Somebody please adapt Silmarillion into an anime . Please. I need it.
ROUND 1: NINA TUCKER (fullmetal alchemist) VS ALEXANDER TUCKER (Fullmetal Alchemist!)
remember everyone: if there is a perfect tie, they will both move on as a team :D
Angels related fic 2
Sataniel’s eyes shot open as a sharp pain ran up his leg. He lifted his head up and turned to look at his right leg.
(A fracture… is it?)
His vision was spinning from whatever hit him and blood seeping from a wound on his head but he could make out that he was still in the control room of his ship, a massive flying fortress made out of whatever parts he could salvage of what’s left of the research facility when he split the moon apart.
(My head hurts.)
He could hardly move. Every inch of his body was in pain and any movement felt like someone was stabbing a knife through his bones. His line of sight finally fell on a small black clothed figure lying on his back a few metres away from him.
“Lucifer…!”
Sataniel tried to call out his son’s name but his voice came out only as a hoarse whisper.
(Please be alive!)
Pushing himself up with his arms, he dragged himself next to Lucifer. He placed a hand on the young boy’s chest and relaxed slightly as he felt the rise and fall.
Just at that moment, the sound of someone walking towards them could be heard. Sataniel turned his head towards the sound.
It was her. Wearing a bulky astronaut suit that seemed ill suited for her petite frame, that woman stumbled towards them.
The astronaut helmet that she was wearing had been knocked off earlier and Sataniel could finally see her face.
His wife’s face. Something he had not seen for years.
As she got closer, Sataniel could hear her talking.
“I’m…sorry… I’m… sorry….”
Over and over again.
She was now standing in front of Sataniel. Sataniel folded one of his wings over Lucifer and stared intently at his wife, Ignora. He noticed that there were tears streaming down her face.
“Why are you crying?”
Sataniel asked gently. Just like he did before, a long time ago, before all this happened.
“I’m sorry…”
Again.
“I was right…… you really weren’t yourself…”
Sataniel muttered.
“Yes. You’re right about that, at least.”
Suddenly Ignora spoke calmly. It was a strange sight as her expression said otherwise. A golden glow surrounded her body and a figure separated itself from her.
It had the appearance of a teenage boy with short silver hair. A few untidy gold streaks can be seen mixed in its hair. The teenager spoke with a childish smirk.
“Pleased to make your acquaintance, Demon King.”
“You’re….!”
The pale silver haired teenager floated a few centimetres off ground and stared at Sataniel for a whole, seeming to observe him.
(That’s one of the Sephira… Malkuth perhaps? Yesod spoke about him before.)
“I’m Malkuth.”
Then he bowed slightly. Ignora’s eyes were glazed over as she stood next to him like a doll. He raised his head and looked around. Suddenly a sour expression crossed his face.
“Yesod isn’t with you. Where did she go? You took her didn’t you?”
Malkuth asked, accusingly.
“I don’t know where she is.”
Sataniel replied, as calmly as he could. It was true though. He had entrusted Yesod to Lailah and told her to flee. Where she was now, he had absolutely no idea.
Sataniel kept his gaze on Malkuth. Was that Sephira going to be angry and kill him on the spot?
“……I guess that’s fine.” Malkuth smiled bitterly.
“Hah?”
Despite how dire the situation was given that Sataniel was barely in a position to fight, Ignora was still being controlled and Lucifer was unconscious next to him, he still could not help but let out an air headed exclamation of surprise.
“I don’t want Yesod to be caught up in this, as much as possible.” Malkuth explained, with a grin.
“How awfully kind of you.” Sataniel retorted, not holding back his sarcasm.
“Hmph. I’m not the bad person here. Here, I’ll let this woman talk to you.”
Once Malkuth waved his hand lightly in Ignora’s direction, the light returned to her eyes. Ignora turned her head, looking at Malkuth fearfully. She then turned in Sataniel’s and Lucifer’s direction. She quickly ran forward and knelt down in front of Sataniel, trying to help him off the ground.
Just as Sataniel managed to get on his knees, he threw his arms around Ignora and hugged her tightly.
“You bloody idiot…”
Sataniel said, his voice mixed with sadness and relief.
“….!”
Ignora did not reply with any words. She cried even harder, hugging her injured husband back.
“… because of me…!”
“It’s alright…”
Sataniel stroked Ignora’s hair. This tender moment was, however, interrupted by Malkuth.
“You could have died.”
Malkuth commented in a manner-of-fact tone. He crossed his arms in front of his chest and smiled like he knew a secret.
Sataniel glared back.
“Ignora really spent a really—— large chunk of her magic trying to flatten this place. Even I was impressed.”
