be popping by today for a visit.”

“A visitor?” had someone spoken to her about today? Lee and Tenten would not have bothered to inform her of such plans, and they had already visited him as soon as the doctors allowed them into the room. There was a small statue of Ningame sitting on the window ledge to attest to that fact.

A gift that both of them had pooled in together for, according to Tenten. 

“You shouldn’t act so surprised, Gai,” Shizune stood up from the chair and smiled down at him. “You know that he’d never miss your birthday. Not even a mission could keep him away.”

A warmth blossomed in Gai’s chest. Familiar and comforting, it was the same feeling he got whenever he spent time with the man in question. A feeling that he had chased for years, wishing for nothing more than to be a comfort to his friend. Someone that he could rely on when the world was crumbling around him. 

“You’re more than that,” Kakashi had laughed the day Gai had gathered up the courage to tell him how he felt. “You’re my Eternal Rival, Gai. The reason I’m still here at all.”

Gai still wasn’t quite sure when his feelings had changed. At that moment his heart had decided that Kakashi was someone he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. Whom he could imagine a future with, side by side with the world. All he knew for certain was that one day he looked at Kakashi and everything was different, and he’d been so happy to hear that Kakashi felt the same. 

“Stay out of trouble,” Shizune turned her back to him and made her way toward the door. “I don’t want to hear about any more broken hospital beds.”

“That wasn’t my fault!”

“Yes it was,” she stopped at the door. “Oh, Hello.”

“Hello,” A familiar voice floated through the air. Just as calm as it always was. “Is it safe?”

“It’s safe,” Shizune confirmed with a smile. “Have fun.”

Gai watched as she stepped out of the room, continuing on her way towards the next job while another figure stepped into view. With a bag hanging from one hand, and a cheerful smile greeting Gai, Hatake Kakashi entered the room.

“Happy Birthday,” He began, just as he did every year when he’d show up at Gai’s bedroom window with an entire day free to spend with him. “Sorry, I’m late. Naruto caught me on the way over and wanted to chat.”

“Predictable,” Gai shook his head and chuckled. No matter what was going on in the world, Kakashi would always be late. Whether it was because he’d spent a little too much time in front of the memorial stone, or because his students wanted to catch up at the most inconvenient times. 

Some things just never changed, and Gai was alright with that.

The world might be on the path to a better future, but Hatake Kakashi would always stay the same. A comforting constant in Gai’s life.

“It’s not my birthday, though,” he reminded Kakashi, pointing at the calendar that hung on the wall beside his bed. “It’s December 31st.”

Kakashi simply sighed and stepped into the room. “And what do we do every year on December thirty-first?”

A smile tugged at Gai’s lips as he thought back to all of the previous years. All of the December 31st’s that he’d spent with Kakashi at his side, celebrating his birthday a day early with his best friend.

They would get dango together at Emi-san’s shop, have two or three competitions throughout the day, and just relax and enjoy a nice peaceful day together. With no missions to pull them away from each other suddenly, and their schedules cleared of any other obligations that they might have had. 

A day just for the two of them.  

“I brought some games,” Kakashi held the bag up in front of himself. “I wasn’t sure which ones we would enjoy, but the shopkeeper was kind enough to provide me with a few suggestions, and even threw in a nice card game when he found out I was bringing it here.”

Gai stared at him, confusion etched on his face. 

“Why-”

“You can’t be serious,” Kakashi chuckled. “You’re a hero Gai. Perhaps not to the same level as Naruto, who everyone is fawning over, but still. People are thankful for your role in the war. For your…sacrifice.”

Gai had heard that word before.

Sacrifice.

Lee had said it with tears in his eyes after the doctor had filled Gai in on the damage his leg had sustained.

Tenten had muttered it under her breath, a sadness in her voice.

Everyone who had visited him since he’d woken up had said it at one point or another. Most of them with kindness and cheer. They’d made it clear that they were thankful that the price for Gai’s choice had been smaller than it should have been, and they had thanked him for putting the needs of the world over everything else.

Including his own life.

None of those instances hurt quite as much as this moment.

Hearing the heartbreak in Kakashi’s voice. 

Seeing the pained look in his eyes as he stared back at him.

It was clear to Gai that while others celebrated his survival, Kakashi was stuck in the past. Even now, with Gai laying in a hospital bed in front of him, alive and well, he was terrified that he’d disappear at any moment. 

That the firey chakra Gai had unleashed inside of himself might escape the seal Naruto put over his heart, and burn him from the inside out. 

 Something inside of Kakashi had shattered when Gai chose to sacrifice him in a last-ditch attempt to save the world.

A feeling that Gai knew all too well. 

One he’d lived with for years, weighing down on his heart a little bit more every year on the anniversary of his father’s death. 

“Kakashi-”

Giving his head a shake, Kakashi slapped a smile onto his face. “Never mind,” he insisted as he took a step forward and claimed the seat that Shizune had been occupying just a few minutes before. “It doesn’t matter.”

“It does,” Gai insisted. “I thought I was saving the world.”

“You tried,” placing the bag down on the table at the side of Gai’s bed, he sighed. “You couldn’t have known what was going to happen, and it almost worked. One more hit and who knows, you might have won.”

