#//I told myself I wouldn't bring her in until after the event

[kirain]

Wall of the faithless isn't canon in bg3. They changed alot of things actually. So no Gale isn't "scared" he's just an obsessed asshole who doesn't learn from his mistakes.

Oof...

There's really nothing I can say except: you're wrong. The City of Judgement and the Wall of the Faithless are canon to BG3. If you don't like Gale, that's fine, but you don't have to make things up or completely disregard the lore to do it. Larian Studios literally hired people from Wizards of the Coast—the company responsible for all the canon lore, characters, and campaigns in D&D—to help them with the story. It took them five years, I believe, to fully study and understand the lore. They constantly conferred with the team to double, triple, and quadruple check every slice of content they added to the game, and parts of the game are now considered canon to D&D 5E.

As for Gale "not learning" from his mistakes ... when you first meet him, he literally admits he made a mistake with Mystra. Though personally I don't see it as the "power-hungry" move people seem to think it is. Gale simply wanted to be considered an equal to his partner (really his groomer), which is a perfectly healthy and normal desire for anyone in a relationship. Your partner should treat you like an equal, but Mystra very clearly saw Gale as a pet. A trophy. A worshipper. Subservient. Beneath her. A silly mortal with delusions of grandeur (which she cultivated), which is really rich when you learn she was once mortal herself. Mystra is a hypocrite.

Gale tried to prove himself worthy of equality by trying to bring Mystra what he thought was a piece of her missing Weave. For anyone who doesn't know, the current Mystra was torn to pieces by Cyric and Shar, then put back together by her Chosen. Though back to full power by the events of BG3, she's still technically missing pieces of herself, and Gale mistook the Karsite Weave for one of those pieces. Instead of simply telling Gale it was corrupted Weave, she let him go on believing it was hers. Personally I think that's because she was tired of him (maybe he got too old for her 😒) and was hoping he would do something that, in her mind, would justify abandoning him—but I admit that's full conjecture on my part. What is true is that she knew the orb wasn't hers, but for some reason she let Gale think it was. Even after she abandoned him and left him to die, she never told him. Not until she realised she could use him.

In Act 3, while the argument can certainty be made that he's thirsty for power, Gale ultimately becomes fed up with the gods because, as he knows better than anyone, they treat people like commodities. While I have no intention of ever ascending him myself, it looks like he actually makes good on his word. He doesn't threaten or toy with his followers, he inspires people to walk their own path, he only asks for prayers as payment (as without some form of devotion, gods in D&D cease to be), and if you romance him ... he ascends you into godhood as his equal. Mystra could have done this for him, she just didn't want to. And if you don't want him to ascend, it's genuinely so easy. I don't understand what people are complaining about. It takes one conversation with zero checks to convince him to completely abandon his ambitions. One. If he was truly "power hungry", it wouldn't be that easy.

Again, I would argue that Gale's true goal isn't really power, it's freedom, and divinity gives him that freedom. He has many conversations where he makes it clear he doesn't want to live under the gods' thumbs anymore; which, in a world like Faerûn, is extremely understandable. As I said in my Wall of the Faithless post, he's scared. Eternal torment for a simple mistake, one of which could've been avoided if Mystra told him the truth or treated him like an equal? When your partner is a goddess, how can you not feel inadequate? And if you convince him to give up the crown, he's perfectly content with Mystra's forgiveness. Even in the Early Access, that's all he really wanted.

Gale's far from perfect. He's arrogant and overconfident and insecure and he can be prone to emotional outbursts (most of which he apologises for, however), but he's nowhere near the heartless, power-hungry monster the haters seem to think he is. He is, in fact, one of the most compassionate companions in the entire camp, to the point that he accepts everyone, including Minthara. He votes for Astarion to stay when you find out he's a vampire. He gets mad at you if you surrender him to the Gur. He's one of the only companions who will openly marry/stay with you if you become a mindflayer. He's willing to sacrifice himself to save the world, and willing to damn himself to be with you. He loves every act of kindness, while hating every act of cruelty. I understand that the bugs from launch ruined a lot of people's perception of him ... and unfortunately some of those glitches are still present even now, but he is a good man.

[jasperhaleobsessed]

You didn't see that coming, did you?

Wanda Maximoff x reader (platonic) x Pietro Maximoff x f!reader

Summary: After Wanda creates the hex you are sent in to the convince her to release it but something unexpected happens. You've known Wanda since she joined the avengers, you were best friends but you weren't able to convince her to not create the hex. S.H.I.E.L.D sent you because they thought having someone familiar would sway her. You however were worried you knew Wanda and you knew she wasn't going to give up on her family, but what you did know was that you wanted to help her, you wouldn't give up on your best friend. But when you arrive you and Wanda start talking and suddenly there's a ring at the door. You never knew the possibilities of her magic until now.

Notes: This is an idea that's been in my head for a while now. It might be a little odd but I think it's still a fun idea!! This is very self indulgent. I feel like it's missing something but I don't know what. Should I do a part 2? Also doesn't exactly follow the events of episode 5 of Wandavsion. I feel like I was going somewhere with this and lost what I was originally thinking!!! 😭😭😭 there may be a few spelling errors! Sorry in advanced!!

Word count: 1,130

Warnings: Mentions of character deaths

y/n's POV

I knocked on the door, she better answer. I can't believe her right now.

I waited a few seconds, no answer.

So I yelled and banged on the door, "Wanda Maximoff open the door right now! We need to talk!"

To my suprise two little boys opened the door. "Umm hello." I greeted, confused. "Hi." They both greeted with me with a simple wave and a confused look as well.

"Who are you?" They asked.

"Well I'm an old friend of Wanda Maximoff and Vision do you do you all think you could go get Wanda for me?"

They turned to look at each other and sped away to go get her. THEY SPED AWAY. As in one of them has superspeed! I couldn't believe it.

"Wow this keeps getting crazier and crazier." I leaned against the door frame, I sighed and then I heard a laugh track. "What the?" I leaned forward and looked around.

"Was that a laugh track?" I whispered to myself and I raised my eyebrow, I was starting to feel very confused and worried.

I was so lost in thought I didn't notice Wanda. "Hello, y/n what are you doing here?" She asked.

"Huh? Oh! Hi there! I didn't notice you, okay can we talk?"

"Of course." The boys sat with her, I emphasized, "Alone, if that's alright?"

"Oh right!" She turned to her sons (at least I think) and told them, "Alright boys head up to your room."

"But mom!" They complained.

"No buts, upstairs."

"Okay." They both said. I watched them leave and when they were gone, "What is wrong with you!" I whisper screamed.

"What are you talking about?"

"Oh I don't know? All of this!" I gestured to everything around me.

"y/n, I have no idea what your thinking. But everything is fine!"

I stared at her like she was crazy. "What?"

"This is not fine your hurting these people, your taking their livelihood away from them. Don't they deserve to be happy?"

"And don't I deserve to be happy too?"

"Of course you do! But this isn't the way to do it!"

"Then how do you suppose I do it? And, and what if it's not me, what if it's something else. How do you know I'm doing this."

"Wanda please listen to me I've-I've seen what your doing it. Whether this is conscious or not your doing it."

Wanda looked angry, "you've seen? Are you working for S.H.I.E.L.D now?"

"What? No! A friend of mine who works for S.H.I.E.L.D and they called me because they thought I might be able to help you."

"Help me? Help me with what?"

"By doing something, anything Wanda! I know you loved Vision and I know how it feels to lose the person you love most in this world but you can't do this! I lost Pietro and I fell apart, I was so lost and broken inside and I wanted to badly to have him in my arms again but I can't. And you can't bring back the dead no matter how much you want to!"

She tilted her head, "Can't I?" I felt fear course through me but also confusion. I didn't know how I was going to help her. Maybe I can't.

The doorbell rang, it made a light ring. Wanda gave me a look that I couldn't quite read. I turned away and ran a hand through my hair. What was I going to do?

"Pietro?"

"Hi sis, it's been a while." I turned around slowly and looked at the twins carefully.

"It's really you!" Wanda exclaimed, happily.

I felt lightheaded. And I clutched my head in agony. I screamed before falling to the ground I felt strong arms wrap around me. And then everything went dark.

Pietro's POV

I held her in my arms. After years without her she was here.

Her eyes fluttered open, "Pietro? Your really here?"

"It's me, printsessa." I stroked her hair, soothingly. Tears glistened in her eyes, "Don't cry, I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere.

