#Ai and Windy for sure

[number-1-kuaidul-fanboy]

I think I just have crushes on every single Ignis at this point.

[tangibletechnomancy]

Doing It Wrong On Purpose: Episode 1 - The Un-Ship

Today's experiment: What happens if I prompt for something, and then negative prompt all the main keywords, plus various synonyms and related words?

The answer: Some gloriously weird stuff.

For example, let's look at a negative cat:

Positive prompt: A cat on a windowsill during a storm

Negative prompt: Cat, feline, felidae, kitty, kitten, animal, pet, windowsill, window, glass, pane, house, storm, rain, water, lightning, thunder, clouds, torrent, downpour, snow, blizzard, wind, windy

Interesting! Let's get a little more fantasy with it and try for an anti-deer:

Positive prompt: A deer in a peaceful flowery meadow, crystals, midnight, fantasy, colorful

Negative prompt: Deer, cervidae, animal, elk, moose, stag, doe, fawn, reindeer, antelope, cervid, antlers, flowers, night, dark, trees, foliage, bloom, stars, night, tranquil, fantastic, vibrant, cool, magic, blue, moon, sky, crystal, stone, statue, topiary, floral, blossom

Between these two experiments, including a few dozen other generations that remain unposted, one thing I can say for sure is that for living subjects, it's a great way to get the kind of anatomical wonk that older models are (in)famous for - and it makes sense why, the model is trying to make something that looks like a certain subject...but once it starts to look too much like it, well, shit, we told it NOT to do that! Break something up! Given that I love that kind of wonk, I think I've found a useful tool for myself.

One more living subject, and let's get even more abstract with our direction here:

Positive prompt: mind horse

Negative prompt: horse, equine, colt, filly, mare, stallion, bronco, pony, mind, brain, thought, essence, psyche, intelligence, consciousness, imagination, dream, soul, visualization, intellect, wit, cognizance

Now let's try something that isn't alive. One thing I love AI for is surreal settings and landscapes - lets try one now!

Positive prompt: A magic palace garden made of crystal and gold

Negative prompt: Palace, magic, crystal, gold, fantasy, castle, estate, stronghold, temple, garden, flowers, plants, blossoms, bloom, blooms, trees, grass, stems, foliage, leaves, greenery, branches, bush, bushes, hedge, hedges, metal, luxury, stone, glass, brass, rose, polished, jewel, prism, courtyard

I then tried to see if, learning from the animal subjects, I could make it more likely to return one of my favorite "mistakes" - making it impossible to discern the point where a water area ends and a sky area begins. I wasn't immediately successful, but I came up with some results I found pleasing regardless-

Positive prompt: Secret hideout in a cave behind a waterfall in the foggy forest on a floating sky island in fluffy clouds

Negative prompt: hideout, camp, campsite, home, abode, house, dwelling, rest, shelter, waterfall, water, cave, grotto, forest, woods, woodland, trees, fountain, cascade, pond, stream, lake, river, brook, puddle, creek, pool, beach, ocean, sea, cloud, clouds, sky, cumulus, cirrus, nimbus, fog, storm, rain, sunshower, falls

It seems that with landscapes it's got a much clearer and more specific "idea" of what a [SUBJECT] without [SUBJECT] looks like; it's more inclined to invent very specific, very consistent unasked for related elements. With the animals, I was tweaking the weight on the positive prompt to avoid getting straightforwardly just what I had positive (and negative) prompted, but with landscapes, I just get... almost something else entirely.

So how about inanimate objects? Let's try a ship, perhaps?

Positive prompt: A huge sailing ship with brilliant prismatic crystal sails on a stormy, turbulent sea of sunset clouds

Negative prompt: ship, boat, sailboat, sailing ship, pirate ship, galleon, ketch, schooner, sloop, cutter, sail, sea, ocean, storm, wind, rain, water, waves, cloudy, clouds, fog, sunset, dusk, dawn, sunrise, twilight, evening

...okay, I'm in love with the un-ship. It truly does manage to consistently give me results that look like, yet entirely unlike, a ship. It is everything I love about AI as a medium. More than that, it is my friend.

At lower positive prompt weights, they only get even more beautifully chaotic.

I want to live on one of these (in an alternate universe where they're geometrically possible and structurally sound, that is).

Failing that, I will be featuring them a lot from now on.

All images generated using Simple Stable, under the Code of Ethics of Are We Art Yet?

[mrs-barnes-rogers-writes]

Angel - Part 4

Marvel AU

Pairing: Alpha Steve Rogers x Enhanced Omega Reader x Alpha Bucky Barnes

Theme: A/B/O / True Mates

Summary: It's different when you're enhanced. Everything is different, every smell, every sound, touch, feelings. The way it's different doesn't make sense unless you are enhanced. Throw in what comes with Alpha and Omega instincts, and the intensity of your presentation is even more than any other. When you find yourself in need of help you can call on the alpha you trust the most, Natasha Romanoff. You just don't expect to find your alphas at the same time. Are you really enough for them? And can you really be the Luna to the Avengers?

"To be loved, to be loved by your mate is everything." - Wanda Maximoff

Reader is enhanced, has wings and has powers connected to electricity.

Chapter Summary: The readers rest is cut short.

You woke with a jump as your ass bounced on the seat. You winced in pain as the knock vibrated up and into your broken ribs. Your eyes tried to focus as you continued to be bounced around. You pulled the straps tighter, realising Clint had left them loose probably in a bid to not hurt you. You glanced forward expecting to see him or Natasha in the pilots seat but found both the pilot and co-pilot seats empty. There was another harsh bump and as you focused you could see through the jet’s window that you were in the middle of a storm. A bad one. Quite possibly a hurricane. Any standard jet would be in serious trouble right now. Who the fuck is flying this thing?

Checking the dials and screens of the jet you realised the AI was piloting. Another harsh bump, a yell and a smashing sound caused you to release yourself from the confines of the seat and head to the back of the jet. The door to the back of the jet was open and the wind was blowing at force through it. Bruce seemed to be setting up three medical beds. Clint and Nat were near the opening on lines securing them to the jet. What the fuck was going on? You suddenly remembered Nat’s previous statement. Wilson. Barnes. Rogers. Trouble. Bruce spotted you before you had chance to move any further.

“Ermmm guys?” He said turning to glance at Nat and Clint and gesturing at you.

“Go back to the front and strap in.” Clint ordered. You frowned at him.

“Please sestra!” Nat yelled over the wind. Spotting something on the outside of the jet, your eyes went wide when you realised what it was. You went to yell but nothing came out.

“DANGER” you signed and they ducked as the rescue line whipped in the wind. The rescue cradle at the end smashed into the ceiling and sides of the jet before flying back out again, the winch pulling as it went.

“What the fuck is going on?” You signed as Nat and Clint righted themselves.

“Rogers, Barnes, and Wilson are in the water.” Clint shouted. You went towards the opening as they all called for you to stay back, looking out into the stormy darkness you could see the jet in the water. The three alphas on the roof as the emergency inflatables kept it afloat. You saw Barnes try and grab for the line before it hit Rogers hard in the side of the head as he held onto Wilson. They were being battered by the waves and you were sure if two of them hadn’t been super soldiers they’d be dead, lost in the water. You stepped back and signed to Clint.

“Retract the line.”

He went to speak, ready to argue with you but he knew you were right. It was too windy for the winch and line. Too dangerous for him or Nat, and if Bruce, or rather the Hulk, went out there the force of him landing on their jet would sink it and he’d probably damage their's as he jumped back. Clint hit the button on the wall of jet and retracted the line.

“What are you doing?” Nat yelled.

“You know what I’m doing.” He replied glancing at you. They watched as you grabbed your bag from the cargo net Nat had stowed it in and pulled it open.

“No!”

“Nat, you know it’s the only way to get them up here safely.”

She huffed as she watched you pull out a spare suit. Bruce fussed around you, helping you when he could as your injuries caused you to grimace. He quickly taped your broken fingers together as you wiggled in your suit and zipped it up. Clint and Nat smiled briefly at each other. They always amused by the little wiggle you did. You pulled out your flight glasses and Clint instructed Friday to connect them to the jet so they could see what you were doing. You signed the passcode for the AI to connect them.

“Be careful.” Nat told you as you made your way to the open door.

“Grab Wilson first.” Bruce shouted. “He’s the worse injured.”

You signed asking for the wind speed and direction from Friday, before nodding and leaping from the jet. Your wings appeared, pushed from your back as soon as you were clear of the door, the nanotech in your suit reacting to make room for them. The wind knocked into you and took your breath away as you dipped and soared to reach the alphas, still being battered from the storm.

As you neared you caught a flurry of scents that immediately spurred you forward.

Your omega stirred in the back of your mind and you pushed back. Not now. She stirred again and purred. You neared the three alphas but found your eyes drawn to two in particular. Your omega reacted instantly.

Mine.

Fancy a cuppa? My Ko-Fi.

TAGLIST

@animegirlgeeky @mrsevans90 @vicmc624 @elissanatok

More tags in comments

[pico-farad]

I hit episode 90 of Vrains! Season 2 is long, so I'm stopping here to put down some thoughts.

But before that, I wanted say that I was blown away by the response to Secret Identities AU! I didn't even know the Vrains fandom was still alive, but clearly I was mistaken. I plan to make a part 2 going over more characters and changes I'd make, but I'm going to hold off until I've finished the series, so that I can factor in the larger arc of the story.

For now though, here's my thoughts on the second third of Vrains (up to Aoi vs. Bohman). I had too much to say again, so this part will cover Soulburner and Flame.

Critique is meant in good taste. I don't think the Vrains writers will be offended.

All Vrains season analysis posts

⇀ Soulburner

Well, I saw this coming. With a protagonist like Yusaku, the writers need a character who can engage him and generally fill up that "Yugioh friend" role, which was sorely missing in Season 1. Naoki, Go, or Ai? Not marketable enough. They needed to make an anime boy, and they sure did.

That said, I was expecting more from Yusaku and Soulburner's relationship, it's a little... nondescript. They had the same problem in season 1, where the writers don't leave room for the characters to just be characters and bounce off each other, it's all just plot and duels and exposition. At least season 1 had the excuse of Yusaku's trauma alienating him from others, but not only has Yusaku already resolved to overcoming that barrier, but Soulburner is one of the only people who can connect with him because of that experience.

I really would have liked to see them connect more on both being victims of the Lost Incident. Season 1's emotional conflict resolved with Yusaku putting his trauma behind him, so Season 2 needs a new emotional conflict. This would be an excellent use of Soulburner's character, except they've made the strange decision that Soulburner has also already overcome his trauma... offscreen.

Don't get me wrong, the Soulburner vs. Blood Shepherd episodes are good. Having Soulburner and Flame trick Blood Shepherd with their acting is a fine gotcha, but think about what we could have gotten if Takeru was allowed to grow through the story itself -- Yusaku and Flame both encouraging him, Takeru finding strength in Yusaku, the only person he knows who has been though the same trauma as him, but was able to stand up to Hanoi nonetheless. Instead, we don't even get to see Yusaku's reaction to Soulburner's backstory, he's stuck outside the bubble.

I can see why people like him though. Both his designs are good, he gets some funny lines, some good duels. I like his trait of fanboying over the heroes who saved Vrains, EXCEPT that the duels vs. Go and Blue Girl were unforgivable and I WILL go deep into that in their sections, mark my words anime boy.

Most of all though, I like his relationship with Flame.

⇀ Flame

He's funny. Like if Jack was five inches tall. I like how he just casually puts words in Soulburner's mouth. ("Prepare yourself! Soulburner never shows mercy!" "What? I didn't say that." "You didn't?") Flame thinks he's the Ratatouille rat in this relationship, both of them think they're the one calling the shots, and that's great.

I wish that element of their relationship had come back in the Soulburner vs. Windy duel, which is another case of introducing an interesting challenge for the characters -- in this case, the idea that Flame should want to be independent of Soulburner -- only to once again go Psych! Bamboozled! They were just acting the whole time!

Ah yeah, they sure tricked me into thinking we would get some good character development...

It's a shame, because I think Windy actually does raise an interesting point. The audience is biased towards thinking of Soulburner as the one who calls the shots -- he's the one who plays the cards, who declares attacks and announces effects, while Flame is the one who looks like a mascot and provides standard Yugioh audience commentary. It makes complete sense for Windy to instill doubt in Flame this way, because the conflict between the Ignis and humans is that humans think AI should only serve humans, and Ignis believe in their own free will.

For reference, here is the exchange that happens (paraphrased) after Soulburner refuses to listen to Flame's advice not to set a card (though this is just part of the act)

Windy: Don't you want to fight using your own will, Flame? Partners are just a nuisance. That's why I got rid of mine. Soulburner: Nuisance? During the Lost Incident, the captured spent every day in an unimaginable situation. Despair, day after day... When we were freed, we were so happy that our hope became reality! But you stole that away from your partner because you thought he was a nuisance? Flame: Windy, we were able to be created because they spent day after day enduring despair. We should be thanking them. We have no right to steal their hope!

Flame's rebuttal to Windy is so bizarrely essentialist. The Ignis don't owe anything to the Lost Incident victims, much less gratitude. They didn't ask to be created, and they are not responsible for the crimes of SOL. The message should have been something like "I chose Soulburner with my own free will."

Flame does not owe Takeru anything, but he chooses to be his partner, because the whole point of the Ignis is that they have free will. That is the proper resolution to Windy asking "Don't you want to fight using your own will?" The answer is no, they choose to fight together. Even if Soulburner appears to be the one calling the shots because he wears the duel disk, they are equals, and the reason Soulburner takes the lead is because Flame trusts him. 5D telepathy chess undercuts that.

⇀ Lost Incident Victims, and Alternate Season 2 thoughts

The more I think about it, the more I wish they used the different Lost Incident victims to explore different reactions to trauma. Yusaku used it to fuel him and his revenge, Takeru went down a route of self-sabotage and lashing out, Jin shut himself down, and Spectre, uh, decided to be Like That lmao.

Here's the set-up that I would have done for Season 2: after Jin is kidnapped, Yusaku decides to seek out the other Lost Incident victims to see if any of them have been targeted too, which could give them a clue on how to get Jin back. This is how he meets Takeru. 

Yusaku has to learn how to connect with people, which follows up on the season 1 finale, where he resolves to open himself up to others and tells Revolver that he wants to be friends. By befriending Takeru and helping him overcome his trauma, and eventually the other Lost Incident victims too, it builds up to the reprise of Yusaku vs. Revolver, where Yusaku finally succeeds in connecting with Revolver, who he realizes is another victim of the Lost Incident.

Jin and Miyu get to be actual characters this way, too, rather than just damsel devices. I'd also pay to see the deranged interactions Spectre would have with Yusaku.

[beautifulsnake2162020]

We have it all (Hualian adopted daughter fanfic) Chapter 7

Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction. I only do this for fun.

Premise: Not long after comforting a bullied girl named Meng Ai, Hua Cheng and Xie Lian find themselves adopting her and together they form a family they didn't know they had needed for awhile.

Story/Genre tags: Slice of life-ish (mainly), Family focused, Hua Cheng's houses finally become homes, there may be an overarching story but that's not the focus, Hualian being parents, Fengqing being uncles, Lang Qianqiu falling in love with someone who was raised by the Xianle squad, technically post-canon (though I haven't read the books so if there are some ooc moments please forgive me).

AO3 Link

Chapter 1, Chapter 2 , Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6

Follower tags: @anonimgato1507 @fd139 (I tagged you just in case - Lang Qianqiu makes his first appearance in this chapter)

AN: In honor of Meng Ai's birthday here is Chapter 7 - which is either posted before, on, or after, September 21. Yes this chapter will be mainly focused on her birthday celebration (the preparations leading up to it and the celebration itself). I couldn't help myself - I love the song so much.

Chapter 7

"When exactly are we meeting Chenxi?"

"We'll meet in a mutual event for our first meeting. She wants to ask a few questions. Probably to check what our intentions are in asking her about that part of her life. She told me through her oracle that I'm the first person in heaven to actually be interested in knowing anything about her imprisonment. Or at least the first person who wasn't directly related to her. Then she released her oracle and he then told me that if she has any more messages for us she'll send her oracle to either one of our temples."

