#plot building

[the-most-humble-blog]

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🧠 FREE WRITING LESSON -- THE MOST POWERFUL CHARACTER DEPTH TRICK YOU’LL EVER READ.

Let’s say your character sucks.

She’s flat. Predictable. “Strong” in all the wrong ways. Let’s call her Nicolle. Or Carol. Or whatever name Hollywood gave her.

She’s a superhero. She’s got powers. She’s got sarcasm. She takes no shit. She leads the squad. She’s admired by everyone -- and loved by no one.

You’ve seen this character before. Now watch what happens when you give her one secret she doesn’t brag about.

Nicolle has two sons.

She’s raising them alone -- to become men like her late father: A man who sacrificed everything to raise her after her mother disappeared, broke, or gave up.

The world sees Nicolle as the apex of visual empowerment. But the world doesn’t see:

The arguments with her boys’ father -- about what being a real dad means.

The prayers whispered in the dark over a fevered forehead.

The way she ghosted the only man she maybe wanted, not because she’s flaky -- but because she doesn’t know if wanting love makes her a bad mother.

The nights she tucks her boys in, then collapses into her bed, staring at the ceiling, heart full of ache, because she gave the world her strength but kept no one to hold hers.

They don’t see the days her sons cry after watching her get slammed through buildings on TV.

Held by the throat. Left for dead. Motionless for seconds too long. Until she rises -- because she has to.

They don’t see the breakdowns. They don’t see her flinch.

They assume she doesn’t feel fear. But the truth?

She feels it every single time.

She’s not fearless. She’s never been. But fear is a luxury she doesn’t have.

That’s a luxury for men. She is a god. And she will make any threat scream that truth -- as she crushes it beneath her bleeding hands.

Because when demons invade, tyrants rise, and monsters descend, She suits up.

Not for hashtags. Not for feminism. Not for attention.

She suits up because the idea of her sons growing up in a world she could’ve fought for and didn’t -- is more terrifying than death itself.

And she will not let the universe teach her boys that their mother ever cowered.

🔺 THE TRIFECTA THAT MAKES ANY SUPERHERO NEXT-LEVEL:

Intimacy. Contradiction. Duty.

Intimacy gives them a soul -- something they protect more than their own body.

Contradiction gives them depth -- because perfection is forgettable, but conflict creates memory.

Duty gives them immortality -- because we remember those who bled for more than applause.

Give a character that trifecta -- and suddenly:

She’s not annoying. She’s haunting. She’s not fanfiction. She’s canon. She’s not shallow. She’s legend.

✍️ That’s how you fix a weak character. You don’t soften her. You give her something to fight that fists can’t touch.

And suddenly?

She’s not a girlboss. She’s the last myth your enemies ever tell themselves before they die.

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[goatlilly]

Simpleman could be a pretty big turning point in the Minnie Miraculous AU.

If things go the same way as canon, the kids find the kwami after Marinette babysits everyone, only this time, they realize they're kwami because they know what kwami are. This may or may not lead to identity reveals depending on how dense/dumb the kids are

Then, when Rolland gets akumatized, his akuma form can incapacitate Miss Terra while leaving the kids unaffected, so they're gonna have to fight an akuma without Miss Terra's help in...maybe the first time?

What do you think?

I think you’re right—that would be a pretty great turning point for the little kids. I don’t remember the episode too well though, I’d have to go back and rewatch it.

Previous

Next

[little-frog-writes]

More plans for that Mermaid ISAT Au I was working on! Now I know I should be writing for my other stories, but this silly little plot is taking over my head. I can’t stop thinking about it!

I fell like Bonnie would be the type to imitate everything their sister does and ends up following her to work more often than not. Because of this little habit, Bonnie would sneak onto the merchants ships that Nille works for. Usually, this would end up in a light scolding from their sister, but this time pirates attack the ship and the siblings were separated in the chaos.

Nille pushes Bonnie into one of the last life boats, ending up saving their life at the cost of being separated. She gives Bonnie her hair chain in order for Bonnie to agree to leave in the dingy life boat (Not very stable cause the merchant ship Nille worked for was sketchy ‘hence the pirate attack).