"You didn't see that coming did you?" She smiled, faintly. But then she looked startled, "How are you here? How are you even alive? I thought I lost you, I watched you die and I was helpless to do anything."

"Shhh. It's okay, it's not your fault. You did everything you could!"

She sat up, "But how? How are you here with me?"

"I don't know. But what I do know is that I'm okay. All I do remember is dying and then waking up to see you and Wanda."

"But-but I thought it was impossible to bring someone back."

"I don't know maybe not."

"But if this doesn't go Wanda's way will you die when it's over?"

I caressed her face, "I will not leave you, ever."

"Good." She smiled..

Her brows knitted in confusion, "How long was I out?" She rubbed the back of her head.

"A while."

"Look who's awake!" Wanda says brightly. y/n turns her head, "How are you feeling, sleepy head?" Wanda chuckles. "Um fine, why?" "Oh no reason just wanted to make sure my best friend and brother were okay." She smiled warmly.

"Umm were fine." I helped her up.

"How did you do this? How did you bring him back?"

Wanda sighed annoyed, "I don't know and I don't even know if it was me."

I wasn't sure what to think. Wanda's power wasn't this advanced when I was alive. She seemed more powerful than before. I do believe I died I can remember but faintly. Perhaps I should be glad that's something I don’t think anyone would want to relieve. I held y/ns hand gently in my hand, seeking comfort. I could still remember being gone and the next gasping for life and then being here. I don't honestly know how this is possible. But I was glad I could be by her side and see my sister again. They both looked like they'd be through too much for one to handle.

"y/n?" She turned to look at me, "I don't know how this is possible but I do know is that I want to spend every moment I can with you, forever long I have."

Tears glistened in her eyes and she leaned forward and hugged me tightly. "I've missed you so much. I'm so sorry."

"You haven't done anything wrong." I comforted. Wanda gave me a fond look and left us alone.

She pulled away, "I've missed you so much. I love you."

"I love you too, printsessa." I leaned forward and kissed her softly. She smiled happily and leaned closer. Warmth spread in my chest and I'd never felt more alive. More happy to be alive.

[maboroshi-no]

Hamefura LN2 Animate Bonus SS

Series: My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! Source: Light novel volume 2, Bonus paper Store: Animate Synopsis: Keith's POV of the scene where he chases Geordo and Katarina going to the lake. Translation: maboroshi-no

Keith: Bring out the carriage right now!

After rushing to the manor, I, Keith Claes, immediately asked this to a servant.

Up until earlier today, I had planned to participate in an informal gathering for young noblemen. Then when I went to the venue, the fourth prince Alan Stuart, who always came to our home to see my adopted sister Katarina, was there alone, so I spoke to him.

When I did, he told me that the third prince Geordo Stuart, who would normally attend this event like Alan, wasn't at this informal gathering and seemed to have gone out alone.

Upon hearing this, I had a very bad feeling.

Most of the high-ranking young noblemen were attending this informal gathering today. So Geordo must have known that I would attend it. Which meant that he also knew that my adopted sister Katarina would be left alone at the manor.

I left the informal gathering driven by this bad feeling, and when I returned to the manor, I was informed that, just as I had imagined, Geordo had successfully invited Katarina out and they had both set out to the lake together. Riding in a carriage with just the two of them.

Lately, Geordo had not only been aggressively approaching Katarina but he had also been quick to act. For her to go out alone with someone like him…

What's more, Katarina herself had no awareness of his advances despite him targeting her like this.

I had told her countless times to hold a sense of danger, but… Each time she would confidently reply "It's okay! Even if I get exiled, I am all prepared so I can work as a farmer!", but what was "okay" about it completely eluded me.  

To begin with, I had noticed way too many times that Katarina's "It's alright!" or "Okay!" were very much unreliable.

And that was why I had been keeping a close eye on her… I couldn't believe he outwitted me like this. I was careless.

At this rate, Katarina would be in danger. So, I hurriedly jumped into the carriage and went after Geordo and Katarina.

When I finally caught up with Geordo's carriage, forcibly stopped it, and opened the door… Geordo and Katarina were excessively close to each other…

Keith: …*huff*, *puff*... Big Sister, are you okay?

While short on breath, when I managed to ask her this,

Katarina: Yes I am… It's not like I injured myself or anything. I was just going to the lake with Prince Geordo.

As usual, Katarina replied with an expression like she didn't understand anything at all.

Keith: "Just"...? This is dangerous, though.

Honestly, this adopted sister of mine… how many times did I need to tell her until she understood? I deeply sighed inside.

Then, Katarina asked me why I had come here. After I had explained the course of events,

Katarina: I understand, Keith. you don't want to be left out and it can't be helped. So join us and let's all go together.

Keith: …It seems like you don't understand anything at all, but… I'll also ask you to let me join you, Prince Geordo.

I had the feeling the completely oblivious Katarina wouldn't understand no matter how many times I explained, so for the time being, I said this and joined them on their trip to the lake.

Geordo: …Even though I finally had an opening and took her so far out… Your tenaciousness truly amazes me, Keith. ...Even so, that stupid brother of mine... He said too much...

Geordo grumbled this. I glared at him and deeply thanked my informant Alan.

After this, Geordo stubbornly insisted that he wanted to ride in the carriage alone with Katarina, and I insisted back that I couldn't allow this, so as a compromise, the three of us rode in the same carriage.

On top of this, Geordo and I were sitting next to each other, so it was greatly unpleasant. 

And like this, while Geordo kept firing sarcasm at me with a smile and I kept firing sarcasm back at him with the same smile, before I knew it, we had arrived at the lake. 

I was in a foul mood since it was the very first time that Geordo almost outwitted me, but when I saw Katarina greatly enjoying herself at the lake, I felt glad that we had come.

Katarina fully enjoyed the lake and seemed exhausted from playing too much, so on the way home, she completely fell asleep inside the carriage.

Looking at Katarina innocently sleeping and exposing her sleeping face while surrounded by two men, an astonished Geordo said,  

Geordo: She really is too defenseless in all respects… Keith, seriously, what kind of education is she given at the Claes's house?

I couldn't stomach Geordo and our views always differed, but on that point, we were in complete agreement.

Keith: She is supposed to have properly received ladies' etiquette training as she normally should, but… 

She was supposed to, but… no matter how old she got, Katarina really was so defenseless. While inside the manor, she would walk around in thin clothes and even now, she would nonchalantly hug me like when we were children.

Each time, the thinness of her clothes would make my heart race, and the softness of her body hugging mine would make me feel furiously shaken.

Especially, her now plump chest would touch my body… And then, I would think "Please spare me!".

My always free-spirited and innocent sister Katarina was really dear to me. But at the same time, it was also true that the innocent and excessively defenseless Katarina drove my heart to its limit.

While gazing at her innocent sleeping face, I deeply sighed inside again.

[chroniccoolness]

I find it interesting that a lot of gendered expectations are framed (at least in my experience) as just. "logical" or obvious. often you don't need to be directly and straightforwardly told that something is Wrong For Your Gender (though you absolutely can be ofc), it's just... the norm. Examples include:

1. I was allowed to wear leggings/pants from a young age. BUT,

1a) an Event meant a dress. There was a lot of jokes about how i hated dresses, but it was still unquestioned for the first 13 years of my life--piano recital, family reunion, wedding, theater? We go straight to the dress section. I was allowed to eventually wear a vest and pants to my middle school graduation, but i had to make a fuss abt it, because the assumption was "woman, formal space, dress".

1b) pants always came from the women's section. If I asked for men's, up until the last year, I got the response "those aren't right for your body". by "right" my mother meant that sure, they'd get on my body, but they wouldn't accentuate it properly at the hips or waist, and this makes them Wrong For Me.

2. Every woman I know in real life, bar two (one transfem, one nonbinary*), has hair shoulder length or longer. When I asked to cut my ribcage-length hair short, I got a "compromise" of shoulder length for 6 months. When I got to cut it *shorter*, my mom helped me make a pinterest board... with the keywords "short women's hair", "women's pixie cuts", and at most, "gender neutral hairstyles". When I said I wanted SHORT hair, the response from cis women I got was always "oh, like a cute pixie?" No, Sharon, like a dyke. And that's what I got called when I did it--specifically, a kid in the grade above me asked another kid if I was trying to be "a dyke or a tranny". All I did was cut my hair.

[*their words, to be clear! they identify as a nonbinary woman + i respect both aspects.]

3. Around age 11/12, my mom started asking me if I wanted her to teach me how to shave my legs. When i said no, I got an "Are you sure?" and once, "it's almost summer". This happened 3 times. She stopped after she realized the answer would say no, but always seemed bewildered, because shaving is just a Thing Women Do.