They arrive in the semi-secluded residence of the now mortal Shi Qingxuan. Unsurprisingly it was located on a windy location. Shi Qingxuan's new residence was on a coastal region in a more secluded part of the beach. The winds were too strong for the anyone else. But the former Windmaster felt right at home, even when the winds no longer followed their will. When they were certain that no other mortals were nearby they rid themselves of their disguises as Nan Feng and Fu Yao and turned into their regular forms with a finishing touch of glamour to conceal their divine aura.

"Finally! I thought I would have to do something drastic to make you both return." Shi Qingxuan says as Mu Qing and Feng Xin approach their home.

"We've been busy." Feng Xin says as they enter Shi Qingxuan's home. A modest structure compared to their residence that they used to have. Well ventilated to allow the wind in what may have been a hot indoor dwelling. Spacious enough to allow room to move and to entertain a fair number of guests. But it was small enough to not be a headache when it comes to cleaning and maintenance.

"Doing what? Let me guess; sparring, dates, making sure Xie Lian is happy and martial God duties?"

"The job that you were supposed to do but you were ill."

"Speaking of which - here." Mu Qing shoves a brown bottle to them.

"Here's the second to the last dosage. Same instructions as before; half a cup once a day after a meal."

"Do I have to?" They whined.

"I already feel better."

"Then throw it in the sea. It's not my problem that you're still lacking in energy. Come to think of it I think I should be thanking you." They sighed and immediately began to drink their medicine as prescribed.

"Thanking me for getting sick? You can start by giving me these cosmetics-"

"Not happening." The three of them settles on the dining room as the winds grow stronger at midday time. Midday is when they typically visit since mortals don't like being in this spot at midday because the winds were too harsh. That way they can take a break from their mortal guises while checking up on a slowly recovering Shi Qingxuan.

"What job was I supposed to do?"

"Babysit Xie Lian and Hua Cheng's little girl."

"What?!" Mu Qing and Feng Xin couldn't help but chuckle a little at their surprised look.

"How - What?!"

"Technically she isn't officially their daughter yet. They and her parents want to ask her first before officially adopting her."

"Have you seen the way she called out for them when her father was in danger?" Feng Xin asks Mu Qing in disbelief.

"I know we haven't seen the three of them talk much but something tells me she wouldn't mind being adopted by them."

"Woah, woah, Nan Yang, wait, care to explain everything to the should have been babysitter - is she cute?"

"Her name is Meng Ai, she turns seven years old on the 21st night of September -"

"How did you know the details of her birth?"

"Jing Mei told me - she gave birth to her just after sunset."

"More details for the next babysitter please!"

"Hey I was interrupted."

"I was curious."

"You were saying Xuan Zhen?"

"She could detect the presences of the otherworldly, she got that from her father and her mother is an oracle of Xiwangmu."

"Let me guess, she could sense your divine aura?"

"A lot more than that." Feng Xin adds.

"She could sense that Xuan Zhen, Xie Lian, and I are the same type of spirit and could feel the differences from our divine aura to the ghostly aura of Hua Cheng." Shi Qingxuan's eyes grow bigger.

"At six years old!? I wasn't able to do that till I was 15! And I was only able to be good at it at 19!"

"Yes, it's impressive that she could do it without realizing it. What a talent she has." Feng Xin says with a smiles as he takes a drink from his tea.

"But she wasn't able to tell that you were Gods?"

"She hasn't had much exposure to divine presences and the three of us are probably the first beings she has interacted with long enough for her to make those observations. Interacting with ghosts on the other hand are an almost daily experience for her. It makes sense that she could tell that we are a different being from ghosts but not know that we are Gods."

"...I hate it when you are right."

"You also love it. Why else are we together now?"

"Wait -" Shi Qingxuan interrupts before they could continue flirting. As happy as they are that these two former enemies are now a couple, they were more interested in knowing more about the new little girl in their lives.

"If her parents are still alive then why are they adopting her?" Both of them shares a look before facing back at them.

"Long story short: They are the loophole and the key to giving Meng Ai a good life. I've mentioned that her mother, Jing Mei is an oracle and she receives visions."

"Just after giving birth to her, she received a vision of Meng Ai dying as a sacrifice to Xiwangmu at the hands of her relative while her parents were already dead."

"They asked Xiwangmu for a loophole and she told them that as long as she had one parent who is dead and one parent who is alive she'll be safe from those who want to sacrifice her. And so Hua Cheng and Xie Lian are that loophole."

"Hmm? How are they sure that Hua Cheng and Xie Lian counts as a loophole?"

"Chenxi clarified her mother's solution. A parent doesn't need to be blood related to count - uh - are you okay?" Mu Qing asks as shock is shown in their face.

"Chenxi - Xiwangmu's daughter - she's back? She's freed?"

"You know her Shi Qingxuan?" Feng Xin asks in interest.

"Yes - it's...it's been so long." A smile slowly emerges in their face.

"Chenxi is one of my professors when I ascended. She helped guide me in learning about my domain and how it serves the world. She's one of the best teachers I've ever had." Shi Qingxuan pours themself another cup of tea.

"When she disappeared I had thought at first that maybe she's just in her family's mountain. I couldn't blame her - I loved it there when she brought her students there to have a rest from our studies and heavenly duties. She's one of those teachers who genuinely cares about her students. She knows when to push us and when to make us laugh at ourselves and to rest from work." Then their face becomes darker.

"When I learnt that she was imprisoned...I tried to help. I secretly went against orders against getting involved."

"What happened?" Shi Qingxuan looks at them with a dark look.

"I don't know how, but they managed to use my powers against me. One of the men - I can't remember his face, just that he had green eyes - managed to somehow choke me the more winds I made and the more air I controlled." They take a moment to breathe and to calm themself. But to Mu Qing and Feng Xin it was clear that this was a traumatic experience for them.

"When I managed to somehow escape from that man, Chenxi sent a telepathic message to me to escape. I tried to tell her that I came here to free her. She rebutted and told me that just because I controlled the winds didn't mean that I had enough strategic experience to rescue her." They couldn't help but shed a tear.

"Her last message to me was that she was proud of me - but I was not meant to rescue her. And if I wanted to honor her I should live my life to bring joy and use my domain to serve. Wasting my life away for a task I wasn't meant for is a disservice to myself and others. After that I never heard from her again." They wipe the tears that they had shed and a small smile begins to emerge as they look at the martial Gods.

"Now you know one of the reasons why I am the way that I am. Even though I was immortal, life is too short to let it slip through your fingers. Professor Chenxi was right, she almost always is."

Should we tell them?

Probably - Chenxi might want to see them again

"How was she freed? How did you contact her?"

"We don't know the exact details but Meng Ai's father, Ji Huifan was the one who freed her and her mother, Jing Mei nursed her back to health. I'm sure she would love to see you again. We're going to meet with her in some sort of mutual event. She didn't specify what yet." Shi Qingxuan couldn't help but giggle at Mu Qing's brief flash of annoyance at the Chenxi's somewhat vague instructions.

"Yup, that sounds like her. Enough instructions to know what's going on but no further questions till she thinks you're ready for more or you need it."

"Xuan Zhen was able to contact her through her oracle. Maybe she'll make an exception for you since you were her student." They let out a sad sigh.

"I'm not immortal anymore. Her nearest temple is going to take me at least an entire month to get there. I don't mind the long journey but I guess I'm still recovering on how to function as a mortal. Aging and work and all."

General Nan Yang, an oracle of Chenxi is in the temple. She says that she has a message from Chenxi and requests permission to communicate with you through the spiritual channel.

"Well it seems we're in luck, one of her oracles is in my temple now."

"Then what are you waiting for? Another war? Give the oracle your password already."

"Hmph and you call me impatient."

Granted, give her the password. Tell her that General Xuan Zhen will also be joining us.

Feng Xin glances at Mu Qing and gives a small nod. Mu Qing puts his finger on their temple and enters their joint telepathic communication. In their mind's eye they appear in their respective places as they look down on a woman with bright orange and black robes. She was kneeling down with her head down as she waits for them to speak.

Rise oracle of Chenxi.

She keeps her head down as she stands up in the center platform of the spiritual array.

You have a message for us from Chenxi?

I do General Nan Yang.

Why do you keep your head down? General Nan Yang has already asked for the message.

The Goddess Chenxi is actually asking permission if she could speak through me. She instructed that I am not allowed to look at either one of you until you have granted her permission to do so.

This was new. They glance at each other in the spiritual array. Mu Qing shrugs before nodding.

Granted.

Immediately the oracle looks up and her golden glowing eyes looks at both of them. Her back straightened and her stance now more fitting of a dignified Goddess than a follower of hers. What followed was a voice that was drastically different than hers but one Mu Qing is familiar with. Only now he realizes that what he had heard was the dulled version of her voice. It was expected since she was speaking through her oracle's body. Just like whenever her mother possessed one of her priests or priestesses, her voice blended with her mortal follower's.

Good day Generals Nan Yang and Xuan Zhen.

Chenxi, this is quite the unusual method of reaching out to us. You could have just contacted either one of us directly.

I assure you Nan Yang that there is a reason why I'm doing it this way. The short answer is that we could be eavesdropped and I'm not taking any chances.

Eavesdropped in Nan Yang's mind? I didn't know that such a thing was possible.

You also didn't know it was possible to contact me through my oracle and yet you did. But enough of that. Please tell Shi Qingxuan that I will see all three of you in Meng Ai's birthday on the 21st night of September. It will be in Paradise Manor for obvious reasons.

Understood.

And speaking of Meng Ai, the little girl has been wondering where you both disappeared to. I personally recommend visiting her before then. She's already figured out that you two and Xie Lian are Gods and is currently trying to guess which ones are you.

Well it's nice to know we've made an impression on her considering who will be adopting her...It was also nice seeing her beat Nan Yang in Go.

You were coaching her!

She's still learning the game.

Chenxi chuckles a bit.

I'll see you in her birthday celebration. Don't forget to bring a gift for her. Till then, good bye General Nan Yang, General Xuan Zhen.

She then releases her oracle who immediately brings her head down and her posture now back to a humble follower.

Thank you for your service to us. Some of my followers will escort you back to your temple for your protection.

Thank you as well General Nan Yang. And thank you as well General Xuan Zhen for your presence.

You're welcome oracle of Chenxi, depart with Heaven's blessings.

Feng Xin and Mu Qing leaves the spiritual array. Both of them grin at Shi Qingxuan.

"It seems like your old teacher has heard you. She now expects to see you in Meng Ai's birthday in Paradise Manor. Which means Nan Yang and I will have to introduce you to her before then."

"Oh gre- AH CHOO!" Horror and denial is on their face as Mu Qing gives them a pointed look as Feng Xin sends a telepathic command to some of his followers to protect the oracle.

"Which means you need to get better before going anywhere near her. Rest I'll make dinner and herbal tea tonight."

______________________________________________________________

Breathe in.

Breathe out.

Breathe in.

Breathe out.

He feels himself scurry along the once familiar rooms as he hides himself in plain sight.

"What are the chances that they are no longer in these lands?" A figure asks briefly looking towards his direction which frightened him that he might be caught. He made himself relax despite his fear. He cannot afford to waste any opportunity to learn more about their plans.

"If they had gone to other areas of the silk road we would have known. Our network of contacts are too vast and prominent for us to not know."

"They could have gone through sea."

"Or to the archipelagic region with several islands."

"Again, we would have known if they had fled to those lands. We have spies in the Southern coastal area and they have been closely watching every single family who consists of a father, a mother, and a daughter. So far every batch of them is not them. I still believe they are still within these lands."

"Or they could have been transported to another world entirely." A figure with green eyes say as nearly everyone groaned.

"For that to be possible they'll need a lot of energy. And no unusual power surges among mortals have been detected."

"Stop all this worrying." A figure steps in. To anyone who didn't know or look closely, the man looked to be in his early fourties. Never knowing that he, like the rest of his relatives gathered within this room was several centuries old.

"Ji Huifen and his family cannot escape forever. We can take as much time as we'd like. What's important is that his daughter is sacrificed on Xiwangmu's altar. It doesn't matter if she's a little girl or an old lady, all we need is to take her before death claims her. Are we understood?"

"Yes Zufu Bocheng." They all reply as they settle themselves in their respective seats as Ji Bocheng takes his seat.

"Tell Ji Lihua to take her time. I trust in her abilities to track Ji Huifan. But she could be impulsive and impatient. Remind her that we have all the time in the world as long as the little girl is alive."

"We will Zufu." Ji Bocheng then gives the signal to their servants. It was when he heard the incoming groans and screams of pain that was getting louder just outside of the door that Ji Huifan decided that he has seen enough. He closes his eyes as he lets go of the mouse that he has possessed. He's had enough experiences of the blood feeding rituals and he doesn't want to add more memories to the mix.

We've got you Ji Huifen

Xie Lian's telepathic presence gently guides him back to his body. He awakens in the presence of Hua Cheng and Xie Lian. All of them seated under a tree that he had felt the most calm. Both of them had leant him enough power to allow them to telepathically see and hear what he has learnt.

"Hmph if they think they have contacts everywhere then it's a good thing that I have my own network."

"Still, I believe that it is best for you and Jing Mei to stay here for a little bit more."

"Thank you Dianxia. Mei mei Lihua is probably one of the best choices they have of tracking us down."

"Why? Does she have any special abilities?"

"It's because you're siblings isn't it?"

"Correct, Lihua and I are full blooded siblings. While our forms are quite different she could easily track me down because we share the same parents. Our other siblings are only half and if only one parent is shared, there's a large number of guesswork since the identity of our blood could also be shared by distant relatives with a common ancestor. But if both parents are the same, all she has to do is to track down anyone whose blood is the closest to hers." He sighs as they stand up and start heading back towards the manor.

"Having said that while she may be good at tracking me down, she isn't the best fighter compared to our other relatives. Knowing her she probably thinks this is more of a chore."

"What do you suggest?" Xie Lian asks.

"Keep her bored. Or make sure that nothing peaks her interest while staying on the task. If she's bored enough she'll move on to something else."

"On the contrary I suggest we keep her on the task." Hua Cheng says as they stop for awhile after all three sees Meng Ai and Jing Mei entering the gardens. This was a discussion that Meng Ai doesn't have to hear.

"You've mentioned that she's not the best fighter among them but she's the best choice to track you down. What if we finally eliminate her?"

"That...may work. But I'm not entirely sure if she will become mortal once again just by being drained of her blood till she passes out or if she also needs to accompany it with grief."

"Let's continue this at another time." Xie Lian says as they enter within earshot of Meng Ai and Jing Mei.

"Baba, Xie Lian, San Lang, I need your help -"

"They are not going to help you Aiai."

"But-"

"You're not old enough for a puppy."

"But mama the puppy and it's mama doesn't have anywhere else to go."

"Aiai - I know you love animals. But you cannot adopt every single puppy and mama dog that you see."

"Hmm? Where did you see a puppy Xiao Ai?"

"Mama was doing her water ritual San Lang, it's where she sees things through water. And she was just checking on the areas just outside of ghost city and in one of the nearby cities there's a puppy with it's mother and both of them looked alone -"

"And you are not yet old enough to take care of them."

"But mama their round green eyes looked so sad."

And that caught everyone's attention.

"Xiao Ai how would you describe the type of green eyes the puppy and its mother have?"

"They were beautiful bright green Xie Lian. Like jade if it managed to glow."

"They were glowing Aiai. But you are still too young." To everyone else it became clear why Jing Mei was refusing to allow Meng Ai to get anywhere close to them. Dogs typically didn't have eyes that had the color of bright glowing jade green. It was definitely something else that was in the guise of a puppy and its mother trying to lure innocent victims like Meng Ai who wasn't aware of the dangerous trap she was being lured into. Probably a couple of demons who was using glowing jade green eyes to lure victims into their trap.

Though that didn't mean Jing Mei was wrong in saying that Meng Ai was too young and not ready to take care of a pet.

Then Ji Huifan fortunately remembered something.

"Mei, doesn't Chenxi and Xiwangmu raise animals as a community pet?"