Bonnie would be lost at sea for a while until a mermaid (Siffrin) finds them and brings them back home (unknowing to the mer). They would be found covered in dried bits of seaweed, cuts, and bruises. Bonnie would be unconscious throughout the whole journey to the mainland causing Frin to worry (Bonnie doesn’t end up finding out about Frin’s mermaid-ness until much later in the story).

Siffrin would give them the “sea’s blessing” (A mystery tattoo in the shape of a strange symbol (A star). No one knows where it comes from, but it is said to bring good luck to anyone’s ship if a person with the symbol is present.) on their upper arm. For Siffrin, the symbol is a way for them to see if the random guppy they found is alright and also works as a tracker. He can find Bonnie anywhere they are and would later follow their trail after being worried about them (and maybe also boredom from being kept in the sea for so long/ the need to explore).

Bonnie doesn’t care about the cool new protection they have and only wants to find their sisters which would eventually lead them to Odile’s research boat where the party meets up. They would sneak onto the vessel thinking it was a merchant ship, but ends up convincing Odile to help them anyway.

Isabeau was a guard Odile hired to protect her ship while sea bound and Mira is a researcher who transferred over to Odile’s team from Euphrasie branch, therefore the party meets and the story begins.

None of them realizes what lays in store for them ahead, but relationships and silly confrontations start soon after Siffrin finds his way on board Odile’s ship. Maybe if I ever write more for it we can see where this would lead, lol.

[progenycursed]

hello I recently became a fan of your comic!! I wanted to ask if the five great knights are going to be more important later on when pure vessel is older? As well as if their fighting styles (if we do get to see how the fight) are going to be similar to the “Pale Court” fan mod or are they going to be different?

Hello! (ᵔᵕᵔ)◜ So glad to hear you are enjoying the comic.

I do have the five knights making more of an appearance in the comic as the pure vessel gets bigger. Cant have the knights accidentally squishing the vessel when its still learning. The king may have gotten a little paranoid after pure vessel ‘died’ fighting Ogrim. That and Im still torn on how to draw, and heavens help me, wright Ze’mer. I don’t understand, let alone know how to wright ye old timey giberish! Its cannon she tells stories, which means she’s talkative. I fear for when she appears! (💧°▿°)

I haven’t thought much about what the knights would teach the pure vessel aside from fighting techniques and being part of the few individuals that can fight them going all out and not die. But the more I talk about it here, the more I like the idea of them teaching the pure vessel something and getting them more involved. Right now that arch of the pure vessels life is mostly centered around a single individual.

Thank you anon, this got my mind turning about the possibilities. (っ- . - ς) I feel the need to plot. I’ll have to watch some play thoughts of the pale court to get inspiration. Cant play it cause the last time I tried to get a hollow knight mod on my computer, I think I broke something. (ó﹏ò｡)

[rosethorn-corpse]

One problem I’ve always had with fantastical creatures/worlds is, how does the government play into this? Do they know about it? Does the magical world have a permit?

Like in Harry Potter, when all the muggle children get wished away into the wizarding world, you’d think the government would be suspicious of the 1000s of children just disappearing off the face of the earth? But they just don’t care? Also how did they react to the wizard attack? Wouldn’t that launch a full investigation across the nation? Like you’d think someone would be suspicious???

One of the medias that I think makes more sense with this is Good Omens, as they’ve already established that Heaven/Hell can work their way with human paperwork (like the mail order from 6000 y/a for the apocalypse). Most of my odd legal questions can be answered regarding aziraphale’s bookshop (since he’s dealt with the bureaucracy of heaven his whole life, human legal systems must be a breeze.)

Idk, maybe I’m just American and therefore too skeptical and questioning. I do think it’s strange tho.

[adorkablemamebean]

The Askew: Finding Zuko and Azula

There are several scenes in this chapter that would need to be refined for things to happen a certain way and for them to make sense.

The group wonders where they're even going to start looking, and Lu Ten shares what he's done so far to try and find his cousins. Unfortunately, all his attempts so far have fallen through.

Sokka then has an idea: why not find someone who has a shirsu?

Lu Ten is shocked by this very idea because shirsu are extremely dangerous and aggressive. He's dubious of the idea, but doesn't really have any other ideas of what they could do.

It's through Toph's various connections that they find June.

It is a testament to June's skills and patience that she even has one. People are often surprised to learn that she has even managed to train one to the level of efficiency it displays.

This version of June has more tattoos, and has scars on her face, and it is by sheer luck that she isn't blind in one eye.

