#Thank you for this wonderful game about a go-pro invading hell and beating ass

[just-observing-here]

I love V1's design so much. I love how insect-like its appearance is. Its multiple wings, its outer armor that's like an insect's outer armor, its one optic. I love how dehumanizing its design is to itself, especially compared to the other creatures in hell. Most of the husks and demons have human-like qualities, albeit being just a face and such, and while V1 is definitely still anthropomorphic it's also losing its human-like qualities as the game progresses! Think about the fact it gained 2 new arms for itself and how that breaks its human figure, not only that but adds to its insect like qualities! The fact that its qualities are insect-like add to its character a lot too! Bugs are considered weak and disgusting by most of the population; However, bugs were the first to do many things considered revolutionary to humans. Flight, civilization, art, all of it! They were like the version 1 of humanity in a funny way. But, in an ironic fashion, as it loses its human look we learn of its more human-like qualities in its behavior. Its "You're not getting away this time" with the V2 fight. The fact that's it's basically going to run its blood source to 0. Its march to its own destruction being its most humanlike trait. I love that so much. In Act 3, I'm hoping Gabriel drops the "machine" nickname and refers to V1 as "Hellspawn" or "Pest." Bringing more of the insect like comparisons while showing that he sees V1 as more than a machine now!

I love how the only thing that actually humanizes V1 is its bringing of its own doom. Its violence and insatiable need is what makes it feel more alive.

I love how its actions could be considered heroic in a messed up sense. Hell was a mistake made by God and V1 is destroying it. The council was corrupt and it made Gabriel realize this. It finally gave Gabriel a good fight. It freed Minos and Sisyphus. It's permanently killing the tortured and freeing them from hell. Of course, in a very messed up way…

I love the comparison of Humanity (God's creation) gaining free-will against his will and machines (Mankind's creation) gaining free-will against their will.

I love the parallels of Gabriel's and V1's designs. How both stories are told and how they relate to each other.

I fucking love Ultrakill. There's so much more I can cover but this post is already a lot. Be free to add other things you love about the game and its lore.

[tmnt-veelicious]

Across the Stars - Ch.3

Warning, mentions of panic attacks in this chapter !! I can say it’s minor, but it’s mentionned and described twice. Things will get happier soon, I promise :’) !!! I’m just a sucker for hurt/comfort aaahhh First Chapter --> HERE Previous Chapter --> HERE Next Chapter --> HERE