"Those animals are technically pets which belong to the Goddesses; which is why with a few exceptions they stay inside temple grounds and are never slaughtered or killed."

"I have an idea."

"I'm not taking one of their pets and gifting it to Aiai."

"No no, what if Aiai raises one and offers it on her birthday? Then we could see how ready she is for a pet of her own."

"Hmm that could work. It could show Xiao Ai here what it means to take care of another life who depends on her."

"And every week we check their progress. Her birthday is only a few weeks away and it would be a valuable experience for her."

"And how are we supposed to remain hidden while offering the future pet to Xiwangmu?"

"Xiao Ai doesn't have to actually leave here. Something tells me they'll send someone here for her birthday. What do you think little one? Are you up for the challenge your parents gave you?" Hua Cheng asks with a teasing tone.

"Yes please, pretty please."

"I'll be choosing what you'll be raising. And I will tell you now it's not a puppy. Xiwangmu already has plenty of dogs that play around in her temples."

"Okay."

"Don't worry Aiai we'll guide you. But it's still you who will be taking up the responsibility of raising the animal whom you will offer to Xiwangmu."

"Yes, baba." Meng Ai nods eagerly as she waits for more reminders from her new parents.

"Xiao Ai why don't you play with Ruoye for awhile." Xie Lian allows Ruoye to fly towards Meng Ai as it wraps itself around her hands while a part of it rubs itself against Meng Ai's cheek in their mutual delight.

"While you're at it, take E-ming with you. Just don't take E-ming out of it's sheath." The sentient scimitar coos in delight as Hua Cheng carefully gives it to Meng Ai with a subtle but noticeable glance to Yin Yu to watch over her while she plays with their spiritual tools. Once Yin Yu leads Meng Ai to a safe distance away from the four of them while still being within their vision, the discussion becomes serious.

"I'm going to investigate the hidden demon nearby."

"I'll come with you San Lang."

"How sure are you that it's just a demon? What if it's a demon summoned by one of the mage mercenaries to try to lure us out - or even worse lure Aiai out."

"That's even better Jing Mei, getting information will be easier. If you need anything Yin Yu will know what to do." In the distance they hear Meng Ai laughing as she was chasing Ruoye who was carrying a sheathed E-ming around a field of Asters.

"Please you two, let San Lang and I handle this." Ji Huifan sighs, shares a look with Jing Mei before they both nod.

"You probably already know this but from my experience these demons are the most likely ones that they've summoned." They listen intently before making their way to where the disguised demons were located.

The couple lands a short distance away from where the hidden demons disguised as a puppy and its mother were. Standing near them made their demonic aura more obvious to them.

"They don't seem to be puppets. But that might just be because whomever created them is highly skilled."

"Hmm my bet is that they themselves are demons since if they were just puppets they would need some external power source to do that level of deception while still keeping itself intact." The sun begins to set and children begin staying indoors or staying in areas that are more crowded than the sparse field where they are in now.

"How do you want to do this San Lang?"

"We go together but you could approach it first. You'll ask the easy questions." He turns to Xie Lian with a dangerous glint in his eyes that Xie Lian couldn't help but be drawn to even after seven years of marriage.

"While I ask the difficult questions."

"Do you think they'll be truthful?" Xie Lian quickly asks to try to ignore his blush. Though he knows that Hua Cheng had already noticed.

"We'll know, and we'll have our ways to finding out the truth." They share a nod as they make their way to the hidden demons. The one disguised as a puppy starts whimpering and making pitiful sounds as it looks at Xie Lian's figure approaching.

"Whomever you are go to your true form. There are questions that you need to answer - both of you." Xie Lian says with a serious but still approachable tone. But the once seemingly innocent look of both demons are now glazed over with darkness and anger.

"Don't make us force you." Xie Lian warns as he prepares himself for any possible attack. The demon in the form of a puppy launches itself at him but its demonic face with a mouth full of sharp teeth emerged. Xie Lian quickly moved away with ease and dodged an attack from the demon in the form of the mother dog. As he bent down Hua Cheng managed to grab their throats in each hand and both demons began choking with fear.

"Go to your true forms or I will make you." He throws both demons on front of them and they immediately go to their shadowy forms with reluctance and fear of the Crimson Rain Sought Flower.

"Now." Hua Cheng continues as he holds their jade green glowing gazes.

"We'll ask some questions and you are going to answer them. Lie and we will know."

"Hrraah...Fine...Graah."

"Why are you here?" Xie Lian begins.

"Krrah ... Krraah...to...Krraah...lure..."

"Lure who?"

"Hrrah...Graaah...a...krraah...little girl...KraAAh..."

"Do you know her name?"

"GrraAWAah...Hrraah...No...Krrraah..."

"How about what she looks like?" Hua Cheng asks in an intimidating tone.

"Krraah...Hrraaah...No...Krraah...GrAaAh!" They share a look.

Shall I make them show us?

Go ahead, you did warn them earlier.

"Hmph why don't we see for ourselves." Xie Lian slips his hand in Hua Chengs and intertwine their fingers while Hua Cheng with his other hand now outstretched reaches into the memories of both demons. He quickly found the memory he was looking for and projected them telepathically to Xie Lian's mind so they may both uncover them together.

"WE SUMMON YOU!" Cried a group of hooded and masked mages in a dark night without moonlight. The only light present was the candles arranged in a summoning formation.

"KRAahAHaha...GrahaAh...who summons...HrahaAah?"

"We do, youth devourers."

"We have a task for you."

"GRAhahaKraah...Offerring...HraAah...first." One of the mages lead two children who were in a trance to each demon. Xie Lian couldn't help but wince in horror as the youth devouring demons take their souls and devours them.

Gege?

I'm fine...its just awful

I know

"Satisfied?"

"Grahakraah...Yes...Grahaaah."

"We need you to capture a little girl."

"Her left eye is blue and her right eye is amber brown. She would be about six years old. By the end of September she will be seven years old."

"HRAAH...Krahaagh...why...Graaahk...us...kraaAAagh?"

"You youth devouring demons specialize in luring and hunting down children. Even in areas where mortals cannot easily go."

"We have prepared other offerings which you will recieve when you bring us the girl alive and with her soul intact."

"GraAAAahhk...krAaAh...her...KRaAaAhk...name?"

"She is known as Meng Ai, and her presence was felt in Jingdezhen before we lost track of her."

"Bring her to us and you will recieve the rest of your offerings."

"GRAaAh!" "HraAAaAghk!"

The memory ends but Hua Cheng keeps his control over the two demons.

"Should we ask them to lead us to them?"

"No need. I already know where those mages are, even if they travel around." Hua Cheng then summons E-ming out of its sheath.

"GrAAH krAAaAh - you liars! HraAahk!"

"We never promised your safety and continued existence." These were Hua Cheng's last words to them before E-mind destroyed them.

"Good job E-ming." Xie Lian says as the scimitar's eye looked to him for approval. Having received it, E-ming coos of soft delight.

"Hmm they're getting desperate. Something tells me that this won't be the last thing they summon to hunt or lure Xiao Ai to them."

"I'll increase the security measures when it comes to her safety. And when all else fails she still has our silver butterfly pendant on her. Our combined powers in that pendant should be able to protect her and send a message to anyone who dares harm her." Xie Lian couldn't help but smile as he notices how Hua Cheng is already thinking of her safety.

"What amuses Gege so?"

"I like this side of you. Being protective over our daughter. I don't mind seeing this more often." Xie Lian couldn't help but tease a bit as he brings himself closer to Hua Cheng's look of surprise.

"Is...is that so?"

"Mmhmm" He sighs as he embraces him with his arms around Hua Cheng's neck.

"Let's visit Puqi Shrine for awhile. Since Meng Ai couldn't be there for the meantime we'll have the bed to ourselves." Hua Cheng quickly takes out the dice and tosses it but barely looks at the number that will inevitably lead to Puqi Shrine. His gaze instead was focused on his husband as he feels his desire for him increase as he feels himself share an expression of lust with him.

"We're here Gege." He bends down to kiss him and to carry him as a groom would carry his bride. Never breaking the kiss he enters the living quarters and gently placed him on the bed.

"San Lang mmm" Xie Lian moans as he keeps Hua Cheng close to his lips with one hand while undressing him and teasing him with the other.

"Mmm Gege mmm."

They would deal with the damage left by the previous battle once morning arrives. For now they were savoring being united in their love.

______________________________________________________________

"White Lotus is clearly the better mooncake filling." Mu Qing argues as he, Feng Xin, and Shi Qingxuan went to the nearby town. It was their promised reward to Shi Qingxuan for taking care of themself to recover quicker and thus meeting Meng Ai earlier before her birthday.

"Its too subtle for a little girl's birthday."

"Well clearly not for Meng Ai since she loves it."

"She also loves the Red bean filling. The popular choice."

"Hey you two why don't you just go for the third option? You both mentioned you liked how her mom mixed both fillings together, why not go with that? Also," Shi Qingxuan browses the fabric on display.

"What do you think her favorite color is? Or or what colors do you think looks good with her?"

"The four of us secretly decided to give all three to her. We'll give her an official answer so that she won't suspect and so her mother could begin making it, Nan Feng and I will buy one mooncake with either White Lotus paste or Red bean filling and her new parents will buy the other."

"Red bean filling is easier to find and it easily sells out. Oh and I think you should just ask her since we'll be going there once we finish up here."

"Which is why we should buy the White Lotus one so that it's easier to get."

"Do you know how easy it is to screw up White Lotus mooncake?"

"Any mooncake made by an idiot will be screwed up. Why do you think we'll be tasting them first before giving it to her?" Sighing as they hear the argument continue Shi Qingxuan decides to ask the store owner if they had some fabric samples they could show. They couldn't help but laugh at both of them remaining firm in their arguments.

"Here you go sir, a book sewn with a small piece of all the fabrics we have in our store."

"Thank you so much. Come on you two, you can continue arguing outside." They say with a laugh as both of them follow them out.

"Is that your only gift to her?"

"Of course not, we're also giving her a Go set." Feng Xin says as Mu Qing enters the first store selling mooncakes. The Mid Autumn Festival was only a few weeks away and this year Meng Ai's birthday would be in the week after that. Stores were now selling their mooncakes as a form of advertising their products. By selling them now the public could gauge which stores would sell the mooncakes that appealed to their taste and stores themselves could gauge how many orders to prepare as the Mid Autumn Festival came nearer.

"Did you check with Hua Cheng and Xie Lian if they already have a Go set in Paradise Manor? I find it hard to believe that Hua Chengzhu wouldn't already have one."

"Well another one wouldn't hurt."

"Because he already bought it." Mu Qing says as he emerged with six small mooncakes. Three of the White Lotus Paste filling and three of the Red bean filling.

"I didn't buy it! It wasn't used and was just collecting dust in one of my temples and I compensated my priest with blessings in exchange for offering it to me."

"In other words - you bought it from your priest." Mu Qing rebuts as he eats his share with the red bean filling. While the taste itself was not bad it had a strangely sour after taste that he isn't sure that Meng Ai would enjoy. Jing Mei's remarkable mooncakes were smooth, flavorful and did not have any of the aftertaste he was currently experiencing now.

Perhaps it was just the red bean flavor.

He eats the White Lotus paste flavor filling and while the flavor was better than the previous mooncake, it still had that sour aftertaste.

It must be the dough.

"Uhm Xuan Zhen, I don't think a little girl is going to like this." Shi Qingxuan says as he swallows only out of politeness. But it was clear from their and Feng Xin's expressions that none of them were fans of the sour aftertaste.

"I know, this is a far cry from her mother's version."

"I honestly doubt we'll be able to find someone who could match hers."

"Describe how her mother does it. Maybe I know a place that will have something similar."

"Smooth, flavorful, concentrated in its flavor that just complements the egg inside it, sweet but not overwhelmingly so. Just enough to make you want more."

"It's almost like there is a subtle burst of it in every bite you take and because of its smoothness the flavors becomes more intense." Feng Xin adds as they begin making their way in a secluded area after they notice that it was late in the night and it was time for them to make their way to Paradise Manor. Mu Qing begins drawing a teleportation portal to get them close enough to the entrance of Ghost City.

"If she's willing to make us some, you'll understand what we mean."

"Are you sure Xiwangmu wouldn't let me borrow her for her visions and her amazing food? She's got plenty of other oracles." At this Mu Qing couldn't help but laugh.

"We've already talked about this, I highly doubt she would lend her to you just for those reasons."

"What if I send some of my followers to protect her and Chenxi's temples?"

"You don't need to request for her specifically! You can get anyone else to cook for you or to give you visions."

"Okay what if I teach Meng Ai how to fight?" Mu Qing pinches the bridge of his nose in both annoyance and amusement.

"Go ahead, try your best to convince one of the most powerful primordial Goddesses if you can borrow one of her most active oracles. I'm going to enjoy watching her kick your sorry butt." Now it was Feng Xin's turn to laugh.

"Hmph please, we both know you wouldn't let that happen."

"Well it looks like the portal is ready! Enough stalling let's go." Shi Qingxuan says quickly before Mu Qing could respond with what seemed to be a more teasing and flirtatious reply based on the expression on his face. Their flirting was often more confusing to the former Wind Master. At least whenever Hua Cheng and Xie Lian would flirt, their flirtations were more obvious and Shi Qingxuan knew to ignore it and give the married couple privacy. But with Nan Yang and Xuan Zhen being a relatively new couple (in public at least, they knew that the Generals were together a little longer before that) their flirtations with each other were a sometimes not so obvious and it was difficult to tell if the new couple were seriously arguing or if they were simply teasing and goading each other into initiating more physical forms of affection.

They emerge out of the portal and make a final check to see if their divine aura was obvious or not. Then they join the ghosts entering Ghost City.

When they enter the actual city they were greeted by Yin Yu.

"Welcome back to Ghost City. Just follow me to Paradise Manor."

"Thank you Yin Yu. What are they doing?" Shi Qingxuan asks in curiosity.

"It's going to be your first time meeting her, correct?"

"Oh yes! And might I just say I would have jumped at the chance of babysitting her if only I wasn't sick. But unfortunately I'm now mortal and I'm now more prone to illnesses." Shi Qingxuan gives a chuckle at the end. They decided that it was best that they take over the conversation since they aren't exactly sure what type of dynamic the other two have with Yin Yu. They are at least confident that Yin Yu and they can have an easy conversation. Or Yin Yu willingly listened to Shi Qingxuan's thoughts about almost anything.

"It is understandable, let's just say her mother has found her an animal that she will raise for the next few weeks and she will offer it to Xiwangmu on the day of her birthday." Yin Yu let's out a small chuckle.

"All because Xiao Ai wanted to adopt a puppy and its mother which turned out to be a couple of youth devourers in disguise."

"So she's taking care of a dog?" Feng Xin asks as they reach the entrance of Paradise Manor.

"Not exactly." Yin Yu says with amusement, when they reach the entrance of the building and before Yin Yu makes his leave he gives them one last hint.

"I hope you won't mind a certain meat being absent in your meals here - or at least whenever Meng Ai is present while eating. She's that committed." He then takes his leave and the three of them enter the manor. What greeted them was an amusing sight.

It seems that their presence was not yet noticed since Hua Cheng and Xie Lian had their backs to them while to their side was another couple who was looking down at what Shi Qingxuan presumed to be Meng Ai who was currently hidden by them.

"You know she can also eat bugs Aiai."

"No! Baba she'll be vegetarian."

"But you'll deprive her of nutritition and she's already the runt of the litter." Jing Mei says amusingly.

"But mushrooms are also protein!"

"I hate to agree Xiao Ai but plenty of mushrooms are toxic to both humans and animals." Xie Lian adds in a light tone.

"Aw." Hua Cheng chuckles in a way that they've only heard him do around Xie Lian. And now this little girl had the power to bring that out from him. Much to their astonishment. Mostly of Shi Qingxuan, but also to Feng Xin and Mu Qing.

"Xiao Ai don't worry, she's not going to be slaughtered. You're raising her to be Xiwangmu's pet."

"I know San Lang." They then hear a little squeal and what emerged was Meng Ai craddling a swaddled little piglet.