---

They manage to track Zuko and Azula to a small port town in the Earth Kingdom, and the people stare at June and the others with suspicion and unease.

Nyla manages to pick up their targets' scent and shoots through the crowded marketplace. The commotion draws the attention of two people in particular: Zuko and Azula.

It's somewhat hard to recognize them at first. They both are wearing Earth Kingdom clothing. Azula's hair is choppy and short; and Zuko doesn't have a scar covering half his face.

Something that struck Sokka is that he doesn't remember Azula being that tall - though Zuko is still taller than her by a few inches.

Instead of fighting, they both run.

"I love it when they run." June comments.

Nyla's tongue shoots out towards her targets when flames suddenly caused her to reel back.

"Zhao?!" Aang is absolutely shocked.

Zhao doesn't have his obnoxious sideburns and he isn't wearing a military uniform.

Depending on how he wears his outfit or in an altercation with Sokka, it's revealed that he only has one arm. He could possibly be hiding a weapon in his armless sleeve or he could simply have the sleeve tied up.

Though Zhao is startled at a complete stranger knowing his name, he doesn't respond and simply attacks the small group using a pseudo-airbending/firebending katas. He is extremely innovative in his bending despite his lack of an arm.

Something that strikes Aang is how controlled Zhao is. The flames didn't go beyond their intended targets, and he doesn't burn the nearby stalls or buildings even though it would be extremely easy to do so.

"Zhao!" Zuko's voice calls for him, sounding worried.

"Just go!"

Sokka, June and Lu Ten are left with Zhao.

--

Aang, Katara, and Toph went after the Royal Pains.

It was probably better that the three Benders went together because Azula from before had been ruthless - and if the siblings were working together, they would probably need all the help they could get.

Katara was a Master now, and she would not let down her guard, not like last time.

---

The Royal Siblings spend more time dodging and running than actually fighting back. Toph sent out a small fissure to cause Azula to slip when she suddenly turned to fire an attack. But then something interfered with Toph's attack. It was quick and sudden; like a mole-snake silently moving underneath the dirt.

Toph paused.

Someone had earthbent, and it had been timed with--

Toph barely dodges as flames shot across the ground.

Zuko charged at them, and then jumped up and ran across the walls of the surrounding buildings. He combined the use of his dao and firebending.

Toph gets her feet burned, which really is smart, she has to admit. The one way to ensure an Earthbender isn't going to be a problem is to burn their feet.

For Toph, so everything is fuzzy. But she's the greatest Earthbender in the world for a reason and she can still find a way to fight.

She sent a rock in Zuko's direction and he dodged. In Toph's limited "vision" she frowns when she feels Zuko dodge. Had he just... But she doesn't have time to linger because Azula is escalating in her attacks.

Throughout the fight, there's definitely something "off" but Toph can't identify it due to her Seismic Sense being impeded and also dodging the Fire Siblings' attacks.

Zuko points two fingers and fires small bursts of fire at Aang who dodges and weaves, and then his glider goes off kilter.

He's saddened that his glider is ruined.

Aang realizes that Zuko fought...differently. It's far less impulsive, and more calculated.

In their fight, Katara realizes that Azula doesn't look 16, but older.

They both trade blows back-and-forth, steam hissing in Katara's ears. She remembers that day in the catacombs and it fuels her bending.

Azula matches her, and then that familiar move that has given Katara so many nightmares - but Azula doesn't hit her with the lightning. Instead it's directed at her feet and caused Katara to reel back.

That had been a warning shot.

"Back off!" Azula demands.

Just then, Nyla charges into the fray, and her tongue struck Azula and Zuko. Nyla has burns that need to be treated.

Zuko wasn't been hit directly, and he managed to thrash and hit Sokka's nose hard with the back of his head. Sokka's nose gets broken because of this.

--

Zhao was only briefly stunned by Nyla earlier and he tries again to confront their group, but Nyla manages to hit him directly.

Lu Ten says that he'll show Zhao leniency this once. Zhao yells at them, "You don't get it! You can't take them!"

Toph isn't touching the ground at this time so she can't tell if he's telling the truth or not.

Both Zuko and Azula are angry that they're leaving Zhao behind. Lu Ten pays for someone to take care of Zhao until he's recovered.