4. I have been told that if I have a baby, hormones will force me to love it, because that's just how it is. I wish I was kidding. Additionally, every time I bring up that I don't want to have kids, i get a horde of middle aged women telling me "I thought that when i was a young girl!". The gender role is "perceived woman? HAVE BABY" and if I voice a lack of desire for that, I am told I'm simply young, immature, and can't know myself. this continues even now that I am out as a trans guy.

these aren't me being directly forced not to do anything---instead, I'm free to do/not do the Thing, social stigma just attempts to tell me I'm wrong or strange for my choice. A lot of the people who've said/done these things identify as feminists--my mom and every woman who's done point 4 are. "default" gender expectations are everywhere and people have to actively think about and dismantle them.

[unholydeukae]

i must confess something. DAMI IS MY LIFE and her aegyo is so cute like wtf??

Do you do requests? If so... (bringing back the oppa dami lol) could you do something with Dami?

thank you, hope youre eating well, resting, and drinking plenty of water.

wolfie~

I think I am going to hit two birds with a stone, since there is another ask for this :)

and no, while I am trying my best, I suck at taking care of myself, and exam season isn't over so my sleep schedule is all kind of messed up 😂 (eating I eat, if I am eating well it's another discourse, lol)

I am going to bring Scream Dami back to life for this one even though I wanted to try to find a Piri era One, Prince Dami is *chef kiss*

The first time you met her it was at a fansign, and damn she was drop dead gorgeous and you were a mess, especially after you were caught staring at her as she was posing like this.

Time went by so fast, it felt like you got to her in a blink of an eye, at the end of the table, and you were so nervous you almost fainted right then and there.

But she was so calm and understanding you were soon enough brought to ease and managed to hold a conversation while she signed you something while you played with your ring.

Unfortunately it had to end, but when you got up she startled you with a compliment so out of the blue that your ring accidentally fell and she -like the prince she was- rushed to pick it up and gave it back to you, making sure to hold your hand in hers and placing it and something else in your hand. You only saw what it was when you reached your seat.

It was her number and an invite to text her, signed with a panda emoji.

You almost broke your neck to look up at her and she only grinned and winked at you.

Needless to say, you texted her a few days later, hoping she wasn't busy with secret schedules and to your luck she wasn't. So she invited you for a coffee and a walk near the Han river.

After that you went out a few more times and each time you grew closer and you became less of a bumbling idiot in her presence.

Then a few months in you relationship she invited you to her studio.

The first thing you noticed was the perfume in the air, then the little lights around the room, you could see the effort she put into everything and you couldn't help but melt.

At first it's a simple hang out, you ordered take out and had dinner with some music in the background, then she makes her move.

Kissing wasn't new, what was new was the slow evolution to a make out session that gets you down on the couch with her on top of you, a languid kiss she so easily dominated.

The only moment you stopped was when she tried to move away her hips from yours but accidentally a suspicious bulge brushed against your centre, making you gasp in her lips. That was new too but at least it explained why she would get so skittish when you accidentally brushed against her crotch sometimes.

For a moment you shared a look and she seemed pretty apprehensive, but you were quick to reassure her, cupping her (criminally soft) cheeks and bringing her in to resume your kiss while you hugged her waist with your legs and pulled her until she laid flush against you.

Yep, a big something told you she was very pleased about that turn of events.

As the temperature seemed to rise she helped you get out of your clothes (unraveling a new set of lingerie to her surprise, you were glad for that impulsive buy).

That first night was pretty tame, you only christened the couch and fucked in missionary, but soon she would prove to be addicting enough that fucking in her studio became a weekly habit and tried new things, like cockwarming. (You still would fuck in your own place when she could stay the night, but there was something about doing it in her studio you couldn't place)

For some reason it actually stimulated her creativity so sometimes you would either keep her in your mouth, though it wouldn't last long because you would get impatient and actively suck her off, or you would sit in her lap with your back to her chest and watched her work on something with her pc.

It's in one such occasion that Yoohyeon almost walked in on you, just when you started to grind your hips to get a reaction out of your girlfriend. Hearing the handle of the door moving made you sit back so fast you almost made the chair tilt over, but Dami was faster to ground her feet and grab her panda quilt to cover your laps.

Those were the longest and hottest two hours of your life, and Dami didn't help when she sneaked her hand beneath your pants and started rubbing you until you came with a strangled moan while Yoohyeon was focused on her phone with her air pods.

(Unbeknownst to both of you, they were turned off).

(She will come clean one day, after Minji has failed for the thousandth time to catch the hint, and ask you both to join you sometimes when she's so horny her hand isn't enough)

[possessionisamyth]

Thought of Sherry and made myself sad because she was 10 (retconned from being 12) during the whole Raccoon City incident and didn't have her pseudo parents (Claire and Leon) for a week before she's being shifted into Simmons' hands.

I was thinking of what kind of lie and the strings of control Simmons would have to cast in order to make Sherry trust him. I can believe she was tutored the year the incident took place partially because they wanted to check her danger levels as a bioweapon and partially because she was a traumatized child so her mental state would need to be balanced before being thrown back into school. The best place for her would be private school the whole time. There's a level of control money brings, and Simmons would be able to pay off or make disappear anyone who might see something strange about her. He'd funnel her to private doctors and nurses for all her appointments where she might be out of school for a week here and there, but her absence and lack of work wouldn't be punished either because, again, money talks.

I can think of her as suspicious and untrustworthy of Simmons at the beginning because Leon promised to protect her, and she's hearing nothing from him. I'd think Simmons would extend an olive branch to keep that control and lie appropriately. If he says Leon abandoned her, it would incite rebellion, and he needed Sherry to trust him. He'd probably tell her Leon was paying for everything with his job so she could live a normal life. Her acceptance of this would come in tiny waves. She did hear other student's parents talk about how expensive tuition and supplies and uniforms are. She is getting the nicest toys whether they're limited edition or sold out before they appear in her room all wrapped up with a bow. She can decorate her room however she wants and anything she needs is provided quickly.

She can't see Simmons weaving the web where sometimes her gifts would read "From: Leon". It's not his handwriting, but Sherry wouldn't know. She doesn't get that an extended school vacation after breaking an arm which healed in a week instead of 6-8 weeks was a means of keeping up the air of normalcy to her peers. She's told over and over Leon's working hard to make sure she has the best of everything, and does she really want to stop him? Does she know what'll happen if she does? Suddenly it's like she's with her parents again. That if she makes too much of a fuss she'll cause problems for them. She'll cause problems for Leon. So she oh so gradually stops asking where he is and what he's doing and when she can see him. Besides, the excuses for why she can't know that information were getting old and tired anyway. "He just left the country", or "He's getting special training," or "He's moving again". It was like they weren't even trying to not lie to her.

Until Claire comes to visit. What better way for Simmons to cement the trust he needs then to let Sherry see the other important person in her life as much as she can? Which does work. When Claire visits on her school breaks and holidays, the lies do feel a lot more like the truth. Sherry doesn't expect Claire and Leon to be attached at the hip, but if Claire can visit while being busy with college, maybe Leon was as busy as Simmons said. It helps that Claire admits she also struggles getting in contact with Leon. So maybe Leon was almost always out of the country and getting training and working all hours since everything Sherry needed was so expensive. Maybe he was working so hard to make sure Sherry had the best life she could. Maybe she should stop trying to see deception that wasn't there and work hard herself to make sure Leon's efforts went to something good. So she stops asking for Leon except maybe around the milestone events like the 13th birthday and 16th birthday and 18th birthday, and highschool graduation, and college graduation, and by then? By then, all the little red flags of Simmons control hadn't registered until RE6 where the mask comes off.

She sees Leon for the first time in 15 years, and it's him telling her everything was a lie. Simmons was a traitor and never had her best interest in mind. Never had their best interest in mind, and too many things are happening for her to process the information. She just has to swallow it all.

What's worse is she probably would try her best not to beat herself up about it, but I don't know how well she'd succeed. The looping mantra of knowing at 10 years old she was right about the lies and fell for them anyway. Having the hindsight of an adult to notice every single time Simmons nudged her life this way or that way to make sure she did everything he wanted. Questioning how many of her decisions were her wanting to be better than her parents, to make Leon's effort worth it, to be as well-adjusted as she could be around Claire, how much was actually her and how much was Simmons' manipulation? How much of her choices and personhood were hers and not a result of what Simmons wanted her to be? Fingers crossed she took a long vacation after RE6, and a longer vacation to really comb through that contract Simmons definitely gave her for her current career.