"Oh I'm so sorry we didn't notice your arrival." Xie Lian immediately says as he approaches the trio. It was then that Meng Ai noticed two familiar faces and one new one.

"Nan Feng! Fu Yao! Meet Chang-Chang." She holds up the little swaddled piglet as she eagerly runs to them. The piglet blinks innocently at them and as the three of them kneels down to her level to take a closer look.

"She's my birthday gift to Xiwangmu so she's actually her pet."

"Hello there." Shi Qingxuan says as they reach out and pet Chang-Chang on the head. Turns out the little piglet loves cuddles and immediately leans in on their hand.

"You know what - surprisingly cute." Mu Qing says as he gives a little pet to Chang-Chang on the head while Feng Xin pets her from underneath her chin. The little piglet, much like Meng Ai was happily soaking up all the positive attention from her new audience.

"Mama chose her for me because she couldn't get milk from her mama."

"Not enough nipples and too many piglets." Jing Mei clarifies from where she was standing.

"Is this why you don't want to eat pork until after she goes to Xiwangmu?" Shi Qingxuan asks and she nods vigorously.

"I didn't want to offend her. But don't worry since she'll be going to Xiwangmu in the morning, in my birthday party in the evening we'll be eating pork again." Feng Xin took the moment to carry Chang-Chang while Xie Lian formally introduced Shi Qingxuan and Meng Ai. After a few minutes he felt dampness in the swaddled cloth accompanied by Hua Cheng's laughter.

"Chang-Chang!" One of the servants accompanied Jing Mei in helping Meng Ai in cleaning the little piglet whose pee soaked through the swaddling cloth and dripped a bit on Feng Xin.

"I'm so sorry Nan Feng - if it makes you feel better Chang-Chang also peed on me when I was carrying her yesterday." Mu Qing laughs as he hands a handkerchief to Feng Xin.

"Don't worry Meng Ai, let's just say Nan Feng is used to fluids being dripped his way." Before she could ask further Jing Mei and the female servant ushers her out to clean Chang-Chang.

"Well would you look at that - it's nice to know that even Chang-Chang has taste in companions." Hua Cheng says as he joins Xie Lian's side.

"Hey! At least she's comfortable around me."

"Aw you two were right, she is adorable. Congratulations on your new little girl you two." Shi Qingxuan immediately says to quickly dissipate any incoming argument between Hua Cheng and Feng Xin. Even though they knew that these three couldn't help but bicker, they didn't want to start their visit with them bickering among each other (though it was still entertaining from their point of view). Xie Lian gives them a thankful glance and guides them to the dining room and takes advantage of Meng Ai being absent for a little while.

"Chenxi has contacted you?" Ji Huifan asks them as they enter.

"Yes, you knew?" Mu Qing asks.

"No, but she did send a message to Mei and I that she will be attending Meng Ai's birthday party."

"Huh interesting." Shi Qingxuan says as female servants begin placing food on the dining table. They couldn't help but wink at a few of them while also giving a sympathetic look. They recalled the time when they were going undercover and had to blend in among Hua Cheng's female servants.

"Any ideas on what are their next moves?" Mu Qing asks when they all settle down.

"Considering that they ventured into summoning youth devourers they would probably start summoning other demonic creatures." Hua Cheng says seriously. Xie Lian slip his hand into Hua Cheng's for their mutual comfort.

"Based on their last movements the entire group is mainly headed towards the southern areas. Probably to investigate if they had left or if their contacts have seen the three of them leave through the southern coastal areas. I'd like to request if you two could keep an eye on them."

"Of course." They then sense that Meng Ai and Jing Mei were coming. This time Chang-Chang was swaddled in a new cloth and was now laying inside a basket whose walls were high enough that the little piglet couldn't escape even if she jumped.

"Chang-Chang is not sitting on your lap."

"But my eyes are not leaving Chang-Chang."

"Chang-Chang already ate, she'll be more comfortable in your room."

"But I haven't yet and I need to see her at all times."

"Xiao - Ai would you like to put Chang-Chang nearby?" Xie Lian asks in a gentle persuasive tone and trying to find an approach that would help Jing Mei and Meng Ai have a compromise.

"She could be within your view."

"Okay Xie Lian." Xie Lian then takes the basket holding Chang-Chang on the seat in front of Meng Ai which was in between Shi Qingxuan and and Mu Qing.

"Don't worry, she's sleeping now so I don't think she'll relieve herself again. I just want to make sure I know where she is." With everyone complete they begin eating their meal.

"Say Jing Mei, by any chance do you still have any of those sample mooncakes? You know just so Shi Qingxuan here could understand Meng Ai's dilemma."

"Oh yes, I just made a new batch this morning - and no Aiai you're not getting any until your birthday."

"I was wondering if Chang-Chang could have some."

"I know what you're trying to do but the answer is still no."

"Meng Ai, think of it this way - once you get your mooncake on your birthday it will be much sweeter." Shi Qingxuan says now excited at finally tasting the coveted mooncakes of Jing Mei.

"That's true, but by then Chang-Chang will be with Xiwangmu."

"Don't worry Aiai, I'll make a pig friendly version to accompany Chang-Chang on the morning of your birthday when you offer her as a pet to Xiwangmu."

"Oh why didn't you say so mama!?" Finally satisfied the rest of the meal went on and by the end of it Shi Qingxuan now understands why Feng Xin and Mu Qing were no longer satisfied with just any mooncakes and why Feng Xin wants to borrow Jing Mei for her cooking skills.

"How do you like things so far Meng Ai?"

"Oh I love it Fu Yao. Everything is so red and warm and cozy."

"Ah so is red your favorite color? Oh and before I forget you can call me A-xuan. I give you my full permission." Shi Qingxuan says with enthusiasm. Meng Ai couldn't help but giggle as she shakes her head.

"Red is beautiful but blue is actually my favorite color."

"Oh why is that?" Feng Xin asks amused.

"Because whenever blue shows up in nature, it is always a work of art. That's why you don't see many things in nature that are blue."

"Hmm? But the sky is blue." Shi Qingxuan points out.

"And so is the sea." Added Mu Qing.

"The sky is up there, and the waters only reflect it, that's why they are blue. But there aren't many species of animals that are blue. There's no blue dog, blue cat or blue horses. But peacocks have beautiful iridiscent patterns on their feathers and the most beautiful butterfly in nature is the blue butterfly." At this she excitedly turns to Hua Cheng.

"San Lang, did you know that somewhere beyond our lands is the most beautiful blue butterfly? One of Baba's friends summoned some through a portal and it was the most beautiful butterfly in nature. And Baba explained that the reason why its so vibrant is because the butterflies are not using pigment, they use some sort of structure that is too small for us to see to make their wings blue. Since they live in a part of the world that rains a lot so they need to keep their wings vibrant even when they are wet."

"How interesting Xiao Ai." He says with interest as he listens to her.

"Oh yes and it's also why when you look at it in different angles sometimes it shifts in color - Baba what do you call it?"

"Iridesence."

"Iridesence! And it's the same method that Peacocks use for their feathers. That's why their feathers are so beautiful." By the end of the meal, the new people in Meng Ai's life have a good grasp on what gifts she would love and appreciate.

______________________________________________________________

"Thank you for visiting scrap collector gege!"

"You're welcome Gu Zi." Xie Lian says as the little boy is escorted to have his formal lessons by a teacher whom Lang Qianqiu personally checked would be good for Gu Zi's temperament and would be considerate of his background. Now he and his former Guo Shi were alone ever since the battle of the heavens against Jun Wu.

"Lang Qianqiu? Is there something in your mind?" Xie Lian asks as he hears Lang Qianqiu sigh.

"Am I fighting a losing battle...Guo Shi?" Lang Qianqiu turns to face him with uncertainty in his eyes.

"He still awaits for his father's return. I don't know if that's his original father or that monster anymore. No matter how much I try and attempt to explain things to him he rejects it. What if...what if this means I'm not ready to take care of him? Or worse, what if I mess things up?" Lang Qianqiu then realizes that as much as he tries...he needs his Guo Shi.

The man who willingly painted himself as the villain in his life so that peace would prevail and so that he could be the ruler who listens to the needs of his people.

"Qianqiu." Xie Lian starts with a gentle tone. Gentler than when he was Fang Xin Guoshi, but nevertheless it was still sincere.

"I also wasn't ready when I came into your life." Lang Qianqiu nods solemnly.

"But you managed to do it so well."

"But I wasn't perfect." The stillness yet cooling air of the heavens only emphasized that there was nowhere to run. Deep inside both of them they longed to be able to form a bond, even though it will never be like how it was. One of them believed he was undeserving and it was all a wishful dream but Xie Lian couldn't help but hope. Lang Qianqiu didn't know how to reforge it, but he had to try. To try his best even though it made him uncomfortable right now.

He misses him.

But he also knows that the wounds from the recent revelations were still too fresh. And he could see that his Guo Shi knows that some things take time to heal.

"Qianqiu, there is no such thing as a perfect parent or guardian." Xie Lian couldn't help but place his hands on Qianqiu's shoulders to reassure his former student.

"But that doesn't mean you shouldn't do your best. And I know you enough that you will." Lang Qianqiu's eyes become watery as he allows the words of his Guo Shi to sink in.

Somehow, even till now...he knew just what he needs to hear.

And he couldn't help but smile in thanks to him.

"I have an idea, why don't I introduce you and Gu Zi to someone. She's six years old but it would be nice for Gu Zi to be with children around his age."

"Ugh, I've tried Guo Shi. But he refuses to interact with them whenever Mengyou and I take him to the mortal realm. I'm trying not to force things on him. He's so obsessed with his father and Qi Rong that I'm afraid that he will miss out on living life."

"Don't worry. You still have time. And I have faith in you."

______________________________________________________________

"Chang - Chang, sit." The little piglet lay down instead of sitting. Taking a deep breath Meng Ai tries again.

"Chang - Chang, stand." Mu Qing, Feng Xin, and Shi Qingxuan watches her squeal in delight as they watch the piglet stand up. The three of them have decided to take her to Shi Qingxuan's new residence with permission from Hua Cheng and Xie Lian. Since those hunting her were specifically looking for a family of three - a mother, a father, and a daughter, they tended to ignore groups that didn't meet this description. As expected Hua Cheng initially refused until Xie Lian convinced him that Meng Ai needs to take trips outside of Ghost City since she was still mortal. Even if the powers they bestowed on her butterfly pendant was more than enough to allow her to live everyday in Ghost City, Meng Ai did miss being around regular people. It was only when Hua Cheng made a special kind of illusion on her so that anyone who wasn't taking care of her couldn't see what she actually looks like.

This also gave a chance for all of her parents to rest from taking care of her while Shi Qingxuan is making up for lost time by showing that they can be relied on as her babysitter.

After all there were at least twenty hidden wraith butterflies watching over her and their treatment of her. These hidden twenty were only visible to the trio of babysitters. Threatening them by their mere presence and proximity should any harm fall on Meng Ai while she is under their watch. Meanwhile there were another ten wraith butterflies playing with her and Chang-Chang.

"You know for someone who recently became a father, Hua Chengzhou is quite protective over little Aiai." Shi Qingxuan says as they fan themself to keep cool. While it wasn't a hot day, it wasn't cool enough to be comfortable either.

"I can't believe I'm saying this but I don't blame him. Qingxuan if only you knew what these cursed immortals had sent to hunt her down you too would be concerned over her safety." Feng Xin says as he takes a bite of the latest sample of mooncakes that Shi Qingxuan bought from the capital city of this area. It was definitely better but still not as smooth as how Jing Mei makes hers.

"Hmph, never thought the day would come when Hua Cheng would be protective over someone other than Dianxia." Mu Qing says as he puts a black stone on the Go board before turning to watch Meng Ai play and teach Chang-Chang basic commands.

"Chang-Chang, down." The piglet lies down and an enthusiastic Meng Ai gives her a treat. Even from where they were sitting they could see that the butterflies were being very gentle and playful with her. Some of them have began attaching themselves on her hair, keeping some of the stray strands from flying into her face.

"Chang-Chang, stand." The piglet stands and was rewarded with another treat.

"By the way, has she guessed your identities yet?"

"She already knows Xie Lian is the Crown Prince of Xianle when she asked him last dinner and said why she thinks so. He didn't have the heart to not answer her." Feng Xin places a white stone on the Go board before once again facing the direction where Meng Ai and Chang-Chang was.

"Well to be fair Nan Yang he is going to be her new father. If there's anyone whose identity she should know its him and Hua Cheng. She's quick so it won't be long till she guesses our own identites."

"Chang-Chang, walk." Happily trotting beside her and some of the wraith butterflies trailing along behind them they go back to where the trio were seated at the outer porch area of Shi Qingxuan's home.

"General Nan Yang! General Xuan Zhen! A-Xuan! Look what I taught Chang-Chang!" She doesn't notice the look of surprise when she immediately turns and commands Chang-Chang to sit, lie down, and stand. Shi Qingxuan couldn't help but laugh.

"Oh that's brilliant Meng Ai!"

"I know A-xuan! I can't believe she finally learnt my commands now." After Chang-Chang consistently follows Meng Ai's commands she picks her up and carries her as she settles herself beside Shi Qingxuan so that she may watch the Go game.

"Meng Ai what did you call Nan Feng and Fu Yao just now?"

"General Nan Yang and General Xuan Zhen. Xie Lian said that they've been bickering ever since their early days with him. And since Xie Lian is the Crown Prince of Xianle and since they have the same type of spirit as Xie Lian the only two Gods I know who like to compete with each other are Generals Nan Yang and Xuan Zhen." She turns to look at their Go game to see if she could recognize any patterns from their first lesson with her. As she was looking she hears both of them chuckle above her.

"You just had to predict it don't you Xuan Zhen?" Mu Qing only gives him a smug look in return.

"Oh but I do have some questions - what does Ju Yang mean? Did you have to become a giant in a famous battle? Why do some of the villagers and ghosts laugh whenever they say it?"

"Well-"

"You're not ready to know yet!" Feng Xin quickly says as he cuts off Mu Qing from explaining any further. This only lead Mu Qing to laugh at his expense

"Huh? Why not? Why is your facing becoming red?" She innocently asks confused.

"Meng Ai let's just say it was an embarrassing incident for Nan Yang here and that's why he doesn't like to say it."

"But I will."

"Because you're enjoying it."

"Why do you think I have all the poems memorized Qingxuan?"

"Oh I'm sorry Nan Yang - I could tell you an embarrassing memory of mine. Would that make you feel better?"

"Oh there's no need for that Meng Ai." Feng Xin quickly says but from her expression she was going to tell them anyway.

"One time somebody ask me to do the story of the butterfly lovers ten times. But I was confused because I don't know what they mean, and because this man wanted me to do it and not one of my parents. I didn't want to ask them what he meant so I just guessed. So I made ten different drawings of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai. It turned out that he wanted me to write it down. But for some reason mama and baba said that it was good that I didn't do it because that man wanted to get a sample of my calligraphy." Unbeknownst to her all three of them were alarmed.

"What did he look like?"

"I didn't see his face, but I remember he was wearing a hood and a mask. But it was during one of the village festivals when plenty of people were wearing masks."

The air became chilled at this new revelation. With the butterflies still on her hair at least they know that they wouldn't need to tell Hua Cheng of their new discovery. Feng Xin and Mu Qing share a look as the memories of their clones escaping the camp full of the hooded masked mages and the cursed immortal who was Meng Ai's aunt. What she almost did.

And now they learn that a mage mercenary had interacted with Meng Ai hoping to get a sample of her calligraphy. While they aren't entirely sure what that man was going to do with it, all three of them knew nothing good could come out of it.

"What happened to the drawings?"

"Oh I didn't like my drawings so Baba set them on fire so that the ashes could be used as a fertilizer."

They all breathed out a sigh of relief.

______________________________________________________________

"What do you think?" Hua Cheng asks as he shows Xie Lian the new modifications he made to their cottage. The cottage where they spent many of their passionate nights after their wedding. Now they both stand at the entrance of what would now be Meng Ai's room. A bed by the window since she loved waking up to the view. A desk to practice her calligraphy in and for her to read. Several stacks of blank notebooks and books on the shelves that she had always wanted to read.