---

On the way back to Lu Ten's ship they learn that Azula is actually the older sibling at 18 while Zuko is 16.

The things the siblings are carrying are a bit...odd. Both of them are carrying chunks of rocks in their pockets/bags, both of them have water satchels.

They both insist that Iroh is dangerous and wants to kill them.

Lu Ten gently insists that they're wrong and Iroh is concerned for their safety. But the siblings practically injure themselves trying to escape that they have no choice but to give them both herbs that hinders their Chakra and calms them down.

Lu Ten is concerned for them because he doesn't know why they'd believe Iroh could be a threat. He has no idea what Ozai told them or why they'd even believe it in the first place.

--

Azula is much more calm and collected, while Zuko is far more vocal and argumentative and definitely spits out several curses and insults.

Toph can't sense anything from Azula (just like the last/before time) while Zuko definitely is easier to read, and he's definitely scared.

---

They arrive in the Fire Nation, and that is when Azula finally displays genuine fear.

"You don't get it! I - I'm the Avatar!" Azula says. "Our Uncle will just use Zuko to try and control me! So - take Zuko away from here!"

"Azula..." Zuko says, but his voice trails off.

Toph can't tell if she's telling the truth or not, but does start to question things.

Lu Ten is especially confused because there hasn't been a need for an Avatar for over a hundred years and why would Iroh want to "control" Azula?

---

TBC

Part 1

Southern Water Tribe Culture

Aang's Life

Toph's Life

Rumors and Speculation

Meeting Lu Ten

Meeting Iroh and Ozai

The Shattered World

[apineapplewithissues]

Medicine.

(March ‘M’- themed whump)

(This ones not really whump but,,, I just thought medicine fit Jordan really well lol)

Jordan set down the bottle on the cool metal bench, instead reaching for the pills he’d layed out.

He swallowed two little red ones, and brought the rest up to Alex.

Alex’s door was slightly ajar, and with his throat constricting he stepped inside.

Just like how he left him earlier, Alex was sickly pale, eyes staring blankly at the ceiling. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and save for the occasional laboured breath, he looked no different than a corpse.

“Medicine.” Jordan mumbled, hoping to not startle Alex.

Alex just turned his head and smiled, nodding.

Jordan sat down at the end of his bed, careful to avoid squashing his legs. Even if he wouldn’t feel it now, it would take so much longer for bones to heal than for the medication to work. Jordan didn’t know if he’d be able to stay that long. Or if Alex would let him.

Alex pushed himself upright and Jordan gripped his shoulder, helping him stay steady.

“I’m fine.” He whispered, seemingly surprised at the rough state of his own voice, he coughed once, then twice, clearing his throat. “Really. I’m... alright.”

“An alright person doesn’t collapse over nothing, Alex.”

“Quarrion.” Alex corrected, face drawn. “You haven’t earned my name yet.”

Jordan scrunched up his face, placing the pills beside him and bringing the cup to Alex’s mouth. “Then you can keep calling me doc, like everyone else.”

Jordan tried to get Alex to open his mouth but he grabbed the cup, crumpling the thin plastic and splashing water everywhere, soaking them both.

Alex let out a tight breath and lowered his hand, jaw gritted. “Doc? Is that who you are first then? It’s hard to keep track of all your faces.”

Jordan stonily glared at him, taking the crumpled cup. “I could easily change to the latter if you like.”

Alex didn’t answer.

Jordan busied himself with getting another cup of water, neither speaking to one another. When Jordan got back, Alex was sitting upright, feet dangling on the floor.

Jordan motioned to the cup. “Do you think you can hold it?”

Alex opened his mouth to answer, hesitating and closing it again. He flexed his fingers, glancing at the wet sheets. “No.” He whispered. “I... I’ll need help.”

Jordan sat down next to him, tipping the cup toward his mouth as he drank.

“Don’t choke because I don’t want to deal with that.”

“Gee thanks,” Alex said, after finishing the cup, not choking.

Jordan held out the tray of pills and Alex carefully picked one up, looking at the strange exterior.

Jordan spoke up. “They’re new. I... thought your spells might have something to do with your old meds... so I got you something slightly different.”

Alex raised an eyebrow, skin still slightly damp from earlier. “You changed my meds.”

Jordan mimicked his expression, although more incredulously. “I prescribed them in the first place.”