[vixletserenity]

Although Celeste had made it obvious that she would be shifting her focus onto the upcoming exam for her music course, that wasn't the only thing on her mind.

Perhaps this John man knew, she wouldn't entirely know.

She had called her representative for the Paldean Parliament about addressing them all in the next session; which ironically or coincidentally was right after getting out of her quarantine.

The woman had told her that part of the discussions would be about the Crater; to which she somehow was able to squeeze Celeste having time on the floor.

When that time arrived, Celeste was dressed in the usual dress suit she had worn when sitting in these sessions. She walked up to the speaking podium, her body language being bitter as her mouth opened to speak.

"I would like to announce that I will be stepping down from the position given to me as the expert and top researcher of Area Zero."

There were voices all over the room from all the adults in the room. Some were panicking at this and telling off at her before Celeste put her hand up to continue speaking.

She only had a certain amount of time on the floor, and she was not going to waste it by this backtalking.

"I will no longer be your pawn in order to gain power in the international fields. And I no longer tolerate the pathetic attempt to make me; one of the few initial people who knew of Professor Turo's passing, into Paldea's Regional Professor by force.

The Academy here promotes the students to choose whatever path they want; to find their own Treasure. And yet, the adults here in this very room are so selfish and power hungry that they want to steal that away from one who moved to this region after her family was given enough sympathy by the isolationist government to give refugee status during the Great Freeze years ago."

There were more voices of protest. They're growing. Saying how disrespectful she was being until Celeste slammed her hands the hardest she could on the podium.

"I'M NOT FINISHED YET! BE SILENT AND STOP INTERUPTTING THE TIME I HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO SPEAK TO ANY OF YOU!" She yelled; her voice echoing across the chambers and quieting almost everyone in an instant.

"My childhood was robbed from me by a person who should be there to protect me, yet he chose to hurt me for selfish and petty reasons. And now that's happening all over again by the people who should've known how damaging to the mind it is to see and experience what I have!

I refuse to let that happen ever again! Even if I have very little time to still be considered a child in some people's eyes, I choose to take that and finally live for myself! Just as what the teachers and Director have wished for students like myself!

You know enough about the Crater through everything I've done and the clearance you've given Ms. Briar at Blueberry Academy. There's nothing more you need to know about down there! Leave it alone and pay attention to the people that you should be serving as public servants!

To the youth you've abandoned for so long to the point that they've had to take the pain they've felt into their own hands because the literal adults in the room failed them in multiple and severe degrees!

It is time to bring this era of conquesting the Great Crater much like the ancient emperor whose kingdom came to a demise for his own greedy desires and keeping it secret from the public to an end! The people of Paldea and the rest of the world deserves to know what this oh so sacred and all knowing governing body has been doing while the region's systems were degrading beyond recognition."

She took a deep breath in and out as the timer started to indicate that there wasn't much time left for her.

"As my parting words...I will say this. Think more about the consequences of what you all have done in the perspective of fifty years; even a century from now looking back at these events in hindsight!

The mysteries have been solved; it's futile now to only think about them. Use what time we have on this planet to think on how all this will impact those yet to come and people like me who will have to live and fix what problems you create.

For the future will not always be in fully your hands to control; whether you like it or not."

Without another comment, Celeste got off the podium and walked out of the chambers quietly and calmly. She's done what she needed to do.

And is now in full control of what she wants her future to be.

[classicsubliminalbo]

Corbin's Story: The Conspiracy

Originally published Nov 8, 2016

In my three years at Carpenter State University, I'd never seen a student election quite like the race between Jeff Pride and Lacey Stafford. I had always considered student government a joke--a hobby for ambitious students to pad their resume, maybe whet their appetite for power until they're old enough to run for something that actually matters. I ran the most successful student life publication on campus, and I couldn't even tell you what the student government did. But something about the race for president of the student body had sparked a fire among the young undergrads on campus. I first noticed it one afternoon at the student center, where a massive crowd had gathered in the lobby to listen to Lacey speak. Over a hundred people, standing there enraptured in this boring speech about student life. She would pause, and they would cheer as if commanded.

It was just weird enough to warrant further investigation and, unfortunately, I found myself quickly buried in the world of student politics. I educated myself on the two candidates. Lacey's opponent was a frat boy named Jeff Pride. He didn't bring a lot to the table other than a great build and a nice smile. He was charismatic enough, but I never got the impression that Jeff really knew what he was doing. He was a rich kid who's dad had once been president of his alma mater, and now he was only in this thing for his father's pride. Jeff wouldn't have drawn crowds even if he held events like Lacey's. It was like she was running unopposed. Meanwhile, her venues were getting bigger. First the student center, then the library, the gymnasium and soon she was speaking at the auditorium.

She crushed the only debate. Jeff struggled to stay on topic, even admitting a few times that if he weren't in the race, he would vote for Lacey. When asked what he liked about his opponent Jeff said, "She's like, way qualified for this. I know she'll do a great job if she wins." For her response, Lacey said, "There's not a lot going on upstairs but Jeff, you have great hair." Everyone laughed. Even I laughed. By the end of the debate the crowd had begun to chant, "Madam President," and Lacey stood there like she'd been humbled by the crowd's support, her hand over her mouth in fake surprise like she didn't know that she would win this debate by a landslide.

By this point I had started to write some articles about the election. I wanted to know what it was that made Lacey such an electrifying candidate. Piper had gone around interviewing students about their support, but no one offered real answers. In fact, few students could even tell us what she planned to do as president. Lacey had an effect on people, it was something in the way she spoke, her mastery of rhetoric. Her words sent a shock through your body and ignited a passion that you never knew you had. One evening, Piper returned to my office with notes on a Lacey rally she had attended. "I spoke with her," she told me. "After the rally, Lacey pulled me aside to give me a quote for the publication." "And?" I asked. "We had a long talk," Piper said. "And I'm confident that she'll make a great president for our student body."

I had lost Piper, my best intern.

I decided to go it alone, putting Piper on a different story and doubling down on my efforts to expose Lacey. I released an article that week on my blog titled, "Who is Lacey Stafford?" There I dumped everything that I'd learned: Lacey Stafford was a 4.0 student taking thirty credit hours, but no one had seen her in class since the first week of the semester. She had ties to several professors on campus, and it was rumored that she'd been the mistress of the late professor of economics, Dr. Arthur Lange.

Hours after the story was published, Piper texted me that Lacey wanted to meet for an interview. Piper had been volunteering to help Lacey's campaign, and the two had gotten close, but Lacey still hadn't responded to any of my emails. My story was exactly the kind of push that Lacey needed.

Lacey met me at my apartment. She sat down and we exchanged polite greetings, but I was eager to move passed the pleasantries and get into who Lacey Stafford really is. I was fair with her, and I told her that this interview wasn't just another fluff piece about her record as a student politician. There was plenty of that in Carpenter State's flagship student newspaper.

Lacey laughed. "I wouldn't expect anything less from Corbin Arroyo," she said. Her tone was soft and sweet, but it was strong. "You're a legend on campus. I've been following your blog since it started. If it weren't for your work, our football players would still be balls-deep in hookers right now." "Thank you," I replied. "That's not a very popular opinion around here. The team is four-and-twenty since they sacked the coach and the NCAA dropped the sanctions." "I want our team to succeed, but I want them to succeed honestly. Integrity is important to me." "Right," "You don't like me, do you, Corbin?"

The question took me by surprise, but I appreciated its straightforward nature. I answered her: "I don't know you, Lacey. And I don't think anyone else knows you either. What is your platform? What do you hope to accomplish other than putting 'Carpenter State student president' on your resume someday? Why should you have that privilege over Jeff Pride?" "I think it's clear that I'm the only choice for president," Lacey replied. "Jeff is a moron, and I have the endorsement of more than ten professors on campus," "Right," I nodded. "And before this year, professors have stayed out of student affairs. There's no such thing as 'professor endorsements' and you know that." "But student endorsements," she smiled. "Me?" I asked.

Lacey crossed her legs now, resting her hands in her lap. Her face, that friendly smile and those empathetic eyes, shifted to something more serious. A determined glare. "I didn't come here to give you quotes for another one of your hit pieces, Corbin," she said. The soft tone had faded, and for the first time this entire election I felt like I was listening to the real Lacey Stafford. Then she said with total confidence: "I came here today to get your endorsement."