“I might have,” his left hand reached out toward Kakashi and gently cupped his cheek, a smile tugging at his lips when Kakashi leaned into the touch. “Then maybe I would be the hero of the world.”

“Now that would be something,” Kakashi chuckled. “Maito Gai, the greatest Shinobi in the world.”

“Who’s to say it couldn’t still happen?”

Pressing his cheek into Gai’s palm, Kakashi chuckled. “I have games,” he stated, pointing towards the bag sitting off to the side waiting for them to dig in and choose what they wanted to play. “And it’s your birthday, so you get the first choice.”

Gai chuckled at Kakashi’s efforts. 

Emotional conversations had never been his Rival’s strong suit. Even a war that had almost cost both of them their lives didn’t seem capable of changing that. 

Rubbing his thumb over Kakashi’s cheek, he watched as his eyes slid shut. “And how long do I have your company for today?”

“It’s your birthday,” Kakashi repeated as if Gai had suddenly forgotten what day it was. “The only thing I’ll be doing today is sitting right here, playing games with you.”

Gai blinked. “But, don’t you have responsibilities? Lee and Tenten told me that Tsunade-sama was already planning-”

A finger came up and pressed against his lips, silencing him for just a moment. 

“Not today,” Kakashi insisted, his eyes opening once more. “Today is for you.”

Gazing into those soft black eyes, Gai saw his future.

Mornings standing by Kakashi’s side, supporting him through the difficulties of leading an entire village into the future. Afternoons spent racing around the village having competitions and just enjoying life in a way they had never been able to before. Evenings, just the two of them wrapped up in each other's arms welcoming a new day.

No fear.

No regrets.

When Kakashi lowered his finger, Gai took the opportunity to ask one simple question. “Just today?” A warmth bloomed in his chest when Kakashi began laughing. 

“Today,” his partner confirmed. “And tomorrow, and the day after.”

‘Forever.’ A promise left unspoke. Lingering between the two men while they sat there staring at each other.

Satisfied with that answer, Gai retracted his hand. “Let’s not waste another precious moment,” he declared. “We have games to play, and I have every intention of winning against you in every single one of them.”

Kakashi’s laughter rang through the air. Light, unrestrained laughter. A treat to Gai’s ears after days of being stuck in a boring hospital room for days with nothing to do. 

“Is that a challenge, Rival?” Gai didn’t need to see Kakashi’s mouth to know he was smirking. From the overly pleased look in his eyes to the subtle way his mask moved with the curve of his mouth, there was no doubt in Gai’s mind that he’d struck the right cord to unlock competitive Kakashi.

A side of his partner that so few people could see. 

“A challenge that I have every intention of winning,” Gai confirmed. “I feel like the luckiest man alive today, and the most skilled. After all, who else can say they have faced off against a god and won?”

“Naruto and Sasuke,” Kakashi answered, his laughter simmering into a fond chuckle. “Sakura also punched a goddess in the head, and while I didn’t fight I did survive.”

“But I punched a God so hard that he bled,” Gai continued to argue. “I think I’ve more than earned my place as the strongest shinobi in the entire world. Even stronger than the great Hatake Kakashi.”

“Perhaps,” Kakashi agreed. “Though I still have one thing over you.”

  Snorting, Gai opened the bag Shizune had given him and plucked a stick of dango from it. “And what is that?”

Snatching the dango out of his hand, Kakashi tugged his mask down with his other hand and bit into the light pink ball at the top. While he chewed on his stolen treat, savouring every bite, Gai sat in his bed glaring at him.

“That was mine,” he grumbled while Kakashi swallowed his food. “Shizune got those for me.”

“Well, maybe if you were the strongest Shinobi in all of the world,” waving the dango in front of Gai’s face, he chuckled when he reached out and snatched it back from him. “You would have been able to stop me from stealing your precious dango.”

Gai huffed. “I could be the strongest Shinobi in the universe and you would still steal my dango from me.”

“Oh? And why do you say that?”

A feeling of pride swelled in Gai’s chest as he thought about all of the ways Kakashi could sneak up on him. The Copy Ninja’s skills in stealth were simply unmatched. Even Gai would never be able to keep track of Kakashi if he wanted to hide.

He didn’t have to tell him that, though. Kakashi knew that his stealth skills excelled above most others. 

“Because you’re my rival.” he declared with a proud smile.

“Rival,” Kakashi’s smile softened. “and here I thought I got special privileges because I was your boyfriend.”

Throwing his head back, Gai laughed so hard that tears began to run down his face. “Kakashi,” he reached up and gently wiped away the tears. “Those two words mean the same thing.”