“...right...” he stared at them again, frowning. “You’re not drugging me again, right? I had Danielle on my back for days after that.”

Jordan laughed, remembering the ‘mishap’ fondly. “No, it’s your meds. Just take them, and really don’t choke because that’s all I’ve got right now.”

Alex sighed, letting the pill roll into his palm, a funny ‘q’ marked into the surface.

Jordan watched as Alex successfully swallowed his pills, and waited for everything to start working again.

Alex squinted his eyes shut, clenching and unclenching his hands, moving his legs.

Jordan watched, curious.

“Does it... hurt?”

Alex shook his head, wiggling his fingers. “No... no, nothing ever hurts. It’s... what I guess you would call pins and needles... mildly unpleasant.”

“It should go away soon.”

“Should?”

Jordan only smiled in response, picking up the tray and cup, heading to the door.

“Can you wait a second?”

Jordan paused, turning his head. “What’s up?”

Alex sighed, rubbing his head and shaking out pins and needles, letting his hand fall to his lap. “You’re obviously not a bad person.” He stated.

Jordan snorted.

Alex ignored him, continuing, “which is why I don’t understand you. You do these things for me, and then...” he trailed off, not even sure himself where he was headed.

Jordan only softly sighed, brushing the door handle. “ I know. I know it doesn’t make sense to you. But that doesn’t matter. You just need to get better, and so I’m going to do it.”

Jordan stepped through the door, willing himself to glance back.

“Maybe I should’ve just stayed as doc, no? Sometimes I wish I would have.”

He sighed, closing the door behind him, not wanting to hear what Alex had to say.

“But I’m an idiot. Always have been.” He murmured, bringing the tray back to the basement.

@whumpster-dumpster - credit for the March prompt list.

[walter-worker-alyssa]

Frozen

Solemn footsteps echoed through the hallway as a tall figure with bright, emerald eyes made his way down to the lower levels of the manor. Down to the labs. The vaults. For resting down there was a person he cared about dearly. A woman. His sister. 

It had been a tragedy. Nothing more, nothing less. The day that they had gotten the call from the hospital. 

“She jumped.” They’d said. And a wave of shock, of sheer horror had spread through the manor. All color had seemed to drain from the world. All joy. He himself had made his way to the hospital to retrieve her. It wasn’t  procedure. They should have called the morgue. An undertaker. But Mr. Walter had said no. Had made his instructions clear. 

“Bring her home.” He’d said. And The Spine had been more than happy to comply. This couldn’t be the end. There had to be some way. And from what Mr. Walter had said, he seemed to be of the same opinion. 

So, he’d brought her home. Her body mangled. Bruised. His experience as a medic came in handy when he’d worked on putting her bones back in the right places. When he’d cleaned her up and dressed her in one of her white, lacey dresses. And then, he’d been told to put her in a vault. A vault that could reach subzero temperatures. To preserve her body, he’d been told. 

And so, he’d done as requested. Brought her to the vault, watching through a window as the temperature was lowered, and her skin was being covered with small, shimmering crystals. And she was left there. Frozen solid. Looking like she was but asleep. But the reality of it was far more grim.

He came down to the vault every day. He wasn’t sure why. And he would merely look at her. Waiting for some sort of news. 

This day, he wasn’t alone. A far taller being, wearing a top hat would be standing there. Looking in at the frozen figure. The automaton paused next to him, steam coiling from his black lips as they parted. “Any news, Baron?” He’d ask, baritone voice low. The taller being would let out a deep hum, smoke seeping between his teeth from his ever-lit cigar. “Not yet. I’ve launched a search for ‘er soul. I’ll bring it back. Just... Keep ‘er like this. As long as ‘er body is this well preserved, I can put the soul back and heal the rest of the body.” He spoke, slowly turning those red-brown eyes towards the automaton.

“Ain’t ‘er time yet. It ain’t ‘er time yet.” He’d mumble, a frown on that painted face of his. “I’ll find ‘er, Metal Man. I promise.” He spoke, before his body slowly started to dissolve into black smoke. He needed to search for her. He needed to brig her back. No matter what. 

The Spine would briefly watch the Lwa vanish, before he reached out to place a hand against the glass. That smooth, unbelievably cold barrier between him and the contents of the vault. 

“Hold on, ‘Lyssa. Wherever you are. Hold on. We’ll bring you home.”