She hated this. Like the whole world was against her. First the rain on her way to work, then the worst customers and Vee constantly dropping pile of clothes around or slamming her leg or foot hard against a table or a corner. And then her parents HAD to call her, asking for news, how her plans were doing. The lack of improvement regarding her artistic career always created some tension amongst the family, and now the fact that she had moved to New York bringing confusion and disappointement. Yes she had wanted to flee. Vee wanted to start fresh, but the glooming menace of failure always followed her, not even caring about her path. She wanted to disappear. The apartment was empty, Vee knowing April was spending the night at Casey's. She was glad, but on the other hand she feared being alone... Her vision was blurry, her breath harsh. She tried to remove her coat, but every movements felt like a hard task, her legs suddenly shaking. No. Not now. She collapsed against the entry door, sitting down, knees brought up, arching her head towards them. She wanted to hide, she wanted the thoughts to stop. Sobs and hiccups escaped her, cursing her miserable state. She felt like being in an endless loop, nothing ever changing, nothing ever improving. Every efforts she ever made were fruitless, as pointless as her life. She felt her phone vibrate in her pocket, the motion good enough to divert her thoughts for some minutes. She fumbled her hand through her coat's pocket, soon getting the device before her and noticing a new message. (Donnie): Hey, how was your day :)? A smile tried to find its place on her lips, but every attempts failed, her eyes drowning in tears. They had exchanged phone numbers ever since they met up at the lair a week ago and somehow that recomforted Vee, knowing she could join her friend at any given time or place... She didn't know what to answer, her hands numb and shaking. She took some deep breaths, trying to override her emotions so she could sound normal. She mindlessly pushed a button so she could call him, the ringtone almost too loud for her ear. ''Hey Vee!'' His voice was all she needed. ''Hi Donnie, sorry for calling … texting now just feels like a chore.'' ''Is everything alright?'' She could already notice the concern in his voice. She forced a small laugh, trying to sound light-hearted. ''Yeah, I guess. … I just had a long day today.'' She sighed, looking at her free, trembling hand. ''… I was wondering if I could come by your place? April's not here and I don't feel like hanging all by myself.'' ''Yeah, sure! We're not going on patrol tonight so it's totally fine.'' ''Could you come and lead the way, though? I have no clue how to get there. … Gosh I sound so demanding, I'm sorry.'' ''No you don't and I'll be there in twenty minutes approximately.'' ''… Thanks Donnie.'' As soon as the call ended Vee let out a long sigh, her head hanging back so it could rest against the door. She needed to breathe, calm her nerves... She finally got up, already heading for the bathroom. She looked like a mess, her eyes slightly red and her cheeks wet. Grumbling, she proceeded to splash some water over her traits, trying to refresh her. Her shaking had dimnished, but it was still slightly present, especially in her hands and knees. She decided to make herself a cup of tea, knowing waiting would only bring back some bad thoughts... Sitting by the table, her coat hanging nearby, cup in hand, she stared down her brew, her fingers lightly tapping some random rhythms, occupying her somehow. Then she heard a knock on one of the living room's windows, a soft smile coming to her lips as she got to it and noticed the presence of the turtle on the other side, hanging on the balcony nearby. She opened the way to him, next stepping aside so he could come in. ''Hi!'' he simply greeted, his eyes never leaving her. ''Hi,'' she replied, still smiling, although her eyes revealed her tiredness. Donnie couldn't hide his frown, studying the woman. Her posture, everything, showed something was wrong. Even her hand holding a mug was slightly shaking. ''… Are you sure everything's alright?'' he asked. She took a long sip of her tea, arching an eyebrow. ''Yes, genius. As you may recall, I said I had a long day today,'' she answered with a smirk. ''You sure you want to head out then?...'' Vee had moved back to the kitchen to dispose of her cup and next grabbing her coat, her smile now genuine as she got back to the turtle. ''Absolutely! A new environment will do good on my thoughts.'' She was already climbing out the window, finally spotting the mutant who was still inside, watching her. ''… Are you coming or not?'' she asked, amused. She finally saw him smile as he moved, soon next to her, closing the window. As they were making their way down Vee's mood was finally starting to shift, a warm feeling invading her. She felt so at ease by Donatello's side, not even minding as he took her in his arms, jumping down a manhole, soon dwelling into New York's sewers. Now walking side by side, they managed some small talk, Vee mindlessly hooking her arm around Donnie's, sighing with a smile. ''It's so funny to think we can hang out now. … I've somehow always thought you'd be nothing more but a name on a screen, and here you are...'' ''Here I am, with a lovely woman by my side,'' he commented. Vee snorted, looking up to him with amusement, noticing he was now blushing, realizing what he just said. ''I do have my charms, yes, thanks for noticing,'' teased the human. ''Don't ever listen to whatever I say. It's all just mess now.'' ''What now?'' faked Vee, as if she had troubles hearing. ''I'm sorry, I thought I heard