And of course it was a tasteful blend of blue, Meng Ai's favorite color.

Xie Lian couldn't help but chuckle as he notices the paintings of blue butterflies and peacocks that decorate her walls.

"You really searched for and studied the blue butterfly she was talking about." Hua Cheng smiles at him with a knowing look.

"I couldn't make an accurate painting if I didn't examine the specimen itself. Fortunately I was able to get a sample of it and made some here." Xie Lian embraces him. Knowing that despite all his work he could still sense that Hua Cheng was nervous on whether Meng Ai would actually love it. But knowing her and knowing how she actually is when she is safe and happy, deep down Xie Lian knows Meng Ai would love it because Hua Cheng made it for her.

"San Lang, do you want to give it to her before her birthday in a few days? That way she could move in and if there are any changes she'd like you would know right away?" Hua Cheng couldn't help but gaze lovingly at him. Xie Lian always seemed to know what to say to relieve his worries.

"I would love that Gege." He bends down and they share a chaste but sweet kiss as their foreheads press against each other.

"Let's reinforce the wards so that we won't have to worry about any of them finding her and taking her away."

"I couldn't agree more Gege."

Three days before her actual birthday, while the rest of the world was in the midst of the week long Mid Autumn Festival, they lead her to the cottage. Ruoye once again acting as a blindfold. This time on Meng Ai whose hands were held by Xie Lian and Hua Cheng.

"I thought we would be staying in Paradise Manor?"

"We are still staying there. But you need to also be within the mortal world since its not good for a mortal to stay in Ghost City for too long." Hua Cheng explains as they guide her.

"Even when you and Xie Lian placed power on my necklace?"

"Even the powers of your necklace needs to rest and replenish every once in a while Meng Ai." Xie Lian says as they stop on front of the cottage and Ruoye unwinds itself as it goes back inside Xie Lian's sleeve.

When her eyes opened she couldn't contain her delight and hugged both of them.

"Can we go inside please?" They both laugh as she pulls them both to the door. Someone else would think that she was trying to convince them to buy the cottage.

"We have a few more surprises for you." Hua Cheng says as Xie Lian holds his hand to help with his nervousness.

Only for a few minutes as they here squeals of delight as she enters her room.

"Is - is this really for me? THANK YOU SO MUCH!" She drags them both inside as she jumps on the bed.

"Of course this is for you little one." Hua Cheng chuckles as he finds himself laying down on one side of the bed, Xie Lian on the other and Meng Ai laying down in between them with her facing him.

"Does this mean you wouldn't mind if I'm your daughter? Is it okay if I call you two Baba Lian and Baba Lang?" She asks nervously. A part of her is scared at still being rejected. But the love on both of their faces made her feel happy and safe.

She wasn't losing anyone, she's gaining more people who will love her.

"You are our daughter Xiao Ai." Xie Lian says as he leans on one arm.

"We both want you to be our daughter." After he said this Hua Cheng felt his anxiety fade away as their daughter, their Xiao Ai laughed with joy.

______________________________________________________________

The morning of the 21st of September had finally arrived.

Chenxi in disguise as one of her mother's priestesses arrives at the entrance of Paradise Manor. At the entrance was Meng Ai holding Chang-Chang who now had a blue collar around her neck. Behind her were her four parents and her three baby sitters. Everyone except Meng Ai instantly knew who she was. Meng Ai could sense she was a God but couldn't tell which one.

"Are you Xiwangmu?" She asks as she held Chang-Chang back.

"No, but she's very important to me. And I believe you have a pet offering for her."

"Will Chang-Chang be safe?" Chenxi smiles as she nods.

"I will personally make sure she is. Xiwangmu will love her. She knows you've been working hard on raising Chang-Chang." Meng Ai nods and makes Chang-Chang face her.

"You be good okay? I'll visit you if I can." She couldn't help but cry as she embraces Chang-Chang one last time. All the sleepless nights, all the time spent raising and loving her and training her...it will be over now but she knows it's because the priests and priestesses of Xiwangmu could better take care of Chang-Chang than she could.

Is that why it still hurts?

Chang-Chang sensing her sadness nuzzles her one last time as she gives her to Xiwangmu's priestess who now also carries treats and food for Chang-Chang.

"I'll be back later for your party tonight little Meng Ai. I'll just make sure Chang-Chang is safe." Chenxi smiles reassuringly as she escorts Chang-Chang to her mother's temple. There she will join all of her other pets offered to live a natural life.

"Mama it hurts." Chenxi smiles as she overhears her. Ji Huifen and Jing Mei did a great job at showing her that even they are going to be grieving. Grieving at the chance of not being the ones who will raise her. Even though they all know this is for the best, it doesn't mean that it didn't hurt.

A lesson that she herself had to learn the hard way.

She tucks that in the corner of her mind as she makes her way to the temple. There will be plenty of that when Nan Yang and Xuan Zhen ask her about that time in her life. Today was a day of celebration and she intends to keep it that way.

Once the sun had set Meng Ai's birthday celebration has begun. The guests being restricted to those she has already met but it was still more than just her parents.

While there were games that entertained her if you were to ask Meng Ai what the highlight of the night would be, it's that she got to eat all three flavors of mooncake.

"We didn't want to keep fighting what was the best flavor so we decided to give you all three." Hua Cheng couldn't help but rebut this as Feng Xin and Mu Qing gives Meng Ai their Go set gift.

"You're right, you and Nan Yang would prefer to fight over more petty things for the fun of it now."

"Pardon me!"

"Now now it's Xiao Ai's birthday."

"Hey Meng Ai, I've got you something!" Sensing another argument may happen Shi Qingxuan immediately interrupts by giving Meng Ai their present.

"Shi Qingxuan how were you able to bring a Guquin here without us noticing?" Feng Xin asks suspiciously and Shi Qingxuan couldn't help but roll his eyes.

"Hey I still know and use magic, it's just not the same as before but obviously I am still highly capable for your information."

"And speaking of musical instruments." Ji Huifan and Jing Mei present their own gift, the Guzheng.

"I can finally learn the Guzheng and the Guquin. Oh it's so beautiful."

"This is the Guzheng I was playing when your father first met me." Jing Mei says as she begins playing a simple tune that gradually began to become more and more complex.

"It was once my mother's, and now it is yours Aiai."

"But-but how did you get it here?"

"We had some help." Ji Huifan says as he bends down and kisses Meng Ai's forehead.

"Remember, never stop learning. We will always be with you no matter what." She smiles as she embraces them.

"Thank you mama, thank you baba."

Now having experienced a pain similar to theirs she kisses both of them on the cheek.

And for the rest of the night, there was lively music heard in Paradise Manor celebrating the latest member of Hua Cheng and Xie Lian's family.

AN: I had to end it there for now because Chenxi's assessment and conversation with Fengqing would take place as everyone else is busy.

Zufu - Formal way of saying grandfather (at least according to google)

Mei mei - little sister

Ji - Hope, Lihua - Pear blossom

Chang-Chang - Flourishing (I found this in a site for chinese names for female dogs [ https://www.pupnames.com/dog-names/chinese/female ] )

I wanted to give Chang-Chang more scenes but I'm not too experienced with pigs as pets to contribute specific scenes.

I was so inspired and guided by the reconciliation scene in the story "A Splinter in the Heart" by theearlymorningmist (read here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/54114421/chapters/137010871) although I will be approaching Lang Qianqiu reconciling with Xie Lian more gradually in this story. They'll still have the big heart to heart reconciliation talk but I feel Lang Qianqiu has to gradually be ready for it and needs to understand what it's like raising a kid first. Also just to make things clear - Lang Qianqiu is Meng Ai's love interest but I won't let them meet till after she grows up.

[icyfox17]

Okay here's the first irondad snipp I ever wrote (there is def some Tommy vibes since that was all I'd written before this BUT they are like the same person anyway so--)

"I think you should really reconsider your choices of joining a gang, and think of maybe joining a bathing club or something. Those exist right?"

The man doesn't even acknowledge Peter's attempt at a joke, instead swinging at him with another punch, that Peter easily dodges. His gun had been taken by Peter awhile ago, and his stamina was quite frankly depressing. He was panting hard, which meant Peter had to breathe in the stench of his breath, on top of the terrible body odor.

"Ugh, scratch that. You do know what a toothbrush is right? More than 80% of dentists reccomend Colgate. Maybe try that brand."

"I'm gonna," the man heaves, hands on his knees as he catches his breath, and okay this is getting a little sad, "rip your tongue out and feed it to my dog, so I can never hear you talk again."

"Yikesss, that's not nice for your dog. What kinda dog wants to eat human tongue?? Feels bad for your dog."

This time the man opts to scream as a response and charges Peter, who is honestly done with this at this point, so instead of dodging, he shoots him with his web and wraps the man up in it like a cocoon. He also takes care to web up his mouth because man, no one deserves to smell that breath.

Peter looks to the sky, and much to his dismay, it is still day. There isn't even the beginnings of orange tinging the sky to signify sunset, and man today is going to be a long day.

He guesses he could go and try to see what Ned is up to, but Peter's pretty sure he's working on a really important project, and he doesn't want to bother him with it.

Peter sighs heavily. "Karen, I don't know what to do."

The ai responds to him rather quite promptly, "You could always head back to the tower. I'm sure Mr. Stark would pause whatever he was doing to see you, if you wanted him to."

And yeah. That's what Peter normally does, when he's having a slow day. Today though, he's trying to avoid it, considering the fact that he shouldn't be patrolling at all, and he's sure that Mr. Stark would be onto him the minute he saw him. Peter isn't sure how he always seems to know. One time he even took a shower before going to see him, and he still knew. It was probably Karen's fault, though he made her swear not to tell him.

"I know Karen. It's just..." He trails off with a sigh, shooting a web and pulling himself up. He starts to swing through the city aimlessly, still unsure of where to go, but wanting to move away from the crime.

"I'm sure Mr. Stark would be happier to see you than not, even if you have done something against his wishes."

Peter cringes. "You didn't have to phrase it like that Karen."

"How else would I phrase it?"

"I dunno, just not that."

There's silence for a bit as Peter fights with himself. On the one hand, he really does want to see Mr. Stark. He hasn't seen him since right after the accident, and he quite frankly misses hanging out with him. On the other hand, he really does not want to hear a lecture about how he shouldn't be patrolling so soon after his injury.

Ring Ring Ring

Incoming Call From: Tony Stark

Uh oh.

Guess he doesn't have a say in the matter anyway.

"Uh, hi Mr. Stark!" answers Peter as cheerfully as he can, trying to find a decent roof to land on.

"Hey Pete, I was wondering if you--" Mr. Stark cuts himself off. "Is that wind I hear?"

"Uh yeah, it's just super windy where I am right now," Peter says, chuckling nervously. "It's honestly crazy how windy it is. There are definitely going to be some fallen trees tomorrow."

Mr. Stark is silent for a moment before, "You wouldn't... happen to be patrolling right now, would you?"

"Whaaaaat? Noooo," Peter winces as he hears a car blast it's horn, "that would be entirely irresponsible of me. I would never."

"You know I can look at your suit's cameras and see what you're seeing right now, right?"

"Obviously, but you're not because you trust me full heartedly and--"

"Peter."

Peter sighs. "Okay, so maybe I went on a five minute patrol. But it's super dead today! I was literally about to head to your place because of how bored I was. You can ask Karen!"

"That doesn't matter Pete. What matters is you just came out of a serious fight with several injuries. You shouldn't be throwing yourself back out there!"

"I know Mr. Stark."

"We agreed on two weeks. Two weeks! You know most people would need a whole month, but Pepper and Happy reminded me about your enhanced healing, and I said fine. Fine! Two weeks. And how long has it been?"

"...A week."

"A week! You know, I was going to call you and ask if you wanted to go to Ben and Jerry's with me, but now--"

"No, Mr. Stark please! I won't go again for the next week, I promise."

"And how good was your promise this time?"

"I double promise. Triple promise! C'mon Mr. Stark, please? I really wanted to see you today."

"Kid, you can still come over," he says, sounding a bit appalled at the idea that Peter couldn't. "You can always come over. You know that by now."

"...but can we get ice-cream?"

Peter tries his best to give puppy eyes, even though he's unsure if Mr. Stark could even see him.

He hears Mr. Stark mumble some vague curses before, "Alright fine. But if you do this again, I swear to God--"

"I won't, I won't!"

"Okay, now get your butt over here."

Peter giggles a bit. "Okay. Bye Mr. Stark!"

"Bye kid."

There's a beep to signal the call ending, and Peter makes sure to swing by his backpack on the way to the tower.

All the while, Karen is strangely quiet but Peter has a sense she's feeling downright smug.

Peter ignores it though, in favour of focusing on his excitement for ice-cream.

[keikeu]

drowning love :: nishimura riki

pairing :: nonidol! nishimura riki x fem! oc

genre :: slice of life, fluff, friends (kinda) to lovers

warnings :: kissing

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

the village of wakayama was quiet. it wasn't something new, the countryside always seemed dead, and even the people that lived there mostly stayed inside and minded their business. tourists rarely visited the area at that time of the year, the weather was usually filled with rain and storms so the view wasn't as enjoyable.

today though, it was just windy and gloomy. the sun barely managed to make its way through the fluffy grey clouds, occasionally letting rays fall on the sea and mountains. the sound of cold wind echoed in the air, filling in the absence of noise. ai walked on the road where cars were supposed to be driving, but seeing there were none she took the opportunity to walk closer to the guard rail to get a better view of the picturesque ocean.

she had finished another boring day of school, and she walked with her bag draped on her shoulder while holding her cardigan close as it was chilly. the breeze blew her hair and skirt just like it made waves crash aggressively with rocks. she admired how the nature around her moved, taking in the bushy greenery that coated the mountains, the blue sea that covered most of the ground, the sun that tried its best to shine and make the weather better, and the clouds that wouldn't let it. the house rooftops that were still covered in the rain that had drizzled in the early morning and the bugs and birds that made their way out of the trees to find food.

lost in thought and completely struck by her surroundings, ai recalled all the events that took place in school. nothing significant had happened, their math teacher had given them plenty of homework for next week, the history teacher had fixed groups for a near project they needed to work on, her friends had made jokes and conversation at lunch break, trying to include her in but she peacefully ate her food while admiring riki, a boy from her class out from the window.

riki was a 17-year-old boy, born and raised in wakayama all his life, living with his parents and sisters. he was rather aloof so ai hadn't gotten the chance to speak to him much, but she had developed a liking towards him very quickly. he was just different from the rest, different in a good way. ai had heard from the rest that riki had gotten bored of the town from a young age, and ever since 8th grade he had started going to places he wasn't allowed to go and doing things he wasn't allowed to do, getting into trouble with his peers. the girl wouldn't blame him, the people here and the discrete area the houses were built in could get very dull and monotonous.

but the reason people bad-mouthed riki was the reason she had grown to admire him. the villagers didn't like someone who broke the rules, someone who stood up for himself, someone creative, daring, and free. they didn't like riki. but ai loved his untroubled and adventurous soul. she loved that he was curious and almost unstoppable, bouncing back every time they shot him down. and she hoped to one day build as much courage as he had to confess to him.

while thinking about the boy, she didn't hear the sound of someone biking behind her. the person smiled, speeding up and reaching her. they halted in front of the girl, making her stop and stare with shock written in her eyes.

"riki? what are you doing here?" she squeezed the strap of her backpack and looked into his eyes. he held a smirk on his face, and his eyes glimmered, something ai had never noticed before. the wind blew his hair in his face, yet the girl could still make out his beautiful features, from his brown eyes to his pink lips. she gulped, feeling her cheeks heat up after keeping eye contact with him for so long, something she had rarely gotten to do.

"i saw you walking so i decided to come. let me take you home." she got to hear his voice again, and he sure was being kind for someone who appeared so distant from the rest. ai was a bit taken aback by his offer, but she didn't refuse. instead, she hopped on the back of his bike, wrapping an arm around his waist for support. she was thankful riki couldn't see her at that moment because if he could he would have seen how red ai had gotten.

he biked quickly while ai told him where she lived. he wasn't paying that much attention to what she was saying, instead just admiring her soft voice that sounded like a little bird chirping. a smile grew on his face when the girl nuzzled her face on his shoulder, probably because she felt cold. he liked ai, if it wasn't obvious already but had trouble confessing his feelings. nevertheless, that wasn't going to stop riki from trying to make her his. and currently, he wasn't taking her home. he had better plans.

