#//Since he's referring to your Lumine in particular with this

[crimsononiarataki]

"For the record, I ain't married to, or marryin' Lumine."

He'd heard rumors about that and the Oni felt that saying it himself was a good idea. Best to dispel the rumors himself. He'd shake his head and roll his eyes. He was also fairly certain her type was a certain brooding avian based young man from Liyue.

[angelic-dew]

Can I get yandere alphabet list with tanjiro?? Thank you babes <3

# yandere alphabet list !

✧༉‧₊˚୨ 🕸 ୧・author's note :: sorry for the delay, my posting schedule isn't the most consistent! I got this list from @dear-yandere to use as reference.

✧༉‧₊˚୨ 🔪 ୧・pairing :: Tanjiro K. x g/n reader — {you/your pronouns}

✧༉‧₊˚୨ ⛓ ୧・trigger warnings :: yandere. isolation. kidnapping. unhealthy obsessions. delusions. some ooc. mentions of drugs. mental abuse. manipulation. gaslighting. stalking. grammatical errors. ⁞⁞ LETTERS A—P

⚝. Just a reminder I don't tolerate nor do I encourage the following topics in reality; I like keeping it strictly to fiction.

[A]ffection :: How do they show their love and affection? How intense would it get?

Tanjiro is an interesting individual when he becomes lovesick. His undying love for you only burns pure passion and lust into the deepest depths of his heart for you; so it's no surprise he tries to show you his affection in every way he humanly can. I see his main love languages being words of affirmation and quality time, of course, some others slip in as well, just not as much such as gift-giving and acts of service. So he's willing to go to many lengths for you, he always strives to give you his utter best and nothing less.

[B]lood :: How messy are they willing to get when it comes to their darling?

Not much in particular, he would never hurt innocent civilians and villagers regardless of how much jealousy tries to tempt him into acting in such a manner. He would rather try to isolate you from that person(s) completely rather than kill them off, though, he does get sudden urges to act upon those deeds. Now, if it's a demon, then it's fair game. The brutality would really show in his actions if it were a demon, like a fire luminously burning in his chest as he fights it courageously, just for you.

[C]ruelty :: How would they treat their darling once abducted? Would they mock them?

No, he would never dream of showing what's truly stored beneath the surface of his kind smile. Even though you got abducted by him, he would still treat you with the same vehement amount of endearment; if not, maybe a bit more since you have no one to go to besides him if there's any such issue. He likes this feeling of being depended on. Kamado would definitely make you dependent on him but also restrict some of your access to certain parts in your place of capture by keeping a heavy chain tightly secured to your ankle.

[D]arling :: Aside from abduction, would they do anything against their darling’s will?

Of course, he would, not intentionally though; he really doesn't mean to act upon it in these such ways but his self-control slips at certain times when rage begins to consume him entirely. I see him always wanting to be around you, therefore, that can translate to taking you on various missions with him with or without your permission. He lives and breathes you, it's no surprise he'd also tend to drug you from time to time with sleeping medication so you can barely remember a thing when you end up in a foreign location.

[E]xposed :: How much of their heart do they bare to their darling? How vulnerable are they when it comes to their darling?

Before your 'disappearance', I would assume he would be very subtle with his emotions towards you; of course, he would be a little too friendly towards you but what's the harm in that? You two are just best friends, nothing more or nothing less, sharing a close bond together is all that it is. Now, when his true colours are revealed, he'd be much more open with you concerning his feelings, reminding you every night that you're with him that you're his only true love, whispering words of compassion, professing his love for you repeatedly in hopes you'd see him in the same way he sees you. Very vulnerable indeed.

[F]ight :: How would they feel if their darling fought back?

He is not pleased in the slightest. Tanjiro loves you, why can't you just see that he means all well to you. His one and only radiant angel sent from above; he doesn't harm you even though he is edged to do so, his violent tendencies are getting worse and worse. He simply sees you being unhappy with the situation, he only attempts to console and softly mutter words of how much you mean to him. It's only for your own good after all, he's doing this for you, can't you see that? Hopefully one day you'll realize that your actions of lashing out are futile.

[G]ame :: Is this a game to them? How much would they enjoy watching their darling try to escape?

This situation is far from comical to Tanjiro. There is no such entertainment in having his darling try to leave him when he desperately needs them more than ever. So, attempts to escape do enrage him to an extent but he could never actually get upset with you. Not all can bare with these types of experiences, so he doesn't blame you. All he has to do is up the ante in barriers and security in your place of capture. And maybe do the same for you.

[H]ell :: What would be their darling’s worst experience with them?

Hmm, if I had to pick, it would be the few times he deprived you of food and water as a form of punishment. Strengthening your restraints and such as well, causing nasty bruises to form along your wrists. That and the time he locks you up for long durations in pitch darkness as another form of punishment. But this treatment type only comes when you seriously cross the line.

[I]deals :: What kind of future do they have in mind for/with their darling?

He planned everything out already! He wants an estate and to be married and four kids and a pet chicken named Kota! But in all seriousness, he sees himself falling for you further in the future and you doing the same to him. He sees you walking down the aisle looking utterly extravagant! That's the main thing he dreams of each night. To make it official with you. To tie you with him until death do you both part.

[J]ealousy :: Do they get jealous? Do they lash out or find a way to cope?

Not really, but he can't control it when he does get this strong feeling. He usually tries to be passive-aggressive with his jealousy, uttering snarky remarks under his breath but never anything too direct. He usually sulks in his jealousy until he reminds himself that you truly belong to him and him only! It's pretty useless wasting emotions on those who aren't worth it.

[K]isses :: How do they act around or with their darling?

Fairly.. normal in public spaces. I mean, it is Tanjiro after all, he acts cheerful and sweet, comforting when he needs to. He acts like his usual self, however, there is a distinct possessive nature which lurks deep within him that comes out of hiding ever so often. He is keen on having your attention all to himself, and will become highly frustrated if someone were to even hold you in a conversation.

[L]ove letters :: How would they go about courting or approaching their darling?

Easy. I think that Kamado would definitely be a strong believer that all relationships last longer when they are friends or good acquaintances before pursuing an actual relationship; ergo, he would attempt to befriend you before dropping some hints on the matter.

[M]ask :: Are their true colours drastically different from the way they act around everyone else?

Not entirely, Tanjiro is Tanjiro, he will always be what he is, a good person deep down that wants nothing more than to help others in need, but you, you bring out something he could have never imagined himself being like - How hostile he could truly get around others when they've done nothing wrong, a sense of urgency always takes over him when he's with you, and he'd be very clingy, you must pay attention to him! and him only.

[N]aughty :: How would they punish their darling?

As I stated previously in [H]ell, I would say he isn't one for many punishments. The most he'll do (when you're finally abducted of course), is tighten your restraints to the point you feel like you're losing circulation to that area. The cold steel tightens around your wrists, almost making your hand feel completely numb; now that would be the worst. The second type of punishment is depriving you of food and water for at least a day or two, while you're stuck in the darkness, with only his voice to alleviate your whines and needs.

[O]ppression :: How many rights would they take away from their darling?

The most Kamado would do is restrict you from having much freedom; when he 'punishes' you, he cracks away at your basic needs: nutrients, food and water. So I would say that's bad by itself but your social interaction will also be limited, as expected. The only one you could ever truly see besides him is Nezuko, and even then, she has issues with her speech.

[P]atience :: How patient are they with their darling?

Extremely patient, it's kind of scary at times, he rarely ever snaps - and if he does it's not something noticeable. The only thing that would change is that his always soft smile would shift into more of a neutral frown accompanied by a blank stare. Another thing about Tanjiro is that he's incredibly understanding, which makes him more tolerable than other yanderes, in turn, he can see why you will not enjoy these circumstances. So take all the time you need to adjust.

© angelic-dew, please don't translate or reclaim without permission <3

[nocherrybombs]

Abyssal Telephone Part 2: Imaginary Friends (All Aboard the SS Caribert)

Lumine: When I asked Kachina to keep an eye out for you, I didn't actually think you would show up here.

Enjou: What can I say? I'm just full of surprises.

Lumine: Since you're here, I may as well ask; have you seen my brother recently? I only wanna talk to him. With my fists.

Enjou: No, not as of late. As I've mentioned, I don't confer with His Highness regularly. Sort of a recluse, that one. Don't tell anybody I said this, but I think he's lonely.

Lumine: And how is that supposed to be my problem? If he's lonely, then it's his own damn fault!

Enjou: Calm yourself, old friend. No one suggested that he was your responsibility. I am simply, as they say, "calling it like I see it".

Lumine: ...fine, whatever. The next time you do see my brother, just tell him that I'm still mad about that stunt he pulled with Caribert. Oh, and tell him that if he doesn't give me my Eye back, I'm gonna chase him down and kick him in the crotch so hard he'll choke on his own nuts.

Enjou: I'm not going to- wait a moment, did you say you've met Caribert?

Lumine: Huh? Oh, yeah, I met him. Why do you ask?

Enjou: I did not know that Caribert was real.

Lumine: What do you mean, you "did not know that Caribert was real"? Didn't Aether tell you about him? He was definitely real. He was also a manipulative little prick, even if he was kinda cute for a hilichurl... person... Loom of Fate... thing. Why would you think he wasn't real?

Enjou: I never had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with Caribert myself, and the Prince only ever talked about him in abstract terms, the way one might refer to a boat that sank. It's always "Remember the Alberich" this and "avenge our fallen comrades" that. I assumed Caribert was a metaphor.

Lumine: A metaphor for what?!

Enjou: The struggle of man against the divine and the inevitability of fate? I don't know, you tell me.

Lumine: ...Enjou, you have no idea how lucky you are that I happen to find your particular brand of silliness endearing.

Enjou: Oh, His Highness once said the exact same thing to me! You really are twins, aren't you?

[annesstardustchords]

You Look So Perfect - Marc Spector X Reader

Request from @simpforbritgents : "I’m convinced that Marc would love and not be able to help fucking you (respectfully ofc) when you steal his clothes bc it’s all oversized on you and he knows you love wearing his clothes."

I'm OBSESSED with this idea so ofc I had to make it filthy :)))

CW: Smut under the cut, weed usage, alcohol consumption, oral (f receiving), fingering, light choking, praise kink, size kink, reader is referred to as "girl" - ie, "pretty girl", "sweet girl", "good girl", etc.

(lmk if I missed anything!)

Playlist: Salt and The Sea - The Lumineers, Mistakes - Sharon Van Etten, Come Here - Dominic Fike, Baby - Born Without Bones

Every reblog and like is appreciated - thank you all for the love on my first fic <3

Your boyfriend, Marc, wasn't home. He'd been gone since early in the morning, out chasing scarabs and such; this was pretty normal for him, and for you. He was rarely around during the days lately. You missed him. God, did you fucking miss him. Any time he was away, it was like he took your heart with him. Tonight wasn't any different, and you needed him. To have his arms wrapped around your waist, to take in his scent, to listen to his breathing as his chest moved beneath the rest of your head; just to be in the same fucking room for once. Even seeing him from a distance would suffice at this point.

You weren't sure what had you so worked up. Sure, you missed Marc, but you miss Marc every time he's gone, so what made today any different?

Regardless, you figured that sitting around and moping wouldn't fix the ache in your chest for him, or the flush in your cheeks from the tingling in your lower belly, or the stupid aphrodisiac effect that wine had on you (and you had drank about a half a bottle on your own,) so you decided to just go to bed and hope he's there when you wake up in the morning.

But that didn't work either.

An hour had passed, and you are still wide awake. With an annoyed groan, you sit up and grumpily make your way into the kitchen, bare feet shocking your system at the coolness of the tile beneath you. You shiver as you grab your box of joints from the cabinet, rubbing the goosebumps on your arms as you make your way back to your bedroom. You open the window and place the ashtray on the sill, reaching behind you to pick up Marc's sweater up off the couch, slipping it on as you climb out the window onto the fire escape, grabbing a joint from the box still sitting on the windowsill as you do so.

You let yourself drown in his massive sweater whilst you light the joint, the freezing cold air hitting you hard. You take a hit, holding the smoke deep in your lungs with a massive inhale, the scent of Marc hitting your nose as you do so. You exhale, and bury your nose into the neckline of his hoodie, taking in as much of his cologne as you can.

You stay sat on the fire escape for 15 minutes, smoking the entirety of the joint and longing for Marc; the soft hums of muffled indie playing throughout your apartment as your high fully hits. You shuffle back inside, closing the window behind you and dropping the box and ashtray to your side table with a clunk as you fall into your bed.

You leave the music on, fully basking in the size of Marc's hoodie, rolling around in it as if you were in a music video. You knew it was the weed talking, but it almost -almost- felt like he was holding you; his aroma surrounding you in a fog-like hug as you lazily hummed along to the song playing, giggling at nothing in particular. 

You kicked off your sweatpants and stood up, bouncing around to the music as you filled your glass with more wine (not that you needed it,) and swayed around to the beat in some pitiful attempt to tire yourself out.

You weren’t sure how long he’d been watching but as you opened your eyes and swirled around, your red eyes met Marc's dark ones. 

“Hi, sweetheart,” he smiles. 

“Marc!” You squeal, running over to him and practically chucking yourself into his strong arms.

"I missed you so fucking much," he murmurs into your hair, the rasp in his voice sending shivers down your spine.

"Are you really here?" you whisper, holding onto him as if your life depended on it.

"Yeah, pretty girl," he chuckles, "I'm right here."

"I missed you so much. Had to smoke a whole J on my own to get you outta my head," you joke, poking at his ribs, "It didn't work, though."