“…how dare you…”
Malkuth raised an eyebrow and floated closer to the trio.
“How dare I make use of her? That’s rich, coming from you. You made use of my relatives.”
He must have been referring to Kael and Shakeena who were the Sephira on their old planet.
“Tch…”
Sataniel gritted his teeth while pulling Ignora closer to himself.
“Like I was saying. That attack was meant to kill you and him.”
Malkuth tilted his head slightly towards Lucifer’s direction as he said “him”. Sataniel recalled that just before that attack came, he had detected it in the nick of time and attempted to shield Lucifer but…
(With Ignora’s ability, I should have been dead…)
“I underestimated his ability.”
Malkuth sighed, shaking his head lightly like someone who just made a trivial careless mistake.
Ignora glanced at Lucifer.
“Lucifer neutralised my magic…. just before it hit the both of you.”
She said softly, sounding regretful.
(Damn, I’m so proud of him.)
That thought crossed Sataniel’s mind briefly. Malkuth then cleared his throat impatiently.
“I’m going to have to kill him.”
The Sephira said bluntly. Just as he finished that statement, magic circles appeared in front of Sataniel and Ignora. They both glared at Malkuth furiously. Malkuth looked back at the couple, his eyes wide. Then shaking his head again, he sighed, exasperated.
Just as Ignora and Sataniel both caught a glance at Malkuth’s irritated expression, the Sephira disappeared in a blink of an eye.
Just as suddenly as he disappeared, he reappeared behind Sataniel and wrapped his left arm around the man’s throat.A golden light orb formed around his right hand and Malkuth held the orb next to Sataniel’s temple.
“Sataniel!”
Ignora cried out her husband’s name and tried to move towards him and Malkuth.
“Nope, stay right there or I’ll blow his head off.”
Malkuth said in a low voice.
“Why not just blow it off now?”
Sataniel suddenly asked. Although he could not see Malkuth’s expression, he heard the boy inhale sharply, perhaps surprised at his unexpected calmness.
“You were losing control of Ignora the moment she saw me injured which was why you released control of her so that I wouldn’t be able to tell.”
“So what, it does not mean I can’t kill you now.”
Malkuth said. Although it was almost unnoticeable, he voice was shaking slightly.
“If I die in front of Ignora right now, you know what would happen, right? Even her magic and temper frightens me.”
Sataniel said, smiling slightly.
“And you need her for something. That’s why you haven’t killed her yet.”
Malkuth clicked his tongue in annoyance.
“Then I won’t kill you. I’ll just take off some of your limbs.”
As Malkuth moved his right arm down to Sataniel’s shoulder, Ignora raised her hand.
“Wait, you just need Lucifer out of the way, am I correct?”
Malkuth let out another irritated sigh at Ignora’s question.
“Now you want to kill him?
Ignora shook her head.
“That room is here, isn’t it?” Ignora looked at Sataniel as she asked this. Sataniel nodded slightly.
“There’s a room here where we can lock him up in. I’ll put him to a deep sleep.”
“Oh, and if he wakes up?”
Ignora paused for a moment at this question. It seems like she was grasping at straws to get Malkuth to spare their lives.
“I can block his memories. Even if he wakes up, it’ll take him a while to figure out an escape. We’ll leave those robots here to guard the fortress to prevent him from leaving.”
Sataniel added. Malkuth was silent.
“And I won’t get in the way of your plans. I promise.”
Sataniel finally said. There was another minute of silence as Malkuth considered the proposition.
“Fine. This is getting nowhere anyway.”
Malkuth moved his right arm away from Sataniel but kept his arm wrapped around his neck.
“Take us there.”
*************
Sataniel could not remember when he passed out. The last memory he had was leading Ignora and Malkuth to the multiple metal doors that led to “that room” while carrying Lucifer.
Now when he came to, he was already on the ground with his back leaning against the walls of a white room. He glanced upwards and saw Ignora lifting Lucifer with magic and placing him in what looked like a white metallic pod. Malkuth stood a short distance away with his arms crossed.
Then Ignora looked at Sataniel, relief crossing her face as she saw him awake.
“Come on. I can’t block his memories… You have more memories with him…”
Ignora crouched down next to Sataniel and she supported him onto his feet. It was, of course, no easy task as she was much shorter than he was.
Taking slow steps to the pod, they finally stood next to it. Sataniel looked down at his son who was sleeping with a peaceful expression. For a moment, Sataniel remembered the time when he was looking at the face of a dead relative in a coffin.
Sataniel placed his hand on Lucifer’s forehead.