rather be the hunter than the prey ch.1

okok hi @bokettochild its here! dink adopts four au chapter one! lets go lads >:3 reminder; blue is bold strikethrough, red is italics, green is bold, vio is bold italics

warnings; slaughter mention, death mention, four has a bit of a panic aw poor bub

relationships: four & dink (fours new dad), four & sky (which is so sad now :( they were besties)

ao3 link; x

Four let out a little whistle, watching Sky carving some wood. Sky likes carving little things for the chain, and he’d insisted on making Four something new today. Four…already has a few carvings—most of birds, some of little mice, and some in random shapes that seem totally random. “What’re you making today?”Four questioned curiously, tilting their head and causing their hair to fall out of their very loose ponytail and over their shoulder. Four’s roots are coming through, so they’d been tying it back to make it less noticeable. “I think I’ll make you a little sword. Just a little one.”Sky smiled, glancing at Four. “Or do you want another bird? I know you like the carvings since you can’t touch real ones.” “A sword is fine. I have a lot of birds.”Four smiled faintly, watching Sky carefully. Four isn’t as gentle with their hands as Sky is. They wish they were—carving things looks so calming. Four let out a hum, fiddling with the end of their skirt. They’d liberated one from Legend’s stuff, and while he hasn’t mentioned it…Four knows Legend knows. “You suit it.”Sky mused once he’d noticed Four fidgeting, a warm smile on his face. “You look nice!” “Oh…well, thank you.”Four smiled brightly, eyes shining a mix of blue and purple. Vio and Blue…goddess, they’d never say it out loud, but they love wearing pretty dresses and skirts more than Red does. They like to feel pretty. “How did you find out that you’re allergic to birds?” “Oh. Well, we—my grandpa and I—used to feed the birds together, and one time I picked one up, an’ that’s how we found out. Was not a fun day.” “It sucks that you’re allergic,”Sky hummed out. “I think the loftwings from my era woulda loved you.” “Yeah? Why’s that?” Sky paused, raising a brow. “Four, have you not noticed? Animals love you.” The smaller one paused, thinking about it. …animals do seem to like them. “They probably like Red,”Blue decided. Four agrees. “I’d never noticed.” Sky blinked, then giggled. “Y’know, for…the smart one…you’re not very…” “Observant?”Four offered, grinning when Sky nodded. “Yeah…I’ve never been too observant. Or aware. I’m…I am smart, just…provided I know what’s going on.” “I have a friend like that back home,”Sky whistled. “His name’s Groose. He’s—He’s really smart! Just…lacks awareness sometimes! But it’s okay.” “...who names their kid Groose?” “Who names their kid Link?”Sky shot back, laughing. “You just took a jab at yourself, sir.” “I know, I know.”Sky took a breath, still carving the wood. “Isn’t it a little weird? Our names?” “I mean…a little, but my name isn’t Link so I guess I don’t get a say.” “What?”Sky’s hands stilled, and he stared at the other in shock. “Your name isn’t Link?” “Not—anymore? It hasn’t been my name since I was twelve. Which was, like, 4 years ago.” “What…is your name, then?” Four paused, and considered it. What would he gain from telling Sky? Nothing, but he wouldn’t have anything to lose by not telling him either. ..there’s no point telling him. “Doesn’t matter.”Four shrugged gently, shooting a soft smile at the other. “Y’all just call me Four, it sounds nice.” “Are you sure?”Sky turned back to his carving. “You’re our family, Four, we’re willing to call you your chosen name!” “I’m sure, Sky…thank you, though.” “Of course. We love you like our brother.”Sky smiled brightly, ears twitching as the others returned. “Oh, hey!” “I fucking hate Wild’s era.”Legend stated bluntly, sitting on the grass next to Four.” “...what happened?” “Those damned Yiga tried to kill us. Again.”Wild sighed heavily, setting up the cooking pot. “I dunno what possesses people to betray the kingdom anyways!” Four fell silent. “Who knows or cares?”Warriors groaned, tipping his head back and drinking a red potion before continuing. “They made a choice, and deserve the death they get for it. When you betray the kingdom, you don’t deserve to live. Simple as that.” On that note, Four forced a smile, excusing theirself from the conversation and walking off into the trees. They do wish the others would stop talking about certain subjects. Four knows some of them have a history of dealing with traitors, but do they really need to talk about it so much? Sitting down under a tree, Four let out a heavy sigh as they tucked their knees up to their chest. Really…they deserve to feel like shit. It’s their fault that the traitor topic isolates them. Four felt sick. The chain…they strip all humanity from them and slaughter them like animals, simply for no longer being allied with the throne. It took everything Four had to not cry, throw up, or both as they asked to leave. Four just…they need to breathe. In for four, hold for seven, out for eight. C’mon, we’ve done this tons of times. It’s true—Four stresses a lot, and often has to do the 4-7-8 breathing exercise that they’d learned from their grandpa. “Well, this is…unexpected.” Four’s eyes darted up, eyes locking onto the dark figure in front of them. “Dark Link..”Four flinched, backing up against the tree and tilting their head when Dark Link just frowned and kneeled down. “What’s wrong, little one?” …they don’t know why they broke, but they did. They shouldn’t have—Dark Link is the one working against them. “I hate them. The other heroes. They don’t shut up about what they do to people like me.” “People like you?” “Traitors.” “...ah. I see.”He nodded, gently sitting on the grass in front of the small hero. “And do you not tell them you’re uncomfortable?” “Well…no. I—I can’t.”Four let out a heavy breath, gripping at their arms so they didn’t shake. “They’d ask why. Then they’d find out and they’d—”Four’s breath hitched as they curled up tighter, Red’s tears filling their eyes as their voice lowered until it was nothing but a whisper. “They’d kill me. I know it.” “...you shouldn’t fear death by the hands of your own teammates.”Dark stated gently, but did not move any closer. “They talk about how they…remove…traitors. It’s—It’s inhumane, Dark. Even you’re not as bad and you’ve been trying to kill us!”Four let out a frustrated sigh, eyes glued to the grass beneath them. “Oh. Sorry, um.”Four quickly glanced up again, fiery red eyes locking with crimson ones. “Were you…going to try and do something to us?” “Originally, yes. However…”Dark’s frown remained as he stared at the hero. “I think this is more important. You don’t feel safe with them, do you?” Why does he care? Four shook their head, unable to form words. “You’re afraid they’ll harm you?”A nod. “I see. Here, little one. You’re crying.”The other handed Four a tissue, which Four accepted despite having not even realised they had been crying. He’s being…nice to us? He..doesn’t seem to be after anything. Trust me, I can tell. “...thank you.”Four mumbled, wiping their tears. “How long has it been?” “Huh?” “Your fear of dying at their hands. How long has it been since the start?” “...five months, I reckon.”Four admitted quietly. “But I can’t tell them to stop.” “Because then they would know, yes…”Dark nodded a few times, then reached forward and tucked a loose strand of hair behind Four’s ear. “No child should have to fear like this.” “I’m not a kid.” “I see. Still, little one, you should not be with people that you fear…I have a suggestion.” “And that is..?” “I will keep you safe, little one. Come.”He lifted the small one up, and Four didn’t fight. Maybe they’re too tired, maybe they’re convinced. “You’ll…keep me safe?” “Yes. I will keep you safe.” “Promise?” “I promise, little one.” Four bit their lip, and considered it. What…what could go wrong? At least Dink won’t…talk about traitors like they’re scum like the chain does. “Okay.”Four decided. “Okay. I’ll…I’ll come with you.” Dink nodded gently, summoned a portal, and stepped through it with the smaller one. Four let out a breath. It feels like a weight had been lifted off their shoulders, in a strange sense. This feels right.