"I'm sorry I was gone for so long," he sighs, pulling away from you and tossing his bag onto his floor, "But I-"

He pauses for a little too long, looking at you up and down like a man starved.

"But you...?" you prompt, waiting for him to finish his sentence.

"Nothing, I- it doesn't matter. You... Fuck- You look really fucking good in my sweater, baby," he groans, grabbing you by the waist.

"Oh?" you giggle, "You like it when I wear you clothes, hm?"

"Fuck, I really do. Lets me know you're mine," he whispers, swooping his head down to place a passionate kiss to your lips, "But as much as I like it on you, I think I'd prefer it off."

You blush and step back, slowly removing the sweater from yourself to reveal your bare chest and pink panties.

"Better?" you sheepishly ask, biting your lip as you smile.

"Much better," he sighs, taking a step towards you and pulling you toward him again, "God, I gotta taste you, pretty girl. Can I please, please taste you?"

"Please, Marc," you whimper as he places gentle kisses to your neck, the various substances coursing through your blood stream causing every little touch to set your skin on fire.

"C'mon, princess," he grunts as he picks you up bridal-style, carrying you back to your bed as you giggle and nip at his collar bones.

You cherished that small moment; having his tall, strong figure encapsulating your petite one in comparison to his. It made you feel safe - protected, like nothing could hurt you.

He gently places you onto the mattress, and in what feels like the same motion, grabs your ankles and pulls you to the edge of the bed.

"Gonna make you feel good, sweetheart. Been away so long, I gotta reward you for being so patient," he smirks as peppers kisses from your sternum down to your belly button.

"Please make me feel good, Marc. Missed you bad," you murmur, trying to restrain from begging him even though that's all you wanted to do. You'd get on your knees and fucking beg - that's how much you needed him.

He smiles and runs a finger over your clothed cunt, causing you to take a sharp breath. He tucks a finger under the waistband of your panties and pulls them down in the same motion, chucking them somewhere behind him.

"God, you're fucking perfect," he whispers, admiring the sight in front of him.

Meanwhile, you were admiring the sight below you.

He looked so fucking good. His big, lustful eyes gazed upon you like it was the first time he'd seen you naked. He was him, and you were you, but it was like it was the first time all over again.

"Marc," you whined, wriggling under the hold he had on your hips.

"What do you need, princess?" he asks, cocking his head to the side with a joking intonation in his voice.

"Please, just fucking touch me," you finally beg.

He smiles then, ducking his head between your thighs, placing a kiss to each inner thigh before kitten licking a single stripe through your folds. You moan and let your head fall back at the sudden relief.

He nips at your clit as he lets his hand explore your chest, tweaking your nipple as his fingers trace across it. The simple action feels like fireworks across your body, setting you on fire.

"You taste so good, sweet girl," Marc groans, licking his lips.

He dips his finger into your entrance, gathering your arousal on his thumb and raising his hand to your mouth.

"Open, baby," he says, swiping across your bottom lip. You do as he says, opening your mouth and taking his thumb onto your tongue, tasting yourself on him. You suck ever so slightly, though it's enough to send Marc into a crazed hunger. He fully attaches his lips to your clit, licking and sucking as he enters a finger into your hole, hooking it right where you needed him to.

"Oh my God, Marc... Fuck- Feels so fucking good," you moan, your head lulling to the side as he eats you out like he'll never touch you again.

"That's it, baby," he praises as you moan; something he'd do every so often as an act of incentive; of devotion, "Take what you need."

At that, you let your hips snap up, your clit bumping his nose with a strangled moan from you as Marc's hand makes its way up your stomach, grabbing at the flesh of your hips to keep you in place - just enough, though, that he'd still have control over you.

"Fuck, Marc... Need you," you whine, rolling your hips against him.

"You have me, sweetheart," he chuckles, the vibrations from the wonderous melody of his laugh like electricity against your aching core.

"Mh-mh," you moan, shaking your head, "Wanna fuck you."

"Oh, really?" he chuckles, ceasing his actions on your clit much to your dismay. He climbs on top of you, holding himself just inches from your face. He places a delicate kiss to your lips, but you're having none of it- pulling his lips to yours like they're your only source of oxygen. Passionate; all the yearning for him pouring out of your lips onto his.

"Please? I've been such a good girl for you- waited so long for you to come home... Didn't even touch myself," you mutter between kisses.

"Oh, fuck, y/n. You can't say shit like that," he groans as you feel him grow insatiably hard against your thigh.

"Can't help it," you groan, rutting your hips into him, "I need you to know how you make me feel."

"I'm boutta make you feel a whole lot better, dollface," he smirks.

To Be Continued...

[lallouette]

I saw The Outsiders musical last week and I’ve listened to the cast album a few times since it came out on Wednesday, and it’s so interesting how I’m still chewing on it. I’ve had the privilege of seeing a bunch of Broadway shows recently. One was just kind of bad and I forgot about it immediately. One was perfect, luminous, no notes, I gushed about it to everyone I know (Merry We Roll Along). This is the one I have the most thoughts about. It emotionally devastated me and a lot of aspects of it were really well done. Other aspects of it. . . I have thoughts about? Here are my not-entirely-sober, rambly thoughts about this show, beneath the cut bc this is gonna get long and no one asked for this (also spoiler warning just in case): 

-I was able to buy into it, but it took me some time to get there. The first little bit had me skeptical. By the time they were at the drive in (fourth song) I was like, okay, I’m definitely down with this. The book also has a lot of exposition up front, but it’s a LOT of exposition in the show.

-I was wondering how they were going to handle profanity, given that the book has a lot of “he swore” and the movie is very tame on that front. They say fuck multiple times, which is. Very much warranted given the situations that they’re in but it did surprise me a little!!! Also somebody makes a reference to eating pussy in like the second song which was WILD

-I think they did really well with the character of Johnny, acting, directing, and writing wise. My greatest fear is that they would Tiny Tim or Beth Littlewomen him, given that he is quite literally Too Good For This Sinful World. But I actually think he felt more like a fully realized person than in the movie. Sky-Lakota Lynch did a great job of looking haunted not just with his face but with his whole body. He was always pacing or fidgeting or something, and that nervous energy worked for me. And then of course he’s very, very still. And the contrast is very upsetting. Also they put him in sunrise colors 🥲

-Speaking of Johnny and Ponyboy, they’re very gay in this. I never really got that vibe in the book or movie (probably because I was 11 and didn’t even know I was gay yet), but here they’re close in a particular way that reminds me of certain friendships I had before I came out. Fantasizing about running away and making a home with your Extra Special Best Friend is the gayest thing I can possibly imagine. There’s a DIFFERENT song that I have dubbed 2 bros chilling in a hot tub because they are gazing into each other’s eyes singing about how they’ll never leave each other, HANDS CLASPED OVER THE KNIFE THAT JOHNNY USED TO KILL SOMEONE TO SAVE PONY, but they are sitting as far apart as physically possible. If the intent was to make it look less like they were going to kiss then they failed. 

-I went in knowing what they did with Dally’s death. And it works bc Dally in this is a completely different character. He feels much older, closer to Darry’s age, and he’s less loose-cannon-dangerous and more paternal toward Johnny and Pony. While book!Dally’s death is a final fuck-you to the world, this Dally is much more calculated about it. Thematically, do I think they should have changed the manner of his death? No. I think they should have engaged with the source material head-on, even if that scene is bound to take on different connotations now. Also Ponyboy has a monologue after Dally’s death that should have been cut down if not cut, make us sit with that 

-Joshua Boone, who plays Dally, is FANTASTIC. His performance of “Little Brother” (breakdown song after Johnny dies) is so much more intense than what’s on the cast album. I want to see him in les mis, which is high praise from me. Beautiful voice, wonderful ability to sustain notes while also sounding like his world has just been ripped out from under him. 

-they did cool stuff with lights and projections every time Ponyboy gets concussed! (Which is alarmingly often). The whole using lights/sound/projections to make the audience feel what the character is feeling reminded me of Curious Incident of the Dog In the Nighttime, as did the framing device at times. 

-the choreography/staging is amazing. The church fire! The rain! The whole thing taking place in the lot!!! I could have watched 10 more minutes of the rumble. 

-some of the lyrics are a little questionable. Love the book scenes! Love the music (I’m always here for a guitar-y folk ballad). But like. There is a scene where they dip into this almost recitative thing to describe how they just killed someone and I’m like ??? There’s so much dialogue in this musical, why is this not just dialogue. The songs are definitely strongest when they’re expressing inner thoughts/emotions instead of trying to advance plot. 

-The Stay Gold song WORKS. Musical theater is truly the best visual medium for letters bc you can have the person who wrote it come out and harmonize with the person reading it and UGH. Now that I’ve seen it staged it makes me so much more emotional 

-the way I’m tempted to go rush it so I can see it again. The brainworms are so real 

[dreaminonao3]

I want more French!Steve at some point in a knight Halloween costume. ::nods:: Gimmie gimmie please?

The Good Knight and the Evil Fairy (AO3)

Steven stared at himself in the full-length mirror one more time. It was All Hallows Eve and Antoine was throwing a costume party in the Avengers Tower penthouse. After a great deal of internal debate, Steven decided to go as a Templar Knight. To that end, Pepper, Antoine’s assistant-turned-girlfriend, introduced him to a friend who was a talented seamstress and “cosplayer.”

Said friend was able to make a costume with a high degree of authenticity, thanks to his input. Fully garbed, Steven looked much like he had in the 14th Century and he was unsure how that made him feel. Nostalgic and missing those he had lost, certainly, but as much as the code of the Knights Templar was stamped on his soul, he wasn’t the same man he had been back then. The 21st Century had changed him and especially one particular woman of this time.

Antoine spotted him as soon as he walked into the penthouse. Dressed as the devil himself, he grinned as he approached Steven. “It’s about time, Lancelot. I was about to send out a search party.”

Steven rolled his eyes good-naturedly. “It has only been fifteen minutes since the announced starting time, Antoine. Is this not referred to as ‘fashionably late?’”

“Yeah, but since when have you been concerned with being fashionable?” He looked Steven over. “It’s a ‘come as you aren’t’ party, not a ‘come as you used to be.’”

“Et toi?” Steven asked, one eyebrow raised. “Were you not a devil until you saw the light in the desert?”

Antoine chuckled. “You got me there. So, you’re probably wondering where your ladylove is.”

Steven was already looking around at all of their costumed teammates and friends, looking for Darcy. He finally spotted her talking to Jane. It took him a moment to place the black horns on her head then he realized she was dressed as Maleficent from Disney’s take on La Belle au bois dormant.

Antoine chuckled. “I see you’ve found her. Let’s hope you won’t have to stab this Maleficent with your sword.”

Steven rolled his eyes again. “She’s not a dragon and I’m not Phillip. Besides, I will be too occupied with asking for her hand.”

“It’s about damn time,” Antoine muttered then gave Steven a push in her direction.

Taking a deep breath, he made his way to Darcy’s side. She beamed at him when she saw what he was wearing.

“So, my knight in shining armor decided to make it official once more. I love it!”

He couldn’t help grinning back. “Merci, mon amour. You, on the other hand, make for a formidable Evil Fairy.”

“Thanks! I know I’m too short for Maleficent-”

“Hush, you’re perfect.”

She smirked. “You’re hardly an unbiased judge, Big Guy.” She took his arm, mindful of the sword sheathed at his side, then pulled him into a secluded corner before pulling his head down for a kiss, which he was happy to give.

When Darcy needed to breathe, he pulled back and found himself rather breathless as well, despite his enhanced stamina. She noticed but before she had a chance to question it, he got down on one knee before her. Every conversation in the room stopped but he was focused only on Darcy’s surprised face.

“Darcy, mon amour, mon desir, mon vie, I would be lost without you. I offer you my hand, my life, my unending service, anything you could ever want, and in return, I only ask for the honor to call myself your husband. Will you marry me?”

Her eyes welling with what he hoped were happy tears, all Darcy could do was nod but that and her smile were more than enough. Grinning from ear to ear, he pulled the ring from the small pouch on his belt. “I wanted to give you a ring from my time but all surviving examples are in museums now. Still, I hope this replica will do.” He slipped the gold ring on her left ring finger, the oval pearl luminous in its ornate gold setting.

“It’s perfect,” she whispered, awed, before everyone broke into cheers and applause.

Steven chuckled as he got to his feet. “I would have preferred to do this without an audience.”

Darcy smirked. “Then you shouldn’t have done it in the middle of a party. Let’s let them congratulate us then we can go back to our place for the real celebration.”

“An excellent idea, mon coeur.”

[emanation-aura]

Very curious about "two gods and the witness"!

Oho!! Two Gods and the Witness is one of my favourite WIPs— I started it shortly after 3.3 dropped and have been poking at it ever since. In short, the “two gods” are Nahida the Dendro Archon and Scaramouche as the Shouki no Kami. The Witness, meanwhile, is Lumine :)

The fic grew out of my annoyance with the fact that Shouki no Kami keeps referring to Traveler as a “mortal”, which… is fair based on the limited information he has, but also pretty much incorrect? Traveler was a shooting star at some point and traversed the universe. So Lumine snaps upon hearing this declaration (and getting beaten half to death, and reliving Sustainer trauma etc.) and goes supernova, briefly awakening her original powers out of pure desperation.

I’ve been wanting to scream this somewhere but I stole Galadriel’s monologue from LOTR. Like, the part where she sees the One Ring and goes into a mad frenzy— yeah I’m evoking that dark/eldritch feel to her.