“We’re sorry. Just bear with it for a while, alright? We’ll come back for you when this is over.”
“You better do it properly.”
Malkuth grumbled but the couple did not pay any attention to him.
It was about an hour but it definitely felt a lot longer as Sataniel manipulated Lucifer’s memories. Lucifer’s memories appeared in flashes through Sataniel’s mind. Painful ones, sad ones and some happy ones.
(Sorry I could not give you a better life. When this is over, let’s live together peacefully.)
Finally it was done. Sataniel fell to his knees from exhaustion. He felt like he was going to pass out again. The edges of his vision was starting to darken.
“That’s enough, isn’t it, Malkuth?”
Sataniel could hear Ignora asking.
“Yes. Carry out your end of the promise too.”
“Wha…”
Sataniel tried to ask but what came out was an incomprehensible slur.
(What promise?)
Ignora kneeled down next to Sataniel and using both her hands, she cupped his face so that he was looking at her.
“You can’t stay with me. I’m going to send you to a safer place. Wait for me, alright?”
(No! Please let me stay by your side!)
Sataniel grasped Ignora’s slim wrist.
“It’s going to be okay.”
Ignora smiled as she gently pulled Sataniel’s hand away. Air started moving around Sataniel and before he knew it, he was pushed through a gate.
*********
When Sataniel woke up again, he was lying on damp grass. Something warm and wet was nudging his back.
He slowly pushed himself up and this creature that resembled a wooly goat ran off.
(Ah… I’m on that Earth, aren’t I?)
**********
Ok I’m finally done with this haha. 4 months later. Combined all the parts together!
This entire Russian-Ukrainian conflict is a complex situation because each side is reporting different things while the American media is running in the back on fire screaming ‘WAAAAAR!’ And Americans can’t see anything but their own propaganda that has been trying to ‘predict’ the Russian invasion for a week now, failing every time. But however this entire thing goes, this is what you need to know motherfuckers:
Do not fucking go and start hating Russians. Do not fucking go and start hating Ukrainians. Do not fucking go and start hating Russians while protecting Ukrainians and vice-versa.
If it doesn’t reach your mind that normal people cannot affect what’s happening, and that the governments (Russian, Ukrainian, Republican, American) and NATO are to blame, then I am telling you this right now.
Don’t you dare fucking go and project Putin’s actions onto innocent people that live in Russia. Don’t do the same thing to Ukrainians. Normal people don’t want war, on either side.
If you are aware of what's going on between Russia and Ukraine at the very moment then consider this
Please, turn against Putin, not Russian citizens, because I'm from Moscow, and we don't want any war, invasion, etc. We post the very same thing on our socials and we are against whatever our government stands for. We are intimidated as well. We don't want to fight, be blamed as aggressors, have our bank accounts frozen, or be disconnected from socials. We don't want any of this. We woke up this morning and read the news as you all did. And we were scared.
We as a nation appreciate the Ukrainian people and many of our relatives, friends, colleagues are Ukrainians. But we can't even do peaceful protests because whenever we do they turn against us and put people in prisons. Hundreds of Moscow residents have been already arrested today for speaking up against the war with Ukraine on the streets.
I don't want people from other countries to think that Russians are all evil because we suffer from our government as well. Most of the people here especially young people hate our politics, our president and want to peacefully live their lives.
That's it. Please, take care.
I know the hobbit movies make a big deal about how angsty teen Legolas is and completely screwed his relationship with his dad Thranduil. But whenever I read the Lord of the Rings I cannot help but think: my goodness, but Thranduil must have really spoiled Legolas rotten.
We first meet Legolas at the Council of Elrond. He is dressed simply and for light travel, and does not choose to wear his title as a Prince, instead identifying himself as a messenger from Thranduil, his king. Indeed he often chooses to call Thranduil his king rather than his father, which many have taken as a sign that relations between the two are strained.
However, I propose the direct opposite - that his many mentions of Thranduil as his Elven-Lord demonstrates not only his love for Thranduil, but also his respect and admiration of what a great king his father is for his people.
Consider this: whenever he mentions Thranduil or Mirkwood it is always with warmth and a subtle longing. He doesn't ever speak of his home in anything other than good terms, even if it has been marred and fallen into becoming Mirkwood (as opposed to Greenwood the Great).
And it isn't just to maintain pride in front of outsiders. When you contrast the way Boromir speaks of Gondor and his father the steward Denethor, to the way Legolas speaks of Mirkwood and Thranduil, it becomes clearer. Boromir is proud of his family, country and heritage and boasts of it. He claims Gondor is the main protector of Middle-earth, and that they have been fighting Mordor the hardest. But deep down he is questioning his father's rule, and is uncertain of Gondor's future.