"My endorsement," I repeated. "Listen, I don't give a fuck about any of this. But I see a crowd all moving in one direction, I look to see where there going. I don't know what you've done to these students, but you've tapped into something powerful. You're a classic manipulator, a shape-shifter who will take any form to win a vote, and I'd never endorse someone like that."

Lacey chuckled. "Your friend Piper said something similar. I saw that she was harassing my followers so I took her aside and talked some sense into her. Now she's just another loyal face in the crowd."

"Piper..." I gasped. "What did you do to her?" "Suggestion is a very powerful thing, Corbin," she mused. "Piper is a strong woman, I'll give her that. Jeff, he was an easy target. Just the promise of sex was enough to get him alone and properly conditioned."

I sat there in stunned silence. Lacey gave me the moment to gather my thoughts. "You..." I started. "You're controlling people?" "Yep!" She sat up in excitement, like she'd been eager to spill the details of her plan to somebody. "I started with the professors, then I moved down to members of student government." "That's how you never attend class but maintain a perfect GPA," I gasped. "It's amazing the amount of free time I have these days. And to my credit, I'm going to devote a lot of that time to being president." "That's why Jeff is such a miserable candidate," I said. "He's doing everything he can to lose the election. Why wouldn't you just make him drop out?" "Oh, I picked Jeff to run," Lacey laughed. "He genuinely is the dumbest person I've ever met. But a great pedigree, and very charismatic. See, I couldn't run unopposed. No one cares about a student president who ran unopposed. So I found a puppet."

My heart was racing. Suddenly it didn't seem so crazy that I'd endorse her by the end of our meeting, but I had the advantage now that she'd revealed her scheme. This wasn't the first time I'd stumbled onto a mind control plot on campus. That was a ridiculous sentence. "Why are you telling me this?" I asked. "What's your angle?" "Because it doesn't matter," she shrugged. "I know this is the kind of scoop that you're just dying to have, but you won't do anything with it." "Like hell--" I started, but she held up her finger and the rest of my words caught in my mouth. "I've seen you stalking around my rallies, Corbin. You sat in the front row at the debate. I saw you cheering for me. I saw you chanting with the crowd." "What? But I-I-" I stammered, trying to think back to the night of the debate, but my memory was foggy. "That's not right..." "It is, Corbin," she said. "You see, the presidency isn't just about my resume. It also gives me the perfect opportunity to spread my message to the student population." "No..." I said, but I knew that it was true. That feeling when Lacey spoke, that jolt of passion that had shot through my body, it had taken control of me. I remember now: I had lost myself in those crowds. My obsession with Lacey's campaign wasn't driven by a desire to know the truth, but something else. I watched her speak with complete love and adoration. She was my Madam President.

When Lacey commanded me to sleep, my eyes closed and my head slumped until my chin hit my chest. I sat there, breathing slowly, focusing on nothing else in the world but Lacey's intoxicating voice.

"Can you hear me, Corbin?" she asked. "Yes, Lacey," I mumbled. "I'm not a bad person," she said. "And you'll see that when I'm president. You've been fighting so hard for so long for those on campus who don't have the strength to fight for themselves. It must be a lonely battle. You're tired, aren't you?" "Yes. So tired..." "You can rest now, Corbin. I will fight for you, I will fight for everyone. You know this to be true." "I know this to be true..." "You love me, you adore me, you will obey me." "Yes, Lacey. I love you. I adore you. I will obey you." "Now you're going to wake up, Corbin, and you're going to pledge your loyalty to me."

Slowly I opened my eyes, and before me I saw Lacey, Carpenter State's new face of change. She had stripped to her underwear while I was under. "Lacey," I pleaded. "Tell me how to pledge my loyalty..." She smiled. "Well, you're going to endorse me," "Of course," I said. "But while we're here, why don't you show me what you've got under that shirt?"

I complied, unbuttoning my shirt to reveal my bra. Lacey stalked toward me, admiring my form. "I've taken a lot of slaves, Corbin, but none quite as fit as you." "Please," I begged. "Use me like your other slaves." "Show me to the bedroom and we'll see what I can do," Lacey smiled.

[bwobgames]

Previous First

"We met on University, I was on the student council and he was the type of guy who was everywhere, all volunteer works, all university events, all sport competitions, he was there. So, I decided to befriend him, to get information on how the student body was doing"

"You networked your way into romance?"

"Don't say it like that"

"We made a great team, He was amazing at managing time and ideas, while i'm great at people managing and overall organizing. We admired that about eachother. That admiration turned into love, I think"

"He told me of his big project, his dream company. We were young, we were extremely competent, and most importantly, he was rich. So, clearly, it was a success."

"After that we had it all, a nice house, money, time. So we decided to take the next step: kids"

"From the moment I saw my little Nadia's tiny hand, I knew this was happiness. I knew that this was all that i've worked for, that it was finally time to rest."

"Eugene wanted a boy too, so we had another. Two silly little things waddling around the house."

"But after a while, he was restless again, He wanted more projects, more travels, more deals. But I couldn't join him, our kids needed us!, I tried to make him understand that, but he took it as an invitation to just do it alone"

"He appeared once every month or so, bringing gifts to the kids, claiming he loved them. I hope he did"

"Honestly, If it wasn't for Nina I wouldn't be standing right now."

"Excuse me, who?"

"Eugene's sister, She's always been there for me. She's wonderful with kids, and with me. I would do anything for her"

"We raised the kids together, they still call her "Mama Nina" sometimes. it was difficult, but she made it all better"

"Until one day. when suddenly Eugene came back carrying divorce papers"

"I asked why, and he just said he was over with family, that he tried it but didn't want it anymore, so he was going to leave"

"He decided to take the house, and our shared bank account"

"At first I thought he was cheating on me, but then I realized it was way worse"

"He never loved, he wanted the concept of a wife, of kids and family. But he didn't care, he just wanted to check that mark and continue with the next life event. I was just another dumb girl being used by a selfish rich guy"

"I don't really remember what I did, maybe I cried, maybe I screamed. But knowing myself, I probably just stood in silence and accepted it."

"Nina didn't accept it at all"

"I've heard siblings fight but never like this. Whatever she said must have really moved him, because next thing I know, he's running away from authorities"

"The thought of all my youth, my potential, my life prospects being squashed by one man- I... I wasn't coping well.

I screamed and cried and said horrible things to the people I love. My kids went to live with their friend. I drove Nina away. And when i tried being better, doing something for the community, this happens. He haunts me. We are still perceived as husband as wife because we didn't tell anyone!"

"I don't know why this is happening, but I know one thing: Just like his name, that man is a bacteria. He will infect you and slowly rot your insides, and you will never realize it until he has killed you already."

"Tell me, detective. Now that you've listened to all that."

[misfit-kaijuu]

So...

I figured Tumblr might've been the best place to talk about this. Yeah, there have been many depictions of Steven being evil, born under yellow diamond, etc.

And those are some of my favorites tbh

But, I had an idea for a "Dark Steven" where he's simply less patient. He grew tired of the lies, being treating less than a crystal gem, the secrets. I understand this was all for his own good, he had to be ready for what was to come and they didn't want him to be in unnecessary danger and bother with the past that didn't necessarily concern him since they were aiming for a better future.

Spoilers for anyone who may not have watched

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There's an episode where he demands more, and they give him a test. He "needs a win" they surmise. He finds out they made it so he cannot fail this exam and was in no actual danger. He approaches them, with mixed emotions and decides not to lash out at them for belittling him or being overprotective.

In my tweak, he does lash out. A rift forms between them and he stops trusting the crystal gems. He starts trying to get stronger on his own and not depending on them for his growth or looking to them to help with his progress. My timeline is a little off on sequence of events since it's been a while since I've watched or worked on this idea, but in my idea he finds Peridot sometime after this conflict. He expresses his disdain and his frustrations, revealing that the crystal gems are still around and on the planet.

Peridot sees this as an opportunity to impress Yellow Diamond, and tells Steven she can help him train to get stronger, and so he goes along with it. Of course, Peridot wouldn't be as nice or concerned with his well-being. He gets... Darker. He loses that childlike piece of himself a little earlier. He's still Steven, but a less bright light comes from him.

A lot of plot points still happen, but Steven reacts differently. He's more prepared and ready to defend himself on some scenarios and shows off a bit more skill and mastery than the gems would expect - and of course - he shuts them out.