And then without spoiling too much, we get a dream sequence enabled by Buer for Lumine and Scaramouche to reconcile, because holy shit they are narrative parallels 🥲. They talk about losing powers, betrayal, being alone, and try not to kill each other.

Especially, like. The hollow space where the Gnosis/her original powers should go, Lumine empathising deeply with that stabbing sensation, of being robbed of something that’s rightfully yours, the past haunting your every step, a destroyed homeland… there’s so much to parallel Scara and Traveler with. It’s so much fun, especially since the more Lumine empathises with Scara, the more she comes to associate him with Aether (done loads of evil; trauma, filled with pain (in particular Aether because of how sorrowful he sounds as Abyss Prince)), and thus is incapable of being angry at him. Somehow I’m trying to work it to get to a point where Scaramouche willingly becomes Wanderer instead of the events of the 3.3 Interlude but I’m not quite there yet.

I guess I’ll leave off with another snippet that’s been occupying my brain recently. I’m so excited for this to be the next instalment of Viator and Viatrix (plug for that, btw) but I still gotta knuckle down and bang out the rest :/

[nuttytani]

Celestia's Cruel Thesis

Fandom: Genshin Impact

Pairing: Tartaglia | Childe x Zhongli

Premise: Childe gets isekai'd to a Liyue where Rex Lapis still rules over it.

A/N: I'm cross posting my works from ao3 to tumblr. Also, please check out this beautiful parallel world zhongchi art by @karininogo. This particular art lived rent free in my mind until it compelled me to write a fic about it + this is a multi chapter fic.

Fic is also available on my ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/51194101/chapters/129353446

Chapter 1: Door to a new world

“Be careful, young man. I advise you not to accept any form of apparatus that measures time… Ah yes, particularly by someone in white. It will soon be the time for lantern rite after all, best avoid all bad omens at this time of the year,” the old man said weakly.

“That’s one strange superstition! But thanks, Luo Xiansheng, I’ll keep that in mind but I'm pretty sure that I won’t be receiving anything today,” Childe replied, chuckling to himself. The people of Liyue may have been freed from the rule of Adepti, however, their superstitions still remain. 

Oh, if only Childe could turn back time and slap himself, how wrong he was to ignore the wise words of the old man.

.

“Pay your respects! Yanwang Dijun has arrived, bow down to his imperial majesty!”

“Thousands of blessings to our lord!” the crowd yelled in excitement.  

“May you always protect our lands, oh almighty!” 

Sheesh, these people sure love their Archon huh? Childe watched warily, as he stood amongst the sea of Liyuens. He pulled at his white hooded robe closer, it was of Sumerian make, not that it mattered but the cotton was of good quality. Hopefully, his unassuming getup would help keep any suspicious eyes at bay…

When Luo Xiansheng had warned him about receiving gifts related to time and particularly by someone in white– he had not expected Paimon and the Traveller to drop by his office in Northland bank. And he definitely did not foresee them giving him an old hourglass. According to them, they found it in some mysterious domain in Mt. Hulao. 

He really shouldn’t have fiddled with that hourglass, at least not before getting it checked for traps and such. Well, most of the time, he would have done just that except, for some reason, he does– well did trust the Traveller. Though he is sure that it wasn’t her fault, neither did she know the consequences of using the hourglass. 

Ah, Lumine really needs to learn not to get her hands on every random thing she finds in obviously dangerous domains. 

.

Hmph, wretched fate he has. First it was the abyss and now he’s in some strange world where Zhongli– no, Rex Lapis, Morax, still rules over Liyue alongside the Adepti. Great, absolutely lovely! 

But, on a positive note, he isn’t even sure if it’s positive or at this point just… coping. He found out that the majority, if not all, of the people in the harbour were the same from his “world”. Like Iron tongue Tian telling his stories like always, Shitou selling his mine ores, that girl who always feeds the goldfish and Chef Mao, cooking as always alongside Xiangling. But none, not a single one of them recognise him. There is no such person as Tartaglia, Childe in this world. That he is sure of. He also figured that people don’t refer to the Archon as Rex Lapis, but as Yanwang Dijun. 

This Liyue may be similar in certain aspects but still has its differences from the one he’s used to.

Funnily enough, there’s Northland Bank, in its usual place operating like any other day, (which was very strange. Though, what hasn't been strange ever since yesterday?) but he’s too scared to take a peek. What point will it serve looking at his own people, who wouldn’t even know him? As if he can come knocking at their doors and say, “Hey! I’m Number 11 of the Fatui Harbingers, Tartaglia; code name Childe!” 

Super smooth. Yeah right. He’d get immediately kicked out for 1) disrespecting the organisation 2) telling blatant lies. Heck, he isn't even sure if Harbingers exist in this world. Hopefully not, he would loathe to look at his colleagues… probably ex colleagues now. Though he is adamant on that status to be temporary.

.

Childe and the locals have been waiting for a good half an hour now, though people have started cheering now, he wonders when “Yanwang Dijun” would arrive. Talk about punctuality! Standing around and doing nothing has made his appetite worse. He finished off all the grilled tiger fish he bought, and there’s not even an inch of space for him to move to buy a few more because of the crowd. 

Slowly, a single yellow petal landed on his nose– just when he tried to blow it away, another fell on his hair then his shoulder. Now it was raining thousands of petals. 

Before he knew it, the tanggu rang loudly thrice. With a flourish many officials emerged from behind a silken golden embroidered door. They arranged themselves in two orderly lines and bowed their heads like a puppet would. 

The people around him followed suit and bowed as well, while Childe in his confusion just stood there dumbstruck. Until some A-yi grabbed hold of his arm and whispered, “Such blatant rudeness! You may be a foreigner but the least you can do is respect our lord.” 

He quickly lowered his head down and replied to the A-yi in haste, “I’m sorry! Was a bit surprised, I have no ill intent, promise.”

That seemed to be the right answer, as the A-yi smiled back and nodded to herself and pointed discreetly upwards. “Keep your eyes and ears open, for he will be arriving any second now,” she spoke in a hushed tone. 

It was like a fever dream, Yujing Terrace was filled with excited cheers and words of worship but now it was deadly silent, except for the bated breaths of those around him. Childe included. There was something about the presence of divinity that brought about certain feelings– of what? He wasn't sure.

Childe dared to take a peek, and the moment he did, those bright cor lapis eyes looked down on the crowd. For a moment it felt like those very eyes looked directly at him. The same eyes Zhongli had at Northland Bank… While handing over his gnosis. He barely faced Childe during the entire meeting. As if he didn’t even exist. Not a single word from Zhongli even after several days. He felt his reality crumbling. Is this really his life right now? Perhaps this was all just a cruel joke played by the gods or a morbid dream that he needs to wake up from. 

But no, it’s real. 

He tried sleeping it off yesterday, hoping to miraculously wake up in the bed of his apartment. His disappointment was immeasurable when he woke on the steps of Heyu Tea House. Once morning came, he received looks of pity from people passing by. Tea master Liu Siu even gave him a few mora meat. He wasn’t poor by any means in this new Liyue, he still had 3 large pouches of mora on his person, but he definitely wasn’t going to reject free food. 

Number 1 priority for now would be to look for a place to stay. He wasn’t keen on being a bother for other businesses. 

.

“So, how can I talk personally with Rex– uhh…. Yanwang Dijun?” Childe inquired Lao Guai. He has lost count of the number of people he’s spoken to regarding this question. 

The people of Teyvat always say that the Archons and Celestia have the answers and solutions to all mortal problems, so surely, Yanwang Dijun can send him back to his original world? Or at least know a few ways on how to send him back.

“Yes of course but ah.. There is one issue…,” twirling his beard between his fingers, Lao Guai drawled on his words. 

“And that is?” Childe quirked his brow, he has a feeling where this is going. 

“Dear boy, it’s Mora! Obviously.”

.

A heavy pouch was dropped onto Lao Guai's lap. Seemingly satisfied, he started talking. And it was the same beat up words, as if reading from some script. 

Get an appointment from the Qixing. 

The damned wrinkly Lao Guai even dared to say, “the fastest way to personally meet with Yanwang Dijun is by becoming his…. bed warmer.” He waggled his brows and continued, “and if I do say so myself, you would scrub up quite nicely with proper clothes.”

Childe prayed for Raiden Shogun to strike this old fart down with her famed Musou no Hitotachi that very moment. But he really shouldn’t. After all, you should pay respect to your elders. 

“I am being serious, young lad,” Lao Guai added sweetly. 

Maybe except for this particular weirdo. 

.

“No, I cannot let you in,” Baiwen replied in a very exasperated manner. 

“Just a minute, please. I only need to speak with him!” he pleaded, growing increasingly desperate with every word and this damned lady was not making it any easier. The two of them were arguing for a good while now.

Childe was at his breaking point. It had been weeks of trying to schedule appointments with “Yanwang Dijun” but he was turned away with the same excuses each time. 

“His imperial majesty is currently busy.” 

“He’s occupied with another appointment.” 

“The Adepti are meeting with him.” 

“Yanwang Dijun is currently in a deep slumber.”

And they dared to say the last one while he saw the Archon walk lazily out of that overly embellished golden screen door. 

Baiwen grimaced, whatever professional facade she had on was crumpled and you could see the deep furrow between her dark eyebrows,“I simply cannot.” 

“Why not? At least give me a reason, and not one of those same reused excuses,” Childe snapped. He’s not going to back away this time. He’s had enough and today he will meet with Yanwang Dijun. 

Perhaps what he said struck a chord with her, Baiwen was glaring at him with what he assumed… disgust. 

“There is no way I’d let such a suspicious person enter Yiyan Temple. Look at your attire! What on Teyvat are you wearing?” with a huff of disapproval she turned away but not before haughtily adding, “and furthermore, his imperial majesty is an incredibly important and busy person, he has no time to converse with nobodies like you.” 

“Now please, be off before I personally call upon the Millelith and get you removed from these sacred grounds.” 

With a resounding smack, Baiwen closed the heavy auburn wooden door, in front of Childe’s face. The impact caused him to stumble backwards, almost falling to the ground. Did she really smack the door on his face? But more importantly, the entire time, the officials didn’t let him in because he looked like a suspicious person? What? These officials sure sit on their high horse and someone really needs to pull them down. 

“Bastards,” he grumbled under his breath, frustration starting to seep into his mind. For people who act all sweet and nice, they sure knew how to get under someone’s skin. These officials need some training in humility. Heck, even the fatui have better manners than them. 

The “attire” he wore was a loose plain grey cotton inazuman-style outerwear, with a tie lying on the side of his waist with some baggy black pants underneath it. He always wore the white hooded robe on top, to hide his bright hair, otherwise people would keep staring at him. The hooded robe however, didn’t work as well as he’d thought, the locals would steal sneaky glances at him every time he’d pass by. 

“Suspicious my ass, just say it’s because you’re too concerned about status and hierarchy.” He looked menacingly at the door. Childe stepped back, his body slumping in resignation while mumbling, “you could have saved me all the trouble by telling me the truth, from the start.”  

He kicked the ornate door. 

A beat of silence passed. 

He kicked it once more, now with more force. 

Another beat of silence.

“How irritating.” 

Right when he was about to give up, Childe took a glance upwards and saw a lithe hooded figure passing by the long corridor. At first, he thought it was just another official, but he saw those amber tinted locks of hair fluttering in the wind as the figure walked. 

That’s him. Must be him. 

Childe immediately braced himself. He slowly crouched and leapt against the solid ground, forcing his way over the tall door and onto the long yellow corridors. He landed right in front of the hooded figure, on his knees and one hand as support. There was a cracking sound, probably his poor joints. He really shouldn’t be doing such stunts, but desperate times call for desperate measures. 

The Millelith had their spears pointed towards him, but he didn’t care. Rising from his position, Childe grabbed the hooded figure’s robes and pulled him close. He looked straight into those cor lapis eyes, devoid of any emotion. 

“Zhongli! Do you recognise me? It’s Childe, Tartaglia,” panic laden on his every word, Childe pulls his own hood down to reveal his face. Those golden eyes slightly widen at the sudden actions. 

He took his chance, and continued, “Please you must help me, only you can send me back to my original world.” At some point, his hands ended up grabbing onto the slope of Zhongli’s shoulder, pulling him even closer. The brunet stared questioningly into his deep abyssal eyes, they were so so close, he could feel the warm breaths on his own lips.

Before he could say any more, the cold rod of a spear was digging into his adam’s apple, pushing him back. One, two, three.. No, Five spears were pointed towards his body. Locking his every move. 

“Stay away from his imperial majesty! Someone of your stature should not touch him so. How dare you get your filthy hands upon him,” the young Millelith who had his spear on Childe’s neck yelled, trying to pull him back from Yanwang Dijun, but his body was immovable, as if his feet were embedded onto the flooring. 

Childe didn’t care. Status and rules be damned. It was now or never. Uncaring of the throbbing pain on his throat, he pressed on and desperately resumed his plea, “I, the 11th of the Fatui harbingers, Tartaglia, personally sent by her majesty The Tsaritsa to wreak havoc in Liyue by releasing Osial from his confines. I played as the scum villain for a test orchestrated by you, to relinquish your duties as an archon and hand over your gnosis. So that you could live a life as a common mortal.”

Maybe the Archon will take pity on him and solve his problems. Maybe he’ll order for the spears to be put down, maybe he’ll ask for them to release Childe and just maybe he might recogni–

“Looks like he’s out of it, come on now, this isn’t a place to be role-playing. Take him away!” All the Millelith around him laughed like crazy, as if they heard some really funny joke.