someone speak. There must be interferences.'' Donnie snickered, slightly nudging the other in a playful way. They arrived to the lair, the place surprisingly calm, except for some noises coming from a television. As Donatello offered to take the woman's coat, being the gentleman he always was, Vee noticed that the sound was coming from a video game, Michelangelo and Raphael sitting on a couch, occupied with their competition. ''Woah, Super Smash Bros. Sweet,'' commented the woman, getting near. Mikey turned around with a smile, not even caring that he was then getting obliterated by Raph's character. ''Hey angelcakes! Good to see you!'' The end of the game made itself clear, the orange masked turtle suddenly looking at the scream, soon a loud laughter coming out of Raph. ''Well then! Now I know what's the trick for instantly winning against you,'' he said with a grin. ''I just need to bring a hot girl around and you won't pay any attention at all.'' Vee blushed at that remark, surprised. Although it was short-lived as Donnie was back to her side, rolling his eyes. ''Move aside boys and let a pro show you how to really kick butt!'' ''Wait! How about a four players match?'' questionned Mikey. He looked at Vee with a challenging smile. ''Unless the pretty lady is scared.'' Vee entered the game, puffing her posture as to look confident. ''I was born with a super nintendo in my hands,'' she declared. ''I can easily beat you all, video gaming's in my veins.'' The young turtle cheered as Vee was next seated between him and Donatello on the couch, soon given a controller. Her character choice was stopped on Fox as Mikey chose Samus, Raph Bowser and Donnie Greninja. The match was set with no time limit, only with five lifes each. And Vee proved to be a real challenge for the mutants. As the match went on, it was soon left to her against Donatello, both character's speed proving to be a good trial, until it finally resolved to the woman winning, all four players cheering from the thrill (Donnie was slightly pouting, jokingly, although he was a good sport about all this). ''Who won?'' asked a new voice. All of them turned to Leonardo who got intrigued by all this comotion. The three other turtles all pointed to Vee who was showing a large grin, victorious. The leader in blue smirked, somehow amused. ''Oh no, nobody's stealing this champion's title in this house, not even a guest.'' He came around the couch, grabbing Raph's controller on the way. ''Time to show who's the boss,'' he joked, sitting on the floor, glaring at Vee with a toothy grin. ''Game on,'' replied the woman, already up for the challenge. He chose Meta Knight, somehow predictable, as Vee took Yoshi. ''What the hell, Vee, you won't stand a chance!'' pointed out Mikey. ''Oh don't worry, I've got some tricks up my sleeves,'' simply answered the human, not even stressed. The rule was changed to three lifes instead of five and the battle began soon enough. At first Vee seemed overwhelmed by the other's prowess, although she was able to catch on, soon leaving both of them with one life each. It was time for the grande finale. Vee tried to look as emotioneless as possible, even if she wanted to laugh. She placed Yoshi near the edge of the map, waiting patiently. ''Vee, move!'' warned Donnie. She did not answer, waiting until Leo's character was near enough and she swallowed it, Yoshi shitting a frickin' egg into the void. The end was soon announced and acclamations roared from the three brothers, Leo too dumbfounded to react. He finally stood up, staring down the human, until he finally cracked a new smile. ''Alright, good game. But I will get my revenge,'' he said, next handing back the controller to Raph. Vee didn't know either she had to act smug or slightly scared. She waited until he was gone before she piped up: ''I hope I didn't overstep any boundaries by beating him.'' ''HA! Hell no,'' commented Raphael, amused. ''Lil' prince needs to be taken down his throne from times to times.'' ''And you totally need to teach us some kick-ass moves, dudette,'' added Mikey. ''That egg thing was awesomely clever.'' ''I can definitely show some of them, but not all if I still want to beat you guys!'' answered Vee with a smirk. With that started a new round, the woman's smile never fading, forever glad of this time she could spend with the turtles. *** The weeks went by, time always flowing too fast for Vee's taste. It was now a little over the middle of October, the air cold and crisp, the trees showing red and orange leaves, as bright as flames. The incoming freshness did bring some good to the woman as she took that as an excuse to bring coffees for Donatello and herself whenever she would go visit the lair. It wasn't rare for the duo to hang together now, mostly spending their time on starting projects, the human simply overjoyed to be able to participate. Even if it was simply cleaning tools, go over some of his lines on blueprints and mixing some fluids in his lab, she was glad to have a little taste of his world, may it be in silence or plunged into deep conversations. She couldn't help her feeling of easiness when around him, the bond they had developped over the last few months only getting stronger. Although she knew there were probably things she still didn't know about him, as she still omitted to reveal some about herself. But she knew things would come to light in time, if it ever was to happen... The last few days had been hard on her overall state. From insomnia to panic attacks, she knew her only salvation was to get herself occupied with various activities. She never mentionned her troubles, but knew too well that the dark circles under