"ah riki, why are you passing my house? it was that one there!" the girl exclaimed, moving to point at a beautiful traditional building that was slowly getting lost in the distance.

"actually, i want to take you somewhere." was the only thing he said, ai opened her mouth to say something but only went back to placing her chin on his shoulder. her parents might get angry that she's hanging out with the boy, but that didn't matter to her because it was all she wanted to do.

soon they reached a forest. ai hopped from the bike and so did riki, letting it fall on the ground with his bag. he walked over to the entrance where a chain that held an old warning sign reading "strictly no entry" was tied to two trees, crossing it he looked over his shoulder at the girl who was putting her bag down and slowly walking over to him.

"i don't think we're allowed here," she said, looking at the tall trees and the dark bushes ahead of them. the rusty chain caused a  separation between the two. riki held out a hand for her and ai took it, carefully walking over to the other side.

"i've been here before, i discovered the place a few days ago. hold my hand and i promise you'll be safe." butterflies erupted in her stomach and her heart was beating faster than the speed of light. she felt she was going to melt at any given moment, but a slight squeeze of her hand by the boy caused her to snap back to reality and walk with him.

the wind seemed to have calmed down, now the only sounds that filled their ears were twigs and leaves cracking under their feet and animals like squirrels and rabbits. riki made sure to hold the girl tight and close to him while helping her walk so she wouldn't get hurt anywhere. ai liked the contact they were sharing and the care riki was showing. she hadn't expected the boy to be so sweet.

without even realizing it, they had made it out of the forest, appearing at a low yet still dangerous cliff. the view was amazing. the sea looked one with the sky, and the sun shining was more visible. the dark clouds almost disappeared and the wind had stopped. ai closed her eyes, breathing in the salty air, and when she opened them again she noticed riki staring at her with a soft caring look.

"do you want to get closer to the sea?" the girl nodded and followed the boy who appeared to know the place so well even though he said he'd only discovered it a few days before. they cautiously walked on rocks, riki occasionally taking glances to make sure the girl was okay. she almost ended up falling, if it wasn't for riki whose reflexes were sharp and quickly caught her.

"be careful next time," he said, still holding her waist even though she was on her two feet, her shoes touching the mushy sand. waves crashed, already wetting her legs and skirt.

"let's go in!" the boy suddenly exclaimed, pulling her closer to the shore. without a second thought, he walked into the water, and ai joined him.

"riki it's cold!" the girl said, her teeth chattering when the water made contact with her skin. the boy only chuckled at her whining while submerging his body even more.

he fully turned to her, grabbing both her hands and pulling her to the water with him. when their feet couldn't touch the ground anymore and their bodies were floating, riki cupped her face and pulled her in for a gentle kiss. feeling his soft lips touch hers, ai felt like she could fly. her cheeks flushed and she was glad that riki was blushing too because it felt less embarrassing. she quickly put her hands at the back of his neck and pulled him in for another kiss.

it felt like fireworks exploding all around them every time their lips touched, it was so magical, so perfect. for once, ai was thankful she had moved to wakayama because she got to meet riki, admire him, fall for him and finally be together with him. and riki was glad he had seen ai too. she was the only person keeping him going, keeping him from running away from the lonely town.

after swimming for a little longer, throwing water at each other, and kissing in the blue sea, they walked through the thick forest again, hand and hand and riki biked back home with ai bolding his waist tightly while letting the breeze blow the wet hair out of her face.

"i love you riki!" the girl shouted, closing her eyes and grinning happily after. riki chuckled, speeding up before also shouting, "i love you ai!"

they arrived at ai's house faster than they would have liked, riki hid behind a tree so her parents wouldn't see him if they decided to suddenly come out or if they were waiting for her at a window. after all, a few hours had passed, and ai should have been home by three, but it was seven.

"my parents are going to kill me." she worriedly said while grabbing her school bag. riki placed a small peck on her forehead before reassuring her everything was going to be okay and helping her make a believable enough excuse.

"if you end up getting grounded, i'll help you secretly escape." the girl let out a dry laugh, pulling him into a hug and walking home. riki only left after she had gone inside.

today was the best day of his life. he was finally going to be with his crush. he didn't care that his parents were scolding him, the only thing on his mind was the moment he got to share with ai. and she was also not paying much attention to her parents lecturing her, reminiscing on the kiss, the sea, and the forest.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

a/n :: i was going to sleep one day but this idea popped in my head and i knew i HAD to write it,, inspired by the japanese movie "drowning love" (check for warnings before watching it if you plan on doing so) i felt very inspired to write this, so it's a bit longer than my other one shots but i still hope you guys enjoy it! (ps. i love riki😍💗)

©keikeu

[shifuto]

I don't think I'll add this scene to the story but I guess this is too hilarious to abandon so, have at you

noncon mention tw

(but they sort it out, happy ending and everything <3) (also, this is funny, I promise XDDD)

.

.

.

(Shoichi and the others find out Jin and Lightning are dating and, of course, things don't go well. Shoichi is even more nosy and inquires about their sex life but doesn't like what he hears.. that's what you get for being nosy, mate)

Shoichi: "What do you mean you 'had sex' with my brother?!??!"

Lightning: "That's exactly what I mean."

Jin: "He raped me."

Shoichi: "HE WHAT?????!??!!!"

Lightning: "And so did you."

Jin: "It was self-defense."

Shoichi: "JIN????????????"

Jin: "Shut up, or nii-san will misunderstand..."

Shoichi: "I'M NOT SURE WHAT EXACTLY I'M SUPPOSED TO UNDERSTAND HERE???????????"

Lightning: "It's alright. We're good now."

Shoichi: "You're good now????????? You gotta be kidding me..."

Lightning: "So, are you done with the interrogation?"

Shoichi: "What--YOU!!"

Jin: "Nii-san, can we go?"

Shoichi: "You're going together?!"

Lightning: "Naturally."

Jin: "We are together."

Shoichi: "I-I can't believe this... didn't you just tell me he...--You know what he did to you in the past, right? You know what he did to us?"

Jin: "Yes, I do. He told me everything."

Shoichi: "He told you?!!??? And still..."

Lightning: "And still he chose me."

Jin: "Nii-san... you have seen Yusaku and the others, you know why... there's this bond..."

Shoichi: "Not with Windy, or Earth... don't start, Jin..."

Jin: "They don't want to be with their originators, it's different..."

Shoichi: "And Lightning does? Are you serious..."

Lightining: "I am serious. And I don't care if you're his brother, if you stand in my wa--"

Jin: "That's enough. I want to be with him too, nii-san. I can take care of myself."

Shoichi: "I'll ask Yusaku to try to put some sense in your head... this is crazy."

Jin: "We have talked to him already. Yusaku and Ai didn't like it either... but they told me I could count on them for anything, and that I should do whatever I wanted."

Lightning: "I could do with less threats though, but it can't be helped. They'll stay out of my way. I hope you do too, Shoichi Kusanagi."

Jin: "Lightning..."

Lightning: "I'm just trying to protect what is mine."

Jin: "I'm not 'yours', you don't own me."

Lightning: "Well, you do own me though. It's only fair it goes both ways, isn't it?"

Jin: "You're not mine either."

Lightning: "I am! I'm a Ignis and you're my originator, of course I'm yours."

Shoichi: "I think I need more coffee..."

[aprivateplace7]

Intro / Masterpost

So, I decided to do an "About me" kinda post & ramble about my interests~ This is a personal, fandom blog. I guess you can call me Private? Idk I didn't think about it lol.

DNI: Bigots (ex anti-LGBTA+...), Republicans, Genocide Joe Biden supporters, Charlie Puth supporters, pro-lifers, Zionists, AI "artists"

Tbh, I'm not very interested in politics. Its stressful... But unfortunately by living in this world I am beholden to whatever the fuck they think they are doing. So :/

Ok so, a short bit about me...

Hi, I'm a white, Choctaw Native, girl in the US 🇺🇸 English only.

I'm not currently diagnosed, but I'm pretty sure I'm autistic. Maybe ADHD too... Idk, I'm hoping to find out 🙂 I'm pro self-diagnosis btw.

My favorite color is blue 💙, fav season/holiday is autumn/Halloween 🍁🎃, zodiac sign is Gemini ♊ I love all furry, fuzzy, animals, but esp ✨cats✨😺 my MBTI is ISTP (heavy on the introvert...)

I dislike; Anything mint (food, drink, dental products...), spicy food, bitter food (like coffee), bugs, windy weather, the cold (worst season is winter ❌❄️) & sports/physical activity.

My current special interests are kpop (esp Stray Kids), Genshin Impact & Stardew Valley~

As you can see, when I say anything at all I tend to ramble lol...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

✨🌟My Interests🌟✨ (links to be added soon)

Games

Kpop

Anime

Books (tbh I don't read much rn, but I used to as a kid)

Manga

Youtube

Artists

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ask Games Masterpost

[chancellorxofxtrash]

things i would draw at this point if i could: VRAINS cast wielding the blades from Kamen Rider Saber

Yusaku gets Kurayami Takeru gets Rekka Aoi gets Suzune Miyu gets Nagare Jin gets Ikazuchi Go gets Gekido Ryoken gets Hayate Ema gets Noroshi

I am not actually sure about Spectre, although I absolutely want him to get one too. Maybe he could get Noroshi instead of Ema. Element-wise Gekido would fit more, but I cannot imagine him wielding that, while it would fit Go much more. I also was waffling between Aoi and Miyu, which one would get Suzune and which one would get Nagare, I guess that one could go either way. I guess you could also give Saikou to Jin, but I think Ikazuchi fits him better (because of the fate that befalls Ikazuchi's wielder in Saber, yes). I haven't seen the other swords yet to decide if either of them would fit Akira or Shoichi.

And Ryoken gets Hayate because this is MY self-indulgent bullshit and he is associated with wind. To Me.

I didn't list either of the Ignis, no, because it'd just feel wrong to have them specifically wield anything not their element. Which would also be an AU that is fitting, in which case obviously it'd be

Ai - Kurayami Flame - Rekka Aqua - Nagare Earth - Gekido Windy - Hayate Lightning - now i KNOW that logically it could be Saikou but the FACT that what happens to Kento in canon? it makes me go GIVE HIM IKAZUCHI. for Me.

[merryfortune]

not with a bang but a whimper (oh no, absolutely not)

Written for Year of the OTP 2023

Prompts: Couples Costume | Text Messaging | Identity Shenanigans | “You can’t bench me!” | Lightning | Sports Team AU

Title: not with a bang but a whimper (oh no, absolutely not)

Ship: Respectfulshipping | Ryoken/Spectre

Ship 2: Rockdustshipping | Earth/Ryoken/Spectre

Fandom: Yu-Gi-Oh! Vrains

Rating: T

Word Count: 4,211

Tags: Post-Canon, Humour, Developing Relationship, Sexual References

   Oh no.

   Absolutely not.

   Ryoken could already foresee all the ways this could go wrong. 

   They had already come so close, so far, and now he was destined to watch it all fall to pieces again. That was his fate. The prolonged suffering of six, innocent children because the powers that be wanted to funnel their torture into the creation of six artificial intelligences that had the potential to wreak havoc in the world. They were meant to help. What they truly intended was the destruction of humanity instead.

   They had seen it with Lightning, with Ai. Now there was the chance they were going to see it over and over again with Flame. With Aqua. With Windy. And yes, even with Earth. He was certain. This was the precipice of yet another apocalypse. It was not a question of when but rather which one? Which Ignis would crack first and call forth abominations of nature and technology which was most fitting to their attribute?

   Ryoken had no clue but he was certain. That is what they were seeing now that not only all six Ignis were back but they had even been gifted SOLtiS android bodies. Oh gosh, oh God. this could only go wrong, coming down in flames and embers, with cities tumbling down and towns wiped off the map.

   He was certain.

   What Spectre, however, saw was something far gentler. Far softer. Far kinder. He, for one, was over the moon that not only was Earth back, he was happy to be back with him for the very first time.

   Where Ryoken saw fire and brimstone, the ugliness he was seeing in all actuality… was far from it. He wouldn’t want to call his partner and lover ugly, after all but there had to be a line in the sand somewhere. Surely. This was not at all what he was predicting would go wrong but it should have been up there.

   The appearance of SOLtiS Earth’s android body… Well, he wasn’t really good at designing a humanistic persona for himself. So, he decided that downloading and using Spectre’s Link VRAINS avatar then assimilating it through his Ignis Code and his own, eccentric sense of fashion was a great idea. However, Spectre’s Link VRAINS avatar was also just his day-to-day appearance in the flesh and blood.

   Oh no.

   Absolutely not.

   Ryoken was already living in all the ways that could go wrong.

   For example, the most apocalyptic thing he could do in this situation was… Say, if he annoyed Spectre and got into a petty fight with him which was big enough to blow up into an argument and cause him to storm off. That would be bad. What would be worse however is, when Ryoken - who started the fight - was ready to apologise… if he apologised to the wrong person. Yes, wouldn’t that be something?

   After an hour of fuming, Ryoken was finally able to see straight.

   Or so he thought.

   He found Spectre in the sunroom - naturally, it was one of his favourite places since it got a lot of light and he was a plant in theory but not practice - holed up with a book. He looked content as his eyes - startlingly blue, nigh fluorescent - as they scanned the pages and Ryoken marched up to him. 

   His heart hammered and he did his best to deliver a rehearsed speech of apology.

   “Spectre,” he said, “I am so sorry. I shouldn’t have raised my voice at you. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to blow up over a little thing and stress isn’t an excuse. I will try to be more mindful in future.”

   Ryoken’s tone was awkward and mechanical. Leaving out bits and pieces, not just of what he had done and what Spectre had done and what they had done together but other parts of the speech he had wanted to give too. It had been eloquent in his mind up until he had gotten his mouth involved but it was passionate and it was genuine.

   He just hoped Spectre thought so, too.

   Except, it wasn’t Spectre who was in front of him.

   It was Earth and Earth looked petrified. Earth awkwardly pulled down his turtleneck to reveal the cyan notch on his throat. Really, Ryoken should have noticed sooner but in his state of disarray, he had not and now he felt thousands of times worse than he had before.

   Just what kind of a godawful lover was he if he couldn’t tell the difference between Spectre and Earth? Human and artificial intelligence respectively? He began to sweat bullets.

   Luckily for him, his apology did make it to the right person. Spectre laughed at Ryoken’s expense from the doorway.

   “I thought I might find you here,” Spectre teased, “well, apology accepted, Ryoken-sama. I shouldn’t have pushed your buttons but alas. It comes with the territory of being too close, don’t you think?”

   “Yes, I couldn’t agree more.” Ryoken said and he turned around to meet Spectre’s gaze.

   It was oddly jovial. He found Ryoken’s little mishap adorable. It was written all over his smarmy face as he leaned on the threshold of the sunroom.

   Earth, meanwhile, let go of a sigh. He didn’t need to do it but he did regardless. It felt good to exhale the tension that he had felt out of nowhere and to have it released equally out of nowhere. He hadn’t even been aware that Spectre and Ryoken were fighting…

   But all's well that ends well. Besides, it's not like this sort of thing could happen twice, right…? Where identities as vastly different as Earth and Spectre would be mistaken for one another. And by Ryoken of all people. That should surely be impossible, right?

   Both Ryoken and Earth thought so.

   Yes, well, they both thought wrong, now didn’t they?

   In Ryoken’s defence, he had gone from one extreme to another. From being ragingly wide awake to being the complete opposite: dead tired. Basically unconscious. Eyes fully closed, despite being open - only because he needed to get to bed first so he could be fully unconscious in deep sleep. 

   Further in Ryoken’s defence, the last incident with him mistaking Earth for Spectre happened weeks ago. Everyone involved had practically forgotten. Though practically was not totally.