But it wasn’t a joke. He wished it was. Or some fever dream he’d have to wake up from. If it was a dream, why wasn’t he awake yet? Why is he still in this strange world with cold faces? Why is it so that he misses the tedious act of doing paperwork for the bank? He misses the way Xiangling would holler at him to have lunch with Guoba by her side waving at him enthusiastically. He misses the annoying lectures of Ekaterina. He misses the bickering between Vlad and Nadia. He misses those weekly sparring sessions with Lumine. 

He misses the feeling of those warm amber eyes looking at him with amusement. 

He misses his Liyue. 

Ah. 

He’s homesick, Childe realised. 

His thoughts were interrupted as he felt the Millelith dragging him away by his arms. His rock bottom reputation in this Liyue is ruined anyway, go big or go home.

“Please send me back to my world, can’t you gods solve everything?! Listen to this poor mortal’s troubles, I beg of you, send me back, Yanwang Dijun!” Childe kept yelling as he was dragged away by 2 Milleliths holding onto him. Both sighing at him.

“Quit your yapping, we get it! Just shut up and get outta here.” One of them smacked his head as the pair of them dragged his body down the corridor. 

“I’ll shut the fuck up if you release me. Send me back to my world! Unhand me! I’ll keep coming back if you don’t listen!” He struggled and trashed in their hold, craning his neck to look back at the stunned figure, now looking smaller and smaller as he was roughly taken away.

They kicked him out of the same red door. The damned heavy ornate door. He hopes that Zhon– Dijun somehow feels pity for him and does something, anything really. He contemplates and starts to aimlessly walk away from the temple. 

.

Meanwhile, Yanwang Dijun’s eyes followed the resigned boy’s figure move away from the entrance. How intriguing, he thought. He had never met such a strange human in his entire 6000 years of life. But his words did shock him. He was aware of the fact that different worlds do exist, though he never ventured deep into that knowledge so as not to stumble upon any forbidden knowledge, lest he caught the ire of Celestia. 

He is broken from his trance as Ninnguang, quietly speaks under her breath who was watching the entire scene unfold right behind him, “I wonder what that was… Weird fellow.”

“Your majesty, are you… Unharmed? Should I call for the healers?” Ganyu asks in concern, who was also next to Ninnguang. 

Very sweet of her to care for his health, however, it would be quite impossible for any mortal man to cause even a scratch on his face. “I’m quite fine, my child. Not to worry,” he says before a pause and inquires, “Ganyu, are you aware of any man named as… Childe or Tartaglia?”

Her blue hair whipped back and forth as she shook her head, “I’m afraid, I do not know, my lord. I have never heard of any one going by those peculiar names,” she replied, looking at him with confusion. 

“I see.” 

Peculiar name for a peculiar boy indeed. He does believe in this “Childe’s” story, contrary to the children surrounding him. After all, there is no one in this world, alive, who would know of his true name, Zhongli. 

It's been centuries since anyone called him by that name. Not even many of his immortal friends know about it. 

A small smile graced the Archon’s lips. Things were about to get interesting in his mundane life, it seemed.

Author’s Notes for Chapter 1

[1] Someone in white - The colour white is known as one of the unluckiest Chinese colours because it is associated with funerals.

[2] Apparatus that measures time - In China, it is considered inappropriate to give a clock to someone as it sounds similar to bidding farewell to them on their deathbed. This cultural belief associates giving someone a clock with sending them off to the afterlife.

[3] Luo 罗 - Common chinese last name.. it means: gauze, to collect, to gather, to catch, to sift

[4] Xiansheng - Mister (in this context)

[5] Yanwang Dijun - Rex Lapis’ name in CN

[6] Tanggu- Chinese drum

[7] A-yi - Middle aged lady/ aunt

[8] Lao Guai - Old Guai

[9] Guai (name) - Weirdo/strange (so basically the name Lao Guai means weirdo old man)

(A huge shout out to my fav jiejie helping me with the CN part of this fic, you’ve no idea how many times I badgered her for different ways of addressing people.)

[10] Baiwen - Ninnguang's secretary in genshin.

[11] Childe’s attire so this was the closest robes I could find to what I had in mind ( Which was more commoner like and roughed out in texture) but make it grey like his in-game uniform.

Though, in Karin san’s art he’s wearing super loose robes that expose his chest, which is covered by white bandages and is also wearing some dark choker with a little tassel in the middle. Karin san also mentions that Childe is partially cross dressing? Perhaps the attire he wore was a bit more on the feminine side shrugs. In that context, I do suppose Childe being refused to enter would make more sense. But I opted for the status/commoner/nobody route.

[12] So before you guys get confused with the constant switching between Childe saying: Rex Lapis, Yanwang Dijun or Zhongli. To summarise, he says yanwang dijun when he’s talking with people of this parallel world Liyue, but when it’s him thinking or talking to himself in his mind, he says Rex Lapis or Zhongli. Probably says Zhongli when he feels emotional or remembers stuff.

[13] Yiyan Temple - A huge yellow/golden building you will see in Yujing Terrace, people come to worship and give offerings to the Geo Archon here. You will see an NPC called Bu’yun (Jade chamber guide) right next to it in the game.

I decided to make Yiyan Temple as Dijun’s home/place of work because it made sense, even though initially I wrote Jade Chamber but… For that, Childe would need to learn how to fly because no way he could reach the sky from a jump…this isn’t a xianxia story :”D

[14] Isekai - I’ll be roughly explaining this because while writing this fic, I was confused if this was even isekai in the first place? So let’s break it down! Isekai itself basically means “another world” and there are two types of isekai (which I’ll explain soon) and the new world could be anything! From parallel worlds, fantasy world, a video game, a novel, you name it.

a) Isekai tensei = in which the protagonist is reincarnated into another world (that’s the literal translation btw) by… well dying xD cause of death is usually by our favourite!! Truck-kun!! If not, many other reasons e.g. choking on a dumpling, being murdered, falling down a 3 storey building, etc. So there’s actually a sub-genre of this particular isekai, in which, after death, the soul of the protagonist occupies the body of another living being from the new/other world. This is called transmigration. Though some people consider transmigration to be a separate type of isekai on its own.

b) Isekai ten’i = in which the protagonist is either summoned into the new world or is teleported to it (again, the literal translation) via some item or channel that connects it to the new world. In this type of isekai, the protagonists don’t die. It’s something like sneaking into your uncle’s wardrobe and walking into some snowy plains of narnia.

[15] NPCs - all of the side characters that are in this fic are all in game characters and NPCs. You’ll find them if you search them up. At first I thought linking the NPCs to genshin wiki would be cool but then my author’s note would become incredibly long…er than it already is TT I’m sorry.

Alright, my comrades, I hope my unnecessary rambling in the author’s notes wasn’t so boring. You will see me with another chapter… I already have the second chapter outlines, just need to write it out. But it's currently exam season and I've been busy so next update might be around late November. Check me out on my twitter / ao3 / wattpad if you're interested! I go by @nuttytani for all :DD

(also unsure if anyone actually wants to get tagged for this multi chapters fic, if you are interested, let me know!)

[maple-the-awesome]

We'll Meet Again...I Know When || Chapter 14

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x GN Reader

Words: 2,100

Overview: Given your old-fashioned personality and obsession with all things 1940s to 1980s, it’s no wonder that most people refer to you as an ‘old soul’ who would’ve rather lived back then than in the modern era. Little do they know, you already did, but with your previous life as Hollie Stark cut short, you’ve been left with some…unfinished business, to say the least. Top of your list? Finally getting to marry your thought-to-be-lost fiancé.

Series Masterlist 🤎 Marvel Masterlist 🤎 Fandom Masterlist

CHAPTER FOURTEEN: RED ALERT

"Bucky hasn't had any incidents since DC! The Winter Soldier only came out with HYDRA’s influence. He's a different person now - he's his own person now!"

You're running - well, it's more of a quick jog to avoid crashing into anyone. You can barely see anything, the long hallways only being luminated in dull emergency lights and those annoying flashing red alarms. Even if you could see perfectly, you'd still be having a horrible time keeping up with Steve anyways.

"I got that already, but it doesn't change the fact that something's wrong right now whether it involves the Winter Soldier or not! I'm going to find out what!" Only then does he stop, halting in place to face you for the first time since you've both left that interrogation room," you need to stay here. It might be-"

"-Like Hell I'm staying here! Bucky's in trouble!" While Steve may have stopped, you continue right past him, picking up your pace.

He doesn't appreciate your stubbornness any day let alone in this particular moment where order is needed most, yet there's no time for him to start another argument. Instead, he chases after you down a path weaved around all the panic-stricken agents.

If thinking clearly, you'd realize that you have no idea where Bucky actually is in this gigantic building and neither does Steve; as criminals who helped a felon try escaping, you couldn't be trusted with his location.

"Sharon said he's at sub-level five, East Wing!" As your savior, Sam suddenly joins your duo with the exact information needed. Thankfully, you had already been going in the right direction.

Not wasting time with an elevator even if it could run on backup power, you utilize a steep staircase until reaching the sub-level floor in question. It’s there that you hesitate, stopping slightly in the entryway as you gaze over the hopefully unconscious bodies of guards littered across the ground.

Deep down, you’re beginning to worry. You trust Bucky and you trust that he’d be smarter than to hurt all these people trying to escape a highly secured facility, but could this really be the work of the Winter Soldier? You were truthful when you said he hasn’t had any incidents since DC, so why all of the sudden?

What you do know for certain is that something else is at hand here. The UN meeting, now this…It means Bucky’s in danger. That thought alone is enough to push you forward, although you’re stopped by Steve’s heavy hand upon your shoulder.

He leads you behind himself, taking the lead through the dark room where he quietly and slowly creeps around the fallen guards. Sam and you follow, staying alert for anyone who might still be awake enough to say what has happened. They might even be able to tell you where Bucky went and if he’s alone. You hope that’s the case - that someone else attacked these people and that he, himself, had managed to get away from the danger in time.

Fortunately, there's one person still conscious. A man calls out from where he lays limply across the floor at the end of the room, but contrary to your expectations, Steve, who is the first to make it to the man's side, doesn't provide him any aid.

Steve grabs the man by his coat, using it to effortlessly lift him up against the nearest wall, demanding sternly, "who are you? What do you want?"

You might've been more concerned if not for how stone-faced the man remained during this interaction. He shows no surprise towards Steve’s actions which tells you all you need to know. Perhaps he's a known enemy to Cap or maybe your friend just has good intuition, whatever the case, you don't get a chance to hear the man's reply.

You barely see it - honestly, you wouldn't have seen it if not for Sam grabbing your shirt collar, suddenly yanking you back with a shout just in time for a fist to fly mere centimeters in front of your face. Your grasp is echoed out by the terrible sound this fist makes when crashing into the stone wall, although you'd rather it be that than the original target it was aiming for.

Bucky isn't himself. You would've been able to realize it even if he hadn't tried to punch off your head just now. His stance is tense and the same goes for his muscles as he steps back towards you with curled fists. Given the lack of light, it's difficult to see his face too well, however when the alarms flash red again, you manage to catch a glimpse of his darkened and empty eyes. It's a look you haven't seen on him since DC...At the moment, he’s not Bucky, but the Winter Soldier; you can no longer deny it.

Sam steps out around you, throwing a punch towards the super soldier who easily deflects it before delivering one to Sam's stomach. This knocks the air from his lungs, delaying any possible reactions he could’ve given when the Winter Soldier grabs him by the face and throws him into the cage at the center of the room, one you assume Bucky was once being held in.

With Sam presumably knocked out, you attempt your own attack, ducking to miss the soldier's fist and successfully landing a hit to his ribs - then again, 'successfully' may be a strong word seeing that he doesn't even flinch at the feeling while you, meanwhile, grimace at your sore knuckles. You might as well have hit that stone wall behind you.

You barely dodge another hit from the soldier before Steve jumps in, having much more luck in punching the aggressor across the face. You're thankful for the switch which gives you time to run into the other room where the unconscious guards are. There, you search for a discarded weapon - anything you can possibly use to help Steve. You're blessed to locate a taser. While you have no idea if it'll truly do damage against an enraged super soldier, it'll be better than using your bare fists.

Steve receives many kicks and punches, attempting to return each one, however he's caught off guard when the soldier grabs his leg midair. Tugging him harshly, the Winter Soldier slams Steve into a desk, the computer and other items on top tumbling to the ground when it snaps in half under the weight.

Steve groans, yet he's unable to react in time for a punch to be thrown into his face. Then another, then another - till his nose is crooked, leaking blood, and eyes are heavy, mind dizzy.

The soldier raises his fist again, prepared to land another blow, but this one doesn’t come after you set the probes of the taser into his neck. You were correct in your guess that it does more than your fists had: the Winter Soldier jerks and lets out a pained shout, ultimately losing focus on Steve.

Although it hurts you to know that this is Bucky you're attacking, you don't let off the trigger, hoping the electroshocks will be enough to at least knock him off his feet. To your dismay, your luck finally runs out when he overcomes the electrocution he's receiving, allowing him to freely turn on his heel and wrap his metal hand around your throat.

You let out a gasp, dropping the taser instinctively to hold the soldier's wrist. There's no use in trying to pry his grip away nor can your toes reach the ground no matter how much you attempt to stretch them. In other words, you're completely defenseless as the soldier lifts you off the ground, showing no strain regarding the task.

"B-Bucky, it's me! I'm your friend!" You cry out desperately to no avail.

Instead, the soldier refuses to let go, walking a few steps with you hovering the air. The dim lights above suddenly become blinding and your breaths shallow as you struggle against him. You try kicking him away, you try digging your nails into the metal of his arm, but nothing works, in fact, your attempts seem to do the opposite of helping you. It seems that the more you fight him, the tighter those fingers snake around your windpipe until your vision is blurry and eyes red.