More on my Reverse Robins AU, this time with the Batgirls. Going off the general premise of this AU (Namely setting aside anything after Damian’s introduction/ the Batman reborn era for now. (I might come back to it… idk)), we’re not counting Stephanie’s time as Batgirl which means we’ve got two Batgirls (three if you count Helena’s brief stint, but she’s in the middle so it doesn’t change.) My ideas for this part is much looser since I’m only about 20 issues into her Batgirl run. Ideas from people who know about her are welcome.

Cass is the first Batgirl. She’s older than Steph, shows up in Gotham as a young adult a few years into her tenure as Batkid. Becomes Batgirl independently of Batman. Maybe she wants to emulate him as part of her drive for redemption. I’m just not sure what exactly her time as Batgirl looks like. There’s probably still the meta re-writes her brain so she can understand language plot point. I’m really liking her relationship with Barbara so far in the Batgirl comics, but that’s obviously not happening here. I’m not sure if she’s got someone else like that in her life and if so who it would be. She isn’t adopted by Batman in this AU, but they work together as allies on occasion. (Steph thinks she’s kick-ass and cool. Probably has more than a little hero-worship for her.)

It’s not the Joker who forcibly retires her. He was after Barbara because of her connection to Joker. (Also, I’ve decided the Joker is a c-tier batman rogue at best in this AU prior to it’s version of the Under the Red Hood Arc) Possibly it’s Shiva. The details are still fuzzy.

I can’t see Cass taking on the Hacker/Information Broker roll in the same way that Barabara did as Oracle. At least not with computers, too much reading and text there. I could see her being an information nexus in a more word-of-mouth type way. Maybe she has a network of all the people she’s ever beaten up who owe her favors. Maybe she does consulting with her ability to read body language. I think her working with the suicide squad could have some interesting stories. (Though I haven’t actually read any suicide squad comics, so idk.) I could also see her as the sort of weathered martial arts master master who has a steady stream of students who come to learn from her. Maybe she uses them Birds of Prey style to fight crime. I do think Cass should be friends with Dinah Lance though. I think they would have a fun dynamic.

What this brings us to is No Man’s Land, a comics arc that I care about a perfectly normal amount.

Barbara Gordon, freshly graduated from high school, volunteers to stay with her father and step-mother in No Man’s Land out of a stubborn sense of civic pride. She wants to help desperately but as one of the youngest people in the Boys in Blue contingent and also the commissioner’s daughter, they keep her as sheltered as they can. She ventures out further into Gotham on her own, scavenging, keeping her head low, looking for information. It’s on one of these expeditions that she runs into Cass.

 Cass stayed behind in Gotham. She’s running her own little corner of it. She’s convinced by Barbara’s determination and enthusiasm to start training her. Later, won over by her heart and the necessity of acting when Cain is sent after Jim Gordon, she gives her the Batgirl Mantle.

(In this AU, I don’t think Helena takes on the Bat mantle even though I do love that plot point. Steph stays in Gotham when Batman vanishes. She never quite left the city in the way that Dick did. She was Batman/Batwoman (haven’t decided yet) during the Knightfall saga, she takes on some of that again.)

(If Helena does take up the bat and is treated as Batgirl like she was in comics, Cass takes exception with her claiming of the mantel on grounds of her moral code.)

Barbara does not tell her father about Batgirl. For one, that’s her dad and she’s an adult now. For another, Gordon is in the middle of his mad at Batman phase and she’s just not going to get involved with that.

She continues to act as Batgirl throughout No Man’s Land, receiving mentorship not only from Cass, but also working with Spoiler and Azrael on occasion. Batman knows who she is. He makes some pointed comments but honestly isn’t as much of an ass to her as he could be.