   See, Ryoken had had a very busy day. Events in the Link VRAINS were goldmines for glitches and bad behaviour so he and the other Knights were kept on their toes acting as insurance and security for SOL Tech. They were worked to the bone keeping the new code from collapsing in on itself as new users logged in and some of them made it their mission to stretch that spaghetti as far as it could.

   Everyone was tired and had done their part to earn their non-blood money paycheque. The Lieutenants had dropped like flies hours ago and so had Spectre, or so Ryoken recalled but it was so hazy. He was such a hardass, especially on himself so he had given up last.

   Or again. So he thought. Or maybe Spectre had just gotten up to get some water, or even some tea. He was standing in the kitchen, after all, and only had the stove’s overhead light on. 

   Ryoken smiled to himself as he stumbled in on this little scene in his tired delirium. It had all the beginnings of something quite domestic, he thought as he yawned and shuffled closer. Maybe if he sulked up to Spectre, he would get a late night treat, too. Though not a natal tea drinker, preferring coffee usually, if Spectre was making some, he wouldn’t mind.

   Ryoken snaked his hand along Spectre’s waist and cuddled in. Ryoken all but purred as he kissed Spectre’s face as he slid in beside him. He looked over the stove and yup, Spectre was making a treat for himself: warmed milk. It smelt heavenly now that he was so close to Spectre but there was something else aside from the homely scent of the warmed milk.

   It was more synthetic than organic. Like plastic or silicon. And now that Ryoken really thought about it, Spectre’s cheek which he had just kissed felt rather cold on his lips and Ryoken’s heart stopped.

   “Ryoken-dono… you need to stop doing this.” Earth said, mortified.

   Though not nearly as mortified as Ryoken.

   Ryoken stepped aside and groaned. Well, he was wide awake now. His previously stopped heart then began to hammer in his chest as his stomach squirmed and he felt his face heat up.

   “Why in the world are you making warmed milk at this hour?” Ryoken asked. There was plenty he could have asked but that somehow got through the deluge first.

   “Funnily enough, because Spectre asked me to. He said you would want some before you joined him in bed.” Earth said. “Well… do you want some?” Though as he said that, the milk boiled over and that delicious scent of it burned immediately.

   “I’m right, Ignis.” Ryoken said. “Good night.”

   “Good night, Ryoken-dono.” Earth bade him.

   His voice was gentle and so uniquely his own. Worse still, he really did mean it. He wanted Ryoken to rest well. Clearly he needed it - and Ryoken agreed. Except his brain was going into overdrive with obsession.

   Whilst Spectre laid in bed next to himself, sleeping blissfully like a baby, Ryoken was busy with all his theories and factoids. He was wide awake. His mind was spiralling. He was still mortified and he could still the feel the sensation of his lips on Earth’s artificial skin.

   It was disgusting. Yet the funny thing about disgust was how close to intrigue it was. It felt like cheating on Spectre. With another Spectre, who really wasn’t him because Earth was his own creature and this was it. This was going to be the straw that broke Ryoken’s back because he really, really did not want this to go any further than it already had.

   So, the following morning, Ryoken assembled his two look-alike troublemakers.

   “Okay. That’s it.” Ryoken announced. “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me but so now seems as good an occasion as any to finally do something about this problem before it becomes an even bigger problem because I don’t know about you guys. But things seem to happen unluckily in threes for us. Let’s not risk it.” 

   Ryoken’s voice was frantic, short and choppy but Spectre couldn’t say that he wasn’t raising a good point. However, it was not him whom Ryoken prompted next. 

   “Earth.” 

   “Yes?” Earth was startled out of his skin as he promptly replied to Ryoken calling his name.

   “We need to do something about this whole… situation.” Ryoken said and he indicated what he considered the whole situation.

   Which happened to be all of Earth from the shoulders up which was where he took his homage to Spectre a bit too far. It was not kind nor thoughtful. It was definitely not tasteful. It was awful. He was a literal twin in visage to his Origin and Ryoken had had enough of it. 

   Apologising to an Ignis, kissing an Ignis, Ryoken was going mad! That was the last straw. No one needed to look like an episode of “dating or siblings”. Least of all Spectre and his Ignis. Or at least that’s what Ryoken thought. 

   “I think he looks fine the way he is.” Spectre growled from beside Ryoken, eyeing him warily.

   “Spectre, I love you, but I cannot take another day of accidentally mistaking you for him and vice-versa.” Ryoken said, he sounded as though he was hanging on by a thread. His words came out desperately through gritted teeth. “I have had enough. Earth, please, cooperate. Let us design you something. Please. For the sake of my sanity.”

   Earth looked pleadingly up at Spectre and fidgeted with his hands, “If it is causing an inconvenience to Ryoken-dono… I don’t mind.”

   “Ugh, fine.” Spectre said, petulantly, even stamping his foot.

   “Thank you.” Ryoken replied, relieved.

   “Do, um, do your best. Thank you.” Earth said and he bowed his head.

   When he completed his bow and returned to his straight-backed pose sitting down, he was kind enough to get up the avatar customisation panel with a flick of his hands to activate it. He relinquished the circular, cyan hologram to Ryoken and Spectre leaned over his shoulder.

   “So, do you have a design in mind or are you going to wing it?” Spectre asked. “Because I have seen what you do when you wing it…”

   “I was thirteen!” Ryoken grouched. “But yes, I think I have something more suitable for the Earth Ignis in mind.”

   “You're not going to turn him into our child are you?” Spectre asked.

   “No, because that is something you would do and cause all new problems. The Earth Ignis has his own identity and personality. There, I will admit…” Ryoken spoke whilst he played and toyed with the toggles and sliders presented to him, he didn’t even look up as his voice trailed off so oddly fond. “His character has come to be my favourite of the six. Steady, reliable, quiet. He is easier to get along with some I shall not name.”

   Both Earth and Spectre perked up at that as that was the nicest thing Ryoken had said about Earth. Or any of the Ignis for that matter. 

   Spectre’s expression broke into a smile and Earth exhibited flashes of excitement between how Ryoken manipulated the parameters of his appearance before… voila. It had likely taken Ryoken all of fifteen-twenty minutes with light chatter and conversation.

   Earth was nervous but assuaged by Spectre’s expressions. No longer a mirror of each other, he still reflected well and given how impressed he was, Earth had a good feeling that Ryoken had done well. The other Ignis might have warned him that this was a ploy to humiliate him in some petty revenge - for stealing his father’s attention away from him, for being the ultimate partner and soulbond to Spectre, etcetera - but Earth had trust. He wanted to believe the best in people. Even Ryoken.

   “There we go.” Ryoken said. “Spectre, do you approve?”

   “He looks marvellous.” Spectre said, gooey and eager to gush over how Earth looked.

   “M-May I see?” Earth asked.

   “Yes, here you go.” Ryoken replied.

   He flicked the hologram back to Earth and Earth cautiously put his finger on the next screen button. The character creator gave way to a mirror and Earth’s eyes lit up. They were still blue, which made him happy, but no longer was the rest of him Spectre’s borrowed avatar. He was entirely his own self. Not his old self, his Ignis self, obviously but he still recognised himself in it.

   “I had the unique privilege of watching you grow, now I can do this for you.” Ryoken mused. “Perhaps you will grow further from this. Perhaps not.”

   Spectre chuckled by his side. He recognised that airy, detached tone of Ryoken’s. It was the one he used when he was trying to seem cool but instead, Spectre found it cute.

   Earth looked deeper into his SOLtiS appearance. His hair had been styled differently, opposite to how it had before. The side fringe which once framed the left side of his face now framed the right. He was still somewhat Spectre like but it was no longer so on the nose. Speaking of which, his nose was reminiscent of Spectre’s but chunkier, somehow. His facial structure in general had become chunkier or generally more square.

   He had been given aesthetic, superficial scars, too, no doubt to remind him of his vivisection. How cruel. Yet it made him look “cool” as one of which cut through his eyebrows. His eyebrows were knitted and inverted and more importantly, a deep orange. His hair was no longer silver but also orange albeit with chocolate brown and forest green streaks. 

   He was his own “person” now and he was entranced by that concept.

   “Thank you, Ryoken-dono,” Earth said, sounding breathless, “I really like it.”

   “Me too.” Spectre added.

   He leaned over and swept Earth’s fringe over his scalp. He carded his fingers through the “wig” of it and kissed Earth’s forehead. Earth blushed. And Ryoken fumed, a little bit jealous. He had done the hard work of styling Earth after all.

   Spectre pulled back and kissed Ryoken’s cheek also, “You did a good job.”

   That was more like it, Ryoken smiled like the cat who got the cream. That was that problem solved and crisis averted. No more mistaking Spectre and Earth or, heaven forbid, vice versa.

   Except, just like how a butterfly could flutter its wings on one side of the planet and cause a tornado on the other side, other, unexpected consequences arose from the decision of giving Earth a more customised avatar. Not immediately but about a month later. Once everyone had adjusted to seeing Spectre and only Spectre around and Earth had gotten used to his new persona.

   As it would turn out, Earth wasn’t just giving heart attacks to Ryoken. He was giving them out to the Lieutenants as well. And even his fellow kin and their Origins and their Origins’ friends. Ryoken, as it turned out, was a mouthpiece for many when it came to getting him a new appearance. The Lieutenants were much, much more pleased with just having one Spectre floating around and so.

   Armageddon had not yet occurred because Earth had gotten a makeover - or even a human persona to begin with. The world was not about to split open with earthquakes nor did tectonic plates shift unexpectedly. It was quiet, just like how Ryoken and the other Knights of Hanoi liked it these days.

   Thus if anything, the makeover had brought them all closer. Messages were now far better at getting to the right recipient now that there was no confusion of who was who between Earth and Spectre. They even felt more comfortable going out and about as a pair, both with the other Ignis and victims of the Lost Incident. It was oddly sweet, even, to see them sitting close to one another on the lounge or even holding hands at zebra crossings or the like.

   It was good to see them all get along, actually.

   Really, that’s all Ryoken could ever ask for. To see his charges settle in and get along, they truly helped one another, even when they bickered or argued just as much as when they bantered and had fun together. It was nice to see the majority of them resume being able to duel for fun amongst one another in front of Kusanagi’s hot dog wagon. Ryoken couldn’t help be fond, even when the Ignis popped their heads in.

   Also, dare he even think it, but Ryoken even felt that he had grown somewhat closer to Earth now that he could properly discern him as his own being independent of Spectre. It was just little bits and things, like him helping out with the dishes or things like that.

   It really seemed like, for once, all was calm and all was bright.

   But alas. Ryoken was ever vigilant and for good reason. Even when he was sleeping. Because that’s when it struck him. If he’d ever had dreams about Earth, he may not have noticed because he had been using Spectre’s face. 

   It was just another night. Simple, no arguments beforehand, just the common platitudes of seeing each other in the morning again the usual routine of checking the network and then brushing his teeth. Yet for some reason, these circumstances that typically brewed into restful, dreamless sleep, Ryoken found himself dreaming of someone in particular as he dreamt of… Earth.

   All whilst cuddling Spectre in bed.

   Ryoken woke with a start and he was opting to not remember the specifics of the dream but his forceful, self-determined waking was enough to rouse Spectre.

   “Are you okay?” Spectre asked, his voice was thick as he pawed at his face. Worry began to permeate his face, even in the shadows. He knew Ryoken was far more prone to nightmares and overthinking than him.

   “Y-Yeah, its okay, it's just…” Ryoken mumbled.

   Spectre glanced down at him and smirked. Ryoken pulled hard over the blankets but the implication was enough.

   “You had a dream about me?” Spectre flirted.

   “Kind of…?” Ryoken confessed. Not a lie. He was very certain Spectre was caught up somewhere in all that.

   That was not the response that Spectre had been expecting. His brows began to furrow but luckily, Ryoken got in quick to save himself.

   “You and Earth.” Ryoken clarified. Again, kind of. 

   “Oh, well in that case, that’s fine.” Spectre said.

   “That’s… fine?” Ryoken echoed.

   “He’s my Ignis, why wouldn’t it be fine?” Spectre asked in turn. “I mean, I’ve dreamt about him in that way, and even in my waking hours…”

   “Wait, you’ve what?!” Ryoken exclaimed.

   Finally. It was happening. The Earth Ignis was doing something to rock his world. Starting small by ruining his relationship with his partner, quite clearly. Not the robot uprising he was quite expecting. But, well, the Ignis had to start somewhere and given how socially awkward he was, no wonder he would start small by dismantling the trust and respect between the leader of the Knights of Hanoi and the second-in-command. Or maybe that socially awkward shtick was just a ruse.

   Ryoken’s mind raced as Spectre stared at him. Shocked and surprised.

   “Wait, you’ve got a problem with that?” Spectre said, panic rising. “I assumed because you were okay with me wanting to be closer to him.”

   “Oh.” Ryoken said.

   “Oh indeed.” Spectre agreed.

   They were silent with one another. Upright in bed and they both sort of turned to face each other. Ryoken turned a light on however, on the lamp. It illuminated them both and a portion of the master bedroom. 

   “Is this a conversation for the morning, maybe?” Spectre suggested. “Because, um, I’m really happy to see you and Earth getting along better. Like, when you suggested that he upgraded his avatar, it was nice to see you do something to bond. It got my hopes up, I won’t lie.”

   Ryoken couldn’t believe his ears. His jealous and possessive Spectre, okay with sharing and being shared. He’d had no idea. He just hadn’t been seeing it because he’d had such a stick up his ass about Earth. And now here he was blushing like a virgin thinking about his gritted teeth observations about Spectre and Earth.

   They’d been more distant to one another prior because the use of Spectre’s avatar had tethered them in an unexpected way. It was an honour but not a refuge. Now they were cuddly. And hand holding. And doing or talking about goodness knows what else when they were out with trowels in the gardening.

   And here Ryoken was, too. With a strange, budding attraction that he couldn’t deny and couldn’t pretend it was because he hadn’t noticed a cyan notch on Earth’s neck.

   “I think this is a morning conversation. With Earth.” Spectre decided for himself and Ryoken. He smiled and tucked a curl behind his ear. “It’ll be painful, and awkward, like pulling teeth but I think it’ll be worth it. It’d mean a lot to try. I-It's not that weird, like Ai and Yu-”

   “Don’t mention them.” Ryoken said, whining, really, and he hid his face behind his hands. He knew things were going to get way too weird at that kind of namedrop. 

   Spectre laughed at his expense. They both knew it was a very Earth thing to do.  It seemed that Ryoken didn’t just teach habits, he could absorb them, too. He leaned in and kissed Ryoken’s cheek. His lips were warm. And, more importantly, real. So here Ryoken was, thinking of Earth even when he wasn’t here and couldn’t be mistaken for Spectre.

   “Let’s just go back to bed for now and talk in the morning.” Spectre said.

   “Fine by me.” Ryoken said.

   Spectre reached across him and Ryoken ducked down, forced back into the soft of the bed. Spectre tapped the lamp’s base and darkness ensued immediately. He wriggled back into his side of the bed and his hand snaked down Ryoken’s arm. He cuddled into the crook of Ryoken’s neck and shoulders and fell back asleep all but immediately.

   Ryoken was once more wide awake and plagued by visions of all the way this could go wrong. Armageddon was going to be a lot more personal than senseless destruction. It was, instead, going to be awkward chit-chat and talking about his feelings and his other least favourite social niceties to get straight to the point. He realised now the world was not going to end with a bang but a whimper.

   And, oh no. 

   Absolutely not. 

  Spectre was right. Ryoken was wrong. And Earth was somewhere in the middle, blissfully unaware that they had been talking behind his back about the best way for him to live a domestic life in between them. One which forewent all the fire and brimstone that Ryoken had been predicting and ergo, unable to see the peace and the serenity through all his anxieties.