You're quite literally gasping for air, your plea hoarse and weak like a whisper despite your attempt at yelling it, "...It's H-Hollie...!"

You're not even sure if these tears are of sorrow or plain pain as your life is being suffocated within your throat. What is it that you're afraid of again? Dying? Well, that’s quite funny, isn’t it? As a teenager who realized reincarnation is a real thing, death became such a dull thought to you at least with the assumption that you’d just keep remembering everything. Around and around again until there’s simply too many lifetimes to recall…You had been angry with that thought, honestly. What’s the point of living a life that’s no longer special? No longer unique?

You like your life where it is. Alright, so it isn’t perfect. Steve hates you right now, it would be weird if you told Tony how proud you are of him, and your own fiancé doesn’t recognize you, but you were still happy because at least everyone’s here! You don’t want to die and be stuck remembering friends who aren’t around anymore…you can’t survive that again. 

What kind of terrible fate is that anyways, universe?! To find a place you enjoy, surrounded by those you love deeply, only to be torn away from it all the second you get too comfortable? You don’t want this to be the end yet! You want to actually get to enjoy this life you’ve worked so hard to build up and you especially don’t want it to end by Bucky’s hand…again! Now, that would just be overly harsh to both of you!

The ground feels like nothing when you hit it regardless of the drop, but at least you were aware enough to cushion your head with your arm before collapsing upon the cement. Coughing and wheezing for air, you can't bear to move nor can you see very far.

With your mind so dizzy, you can only barely process the blurry scene ahead. You know Steve had been the one to leap at the Winter Soldier, knocking him off his feet which caused him to finally let you go before choking you further or deciding to snap your neck. The fight between the two then moves towards the hallway, leading back against the elevator door which the soldier punches through, ultimately pushing Steve in.

You want to worry for your friend. You want to call out his name and rush to the elevator to ensure he survived the fall which certainly would've killed a normal human...but you're too lightheaded to react.

Between pictures of darkness as you slip in and out of consciousness, you notice the Winter Soldier turn away from the elevator, his eyes setting upon the room where you are and, given the distance, it almost appears like he's staring right at you. Perhaps he knows you're not dead. Maybe he's taking a few steps forward to come finish the job. Even if you could get up and run, there'd be no use. You could never outrun a super soldier.

'Please...Please don't do this to him,' you pray to yourself, watching those few steps he takes hopelessly. You don’t want to die, however you really don’t want it to be him who kills you. You don't want your blood on his hands nor do you want to imagine the absolute torture it'll put him through to realize he killed his dear friend. God forbid he ever finds out you're Hollie either. To discover he killed you in two life times...there'd be no recovery from such guilt.

Then the soldier turns, walking in the opposite direction down the hall which leaves you alone in the darkness. If you weren't so tired, you would've laid here waiting for his return, but alas, you slowly succumb to the darkness, closing your eyes for what you internally plan to only be a second of quick rest, although in reality, it happens to be a bit longer than that.

.

.

.

A minute - actually three you'd guess. Something along those lines when you awake to the sound of Sam's rushed voice and the feeling of him shaking your shoulder desperately. When you blink open your eyes again, the first thing you see is his relief, his sigh further expressing such. Then, he's gently helping you to stand, allowing you to use his body for support.

"...Come on. We gotta go."

NEXT CHAPTER ➡️

⬅️PREVIOUS CHAPTER

[star-dust-n-astral-wind]

Star Wars, And Why People Like "What If The Dark Side Wasn't Inherently Evil?"

This is going to be a long, vaguely incoherent rant, but it's been a minute since I did one of those, so...

Okay, let's begin by acknowledging the word of George Lucas himself, and his original intent. It was his intention that the Dark Side of the Force be a corruption, akin to a cancerous infection that was a blight upon the Force. Per his reasoning, there was no "Light Side", there was simply "The Force" and "The Dark Side". "Balance" here would mean the eradication of the Dark Side.

Now that we've acknowledged that, let's talk about why people have spent the last several decades throwing that idea out the window.

First off, let's talk about what we're told about the Force in the Original Trilogy.

When prompted on the subject, Ben says that:

"Vader was seduced by the Dark Side of the Force."

And that:

"Well, the Force is what gives a Jedi his power. It's an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the galaxy together."

On the Falcon, we're told that:

Ben: Remember, a Jedi can feel the Force flowing through him. Luke: You mean it controls your actions? Ben: Partially. But it also obeys your commands.

And that's... basically all we're told in A New Hope.

We also get Yoda's speech in Empire Strikes Back:

For my ally in the Force. And a powerful ally it is. Life creates it, makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us and binds us. Luminous beings are we… not this crude matter. You must feel the Force around you. Here, between you… me… the tree… the rock… everywhere! Yes, even between this land and that ship!

And off the top of my head, that's it! A few references to "you will be tempted by the Dark Side of the Force", and we're told that Luke shouldn't "give in to hate" as that "leads to the Dark Side", but that's basically all we really know.

So besides the lack of clarity on what the Dark Side is, we also get a small problem in the language used to convey the idea of it. As I've repeatedly said, it is the "Dark Side".

"Dark" implies the presence of Light, something which does not exist per Lucas' vision.

And the use of the word "Side" gives the impression that it is simply another facet, another side of a larger whole. This is, again, not in line with what Lucas says the Force is and how it works.

So the movies don't really explain it, the language used doesn't convey the ideas that the creator has for it, and that's before we hit the expanded universe.

In the Old Republic, you had people like Darth Marr and Lana Beniko, who didn't exactly fit in with the usual ideas of "Sith".

And in various bits of the old Expanded Universe (now "Legends"), you had things like the Aing-Tii monks or the White Current, neither of which really fit in with Lucas' original vision as far as I can tell.

Hell, even in canon you have the Witches of Dathomir/the Nightsisters. who do magick! Which is apparently some kind of "Dark" power, apparently, but the philosophy behind it seems to be completely unlike that of the Sith.

There is also the note of which particular traits are associated with the Dark Side, with things such as "Passion", "Pride", and "Attachment". All of which are traits that are often depicted as heroic qualities in other pieces of media, and even in the real world to a degree.

That Star Wars assigns all of these as unilaterally bad is something that goes against the way that many people tend to consume and interact with media. It just feels a bit weird to see Anakin feeling good about his highly impressive skills, which he has spent a great deal of time developing, only to be reprimanded about it due to "pride not being the Jedi way" or the like.

And yes, "Hate" and "Greed" and "Envy" as well, those all exists as roads to the Dark Side. But also "Fear". To quote Yoda: "Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering". Which is... wrong.

Fear is what makes you cautious of the dark, lest a monster be lurking in it. Fear is what makes you check that a car isn't coming when you cross the street. Fear is what makes you faster, stronger, more aware of your surroundings when you're in danger.

Fear is a survival instinct.

There's also the idea that, per Anakin's own accounting, "attachment is forbidden". Which beyond being a bit of a weird thing in general (humans are social animals by nature, for instance), it's also just... baffling due to how the Jedi Order is structured. With nothing else to latch onto, its members would instead form their attachments to their teachers, and to the Order as a whole.

Attachment is forbidden. And yet we repeatedly see instances of the Jedi being attached to others. Jedi Master Plo Koon, for instance, puts his life on the line a few times during the Clone Wars in order to rescue the men under his commands (one instance of this leading to the often memed quote of "we're clones sir, we're replaceable", "not to me").

You also have instances in the OT to back this up, such as Han returning to fight against the Death Star due to his attachment to Luke and Leia.

And in the ST, even Luke Skywalker himself comes back to fight against the First Order due to the love he has for his friends and his family.

And the idea of "what if the Dark wasn't evil" also just feels like a natural extension of how the philosophy of the setting works. Star Wars often takes time to talk of "Balance", and "Light and Dark", and "everything is connected".

And yet, if you don't know about Lucas' original vision, the idea of "Balance means that the Dark Side is completely eradicated forever" doesn't feel like an organic, logical conclusion. Destruction of the Sith, sure, that makes sense due to the Line Of Bane being a bunch of murderous, power hungry monsters at best (nicest of the bunch that I can think of of was Dooku, and even he was a ruthless killer) (or maybe Ventress if she actually counts as a Banite Sith? eh, she's just as bad as her master, so...).

But the connection between "all Sith must die because they're evil" and "the Dark itself must perish, because it's evil" just doesn't come across on the screen to many people.

Now, to be clear, I am not advocating for "Good Sith", I think the Line Of Bane is fundamentally broken beyond repair, as it encourages the creation of people like Palpatine.

But while it was Lucas' original vision, the concept that the Dark Side of the Force was anything but just another aspect of the Force has never quite translated to screen. Not to me at least, and not to many other people judging by how often I see people talk of such things.

I've talked a lot about what I believe to be the reasons that the idea of "The Dark Is Not Evil" exists. The language used, the general lack of explanations, the way the EU/Legends touched on such matters, some of the traits associated with the Dark Side, that the idea of "attachment is forbidden" is just wrong (and they're not even following it), and how even the way the story talks about the Force makes it feel like the Dark should have a place.

But as I close this, I will give my own, personal reasoning for why I think that the franchise should not be shackled to Lucas' original vision: it's boring. Binary, universal good and evil is just something that I think is nearly always boring in media. "Dark = Evil/Light = Good" is also something I find rather dull a lot of the time, as it very often removes any nuance from the discussion.

The Dark being objectively, measurably evil without exception or thought removes any depth to the concept, and relegates the morality of any Force-Wielding character to be an almost binary check: "Do they use the Dark Side? Yes/No?"

And I find that to be incredibly uninteresting.

[absolutebl]

BL trope du jour

the aggressive loom  

often executed with a hand braced up against a wall

Above: Gen Y, My Tee, Friend Forever, Precise Shot, Advance Bravely, HIStory Stay Away From Me, HIStory 3: Trapped, HIStory 3: the BL that shall not be named, Mr. Heart, Semantic Error. 

Bad Buddy

Don’t Say No 

Fish Upon The Sky 

Not Me 

Check Out 

You’re My Sky

Love in the Air

Catch Me Baby (BL side) 

Never Let Me Go 

Luminous Solution 

BL of all kinds and from all countries uses this trope. It’s born out of bully posturing and actually isn’t from the romance genre at all. It is common in yaoi manga however, especially enemies to lovers or those employing an extremely obsessive seme and a resistant tsundere uke pairing. 

So we see it show up in a big way from the very beginning (see Takumi-kun). The Japanese even have a word for this trope: Kabedon.*  

Takumi-Kun

My Love Mix-Up 

Candy & Kiss

Minato’s Laundromat 

Be Loved In House: I Do 

HIStory 4 

Plus & Minus

My Tooth Your Love 

River Knows Fish Heart

My Sky 

Method

Love Mate 

Devil Judge

So the aggressive loom will almost always be the seme character. (I’m always amused when switches occur with this particular trope. Because that’s a hard core poke at seme/uke dynamic.) 

Make it Right 

(from the Cherry Magic manga.) 

Switches! 

HIStory 2: Right or Wrong 

The Lover

My favorite take on this trope is Oxygen’s because Solo puts the flower between them. It totally undercuts and softens Solo’s aggression, because now he can’t push further without crushing the flower. It’s like he’s using it to stop himself but also to indicate to Gui how gentle he is. Softest seme in the BL world. 

King of the Trope?

Fighter in Why R You? 

Fighter uses this move all the time. 

That’s because most of his character is confused sexuality and trying to cope with how much he wants Tutor ALL the time. Since sexual interest in BL is usually regarded (by the narrative) as dirty, or at least unwanted when compared to the purity of love, Fighter’s struggle with a gay desire comes out as alpha posturing. He eventually reconciles with it, but his physical needs remain something he’ll apologize for throughout the end of Why R U. (To be fair Tutor gets looming revenge a couple of times too.) 

Zee is clearly King of the Kabedon. 

* Kabedon or kabe-don (Japanese: 壁ドン; kabe, "wall", and don, "bang") refers to the action of slapping a wall fiercely, which produces the sound "don"... “often appears in shōjo manga or anime when one character forces another against the wall with one hand or leans against the wall and makes the sound of "don", and this has become popular as a "clever move of confession". (wikpedia)

(source)

Gifs on this. 

[hunxi-guilai]

You mentioned in a previous ask about the line between romantic and platonic, or whether it's a false dichotomy. I've actually been wondering/maybe obsessing about this #theasexuallife and was wondering if you had any recommended reading on that? Also obligatory Untamed question, what do you think of the scene where LWJ puts down his umbrella and puts his face to the rain? ~A long time lurker who only discovered CQL from looking up Classical Chinese on tumblr and loving your blog that much

(that is such a chaotic-academic way of getting into CQL and you are so valid for it, anon)

A gifset went by not too long ago, beneath which I tried (and mostly failed) to get my thoughts and feelings about various umbrella scenes in CQL out in words. The thing is, from a production standpoint, rain scenes are more work-intensive for logistical reasons (rain towers, rain curtains, controlling levels of costume/wig dryness, water-proofing cameras and camera equipment, make-up reapplication between takes, etc), so I’m generally inclined to read the setting of particular scenes in the rain as deliberately significant from a symbolic/narrative perspective since the directors went to such trouble to get a rain scene in the first place.