Years pass. The cluster takes longer to form. I haven't decided if he and Peridot would go on a mission just the two of them to bubble the cluster or if something else took place to prevent its hatching. But.. Steven's older. He's stronger, wiser and more battle savvy than anyone would've expected. He's become playful but mischievous in a way. He's still Steven, but not the one they knew or expected him to be.

At this point, he's taken sides with Peridot. I hadn't decided how much she told him of Homeworld, but he's surmised the crystal gems might not be as great as he thought they were. Likely some brainwashing (Peridot's perspective of things causing some uncertainty and doubt.)

Peridot thinks it's time to introduce him to her diamond, but only if he can present her with the final remnants of the Crystal Gems. A test.

So he fights the gems one by one, not thinking he could take them all at once. I thought to myself that Amethyst would be the hardest for him to fight because of how close they were. But couldn't decide if he'd fight her first or last. Not because of threat level, but just because of how much she meant to him. I had it their bonding still happened, if not to muddy the waters later on.

Ultimately, he succeeds. Connie of course, decided not to help him. She sided with Pearl, and he never even told her about Peridot until things were about to come to a head.

But yeah...

This was the idea. I wanted to make a comic some time ago but lost the motivation. I have some sketches, some designs. But never went through with it, though it still floats around with my other ideas.

I bring this hear to ask if anyone would wanna see that fleshed out/see what it might become?

It only came about because I realized I like painful stories, and wondered what could make Steven Universe a little painful in a way that still somewhat followed a possibility? Multiverse thoughts..

[syre-stane16]

Pirate AU [Diamond is Unbreakable]

I can’t remember the order of events.

Suzy Q, Holly, Sadao, Jotaro and Cassiopeia are not mad, but very disappointed in Joseph when they find out about his illimitamate child.

Jotaro is paranoid because DIO has a lot of followers making attempts on his life. He still volunteered to meet Josuke.

Platinum stars~the world: two artefacts fused together, one grants the user enhanced strength, speed and precision, the other stops time but causes strain on the user.

He meets with Josuke, asserts dominance by spewing facts about him and by being a pirate. Josuke thinks the dude insulted his hair and attempts to punch him.

Diamond craze: a hammer that can fix/ heal whatever it hits, cannot be used on the user.

Things are the same, they meet Okuyasu.

The Hand: a gauntlet that, when activated, erases whatever it touches

Kiochi Lays an egg

EGG: EGG

Keicho gets killed by Akira. Koichi has to fight Gaslight, Gatekeep, Garbage-man.

Echos: a chocker that reverbs what is said by the user, can be directed at opponents.

Yukako is Yandere and thinks that kidnapping someone is romantic[ it’s not,].

Love deluxe: a brooch that allows the user to control their hair.

Koichi thinks that this relationship would be toxic and Rejecting and friend-zoning Yukako.

Echos2: bells that are attached to the echoes choker. Can inflict the meaning of words on whatever they are Thrown at.

They find out that Joseph is on his way to the island to meet josuke and find Akira.

The purple hermit: a wreath that gives the user information, in roundabout ways���

They fight Akira one last time .

Red Hot Chilli Pepper: a guitar that can manipulate electricity.

Joseph comes with Jolyne Extreme Confusion when they found out Jotaro has a Daughter and is Married. They find an invisible baby.

Achtung: a pendant that allows the user to become invisible.

They meet Rohan, I guess he can be a cartoonist.

Heaven’s Door: a pen can rewrite/ alter memories or aspects of an individual, for the target to be affected, they must first see something drawn/ written with the pen. Can be used on air.

Okuyasu and Josuke goes to Tonio’s to try the food.

Pearl Jam: some strange seasoning that when added to a dish, can heal the consumer.

Rohan finds Reimi. Remembers trauma. Joins Jotaro to in the PTSD table. The Morioh gang decides to help find her killer.

They meet Shigechi and win the lottery.

Harvest: a beetle pin that sends beetles to scout for small objects for the user.

In another desperate attempt to get Koichi to like her, Yukako gets plastic surgery I guess…

Cinderella: a makeup brush that can alter someone’s appearance

My name is Yoshikage Kira. I'm 33 years old. My house is in the northeast section of Morioh, where all the villas are, and I am not married. I work as an employee for the Kame Yu department stores, and I get home every day by 8 PM at the latest. I don't smoke, but I occasionally drink. I'm in bed by 11 PM, and make sure I get eight hours of sleep, no matter what. After having a glass of warm milk and doing about twenty minutes of stretches before going to bed, I usually have no problems sleeping until morning. Just like a baby, I wake up without any fatigue or stress in the morning. I was told there were no issues at my last check-up. I'm trying to explain that I'm a person who wishes to live a very quiet life. I take care not to trouble myself with any enemies, like winning and losing, that would cause me to lose sleep at night. That is how I deal with society, and I know that is what brings me happiness. Although, if I were to fight I wouldn't lose to anyone.

Killer queen: a ring with a skull shaped gem that allows the user to blow people up.

Yoshikage kills Shigechi.

They use the button to find the man’s tailor, the tailor gets blown up.

Killer Queen~Sheer Heart Attack: the skull gem, an automated weapon, tracks via heat. Blows whatever it touches, extremely durable.

Jotaro’s down, Koichi is terrified. I think it’s time for… E C H O E S A C T I I I

Echos3: y’know those bells on cat collars? That on the chocker. Can increase the weight on the target. Can only affect one target at a time.

Japanese kid that wears green currently has a hole in the torso? Check

Blond dude mocking both his opponents? Check

PTSD? Triggered

Adventures? Bizarre

Hotel? Trivago

Jotaro Ora-Ora’s Yosikage before the adrenaline tappers out and the fatigue kicks in.

Josuke and Okuyasu arrive on the scene and heals their allies. They figure out Yosikage is the Morioh serial killer and the group chase after the man.

Yosikage enters Cinderella and swaps faces with Koshaku Kawajiri. He blows up the fairy godmother lady. The groups trail runs cold.

Jotaro now wants at least one stand user in fighting shape to keep an eye on Jolyne while he conducts his investigations. The group know tries to figure out where Yosikage went.

Josuke and Okuyasu meets Mikitaka ( best boi) .

Earth, Air,Wind, Fire: a piercing that lets the user transform into water they want.

Josuke burns Rohan’s house down. Rohan gets his soul sucked by Yuya.

Thursday comes, Jolyne gets kidnapped by enigma, the teens decide not to tell the protective father after saving her.

Things go about the same here. Honestly, since the story only takes place in one town there’s little space for pirating….

I just added Jolyne because I wanted her to have a nicer relationship with her father before he cuts contact with his family. Imagine the angst potential… Jolyne thinking that she did something wrong and drove Jotaro away.

>=}

[diaryofawallfly]

[ As usual, there's a bit of a hurried quality to Hart's letter. A change, however: the unsteady scrawl has turned into an almost-calligraphy in green ink by fountain pen. Someone's been practicing. ]

Mr. Renfield,

I regret very much that I have taken so long to write back. I've had academic ordeals to contend with (more on this later), as well as some personal matters and the purchase of a new pen after losing mine.

Enough about me; first, Mr. Renfield, though I didn't ask about your garden, if I'd had the foresight to, I assure you I would've done. You write well about things that capture you- and I guess that's not exactly it, but you get what I mean. Plus, it sounds like you have an amazing green thumb and I'm sure the castle looks even more regal for it. It's a shame to hear about the further disrepair- though that brings me to the next of my questions. Do you have 'official' duties as caretaker? What are the most demanding and- conversely- the most rewarding aspects of the role? And, if I may, who do you work for now?

Since I've asked more questions of you, I may as well answer yours in turn. I'm a university student (undergrad) studying biology, not law- but I also really like books, so I can write decently. Finals have kept me busy for the past long while. And I wouldn't know where to begin with "interesting events" from around here, given the general state of... everything. You don't get wifi out there, do you?

It sounds nice there. I mean, I don't doubt it's not all gardens and sunsets, and learning another language on the fly sounds really, really difficult- I've never travelled anywhere that English wasn't the native tongue- but you found a new home in a place so distant from anything you knew, settled into a completely different career that has apparently served you well, get to grow your own roses and peonies, and made a friend who makes jam and wine. That sounds really nice. (And maybe she could teach you, or write it down or something. For a recipe box. Or keepsake.) I guess it's not that far, but your way of life feels like it's a whole world away from here, so it's fascinating to read about.

I don't eat meat much, but I think I'll have to try polenta somehow. Any advice? I look forward to your next letter.

Sincerely,

R. Hart

Dear Hart, 

I must apologise for my delay. I had a few unexpected duties of my own to attend to. All of which is now taken care of and I can focus my time on your correspondence. 