[thetiredstuff]

Oh shit are shows usually picked up quickly?

hi anon!! idk hahaha i have no clue how this business works. idk like last time i remember cancellations happening that made noooo sense were of lucifer, which got picked up by netflix & brooklyn 99, which got picked up by nbc. 911 got cancelled but it got picked up by abc before the news was even made public. and while i don't remember it well i believe b99 got picked up like a couple of days after fox canceled it (yeah just looked it up. b99 news got out may 10 and got picke dup by nbc may 11). lucifer took a bit longer i believe (just looked it up. it got canceled may 10 and apparently only got picked up by netflix june 15 so took more than a month?) those are the only two shows i remember getting canceled by one network and then getting picked up by another (or a streaming service) but b99 was incrediblyyyyyyy popular and already had 5 seasons. and lucifer was also really popular and had multiple seasons under its belt as well.

edit: okay so @sunglassesmish just reminded me manifest got canceled by nbc in june and then got picked up by netflix in august (lol why did i forget this? i literally watch this show??) it took about a month and a half for it to get picked up so seems like between now and about 2 months is the time frame we should be getting an answer butttt manifest also had multiple seasons already.

the winchesters only has 1 season. i mean it seemed to be doing really well on hbo max internationally and domestically so i would hope that hbo max would pick it up but i would have liked to already gotten that news by now.

on the other hand. both windy and kung fu were canceled and both the news articles about these shows state that WB had looked at other homes for these shows but didn't find any. the winchesters on the other hand by the looks of it is being heavily shopped around behind the scenes given that they started the hashtag campaign and also a lot of news outlets are writing about this hashtag campaign and cancelation. news outlets love writing about whatever but it makes me wonder how much of them are writing about it because they got a press release from WB and or CM which would be another indicator of shopping it around.

but they tried shopping windy and kung fu around as well before the news of the cancellation broke yet no biters. so i'm guessing this hashtag campaign is more so because there is a potential interested partner to pick up the winchesters, which i would guess is hbo (i wouldn't know where else they'd possibly go) and this campaign is like the final push to them to show that there is ample interest. or the deal is basically as good as done and this is just like added campaigning for their newly-required product which will then boost the products' numbers once a new season airs.

idk but i don't like this limbo and even looking at b99 and lucifer or other shows that got canceled and then saved by another network or streaming service, this is occuring during a writer strike. that throws a massive wrench in any plans for scripted television. (i am on the side of the writers tho!! fuck the studios whoarding money and not willing to pay that 3% extra and fuck them wanting to use AI scripts and fuck their day-rate writer idea). but when the writer strike in 2008 happened, it saw an uptick in reality tv because you don't need writers for that or for those who say reality tv is scripted, you don't need as many writers for that. it's why the cw is going for their fuck boy and fuck girl island show. it's cheap. so i don't know. this stuck in limbo shit while a writer's strike is happening and with studios being assholes makes me nervous because i love spnwin but moreover, spnwin is part 1 of what i'm sure is jensen's plan to expand the spn universe. but if spnwin gets canceled after 1 season and doesn't get picked up, it's gonna be a lot harder to make an spn universe.

but again i am saying this when i know nothing about anything

[whatdoesshedotothem]

Wed[nesday] 15 May 1833

8 5/..

11 3/4

P

L

rain for ab[ou]t an h[ou]r till 9 - found very gentle signs of my cousin an hour preparing

two napkins etc  put one on between three and four in the afternoon F[ahrenheit] 56° at 10 1/4 at w[hi]ch h[ou]r br[eak]f[a]st -

skim[me]d ov[e]r the courier - dawd[le]d away the morn[in]g as us[ua]l - saunt[ere]d out a lit[tle] ab[ou]t 1 alone and read[in]g a few of Volt[aire]s let[ter]s vol[ume] 2

Eliz[abe]th Dalton left us ab[ou]t 2 - so[me]ti[me] d[o]wnst[ai]rs and th[e]n w[i]th IN- [Isabella Norcliffe] in h[e]r r[oo]m and th[e]n co[me] to my own

bef[ore] 4, and wr[ote] out Mon[day] yest[erday] and so far of today till 4 1/2 - the parc[e]l arriv[e]d th[i]s morn[in]g fr[om] Shibd[e]n

forward[e]d fr[om] Edin[burgh] - sm[all] pap[e]r box cont[ainin]g 2 p[ai]r woollen kneecaps and 1 p[ai]r d[itt]o socks fr[om] Miss

Walker (knitt[e]d for me by her) and no[te] fr[om] h[e]r dat[e]d ‘Udale 2 Ap[ril] 24th 1833’ - she seems no better

in mind and surely there neither is nor perhaps out to be any prospect of our being toge

ther tho’ I shall of course expect some answer to my letter to her this day week from York -

Miss W- [Walker] begs to hear fr[om] me bef[ore] my leav[in]g Eng[lan]d ‘when do you leave Eng[lan]d? where are you go[in]g fr[om]

‘Paris? w[i]th wh[o]m do you cross the channel? - I can[no]t tell you an[y]th[in]g really fav[oura]ble of my own mind,

‘I am gett[in]g qui[te] stout, b[u]t I feel th[a]t I am n[o]t improv[in]g in health of mind, and evils seem to increase up[on]

‘me, I ha[ve] n[o]t yet been ab[le] to form one resolut[io]n as to my ret[ur]n ho[me] tho’ my a[un]t says she wishes it

but I dread the idea of returning to greater evil  all your predictions  or I ought to say your warnings

appear to have been realized in me and I get deeper in the mire every day if you saw me now I am sure you

would say I was changed and you would observe it with regret and I begin to fear that my hopes of meeting

you again renewed in heart and body to which I have hitherto faintly clung will never be fulfilled

my sister and Captain Sutherland beg me to say everything that is kind from them with their very kinds regards  accept all that friendship can

offer from myself  pray let me hear from you for I shall not forget you and whatever befalls

me you will hear of either from myself or your aunt  thro’ her at least I can gain intelligence

of you ever believe me yours faithfully and affectionately Ann Walker - dress[e]d - din[ner] at 5 1/4

made notes fr[om] Norc[liffe]s’ tour - upst[ai]rs at 10 50/.. - F[ahrenheit] 67° at 11 3/4 p.m. - an h[ou]r’s r[ai]n till 9 a.m. th[e]n fine

till ev[enin]g - rainy, windy night -

[headspacedad]

I've been thinking about this a lot. Because - I'd like to use TumblrLive.

I'd like to use it to have someone to talk to while I make dinner for the rabbit. I'd like to take you on a walk down to my mailbox on a blue sky windy sunny day. I'd like to just sit and chat about writing, maybe even do a talk about parts of it like they do at cons, you know the 'Mary Sue and Why We Love Her panels kind of thing.

But I don't trust the third-party tumblr is using. Not for myself and not for anyone that would potentially tune in to listen to me ramble about how rabbits communicate.

@staff I honestly think tumblrLive could be fun. I think we could tell each other stories and show off our knitting and do silly powerpoints about our blorbos favorite type of sweet and sour sauce. I think there are plenty of tumblr users that would enjoy doing shower rambles about how envelopes were invented or livestream their drawing. Heck, I think it could become a bit of a skill sharing type of app because there are plenty of tumblr blogs that would love to teach someone the Beginning Basics of Crochet or give a Watercolor Through the Ages lesson. But none of us trust that shitty third-party you're using. Can't you - make a deal with Firefox or something, find someone we actually trust with our content and privacy? Give us a good contract we'd be willing to enter into? And, while we're at it, make sure its clear that WE retrain the rights to whatever we share. Not some AI feeding, WattPad sell out, virus adware infested Meta wannabe.

You're so close. We could be the chill cousin of TikTok (potentially the slightly unhinged cousin and the 'eccentric' cousin and the hyper-fixated cousin too (and yeah, there's going to be some ugly cousin in there too, tumblr's not exactly a nest of angels)). We'd be blogging the tumblr way. But right now we won't. Not with whatever amount of rats it is that's wearing that trenchcoat and holding the camera right now.

I'm thinking about Tumblr Live again and ruminating on WHY it's such a huge flop and I think I've figured it out: They've completely refused to make it a tumblr feature...

By which I mean (begrudgingly goes to unsnooze Tumblr live) this:

^This is meant with zero insult or derision to the people above, but these are absolutely not Tumblr users.

Every single thumbnail I've ever seen for Tumblr live seems to say "This is for clout!" "This is for a thirst trap!" "This is for influencers!" "This is for Tiktok wannabe stars!" "This is for showing your pretty filtered face and reaping what people on Instagram and Tiktok are desperately chasing!"

I'm remembering that Reddit has (or had) livestreams you could tune into like this. I've tapped into some. Ones I remember offhand include:

a guy just wandering around downtown in his city silently showing people the streets and stuff

a guy streaming his attempt to beat the last level of Celeste

a guy streaming his dog he was petting

And that, that was Reddit. That was undoubtedly just regular Reddit users going "oh stream feature? yeah okay. here's my dog." "here's my video game." "here's my street corner in Prague."

And when I think of all the recent successful Tumblr features, they're all things that correctly tapped into actual Tumblr user interests. Blaze had people go "haha yeah here's my dog." "here's my advertisement for a horse lawyer (lawyer who is a horse)." They let us buy crabs because, fuck it, crabs. The blue checkmarks were funny. Polls turned into the fandom brackets people have desperately wanted to make for a decade+. I'd wager the merch that calls on old Tumblr memes is at least decently successful.

If Tumblr Live wanted the chance to be successful, it should have been angled toward Tumblr users. "Here, you can livestream your cat if you want." "You can livestream yourself working on some fanart and chatting." "You can livestream yourself going bird watching because birds are your hyperfixation and you can identify them all by their song to all your followers who want to tune in for bird facts."

But Tumblr Live has never tried to be that. It ONLY seems like it wants to be a Tiktok-clone, Instagram-clone, clout-chaser baited-hook trying to pull converts over from Tiktok/Insta/etc who are trying to grow their influencer brand, which Tumblr is lethally hostile to.

(And ALL of this is only touching on the concept behind what's happening here. I haven't even touched on the third-party streaming service and questionable data protection.)

Like fine, I guess I get it from a business model of trying to grow your userbase--since catering to your existing userbase doesn't pull in new meat. But this will not work. Because anyone, tumblr-native or not, trying to grow themselves as an influencer will NOT find success here. This place is not a place of honor. No highly esteemed deed is commemorated here. Nothing valued is here. What is here was dangerous and repulsive to us. We will not watch your Shein haul stream.

[magpiejay1234]

I had an uncomfortable realization that given their respective Links, Yuri, and Yuya's Link Summon chants would be too close to Ai, and Lightning. (Yuto, and Yugo will also be in a similar situation, with Yugo either going Lightning, or Windy route.)

Pretty sure this too was according to Ray's keikaku, somehow.

Would be cool if Yuri also somehow adopted an anti-chant for Pendulum, with an arc of darkness instead of arc of light.

[newgames22]

Atlas Fallen: A Windy Odyssey of Limited Charm

Amidst the bustling year filled with awe-inspiring releases, including Atlas Fallen which attempts to carve its niche with a name that's somewhat reminiscent of AI-generated titles, hardly captivates. Nevertheless, nestled within the second half of the gaming calendar, this AA endeavor evokes nostalgia for the PS2 era, offering a different yet valuable experience - making it a great addition to your list when looking to buy PS5 games. A tutorial introduces a surreal world where a blue Avatar-esque protagonist leaps between sandy outcroppings, setting the tone for an enigmatic journey. Customization, though somewhat constrained, augments the experience.

As the curtain rises, the character, dubbed "Unnamed," aspires to galvanize downtrodden laborers against their oppressors, amid a sandstorm-stricken caravan. The unfolding narrative takes us through confrontations, a stolen object, and the daunting prospect of survival. Amidst the wind-whipped desert, a persistent voice beckons, embodied by a chatty gauntlet. A tussle with wraith-like creatures ensues, leading to the reclamation of the pilfered item, only to have it snatched anew by Morrath, the camp's leader. Retrieving the gauntlet through sand-surfing and a precipitous descent sets the stage for the true adventure. The narrative's initial blandness gives way to a more compelling second half, where intrigue gradually builds. Despite the potential, characters exhibit mere cardboard-like personalities, particularly the Unnamed protagonist who remains a blank canvas. Their interactions lack emotional depth, save for climactic revelations that stir suppressed feelings. Regrettably, the inclusion of talking clothing and accessories proves an ill-conceived trope. The story's potential allure falters amidst these disappointments, grappling to fully engage players.

Atlas Fallen: Embracing Fun and Adventure in a Quirky Action RPG World

Now, let me keep it real with you. Not every game needs to blow your mind, right? Sometimes, it's okay for a game to just be plain fun without trying to change the whole gaming universe. And you know what? While enjoying the gaming experience, you might even find yourself thinking, "Hey, I should buy PS5 games to add to my collection!" That's where Atlas Fallen comes in – a super cool third-person action RPG that's all about teaming up and taking down bad guys. But hey, I won't lie, sometimes it trips over its shoelaces a bit. But guess what? That's part of the ride, and I'm cool with it.

Picture this: you're diving into a world where a Sun god called Thelos is pulling all the strings, making humans mine this super important thing called Essence. You're not just anyone – you're an Unnamed, basically the underdog of the world. You stumble upon this ancient thing called the Gauntlet, which gives you these amazing sand powers. Plus, there's this rad spirit buddy named Nyaal who's got your back, like the trusty sidekick you've always wanted. You're teaming up with a crew called the Knights of Bastengar to take down Thelos and his partner in crime, the Queen. Yeah, it's gonna get wild! Atlas is like this epic sandbox, a mix of desolation and hidden stories just waiting for you to uncover. It's not like a super duper open-world, but there's enough space to let your inner explorer run wild. And guess what? It looks pretty darn good, with options for how it looks – kinda like when you can pick different Instagram filters, but for your game. 📸

I gotta be real upfront here – the first hour might make you raise an eyebrow or two, but trust me, push through. I had a moment where I was like, "Did they trick me with all those cool trailers?" But nope, there's more to it, and I'm here to make sure you don't miss out on the good stuff. Let's talk about the nitty-gritty, though. Like, yeah, there are a few hiccups along the way. NPCs sometimes forget their lines, the game stutters like someone telling a scary story, and there's this one time a big baddie crashed my chat session. 😂 But hold up, don't let that scare you off. It's like when you're hanging with your buddies and someone spills a drink – annoying, but it won't ruin the party. Oh, and here's the scoop – the characters' voices are a bit like a world tour. My character went from sounding like they're straight outta America to suddenly being all British. It's like they've got a secret twin or something! Honestly, it's a bit weird, but I bet most of us won't even notice. So, if you're down for an epic ride where you team up, rock those sand powers, and show Thelos who's boss, give Atlas Fallen a shot. Just remember, the first hour might be a bit like the opening act of a concert, but trust me, the headliner is worth it. Keep gaming, legends!

Atlas Fallen: Riding the Sand Waves of Victory

Exhilarating Open-World Adventure

Atlas Fallen isn't just a game, it's a wild ride through a stunning open world covered in surfable dunes. Imagine carving your path, riding the sand waves like a boss, and exploring every nook and cranny of a beautifully designed world.

Challenging Enemies, Epic Battles

Prepare for heart-pounding action as you face off against challenging enemies. The developers behind Atlas Fallen have a track record of delivering intense combat experiences, and they've brought that expertise to the table. Engage in epic battles that will put your skills to the test and keep you on the edge of your seat.

From Zero to Hero Storyline

Ever dreamed of going from being an everyday nobody to a legendary hero? In Atlas Fallen, you get to live out that fantasy. Start as a lower-class citizen known as an "Unnamed," and witness the transformation as you find a magical gauntlet that bonds with you, granting you the power to challenge an evil god and change the world's destiny.

Next-Gen Gaming Bliss

Leave the last generation behind and embrace the power of current-gen hardware. Atlas Fallen pushes the boundaries of what's possible in gaming, delivering a visually stunning experience that will make your jaw drop. It's not just a game; it's a showcase of what the latest technology can achieve.

Unveil the Story of Struggle and Hope

Step into a world torn apart by an evil god's oppressive reign, where hope seems distant and inequality rules. As you embark on your journey, you'll uncover the layers of a gripping narrative that'll keep you hooked from start to finish. The momentum of Atlas Fallen's storytelling grips you from the very first battle and never let's go.

So, there you have it - Atlas Fallen is the adventure you've been waiting for. Get ready to ride the sand, face incredible challenges, and rewrite the fate of a world desperate for a hero. It's time to level up your gaming experience with Atlas Fallen and show the world what a true hero is made of!