A list of rain scenes off the top of my head in the show: 

the aftermath of the fall of Lotus Pier

Wei Wuxian buying food / Jiang Cheng’s capture

Wen liberation at Qiongqi Dao, closely followed by

wangxian parting at Qiongqi Dao

wangxian flight from Jinlintai

Guanyin Temple

I don’t think I can offer a Single Coherent Rain Theory, but here’s a wild stab at a Unifying Umbrella Theory:

I’ve seen interviews with the CQL cast members that reference the Qiongqi Dao rain scene--apparently, Xiao Zhan, Meng Ziyi, and Yu Bin all spent the previous day being soaked and miserable, and when Wang Yibo was due to show up the next day, they were all excited (Wang Yibo included) for him to come share the sogginess. 

And then the next day, the directors looked at each other and agreed that “the character of Lan Wangji couldn’t get wet,” which is how we get that lovely shot of Lan Wangji carrying a positively luminous umbrella. 

(Xiao Zhan, reportedly, was not amused)

Lan Wangji, as a character, is one that exists slightly above and beyond all the others--he has an otherworldly quality, a superhuman aura, an untouchable presence. He walks through battlefields wearing white and remains unstained. His sword is named for his virtue: 避尘 Bichen, “to avoid worldly dust.”

And then there’s the confrontation at Qiongqi Dao, and at the end of it, after Wei Wuxian has already gone, Lan Wangji lets the umbrella fall from his fingertips and turns his face up to the rain.

In Wen Qing’s character song, we see the usage of 风雨 fengyu / “wind and rain” as a figurative reference to the worldly conflicts of the show; to a certain extent, rain can take on a similar metaphorical valence as 尘 chen / “dust,” which accumulates on people as they become more and more tangled in human affairs. As a result, Lan Wangji deliberately setting aside the umbrella, letting himself become soaked by the rain, becomes a wordless statement, a symbolic manifesto.

(If Wei Ying will be drenched by the rain, then he will too--)

When Jiang Cheng tears through the doors of Guanyin Temple in episode 47, we get this absolutely stunning shot:

This umbrella is the one that most closely evokes the one Lan Wangji carries in episode 27--it has the same white-paper, ink-splash aesthetic except this time, there is blood running in streaks and dribbles down its formerly-unstained surface. 

And Jiang Cheng ignores it. Jiang Cheng walks through the rain, letting it soak into his fine robes.

Because what is an umbrella? An accessory, a tool--most importantly, I should think, it is a shield. A buffer, a barrier between yourself and the rain, between the conflicts and worldly dust of a petty mortal world and the spiritual self, capable of impartiality and transcendence.

And Jiang Cheng has been mired in this vicious, bloody world since the fall of Lotus Pier over sixteen years ago. Jiang Cheng has no more need of an umbrella, of shielding--he waded into the dirty, gory mess of battlefields sixteen years ago and never emerged (there once was a war, and in many ways, Jiang Cheng is still fighting it). He has never had the luxury of remaining aloof, untouched, unstained; Jiang Cheng has had his hands full since he was nineteen and a new sect leader. With a sword in one hand and a whip in another, he doesn’t have the time or space for the luxury of an umbrella.

There is so much contrast and resonance between these two moments, calling back to each other across twenty episodes. Two of the most important people in Wei Wuxian’s life must cross through a storm to get to him. In episode 27, Lan Wangji doesn’t quite get there in time, and it’s not until episode 42 (fleeing Jinlintai, in the rain) that Lan Wangji gets to be as thoroughly soaked as Wei Wuxian is, that the two of them are truly in it together.

In episode 47, well, Jiang Cheng has always been there--from the three of them in episode 16, breaking the news of the fall of Lotus Pier to Jiang Yanli in the pouring rain, somewhere in a forgotten forest, to the reveal in episode 50 that it had been Jiang Cheng who had distracted those Wen soldiers all those years ago in the rain. Jiang Cheng has been there from the beginning, without umbrella or shield.

[reilliane]

Holy shit, since Abyss mc was the one to witness Khaenriahs destruction, she absolutely went ham on the archons once she realized who had caused the destruction, you can't convince me otherwise.

I am certain that Zhongli and Venti both have mini heart attacks and ptsd flashbacks when they see the twins and notice the resemblance because MC did NOT hold back (Also is there a particular name we could use to make referring to your Mcs easier? I figured Luna would work since it matches the meaning of Aether and Lumines names but it's up to you.) In beating the absolute shit out of them and the other original archons (except for maybe Makoto because even in her rage she could probably tell Makoto wasn't a fighter in anyway. Either way you get the point.)

Obviously, she figured out it was Celestia who gave the orders in the first place and the archons were possibly unwilling participants later on but the rage she felt in the moment doesn't disappear easily so she is still quite bitter when it comes to them.

Honestly this is just because I like the idea of someone like Zhongli actually fearing something in a non joking way with how he is in Canon. Bout time someone put him in his place. Venti is Venti, need I say more? Lol

🐱 and 🐈‍⬛-anon because I used the wrong emoji at some point and didn't realize it was the wrong one lol

I'm not convincing you otherwise! We need an MC who slaps!

Zhongli and Venti having that fear sounds nice, imo. If MC plans to raise hell, she will raise hell! BURN! BURN!

I feel like she wants to go absolute ham against them during the destruction but knows it not to be the right time to do as she pleases, not when Heavenly Principles is her main enemy. But yes, she's still bitter about the Archons aha-

Zhongli fearing someone does sound pretty cool, doesn't it?

He's feeling this way with Absconder!MC, actually! He doesn't fear her to the extent that he's all 'oh my go not her', but he fears her vengeful mindset.

After all, isn't it scary when a victim decides to stand up and fight, especially when said victim has nothing to lose? :)

Also with the MC names, I like to refer to them with the (title of work) prefix since names are- well, [Name] lol. It feels like I'm making them my OC if I use a name, when she's supposed to take form of the reader.

But if you'd like to refer to her as Luna, then by all means!

This is a little difficult for me in the Rancor and Ilmestys world, though (otherwise known as the Hadean universe), because the MCs there will meet.

Rancor!MC will encounter Ilmestys!MC because the plots are entwined. And not only them, future works (Paracosm/Kazuha'sMC😏) will also converge.

Obviously, they all can't be refered to as [Name] when they do meet hasdjsda but I'm working my way around it... Ithink-

(ps. omg what the shuck, anon dear, you'RE BOTH 🐱 and 🐈‍⬛?? AHDKJASDHJSADHASJKD HELP Okay- so which cat do you want to be- or should I just- shouldijustmergethem)

[yukihime242]

Here I am with another interesting thought since I’m literally bored to death in my office.

(GIF Source: VSGIF.com thru’ Google Image Search)

I have been thinking about the Abyss Order since they were popping up here and there within Sumeru region, and a thought occurred to me.

What if the Abyss Twin actually found the Traveler before the Traveler began their journey?

(GIF Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/700239442062161278/)

Let me clarify that I’m referring to long before, like, probably when the Traveler is still asleep?

Also, I am taking references strictly from in-game lore and trailers which Mihoyo/Hoyoverse has published. And to make my life easier in writing this, I will be referring to the Traveler as Lumine (since I chose Lumine), and the Abyss Twin as Aether. Pictures may show differently but it’s still the same thing.

And 🚨Spoiler Alert🚨!

There are two reasons why I had this thought.

First, I find it strange that the Abyss Herald we met in the second Dainsleif/Abyss Order story quest took a while to recognise Lumine. He was so willing to end her life and after clashing swords for a few rounds, he was like “oh wait. Your powers seem familiar. You must be my Master’s sibling.” and just retreated into the Abyss portal.

Whereas, the Abyss Mage in the We Will Be Reunited Trailer was like “operations are going well, just one tiny problem is that your sibling is the one hindering our progress. Just so you know in case we accidentally bury him six feet under 👉👈”

(Picture Source: Genshin Impact Wiki Fandom)

Why is it so weird is because this particular Abyss Herald ☝️ seems to be the second-in-command of the Abyss Order, after Aether. Isn’t it important for him to know who the Traveler is so that he could avoid critically hurting her? Yet, the Abyss Mage instantly knew who Lumine is and even said “your brother (or sister)” in the trailer.

Second, I don’t think it was pure coincidence that the Abyss Order and the Traveler happened to be in Mondstadt at the same time at the start of the story.

(Picture Credit: https://www.reddit.com/r/Genshin_Impact/comments/qed84l/the_abyss_twin_trying_to_contact_the_world_they/)

Let’s talk timeline first.

500 years ago, Aether and Lumine got separated. Aether did not fall asleep and witnessed the destruction of Khaenri’ah. Afterwards, he started his journey in Teyvat and was most likely searching for Lumine too. 

We also do not know when he joined the Abyss Order, though it was most likely towards the end of his Teyvat journey. He saw the “truth” of the world and for some reason unknown to us, he joined the Abyss Order and led them.

Fast forward to the time when Lumine started her journey, the very first time we (the players) first saw the Abyss Twin is in a cutscene such as the picture above.

500 years is a lot of time to journey through Teyvat, join the Abyss Order, and even start operations. Operations requires meticulous planning, especially if you are trying to corrupt a dragon and transform him into a war dragon. All of this, will definitely take some time.

But I also don’t think that Aether will dedicate all of his time into the operations he’s planning with the Abyss. He possibly could have taken some time to continue searching for Lumine and eventually found her. 

This also brings me back to the first reason that it was possible that Aether asked one of the Abyss Mages to watch over Lumine while they continued with operations. I mean, it would be nice to get the Abyss Herald to do it, but if you think about it logically, the Abyss Herald’s talents could be better used at other areas instead of watching one sleeping log.

But this doesn’t answer the question of why I think it’s not a pure coincidence that Aether was in Mondstadt the same time Lumine started her journey.

(Picture Source: DBLTAP thru’ Google Image Search)

Aether probably did not know that Lumine has already awaken from her slumber. I mean, you found her, ask the Abyss Mages to look after her while you go continue the Abyss Operations, there isn’t really a need for you to be there, right? If anything goes wrong, all the Abyss Mages had to do was to come and tell you.

Yeah, I know, I also have a few counteracting thoughts on this, but let’s just address what I have written here first.

It is possible that Aether went away to oversee some other Abyss operations and occasionally came to check on Lumine. Just so happened that during the period she woke up, he was probably busy with Dvalin and did not have time to go check on her.

While the process of corrupting Dvalin and transforming him into a war weapon was proceeding smoothly, things can be pretty unpredictable. Take Durin for example. If anything were to go wrong with the dragon, Aether could quickly reach Lumine and protect her from any harm. 

Hence, I believed that this was what was happening during our time in Mondstadt. 

There are also some counteracting thoughts to this, like...

If Aether found Lumine, why can’t he bring her to the Abyss?

If that were to happen, we won’t have a game to play 😂

Okay, jokes aside. There is a possible factor that whatever sealed Lumine and caused her to fell into a deep slumber was too powerful for Aether to break, making it impossible for Aether to move Lumine. Another factor is that Lumine’s life could be in danger if they moved her without properly removing the seal. 

This could be another reason why the Abyss Order is so active in the Mondstadt region. 

Take the second Dainsleif/Abyss Order story quest for example. It was mentioned that the Traveler pored through every book she could get her hands on, hoping to learn more about what happened to Khaenri’ah. This was not shown in the game, so it could also be the same for the Abyss Order.

Aside from creating havoc in the land of wind, they were possibly searching for answers to break the seal on Lumine then. 

---------------------------------------------------------

Alright! I have finally penned this thought down. Another free empty space in my small brain 😬

I know that it sounds very far-fetched and very unlikely, but it’s just my personal opinion that I’d like to share with everyone. I also know that there are some counteracting thoughts to my hypothesis above, but I don’t really have the energy to deal with them. It may be right, it may be wrong, but we are here for fun! 😊

[mirrorgrets]

Teyvat, the twins, and the Archons: a theory

Hello today I will be explaining my genshin impact theory which is most likely right because I say so and I have an inflated ego

Note: I will be referring to the MC as traveler and the Leader of the Abyss Order as such or as the missing twin for neutrality’s sake. And also because I chose Lumine and I can’t bear to say Lumine is “evil”

Note after writing all of that: Actually, I’m wrong. Reading it made me realize how batshit off the rails it all sounds. But here it is anyways because it’s a funny theory.

Contains multiple spoilers for the entirety of the game (1.3 edition)

Part 1. Gnosticism, Archons, and Humanity

I think by now, most of us have heard of the Gnosticism theory. If you haven't heard of it, Gnosticism is the belief that humanity could be more than what we are at present because of the world we're in.

Gnosticism has many versions but the basic concept of it is that humans are stuck in a fake world where our full potential is locked away because of our belief in false gods. The true God is the creator of the true world and between us and him, are beings called Aeons. One Aeon who is called Sophia (meaning Wisdom) created a being who thought of himself as the One True God and created the physical world in his flawed image. Oh, and he gave seven beings rule over the world he created, who are called the Archons.

Under Gnosticism, humans are thought to be part physical, but also have a spiritual component in us that grants us divinity. But because the false god and archons actively work to make sure we never realize that there is divinity within us, we never reach our full potential.

Connecting this with genshin impact, the humans in Teyvat have access to visions that give them power, as well as a chance to attain godhood. However, they believe that it is a gift from Celestia instead of a thing any of them can attain themselves. In fact, they don't even know that if one "receives" a vision, they can become gods because it's a secret that only Archons are privy to. Venti says this himself at the end of the prologue section of the main storyline when we ask him about visions.

It seems like Celestia doesn’t want humans to ascend to godhood. If we pair this  with what we know from the Main Storyline trailer that Dainsleif narrates, it becomes clearer. He says that Celestia goads humans with their seven treasures, rewards for the worthy, the doorway to divinity. However, it seems like there is a warning for those who dare to try and ascend, as if they say that the throne in the sky is not for us even if we have the means to.