I hope that university is treating you well. Biology is a very dedicated endeavour that you should be proud of. What year are you? What are you looking to apply your work to? Is there a specific topic that you wish to study more closely? I admire your choice of science. It was never something I could wrap my mind around.

I truly appreciate the charming way you described what I’ve shared with you. You’ve made it out to be rather romantic. I suppose I should try to see it that way myself. It’s become so mundane for me I suppose I forget what I have, I see the cracks in the walls more than the flowers in bloom. Thank you. Your perspective is refreshing and has brought me a light I feel as though I lost some time ago. 

I have also taken your advice. I have asked the elderly woman for her recipes– done strictly on the promise that I will continue to purchase her goods, which I will of course. She told me the wine would have to wait and she invited me to instead assist her with her next batch. Until then, I’ve enclosed copies for both her jam and her polenta that I’ve translated for you. With the polenta, you’re welcome to add most anything you like to it. While meat is common, I’m certain hardy vegetables would be delicious. 

I must thank you again for encouraging me to take that step forward. I’ve become somewhat of a hermit myself. I don’t leave the castle often and I regularly only go into the small town. And no, we don’t have the wifi here in the castle. I think a few places in town have it, the municipal buildings mostly, but many have mobile phones. I do not. I don’t have the need for it with my work. 

As you asked, I do continue to work for the owner of the estate. I mostly do upkeep and repairs– or at least ensuring it doesn’t fall into further disrepair. It’s become a historical monument at this point and is rather important in that aspect. I also tend to the owner’s needs as well. What’s asked of me changes by the day. The most rewarding part would be my garden, though I’ve told you enough about it by now. The most challenging task, which may sound silly, is grocery shopping. The owner has a rather specific and limited diet, and procurement for those needs is often strenuous. But still rewarding nonetheless. It isn’t the line of work I ever intended to find myself in but I like it well enough. I haven’t left yet and it’s been a long while now. 

Thank you again for your continued letters. I do so appreciate the company you’ve given me. I hope to hear from you again soon. 

Sincerely, 

 𝓡. 𝓜. 𝓡𝓮𝓷𝓯𝓲𝓮𝓵𝓭

P.S. I must also compliment your penmanship. It is delightful!

[namelesschurch]

Weekly update:

Lev: Lev's back. Honestly, that's the biggest thing for me. She hasn't told me much about what happened. She says she got caught in some sort of VR world with a slightly reasonable megalomaniac? When I asked her about that, she just said "no one died" and then also proceeded to try and reassure me that there was no risk of dying for her - cause of Rook - who was this spellcaster that Lev mentioned earlier before she went on that month-long mess. I think I bawled half the time and yelled at her for the other half.

And now the idiot is picking fight with gangs. Gangs with guns. I can't. I can't lose her. I need to figure out how to distract her in someway. Maybe I should reintroduce her to Crow - her once guardian a timeline ago - at the very least, I can tell Crow that Lev wants to be a vigilante, cause she has massive opinions about that and kids. It's a low blow, but I will not lose her again. She'll either be strong enough to overpower everything that's out there or stay put until she is ready.

----

Mads: So. Mads became a god. Of second chances apparently. And I also made a stupid mistake assuming that Mads would be accepted like Kris is. Needless to say, I was forced to reveal some things about Chi and myself to remedy it. But I don't regret it. I have a bad feeling that if I had gone with my original plan and waited... well, it wouldn't have been good for Mads.

Hopefully, he won't make the connection. I really am the most pathetic goddess apparent, and Chi is unfortunately dragged into my mess by virtue of being her.

I am concerned as to the sort of mannequin-like state when the World Boundary had thoroughly suppressed him. Is that his vessel? Like I've heard that angels were created - and that for them to exist in the mortal world, they require something of Malkuth - of the physical realm - a vessel to exist in. Well, this is assuming the angel he is and the angels I know are similar. But why is he afraid of other mannequin / puppet-like things then?

Kris: He's gone exploring into Chi's Dream World and will have an update when he's done. I hope it's a good distraction for him at any rate. And...I am curious as to why Chi is connected to that world.

...especially if it is that dream world I am thinking about - the one that Lev always chided me on wasting skill points on. How did it end up turning into a game?

Crowley: I'm glad to see that seaweed hell hasn't eaten her. What is a little ominous is her reply tags to my enormous crab MTG post. I hope this is just her "the horrors are normal everyday things" sorta humor - and not y'know having an island-size crab that needed dealing with.

Erna: She's probably the one I'm most worried about. I don't think I can stop it either. Like Lev said, if she's the only one who has not been called... she'll likely accept the Calling willingly next time it happens.

bookkeeperofthescions: Will need to ask in the next week if she needs help with anything. It sounds like almost all of the Scions are down and likely in need of life-sustaining treatment - both soul and body-wise. I might not be able to teleport stuff myself, but the BC's can at least transport things - even if they tend to eat the stuff they transport.

Yugi / Seto / Mokuba / Joey / Rook? : Seems like the card game squad has come back safe and sound - Lev did say that. I am admittedly a little bit worried about Joey given his inactivity, though I'm fairly sure if anything did happen to him, Yugi or Lev would've mentioned it, right? Like I keep telling myself that if the events that happened to them were incredibly dangerous, I feel like one of them would've mentioned it - and then I remember Yugi has a talent for understatement, and Lev's opinion of danger is that it probably has to be city-ending for it be on her radar.

Nata: It seems she went back to Seattle after the damage from the alien? person. Was it the right thing to go "no I will not bring them back?" I can't really say. I know that if Lev disappeared, I would do all I can to bring her back - I did do all I can, limited as it was. But for random people I don't know, I probably wouldn't. Life and Death and Reincarnation have its place - messing with those things probably created the term "playing god."

Lark: Seems to be going to school, I guess? He obviously doesn't like it. Should also keep in mind to refer to him as a witch and not wizard - he's made clear the difference in societal context. Might be some personal context to, given how vehement he is about the subject.

holyhappyhour: Have not seen a response from Le after her comment on the moon. Hopefully, this is just her doing her periods of inactivity thing. Not everyone treats social media as their journal after all. And not someone as cagey as her.

Wayne Enterprises: I do not know what they are playing at. Inviting me to a dinner I do not have the qualifications to be part of - and then inviting me to a partnership that honestly seems fair on paper for the vertical farming project seems almost too good to be true. All I can think of is that I somehow hit some sort of alarm when I started asking about developing caves in the area - an alarm that's present in pro-company, the water is now poison, Gotham. Are they worried about me doing something - or are they already doing something in the caves? I don't have the connections to go blindly investigating - maybe this partnership could be a bribe even. But that's less likely. There's a lot of stuff a multibillion dollar corporation could do to make my life - a millionaire - and my company miserable. They don't need to cater to me.

plushwave: It is hard to tell how much it is Rose's very bad sense of humor coming out or if she's actually being serious. Also interested in the set-up of her world as mentioned by her comments of "Qin." I have also learned that completely different cultures and countries prevents direct comparison of cultures and countries - like you'd think this is a given, but it's a lot harder to actually put into practice when half the stuff it sounds like should be common culture. Or at least that's what I think. Anyway, cares a lot for Aloisia clearly.

enqueter: enqueter. Because I don't think I've seen any mention of name on enqueter's posts. Has some sort of genetic-related powers going on utilizing ADAM and what's called Plasmid. enqueter is a private eye that deals with ADAM-related stuff enough to be a sorta expert on the subject - has a related ADAM power called electrobolt?Not much information as of late. Will keep any eye on.

[dragoon-mid-jump]

Knock knock open up! For that ask meme, or for a sick knock knock joke, your call.

(Prompt is here!)

(cw: death, war, panic attack)

--At some point in time between the events of Patches 3.3-3.4 and before the beginning of The Final Days--

Y'dehlya sighs, her expression grim.

"The only person I've ever told this to was Minfilia what feels like ages ago now. Even so, it doesn't take graduating from the Studium or becoming an Archon to figure it out eventually, and I think the others have long since caught on. The only other one who most likely knows it in full would be Krile, with the abilities her own Echo grants her..."

"...Which brings me to the subject of this. My first Echo vision wasn't proving that refugee's innocence against that gang's accusations in Ul'dah that fateful day. It was of the Battle of Carteneau...through the eyes of my own mother." She grimaces as she says that last sentence, as if admitting it causes her great physical pain.