Regrettable, I think Sarah Essen still dies during No Man’s Land. Not at the hands of the Joker because he’s dead in the universe, but whoever Batman’s number 1 evil rogue is. Batgirl isn’t able to save her in time. She internalizes that.

Barbara continues to act as Batgirl after No Man’s Land, fighting crime, kicking ass, and receiving mentorship from Cass. She goes back to college, at Gotham University this time instead of the Ivy League school she was originally accepted into. (She left when No Man’s Land happened, making the idealistic sort of stand teenagers are prone to doing.) She hangs out, fights crime, and occasionally flirts with Robin who’s cute if a little young for her. At some point she probably learns that Bruce Wayne is Batman and has to process that fact. Still doesn’t tell her dad anything. Fun times, fun times.

Widely hated Evil!Babs character assassination arc and Dick becomes Batgirl during the Batman!Reborn era

Red Feathers(Hawks/Keigo Takami x Female Reader)[REWRITTEN]

Part 5

See Masterlist for more parts

— — — —

Author here: Red Feathers will be rewritten, so parts will be coming slowly. If you like it, reblogs and comments will be much appreciated! Let me know what you think :)

— — — —

The warm air from the sunny day soon drifts the cool night winds. (Y/N) and her new companion just arrived back home and sat on the couch. Silence took over as soon as they arrived after a long day of walking and searching. There was nothing more upsetting than finding nothing on the first day. (Y/N) didn’t realize how determined she was to get Hawk’s memories back and find who did this to him. It was surprising to the girl when she found out that she still has a heart. A heart that cares for the people around her.

Hawk noticed how quiet she was. He could tell her mind was full of thoughts. Thoughts about how upset she was to find no leads. He waddles himself a bit closer to her. Not too close, given how little they know each other. “Hey, it’s only the first day,” he brightens a bit when her eyes meet his, “we’ll find out what happened. It’ll just take some time.”

(Y/N) nods, a small smile adorning her face. “You’re right. I was just hoping we’d get at least one lead today. Even if it was small.”

“Yeah, that would’ve been nice.”

She lets out a long sigh and grabs the remote sitting on the coffee table. A click sounded when she turns the television on. Anything that would distract her from the long day is what she’s hoping. 

Color comes to life on the screen. Immediately shown is the news, with a blond woman sitting at her desk and a muscled man covered in fire sitting next to her. (Y/N) knew exactly who that man is. Both from popularity and personal reasons. But as she looked at the familiar man, a thought came to mind.

“Hawk!” She calls, spooking the bird, who sat close to her. “Do you recognize him? Anything coming to mind?” She looked a bit excited as a wide smile spread on her face.

Hawk almost cringed at seeing her that way. He felt bad having to lie when he knew perfectly well who the hero is. But with his trust unable to rise with her, he had to keep up his small act. Although he couldn’t remember what happened the night he was turned, he knows who he is and the people he has friendships with. 

“Um…he looks familiar.” He decides to say. God, I’m such an asshole, he thinks to himself.

(Y/N) seems happy about his answer. “Well, that's something! He’s the number two hero, Endeavor. Maybe if we listen, he’ll say something that’ll jog your memory.”

“Endeavor! Thank you so much for coming,” the lady says excitedly. She looked anything but excited. Obvious sweat rolled down the side of her head. Either from the heat or from nervousness. (Y/N) knows Endeavor to be the not-so-friendly type of guy. “We have had a certain question pop up with our many followers. Endeavor, have you heard anything from Hawks?”

“Hawks is the number three hero,” (Y/N) confirms with the bird. Unbeknownst to her, he knows exactly who he is.

Endeavor scoffs, a bit of smoke coming out of his nose as he does so. “How should I know? It’s not like we’re friends.” (Y/N) puts on a fake smile. You got that right, she thinks. 

“Is that so? It was claimed that he is missing. Nobody has seen him since last week. I figured since he's the number two hero, you guys talk often." The lady nervously giggles.

The news lady’s words caught (Y/N) off guard. She doesn’t know the hero at a personal level, but hearing such a thing was a bit surprising. “Missing?” She says softly. “That’s…new.”

Hawk turns to look at her, hearing her clearly. He’s a bit curious if she were talking about him, even though she doesn’t know he’s the number three hero. “What’s new about it?” He asks her.

(Y/N) catches his question, now focused on him. “Hawks? He’s the fastest man alive,” she starts, noticing the way Hawk instinctively took a step closer and puffed out his chest a little bit, “Or so I’ve heard. I’m just a bit surprised a hero like him is…missing.”

Hawk couldn’t help but feel a bit proud of how she spoke of him. Although his excitement went downhill a bit after mentioning she doesn’t really know his speed, he still felt alive knowing that he was being thought of. Sure, he has met and talked with many of his fans, before turning into a bird, but never has he really met someone who isn’t a crazy fan. His curiosity is building the longer he thinks about her words. He just had to know.

“What do you think about Hawks?” 

The girl turns to him once more. A soft smile adorned her face when she looked at him thoughtfully. Hawk almost jumped, never expecting such a soft look from her. “Hmm…I’m not really a fan of any hero, from personal experiences, but I think he’s a nice guy.”