Doesn’t that seem to contradict the purpose of the vision? Yes, it is a means to help humans live in Teyvat, but why give out visions when the Archons know fully well that it could help them gain access to Celestia? Doesn't it then seem like visions are not gifts from the Archons but instead innate power that all humans possess?

Part 2. What are the twins + What is Dainsleif + What are they doing in Teyvat + the Genesis Pearl = A Loop

Most signs point to the idea that the twins are actually older than they look. It seems like Lumine and Aether landed in Teyvat at least 500 years ago during the cataclysmic event that wiped out Khaenri’ah.

Going back to the idea of Gnosticism, the true God sends out Messengers of Light to the false world to guide the humans to their full potential. And we see traveler helping their companions ascend further, reaching their fullest potentials when they “max out.”

Furthermore, it doesn’t seem like they’re human. During the 1.2 Dragonspine event, Albedo does tests on us, and though he doesn’t tell us his complete findings, he alludes that we are like him, created from a substance that is yet to be defined. This goes off from the theory that he’s a homunculus, created from chalk, purified soil, the building block of the world. Aside from that, after our fight with Childe, one of the dialogue options after he mentions the fact that traveler can use both anemo and geo, is that they’re slowly gaining back their true power.

And of course, when the twins first enter the world, they have actual wings which were stripped by the Unknown God. Doesn’t seem very human to me.

So, if the travelers are Messengers of Light, then why is that not their main goal? Based on the We Will Be Reunited trailer, when the Abyss Mage mentions the traveler to the missing twin, their face looks shocked, like they just remembered that they have a twin. There’s desperation in their steps when they rush to the cliff to see their twin again, like it’s been so long since they’ve seen their sibling who they literally forgot. I think that aside from stripping them of their power, the Unknown God also took away some of their memories.

So the missing twin might remember the actual purpose as to why they’re in Teyvat, but didn’t remember their sibling until recently, and traveler remembers their sibling but doesn’t remember the reason why they were in Teyvat in the first place (or they do but that isn’t their main concern since they’re putting their sibling first).

So how does Dainsleif relates to this particular segment? Well, in another version of Gnosticism, Aeons come in pairs. Sophia’s partner was Jesus. Now, in the Main Storyline trailer, Dainsleif alludes to a woman when at the very end of the video where he says “My memory has all but faded completely, but I will always remember, how she too loved these flowers.” The flowers are the flowers Lumine especially likes, the ones she adorns in her hair. A flimsy connection it may be, but a connection nonetheless.

Now, I’ve seen theories about Dainsleif being an older version of Aether, but that theory doesn’t hold water if you choose Lumine as your traveler or if you consider the fact that Dainsleif and Aether don’t share the same eye color. Yet, it’s not completely off. There are thirty Aeons in total, although this number can differ in other versions of Gnosticism.

Now, in Dainsleif’s quest, we immediately question this stranger as he is somehow omniscient, if we haven’t already questioned him with all his narration in the Collected Miscellany videos where he hints that he knows more than we do. I will say it now: I think that Dainsleif takes upon the role of Jesus.

I could be wrong. But I think I’m right. For now.

In another version of Gnosticism, Jesus goes to the false world and saves Sophia, as she forgets who she is, she forgets her divinity and is stuck there. If we follow the theory that Dainsleif is actually the second heir from the Gnostic Chorus teaser, and that he is searching for the Genesis Pearl. The Genesis Pearl symbolizes the beginning and purity that is incorruptible. This could be the essence of Sophia, the lost Aeon who incidentally created the false god.

Back to the Main Storyline trailer, Dainsleif says that the war has already begun, and that is just a continuation of past battles. We could take this in a sense that the conflict has reached its boiling point and that it was only because all these problems were left alone for too long. However, we could also consider the possibility that Dainsleif has lived through whatever the twins are going through right now because he is the first Messenger of Light to step foot in Teyvat.

We can also look into Dainsleif’s name, which is a Nordic name, actually written as Dáinsleif. This means Dain’s Legacy which is the sword of King Högni, which aided him in a never ending battle that went on until Ragnarok.

It seems like the twins are repeating a cycle that has already happened to Dainsleif and whoever the unknown woman who also likes the flowers the missing twin likes. All four of them are Aeons or Messengers of Light.

So who is that woman? I have no idea. It could the unknown god but that feels like a stretch. The unknown god might actually be the demiurge, the false god that created Teyvat and the seven Archons, and not Sophia herself. It could also be Paimon who might have some kind of relation to the unknown god, whether it be that she is the unknown god, or she is a being from Celestia. Either way, both feel like shaky theories.

But of course, Mihoyo is only taking inspiration from Gnosticism and several other sources which could lead them to take creative liberties when applying it to the game.

Part 3. The Abyss Order and Khaenri'ah: war crimes against humanity

Going back to my point about the twins’ original goal to why they went to Teyvat in the first place, let’s question why the missing twin joined forces with the Abyss Order and began to lead them to burn the throne of Celestia.

While we don't hear the missing twin mention Celestia in the We Will Be Reunited trailer, the only other time a throne is mentioned is in the Main Storyline trailer when Dainsleif mentions that Celestia does not want humans to ascend to take up a throne in the sky.

Back to the safety of the game's actual lore, we understand that Kaenri'ah is a godless nation that might have underwent a calamity that might have killed off most of its people since they were closer to understanding the truth, and were technologically advanced, compared to the other nations of Teyvat. An alchemist named Gold ultimately led to this cataclysm due to their greed for seeking erudition.

It is safe to assume that Celestia wiped out Khaenri'ah and all the technology they created. We could also assume that the people were all killed, yes, but it would be better to assume they were cursed instead. Into what though?

The hilichurls.

In the archive section of the game, under the books, there's quite a lot written about the hilichurls, thanks to Jacob Musk. The author describes the hilichurls to be drawn to old relics of the past, with even attempts to recreate it. Their way of lifestyle is even described, and it looks like they worship the element itself and not the Archons who represent it.

Doesn't it seem like the hilichurls have a connection with the ancient civilization of the past? Not to mention their strange connection to the elements in which shaman hilichurls (samachurls) can harness the elements without the use of a vision? If I am correct with my theory, then hilichurls were once citizens of the bygone Khaenri'ah who discovered they could harness the elements without an Archon's blessing that came in the form of a vision.

It doesn't feel too surprising considering that for monsters, hilichurls are quite smart. They even display human-like characteristics. In the game, we see them dancing, sleeping, just minding their own business in general. They have their own architecture and their own language. In the Hilichurl Cultural Customs book, we even discover that hilichurls are not as barbaric as they are made out to be as they have leaders who decide their policies and course of action. It's as if they have their own culture.

Ultimately, the hilichurls are part of the Abyss Order. The organization's main goal is to get undermine Celestia's rule, and at this point of this mess I call a theory, doesn't that make them stand in a position where nothing is painted as black and white as it seems. Yes, they do heinous things like steal, possibly murder, and set off a dragon on Mondstadt, but it looks like they're operating through a "the end justifies the means" kind of morality.

And the missing twin shares this sentiment. As they had seen what Celestia had done to Khaenriah 500 years ago before the beginning of the prologue, their desperation grows. Their war with destiny will not stop until Celestia falls because it is their ultimate mission. Traveler has taken up the safer side of this war, wherein they help the humans but the missing twin has taken up the side of fallen humans. This is why they're not evil per se; just going through questionable steps to achieve a righteous goal.

Part 4. Teyvat and its Archons

Based on all that, it seems like I’m painting the Archons to be the bad guys. I am. They wiped out an entire civilization on the basis that they might learn the truth of the world, and their uncanny closeness to Celestia.

But we like Venti and Zhongli, right? Of course we do! However, they were still complicit in the downfall of Khaenri'ah and the limitation of humanity in Teyvat.

To start, Venti had his gnosis was forcibly taken from him. He doesn't seem to mourn over that (although he could be hiding it) and it looks like he can still present himself in a godly manner as we see in Venti's quest when he revealed himself as Barbatos to Stanley. When we spend time with him under the tree of Vennessa, while he divulges the secrets of Celestia to us, he still seems to comply with them. This could be chalked up to the fact that ultimately, he is Mondstadt's Archon and also the weakest of the seven. We could also consider the fact that at the time of Khaneri’ah’s downfall, he was in Dragonspine with Dvalin, dealing with Durin.

With Zhongli, it becomes a bit more interesting. He gave away his gnosis under the agreement of a contract we do not know the details of. But why he did? Why not because of his regret as the geo Archon and of love? Zhongli once ruled over Guili Plains with another god named Guizhong, the god of dust. Guizhong loved their people but perished during the Archon War. He then moved their people to Liyue Harbor and in her place, began to love them. Although he is stilted with the way he deals with his people, we see that he cares. Over the years, he has grown soft and shed the persona of Morax, a god who dealt with war. He says this himself and it feels like his ability to care extends beyond that of Liyue. It's possible he gave up his gnosis because he understands what the Tsaritsa is doing and what she's fighting for.

The Tsaritsa is the cryo Archon and the god of love. However, according to Tartaglia, she had to harden herself to go through with her plan. But what is her plan but an act of love for humanity? Wiping out Khaenri'ah could've opened her eyes to the inherent cruelty of Celestia. The timeline makes sense because Venti said that 500 yers ago, he knew her well but now, not so much. It’s at that point she loses whatever loyalty she had for Celestia. She had to steel herself and begin her plans to overthrow Celestia, which involves taking the gnoses of the six other Archons to fight the false god and alleviate humans from the hell they are in. That is her way of showing her love to humanity.

Teyvat is only a false world. We have seen many instances of this being hinted at like when Katheryne of the Adventurer’s Guild says “rebooting” or “error” as if she is only a program, or when Scaramouche says that the sky and the stars are all fake. Even in the game, if you take a closer look at the stars, it feels fake, as if it is a dome that traps the humans in Teyvat. Even more unsettling, when going deeper within the Spiral Abyss, the more stars you see which could mean Teyvat is actually upside down and that go deeper within the Spiral Abyss, we are ascending closer to the true world.

What greater act of love could the Tsaritsa commit other than giving humanity the truth?

Part 5. In conclusion: none of this makes sense

To summarize my main points:

Genshin Impact takes a lot from the mythos of Gnosticism

Visions are not gifts from the Archons but an inherent power from humans that come from their own "divinity"

The twins and Dainsleif are related in some manner

The twins are repeating a cycle that Dainsleif has already been through

The twins are suffering some kind of memory loss

The twins are in Teyvat to help humans realize their power

Celestia is not heaven but more like hell

Teyvat is a false world

The Tsarita is actually good

The Abyss Order is a morally grey organization

Archons are bad

This could all be wrong as this is only a theory. But the connections I pointed out make a bit of sense. There’s still more lore to uncover as we’ve only unlocked two regions and the Pale Princess and the Six Pygmies only have one volume out so far (this book is important because an Abyss Mage says that there is a lie within it) so this could all be debunked when new regions are unlocked.

Still, it’s a pretty fun theory to believe in at the moment. Thank you for reading this mess I call a theory!

[hectabdr]

Dragon Raja IV - Chapters 11 & 12 (Abridged)

Hi everyone!

Today's chapters are a little slower than the previous ones, but they have a lot of insight on Nono, Luminous and the nature of their relationship. I also kept more of the original dialog for the same reason.

BTW, this is the point where the illustrations suddenly stopped for some reason so... No more drawings :P

Previous chapters.

Chapter 11

A girl waited in the top lobby of the Black Prince International Financial Center. At 21 years old, Tu Xiaojiao was already known as the "Sophie Marceau of China". She was in that building to meet the legendary "Master Shao", the inheritor of this powerful organization. If anyone else in the world made Miss Tu wait for more than half an hour, she would leave the place immediately, but Mr. Shao was different, he could offer her the role of her life, so she decided to stay in the waiting room.

When the receptionist finally allowed her to enter Shao's office, she found him next to the window, reading a poem out loud. She had to wait for him to finish for fifteen minutes, her high heels started making her feet feel numb, wondering if he was mocking her, Shao didn't even notice her presence. To her dismay, once he finally saw her in his office, it didn't make much of a difference, since Shao only had one topic in his mind, his adored senior was back.

Miss Tu tried to be polite, and asked to know more about this "senior" girl. When Shao was younger, he had a girlfriend, she was actually one year younger than him, but she demanded to be referred as his senior and he obsessed over her for the rest of his life. He even showed miss Xiaojiao a picture of himself and his senior back when they were a couple. Tu Xiaojiao was confused, in the tiny photograph, there were two children, one looked like Shao and by his side, there was a girl who seemed completely indifferent towards him. This was cut from a kindergarten group photo, and he carried it in his wallet ever since.

Shao had everything at his disposal since he was born, his focus in the entertainment industry was nothing but a hobby. He could visit any place that he wanted, he could buy any piece of clothing and of course, he could date some of the most beautiful women in the world. But he didn't want any of them as his wife. The woman of his life had to be someone who would make him beg for her affection, someone who would make him kneel in her presence. The only woman who could make that to him, was Chen Motong.

Every time that Miss Chen came back to the country, he felt like a five year old all over again, but getting her heart wouldn't be an easy task. She acted cold and demanding, when she arrived he asked her out for dinner but she just wanted to borrow a car from him and left. He heard about an Italian man, apparently her boyfriend and he couldn't learn anything else about him, it was driving him crazy, but he received some information that brought some hope back into his eyes. Miss Chen had a friend in town, and he was in the hospital. Shao left his office with Miss Tu in it, on his way to meet Mr Luminous.