her eyes never escaped the mutant's attention. He never said anything, as if awaiting for her to speak or give a certain signal... Only for it to happen one night as she was cleaning some test tubes in his lab, one suddenly escaping her hands and shattering on the floor. ''Ah, shit, I'm so sorry,'' she hissed, cursing herself afterward, trying to search for a broom or anything that could help her clean. He noticed her hands shaking, her movements more frantic than usual. When she failed to find anything to clean, she crouched down, trying to take the broken pieces in her hands. ''Don't touch that! You'll cut yourself!'' warned Donnie, suddenly off from his chair, grasping her arm and putting her back on her feet. He noticed the woman's pained expression. At first he thought he was probably holding her a bit too strongly, but then he saw her hands shaking more, soon her knees following. He started to move her out of the lab, grabbing a stool chair on the way. ''No, no, Donnie, wait, I'm fine,'' started to blabber Vee. He didn't say a word, placing the object so it could face his chair and then he seated the human down, him next taking place on his own. ''You are not fine and now I want to hear why,'' he said, never releasing her hands, his eyes fixed on her. ''There's nothing to say.'' Her voice was shaking. ''You want me to overlook how tired you look, fine, '' he added. ''But right now you're showing signs of a panic attack and I'm not going to let you go over that alone.'' He slowly massaged her palms, trying to soothe her. ''… I've seen signs over the last few weeks and I thought you'd open to me one day.'' ''Because there's nothing to say,'' repeated Vee harshly, some tears escaping her eyes without her consent, looking away. ''It's something I'm going through all by myself and I don't see why I should bring others in this.'' She tried to calm her emotions as words didn't stop leaving her mouth. ''I've always been like this. I worry too much about things and then I overthink and this happens. I'm trying my best to succeed and please people around me, but everytime it just fails and it's never enough.'' This time she cracked, her head bowing down as a sob escaped her. She had tried so hard to fight everything for weeks, but now she felt weak. Somehow voicing all of this made her realize how bad things were... ''I feel like I'm stuck,'' she continued, her voice breaking. ''I just want to disappear.'' God, she felt so stupid right now. ''I- I didn't want you to see me like this. This is ridiculous...'' She could feel some spasms in her legs, her teeth clenching, trying to control it. She felt Donnie's hands shift, now cupping her cheeks. Her eyes were now planted in his, the mutant's voice almost an echo as he started to speak. ''Follow my lead,'' he said. ''I want you to breathe in for four seconds, keep it in for seven and then exhale for eight. Do it with me.'' Inhale. One. Two. Three. Four. Keep. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Exhale. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. She could feel his thumbs wiping her tears away, his touch warm and recomforting. Vee's body was slowly starting to calm down, keeping her focus on the turtle and the breathing exercize. After what felt like eternity, Donnie gently pulled the woman towards him, soon letting her sit in his lap. He didn't hesitate to keep her in his arms, embracing her in hopes that she would continue to relax. At first Vee was frozen, but she finally reciprocated the hug, her arms now around his neck, hiding her face against his skin. For once she knew she could forget everything, get lost in this feeling. She could feel his heartbeat, strong and rapid, just like hers. ''… Please, don't hide this from me,'' he started, his voice soft. ''You don't have to face it alone. … Whatever is happening, I want to help you.'' Vee sighed, all her tensed muscles falling, giving in. ''… I just want to stay like this for a moment, if you don't mind.'' ''Not at all,'' he replied, simply leaning back comfortably into his chair, one of his hands mindlessly petting her back. No more words were added, both closing their eyes and letting their thoughts drift away. It was as if a huge weight had fallen off the woman's shoulder, her mind finally clear. She focused on Donatello's touch, soon his caress lulling her to sleep. Right now she felt safe and it was all that mattered. When he noticed the regular pattern in her respiration, he knew she was sleeping. At first he didn't know what to do, nervous, but he decided to shrug it off, knowing Vee's body had probably craved that rest for a long time... He slowly turned his chair back to his computer, deciding to get back to work as the woman was still asleep in his lap. The overall feeling was strange, but not unwelcomed. He had a bit of a hard time to focus, mainly because of what just happened. From their discussions, he always thought Vee to be an overall happy person, always laughing and glad to be helping others, but now it wasn't hard for the turtle to see that this was probably all some sort of facade.  