cyclicalfool
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Summary
Ricochet's got a bad case of conscience and he's pretty sure it's about to get him killed.
(aka I think I've read every defection/ex-Con au and now I'm forced to make my own. Jazz-centric.)
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- English
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- 308,634
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- 75/75
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Bookmarked by cyclicalfool
28 Aug 2026
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Oh my days. This was MAGNIFICENT.
(the plan to take a break from ao3 did NOT work but I am NOT complaining)1. “spy”, identity porn
So. The title of spy does NOT cover all of the crazy slag jazz is up to in this fic, and THIS form of identity porn with SO many identities is insane(ly good). I also need to read more unreliable narrator content after this.
I was VERY confused especially at the beginning but it was super gripping. Part of it is definitely how new I am to this fandom, so I needed to get the hang of the jargon and war setting (this fic def helped with speedrunning that though). HOWEVER, the fic is clearly intended to keep us on our toes so WOW what a fantastic job.
Side note, I need to give a shoutout for all the probabilities Author wrote for Prowl, because it’s incredible how well they pulled that off.
Back on track, even at the clearest parts, it was clear there were layers upon layers of secrets. There are varying levels of buildup, but it makes sense because our POV isn't going to know everything. In fact, it's AMAZING that no one knows everything at any given time. I was STILL figuring some things out in chapter 70. This fic is SO peak.
Rereading this fic is a MUST. There are so many details I must have missed, and I look forward to figuring out some things I don’t quite understand yet in the future! Still, the first read is always special, and I'll be sure to cherish it.
TLDR: Fantastic setup with a spy w/ many identities, and many pov switches. No one knows all of what's going on and it's amazing.
2. Setting
Well well well. My larping status strikes again because WHOOPS I have not seen enough transformers content to truly grasp what this war is like. So I can't comment on how accurate it is but I can say I really felt like these bots were actually in the thick of it.
The beginning with Prowl getting interrogated by a dodgy mech was a perfect introduction to the MANY layers of the general situation. The mentions of Jazz’ network, and the mentions of security measures for Ricochet all while in the base, helped build such a clear sense of the war even before we interacted much explicitly with it. THEN midway through we get more missions, mentions of soundwave, is that optimus prime? and the mission to that depot added more depth! Finally at the end?? Like oh yeah I sense the urgency, and I can really tell the volume of troops Prowl’s directing even though there weren't really a lot of perspectives (if any perspective at all) of people on the front lines.
TLDR: Author does an amazing job creating this atmosphere of the cybertronian civil war.
3. Relationships
Jazz and Prowl have SUCH GOOD CHEMISTRY. I love their similarities and differences, banter, and respect for each other. Author does a really good job of making them appear equals too, with how others treat them, who has more power at the moment, what secrets are hidden, competence, etc. This is important in some cases for me (like here), and it’s done super well.
I can’t recall the last time I felt this invested in a romantic relationship, which is insane considering this is the SECOND fic I’ve EVER read for this ship, and how I’m so new to these characters. I really want to see their dynamic reflected well in canon content, but even if it doesn’t, I quite literally might be sold on this ship for life.
But of course! Relationships aren't just romantic, Author does an amazing job of creating these webs of relationships. On prowl's end? Yeah we know he's been working with these mechs for VORNS. The way smokescreen and ironhide interact with him, and think about him, really communicates how these bots GET each other, even if they don’t fully understand each other. Just like how I see my long-term friends.
Of course there’s also jazz’ end of getting to know (or re-acquaint himself) with all these bots. Working things out with Blaster? Getting to know bee? The twins showing up? The growing trust with Ratchet? The understanding with Red Alert? I’m loving it all.
Lastly, both their relationships with Optimus are incredible. Prowl’s long history with him, and Jazz’ too under all that identity porn. Optimus himself is just really good in this fic, love his hope and love for others.
TLDR: I’m a diehard jazz/prowl shipper now, plus the relationships in this fic seem so real, plus Optimus Prime is the GOAT.
Also RIP Peter Cullen, voice of Optimus Prime.
4. end
um. I deadass had to copy this to a google doc to edit and make it fit the character limit 😭.
I know brevity is the soul of wit or whatnot but this fic genuinely had a huge impact on me. I cannot express the love I have for it enough with my clunky sentences, but Imma darn well try ❤️
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Doflamingo’s mouth went dry. Rosi straightened, hands behind his back, as if he were about to start rocking on his heels. He looked exactly the same as when Doflamingo had last seen him. Sweat and dirt-stained, clothes worn, that thumbprint of their father’s blood at the corner of his chin from where Doflamingo had touched him.
Rationally, it couldn't have been real. He still surveyed the islands across the North Blue and kept a tap on the local news, but had long stopped expecting anything. It had been seven years after all. At this point, Rosi was either dead or didn’t want to be found.
“No,” Doflamingo growled, “No, no, you don’t get to do this to me.”
i.e. That one world in ten billion where Doflamingo tries really damn hard. And it's no prettier world by far. A tale of madness, blood and two brothers searching for each other in the dark. [An AU retelling of the Donquixote brothers]
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- English
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- 201,223
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Bookmarked by cyclicalfool
17 Aug 2026
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I’m a fucking liar who lies and I’m still on this site though I really should take a break
Anyways this looks promising so I’m adding this to the list
Not gonna start a long fic now bc I have hope I’ll get off this site soon and take a break for at least a month (delusional)
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Summary
Sanji had a hard time believing what Luffy was saying. Because to him it utterly impossible. He even had a harder time believing what was in front of him!
"I'm telling you it's true! That Blue Sanji is with the guy that saved my life!" The young captain cheered
"Yeah and you wrecked the Tang right after you woke up you rubber bastard!" The blue Sanji retorts "And who the hell is Sanji!? My name's Niji!"
Sanji needed to take a seat before he passes out
Bookmarked by cyclicalfool
16 Aug 2026
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saw art inspired by this but I just told myself this morning I'm taking a break from ao3 so I'm saving this for later
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Summary
The Vinsmoke siblings aren't as emotionless as they seem, Reiju knows this and she lets them know that too.
Somehow, the brothers' relationship isn't completely torn apart by their father, and when Sanji is locked in the dungeon, all the siblings escape together, however, they get separated by a storm.
They will find each other again, somehow.
Bookmarked by cyclicalfool
16 Aug 2026
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Bookmarker's Notes
saw art inspired by this but I just told myself this morning I'm taking a break from ao3 so I'm saving this for later
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Summary
Madara's magic sits up and takes notice when Tobirama suddenly Chooses to begin to age. Whichever mortal that he has chosen, Madara is almost positive they are not good enough for him. Nonetheless, he might as well throw his hat in the ring.
- Language:
- English
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- 2,370
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- 1/1
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- 2
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Bookmarked by cyclicalfool
10 Apr 2026
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Simple, sweet, and reread at least 10 times. So much depth in just under 2500 words. Makes me feel better after a long day.
PS also lowkey underrated world building bc I can tell it’s a cool ass world, I haven’t seen such a concept anywhere else, and it capture all this even with the fic being pretty short