Young Lu was also disheartened because of Nono, although, his reasons were different. His 91st attempt to save her also ended in failure. When he realized that they were once again going to die, Nono desperately tried to make him react, but he lazily waited in the car seat for the whole scenario to restart, frustrated and annoyed, as the gravity of the situation slowly became less palpable. He looked to his side and saw Nono's face looking at him. Her expression was as ruthless as ever but in her eyes he saw deep sadness, he almost felt like hugging her before they died but the simulation ended. To him, death meant that he would have to start all over again, but for Nono, every single time it meant a genuine end.

To interrupt his depression, a young, short, overweight man entered his room. He called himself a friend of Miss Chen and Luminous thought for a second that she sent him there to get him out of the hospital, but Shao was there to speak.

He started making questions, in particular, who was this Italian scumbag that he heard about? Tragically for him, Luminous spoke highly of Caesar's fortune, personality and actions, and to make matters worse, he wasn't only Chen's boyfriend, but her fiancé.

A depressed Shao proceeded to tell an anecdote from his childhood. When he was studying in the United Kingdom, Shao felt belittled next to ehe aristocratic children that studied with him, so he started bragging about his own family's wealth and promising other kids money for listening to him, when he tried to show off in front of Nono, she beat him up and told him to call her "Senior Sister".

The school's Rugby matches also got violent, Shao played aggressively, so the other kids retaliated against his attitude by deliberately kicking him in the face and hitting him with the ball. His front teeth got broken as there was no coach present to stop them. He sat down on the grass, defeated, when Nono took his place in the match, she fearlessly rushed into a defense of fifteen boys while Shao swore to his heart that one day he would marry that girl, even if he had to kneel and crawl in front of her.

Shao compared himself to the protagonist form "The Great Gatsby", who desperately needed to be with his love interest, Miss Daisy.

-Why should a girl be with a man who needs her?

She should be with a man she needs. My senior sister doesn't need me, I am the one who needs her.

Before Shao left, Luminous reminded him of a scene in "Journey to the West" where Tang Sanzang found a silly monkey who lived behind a waterfall. The cowardly monkey recognized Tang's strength and left his hidden home to follow him around the world. There are two types of monkeys in the world, the smart ones that can survive out there on their own, and the silly ones, who need a master they look up to.

Shao understood his metaphor and he felt encouraged. Realizing he could trust the strange mental patient enough to untie one of his hands, Shao gave Luminous a can of beer and they toasted. When Shao left, Luminous took a syringe from the side table and injected himself with more sedatives. This was his 92nd attempt.

Shao returned to his office, motivated and lively.

-I met a new brother today!

He encouraged me to come back here, he's a philosopher and his words are very touching!

People living in mental hospitals are all experts in this kind of stuff.

He realized that he left without saying goodbye to Miss Tu, but his apology wasn't answered, because the girl in his office was Nono. She was drinking, looking tired, she didn't wear any makeup and silently stared at the window.

Shao was determined to win her over, but Nono answered most of his questions briefly and coldly. She didn't want to speak with him, she was just there to return the car keys and now she wanted to leave.

Shao's pitiful voice tone softened her attitude a little so she asked him for some gin with ice. Nono drank the whole glass in one sip and asked for a refill. She had another glass, and another.

- Senior sister, is someone bullying you?

- Who could possibly bully me?

- Usually no one, but aren't you engaged now?

- Caesar wouldn't do that, don't worry about it, just take care of yourself.

- Are you really going to marry an Italian? Those guys spend their money so recklessly!

- Could you give me a better reason not to marry him? Who are you to say those things? Stop messing around and just confess your intentions.

- I'm your boyfriend from kindergarten! If you gave me a chance instead I could be endlessly more confident and...

- You? "Endless"? Nono was so angry that she laughed.

Shao Kneeled and asked Nono to be his girlfriend instead. He kneeled in one knee, so she asked him to kneel on both like he used to, and he did, but not for begging, he used to do so as punishment. Nono didn't like his subservient attitude.

- We were just classmates, I was wrong to treat you so hardly, but you don't have to hold on to me, I am engaged and you could marry just anyone.

Shao kept begging, Nono deflected every single one of his arguments until he recited Luminous's "Journey to the west" reference. His delivery was incredible, but she had no reaction to it, she looked at her glass with tired eyes. She got up on her feet and entered the elevator.

After she left, Shao was avidly celebrating, he interpreted her reaction as progress and showed off in front of his employees.

Nono stopped at a small ramen restaurant to warm up her rain-soaked body. Chu Tianjiao was her last clue and she lost it. If Luminous was actually sick, why didn't she give up on him yet?

Why did she feel the need to insist on his case? This wasn't only about her, every moment she spent in the middle of nowhere, escaping from the secret party, she got Caesar in trouble. How was she supposed to explain this to them?

She had to admit that she cared too much about Luminous's well-being. She wouldn't doubt to give him her diving suit, she immediately called him last year when she and Caesar were overwhelmed by Scythe ferrets to warn him of the impending danger and now that the whole world was against him, she kept insisting on proving his sanity. Regarding his feelings for her, she comforted herself with positive thoughts. Who didn't have a crush on a senior girl at some point in his life?

Zero was great for him, so was Isabelle, if she had known Erii in person, Nono would have considered them to be "such a fucking perfect match".

Over the last few years, this petty boy had grown up, he became more energetic, better dressed and gained so much experience, yet he kept holding on to her. She left Shao's office without saying a word because she recognized those words belonged to Luminous. They were about Luminous.

- Chen motong, you're such a fool, you messed everything up.

Chapter 12

An exhausted Su Xiaoyao leaned back on her office chair, she had spent a long day on work meetings and in the middle of the night her phone kept ringing. This was her life ever since she had to leave school to take over her father's business. She had gained some weight ever since but no one really cared, she was still one of the top bachelorettes in the city and she had just accepted a blind date, excited to take a break.

During the student reunion, seeing Luminous made her cry a little. It wasn't because she used to have a crush on him during their high school years, she just realized that those carefree days would never repeat themselves. Back in the day, she and the other girls used to sit on the basketball courts to see Luminous play basketball. Even the air felt different.

Su took her high heels off and put her feet on her desk to take a quick nap, but her phone interrupted her attempt to display an urgent text message. It was Liu Miaomiao, her old rival in love.

- Su Xiaoyao, find a way to get here, quick! They put our senior brother in a mental hospital!

Game level: Gungir light, 101st load.

- So, where did you get that rocket launcher again?

- I found it under the seat...

The whole fight seemed extremely rehearsed by now, Luminous always knew exactly where to shoot, it almost looked like he could predict the future.

- Did you learn that in your special training? I want to take that special training too!

Nono slowly became the most problematic element in the simulations, she didn't retain her memories after every attempt like he did. This was probably the first time Luminous felt something other than absolute admiration towards her, she became a little annoying, but he couldn't really blame her. They got in the car and tried to escape, but one of the tires was damaged.

- Are you hungry? I just found some nuts in this car!

He knew Nono was trying to calm him but he was still a little anxious, he repeated the steps to replace the tire in his mind but the car-wheel escaped his hands and rolled over the highway.

His tantrum surprised Nono, who dropped her snacks all over the floor. Ming·Z paused time and got out of the car.

He noticed that Luminous asked to reset his last six attempts instead of waiting for his death, he seemed far more tired than usual after his conversation with Shao, it made him reflect about his feelings for Nono to the point of getting distracted in battle.

- First of all, I'm not the only monkey that she brought out from the waterfall, second, I am the one who needs her, she doesn't need me.

- Brother, I expected you to regret going to Cassell College, you wouldn't be so sad otherwise.

- I don't regret it, if I hadn't gone to Cassell College, I wouldn't know my senior brother nor my senior sister or the boss, nor would I know Finger, the Japanese "Lonesome George" brothers... And Erii.

Luminous ignored Ming·Z's snarky remarks and got a better hold of his feelings.

- I always ran after my senior sister, I like her so much that it makes me very sad that I can't be with her. Caesar was born with everything, he could have married any girl he liked but he picked the only one I cared about.

Suddenly I realized that I'm wrong, that was just wishful thinking on my part.

There are more people for me out there, Erii liked me, but Nono was the only one I had eyes for. Nono doesn't need me, I'm the one who feels at ease when I follow her, like she'll feel relieved when she marries the boss. She wouldn't feel like that if she were with me and to pursue her is to act on my most selfish side, why did my senior brother support me?

- Your senior brother wasn't that upright, don't you think?

- Finally, are you willing to admit that he's real?

- Okay okay, Johann Chu really does exist, but there is something wrong with him and you need to get him back"

- Then I'm relieved.

Ming·Z confirmed more things, the city was closed on all exits due to the weather conditions and the Nibelungen was invading their reality on a large scale.

- Thank you, Ming·Z·Lu. Why do you call yourself Ming·Z? You deliberately used my cousin's name"

- No, my name is Ming·Z·Lu, there has always been a Ming·Z·Lu in your life and that's me, not the fat boy in your uncle's house.

Luminous went back to the car, picked the dozens of floating snacks and put them back in Nono's palm one by one.

- Sister, don't worry, you will be fine, I will definitely find a way, I changed my mind, I will attend your wedding, I'll see you in your white dress holding orange flowers, walking on a red carpet full of happiness... Maybe you should throw the bouquet in my direction.

Three girls were sobbing next to his bed when he woke up, Chen Wenwen was the first face he recognized, followed by Su Xiaoyao and Liu Miaomiao. Su was one of the most influential persons in town, so she demanded that her old classmate got released from the hospital.

They took him out on a car and decided to stop on a luxurious bar. They all felt a little insecure about what they were wearing, so Su Xiaoyao asked her driver to bring them their old school uniforms.

Sitting at the bar, after multiple drinks, the girls kept reminiscing of their old days in high school, Luminous past in this reality was the same as Johann's, including his Saxophone recitals at the cultural festivals. He used to envy Johann so much back then...

He stood up and told everyone that he was going to the bathroom, but he changed back to his normal clothes and got out of the bar. A man with a motorized tricycle was waiting for potential passengers outside and Luminous gave him his expensive watch as insurance for borrowing his small vehicle.

He drove all the way to the Number 10 highway and entered the Nibelungen again. Odin was waiting for him far away, he didn't say a word but he slowly raised his lance. Luminous turned around and left the god's prison.

Back in his old apartment, Finger had befriended Luminous's aunt and kept doing shores for her. Nono came back to the place and they argued about their course of action.

- If I had known this was going to happen, I wouldn't have rescued him from that theater.

- Feels like you stepped in bubble gum and you can't take it off.

Finger suddenly left the room and came back with the news, Luminous had left the hospital with three old classmates. Nono grabbed an umbrella and ran out. She knew the bar and she knew about Su Xiaoyao, they weren't going to be hard to find.

By the time she arrived, the three girls were arguing after Luminous left. They actually tried to blame each other, the way they admired him was surprising to Nono. Suddenly, Luminous came back and justified his absence by saying that he went to a convenience store to get something to eat.

Nono watched them from the dark, feeling really stupid, there was a strange obsession that she couldn't let go of. In fact, she should have driven away the silly monkey that pestered her long ago, the more she helped him, the more he would rely on her. This wasn't good for any of them, but she couldn't bear to refuse.

She was afraid that he would end up crying alone in the wilderness, where no one could listen to him. She hoped that one day he could become one of those smart monkeys who run around happily, but maybe this silly monkey was smart from the beginning and she was pitying someone who didn't really need her.

She strolled under the heavy rain, her clothes were soaking and stuck to her body, it was a long way back to the uncle's house but she wanted to walk alone. She felt colder and colder and for the first time in her life she missed the Golden Iris Academy. She felt like going to a ramen stand again but there were no businesses in sight, however, there was a phone booth.

One call, that's all she needed to give away her location, Caesar made her memorize an emergency number long ago, it was the right thing to do, the person she should trust the most in this situation was not Finger or Luminous, but Caesar. Dialing felt like betraying her old classmates, but she started pressing the numbers.

"No, no, no, no, no, don't be like this, don't be like this"

Subconsciously, she looked aside and saw a small boy in the rain, looking at her from the other side of the glass. What was such a young boy doing out there on his own?

He was delicate and beautiful, like a porcelain doll.

- Are you looking for me? She asked.

The expressionless face of the boy slowly got horrifyingly distorted by the raindrops on the glass. She couldn't breathe due to an overwhelming sadness, so she opened the door but the boy was not there anymore. She took the calling card out of the booth and hanged up the phone.

Rome, Italy.

Caesar was waiting in front of a phone, he was under a lot of pressure, but the moment he received Nono's call, all of his problems would be over, yet the phone was silent.

The family elders felt like Luminous had stolen something that belonged to their heir, so they suggested that he cancelled his marriage.

- No, there are only two people in this world who can dissolve that engagement, Nono and me.

To avoid being put under heavy suspicion, he had to act calm and decisive, like he did a few days ago, when he released the monsters from the ice cellar to find the fugitives. Parsi entered the room and informed Caesar about the worsening weather conditions in Beijing, this type of climate phenomenons usually signaled the awakening of powerful dragons.

Luminous, the never-existing Johann Chu, the grim reaper, it was all starting to make sense. Caesar instructed Parsi to prepare his private jet and his desert eagles, he also dissuaded Parsi from going with him. At the lionheart club, president Babru informed the former president and dragon slayer Abdullah Abbas that Caesar wanted to team up with him to hunt the dragon down.

Intrigued, Abdullah accepted and instructed everyone to get ready.

To be continued, final update on Monday.