Legolas is almost the opposite. He doesn't ever boast of his country, although Mirkwood, just like Gondor, is right at Mordor's doorstep. Instead he shares with the company personal anecdotes that show (not tell) exactly how good life is there despite the Shadow. He doesn't waver in his believe of his people's strength; indeed only he and Aragorn could face Galadriel without any fear or hesitation.
I think the reason why Legolas always mentions Thranduil as a king or lord is not because he doesn't want to acknowledge Thranduil is his father. It is that Legolas is so in awe of Thranduil and so respectful of him that whenever he is mentioned Legolas' first thought is not 'that's my dad and we're related', but instead is 'that's my king and my hero and he's so awesome'.
He doesn't consciously mention Thranduil as his father because his mind frame is not to introduce the company to Thranduil the way you would introduce your friends to your parents. He doesn't want them to think of him as just a nice uncle who is the father of a friend.
Legolas introduces Thranduil as his king because he wants the company to respect him as such, as the ruler of a great country who has done great deeds. He wants the company to see Thranduil as someone in-charge, as someone who is capable and should be given the proper courtesies accorded to him.
Some may question, in that case why doesn't Legolas call him 'my father the king'? It would highlight both Legolas' relationship to Thranduil as well as Thranduil's kingship.
I think this has to do with the circumstances as well as Legolas' humble personality. It is true that he doesn't ever make a big deal out of being prince, but at the same time this title means nothing much in the fellowship company. There is Aragorn, who would be king of Gondor. Boromir, eldest son of the ruling Steward of Gondor. Gimli, cousin of Balin who is the Lord of Moria. Gandalf, member of the Istari and councilor of many kingdoms. Peregrin, son of the Thain of Shire. Meriadoc, son of the Master of Buckland. Frodo, heir to Bilbo and a celebrity (of sorts) of the Shire.
Virtually everyone in the fellowship had a title (except Sam) and there is really no point in highlighting it among themselves when it doesn't matter. The only time where Legolas being Prince of Mirkwood would matter is when meeting other elves or when meeting allies of Mirkwood (like Dale for example). In which case in the former, Legolas being son of Thranduil is more than enough recognition for Elrond and Celeborn (as both of them were Sindar elves, and thus kin of Thranduil). And for the latter there wasn't any opportunity to do so.
Thus Legolas not mentioning the king is also his father is his way of downplaying his title as Prince, something which signifies his humility as well.
Finally, what makes me certain that Thranduil is a very caring father is Legolas' personality itself. Galadriel mentions that Legolas had always lived in joy, and this is very evident throughout the book.
In the entire journey, Legolas is shown to never despair. The only moment of fear was when he saw the Balrog (a famous elves bane) but otherwise he was also never fearful. This is despite the overwhelming circumstances the company finds themselves in. He always sees the bright side in every situation, frequently makes jokes and funny quips, and is in an overall joyful mood.
From the Hobbit, we learn that this cheerful outlook is shared by the Mirkwood elves, regardless of the growing Shadow. The only person who was affected at all was Thranduil himself, who was always wary of Mordor rising again. But he took careful pains to never affect his people, and they were always in good spirits despite the war that was happening.
I think Legolas was very well loved as a child, and always carefully sheltered. Not from the horrors and realities of war like death and destruction (because we can see he is a very capable warrior). No, he was instead sheltered from the despair and sorrow that would normally accompany death and destruction.
Legolas would see death and elves dying in battle, and Thranduil would tell him of the halls of Mandos and how death is just a path back to the Valar. He would look at the destruction of the woods and the land, and Thranduil would tell him it is like the passage of winter, but spring would come and the land would flourish again.
Legolas would have grown up knowing that even though bad things are happening, good things are still to come, and that's why he always has such hope in him and such joy. Unlike the mortal lives of Men and Dwarves, Elves are immortal and they can afford to wait for the end of the Shadow. There is no hurry, and because Mirkwood is untouched by any of the Rings, they don't need to worry about the power of the Three fading.
Legolas is happy and joyful because he is beloved, and I think that is a consequence of Thranduil's nurturing personality. It just makes much more sense when you compare him to the other characters who had lost both parents (Aragorn and Eomer), or had a stern and demanding father (Boromir and Faramir).
Legolas remains unchanged for the most part at the end of the journey because he was already in such a good place to start with. I think that is quite a comforting thought.
This is so beautiful and I love it
Why am I crying. I think I cry too easily.
Indeed most of the references to Dwarvish history in Elvish records are marked with ‘so said Legolas’.
– The Peoples of Middle Earth