Maybe not completely, knowing the woman tended to have an optimistic view of life, but everyone had their moments of weakness, such as this... ''Hey Donnie, in thirty minutes we'll gear up and go on pat-'' Leo's voice trailed off when he noticed the situation, throwing a questionning glare at his brother. The tall turtle felt like shrinking in his chair, only to sigh briefly. ''… She had a rough day,'' he said, quietly. ''Don't worry, I'll wake her up.'' He knew the leader probably had more questions in him, but the blue masked turtle simply shrugged, prefering to turn away and warn the others of their future departure. Donnie preferred to wait ten more minutes before deciding himself to wake the woman up. He tightened his embrace a little, daring to lightly nuzzle the top of her head. ''Hey Vee...'' She gasped, her body jumping as she tried to get back into the living world. ''Fuck,'' she said in a tired tone. ''I'm sorry I shouldn't have-'' She stopped, her eyes meeting Donnie's. A blush came to her face, realizing how near they were now... At first she wanted to get off, but she was stopped by the mutant's desk, trapped on his lap. ''What the-?'' she grumbled. ''How long was I asleep?'' ''A good fifteen minutes at least,'' answered the turtle, turning his chair around so she could finally stand up. At first Vee's stance was a bit wobbly, her legs still asleep and recovering from her previous shaking, but she soon stabilized as Donnie was up to her side, a hand gently placed on her shoulder. ''You should have woke me up earlier,'' added Vee with a smirk. ''Had I been sleeping longer, I would have probably started drooling.'' ''How horrifying,'' joked the turtle. ''At least you didn't snore.'' ''Ha-ah, you're lucky indeed! … Anyway, why did you awaken this sleeping beauty, o prince charming?'' ''Leo told me we're going on patrol soon,'' answered Donnie, trying not to blush at what the woman had said. ''I guess we'll be dropping you to your place on the way.'' ''That'd be much appreciated.'' She was about to move out of his hold to get a grab of her coat, but the mutant stopped her, holding her hands once more. ''Vee... what just happened …, I don't like seeing you like this. If you need to reach out, please do. You don't have to be ashamed about any of that. We're friends, right? You can tell me anything.'' Vee showed half of a smile, somehow touched by his words. She did not hesitate to get near him once more, hugging him. At first the turtle was surprised, but soon decided to comply, his arms around her, nuzzling the top of her head again. ''I can't promise anything, but I'll try,'' answered Vee. ''I just don't like getting people involved into my bullshit, it gets so depressing.'' ''Try me, I'm tougher than I look!'' That got a soft laugh from Vee, finally looking up to Donnie with a genuine smile. ''Couldn't expect less from someone with a shell on its back.'' Their new proximity sent a slight shiver down their spines, their hold lingering for more than needed... It was only after Mikey's voice resonated across the lair, declaring their departure, that time was finally back on track, both now out of their arms, blushing. *** The night had been calm so far, except for a minor robbery attempt, but it wasn't anything the turtles couldn't stop. They were now sitting on top of a high apartment building, taking in the view before they called the patrol off. ''So,'' started Leo's voice, directed at Donnie. ''What was that thing with Vee all about?'' ''What thing?'' interjected in Mikey, truly curious. ''I caught tech-boy over here sitting in his chair with Vee all cuddled up on his lap.'' Donnie was already annoyed, especially after hearing Mikey commenting on how he was acting like a ''Don Juan''. ''I told you she had a bad day, Leo,'' answered the tall turtle. ''Yeah but having a bad day doesn't always have to equal with cuddling,'' added Raph. ''What's going on between you two anyway?'' ''Sorry for showing basic kindness. We're not poisonous so I don't see why it should be seen as weird or forbidden to hug someone, especially a friend.'' Raph threw his hands in the air, faking to be scared. ''You're the one making a big deal out of this now. … We're just curious 'cause we see how you two keep looking at eachother.'' Donatello sighed, not even denying his brother's words. ''… Look guys, she had a panic attack and I was just trying to calm her. Things seems to go bad for her these days and I just want to help.'' ''Man, she doesn't look like the kind of person to have that sort of struggle...'' commented Mikey, a bit concerned. ''Is she always feeling like that?'' ''I'm guessing some days are better than others,'' answered Donnie, shrugging a little. ''I've just discovered that she suffers from those. She hides it well at times and she's strong, but she shouldn't face it alone...'' ''And so what? Now you wanna try to fix her?'' objected Raph. ''She's a human, Donnie, her problems are not the same as our own. If she's strong, like you said, she'll figure things herself and get better.'' ''You obviously don't know anything about anxiety, do you?'' questionned the tall turtle, frowning. ''No, but what I do know is that if many humans don't want anything to do with us, why would she be any different? Why would she need your help?'' The red masked turtle was now standing straight, trying to make himself look more intimidating just like everytime he would start an argument, but Donatello wasn't phased by it, keeping his position. ''Because we're friends and that's what friends do, they help eachother. Knowing her, she would have already run away if she didn't want any of this.'' ''Okay, enough,'' intervened Leo, getting between the two, especially stopping Raphael. ''We are protectors of this city, Raph, and helping humans is what we do, better they like it or not.'' He looked at Donnie. ''And if one of them can find solace with one of us, fine … as long as it doesn't distract from trainings and patrols. Understand?'' Raph huffed, moving away, knowing he wouldn't be able to argue his way out of the leader's words. Some tension could be felt, until Michelangelo chided in: ''It's like watching a soap opera, dude.'' ''Shut up, Mikey!'' said the three others in unison.