Personal experiences? Has a hero done something to her? Hawk became invested. He continued to listen to her before he could space out any further.

“I’ve never met the guy in person, don’t really intend to,” she giggles lightly, “but it amazes me how busy he could be. What was it he said before…? Something about wishing for heroes to be able to have time to kill? That’s why he’s working so hard. I admit, as someone who dislikes heroes, he has somehow caught my attention.”

She waited for Hawk to reply, but he seemed to be off into space as he stared at her with widened eyes. His surprise must not have been obvious to her. “I suppose I admire him.” She finally finishes, stretching her arms with a long sigh. Suddenly, a burst of laughter passes her lips, causing Hawk to come back to reality. “I just realized how similar you look to Hawks! The eyes, the feathers…and the fur! Isn’t that a coincidence?”

His feathers have never felt so uneasy before. He’s spooked that she noticed his appearance, so close to his original form, yet it seems she hasn’t quite caught onto him. He nervously lets out a relieved sigh when she stands up to leave, headed for the kitchen behind them. “O-oh…yeah! What a coincidence…” He mumbles.

He hears her chuckle when she reaches the counter, her phone loudly slamming onto it. “Alright, I think it’s about time we eat dinner.” She comments. As she opens the fridge for something to inspire her, a sudden noise grabs her attention. She quickly noticed it was a notification coming from her phone. 

(Y/N) takes a peak at her phone, a quiet hum escapes her lips when someone she hasn’t heard from in a long time messages her.

MESSAGES

FUYUMI TODOROKI

Allure (Rebirth)

Atalanta - who had once been Taylor Hebert - took one look at the expression on her older sister’s face and immediately turned to run. Alas, one did not simply outrun Ragnarok.

“Why so quick to leave, sweet sister?” Diana was suddenly beside her, and Atalanta found herself guided over to the front porch by her smiling sibling. It was terrifying how easily Diana could keep a smile on her face while casually dragging Atalanta around despite her best efforts to resist. “I heard an interesting rumour...”

Atalanta decided that if force wouldn’t work, she would employ an ancient Dia technique. She gasped and pointed. “Wow! What could that be?”

Diana laughed. “Atalanta, I can literally see in every direction around myself even without eyes. I know there’s nothing there. Plus, that’s a Dia thing. I might be Yun, but I’ve been an honorary Dia since the first time I picked up my shoe and vowed vengeance against a bird that crossed me.”

“...” Atalanta saw her twin walking past and shot him a desperate look for help. Taren glanced at Diana and then did what anyone else - except possibly Averia - would have done. He threw her under the proverbial bus and went back inside. Fury, who was right next to him, was even worse. The chocobo plodded out, found a spot nearby, and settled in to watch.

That little bastard. Well, not little anymore. Fury was eleven feet tall. He was still a bastard, though.

“Kweh.” Fury smiled sunnily. “Kweh.”

He might be a bastard, but she was completely screwed.

“So...” Diana’s smile turned into a smirk. “I heard from a little bird that somebody has been visiting Paddra using some of her Semblance constructs to make sure that she doesn’t have to log her details in when she takes a transport.”

Atalanta made a choking sound. Beaky! That asshole must have sold her out. Then again, he had always had a grudge against her. He probably dreamed of pecking her in the head. “Is... is that so?”

“Don’t bother denying it.” Diana laughed. “Beaky has me on speed dial.”

“...” Atalanta made a choking sound. “He does?”

“Although Aquila does have more... normal security, the crows and ravens do their own thing too. Beaky is in charge of the birds watching over her, so he contacts me whenever she heads our way. She did that a lot as a kid, so we keep in touch. Plus, he likes talking to the geese, avian solidarity and all that.”

“...” Atalanta would never quite understand how animals could be so intelligent and obnoxious here in comparison to their Earth counterparts.

“So... it seems as though you’ve been captivated by the allure of an older woman.” Diana waggled her eye brows in ridiculous fashion. “Although I do have to compliment you on your taste. According to Remnant Social Monthly, Aquila is one of their top ten most eligible bachelorettes.”

“You read that garbage?” Atalanta asked.

“Nope. I have some programs to trawl through it for anything useful or anything I need to suppress. I know what they’ll publish long before it goes to print.”

“You are so evil.”

“I prefer to think of myself as being villainously benevolent. Anyway...”

“We’re just friends.” Atalanta knew it was a mistake the second she said it.

“Oh? Could it be that my little sister doesn’t know how to put the moves on someone?” Diana put one arm around Atalanta. “Listen well, little sister, and I will teach you how to wield your deadly Yun-Farron charm against her. No woman will be able to resist you!”

X     X     X

“I should probably go out there and save her,” Averia said as she listened to Diana explain the finer points of courtship and wooing to Atalanta in overblown fashion. “I think Atalanta might actually die of embarrassment once Diana pulls out the holographic flow chart because we all know she’s got one.”

“No.” Lightning shook her head.

“No?”

“This is way too funny.” Lightning’s lips twitched. “Give Diana another five minutes.”

“Make it ten,” Fang said. “This is hilarious.”

“Maybe we should step in,” Taren said. “I mean... oh!” His eyes widened. “Diana is about to pull out the flow chart. Never mind!”