"It was...not long after the war ended. I was just getting to sleep after bidding her goodnight, and the vision came to me as a nightmare. You know how Echo visions work; they have you experience the other person's memories as if you were really there. So I heard the clanging of steel, the firing of guns, the battle cries and the screams. I felt the heat upon my skin, my lungs burning from both exertion and the air. My first thoughts were of the Empire's forces; what they were doing. Mother witnessed Bahamut burst from Dalamund and rain hellfire upon the entire plains and everyone there. She immediately ordered a retreat, to get her squadron to safety and bring up the rear, until it was just her and...her second-in-command; her first friend when she first moved to Limsa; her closest and most consistent lover, apart from Father. As they were about to follow their squadron, Mother looked back to tell her something, and instead of a proper reply, right then and there, Bahamut was passing overhead breathing dragonfire on the land, missing Mother..." Y'dehlya choked back a sob. "...but not my aunt. Her death knell and Mother's anguish as she was forced to turn and run yanked me from my sleep." She takes a deep breath to calm herself. "I desperately needed air. I threw my window open, jumped out, and ran to the docks, where I stayed, shaking like a leaf. I couldn't breathe, I was dizzy. One of Kouha's agents apparently spotted me and came to my aid, staying with me until my brother found us and took me home. I've never felt so fragile. "

She takes another deep breath. "I understood deeper than I wanted to just how much her death crushed Mother more than Father. I had no other visions in those 5 years, but this one was forever seared into my memory. It was ultimately the tinder set to spark when I was first becoming infamous among the Empire's forces; why after the raid on the Waking Sands, I vowed to myself that I would carve out a path with my own hands that ended the Empire's tyranny once and for all. I wouldn't be lying if I also admitted that the power to destroy the Empire was what Nidhogg tempted me with in an effort to enthrall me to him."

[more-than-a-princess]

Continued from here for @electricea!

Well, there were Halloween-themed ornaments made for Christmas, though no matter which booth Sonia perused, they were absent from that Christmas market. And while she wasn't aware of it herself, the markets at home too: unconventional Christmas trees meant finding ornaments through unconventional means. The internet and independent craftspeople, for example. "I think they're mostly selling traditionally-styled ornaments here, Ryuji-san," Sonia smiled, admitting the inevitable. Barring a few uniquely cultural influences, Japan seemed to want to follow Europe's example where Christmas decorations were concerned. Even if the holiday represented two very different things, for those celebrating in Japan and those at home, in Sonia's case anyway, celebrating thousands of kilometers away. Christmas in Europe, after all, wasn't a romantic holiday: it was religious, or otherwise aimed at children to celebrate with a collection of gifts.

"I have a few photos and video of last year's tree on my phone," She offered, choosing to deliberately not address his comment about her deserving a small tree of her own. Sonia wasn't sure she agreed: she spent so much time at various royal functions, traveling, and ultimately dreading the holiday itself she doubted a tree would bring her much cheer, or if her attention would allow her to even look after it. An annual watch of Black Christmas, Krampus, and The Nightmare Before Christmas were often what she looked forward to most, alongside the charity events her family organized each year. Those events offered many recordings of Novoselic Castle's annual tree, so it was a simple task to bring up a video of it for Ryuji to watch: it fit, and filled, the Castle's largest hall, with ornaments in red, green, and blue, surrounded by those in gold and silver. Lights twinkled on every branch in coordinated, pre-determined patterns and an elaborately-attired angel was situated at the top, her fair complexion and flowing golden hair looking down at all who passed by with a soft smile.

"This is from last year, right before the annual Children's Party," She explained, pointing to the array of professionally-wrapped gifts beneath the tree, the tables of hot cocoa and cookies and candies beside it, and a large green-and-red chair for Santa Claus to sit in, awaiting pictures with awed and excited orphans from around the country. "It's on display for tourists visiting Novoselic Castle from mid-October through December 31, but it technically serves as the family tree as well. It probably means the least to us, though: it's a much more fulfilling thing, I think, to share such decorations with the public. Wouldn't you agree?"

She hoped he would: having to explain why the holiday itself was dreaded every year was not something Sonia wished to do. Not while she was full of tea and treats and shopping for ornaments with him. And smiling, as he told her about his own family's tree: chaotic, no theming or color story or coordinated lights, but representing them perfectly. "Your tree sounds beautiful, Ryuji-san," Sonia replied honestly as they approached the till. Donation ornaments for the city centre's tree and ones for them to take home alike: it was a good, fulfilling thing to do, charity and festive decorating at the same time. "Will you take a photo for me this year, so I might see? I'll be returning home soon myself, so I'm spending my last few days in Japan this year doing all the seasonal shopping and sampling I can. Until you really look, you have no idea how many festive events and treats there are in Tokyo! I'm sure the konbini has plenty of limited edition snacks this time of year, too."

With the small paper shopping bag now in hand, Sonia was grateful for the fact she traveled by private plane. There was never any question of all of her luggage not finding a place to fit for the journey home.

[peerlessscowl]

smokeyed the bear

“As well?” She echoes, clasping her hands, eyes hopeful. Could he have known her father? Did he have any information to give? He was a bit older than her, but it was entirely possible.           As badly as she wants to press for more information, he changes the subject. Though she knew she could get ahead of herself, she had to be considerate. It didn’t seem to be something he was willing to talk about ( though, he never gave her the impression to be much of a talker in the first place ) so she shouldn’t pry.           “Right, well the seasonings of course! Me, I’m more of a side dish girl, but my father used to…” She trails off. Used to. Strange how quickly she had grown accustomed to the past tense when speaking of him. “I apologize, I forgot myself for a moment there. Um, savory and tender is best, so…” She pauses another moment to grab cloves and herbs from her bag. Proudly showing them off to him, as if she had grown them herself, her expression returns to that familiar smile. “What do you think? The greenhouse was kind enough to let me harvest these this morning.”           Oh, should she share some with that crew too? She’d have no qualms about it so long as it turned out okay. She’d hate for it to go to waste in the event that it burned or was tougher than leather.            Lilina pins her hair out of the way as she had seen cooks do back in the castle. Though she had no need to be in the kitchen herself, bored as she was, if it wasn’t reading the latest edition from the library or playing games with the castle spies, she would poke her head in the kitchen from a distance. Hungry eyes followed them around as they worked their art of slicing, dicing, baking, and everything in between. She hums a tune as she begins poking the meat with some knife she had brought along with her. Cooking shouldn’t be that hard, right? Just roasting over the fire until it turned an edible looking color.           And to think, that fluffy, but very angry, bear yielded all this. They really hunted a bear. The thought brings excitement to her eyes. Not because she had to take its life, but she had it in her to fight. And he believed her to be an axe fighter in the future, even if he was just saying that to be kind, she cherished the words all the same.            “What about you? Do you have any favorite dishes?” A pause to grin cheekily at him. “Just in case I need it for reference in the future. Lilina’s taste tester has a nice ring to it.”

He couldn't help himself: at her joke, Raven allowed her a laugh, the smile coming up to crinkle his eyes. She was such a sweet child, so proud of the work they had done to dispatch the bear, proud of the herb selection she had gotten from the greenhouse, of her home and her family, it was difficult not to be endeared. 

"Taste tester, huh? You're awfully willing to risk my life, aren't you?" he joked back. "I suppose for such an easy job I wouldn't be able to complain no matter what was put in front of me. I guess it's good I'm not too particular, then." 

Though truth be told, over the last few years, he couldn't have afforded to complain anyhow – between the questionable stews-of-the-day at a roadside inn, to foraged forest berries and the occasional hare, it wasn't as though his diet had been a consistent backbone of his day-to-day life, and moreso when he had made the decision to come to the monastery, forgoing what he might have otherwise subsisted on for a time, leaning out some of the bulk he had accumulated in his years of hard work on his own. 

The shift from that, to the dining hall after his acceptance, had been perhaps the most difficult part of the transition. But now, before the spit and cookfire, he felt the comfortable motions of cooking one's own food come back to him easily. 

"The cloves are good for this kind of thing," he said, gesturing for her to hand him some before he grabbed a piece of the meat, studding the thing with cloves before skewering it and propping it over the fire. "Gamey meats, I mean." 

His family had done much of their own hunting, less for sport and more for victuals, and when the rains had hit hardest during autumn he could recall the same sharp, sweet scent from the kitchens as came from the fire before them now, the roasted meats and mulled wines a defining note of the season. 

Cocking his head, his eyes flicked to Lilina's injuries before back to the fire. "Medicine, too. I'd be surprised if the infirmary doesn't keep a supply for themselves."