X     X     X

Author’s Notes

Ah, nothing like family caring. It’s why Taylor later takes a bit of a shine to the Undersiders. Their dynamic reminds her a bit of her family. That said, if Averia doesn’t step in to save her, she’s doomed.

Also, Beaky is indeed a jerk, but he’s good at what he does. It’s also not unusual for him to call the geese, so they can talk shop or complain good-naturedly about their humans. He’s never gotten on with the raccoons, though.

i kinda love jn102 .

jn102 is the episode where goh does one of his many trial missions, specifically where he and other project mew challengers have a raid battle against articuno.

the appearance of articuno completes the list which means all legendary birds have shown up in journeys, and we get to see gary and tokio again. i will not be calling him horace, u can’t make me. i’ve said his dub name enough times today.

but, tbh, i hated this ep when i first watched it.

the battle seemed rushed in a way, and i didn’t really understand what was going on. i loved to see the return of tokio and ash finally getting to meet him, and i absolutely love gary, but this episode didn’t do it for me.

so, i rewatched it. like, 5 times. and my god, did it get better.

so much stuff happened in the battle, and it was truly interesting to watch when my attention span actually decided to last over 4 seconds long. but, that wasn’t even the best part of the episode, the battle.

after the battle is over, and everybody is leaving the island, tokio tells goh that he did just fine, even though he got less tokens than both him and gary. in the battle, goh seemed to take over a lot, and make uncalculated decisions, but tokio reassured him, and told him he’d have more chances and did amazing in this chance as well.

but gary turns around, instantly disagreeing. and honestly, it’s the best part of the ep. (dub ver, cuz i was listening to it while writing this.)

GA - "sometimes, kindness is what holds someone back. you forgive their mistakes and encourage their impossible dreams, while raising their hopes, you bring the worst possible outcome." 

GO - "what does that mean?" 

GA - "i joined you, because this time, the mission was a raid battle. but since we're still challengers, you're not my friend." 

AS - "come on, what's the matter with a couple of friends helping each other?"

GA - "you're as clueless as ever." 

AS - "huh?" 

GA - “i think quillon's attitude is the right one. the truth is, you'll never find mew without discipline. you're starting to think the same thing, right, goh? aren't you?" 

GO - ". . that's the first time you've talked to me like an equal." 

GA - "hm." 

GO - "take on a challenge, and then learn from it. yeah, gary, i see the way you think." 

GA - "and that's the first time you've talked to me like that. i look forward to seeing you again, later."

i didn’t think much of this scene when i first watch this episode, but god, did i think of it every other time. it’s the first time shigegou talk to each other as equals and not rivals, and rlly prepares for what eventually happens 11 episodes later, the first time they work as a team.

cause since jn068 when goh met gary, he was absolutely annoyed at everything he ever did, and wouldn't listen to him just for the sake of not listening to him. even earlier in this episode, that showed. he didn’t listen when he needed to, because he didn’t want gary to be right.

but now that they finished the raid battle, and goh matured quite a bit and learned a lot abt teamwork, he sees why gary acts the way he does, especially towards him. he wants goh to improve, just like he wanted ash to improve back in os.

i haven't watched most of os but ik there's a clip from ep270, where gary gives ash his half of the poké ball he got so long ago, and talks abt how their league battle went and how his way of mind changed. and how back in their fishing battle when they ‘tied’, gary took it as a loss. but now he’s matured, he knows that in this battle ash won fair and square. 

but, even if it wasn't showed in that clip, gary helped ash improve a lot, and it showed that gary wanted ash to improve even if he didn't always say what he meant. 

this then happened in jn068 again, when gary was teasing goh the entire episode. but gary's clearly grown mentally even more since his last appearance, and thats why he seems to clearly want goh to improve. but instead, he tends to use his wisdom and the lessons he's learned, even if he still seems like some rude brat sometimes.

every time gary’s appeared in journeys, up to this point, he seems to have annoyed goh by just being there. at the end of jn068, goh learns that gary just acts like he does, never meaning what he shows on the outside.

but instead of just taking it, like he’s seen to do, it feels like he just . . couldn’t trust him. not enough, not yet. of course he couldn’t, they barely talked and their first meeting was absolutely awful for him. but in jn102, he seems to have finally earned goh’s trust, and they now accept each other as equals.

yeah, that’s it. i’ll be rewatching this episode for the rest of time, tyvm. i love shigegou.

Okay look, I’m going to make a big long post about the actual plot, but first I just... I just need to be upset about the absolute lack of queer rep for a minute, okay?

Because I never actually expected them to make any of the trio in an explicitly canon relationship. It’s the fucking mouse studio, and Amphibia always had way less freedom than the Owl House (which is literally getting cancelled for being gay), so I obviously knew it was never going to happen. However, a small, stubborn part of me did hope we’d at least get an implied relationship between two of them. Which obviously did not happen

However, I am so angry at the fact that they really sat there, and they didn’t give us any undeniable queer representation. That’s right, I don’t count Olivia calling Yunan “sweetheart” as undeniably explicit because while it does absolutely confirm to anyone with braincells that they’re dating/married, it isn’t explicit. English people genuinely do refer to family/friend as ‘sweetheart’. Hop Pop got an entire episode dedicated to his relationship with Sylvia, as well as several scenes in other episodes I believe, but all Olivia and Yunan get is one word? Dialogue is much more significant confirmation than the handholding, or the amount of blushing, because if the characters don’t discuss it, then it was probably put in by the animators. And yes, they have to get everything approved, but it’s a lot easier for them to slip something in than it is for the writers, and the higher-ups care about it less because it’s easier to deny.

But why does this make me so angry? I’ve been let down by plenty of shows in the past, why does this one make me so unbelievably angry when they gave me more rep than certain other things I’ve watched? Well, you see, it’s because of one of the relationships they did decide to make canon. I could have easily dealt with none of the trio getting together, and might have even been happy with Olivia and Yunan’s relationship ‘confirmation’ if it weren’t for the inexcusably explicit relationship that the mouse decided was appropriate for children.

The snail and the fucking bird. Yep. We can’t have human lesbians, and the newt wives are an implication, but we can literally show the multiple mutant children of the giant snail-car and the massive sparrow. We’re going to have them make affections noises when they see each other, and blush more than Yunan and Olivia combined, and then LITERALLY SHOW THEIR OFFSPRING. But yeah, the gays will scar children. Can’t have that in a kids show. No way.

So yeah I’m, uh. Not exactly pleased. Like I said at the start, I have loads of thoughts about the actual plot that I will absolutely make into a post, but I just wanted to rant about this first.

Shoutout to the animators for making Sasha as canonically bisexual as they could, though. That’s definitely something, even if it wasn’t ever mentioned in any of the dialogue

a review of Haunted Castle on Hallows Eve (Magic Tree House book)

because some friends were waxing nostalgic for these books, and I never read them, and so I finally picked up a few of them.

looks promising? castles and stuff.

wait, didn’t these kids go learn about dinosaurs, but now there’s Merlin? Ok... we’re just going with it. (idk, The Time Warp Trio was MY jam back in the day.)

stuff happens, they meet someone who barks at them, but it’s a friend, also there’s Merlin for like a micro second, anyway they get to the castle

what

Wait, this is legit kind of scary and creepy. I don’t like this. Little kid me would have not liked it either. I was not expecting to be actually spooked.

....“safe from the bone” is a pretty good line.

anyway it turns out there’s a pretty easy explanation: there’s a ghost/invisible dog thing carrying the bone. Whew! we like to see some order and reason around here.

Moving on,

sick! they all turn into ravens! that’s what I’m talking about. Classic. also they fly around and do stuff as ravens.

(Animorphs was also my jam back in the day, why do you ask. I’m too scared to reread it now though.)

oh shit look who showed up. well at least the Raven King is polite.

Now I need to explain some context. And the context is: what image do you think of, reading this? Your immediate mental character design, based on the description?

Below is something like what assumed:

Real scraggity - maybe Howl’s Moving Castle movie version Howl (in bird mode) plus general scruffyness. This wierdo lives with, and resides, over some corvids.

Anyway,

below is what the illustrator, Sal Murdocca, slaps on the page.

who tf

pecs + armor muscle

what

I thought this character was a nerd who had a bird beak for a nose, what is this

I’ve been reading a book full of placid drawings of children wandering around and cute little ravens - where did this come from. Sal Murdocca letting loose I guess.

Anyway here’s another shot of the raven king

To wrap up the story, the protagonist kids save the day, the raven king turns into a baby raven (!?), the ghost dog turns back into a real dog, etc etc.

The children walk through Ye Olde Town

frankly the two kids look kinda bored here. Like they’re trying to be politely excited. 30 books in, they’ve seen it all.

The two children go back to their own time, it’s halloween,

oh my god, the protagonist kids aren’t even trying. I know the gag is that they are now not scared of pretend costumes, after their adventures - but these kids look seriously jaded. Meanwhile, take a study of these fellow childrens’ costumes. They’re actually pretty well crafted. Like, effort / money went into those. Also because Sal Murdocca once again went a lil wild and drew the hell out of that hairy eye ball. Anyway, these kids could at least pretend to be a little scared, even if they are jaded adventures, just for the other kids’ sake. Right now they look like they’re giving the royal wave to passerbyers.

Final notes: Although I came upon these books years too late, I could see younger kid me maybe getting into this book in particular. I did already have Animorphs, The Time Warp Trio, and also Camp Haunted Hills (esp book 3 with the time travel) - maybe my taste was a little more out there / different than what the Magic Tree House books offered?

Bonus: Also, I saw that the current edition of this book has this cover -

which tbh is probably savvier from a marketing perspective. “slap that sal murdocca version raven king on the cover STAT,” I can see the marketing team saying. Personally, I’m still glad I went in not knowing anything and having my wtf moment when I saw the illustration reveal of the raven king.

(Also, for some reason, the marketing team/whoever deciding - “and UP the muscles even more on the raven king on the cover.” Because... these book are ‘More challenging adventures for experienced readers, ages 7-10’ (from the publisher site) and that’s what we do?)

Also small nitpick but I read the chain mail as more silvery (in sal murdocca’s pencil drawings), not the sameish charcoal black as the raven kind’s skin color. (Also sal murdocca‘s illustration was better tbh, I’m assuming someone else maybe illustrated this cover. idk who, because I started looking around the website and both illustrators involved in this series have chops, so idk who did this cover)

Also, wait, is the brother pushing his little sister towards the raven king? There’s a lot happening in this cover.